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.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox - A Book Review

  

I am not given to shedding tears over books,but as this story moved toward its end, tears I shed. The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a story of three generations of a family whose lives were vastly altered by the secrets they kept. The keeping did not come from a spirit of malice, but rather from a desire to protect. Those misguided attempts led to lives disrupted by unnecessary pain. That's not what provoked my tears though. No, it was the freedom that came with secrets revealed and fears set aside. Amanda Cox is a masterful writer whose characters lead readers to deep insight. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this, her latest release, from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed her are my own.

A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson - A Book Review

  

I think this is around Melody Carlson's twenty-second Christmas book, of which I have read seven or eight. A Christmas in the Alps is a short, sweet, happily-ever-after story, a great little book for clearing your reading palate between weightier, more somber, reads. After recently becoming a fan of the BBC The Repair Shop series, I was especially interested in the story element of watch making and repair, a quaint occupation that leads one of Carlson's main characters to the also quaint town of Avre, France.

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.

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel - A Book Review

 

 I loved this dual timeline story, but living within an hour of the story's setting made it even more special. Both the current timeline and the one set in the mid 1920s revolved around the steamboat once known as the Idlewild, and now known as the Belle of Louisville. Hattie's story of life aboard the Idlewild is the more compelling of the two, and is made more so by the mystery Devyn and Chase are working to solve while also planning a grand ball on the Belle.

Undercurrent of Secrets is not only a story of uncovering secrets, but is also a story of uncovering ones own true identity. It is a tale of discovering independence through dependence on God, yet both fans of Christian and secular, historical and dual timeline fiction will love this novel. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

Wow! This book has all of the elements we love in Pepper Basham's books: a great historical setting, romance, quirky characters, lots of humor, an original plot, and wonderful dialogue. In The Mistletoe Countess Basham is channeling her inner Julie Lessman with passionate scenes that just stay within the bounds of Christian fiction. Avid readers will meet a kindred spirit in Grace. She will make readers want to see the world through her eyes. The mystery in this book allows her to hone her sleuthing skills learned from some of her favorite fictional characters. There are just too many reasons to like this book to include each of them in a book review.

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.