The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan - A Book Review

  

This story moves back and forth along the timeline of 1934 to 1945. At first I found that confusing, but after further reading I was enthralled with how the author, Renee Ryan, used that to build tension and suspense as the reader develops a relationship with the two main characters and longs to discover the betrayer of one of them. The story honors the bravery of the men and women who took great risks to save the lives of many Jews leading up to and during World War II. It also showcases the importance of creative expression through the arts in our human experience. Most importantly, the story demonstrates the importance of faith in God during the toughest of times.

The Secret Society of Salzburg is very well written and researched. It is believable with dialogue that rings true and content that creates vivid mental images and evokes strong emotions. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Vegetable Garden Soil Science Made Easy by James R. Bright - A Book Review

  

I taught my students not only to consider the author's purpose for writing a book but also to consider their purpose in selecting a book. My purpose in selecting this book was based on my looking for advice that I could easily put into practice to increase the yield of our small vegetable garden. I did find several good points that I will put into action before and after the next growing season. I did have to wade through a lot of the science behind these practical tips indicating I may not, given the title, given enough consideration to matching the author's purpose and my own. I am satisfied though that my time with this book was well-spent.

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

In Love's Time by Kate Breslin - A Book Review

  

While In Love's Time, a WWI era novel, got off to a slow start and sounded a bit stilted, it seemed as if both the author and I became more engaged with the story and its characters as we went along. The plot was good, fairly original, and developed a level of tension that kept me reading. The angst created by the injustices done to Clare Danner and her daughter Daisy, and the situation that kept Clare and Captain Sir Marcus Weatherford apart is intense. The theme of surrendering oneself fully into God's care rather than leaning on one's own understanding is well developed. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes - A Book Review

 

This book touched the deepest parts of my heart and soul. I imagine that anyone fortunate enough to pick up a copy of All the Lost Places and to slip into its story will find a part of themselves in one or more of the characters. I also imagine that the truths imparted will resonate with their own personal story.

Any brief synopsis I included here about the story of All the Lost Places would pale against the beauty of the language, setting, and characters. So, I'm not even going to attempt to write one. Let it suffice to say that this novel is one that will live on in its readers' hearts and minds for time upon time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen - A Book Review

  

In the first book of Klassen's On Devonshire Shores series we meet the Summers sisters and their mother along with the current visitors of their guest house, neighbors, and villagers of Sidmouth. The 1819 setting made for interesting reading regarding medical practices of the times as well as sea bathing customs and etiquette. The theme of the story is one I have not often encountered in my reading, but one of great importance. As we meet a variety of people who have been impacted by life's hardships, be they physical or financial, we come to realize that it is the allowing the crippling of one's spirit that is truly the most devastating to one's quality of life.

I highly recommend The Sisters of Sea View. As usual Klassen fills hours of reading pleasure with a host of well-developed characters, a quaint setting, and a well-penned story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Holding the Line by Jennifer Delamere - A Book Review

  

Set in London, England in the late 1800s, Holding the Line tells the story of Rose Finlay, a widow who highly values her independence. Betrayed by her husband, Rose has no illusions about men or marriage, and has only recently been considering that some men are deserving of trust as her two best friends had recently married fine men. John Milburn had no time to consider romance, much less marriage, as both his brother and brother-in-law had passed away leaving two families in his care. Very unusual circumstances brought Rose and John together in supporting the welfare of John's eldest niece, only recently introduced into society.

Jennifer Delamere has written a well-paced story that demonstrates the value of people, and the importance of seeking wise council. This story also stresses that we should allow ourselves second chances as we do others. Once again she has given us a story that is a pleasant read and that also provides important themes to ponder.

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

On My Honor by Patty Smith Hall - A Book Review

  

Barbour Publishing's Heroines of WWII series has been wonderful, but On My Honor has a special heroine, or to be more accurate a group of heroines, a troop of Girl Scouts and their leader. The story is set on an island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ginny Mathis is teaching her troop of Scouts, including her sister, ways to assist the war effort such as advanced first aid and maritime map reading. She led them in activities such as collecting fat to be turned in and used in the making of bullets. Ginny did not anticipate, however, that the girls would become involved in the search for a German spy. This novel is a quick read with a group of WWII era Nancy Drews. It was an entertaining read.

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

Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

Authentically, Izzy is an epistolary novel, one of only two or three that I have read. I must admit, it is not my favorite book structure, but it worked for this fun, contemporary novel. The book is largely made up of digital communication between Izzy, her cousins, and a book-loving guy she met through an online dating site. While this grandma of four didn't relate to many things in this story of contemporary dating, I could relate to the love of books, reading them and sharing them. I also related to the importance of being true to oneself, and the wonder of falling in love. Pepper Basham infuses this story with a lot of humor, largely in the banter between siblings and cousins.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Authentically, Izzy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted love story. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green - A Book Review

  

The Blackout Book Club beautifully demonstrates the importance of stories in our lives, and in doing so it also becomes an important story. Amy Lynn Green skillfully brings her characters to life, drawing her readers to empathize with the struggles and joys they and those close to them experience as World War II impacts the northeast coast of the United States, as we also see how these characters ways of viewing the world and one another are impacted by the books they read and discuss. I taught my students to be metacognitive, to think about their thinking, as they read and discussed books with one another. This book brought home the importance of thinking through one's points of view, voicing them, and listening to the points of view of others through the vessel of literature.

I believe The Blackout Book Club is a five star read. I look forward to reading more of Amy Lynn Green's books in the future and to reading or rereading several of the books read by her characters. 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.

Sundown by Susan May Warren - A Book Review

  

I was happy to revisit the guys of Sky King Ranch, and they along with the women in their lives were once again living on the edge. The danger this time centered on Colt and Tae, danger from the elements as well as from terrorists. Of course his brothers have their backs and join them in the thick of things.

While I did enjoy this story, I did not enjoy it as much as I did the second book in this series. It lacked the realism of that book which was a distraction, and it was more predictable. That said, it still brought me enough reading pleasure that I feel comfortable recommending it to others. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Sundown from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Daughter's Courage by Misty Beller - A Book Review

 

Misty Beller's Brides of Laurent is a delightful series. While historical, it reads with a bit of a fantasy, fairy-tale sort of feel. In my opinion the series will be enjoyed to the fullest by being read in order. A Daughter's Courage, the third book in the series, focuses on Charlotte, the middle child of the village of Laurent's chief. It follows her on her quest to reach Fort Versailles in search of an artisan talented enough to restore an heirloom dear to the hearts of all the villagers, traveling in the Canadian Rockies as winter sets in. This is a story of perseverance, discovery, love, and family, above all its a story of God's love for His children. I highly recommend this book and series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Daughter's Courage from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski - A Book Review

  

The writing in this story, the elements of plot, dialogue, pacing,and the like are top notch. The story is original, the characters endearing, and the suspense captivating. However, there is one personal preference that dampens my enthusiasm for The Brilliance of Stars. I love series that have a thread of mystery that carries the reader from one book to the next, but that also has a mystery that is particular to each book and that is brought to a satisfying conclusion in that book. I wish that books that end in a total cliffhanger requiring one to wait until the release of the next book, and maybe the one after that, before reaching any satisfying conclusion came with a warning label allowing readers to make a choice before investing hours of reading time. That said, at least I know I can count on good quality writing when the next book in Ciesielski's Jack and Ivy series is released.

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

Beneath the Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick - A Book Review

  

Jane Kirkpatrick writes fiction based on careful and thorough research of the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary women who have been the backbone on which this nation was built. How might someone be ordinary yet extraordinary you may wonder. These women, including Mollie Sheehan Ronan on whom Beneath the Bending Skies focuses, lived lives not seeking to make a name for themselves by seeking to do great things, but by doing small things bravely, by putting the heartfelt desires of others first, and by showing great kindness. These women carry on in difficult circumstances, focusing on the work to which they were called. They are defenders and encouragers of those on the fringes, and they are agile, adapting to what life throws at them. While our lives may be constructed under much different circumstances, their lives remain a strong example of a life well-lived.

I recommend Beneath the Bending Skies and other book by this author to those who are looking for a slow, easy paced book filled with gems of wisdom. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and to have been accepted to its blogger team. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Targeted: Novellas by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn and Natalie Walters – A Book Review

  

I don't typically read novellas, but I was drawn to this collection because I have read most of the books these authors have written. I enjoyed these novellas because I knew the backstory of most of the major players who are characters or relatives of characters featured in previous books. The suspense elements of all three novellas were very good, and the pace was good even with the shorter length. The romance elements however felt very rushed in each of them which impacted the feel of authenticity of the stories. I would recommend Targeted to fans of these authors, and to those without a lot of time to read.

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.

His Delightful Lady Delia by Grace Hitchcock - A Book Review

  

At the end of the first chapter I realized that Kit Quincy was one of the suitors for Willow's hand in My Dear Miss Dupre'. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue reading in Grace Hitchcock's American Royalty series. This book has wonderful protagonists and devious antagonists, and there are those you will think fall in one category when truly they belong in the other! Hitchcock has written yet another exciting Gilded Age tale that will bring readers hours of delightful entertainment. The timeless message of being one of God's children, fully loved, is shown to provide a sense of comfort and security.

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

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder - A Book Review

  

While Hannah Linder is relatively new on the Christian fiction writing scene, her work reads like that of an experienced writer. In Beneath His Silence Linder develops her characters through dialogue, actions, and reflections on their past. We see great depths of loyalty, integrity, and mental anguish as we enter the lives of those above and below stairs in this Regency England drama. Themes of forgiveness, faith, and surrendering to God are expertly woven into the story. Tension holds the story together, and keeps the reader engaged as the story reaches a dramatic climax. The ending is quite satisfying.

I am grateful for having been introduced to a new-to-me author and for receiving a complimentary copy of Beneath His Silence from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Passages of Hope by Terri J. Haynes - A Book Review

  

Passages of Hope is a wonderful addition to Barbour Publishing's Doors to the Past series. I am thrilled that it has introduced me to another talented new-to-me author! This book is a dual-timeline story. Gracie McNeil lives in present day Philadelphia in the home she recently inherited from her grandmother. Olivia Kingston lived in the house in the mid 1800s, using it as her family home, her dressmaking shop, and as a station on the Underground Railroad. Emotions run high in both timelines, and the author skillfully helps the reader empathize. Both timelines have tension that keeps the reader highly engaged, among those is wondering who is behind Gracie's worries that she will lose her grandmother's house and who is threatening the Bella Vista area station houses. Passages of Hope focuses on the importance of family and the willingness to accept help when it is offered and needed.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Passages of Hope from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. I most highly recommend it. 

Mary by Shannon McNear - A Book Review

  

Mary deals with multiple deep themes. These include witnessing to those of a culture other than one's own, accepting non-Christians' way of life as one is witnessing and modeling Christianity through doing life together, being true to one's beliefs, and forgiveness. The book gives an honest portrayal of Native customs relating to coming-of-age, courtship, and marriage, including the use of abortifacient herbs. While McNear does not write explicit scenes, neither does she shy away from reality, a reality that in many ways was not so different from our current society's. While historians do not know exactly what became of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, McNear uses the information that is known to create a plausible tale of the colonists and the Croatoan tribe developing a friendly and mutually supportive community, which began with the colonists receiving the greater degree of support.

In her first book in this series McNear focused on Elinor, the real daughter of Governor John White. In this second book the focus is on Mushaniq, the fictional daughter of Manteo, the real Native who had earlier accompanied a group of Englishmen back to England. Mushaniq's story involves the merging of the two people groups through the Native's acceptance of Christ and the intermarriage between the groups.

I enjoyed reading this book, and recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I do suggest reading Elinor prior to reading Mary for achieving the best comprehension and enjoyment. I would not recommend the book for readers under the age of sixteen. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Mary from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Wreathed in Disgrace by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

What a pleasant surprise! I was not surprised by how much I enjoyed this book because I always find pleasure in reading Robin Patchen's romantic suspense stories. I was surprised that Denise Masters and Jon Donley were the characters on whom the story focused. Previous mentions of Denise Masters in this series never painted a pretty picture, at least not below skin deep pretty. In Wreathed in Disgrace Patchen truly shows us that there is more than one side to every story as we learn why Denise abandoned her young family eight years ago. I hadn't expected bodyguard Jon Donley to return to Coventry, but am so glad Patchen included him in this action-packed story; now I hope that his cousin, Lake, will be the focus of a future book.

So many series these days are limited to three books. Wreathed in Disgrace is the eighth book in Patchen's Coventry Saga series. I truly appreciate this series as well as her Nutfield Saga series that allow readers to get to know her characters well. It makes me want to pack up and vacation in one of these two New Hampshire small towns. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this her latest book from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Premonition at Withers Farm by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

  

A few chapters into The Premonition at Withers Farm, I told my husband that if I didn't trust Jaime Jo Wright so much I would have put this book down due to concern as to whether it was appropriate Christian reading. Having just finished the book, I am so happy that my trust was well-placed. Jaime Jo Wright writes the creepiest of tales,but in the end the message at the root of the story is true to the Word.

The Premonition at Withers Farm is a perfect chilly fall evening read, although you will want to be prepared for it to keep you awake well into the night. The dual timeline ties together the Withers and Wasziak families in both the current times and the early 1900s. Both stories involve apparitions and murder, chills and thrills!

While I give this book five stars, I must state one caveat. If you have dealt with miscarriages, be aware of your tolerance for books that make this experience part of the storyline. While Jaime Jo Wright handles this with tact and sensitivity as one character deals with intense grief, readers must decide if this is the best read for them at the time.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Premonition at Withers Farm from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own 

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano - A Book Review

  

I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book. The writing itself is beautiful as Politano's writing always is. The subject matter is depressing in many ways as one would expect of a story set in a Victorian era asylum. The injustices bring forth great angst. Politano is a masterful storyteller who pulls deep emotions from her readers. Yet, this story did seem to have an exceptionally slow pace, dragging just a bit. I am glad that I did not let my impatience get the better of me, for the ending was truly worth waiting for.

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

Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson - A Book Review

   

Abigail Wilson writes wonderful Regency England romantic suspense mysteries. Within These Gilded Halls, her most current release, is filled with a treasure hunt that is driven by a complex set of clues and a wide range of coincidences that reveal the answers our protagonists seek, answers that only lead to more questions. Wilson has populated the Avonthorpe estate with intriguing characters, most of whom end up as suspects in a case of theft, assault, and murder. Reading Within These Gilded Halls was a most enjoyable reading experience, one I hope you will take the time to enjoy yourself. I recommend it along with Wilson's previous novels.

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

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon - A Book Review

  

I love that I thought I knew shortly into the mystery who the murderer was, but that I was so wrong. Well played red herrings are so appreciated. The solution didn't come by popping a new or obscure character into that role at the last minute, also greatly appreciated. The story included some sweet romance, but it did not overpower the suspense element. While it is the third book of a series, Body of Evidence works well as a stand-alone read. I highly recommend this book, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. Irene Hannon is an author that I often recommend to those who enjoy romantic suspense. 

Beach Wedding at Emerald Isle, NC by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

This book was difficult to read in that is dealt with some hard truths, truths we likely all need to come to grips with at times in our lives. Previous encounters with Maia had been filled with light and sweetness. Maia was a character with a true servant's heart. In Beach Wedding we see a different, darker, side of Maia, the side that occurs when bitterness and resentment crowd out the light. Sometimes though, the light when it returns seems all the brighter when juxtaposed against the darkness. I am grateful for this beautiful story and its lessons and reminders. Thank you, Grace Greene, for providing me with a complimentary copy without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.