Return to the Shack by William P. Young - A Book Review

  

When The Shack was first release, I read it, talked my husband into reading it, and then we bought quite a few copies as gifts for others whom we wanted to have the experience of reading this story. So, I was so excited to learn that a sequel was to be released. Unfortunately, I had an unsettled feeling as I read this book that did not go away. I can't place my finger on what caused it, but at the 52 percent mark on my Kindle, I chose to walk away. Nothing about the book has drawn me back to finish it even though I had made it just past the halfway mark. I imagine this book will be perfect for some reader, who will then tell others about it, and buy gift copies. It just won't be me. 

The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay - A Book Review

  

Just because World War II was over didn't mean all the spies had returned home. Not all spies fit the stereotype. The Cold War years proved both of these things to be true. Katherine Reay makes the most of these facts as she leads readers into a place and time of great intrigue where only the most observant of people could piece together what was likely taking place behind closed doors.

Gemma Brown is a delightful character. While content with simple pleasures such as a cup of tea, a good book to read, and a comfortable bedsit to live in, Gemma strives to improve herself and her life. Her frequent rushing into new endeavors may have lead to brief brushes with disaster, readers will enjoy watching her self-confidence grow as she becomes more aware of her own strengths. Being driven by a sense of justice, a keen sense of observation, and a passion for mystery novels, Gemma begins to unravel something that British Intelligence had failed to do for quite some time.

Reay is able to weave a tense time in history, including the psychological toll it had on everyday life in the village of Great Rollright in Oxfordshire, England, with a spy mystery that would have made Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers proud. Reay has written the book in a way that made me feel as if I had stepped right into the story: meeting friends at the pub for dinner, bicycling long distances, and learning to bake right alongside our heroine. I highly recommend The Undercover Bookshop and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Exercise is Murder by Bruce Hammack - A Book Review

  

After listening to the thirteenth book in Bruce Hammack's Smiley and McBlythe mystery series, my husband and I found the novella prequel in our Kindle library. It was nice learning how the blind former police detective and the wealthy attorney became close friends, housemates, and private investigators. In spite of the novella length of this mystery, Hammack was able to flesh out the mystery of the murder of an old friend of retired homicide detective Steve Smiley. The Columbo style ending with all of the suspects gathered in one place came naturally and did not feel rushed. The humorous banter between Smiley and McBlythe adds to the pleasure of reading, or listening, to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a quick, quirky read. I am grateful to have received this book when it was offered for free on Amazon. The publisher is Jubilee Publishing. 

In Our Hands by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse - A Book Review

  

I truly enjoy a variety of creative endeavors. I make time for creating new recipes and gardening. I rarely make time for quilting, sewing, embroidery, rug hooking, etc. Key words in this book's description on NetGalley made me think this book would help me become motivated and inspired to make more time for creating. Key words and phrases that led me to this idea were: empowering guide, creative renewal, hope made doable, and practical guidance. While the description did talk about how social, political, and technological tension can cause stress and how creating can be a tool for resilience and empowerment, what it did not lead me to expect was the author's agenda being as much about imposing her values and beliefs as about promoting the benefits of participating in creative pursuits. Key words that would have helped readers make a better choice in knowing if this book was for them would have been: liberal, new age, progressive, omnism, etc. My best advice about this book is buyer beware.

I am grateful for Running Press' consideration in providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book via NetGalley. However, if I had paid for it, I would be requesting my money back as it stressed me out and the end result was the opposite of what I had hoped for. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and all opinions expressed here are my own. 

Making Peace with What I Can't Control by Lysa Terkeurst

  

This Bible study is accompanied by online streaming video access. I will be reviewing the study guide, not the videos. This study covers six sessions. It is very specific about what to say, so I would suggest, if you will be leading a group, familiarizing yourself with each session's teaching and questions so that it does not appear that you are just reading to the group. The intro matter of the guide will assure that, if you structure and lead each session following the recommendations, you will lead each session with maximum efficiency. The guide is designed to support leaders for the greatest opportunity for success. This includes the quality of the group discussions. The focus on Scripture is an essential element to the integrity of Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Content in each session is pertinent to the topic, easy to understand, and promotes quality discussions. It does a good job of directing the group to meet the goal of the title.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this study from Harper Christian Resources via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James - A Book Review

  

A Lighthouse Legacy is the fifth book in Guideposts Gift Shop Mystery series. Each installment is written by a different author, but readers would never know that if the authors' names were not provided because they have each done such a wonderful job of maintaining a constant voice and keeping the characters' natures consistent from one story to the next. It is enjoyable to get to know and revisit characters over a series longer than the typical trilogy. This series would qualify as a cozy mystery. I felt like the mystery was easy to solve, and the ending confirmed I had predicted correctly about one fourth of the way into the story. This did not dampen my enjoyment of the story as I enjoyed following the protagonist as she worked toward a solution and confirming my own thoughts. I recommend A Lighthouse Legacy to mystery fans who need a quick, light read.

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

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi - A Book Review

  

Theo of Golden is the type of book that one has to slowly emerge from before fully re-entering the real world as Theo's world quickly becomes reality. One begins to feel like they are members of Theo's close circle of friends, after all, it is a very diverse group of individuals. His poetic speech paints poignant word pictures as beautiful as an artist's completed canvas and as hopeful as a child's sketchpad. Theo teaches by example by modeling good listening, generosity, and thoughtfulness. He is a man who has learned the value of putting others before self. Theo believes in heaven, and understands that a gentle, winsome nature is often the key when wanting others to one day reside there with you. Others come to deeply love him because he loves so well.

Author Allen Levi has been published before, but this, his first novel, is truly a work of art, hopefully the first of many. His writing style brings along with it a sense of peace, at times because of the serenity he depicts, and at times when replaced with hope during difficult times. Theo of Golden will be shelved in my heart where few other books have found their home, a place where only books who have touched me so deeply live. All secondary though to the One Book whose Author surpasses all others. A book to which this one points. 

Shadowing You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

The first adjective that comes to mind when describing Shadowing You is unexpected. The main characters, especially the Wright cousin, was not one I had anticipated. The love interest was also a pleasant surprise. I have really enjoyed the foreign settings in the Wright Heroes of Maine; this one was of personal interest to me as it is my granddaughter's country of origin.

The suspense as the main characters are on the run from someone with lots of contacts and influence in the government is very well written. The author's knowledge of both city life and village life made the characters' escapades even more realistic. The core of this story though centers on relationships and commitment, not only between married couples, but also between parents and adult children. Relationships that are worth preserving, even when it would be easier to walk away. Of course, this theme must include a focus on forgiveness and the willingness to try again.

Robin Patchen is a master of keeping readers spellbound while also conveying deep truths. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Shadowing You from JDO Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke - A Book Review

  

While Every Given Day is a work of fiction, it is built on a very real historical era, the time leading up to and following the discovery of insulin for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The story also includes characters impacted by the Spanish flu and tuberculosis. The health challenges make for tension in the story, and in come cases grief. Other sources of tension that move readers are strained familial relationships and illegal behavior that puts everyone in the household at risk. Tension may not be great in real life, but it certainly makes for great reading. This story will give readers all the feels as some would say. The theme of perseverance and the gradual way in which key characters come to faith, and of course the journey to true love, will encourage readers and balance out the more disheartening elements.

I highly recommend Every Given Day and am very grateful to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Murder Plainly Written by Mindy Steele - A Book Review

  

Wanda Miller, who coaches people toward healthier lifestyle choices at a local wellness center, has enjoyed writing articles on that subject. However, she longs to write a novel, something she has not revealed to her fellow members of the Plain Order Ink Society, a group of Amish writers who encourage one another and seek to grow in their writing skills together. Wanda had no idea as to what situations she would get involved in by befriending Englischer writer Sadie Lynch who had just arrived in the small Amish community to run the candle shop left to her by her aunt. Their common passion for writing quickly bonded the two, something Sadie would especially be very glad for as odd occurrences turned ominous.

This cozy Amish mystery is a fun read. The author gives us characters to befriend as well as some to be leery of. Both clues and red herrings are well placed along the way. Most readers will enjoy solving the mystery before the characters in the book come to a conclusion as to the identity of the culprit. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Murder Plainly Written from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Library of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar - A Book Review

  

This book is an emotional story about a librarian in Berlin who, along with her friends and co-workers, strives to protect as many books as possible from destruction by Hitler's regime. The story also details the highs and lows of her family life as she works to balance her work and personal life while avoiding capture. Escobar is a wonderful storyteller who engages his readers emotionally and sensorily. One cannot read his work and remain detached or passive.

I am one of those people who read historical fiction, frequently fact checking to determine which parts are true and which are fiction. I was unable to find much at all about librarian Helene Nathan.At the end of the book, Escobar offers clarifications from history, revealing that very little of Helene Nathan's story matches the story told in Library of Forbidden Books. To say that that was a big disappointment is an understatement. If the notes at the beginning of the book had given a heads up, or if the author had chosen to make the character fully fictional, this let down could have been avoided. That is the only drawback to this intense read.

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

Where Wilted Flowers Bloom by Johanna Rojas Vann - A Book Review

  

While Vann tells a raw and honest story of grief following the loss of a child, she also tells a beautiful story about the value of inter-generational friendships. Sandra thought her family move to Nashville following the loss of their baby girl would help them all get a new start, but that was not how things worked out. Mark, a retired widower, became fast friends with his new neighbors. They filled his lonely hours and gave his days purpose. Mark provided Sandra a compassionate ear and heart, listening in a way those closest to her could not. Readers will be blessed as they immerse themselves in Mark and Sandra's story, and they will learn important life lessons that can be applied under broader circumstances. I give Where Wilted Flowers Bloom five stars.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own

A Little Latitude by Johnnie Alexander - A Book Review

  

This cozy mystery was the perfect break after several more serious books. I had read the first book in Guidepost Gift Shop Mysteries series, and had assumed this was the second. Upon reading, I could tell that I had missed one or two books, but that did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of this book. I enjoyed it enough that I am going to check into reading the missed book(s).

The story continues to focus on Sarah Morgan and her new gift shop, Heavenly Presents. It has a Hallmark mystery feel to it as mysteries seem to fall into Sarah's lap. Like the first book in this series, A Little Latitude include some quirky characters, and this one has a budding romance. If you are in the mood for a light read, this is a good choice.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Little Latitude from Guideposts via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

  

I have become familiar with the Jólabókaflóđ tradition in Iceland over the last few Christmas seasons. I searched the internet for the correct pronunciation and got a variety of answers, most varied on the sound of the last letter. The first four syllables are consistently presented as yo-la-bok-a, while the last can be found as flot, flod, and floth among other variations. The word translates in English to Christmas (or Yule) Book Flood. Roseanna M. White's novella The Christmas Book Flood uses the story of fictional characters Tatiana Eliasdottir and Anders Johannsson who both work for a publishing company called Sogufelagith, the Story Society, to tell of the birth of this tradition; which I will not spoil for you by explaining it here.

This wonderful novella is a quick read that book lovers of all types are likely to enjoy because of the tradition they will likely want to adopt. Those who enjoy a sweet romance will be especially pleased. The theme of miscommunication and its effect on self-esteem may have each of us examining our own assumptions as well as how our words and actions appear to others. Happy reading and merry Christmas!

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Book Flood from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax by Terrie Todd - A Book Review

 

This is the second work of fiction that I have read centered around the historical event of the Great Halifax Explosion on December 6, 1917, yet I was still unprepared for the enormous devastation that occurred that day. An estimated 2,000 people were killed, and an estimated 8,000 were injured when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. Hundreds were permanently blinded. Over one third of the victims were under the age of fifteen.

Terrie Todd makes readers aware of the big picture, but also skillfully makes the disaster personal for two fictional families and thus to the readers of The Reluctant Healer of Halifax. This multi-themed story deals with being able to do more than you ever thought possible when the need arises, sacrificing ones own needs and concerns for those of others, and perseverance coming through the testing of one's faith. This book is a wonderful read, and the enjoyment of that experience would be multiplied with opportunities to discuss the story with others along the way, making it an ideal book club selection.

I am grateful to have received The Reluctant Healer of Halifax from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Embroidering the Truth by Elizabeth Penney - A Book Review

  

I have read three of the first four books in Guideposts' Gift Shop Mystery series. This is by far my favorite. Embroidering the Truth is a dual-timeline story in which the contemporary characters are researching the lives of two women from the 1890s historical timeline. While they are trying to esI have read three of the first four books in Guideposts' Gift Shop Mystery series. This is by far my favorite. Embroidering the Truth is a dual-timeline story in which the contemporary characters are researching the lives of two women from the 1890s historical timeline. While they are trying to establish the provenance of an antique quilt, the story becomes more about the lack of recognition women historically received for their contributions in the fields of art and architecture. I am sure the same is true in many other fields as well.

This cozy mystery is a quick read. Even though each book in this series has been written by a different author, the authors have done a great job regarding the consistency in the way the recurring characters behave and speak as well as the enchanting picture they portray of the main setting, Port Huron. These books have led me to do some searching on places to visit in Michigan in general, and things to do in Port Huron specifically.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Embroidering the Truth from Guideposts via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

STill Life by Dani Pettrey - A Brief Comment

Still Life felt very different than other Dani Pettrey books that I have read, still quite good, just different. It had more of a Nancy Mehl feel to it. So, of course, I recommend this book to fans of both of these authors. While Still Life is the second book in Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series , it works well as a stand-alone read. The story is intense and could be categorized as a psychological thriller rather than strictly romantic suspense. 

I enjoyed this book through the Libby app. 

A Crimson Rose by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

This novella is a sweet read. While it will work as a stand-alone, having read at least the first book in Grace Greene's Crimson Grove series will truly make this story make more sense. Amelia Hennipen is a caregiver at heart. Circumstances, and likely God, have put Amelia in situations that some would find anywhere from untenable to uncomfortable. She not only manages them, but thrives, and so do those under her care. Does she have weak moments, absolutely. The team she has built around her and those who have come alongside her see her through. Grace Greene is truly a master of character development. In A Crimson Rose she honors both the lifetime character of Henny who is journeying through Alzheimer's as well as the changes that have manifested. The story has a gentle, slow pace as this type of story deserves. Deep emotions cannot be rushed. It is special that Greene is able to accomplish this within the constraints of the book being a novella rather than a full-length novel.

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

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde

 

In 1803 two children were kidnapped from their home in Hyberabad, India, leaving their widowed mother alone. Raised on an estate in England, the two learned what was now expected of them by an uncaring grandfather who deplored their mixed heritage. Now, grown and being forced into a life they don't want to live, extreme measures may be necessary to live a life that honors God and respects their heritage.

Jenelle Hovde has skillfully blended the lives of her fictional characters with those of real life reformist William Wilberforce and missionary and translator William Carey. She has obviously carefully researched not only the lives of these men, but also the East India Company and the social and political culture of India in the early1800s. This is the first book of Hovde's that I have read, but I will certainly be on the lookout for others. I enjoy her writing style and appreciate the realism and authenticity of this story.

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

Conspiracy by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

  

The final book of Coble's Sanctuary series which is connected to the Tupelo Grove novels that she coauthored with Rick Acker, is an amazing conclusion. Veterinarian Paradise Alden is once again in the cross-hairs. The mystery is the identity of the one who has her in their sights. Blake Lawson had thought life had gotten back to normal after the mystery of who was sabotaging his family's wildlife sanctuary had been solved. All too soon he realized that danger still lurked as Paradise pressed on in her investigation to discover the identity of her parents' murderer. Coble keeps the tension high throughout Conspiracy. While the ending is truly satisfying, readers will not be ready for the book or the series to end. This series is written in the style that put Coble's name on my list of favorite mystery authors years ago.

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

The Spy Keeper of Marseille by Roseanna M. White

  

It's been a long time since I've read a really good WW II novel. This story was a great one with which to return to the genre. The fact that it involved the French resistance is a bonus for me. The Spy Keeper of Marseille emphasizes that each of us has strengths and talents that can be utilized in causes that we are passionate about. We must be willing to be brave and to make sacrifices for what is right. Zelie Bellarose, widowed mother of two children who live with their grandmother while their mother works as a keeper of spies, exemplifies this as does pianist Marcel Laurent. Together they rally the fine arts world into an alliance to spy on enemy soldiers and leaders. This book's themes, the intrigue, and the danger are all well written and compliment one another.

I highly recommend The Spy Keeper of Marseille and am to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

Pepper Basham is offering fans of her Freddy and Grace Mysteries another delightful mystery along with some special surprises along the way. This fifth book has multiple mysteries going on at once, frequently becoming entangled with one another. Basham keeps both her characters and her readers on their toes. Sorting the good guys from the bad guys is a frequent challenge. Humor, challenges, and life lessons are well-balanced. There is plenty of lightheartedness to act as the sugar to help the medicine, or in this case the morals to the story, go down. The ending is satisfying and pleasing on several fronts. I highly recommend The Bachelor Spy, but suggest reading the Freddy and Grace Mysteries in sequence in order to get maximum comprehension and reading pleasure. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Bachelor Spy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. This is a series that I will likely reread one day. 

Sisterchicks do the Hula! by Robin Jones Gunn - A Brief Comment

  

As I make my way through a second reading of Robin Jones Gunn's Sisterchicks series I am realizing that sixty-seven year-old me is enjoying them in a different way that forty-something me did. I was especially drawn to the historical information of our fiftieth state in Sisterchicks do the Hula. I had never really had a desire to visit Hawaii, but now I would love to go visit their historic sites, especially those related to the state's early missionaries. The story also highlights many interesting points about the culture, things that are being lost as commercialization has increased. As always is true of a Robin Jones Gunn book, there are many spiritual lessons to absorb along the way. 

The Christmas Quilt by Teresa Slack - A Brief Comment

  

The title drew me to this book when the Kindle copy was offered for free on Amazon. While my copy had quite a few typos, I truly enjoyed this sweet, yet intriguing, story. Mourning the loss of her grandmother, Ivy Greer comes across an old trunk containing a beautiful, Christmas-themed quilt, that her grandmother had obviously created for her. Shocked when the man who had always been like an uncle to her quickly took the quilt from her, Ivy sets out to solve the mystery of the quilt.

Theresa Slack is a new to me author. I will be keeping a look out for other books by her. This story has a wonderful plot, and is realistic. The dialogue was well written. The ending played well and didn't seem rushed. All hallmarks for me of an enjoyable read. 

Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O'Neal - A BookReview

   

Shattered in the second book in Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O'Neal's end time series. I highly recommended the first book when it came out last year. Shattered, not so much so. If you read Vanished, I would suggest you go ahead and read Shattered because the story as a whole remains interesting. It's some of the details in this book that has me lowering my star count. There was so many times I stopped reading to explain to my husband why something I just read was not logical or that it just struck me as off. So, that annoyance factor was high, but as I said, the series' story as a whole is interesting. The first book takes place leading up to the Rapture. This second book occurs leading up to and just past the halfway point of the Tribulation. I am hoping that the next book in the series is more like Vanished than it is like Shattered, focused and with characters acting in a reasonable manner based on the circumstances.

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

 

The Island Bakeshop by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

 

 

This second book in Guideposts Island Shop series features Harper Dailey, baker extraordinaire. Baker's hours don't allow much time for a social life, but Harper always makes time for a weekly friends group dinner. It doesn't hurt that Beckett Mills is usually in attendance as well, even if he had shown little interest in her at the dinner or during his frequent visits to her family's bakery. Yet, he immediately intervenes when entering the bakery to find Harper living her worst nightmare.

The Island Bookshop is an intense story dealing with healing from a range of abuses and neglect, but even healed wounds leave scars. Roseanna M. White handles this theme with sensitivity, and a focus on the importance of talking through one's hurts and a reliance on God, the great Healer. Trusting relationships are key. White allows readers the opportunity to get to know her characters, to develop empathy for them. This story is appropriate for romantic suspense fans, and would be equally appropriate for young adult readers who may or may not have yet encountered the signs of a toxic relationship. It might open up an avenue of conversation with a trusted adult.

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