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.