The Widows of Champagne by Renee Ryan - A Book Review

   

Renee Ryan is a new-to-me author, and I am so glad that I took a chance on selecting her new book, The Widows of Champagne. The story is fresh, the prose quite beautiful, the protagonists strong and committed, the antagonists ire-evoking, and the plot well-paced. Fans of historical fiction, especially those who like World War II stories, will be delighted with this novel. Fans of Christian and secular fiction will be equally pleased with the time they devote to reading The Widows of Champagne.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Harlequin's Love Inspired collection without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks - A Book Review

   

I am very ambiguous about Woman in Shadow. I had a hard time getting into this book because it seemed so unrealistic. On the other hand after getting about halfway through I was anxious to continue reading to see how the mystery was resolved. The author did do a good job of weaving clues together and dropping bread crumbs for the reader. I am anxious to hear how other readers felt about this book.

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

The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski - A Book Review

   

The Ice Swan has numerous elements which sets it apart from the historical fiction I have read of late. It is set during the Great War, and includes a story line based around the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, neither of which have been prevalent in my reading. Ciesielski does a wonderful job of creating empathy for those displaced by the Revolution while drawing a clear line between the elite who learned to cope and improve themselves in their new circumstances and those who relied on their sense of entitlement. Her wordsmithing is lovely in her description of the beauty and grace of Princess Svetlana Dalsky's dance and demeanor. Through the character of Doctor Wynn MacCallan, Ciesielski informs readers of the difficulties associated with improvements in medical procedures in the early twentieth century. A criminal element known as the Black Claw adds an edge of suspense to the story as one of their leaders seeks revenge on the elegant Svetlana.

I found it truly difficult to do this book justice in this review, and hope that you will experience The Ice Swan for yourself. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel - A Book Review

   


This wonderful book grew even more wonderful about halfway through when I flipped to the back and read the the Author's Note before reading on. Learning the history on which the story is based made the story seem so much more realistic, while retaining its mystical bent. I read and review mostly Christian fiction; this book isn't that, but it does have spiritual aspects and is tastefully written. The story will appeal to fans of historical fiction as it is set in a forest in Poland during World War II, and includes characters with very real struggles of the times. The theme of character being shaped by hard times is very well formed, and one that is as pertinent to the present as to the past.

I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of The Forest of Vanishing Stars from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner - A Book Review

  

This is the second book by Susie Finkbeiner set in the Vietnam War era that I have read. Both were excellent, deserving of more than five stars. The Nature of Small Birds is about three generation of a close knit family, focusing on the impact adopting a preschooler who arrived in America from Vietnam via Operation Baby Lift had on each of them. As with most family relationships there was a mixture of pleasure and pain, but most of all there was love and acceptance. For one family member in particular the acceptance was a long time in coming as it entailed allowing the grief over losing a son to the war to settle. Emotions are intense and run deep in this novel. Readers will find their lives touched by Minh and her family. Finkbeiner is a master of utilizing the time-slip genre to enhance the tale.

I give this book my highest recommendation, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via Library Thing without obligation. All opinions expressed her are my own.

The Chase by Lisa Harris - A Book Review

  

The continuing story of Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn is intense and fast-paced. Harris provides great suspense with a touch of romance, or in this case the hope of romance. While each book in this series includes a stand-alone mystery, the thread of solving the murder of Madison's husband runs throughout the series. Harris's writing undoubtedly will keep readers coming back for more, but this continuing thread assures it. Harris's romantic suspense will appeal to readers of both Christian and secular fiction. I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author.

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

The Giver by Lois Lowry - A Brief Comment

   

I had read this book years ago, but reread it because I wanted to be able to discuss the book with our grandson who was reading it. Having learned it was the first book in a series, I am anxious to read on. I enjoy dystopian literature, and believe he is becoming a fan as well. Than you , Lois Lowry, for this joint reading experience, and all the thought provoking literature you have provided for our youths and adults alike. 

Betrayal of Genius by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

   

Every time I read a romantic suspense book by Robin Patchen I think that it is her best yet, and Betrayal of Genius is no exception. Jacqueline (Jacqui) Beal has developed an artificial neuron. The possibilities for medical use are many, everything from treating heart failure to Alzheimer's to helping paraplegics. She wants to find just the right company to sell the patent license to, but there are complications, not the least of which is betrayal by one of her most trusted friends and former business partner. Reid Cote finds himself falling for Jacqui, but there are too many complications, the greatest of which is fending off his ex-wife's attempts to increase the time his little girl is away from him. How can he focus on that and help Jacqui cope with her problems? In fleshing out this plot, Patchen addresses trusting God with the hard things, the things that matter most. At times trust and faith must go beyond Christian platitudes. Sometimes we must take a stand and remain steadfast. Jacqui and Reid's stores give Patchen the perfect opportunity to remind us of this.

As always it has been an extreme pleasure to spend time within a Robin Patchen novel. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Betrayal of Genius from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.