The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry - A Book Review

  

The Story She Left Behind is inspired by the true literary mystery involving the disappearance of author Barbara Newhall Follet in 1939. Barbara wrote her first novel at the age of eight. She became a published author at the age of twelve. The mystery of her disappearance at the age of twenty-five has never been solved.

Henry's character, Bronwynn Newcastle Fordham was also a child literary prodigy. In 1927, she disappeared off the coast of South Carolina leaving her husband and eight-year-old daughter behind. Twenty-five years later, her daughter, Clara, still grieves the loss of her mother. AS a single mother of eight-year-old Wynnie, Clara's own creativity is expressed in her paintings and book illustrations. She has never quite healed from her mother's abandonment. When she receives an unexpected call from a stranger in London saying a satchel containing some of her mother's papers had been found among his late father's things. Clara and Wynnie begin the adventure of a lifetime.

The Story She Left Behind is filled with magic and mystery, secrets and suspense, and make-believe and wisdom. I usually review Christian fiction, while the characters, or maybe even the author, don't see God in their story, those with eyes to see will certainly glimpse Him there. Although, just like in real life, not all choices will reflect him. The language in this book is beautiful. It is meant to be savored, not hurried through. While the ending is not rushed, readers will not be fully ready for the story to end.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Story She Left Behind from Simon &Schuster via NetGalley without obligation.All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Stories That Bind Us by Susiie Finkbeiner - A Book Review

  

I was excited to find one of Susie Finkbeiner's books that I had not known about. We purchased one for me and three for gifts. I truly hope those that received one as a gift enjoy Stories That Bind Us as much as I did. The story is set in the early 1960s, but many of the events are indicative of that entire decade. It is interesting to read historical fiction that overlaps one's own childhood. It was also interesting to know that myself and one of the gift recipients would read it through a much different lens than the other two recipients. The wonderful thing is that the important themes of this book will resonate with all generations.

Susie Finkbeiner crafts beautiful, poignant stories centering around believable, relatable characters experiencing real world events. While Stories That Bind Us revolves around civil rights and the Vietnam War era, the theme of mental health dominates the story. Finkbeiner's writing skills make it very easy for readers to walk with Betty Sweet through life's beauty and adversity. They will admire Betty's ability to create just the right story to explain life's events and to encourage herself and her nephew. Readers, too, will be encouraged.

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 Mercy Tree by Sharlene MacLaren - A Book Review

  

If you frequently read my reviews, you may have noticed that I am very selective about giving five star reviews,but I happily give that to The Mercy Tree by new-to-me author Sharlene MacLaren. Those who enjoy reading women's fiction will quickly become engrossed in this story set in 1955, a tale of a pastor whose sin, committed while serving as a soldier in Japan nine years prior, comes to light in a very public way. It is a story of struggles within relationships whether they be between spouses, parents and children, or members of a church community, as well as being a story about forgiveness and grace.

This book is well-written. The dialogue is natural and brings forth a great depth of emotion. The characters seem real-to-life; many may feel like someone you know. As with all of us, they are not perfect, but are sinners in need of a Savior. I am so very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Mercy Tree from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Happiness In Between by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

This is an updated version of the original book first published in 2017 along with a new cover. If you are wondering whether to reread The Happiness In Between, I cannot speak to the extent of the updates, having not read the first version. However, if it is a first read for you, as it was for me, I can assure you that you will be happy to have invested time and money on this book, that is unless an abusive relationship is a bit too fresh in your own experience, although walking the path of healing with Cassandra Shoemaker Hurst might be very encouraging. Grace Greene has included many words of wisdom in this story that apply generally to life's challenges and one's personal outlook on life. I found myself highlighting them for future reference. That is not unusual as each of the ten of her books that I have read included valuable insights brought out in the lives of her memorable characters. Greene writes poignant stories that delve into themes that matter, that change lives. It is a privilege to share her work with other readers. May each of us find out hope and our happiness daily, in between what we think we want and what we actually get.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Happiness In Between from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.