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. 

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle - A Book Review

  

This sequel to The Shell Collector is just as delightful as its predecessor. What a pleasure to be on Whelk's Island visiting with Amanda, her children, Paul, Tug; and their new friend, Rosemary. Their story is beautiful, poignant, and romantic, but not without disappointment, grief, and uncertainty. The theme of having a grateful heart open to love and light that will, eventually, overcome our disappointment and worries if properly placed in God and supported by those He sends us, is an important one. Finding pleasure in the moment not out of self-indulgence, but out of accepting God's blessings is the key. Readers may be reminded of Isaiah 43:18-19.

While To Light the Way Forward can be read as a stand-alone read, it will be best enjoyed after reading The Shell Collector. If these are your first Nancy Naigle books, they will have you searching for more. Fans of Grace Greene will delight in discovering Nancy Naigle and vice versa. Both authors are skilled in crafting stories of difficult realities made easier through love and grace, stories that warm the hearts of readers. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Naigle's latest release from WaterBrook and Multnomah via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

A Heart Beyond by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

There is a scene in this book where Sam takes Leigh for a ride in the country, asking her to trust him. Initially, a confirmed city girl, Leigh dislikes being out of her comfort zone and wishes to get it over with and to return home. After contemplating all of the reasons she has to trust Sam, she decides to approach this trip with more of an open mind and enjoys herself enough to later return on her own. This scene is a great analogy for my experience with A Heart Beyond. Initially I, who am not a pet person, was not experiencing the same enjoyment that I usually do from a Grace Greene novel, telling my husband that there was just too much focus on the cat. Then it was as though Grace was asking me to trust her. I considered the delight I had taken in the fourteen of her books that I had read over the last six years, and knew that I could indeed trust her to give me a delightful reading experience this time. So, with a more open mind, I continued reading and was not disappointed. The story took some turns that involved both intrigue and romance, and some valuable life lessons about worry and moving forward after hurt and betrayal. It wasn't long before I had a hard time putting the book down. It was a delightful read.

Grace Greene is truly a trusted author, and I highly recommend A Heart Beyond and all of her other novels. It was certainly wonderful to revisit Cub Creek, home of the Wildflower House in this book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.