The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin - A Book Review

   

As I finished reading chapter twenty-one, I questioned whether or not I could finish reading this book. Not because I was disappointed, I wasn't. Not because I wasn't fully immersed in the story, I was. But simply because I did not know if my heart could hold any more. The Letter Keeper picks up where The Water Keeper left off, and this book is just as raw and vivid. It is filled with thoughts that one must sit with for a bit before reading on. It is one of those rare pieces of fiction that has the potential of being life-changing if only the reader is willing and not rushed or overwhelmed by life circling around them as they read.

I did go on to complete this book, and my heart does runneth over. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Letter Keeper from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason - A Book Review

   

To Find Her Place worked well as a stand-alone read. I was aware that there had likely been a previous book that told Olivia's story, but not having read it did not impact my understanding or enjoyment of this book. While there was little doubt of how To Find Her Place would end, the author kept me firmly in her grasp during all of the twists and turns while making it to the end. Jane Linder struggles with self-worth and childlessness. Garrett Wilder struggles with the physical limitations that remain from his service in WWII. Both are competing for the director's position at the Toronto Children's Aid Society, Jane from a position as a social worker, and Garrett from a business background.

I am grateful to have received a copy of To Find her Place from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

No Journey Too Far by Carrie Turansky - A Book Review

   

It was interesting to continue the story of the McAlister family which began in No Ocean Too Wide. While No Journey Too Far would work as a stand-alone read, the reading experience is richer if one reads the books in sequence. This book focuses on Garth and Grace who along with their sister, Katie, were mistakenly taken from England to Canada as Home Children. Turansky does a wonderful job of educating her readers about the challenges faced by British Home Children, especially those caused by prejudice. While I did enjoy the story, I did wonder if the economic needs of the characters were too easily dismissed or solved, making parts of the story a bit unrealistic. That, however, did not greatly impact my enjoyment of the story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of No Journey Too Far from Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation, and to have the opportunity to serve on the Launch Team for this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Power Play by Rachel Dylan - A Book Review

  

Two ambassadors dead and a State Department attorney targeted by some very dangerous people makes for exciting reading. Dylan keeps the suspense and action rolling in her latest and final installment in the Capital Intrigue series. The story is well-paced with new information being well-placed within the plot. Power Play was an enjoyable read, and I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Sustaining Faith by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan - A Book Review

    


Sustaining Faith is not only the title of this second book in the When Hope Calls series, it is the book's theme. Lillian Walsh is learning through having joined her sister in caring for orphans to place them and herself first and foremost in God's care. Thankfully God has given her friends and family to support her as these lessons do not come easily. In this book we also meet Ben Waldin, a sailor whose heart has gone out to Jane Henry, a young orphan whose aunt wants nothing more than to be relieved of her. Like Lillian once had to do, Ben has to choose between duplicity and protecting a child, the proverbial rock and the hard place.

This joint effort between Janette Oke and her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan is a delight. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Sustaining Faith from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart - A Book Review

   

Tansy Calhoun was blessed to be able to help her family with her paycheck as a packhorse librarian in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, especially after her dad took off looking for work. Most mountain girls her age were already married with a baby or two to care for, but Tansy figured there was no rush, after all she didn't even have a beau. Caleb Barton had left the mountain to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps after figuring Tansy was to marry another man. It wasn't until his brother's death brought him back to the mountain that he learned he'd figured wrong. The question the reader pursues the answer to is if and how will Caleb achieve his heart's desire with obstacles appearing all along his path. Secondary plot lines involving an unwed mother; a young widow; and a crotchety, old lady also spur the reader along. Gabhart does a wonderful job at including the culture of the place and time, valuing it and its differences from mainstream society.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Along a Storied Trail from Revell via NetGalley without obligation, and am happy to recommend it to fans of historical fiction and tales of Appalachia. All opinions expressed here are my own.

On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

   


Jaime Jo Wright's books are always worth the wait, and the desire for the next one always comes as soon as one finishes the last page of her latest release. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor, like Wright's other books thus far, has a dark side, but would the light shine as bright without the contrast? This time slip story is set on an old, isolated estate in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shore of Lake Superior, both in current times and in the years just following the Civil War. Both protagonists, Adria and Kailey, get caught up in the hunt for pirated Confederate gold, legended to be hidden somewhere on the estate. Gold that others are also searching for, others who are not beyond killing for what they want. Wright develops this story with an unpredictable plot, one of my favorite characteristics of her writing. It is a tale that grabs hold and won't let go.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham - A Book Review

   

Many books have a theme of forgiveness, but Rachel Fordham takes that theme to new levels in A Lady in Attendance. Hazel was framed, convicted, and incarcerated for five years in a women's reformatory. Society and her family turned their backs on her. Once released Hazel's background made finding a job very difficult. Through it all, Hazel not only chose to forgive and let go of all bitterness, but she chose to be grateful for the people around her and for the lessons she learned. She drew closer to God, and looked for the best in others. Her story is engaging, inspiring, and entertaining.

I am grateful to have received a copy of A Lady in Attendance from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed her are my own.

Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

Oftentimes authors place background information on the story in the back of the book. I am grateful that Kimberley Woodhouse placed her Dear Reader section in the front. The information provided lent credibility to a portion of the story that might have seemed fabricated otherwise. I possessed very little prior knowledge about the building of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, and the story's mysteries that revolved around it were quite intriguing. The dual timeline, that occasionally dipped into a third, played very well in this story. While I want to avoid any spoilers, I will say the surprise guest near the book's end was quite welcome.

I recommend this enjoyable read by one of my favorite authors, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Librarian of Saint-Malo by Mario Escobar - A Book Review

   

The Librarian of Saint-Malo is a story of power held by people who appear powerless. It is a story of the power of faith, of love, and of words. Set in a French port in Brittany during the German occupation, Escobar allows readers to see the best and worst of humanity on both sides of the war. Those of us who love books, who reread sentences in order to savor their beauty will find a kindred spirit in Jocelyn Ferrec and in those near and dear to her heart. Fans of the British mini-series Island at War will appreciate this story as will fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

I highly recommend this book as well as any others by this author. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.