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.  

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox - A Book Review

   

This is the third book that I have read by Amanda Cox. While it may be my least favorite of the three, that by no means means that it is not a worthy read. I give He Should Have Told the Bees four stars. It is a well-written family drama with a very original plot. As usual, this author's skill with character development shines through. I was definitely satisfied that the time spent reading this book was time well spent. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.