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.