What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma - A Book Review

  

Of the Liz Tolsma novels I have read, What I Would Tell You is my favorite. I was unfamiliar with what took place in Greece leading up to and during World War II, so I found the story of Mathilda Nissim fascinating although tragic. Pairing it with the story of Tessa Payton in 2019, and sharing pages from both ladies' journals was an excellent way to engage readers even more deeply in Mathilda's story. I was grateful for the manner in which Tolsma cleared up Tessa's confusion, helping the character to realize that the God of the Jews and the God of the Christians is One.

I highly recommend What I Would Tell You, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron - A Book Review

  

This well-researched split time novel is filled with information on events surrounding the clearing of the ghetto in Rome, Italy of which I was previously unaware. The fictional story that showcases the real-life heroism of Dr. Giovanni Borromeo and members of his staff at the Fatebenefratelli Hospital at Tiber Island is amazing. The heroics of the fictional characters are both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Kristy Cambron has once again woven a tale that brings the generations together and demonstrates the impact the past has on the future, and that one life can have on the lives of so many others. The theme of both extending and receiving mercy is also well developed in this beautiful story.

I highly recommend The Italian Ballerina along with Cambron's other works. 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 Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

   

Fans of Jaime Jo Wright know to expect a certain eerie, haunting quality in her tales. The Souls of Lost Lake is beyond even what we would normally expect from Wright. She is the only author I know who can include ax murders and still maintain the integrity of the Christian fiction genre. I must say here that even those who enjoy an incredibly spooky campfire tale who don't identify as Christina will love this story.

This split time story tells us of Ava Coons, accused of being a type of Lizzie Borden, and Arwen Blythe, a twenty-six year old secretary at a large Christian camp who has felt lost most of her life. Discovering how their stories intertwine will keep readers up late into the night. Maybe, just maybe, readers will be inspired to reach out to those they encounter who feel lost, for whatever reason.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Souls of Lost Lake from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.