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.

The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee - A Book Review

  

The Caregiver at Wounded Knee follows Rose Rushing Water, a member of the Lakota tribe who had been educated in Boston to be a nurse. While in Boston, Rose's experiences included the pains of prejudice against her people as well as the joys of learning nursing, discovering new authors, and making a best friend. Rose was ready to liver her dream of returning home to her brothers and serving the Indians and settlers residing there. She also was excited to reconnect with her language and traditions, something that was far more difficult than she had ever anticipated. The story of Rose's life leads to her presence at the Wounded Knee Creek on the day of the infamous massacre.

The theme of understanding how an all-powerful and loving God allows people to do horrible things to one another, sometimes in the name of Christianity, and that of justice unrealized are at the center of The Caregiver at Wounded Knee and are well-developed. There is a particular analogy the author uses that goes a long way in explaining why we should not give up on God when people do terrible things.

For the most part, I truly enjoyed this novel. There were a few places where the dialogue or the descriptive prose seemed to be that of a less mature writer, but that certainly wasn't a consistent feature. I enjoyed the story and may seek out others based on this time period in the American West. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Caregiver at Wounded Knee from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

  

While not a military family, we have lived, worked, worshiped, and volunteered among military families our entire marriage. We have seen the sacrifices the duty members and their family members have made. The Belle of Chatham, more than any other novel set during the American Revolution that I have read, has given me a glimpse of how these same sacrifices manifested themselves as our country fought for its independence. It also brings to the forefront that even though we were at war with another country, families that had resided here their entire lives were divided in their loyalties, much as were Civil War families, experiencing heart-wrenching sacrifices.

The Belle of Chatham is a lovely story in its ability to portray this era in the history of our nation and to remind us of what motivated not only our forefathers, but also average Americans, to commit their lives to securing freedom. As often is the case lovely endings are preceded by ugly circumstances and hard truths. Laura Frantz has excelled in using fiction to bring forth truth. She has developed characters whose shoes we can step into, characters we can walk alongside and empathize with, characters who model lives of faith and perseverance.

I most highly recommend The Belle of Chatham which I have rated five stars, not something I often do. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder - A Book Review

    

The Red Cottage has a Regency Cornwall setting, a sometimes brooding Scottish hero, a damsel in distress with two handsome men vying for her hand, and unknown assailants. Well disguised clues and red herrings abound. Author Hannah Linder has readers in the palm of her hand until the very end, an ending that is not rushed and completely satisfies. The themes of true love, resilience, and forgiveness versus retribution are well written into this dramatic tale.

I highly recommend The Red Cottage and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

Set in the early 1800s in St. Groves,England, Miss Emmeline Lockhart, a gentleman's daughter, is entering her third season in society with a still tender heart, no great motivation to attend parties or balls, and a secret. Simon Reeves, the new Viscount of Ravenscross, must find a wife whose dowry can save the floundering estate he has inherited. This means giving up the woman who his heart truly belongs to in order to provide for his family. Fans of Pepper Basham, and sweet romantic fiction of the Regency era can easily guess how this story will end, but getting there is so much fun! While there are periods of tension and disappointment, humor and good will carry the day in this lighthearted story. Emmeline's willingness to demonstrate compassion rather than hold tightly to hurts leads to many good things, even though getting there was quite bumpy. While we as readers enjoy the humor, perhaps some consideration of how we might do likewise would be beneficial.

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

The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof - A Book Review

  

The Heart of Bennet Hollow is an Appalachian retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The daughter of a semi-retired geologist for the mining industry, Lizbeth Bennet, longs to help her father save the family farm and especially her beloved livestock. Socially awkward William Drake was one of several coal barons looking into purchasing the New River mine. He was, unfortunately, the only coal baron considering the well-being of the townspeople, the miners, and the farmers whose land was entangled with the mine. Meeting Lizbeth had only served to deepen that concern.

Having read The Heart of Bennet Hollow, I have now checked out Pride and Prejudice and look forward to reading the original story. I had always thought about reading it; The Heart of Bennet Hollow inspired me to carry through. Joanne Bischof DeWitt does a wonderful job of showing understanding and respect to a culture that is often stereotyped and belittled. This story of family, romance, stewardship, and care was a charming read. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn - A Book Review

  

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton begins as a lighthearted read, set in 1905 Brockton, Massachusetts, about twenty-five miles outside of Boston. Henrietta Maxwell is a young woman of society, masquerading as Henry Mason, one of the top reporters for the Brockton Enterprise, a condition of her employment since a female reporter would not be taken seriously. Her personality, persistence, and the situations in which she sometimes finds herself will endear her to fans of Jen Turano's books. In Chapter Five, things take a serious turn when, based on actual events, an explosion and subsequent fire occur at the Grover Shoe Factory. In her undercover persona, Etta, as she is known by family and friends, and fireman Les Eriksson join forces to solve not only the cause of this catastrophic event, but a string of arson related fires in the Campello district of Brockton. Mixed in with the seriousness of their investigation, Goshorn has written in a developing romance with misunderstandings and setbacks. Goshorn sensitively and respectfully includes the difficulties encountered by women of the time who strove to compete in what was the man's world of business and politics. Etta, like many women of the time, struggled with being all she felt led by God to be while also being accepted and loved for being all of who she was.

I recommend this well-written and well-researched book that so well balances levity and seriousness. I would enjoy meeting the main characters as well as some of the secondary characters again in future books. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

  

How fun to be back in Kalispell, Montana and especially to reunite with Marvella Ashbury match-maker extraordinaire! This time she has a young widow, Johanna St. John, and her childhood sweetheart, Parker Bennett, in her crosshairs. This does not sit well with her late husband's brother, as he has his own plans involving Johanna.

I really enjoy books that are the fruit of Peterson's and Woodhouse's collaboration. The settings, main characters, and dialogue are always heartwarming. There is enough conflict to build and hold fast to the reader's interest and attention. The romance is sweet. There is always a sense of hope for the future by story's end. An Unexpected Grace is no exception. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

 

Early on in reading The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House it felt like a fantasy story. Then I decided, that while fanciful, it wasn't exactly fantasy. A bit further in, I realized that, whatever the genre, this was a novel that reveals deep and meaningful truths through a beautiful story that in many unexpected ways reveals the relationship God wants to have with us. His presence is unobtrusive but there for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, just as it is in our everyday lives. It is a story of questions, that while not about God, whose answers lead ultimately to Him. The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House is a love story with God; a love story of one who is willing to lay down his life for another; and a love story of two people who, in spite of their distinctly different circumstances, bond over the similarities they share at their very core. It is written in a winsome and whimsical style that draws the reader in, helping them envision themselves within the walls of fantastical Blakely House as well as upon the beach and the open sea.

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

When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma

  

We have all heard of the Great Chicago Fire, a conflagration that began on October 8, 1871, but few of us are likely to be familiar with the fire that consumed the village of Peshtigo in northeastern Wisconsin on that same day. Approximately three hundred people died in the Great Chicago Fire. Between twelve hundred and twenty-five hundred were killed in the Peshtigo fire. Exact numbers were impossible to ascertain as the extremely hot fires reduced many bodies to ash.

The fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin is the focus of the latest addition to Barbour Publishing's A Day to Remember series. It is written by Liz Tolsma. While the main characters are fictional, the details of the disaster are well-researched and accurately yet sensitively described. Mariah Randolph suffers great loss during the fire, loss beyond material possessions, and even beyond loss of loved ones. The story becomes one of reconciling faith and the hope and joy found in choosing to see God's blessings even in times of hardship.

Seeds of this story were planted in the author's heart and mind years ago. Now, readers will be blessed with the fully mature product of those seeds. When the Sky Burned is a story whose encouragement will linger on for some time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin - A Book Review

  

This World War II novel is set in Scotland, not a setting for this time period that I have often encountered in my reading. It was interesting to see the varied reaction of the Scots to serving in the British military, some seeing it as their duty, others as a threat to their longed for independence. Of special interest in this novel is the work of MI5's Double Cross program, turning spies with German loyalties into double agents. Cilla van der Zee's attempt to become a spy for the Abwehr as a ruse to leave behind the difficulties she was experiencing working in the Dutch resistance allowed her to use her many skills and talents within the Double Cross program, but made it difficult for her to be accepted as honest and trustworthy among those with whom she worked. Outgoing and social by nature, her situation forced her to become more introspective and to consider her relationship with God and His hand in her life.

Lieutenant Lachlan Mackenzie was grateful for another opportunity, however brief, to serve in the Royal Navy after being expelled a few months shy of graduating from the Royal Navy College. He struggled with forgiving his younger brother for his role in that expulsion. His nature led him to strictly adhere to rules and regulations, making if difficult to understand or forgive either his brother or Miss van der Zee with whom he was coerced to work.

I give this novel five stars for its original plot, wonderful characters, and the manner in which the author brings the setting to life. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Midnight on the Scottish Shore from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

  

From the 1710s to the 1770s Scottish merchants who traded in tobacco grown in the colonies were known as Tobacco Lords. They were innovators in capitalism who became very wealthy. The American War of Independence marked the beginning of the end for this type of tobacco enterprise as growers were then able to send their tobacco directly to Europe, cutting out the middle men.

Juliet Catesby, also known as the Indigo Heiress, helped her father run his business interests including the multiple crops that the Royal Vale Plantation grew. In spite of her assistance, Royal Vale continued to accumulate debt, a problem her father chose to alleviate by betrothing her to Tobacco Lord, Leith Buchanan.

Laura Frantz weaves a tale filled with action, romance, betrayal, and intrigue, all wrapped around extensive research of the era's history on both sides of the Atlantic. The story includes characters that readers will easily become attached to and empathize with. Emotions will run high as injustices and poor timing impact Juliet and Leith's relationship. Readers will be encouraged by these characters' developing spiritual maturity, evolving priorities, and the power of prayer in their lives.

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

Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

My prayers go out to author Pepper Basham and her fellow North Carolinians as they are working to recover from the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene. The book itself is set in this state in the early 1900s. It is the story of the redemption of a teenage mother-to-be who doesn't truly understand what love is intended to be. I was most touched by the ways in which her older and more mature Christian friend ministered to her in such a winsome way as to profoundly impact the young woman's life. While all this may sound a bit preachy, the book does not have that feel at all, especially adding in the family drama and romance that are central to the story. While the events that move this story along create the emotions of anger, angst, and concern, those emotions are overwhelmingly overridden by joy and hope. If those are things you need in your life, or if you just enjoy an encouraging historical read, I highly recommend Hope Like Wildflowers.

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

A Hope Unburied by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

    

A Hope Unburied is the third and final book in Kimberley Woodhouse's Treasures of the Earth series. This book, like the other books in this series, has a compelling mystery that stirs ones sense of justice, a sweet romance, and a deep theme centered around the historical debate between Creationism and paleontology. The books can be enjoyed in any order.

A Hope Unburied tells the story of Eliza Mills, a paleontologist with the Hall of Dinosaurs at the Carnegie Institute. Eliza, as a woman in a man's profession, had striven to be respected in her field. Now, opportunities are opening up for her, but danger may not be far behind.

I truly enjoyed this book and its series mates. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Hope Unburied from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

Our story begins on a damp night in July of 1888 among the gravestones at St. Sepulchre's in Oxford, England, perfectly setting the mood for this story, a story that involves someone known as the Shadow Broker who buys Egyptian antiquities in the shadows of the evening, someone no one would suspect of such stealth and secrecy, nor of being able to conduct business with disreputable dealers who came about their wares in less than scrupulous ways. In the brighter spots of Oxford, where men and women typically adhere to the rules of society, the author introduces us to two people who are not exactly typical, Ami Dalton who is a bit of an eccentric and Edmund Price who, while being Oxford's most eligible bachelor, avoids the feminine set who vie for his attention. While readers may think they know how historical romance books work, let me assure you finding out how these two get from point A to point B is a fun read with many unexpected turns of event, some hilarious, some angst-filled, and some quite dangerous.

Michelle Griep always provides many hours of reading pleasure with her tales that skillfully combine intrigue, humor, and light out of darkness. Of Gold and Shadows is a delightful example of this. Fans and those new to Griep's writing will be thrilled with this first book in her Time Lost Treasures series. I am grateful to have a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson - A Book Review

  

Madison McDowell returns home from teaching in Mongolia to her late grandparents' Christmas tree farm only to discover that her now-widowed high school boyfriend is living next door and her younger sister has staked her claim on him. If this sounds like a soap opera to you, you wouldn't be far off the mark. While the story is a clean read, it has its share of jealousy, family conflict, manipulation, and drama. Being a novella does not provide ample opportunity for realistic conflict resolution, but as is true for many stories set at Christmastime, it does have a happily ever after evening. You will just have to read the book to see who gets to live happily ever after and who, if anyone, gets left out in the cold.

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

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

  

Between the Sound and Sea becomes a dual timeline story mostly through the memories of octogenarian Finnegan Walter O'Hare, AKA Walt. In the early 1940s sixteen-year-old Walt left his best friend, Cay, behind as he left to join the merchant marines. It was the last time he saw her because she was reported to have disappeared the same night his ship was blown out of the water. Her father was found dead not long after, and so rumors about the father and daughter began. In 2007, Walt is still looking for ways to make things right.

Both story lines are interesting and well-thought-out. Each has its share of love, tragedy, and loss. The overall theme of restoration is well-done. The characters are ones that readers will come to care about. I highly recommend all of Amanda Cox's books. They are rich in excellent writing and deep themes. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Between the Sound and Sea from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano - A Book Review

  

I truly appreciate Politano's mastery of storytelling, her skill in the artistry of using words to build ethereal mental images, and the way she uses language to create a melody. I admire the way she uses fiction to explain truth, the most important of truths. In The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple she has woven a sense of fairy tale into a work of historical fiction set in the silent film era. The story also includes a mystery involving a missing gem. While all I have said about Politano's writing is true, I must admit that I wasn't in the right headspace to truly appreciate the whimsical nature of this story at this time, although I still feel comfortable recommending this book because I can imagine myself having been enthralled with it at another time. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

 

  

The Codebreakers has been my all time favorite Roseanna M. White series, but I think it is going to have to move over and make room for The Imposters. I have so enjoyed reading the first two books about the lovable, quirky characters that make up the investigation team known as The Imposters. This second book in the series has two very interesting storylines. The first is, of course, the case that they are currently investigating, a kidnapping case involving a ten-year-old boy, a case of mistaken identity. The second, a sad yet poignant story of a loving couple whom circumstances have driven apart, a story of unforgiveness, and a story of turning one's face away from God. The saddest part of the advanced reader copy I received was the page that said that the final book of this series will be available in November of this year. I will miss these characters and am sad to see the series end with the next book. I certainly hope they will make cameo appearances in some of White's future novels. As always with White's books, A Noble Scheme is well thought out. Information in this book and in its connections to the first one is carefully woven together and released at just the right moment. Much to my satisfaction, the ending was not rushed, the author was generous with the time and space she allowed for bringing the story to a meaningful conclusion. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Noble Scheme from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn - A Book Review

   

I am a long time fan of Lynn H. Blackburn's writing, and this novel is my favorite thus far. The romance between two wounded souls gives the story the emotional element that bonds characters and readers. The intense suspense is what grasps the readers' attention and keeps them highly engaged. While some elements are likely only to occur in books or movies, it doesn't spoil the heart of the story. Never Fall Again is a multi-themed book focusing most on emotional healing, healthy familial relationships, and honoring God. These themes are well-developed within this gripping tale.

I am looking forward to the second book in Blackburn's Gossamer Falls series, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this first book of the series from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.