Rescuing You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

I am a longtime fan of Robin Patchen. This is her best book yet! I can only imagine the research that went into preparing to write Rescuing You, the latest installment in her The Wright Heroes of Maine series. This book has a multi-nation setting, and follows Michael Wright's mission to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend who is of Iraqi descent. The story is truly action-packed, original, and unpredictable. While romantic suspense stories often lack realism, this story as a sense of authenticity, which I greatly appreciate. The theme of trust, trusting God and trusting others to have our best interest at heart is well-developed against a backdrop of danger. Robin includes just the right amount of romance, never overwhelming the suspense.

I give this book five stars, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. 

The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan - A Book Review

   

I read a lot of WWII fiction, and find this novel by Renee Ryan to be truly inspired and original. It is a story of the intertwined lives of three women living in Paris from 1940 to 1942. One is a beautiful, wealthy American widow, another a young French chambermaid working at the Hotel Ritz, and the last a young Jewish woman also employed at the Ritz. The French chambermaid, Camille Lacroix, orchestrates events, however unintentionally, which tie these three lives together. While historic events such as the June, 1942 Vel d'Hiv roundup are mentioned, with the author relying on the reader's historical knowledge, the story remains focused on these women, their relationships, the choices they make, and the impact they have on one another.

This novel is very well-written. Readers can not help but become emotionally involved with the three leading characters. This investment may cost the reader heartache and tears along the way. The ending will not be happy for all of the characters, but good can come out of even the saddest of events.

I highly recommend The Paris Housekeeper, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harlequin via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen - A Book Review

  

This is Klassen's second book in her On Devonshire Shores series. It is just as delightful as the first. It is interesting to see how women of the early 1800s, both with and without the support of the men in their lives, worked to step out of gender defined roles. Emily longs to be an author, but society looks down on this. She also longs to be a wife and mother. Will she have to choose between her two dreams or between two men? Emily's sister, Sarah, has taken the lead in running the family's guest house after their reduced circumstances. Only recently has she become open to the possibility of love in her life after the death of her fiance. Will she find that with the Duke of Kent's assistant cook and pastry chef?

It was also very interesting to read about the lifestyle of the Duke of Kent's family as well as the medical care of the day. Add in a bit of mystery involving the Duke's keeper of the plate, and you have a story that will hold your interest from cover to cover.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this very well-researched and well-written book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Emerald Heart by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

Grace Greene's books always evoke intense emotional responses from her readers. Her writing style is slow paced which ideally fits her stories and allows for deep character development. Her stories are designed to develop empathy with her characters in their struggles, and to then to help one deal with their own struggles or the struggles of others within their sphere of influence. Emerald Heart is a story of grief, grief that has lingered on for too long. It is a story about moving forward past the many obstacles and hurdles that stand in the way. It is a story that will likely hit close to home to those of a certain age, those who realize that type of grief is getting closer to being their own reality, as well as those who have, at whatever age, already encountered the loss of one or more of those dearest to their heart. Grace Greene does not shy away from the tough stuff, nor does she leave us there. She shines a light on possibilities, on healthy choices, and on realizing that memories are rooted in our hearts not places or things.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

The Juliet Code is the third book in Pepper Basham's delightful Freddie and Grace Mystery series. Fans of Jen Turano will also be fans of this book and series. Like Turano, Basham is able to add romance and humor into an exciting detective story involving quirky, lovable characters. They both build strong female characters who are supported by men during times in history when women were expected to stay within strict social boundaries. Most importantly they both develop plots that honor God and honor living a life that is pleasing to Him without sounding judgmental. The Juliet Code is the perfect example of all of these wonderful characteristics. I would highly encourage readers to read the series in order even though this book will work as a stand-alone read.

In case you are wanting just a little peek into The Juliet Code... We join Lord and Lady Astley on their honeymoon in Venice. While there, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, pulls them into a case he is investigating concerning stolen paintings. An investigation that seems fairly safe as investigations go, quickly turns dangerous. Lord and Lady Astley must learn to trust God with their health and safety while doing what they feel Him calling them to. Readers may learn something about trusting in the goodness of God as they too join the investigation.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Juliet Code from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. I am hoping that there are more books coming in this series in the future.

The Butterfly Collector by Tea Cooper - A Book Review

  

I truly enjoy learning something of Australia's history through Tea Cooper's historical fiction. Of course I appreciate her historical notes at the end which help me to separate fact from fiction. The Butterfly Collector is a dual timeline story that centers around the horrible but lucrative baby farming business in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As Verity Binks, a fledgling journalist, researches a well known charity that assists unwed, expectant mothers, she stumbles across the long running existence of a baby farming operation originating in the town of Morpeth. Further exploration revealed her own family's connections, both past and present.

The Butterfly Collector is a clean work of fiction that deals with a difficult reality. I believe this well-written, sensitive story will appeal to readers of Christian and secular historical fiction. Even though it does not include a Christian element, it but does have a strong theme of social justice. Cooper skillfully unfolds the story of Verity's family maximizing reader engagement with the story and encouraging bonding with the story's characters.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Butterfly Collector from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

To Spark a Match by Jen Turano - A Book Review

  

After reading several really heavy novels, To Spark a Match was the perfect lighthearted read. Jen Turano's quirky, Gilded Age, romantic mysteries are always delightful. Mr. Gideon Abbott, a member of the Four Hundred, strives to balance his place in society, his secret occupation, and participating in a plan to reintroduce a new and improved Miss Adelaide Duveen into society. Adelaide's penchant for finding trouble and her working her way into his heart makes finding and keeping that balance a difficult proposition. Author Jen Turano's ability to turn a phrase and her sparkling sense of humor combine to give her reader abundant smiles and chuckles. Her ability to plot an interesting mystery with well-paced developments keeps readers fully engaged with the story. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a truly fun read.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of To Spark a Match from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt - A Book Review

    

Twins Antonina and Helena Dabrowska were only eighteen years old in 1939 when their father, their only living parent, was called back into military service. The day following his departure Germany invaded Poland. Their lives, their city, everything changed, and over the next more than five years, so did the sisters. Each in their own way became resisters, toiling against those who would see the destruction of the Jews and steal the independence of the Poles, killing so many along the way. This is a story of having the courage to do what is right in the face of tremendous danger and significant loss. May Antonina and Helena be inspirations to us all. Amanda Barratt's writing certainly makes them real enough to be that inspiration.

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

A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander - A Book Review

  

A Million Little Choices is an outstanding work of women's fiction. It is a story of God's prevenient grace, of healing in one's soul through engaging with God's Word and mature Christian mentors, and of gaining insight into one's own life through coming to view that life through the lens of eternity. All that sounds very deep and theological, however, these themes are developed within a raw and compelling story of great loss and great love in the life of the main character. Author Tamera Alexander has created the story in a way that encourages readers to apply the discoveries made by her characters to whatever life situation they find themselves in. While a work of fiction, A Million Little Choices contains much truth.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Million Little Choices, a Focus on the Family Resource, from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Knowing You by Tracie Peterson - A Book Review

 

Knowing You is the third book in Tracie Peterson's Pictures of the Heart series set in Seattle at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. While the characters refer to events that took place in the first two books of the series, Knowing You does work well as a stand-alone read. This time with the Camera Girls working for Fisher Photography, we focus on May Parker, a young woman of Japanese-American descent. May touches up photographs with paint to colorize attendees' memories of the exposition. May does not feel Japanese enough or white enough as she has rarely been accepted by either culture due to prevalent prejudices of the time. A chance encounter with a dear childhood friend, Lee Munro, has the potential of making May feel less alone in the world, as does her growing friendships with the Camera Girls.

Tracie Peterson has addressed the themes of racial prejudice and forgiveness in a way that is easily translated into today's society. She has created memorable characters using plain, simple language. I recommend this book to historical fiction fans who want a book with important themes and that is written with an emphasis on hope. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Knowing You from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Capturing Hope by Angela K. Couch - A Book Review

 

  

Capturing Hope takes place during Germany's invasion of Poland. I had not fully understood how different their invasion of Poland was to that of many of the other countries they invaded. As the author states in her historical note at the end of the book, the atrocities and genocide in Poland went much deeper in Poland. Hitler had stated that if Poland did not comply he would wipe them off of the map, and try he did. In this story American David Reid is tasked by the father of Nadia Roenne to insure that his daughter escapes from Poland to England. Having been born into nobility, Nadia meets many ordinary and extraordinary people, people of a class she would never have encounter before, as she and David make their way out of Poland. Both become convicted to help several of those they meet along the way, changing their outlook on both themselves and others as well as God. The story is very well written, character development strong, and emotion intense. The theme of self-sacrifice is genuinely expressed throughout the story. Don't pass up the historical note at the end. It is amazing how much of what David and Nadia encounter was historically accurate. May we not forget.

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

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon - A Book Review

  

I enjoyed the story of arson investigator Bri Tucker and ATF Special Agent Marc Davis as they worked to solve the mystery of the death of a colleague and the mystery of the cases he had been trying to tie together at the time of his death. This book falls under the category of Christian fiction, but might be better described as clean fiction as the Christian element is light. The story is written is a way that held my attention, the motivation of the killer was more of a puzzle than the identity which was fairly obvious. Typically Irene Hannon writes in more red herrings with regard to the perpetrator, but the puzzle being the motivation worked well for this story.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Into the Fire from Revell without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard - A Book Review

  

Elizabeth Goddard always provides readers with fast-paced, high-action, romantic suspense, heavy on the suspense. It is what make me always keep an eye out for her next book. I am especially enjoying her Missing in Alaska series of which Shadows at Dusk is the second installment. In this story Detective Trevor West is searching for his missing sister, a geologist who went missing while on leave from her job at EchoGlobal. He hires bush pilot Carrie James to assist with his search, and almost immediately gets sucked into the danger that is following her, possibly from her distant past. Alaska is a beautiful backdrop to this intense tale, and the lead characters have multiple opportunities to fly over and hike through its beautiful and perilous terrain.

Fans of Robin Patchen, Irene Hannon, and Lynette Eason are likely to be or to become fans of Eizabeth Goddard as well. Shadows at Dusk works very well as a stand-alone read. If you do happen to read it first, I've no doubt you will find yourself going back to the first book in the series which is equally as entertaining.

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

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

  

This was the perfect book to read over an overcast, chilly, fall weekend. This dual timeline story has plenty of not-easily-explained-away ghostly sightings and sounds, and tales of missing people, both in the past and present. Greta Mercy was a single woman of the working class doing her best to care for her orphaned brothers in 1915. Circumstance after circumstance seem to be stacking up against her, and most of them lead back to the owner of the Barlowe Theater, the hub of most of the unexplained apparitions. Kit Boyd struggled with having trust and faith in humans, an issue rooted in her feelings of abandonment by her birth parents. Now her best friend is missing, and even though Kit believes Madison to be innocent of any wrong doing, she struggles with wondering about the possibility that her best friend has also abandoned her. As Jaime Jo Wright leads readers along the path of solving these mysteries, she allows them to enjoy shivers running up their spines while readying them to accept the truths that are to be revealed.

As usual, Jaime Jo Wright has provided hours of reading pleasure with a very satisfying ending, and I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. I hope others will enjoy this spine tingling tale as much as I did. 

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni - A Book Review

  

 Even though the leading lady of On Moonberry Lake is twenty-six years old, it still feels like a coming-of-age story. Maybe that is because Cora Matthews feels like she lost her childhood when her mother took her away from all she had ever known and loved without ever explaining why. As a result Cora had never been able to put down roots, that is not until she returned to the small town of Moonberry Lake, Minnesota, a town filled with unforgettable characters. On Moonberry Lake will make readers cry and then laugh until they cry. Numerous times I stopped my husband in whatever he was doing to read hilarious excerpts aloud to him. (I have a broken right hand and wrist. So, I am not currently much help around the house) It brightened my day, and I think it brightened his, too.

The only iffy element of this book for me was that a couple of characters had a new age edge to them. I would recommend this book to mature Christians that could separate the wheat from the chaff, but would be less likely to recommend it to new Christians or unbelievers.

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

Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee - A Book Review

   

This dual timeline story set mostly in the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee is an emotional tale of love and sacrifice. It is also the tale of God's plan for adopting us as His children and the ways he works through earthly adoptions. The author does not ignore the pain that may accompany adoption, but honors the process of working through the pain to find the joy.

Shocklee masterfully allows each character to reveal his or her own voice. She mingles characters who live in vastly different circumstances, honoring the value of each. Her characters and their experiences will stay with her readers for a long time.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Appalachian Mountains from Tyndale House Publishing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Last Exchange by Charles Martin - A Book Review

   

Once again Charles Martin gives us an unlikely hero who is willing to lay down his life for others, not just being willing to die for others, but being willing to live for others. He reminds us that we should be ready to lay our lives down for another, not waiting for someone who seems to deserve it, but to offer it even for those who struggle through issues of their own making. In this story the object of the hero's service is an extremely rich, award winning, drug abusing, mentally unstable woman who has been emotionally and sometimes physically abused. When we encounter someone who inspires a list of negative attributes, may we, like our unlikely hero, be able to see the value of a human life and be willing to allow our lives to be used by God to assist as He has enabled us.

Charles Martin weaves this story slowly and deliberately, crafting an intricate plot as he moves between the past and the present, slowly revealing events that molded the characters and the decisions they make. Martin is very bold in the mental images he creates. This book may be one that reignites the social media debate over how far can a story go and still be considered Christian fiction. In actuality those who don't have a relationship with Christ may not see him in the pages of this story, but those who do will find places where he is revealed.

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

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky – A Book Review

   

This dual timeline novel follows the budding romance between Gwen Morris, junior specialist for art history and antiques, and David Bradford whose business converts historic estates into hotels, spas, and multi-unit apartments in 2012, and between Charlotte Harper and Ian Storey in 1912. Both Gwen and Charlotte have been betrayed in a way that impacts their ability to trust their hearts to others, and both are fortunate enough to have spiritual mentors that gently teach them how to forgive. This story unfolds in a beautiful way, as Gwen gets to know Charlotte from a journal Charlotte's family has saved and cherished. These women's stories exemplify how faith can be nurtured through adversity. This story is set in England's Lake District, and the author masterfully portrays its beauty without lengthy descriptive paragraphs that slow stories down. Rather as her characters interact in this environment she lets the readers live the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes of the villages and countrysides.

I recommend The Legacy of Longdale Manor to fans of historical and dual timeline stories, to those who love stories of faith, and to those who are struggling with forgiveness. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhoue - A Book Review

   

Tense and intense are the first descriptors that come to mind when thinking of The Secrets Beneath. Each time things seem to be going well for Anna Lakeman and those she loves, another unexpected and unwelcome event occurs, creating increasingly greater degrees of tension between characters and within the reader. The book has multiple themes, but the one that spoke the loudest to me dealt with showing the love of God when doing so has the possibility, or even the likelihood, of putting oneself in danger. The story touched on how paleontology and Christianity may go hand-in-hand. I truly hope the author expands on this in future books in this Treasures of the Earth series, of which this book is the first.

The Secrets Beneath is a compelling story, one I highly recommend. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Tracked Through the Woods by Laura Scott - A Book Review

   

Tracked Through the Woods is a fairly short read, but the length fits the story. I am assuming that the frequent references to previous events involving the lead female character's sister means that I entered into the middle of a series. That did not impact my understanding of this story. It worked well as a stand-alone read. Some books make me feel as if I am in the midst of the story with the characters. Others make me feel as if I am watching from the outside looking in. Tracked Through the Woods is one of the latter. For readers whom realism is important in romantic suspense stories, this story doesn't have a great deal of that. For those who are more interested in the suspense as the culprit's identity is being sought, this story supplies plenty of that. I would recommend this book to those looking for a quick read to fill a rainy day.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Love Inspired an imprint of Harlequin via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Running to You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

 

Robin Patchen has really outdone herself once again, and that is saying a lot given her previous stellar romantic suspense stories. She is most definitely my favorite author in this genre. This first book in her new series, The Wright Heroes of Maine, focuses on Sam Wright, brother of Grant, Bryan, and Daniel whom some have gotten to know in prior books, as well as Derrick and Michael who have had brief mentions. Readers who have not yet had the pleasure of reading the prior books will be able to enjoy Running to You equally as well as those who have. The Wright brothers may not always get along, but they always have one another's backs. Now, Sam needs help puzzling out what his former girlfriend has been up to over the last five years, and protecting her from the goons who are tracking her. This story is very fast paced and filled with unexpected turns of events. Emotions fluctuate quickly and dramatically. Hold on and prepare for a wild ride!

This book, along with all of Patchen's books are clean reads with some Christian characters. The stories are not preachy, and the author is tactful in dealing with things that are considered acceptable in today's society while still honoring the Lord. I would highly recommend Running to You to all fans of romantic suspense. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author via Book Funnel without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson - A Book Review

  

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is a wonderful read. It is truly original; I have never read another story quite like it. Author Melanie Dobson peels back the many layers of Poppy's story through the interplay of Poppy's childhood and coming of age story with the contemporary story of Chloe and Emma who now reside on the island that was for a short while Poppy's home. Dobson highlights the drug epidemic that has haunted our nation for many years through the legal sale of opium during the Gilded Age to both the legal and illegal sale of opioids and narcotics during contemporary times. The impact of addiction and those who profit from it is devastating to individuals, families, and society in general. While incorporating this into The Wings of Poppy Pendleton, Dobson doesn't allow her readers to get bogged down there. The mystery of Poppy's disappearance that Chloe and investigative reporter Logan Danford must solve carries the story. There are many surprises in store.

I highly recommend this book to fans of dual-timeline stories and mysteries. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Facing the Enemy by DiAnn Mills - A Book Review

   

Facing the Enemy is an interesting romantic suspense novel, heavy on the suspense, light on the romance. The plot is timely, centering around human trafficking as the FBI works to break up an illegal adoption ring. The story has many moving pieces, plenty of suspicious characters, and some intense violence. I am usually good with first person point of view, however in this book it had, at least to me, the feel of a Dragnet script from the original series, as if the two lead characters that spoke in the first person were giving a report on themselves. Overall, this was a good read, and I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Persistent Road by Tim Bishop - A Book Review

    

The Persistent Road is the story of Doug Zimmer's road to faith both literally and figuratively. Doug takes to the road on a recumbent bicycle following the loss of his job and the death of his wife. Along the way seeds planted by his wife and sister are nurtured through the beauty of God's creation, God's intervention and protection, and people he meets along the way. The story proceeds at a slow pace, and does require some persistence on the part of the reader. One has to enjoy lengthy descriptions of the scenery Doug passes through. His interactions with many kinds of people keep the readers engaged.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Persistent Road from Open Road Press via LibraryThing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer - A Book Review

    

This book by new-to-me author Mollie Rushmeyer was a treat. The historical puzzle, the family drama, and the who-done-it type mystery combine to create an intriguing story that is difficult to step away from. Having read it during the first week of my recovery from injuries sustained in a serious automobile accident, it meant a lot to have such a wonderful diversion.

The central theme of this book revolves around the struggle to hold onto one's view of a loving and caring God when life is extremely hard and filled with disappointment and sorrow. While that may sound depressing, this book overall has a positive vibe. If The Lost Manuscript had a soundtrack, its final chapters would be accompanied by the song Blessed Be His Name by Matt and Beth Redman.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Lost Manuscript from Harlequin's Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.