The Mercy Tree by Sharlene MacLaren - A Book Review

  

If you frequently read my reviews, you may have noticed that I am very selective about giving five star reviews,but I happily give that to The Mercy Tree by new-to-me author Sharlene MacLaren. Those who enjoy reading women's fiction will quickly become engrossed in this story set in 1955, a tale of a pastor whose sin, committed while serving as a soldier in Japan nine years prior, comes to light in a very public way. It is a story of struggles within relationships whether they be between spouses, parents and children, or members of a church community, as well as being a story about forgiveness and grace.

This book is well-written. The dialogue is natural and brings forth a great depth of emotion. The characters seem real-to-life; many may feel like someone you know. As with all of us, they are not perfect, but are sinners in need of a Savior. I am so very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Mercy Tree from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Creative Vegetable Gardener by Kelly Smith Trimble - A Book Review

 

I selected this book because we are interested in including some edibles in our landscaped beds in addition to our raised beds designated for vegetables. The author did a nice job explaining how to begin this process, even including some pairing of plants that work well together. The photos included in this book were particularly beautiful and inspiring with regard to my purpose for reading. I especially appreciated the beds that were free form and made the most of the contours of the property on which they were located. I picked up some good gardening tips, and ideas for using some plants in more creative ways. I wasn't a fan of the sections within the book that felt more new-age related, and just skipped over them. Nor was I a fan that the book included info on growing cannabis.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Creative Vegetable Gardener from Storey Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel - a Book Review

  

I am glad to have discovered this new-to-me author, and will be looking forward to reading more of her work in the future. Scientists have said that reading fiction develops empathy. That is due to books like The Maid of Ballymacool. One cannot help but feel empathy and righteous anger at the plight of Brianna Kelly. She is treated more as an indentured servant than as the adopted daughter of the headmistress of Ballymacool House and Boarding School for Girls. Having been left on Mistress Magee's doorstep as an infant, Brianna has become resigned to living a largely isolated life filled with chores and an absence of relationships other than the occasional visit to an elderly woman who lived in a cottage in the woods. That is, until the appearance of Michael Wray, a member of the ascendancy class who visits the school to assist with his rather difficult young cousin.

Deibel builds her story with a mix of drama and whimsy, a delightful combination. She draws the reader into her characters' lives, both the primary and secondary characters, making them real even though their circumstances would be foreign to the majority of us. Readers will applaud the advocates that rise to the occasion, and weep for the pain, emotional and physical, of those who are betrayed, neglected, or fearful.

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

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano - A Book Review

  

Jen Turano always provides a wonderful, lighthearted read filled with quirky characters. Her romances set among the society set during the Gilded Age are perfect vehicles for the inspirational messages they deliver. A Match in the Making will delight her fans and those who need an uplifting read to raise their spirits.

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley finds herself in the unexpected and unsought position of assistant matchmaker to two of society's young, husband-seeking ladies. That being difficult enough, her employer agrees to an unconventional arrangement to sponsor one of the wife-seeking men, a widower, in his desire to provide his children with a new mother. Gwendolyn finds Mr. Walter Townsend to be particularly annoying. Let the fun begin!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Match in the Making, book one in Turano's The Matchmakers series, from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Double the Lies by Patricia Raybon - A Book Review

  

There is lots to like about this book. I learned some things about Colorado history. I enjoy 1920s era private eye stories, and this book has a lovable, quirky one. It was unique that the detective was a young, African-American female. It is set a bit later than one of my favorite shows, PBS's Miss Scarlet and the Duke, but I think these two female detectives would relate to one another. Not only are both in the same male-dominated career, but they are both great risk-takers and a bit fickle about the men they love. There were a few scenes in Double the Lies that did not feel authentic, in which characters behaved illogically or out of character, but overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to cozy mystery fans.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Double the Lies from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy - A Book Review

  

Kimberly Duffy has wrapped some very deep themes in the folds of a beautiful story of two women, mother and daughter, caught between living with fear and with a longing for love and acceptance. Setting their stories within the spectacular, glamorous parts of the circus that the public adored during the early twentieth century while not ignoring the blood, sweat, and tears behind the scenes only added to the intensity of the heart of their stories. This multi-themed novel will speak differently to readers whose lenses will be greatly impacted by their own histories, but I can imagine no one left unaffected. I am grateful to Kimberly Duffy for a memorable reading experience that deeply touched my heart, and to Bethany House for providing me with a complementary copy via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard - A Book Review

  

Cold Light of Day is an outstanding romantic suspense novel set in a small community along the Inside Passage of the Alaska Panhandle. What better place for someone to disappear from a life they chose to leave behind, or perhaps were forced to leave behind? Shadow Gap Chief of Police Autumn Long had years of law enforcement experience, handling circumstances in the wilds of Alaska unknown to most United States law enforcement officers, but was she prepared when murders began happening in her small town? All outsiders come under suspicion, but possibly someone more familiar might be responsible. Elizabeth Goddard keeps readers on the edge of their seats with this intriguing plot and the harsh realities of life in Alaska. The mental images she paints of the beautiful Alaskan landscape and sea and river scapes are stunning. She also paints a picture of isolation broken only by choosing to become a part of a small tight knit community in Alaska's towns separated by vasts amount of land from major cities,or even larger towns. I anxiously await book two in her Missing in Alaska series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Cold Light of Day from Revell without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin - A Book Review

  

The character development in this book is wonderful. The author truly explores what it means to become a new creation. The parallels between light and sound and the analogy of life as a prism make Sundin's point so beautifully. The deep themes of The Sound of Light don't bog the reader down or dim the enjoyment of this exciting World War II story set in Denmark. I knew less of the events in this country than in nearby England, France, and Poland. I enjoyed learning more about the Danes' evolving response to their occupation. The Sound of Light demonstrates the heart behind those who responded unselfishly and those seeking only their own personal safety and well-being. It makes readers wonder the state of their own hearts, and to consider who in their personal sphere of influence might benefit from receiving the sacrificial giving of time, money, or talent.

I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of this well-researched, well-written novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels - A Book Review

  

Are you a music fan? Do 1980s music and television programs make you feel nostalgic? Then this may be a book you will enjoy. Unfortunately it wasn't the book for me. The story deals with relationships, largely unhealthy ones. I was not able to stick with the story long enough to discover how things worked out. I am sure that many people will enjoy this offering from Erin Bartels, a slow-paced story with in-depth character development. I just didn't have the patience required at this time, possibly because I did not connect with the main character. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

Please do yourself the favor of reading The Mistletoe Countess before plunging into The Cairo Curse. Getting to know Lord and Lady Astley from the beginning of their relationship will be a treat that will make the second book all the more delicious. Lady Astley dreams big and loves big. Being an avid reader of fiction, especially of detective stories, along with her impulsive nature, leads her into many an adventure. Her husband is one to embrace her enthusiastic approach to life rather than to squelch it with expectations of lady-like behavior. As I read this book, it seemed as if I were meeting someone akin to Mrs. Marple in her twenties. I do believe Agatha Christie would have been a delighted fan of this series.

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

In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel - A Book Review

  

In preparing to write this review, I had to step back and take an unemotional look at the story, fearing that its having followed on the heels of two exceptional reads might cloud my opinion. Doing my best to be fair-minded, I would say that In Spotlight and Shadow is a fair read. I did enjoy the Vaudeville era timeline much more than the contemporary one. The characters felt more genuine and down-to-earth. The rich country music star in the contemporary storyline was a bit over done. The mystery of the earlier storyline had a Dashiell Hammett feel to it that was enjoyable. To use an analogy, if this book were a movie I had seen on television, I would feel good about the time spent. If it were one I had chosen for a date night at the theater, I would feel a bit disappointed.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of In Spotlight and Shadow from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.