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.