The Naturalist's Daughter by Tea Cooper - A Book Review

   

While the main characters in this book are all fictional, I enjoyed being immersed in a tale that placed me in a historical Australian scientific controversy, one that revolved around the acceptance of facts regarding the ornithorhynchus platypus. The story also addresses to a smaller degree England's sending prisoners to colonize Australia. Both stories in this dual-timeline novel work to solve the mystery surrounding former prisoner Rose Winter's heritage. It was very interesting to see how the culture of the day impacted the reasons for secrecy around Rose's family history.

I always keep an eye out for Tea Cooper's books being released in the United State. They are always very enjoyable reads with interesting themes and lots to learn about Australian history. I highly recommend The Naturalist's Daughter and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

  

Target Acquired is a good, contemporary who-done-it read. While it is a dual timeline story, the focus is definitely on the members of the SWAT team in the contemporary setting. The importance of the 1940s story is not readily apparent until the contemporary storyline has been developed. As I read, there were times I almost felt startled when the attention returned to 1947, having momentarily forgotten it was even connected. While Target Acquired could be classified as romantic suspense, the romance part is more of a what-if rather than a sizzling story component. While it is also considered Christian fiction, it mostly depicts Christians living a wholesome lifestyle, with the majority of references to God or Jesus being included in intercessory prayers for help and statements of gratitude for God’s intervention. There are no overarching Christian themes that I could identify. That said, it is an engaging, entertaining story that held my interest. I feel comfortable recommending this book and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy 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. 

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

I have given more of Robin Patchen's books a five star review than those of any other author. I would like to be able to give Sheltering You more than five. Not only is the suspense masterfully written, I got so much out of seeing the Christian life lived out and thought through by someone who risked her life by choosing to truly embrace Christ and God's Word. Sometimes we don't treasure things that are so easily come by and cost us little, and we take far too much for granted. This book also gave me an enhanced perspective of the essence of freedom. It changed the way I pray daily for the persecuted church and the type of awakening I pray for churches in America.

Sheltering You would be a perfect selection for a book club with its deep themes and contemporary social issues. I do however, recommend reading this series, The Wright Heroes of Maine, in order to get the greatest understanding and most enjoyment from each book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano - A Book Review

  

I am a longtime Jen Turano fan. I recommend her books quite frequently, especially to those who are looking for a fun, lighthearted read or a book to get them over a reading slump. I will be a bit more cautious about recommending this one. Meeting Her Match goes beyond fun and lighthearted into corny and silly. The interesting mystery of identifying would-be-kidnappers quickly fell to the wayside until the last quarter of the book. I would especially caution residents of Appalachia and those who hold the region in special affection. I do look forward to Turano's next book. She has too many wonderful books under her belt for me not to anticipate another wonderful one.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Meeting Her Match from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

  

My husband read this book weeks ago, and I admire his ability to stay mum about how good it was and not sharing details as he read, waiting for me to have time on my reading calendar for a purchased book between books from NetGalley. I would have had a difficult time not sharing about this wonderful, high tech, cyber crime mystery. While cyber attacks on infrastructure would be devastating anywhere, such things would be particularly deadly during Alaskan winters. Darcie Phillips, newly hired Emergency Operations Center director, was tasked with having systems in place to protect lives in her assigned region should any type of emergency occur. Before the new center was even fully operational, things rapidly became real, real serious that is. With the support of her small team Darcie must defy all odds to fulfill her obligation.

I highly recommend this intense, fast-paced, surprise-laden, suspense novel, and I look forward to reading the next installment in Woodhouse's Alaskan Cyber Hunter series, 8 Down.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh - A Book Review

  

Providence brings Kelsey and Georgina together in a totally unexpected way. The near-death experience of one and the imminent death of the other helps them forge an unusual relationship as they both contemplate all of the things they have missed in life by saying no. Walsh helps her readers understand the importance of saying yes when it means living life to its fullest. She also urges them to examine and adjust their priorities.

This story wasn't my typical read. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't say I was passionate about it. I did appreciate the themes of the story. The writing was crisp and flowed smoothly. I feel comfortable recommending it to readers who enjoy contemporary women's fiction. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Summer of Yes from Thomas Nelson without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.