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.