Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen - A Book Review

   

I was really enjoying the first third of Julie Klassen's latest piece of historical fiction, Shadows of Swanford Abbey. Then not far into the second third the story also became a who-done-it, and my enjoyment doubled. Klassen does a wonderful job of character development, of dropping bread crumbs, and of placing red herrings at just the right time.

Set in 1820s England, Mis Rebecca Lane, accompanied by her employer, Lady Fitzhoward, has returned to her hometown to check on her brother. Forced to stay at Swanford Abbey, an old abbey-turned-hotel, Rebecca works to aid her brother in getting his novel presented to a publisher while encountering old friends and meeting new people against a backdrop of suspicious circumstances. Readers will enjoy meeting the cast of characters and attempting to determine who did the foul deed.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Loudin Thomas - A Book Review

  

Sarah Loudin Thomas' latest book centers around what is considered the worst industrial accident in U.S. History, the Hawk's Nest Tunnel disaster. Personally, I do not understand how it can be called an accident as the death toll of an estimated 764 men was due to willful negligence and disregard for the health and lives of the workers building the tunnel. The Hawk's Nest Tunnel was built in the 1930s in West Virginia by Union Carbide. Many men, desperate for work, came to work in the tunnel only to die of silicosis from breathing in the thick dust stirred up by the tunnel's construction, too many of whom were buried in unmarked graves in an isolated cornfield outside of Summersville, West Virginia.

Alongside such horror and sorrow, Thomas was able to skillfully tell a tale of resilience and love, of creating family where none existed. She has created a tale of hope, for which I am grateful, as I am also grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Finder of Forgotten Things from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own, and it is my opinion that this book is a special treasure. 

Elinor by Shannon McNear - A Book Review

   

Elinor is a fictional account of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, although Shannon McNear has worked to stay within the bounds of what is known as much as possible. I appreciated the information in both her letter to the reader at the beginning and her lengthy historical notes at the end of the book. The plot of Elinor is both interesting and believable. Of greatest interest to me was the idea that the native Americans, while viewed as savages by some, were seen as behaving in a more Christ-like manner than the English by others. The natives' wariness to believe in the Englishman's God because the Englishmen's actions were often so different from the things they proclaimed about their God was something easily related to today.

I recommend this book as well as McNear's contributions to Barbour Publishing's True Colors and The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Elinor from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson - A Book Review

   

I am familiar with the WAVES, the navy Women’s Reserve, but prior to reading this book I knew nothing of the SPARs who were named after the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus, Always Ready.” This female reserve of the Coast Guard was established to free able-bodied men working the home front to join the war effort. The SPARs were decommissioned after World War II was over.

Fans of Sarah Sundin will be thrilled with Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson. Like Sundin, Patterson writes a well-researched story that includes intrigue and a touch of romance that honors the contribution of women to our nation’s armed forces, and that acknowledges the cost to those at home. I look forward to future books by this author, and new offerings in Barbour Publishing’s Heroines of WW II series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

Quest 52 by Mark E Moore - A Book Review

  

In Core 52 Mark Moore gave us a year's study of fifty-two core verses from the Bible. Now, in Quest 52, he has given us a year's study of Jesus the Christ. The weekly studies are divided into four sections focusing on the person, power, preaching, and passion of Jesus. Each week includes reading the focus verses and Mark's related essay, studying related verses from the Old Testament and the letters of the New Testament, discussion questions, and next steps for practical application. Additional resources are available online as they were for Core 52.

I highly recommend both Core 52 and Quest 52 for both personal and group study. My husband and I enjoy doing them as a couple. We find Mark's essays often help us see verses in a new way, through a new lens. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Quest 52 from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Miss Eliza's English Kitchen: A Novel of Victorian Cookery and Friendship by Annabel Abbs - A Book Review

   

I enjoyed the first eleven chapters of this book very much. Those chapters were in keeping with the book's being a novel of Victorian cooking and friendship as the latter part of the title indicates. Chapter twelve included a rather perverted sexual scene. A quick flip through the book let me know that it was not an isolated event, so I chose to not read further. I would have given the book two stars for content, but gave it three factoring in the quality of the wordsmithing. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from William Morrow without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

The Cartographer's Secret by Tea Cooper - A Book Review

  

The Cartographer's Secret is a piece of clean, historical fiction, set in 1880 and 1911 Australia. In the latter setting, Letitia Rawlings learns of her aunt's disappearance thirty years prior. She sets about solving what we could call today a cold case. In doing so she discovers many things that she never knew about her family, as well as things about herself.

Tea Cooper has written over a dozen books, but she is a new-to-me author. I really enjoyed the original plot of The Cartographer's Secret and the diversity of characters in this story. I will definitely be looking for more of Ms Cooper's books. I highly recommend this book, and am grateful to have received a complementary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy - A Book Review

   

It took me longer than is usual for me to read this book because it is meant to be savored. Mostly set in India, as are Duffy's two previous books, readers are immersed not only in the country's exotic beauty, delicious smells, and savory cuisine, but also in the poverty and disease. During the late 19^th century, Gussie Travers travels to India to escape her family's expectations and censure. Driven by the echos of their voices, she sets out to prove her worth, only to discover that she is more valued and has a deeper purpose in life than even she could have imagined.

Duffy is a master of character development. It is unlikely that readers will be unable to find a character in this book within whom they could closely relate. They may even relate to more than one on different levels.

I do usually enjoy epilogues, discovering what happened down the road so to speak. In this case, I wish I had stopped reading with the final chapter and skipped over the epilogue as the writing of it felt out of sync with the body of the story. This however did not keep me from giving this book five stars.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Every Word Unsaid from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Punch Needle Friends: 20 Adorable Projects to Embroider by Faustine Duwicquet with Cathy Duwicquet - A Book Review

   

The punch needle that I purchased years ago has remained in its package. Now I am anxious to take it out, and give it a try. In this book Faustine teaches the basics of the craft with clearly worded instructions and helpful photographs, moving gradually from the necessary tools and materials all the way to ways to display completed projects. The twenty animal projects are indeed adorable, and are presented in order of difficulty, with skills being built as the embroiderer moves from one to the next. This book virtually assures a beginners' success.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Punch Needle Friends from Quatro via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard - A Book Review

   

Deadly Target is an edge-of-your-seat read. I finished it in two days, anxious to discover answers to this multi-faceted mystery. Abductions, explosions, shootings, vehicle incidents, and more drive this story forward at the same time as they generate more questions for the main characters and the readers as well. While the danger is palpable, fear is much less so because of the faith the characters demonstrate. I recommend this book to romantic suspense fans, both those who prefer secular books and those who prefer Christian fiction.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Deadly Target from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley - A Book Review

   

I had been anxiously awaiting a new Patricia Bradley mystery/romantic suspense novel. She did not disappoint with Crosshairs. The story begins with the assault of Ainsley Beaumont's great aunt and Ainsley's investigation, as an Investigative Services Branch ranger, into the murder of a teen aged girl. Along the way Ainsley comes under attack multiple times, and new lines of investigation come into play. Crosshairs is a highly engaging book that brings hours of reading enjoyment. Now begins the wait for Bradley's next release.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Introduction to the Spiritual Life: Walking the Path of Prayer With Jesus by Brant Pitre - A Book Review

   

Brant Pitre takes his readers through a logical explanation and sequence on the development of a spiritual life. The text is meaty, and should not be read hurriedly. Pitre uses a great deal of Scripture to back up his thoughts, as well as quotes from spiritual classics. I found the book to be educational and inspirational, and recommend it to Christians who are looking for more in their spiritual life. This is a book that will assist believers in moving toward maturity.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Introduction to the Spiritual Life from Image via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

The theme related to where one places trust is artfully wound into this tale set in 1815, London, Linked with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Lost in Darkness guides readers to the Light. Fans of Jaime Jo Wright will be enthralled with this book by Michelle Griep, as well as those readers who may be new to either or both of these authors, but enjoy tales that tip the scale on the eerie side. Releasing in the fall season, it is the perfect read for a cool, rainy evening with a favorite hot beverage in hand.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Lost in Darkness from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels - A Book Review

  

The best thing about Behind Love's Wall is its original storyline. Carrie Fancett Pagels has crafted a dual timeline story with many twists, turns, and surprises. Set in and around Mackinac Island in 1895 and 2020, the story showcases the island's beauty and its premier hotel, the Grand. While the book includes characters from Pagels' previous book, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring, readers who have not read the previous book will understand and enjoy this one equally as well as those who have; although they likely will enjoy it enough to want to read Maude's Mooring to learn the back story of Lily's family. The story's theme of mental health in both timelines shows the positive changes in society's views on the topic.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Restoring Your Soil by Dale Strickler - A Book Review

   

My husband and I are amateur, backyard gardeners. I had been so looking forward to reading Restoring Your Soil as we use the same small plot of ground each year, and worried about depleting its nutrients. I was disappointed not by the lack of information contained in this book, but rather by the over abundance of it. Where I was seeking a step-by-step guide, something easily read and followed, what I discovered was more like a textbook for people with a background in agriculture. Even though the book did not meet my needs, I have rated it four stars because, as far as I am able to understand, I believe the book to be well written for its intended audience.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Restoring Your Soil from Storey Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter - A Book Review

   

Denise Hunter has created a romance filled with obstacles to be overcome. The storyline is original, the plot interesting with the right amount of tension to drive the reader to pursue resolution, the setting is quaint, and the dialogue believable. If you are looking for a quick read, a good vacation book, or a sweet romance for a cool fall or winter's night, this is an excellent choice.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Riverbend Gap from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan - A Book Review

   

I wish I were sitting across from you, each with a cup of our favorite hot beverage, sharing my thoughts on Once Upon a Wardrobe. I want to read your expressions, and for you to read mine, to make certain that I am clearly communicating the magic and depth of this story. I am used to understanding books, but not to books understanding me. We have all read books that we have enjoyed, books that have entertained or informed us; then there are those special books that strike a chord within us, that resonate in our hearts. Once Upon a Wardrobe will not only be one of those books for many, it will also be a window into the magic of those books, the ones that fill your heart, that transport you to another time and place, that transform some inner part of you. I realize that I have left a bit of myself within the pages of this book, and have kept a bit of Megs and George within me, and this makes me quite grateful to Patti Callahan for crafting such an extraordinary story. I am grateful as well to Harper Muse for providing me with a complimentary copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer - A Book Review

   

There are many types of freedom to be had, and many types of captors. In Freedom's Song Kim Vogel Sawyer reminds us of the freedom that matters most. This novel is filled with characters who will win readers' hearts. The tension of what if and when will keep readers turning pages, caring about the answers to those questions.

I loved this latest release by this author just as much as all of her other books that I have read, and highly recommend it. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Freedom's Song from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner - A Book Review

  

Each generation of the Jensen family is facing its own set of challenges in this contemporary fiction novel. Two years after losing his wife to cancer, Mitch Jensen continues to struggle with his grief. His daughter, Beatrice, finds out she is expecting not long after her husband loses his job, and they decide that they will have to temporarily move from Santa Clara, California to Moose Creek, Montana to live with him. His mother has become more and more forgetful, and his once stalwart father more and more worried about her. The family faces these significant challenges, not to mention all of the cares and concerns that come to pass in the day to day of life. Through it all the Jensen's learn more about themselves and the importance of family and community, and readers learn right along with them.

At first I didn't think this book was going to be my cup of tea, mainly because I typically avoid books where cancer is a pat of the story. I was glad that I continued to read on though because this book did take hold of me, especially Mitch's mother's story. I found the characters to be realistic, the emotions raw, and the dialogue authentic. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Flicker of Light from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Where the Light Fell by Philip Yancey - A Book Review

   

Philip Yancey is very open and candid about the darkness of his childhood. He describes in detail the impact the events surrounding his father's death and his mother's brand of fundamentalist Christianity impacted his and his brother's lives. He also describes how he came out on the other side. I imagine that the writing of this book was a bit cathartic. This is one book where I am certain the reader's reaction will largely depend on the lens through which they read it.

I appreciate Convergent Books providing me with a complimentary copy of Where the Light Fell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

  

A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

  

There are times in life when, only seeing a small piece of the larger picture, we may feel like God does not care about what is happening to us or around us. At those times fear often sets in. In our current times there are many things going on that might elicit a spirit of fear. In A Deep Divide Kimberley Woodhouse takes us back to the early 1900s to examine the theme of fear in relationship to faith, allowing us to examine this separate from the emotions of our current circumstances, then allowing us to apply what we glean to those circumstances.

On a more basic level, A Deep Divide is a wonderful story, with a great balance between historical accuracy, intrigue, and sweet romance. Woodhouse uses her words to paint beautiful pictures of the Grand Canyon's grandeur, as well as to develop her characters into people readers will know and care about.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon - A Book Review

   

Labyrinth of Lies is as wonderful as the first book in Irene Hannon's Triple Threat series, and I am already anxiously awaiting the third. In this story St. Louis County detective Cate Reilly reconnects with her former boyfriend when their undercover assignments collide. Cate is working undercover as a student at an exclusive girls' boarding school investigating the disappearance of a student while DEA Agent Zeke Sloan is working undercover as a substitute Spanish teacher while investigating the school's connection to a large drug ring. Hannon has cooked up an intriguing tale of suspense and danger seasoned with just a bit of romance, and the result is delectable. Writing like this is why Hannon is one of my top five suspense authors.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Labyrinth of Lies from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma - A Book Review

   

While many World War II era novels focus on the plight of the Jewish people, A Picture of Hope reminds us of the fate of those who were deemed undesirable for other reasons. In this story Nellie Wilkerson, an American photojournalist, and Jean-Paul Breslau, a member of the Maquis, are brought together by circumstances foreseen only by God. Together,along with a small group of nuns, they seek to insure the safety and well-being of three young children with Down Syndrome. In an effort to maintain historical accuracy, the author uses the term for this syndrome that was in use in the 1940s. In the book's front matter she expresses that, as a mother to a child with an intellectual disability, she did not intend to offend anyone, but to inform in a historically accurate way. It is obvious by their willingness to place their own lives in mortal danger, that the central characters greatly value the lives of the children placed in their care.

Liz Tolsma has once again entranced me with a story of faith hard won, deep compassion, and moments when all I could do was hold my breath. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Picture of Hope from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg - A Book Review

   

This is the first of Melissa Tagg's books that I have read,but I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel as well as other books by Melissa. Autumn by the Sea makes me want to make another visit to the quaint, seaside villages of Maine. Sydney Rose, who was raised in the foster care system, was led to visit Muir Harbor, Maine by an unexpected clue into her past and the possibility of family. This lovely story reminds us that family is created by more than blood, and that bonds of needing, being needed, and love make the strongest of families. Tagg has created characters that will endear themselves to her readers, dialogue that feels genuine, and lessons that are good for tender hearts.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Autumn by the Sea from Larkspur Press via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Dancing Tide by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

Grace Greene is an author who listens to her readers. While it wasn't a part of her original plan, she has graced us with a sequel continuing Lilliane Moore's story begun in A Barefoot Tide. A much requested and much appreciated story, A Dancing Tide allows us to see Lilliane's continuing journey into embracing both her past and her future, not allowing either to negate the other. It was delightful to again visit with the group of endearing characters who walk this journey along with her, to browse the dusty contents of the shed in Cub Creek, to sip tea under the shade trees in the backyard, as well as to walk the sands of Emerald Isle. One cannot help but to become completely immersed in Grace Greene's stories. I would suggest reading A Barefoot Tide prior to reading A Dancing Tide in order to get the most enjoyment from the experience.

I am grateful to have received a copy of A Dancing Tide from the author and her publisher, Kersey Creek Books, without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano - A Book Review

   


Joanna Davidson Politano has woven intricate plot lines among intense characters, displaying the heart of God. While the Christian element of her writing is essential to what she has created, fans of secular historical fiction will be equally enthralled with Ella Blythe's story. Set in 1830s London,the book centers around the world of ballet, but the theme of longing to belong to someone, to some place is universal. Ella's story, and the stories of those closest to her, demonstrates the struggles involved with moving forward following rejection. While the book has an element of darkness, the light of hope shines through, shining brightly in contrast to the darkness.

I am extremely grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Midnight Dance from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.