Reviewing: Behind Love's Wall (Doors to the Past) by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 ...from the publisher...

Two successful women, a hundred-and-twenty-years apart, build walls to protect their hearts. Modern-day Willa, a successful interior decorator, is chosen to go to Mackinac Island and consult for the Grand Hotel’s possible redesign. During work on a room, she discovers a journal detailing the struggles of a young woman, Lily—which reveals dark secrets. The renowned singer wasn’t who she pretended to be.
 
As Willa reaches out to Lily’s descendant, a charismatic and prominent landscape artist, she lets down her guard. Should she share the journal with him—revealing hidden history—or once again erect a wall as she struggles to redesign both the Grand and her life?

...my thoughts...

Behind Love' Wall is a book where the past comes alive because of Lily's journal and the curiosity of modern day Willa, who unwittingly found her diary. The very woman who is the subject of a recent newspaper article Willa casually picked up on a ferry ride to the island. There are some parallels between the two women, each searching for clarity in their lives.  I liked the mystery both women bring to the story.  This is more than a romantic story that brings readers of Carrie's books back to Mackinac. It is a true mystery and it is not until that end that the answers truly unfold.  

I also like how the author weaves in characters from earlier books with their descendants in this time split story. I have read several of Carrie's books and it was interesting to see how she wove these characters and their talents to span generations.  It is like looking at genealogy and learning of talents shared with a great grandparent.  The setting at the Grand Hotel, rich with history is an invitation to travel across on the ferry and enjoy the sights of this well researched book. 

I hope there will be more stories coming up set in this area of our country that is so rich with stories to be shared.
 

Reviewing: The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

...from the publisher...

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

 ...my thoughts...

The Santa Suit is one of those books that you enjoy from the moment you hit page one.  From Ivy's arrival that the farmhouse to finding all the forgotten treasures left behind, I found I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded. The journey Ivy found herself on led her to a treasure beyond her imagination.  This is one book that will remain in your heart all season long.  

Well written, with wonderful characters, this is one more book to add to your Christmas reading pile. 

Reviewing: Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber

...from the publisher...

 Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up—but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.
 
Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen’s encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic—especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate—Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

...my thoughts... 

Lindy is a young woman who left it all behind when she left home for the big city and a bright future.  Life isn't always what we dream it to be while we are making plans for the future.  Sometimes it is even better.  It all started with a letter to Santa to turn this discouraged young woman's life into a roller coaster ride of events that will change her life forever.

Skip the movie and read the book to get you into the Christmas spirit!  Set with believable characters in the beautiful state of Washington, it doesn't get any better than a little holiday fun.

Reviewing: Twisted Tea Christmas by Laura Childs

...from the publisher...

 

Tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are catering a Victorian An attack on the host of a fancy tea party sends Theodosia Browning looking for answers in the latest entry in the Christmas party at a swanky mansion in downtown Charleston. Drucilla Heyward, the hostess, is one of the wealthiest women in town.

As the champagne flows and the tea steeps, Drucilla is so pleased with the reception by her partygoers that she reveals her secret plan to Theodosia. The Grande Dame has brought the cream of Charleston society together to reveal that she is planning to give her wealth away to various charitable organizations. However, before she can make the announcement, Theodosia finds her crumpled unconscious in the hallway. It looks like the excitement has gotten to the elderly woman--except that there is a syringe sticking out of her neck. 

 ...my thoughts...

Theodosia and Drayton are at it again only this time, they are in the thick of it after catering a house full of suspects attending the grand event that Charleston will talk about for years to come.  At least one would have hoped it was because of the exceptional event itself, not the murder of a beloved hostess. 

Laura Childs has once again delivered a mystery that will keep you guessing while you turn the pages as fast as you can.  It would seem that our heroine has nine lives and each time they set upon a caper, the plot is as thick as can be.  For a mystery that will make your Christmas mystery list on high, pick up a copy of Twisted  Tea Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas With the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker

 ...from the publisher...

1941. The bombs still fall, but in St. Ives Christmas is finally approaching for the Cornish Girls…

With the war ongoing, Lily is feeling anything but festive. That is, until Eva asks if she’ll join her in working at an officers’ convalescent home, lifting her spirits no end.

Eva came to St. Ives to be near the man who almost gave his life to protect hers. But will the wounded pilot ever help to heal himself by opening his heart to love?

Rose suspects the local orphanage is mistreating its charges – and it’s her job to uncover the truth before it’s too late…

Can the Cornish Girls help one another through the darkest days in order to give everyone in St. Ives the sparkling Christmas they so deserve?

...my thoughts...

What a delightful story to ring in the Christmas season.  It seems World War II is endless and the Cornish girls are feeling it.  Lily, Eva and Rose all have issues they are dealing with privately but their professionalism keeps their problems at the door of the convalescent home where they are working tirelessly to care for the casualties of war. 

I enjoyed this book for the glimpse it gives into the lives of women of a different era who display courage and fortitude that comes with serving others.  The lives of these women, though this is a work of fiction, could be the story of our mothers, grandmothers or aunts. I admire their courage and fearless dedication to duty while finding ways to live, love and celebrate. 

Betty Walker's characters come alive, whether it is piling into an old ambulance for a Christmas visit, waiting it out in a dank bomb shelter or calling rescuing abused orphans, this book will keep you on your toes while keeping the spirit of the season alive.

 

Reviewing: A Crhistmas in the Alps A Novella by Melody Carlson

...my thoughts...

After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.


During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday. 

...my thoughts... 

Melody Carlson's A Christmas in the Alps is a wonderful novella that tells the romantic story of Simone and Kyle.  It is one of those stories that will warm your heart because, after all, with their chance meeting on a flight that Simone dreaded, everything was destined to fall in place for their happy ever after. However, that was not how it played out.  Learning about her great grandmother's amazing past was well worth the trip out of her comfort zone. Finding a new path for her own life was priceless. 

I enjoyed this story for the rich color within the fabric of these characters lives. Simone's family, like so many who lived through the rigors of World War II are inspiring.  Had Simone stayed behind and bathed in her practical comfort zone she would have missed out on all of the rewards life had to offer her.

Every year I wait to read Melody Carlson's latest Christmas story.  A Christmas in the Alps is just one of those stories that make you glad you picked up a book and skipped a cookie cutter Christmas movie. Novellas may be short but this one is long on heart!

Reviewing: To Write A Wrong by Jen Turano

 ...from the publisher...

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life,

determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne's way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.

...my thoughts...

To Write a Wrong is a funny story.  To be sure, it is a mystery but it is a humorous one.  Daphne and Herman make quite a pair as they play off each other in the quest to find whomever is trying to kill Herman. In the end, the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, the mystery is finally solved. This book is just right for the young or young at heart who don't mind the constant references by the heroine to her "swooning" at the drop of a hat.  Jen Turano is an experienced writer who knows her audience and targets her writing accordingly. 

Reviewing: A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher

...from the publisher...

Ben Zook had only two loves in his life: books and birds. In a stroke of good fortune, he'd stumbled onto a way to cobble together those two loves into a career, writing books about rare birds. He was as free as a bird--until a chase for a rare White-winged Tern takes him to the one place on earth he planned to never return: his Amish home in Stoney Ridge.

Desperate for photographs of the elusive tern, Ben hires a local field guide, Micah Weaver, and boards at Micah's farm, planning to "bag the bird" and leave Stoney Ridge before anyone recognizes him. But he neglected to plan for Micah's sister, Penny.

Ben. One long-ago summer, Penny had introduced Ben to birding, even sharing with him a hidden eagle aerie. That was when she knew true love. She'd always hoped he would come back to Stoney Ridge. Back to his Amish roots. Back to her. The only problem? Ben has absolutely no memory of Penny.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes her readers to the Amish community at Stoney Ridge in this engaging story of discovering just who the rare birds are in life.

...my thoughts...

A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher is destined to become a favorite among her fans. Picking up this book is like coming back for a nice stay in Stoney Ridge. Micah and Penny Weaver are new to the area.  Penny had other ties to the area, having spent one particularly fine summer with her late grandmother.  During that summer, she met and spent time with Ben, talking about birds while creating beautiful art.  Micah may have the corner on finding the birds birders seek but Penny is the center of it all.  Knowledgeable too in the study of birds, she seems to be everywhere supporting her younger brother.  

Ben had no plans to ever return to this area but a pending book deal won out any reluctance he may have had before this trip.  Nothing went according plan.  The plan, in the end, didn't seem, in the end, to be as important as the real journey he took, within the walls, with the Weavers.  

One important thing in this book as well as Suzanne's other books is that she has characterization down to an art.  Challenging characters are her forte. Lives are changed and the endings are neatly wrapped up. I recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction, or those who want a good story without all the extra fluff so common today.  Good books are a treasure.  I enjoyed this one immensely! 

 

Reviewing: To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason

 ...from the publisher...

In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children's Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of troubled children. But if anyone were to find out she is divorced, everything would change. 

Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children's Aid Society. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director's position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents' farm, but with the security of the director's job, he'd be able to contribute financially and help save the family business. 

Despite their competing interests, feelings begin to blossom between them. But then Jane's ex-husband returns from overseas with an unexpected proposition that could fulfill her deepest desires. Suddenly at a crossroads, can Jane discern the path to true happiness?

 ...my thoughts....

 I fully enjoyed reading To Find Her Place. It is easy to connect to the characters and think about them when you have had to set the book down until that next moment when there is time to relax and read.  Susan Anne Mason has a gift for bringing the characters alive and she has certainly been successful with Jane and Garrett.  Both have issues that they feel prevents them from developing anything other than a good working relationship.

Both vying for the same job, each has a reason that compels them to seek the vacant director's job.  As a reader, of course I could see the obstacles they face but also the realization that life is full of things that can be overcome.  I admired Jane's dedication to both her mother and to a difficult career working with orphaned children.  Garrett, a casualty of the war, faced unusual challenges yet was devoted to helping his family financially. In the end, the charity and grace they showed to each other showed qualities we don't often see in today's society.  I highly recommend this book and if you have not read any of Susan Anne Mason's books, you don't know what you have been missing.

Reviewing the Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer

 ,,,from the publisher...

 Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well?

...my thoughts...

Loved this one. Hearts were definitely changed in this story. Two men, just doing their job find themselves acting as midwives to a crazed young widow. Left with a baby girl to find a home for, Mark Wallace ran headlong into the one woman who broke his heart before he left home for good. What Katherine was doing out west was a mystery.  All the details unfolded soon enough: that is, after Jonah Brooks was blindsided by a beautiful woman who captured his heart. Miss Eliza Southerland was even less in the market for a suitor than any of the others. What unfolded was a story wrapped up as only Karen Witemeyer can fashion.

I recommend this book for fans of pure old fashioned romance of the wild west nature. A little danger but a whole lot of fun with a happy ending.

Reviewing: Sustaining Faith (When Hope Calls Book #2) by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

...from the publisher... 

Sustaining Faith (When Hope Calls Book 2)

 So much has been accomplished. Lillian Walsh has stepped out courageously beyond what she'd ever dreamed of being able to achieve. She and her newly rediscovered sister, Grace, have settled three children from England into new Canadian homes and are prepared to place two more just after the New Year, when it happens--another painful disruption. 

A white lie the sisters used to protect some orphans has resulted in an official complaint and a letter revoking the sisters' permission to manage their little children's home. And unexpectedly, Walter, the young man who has won Lillian's heart, departs for a job in the oil industry without leaving any hope for their future, making her confused and lonely.

With more children on their way from England needing caring homes, Lillian and Grace must use every ounce of gumption to keep their mission alive. But when startling information about the past surfaces and a new arrival comes via suspicious circumstances, they'll have to decide what is worth fighting for and what is better left in God's hands. 

...my thoughts...

I enjoyed Sustaining Faith.  It hooked me immediately and as an avid reader, that is always a delight.  Lilian and Grace once again champion the children who have been left behind.  Both of these women are relentless in their pursuit of providing the best for the children in their care and one small mistake has led to quite a challenge for the newly reunited sisters to overcome.  

Handsome, dashing Quinley Sinclair from the society pulls out all the charm and affability one man can maintain as he sweeps in as their hope in regaining support from the society for Brayton House. In contrast to faithful Walter, Quinley's appearance overshadows the selfless actions Walter has time and again on their behalf.  One has to wonder which young man really has the best interest of the children at heart.  

It is the true faithfulness of Grace and Lillian that will prove see them through the difficult times in this story.  Along the way, the reader learns the value of this sustaining faith for a positive outcome to occur.

I truly enjoyed this book and would love to see a third book written in this series.  It has been adapted to a television series and while I enjoyed an episode or two, television just cannot compete with the books.

Reviewing: Fallen by LInda Castillo

From the Publisher:

When a young woman is found murdered in a Painters Mill motel, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is shocked to discover she once knew the victim. Rachael Schwartz was a charming but troubled Amish girl

who left the fold years ago and fled Painters Mill. Why was she back in town? And who would kill her so brutally?

Kate remembers Rachael as the only girl who was as bad at being Amish as Kate was—and those parallels dog her. But the more Kate learns about Rachael's life, the more she's convinced that her dubious reputation was deserved. As a child, Rachael was a rowdy rule breaker whose decision to leave devastated her parents and best friend. As an adult, she was charismatic and beautiful, a rabble-rouser with a keen eye for opportunity no matter who got in her way. Her no-holds-barred lifestyle earned her a lot of love and enemies aplenty—both English and Amish.

As the case heats to a fever pitch and long-buried secrets resurface, a killer haunts Painters Mill. Someone doesn’t want Rachael’s past—or the mysteries she took with her to the grave—coming to light. As Kate digs deeper, violence strikes again, this time hitting close to home. Will Kate uncover the truth and bring a murderer to justice? Or will a killer bent on protecting a terrible past stop her once and for all—and let the fallen be forgotten?

My Thoughts:

Fallen is the first book I have read by Linda Castillo.  It is very different that I expected. Although this book is #13 in a series, I found it to stand on its own nicely. It opens with a hook that will keep you reading. It is full of suspense with a few chapters that flashed back to other times in the lives of those involved.  The Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder is a former member of the Amish community where the murder occurred.   Knowing what she knows about the families involved certainly helped solve the crime but she soon learned that she didn't really know them at all.

 No spoilers allowed on my watch but I will say that although I can usually solve the mystery before the end of the story, this one took me nearly to the end.  I was stunned by the ending, but as it was all unfolded, it made sense.  I was just very surprised.  Well written and definitely not your usual Amish fiction.  It was a good read as I relaxed on a much needed vacation.  This book will appeal to those who enjoy a good mystery.

The Return to the Big Valley by Wanda E Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter

 ...from the publisher...

The Brunstetters Return to a Unique Amish Setting for Three New Stories of Love
 
Journey back to an area of Pennsylvania that is home to three distinct Amish communities and meet three young women who face heartfelt disappointments in romance.
 
Wilma’s Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wilma Hostetler has been courted by Israel Zook for the last year, and he’s recently proposed marriage. But when his sister dies, leaving him to care for five young nephews who openly dislike Wilma, she has second thoughts of starting with a ready-made family and decides to call off the wedding. Can anything be done to restore the relationship, or will Israel seek another wife?
 
Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter
Martha Yoder is different from other Amish women in her love of hunting and the outdoors. Meeting Glen Swarey, who is working with the local fire department, seems to be a good match. But can Martha accept Glen’s thoughts of leaving the Amish faith, or will she walk away from a chance at love?
 
Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter
Alma Wengerd is a young widow who leaves her home in Kentucky to stay with friends in Pennsylvania. Soon she is speeding into a renewed romance with Elias Kurtz and raising the brows of the older church members. When Alma is waylaid by some unexpected news, could putting her happiness with Elias on hold be her only option?

...my thoughts...

Return to the Big Valley is a delightful collection of three novellas written in collaboration by Wanda E Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter and Richelle Brunstetter.  Three generations of Brunstetter women have once again taken u to the Big Valley and the lives of three Amish women.  

Wilma's Wish is a test of strength for Wilma, who wasn't keen on the idea of a ready made family when her fiancee Israel becomes guardian for his five nephews. Taking on responsibility of this sort would give anyone pause, but these five boys give her a run for the money and Wilma can't seem to do anything to help the boys adjust to their new home let alone accept her as their future aunt and mother figure.  The situation seems hopeless, but long favored Amish author Wanda E Brusntetter wrapped this story up with a charming conclusion that will warm the reader's heart.

Martha's Miracle, by Jean Brunstetter is a unique story in that Martha is not your typical Amish woman, well versed in home keeping, quilting or preserving the garden bounty.  It would seem that she is in danger of becoming a spinster but for the chance to be courted by a charming fireman intent on leaving their faith. I enjoyed this story first off because Martha is not your typical Amish woman. It is an intriguing story.

Alma's Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter introduces to yet another young Amish woman who has what seems like an impossible dilemma.  Widowed, she returns to her childhood community, hoping a change of scenery can help her recover from the loss of her husband.  Ironically, she happens to reconnect with an old friend she hadn't seen since her family moved to Kentucky when she was a young teen.  He has never forgotten Alma, nor connected to or married anyone.  This story has a twist that has bishops from both communities conferring until a solution is met that satisfies all.

I enjoy reading this type of fiction not only for the entertainment, but for the glimpse into the Amish way of life.  Not saddled with the cares of the "modern" way of life, they still live, love and enjoy life in their own community.  Wanda E, Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law Jean and now granddaughter Richelle have long standing ties to the Amish community.  While these stories are fiction, they are entertaining and often have a bit of a life lesson inside. 

 

Radar Girls Sara Ackerman

 ...from the publisher...

An extraordinary story inspired by the real Women’s Air Raid Defense, where an unlikely recruit and her sisters-in-arms forge their place in WWII history.

Daisy Wilder prefers the company of horses to people, bare feet and salt water to high heels and society parties. Then, in the dizzying aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Daisy enlists in a top secret program, replacing male soldiers in a war zone for the first time. Under fear of imminent invasion, the WARDs guide pilots into blacked-out airstrips and track unidentified planes across Pacific skies.  

But not everyone thinks the women are up to the job, and the new recruits must rise above their differences and work side by side despite the resistance and heartache they meet along the way. With America’s future on the line, Daisy is determined to prove herself worthy. And with the man she’s falling for out on the front lines, she cannot fail. From radar towers on remote mountaintops to flooded bomb shelters, she’ll need her new team when the stakes are highest. Because the most important battles are fought—and won—together.

This inspiring and uplifting tale of pioneering, unsung heroines vividly transports the reader to wartime Hawaii, where one woman’s call to duty leads her to find courage, strength and sisterhood. 

...my thoughts...

What an incredible story! I had the pleasure of listening to Red Sky Over Hawaii, by Sara Ackerman at the same time I was reading Radar Girls.  Two very good books about WWII set in Hawaii.

Radar Girls is the story of the brave women who stepped into the roles vacated by the men who left to fight in WWII.  The training was intense and it took a lot of courage and skill to guide the pilots home under trying the most trying circumstances.  The research for this book was impeccable and the author has you on the edge of your chair as the Rascal calculates distance, altitude and weather conditions for the safe return of pilots who were nearly lost to sea.  The brave WARDs were an unknown entity in the beginning and came to earn the respect and admiration of men who thought the women were treading into a man's world.

The story takes on several turns, for it wouldn't be a good story without the personal stories of romance, coming of age, sorrow and loss mixed in with a devastating war.  I encourage anyone who enjoys a well written war romance to pick up a copy of Radar Girls.  What an amazing role in our history these unforgettable women shared.

Reviewing: The Pleasure of His Company by Dutch Sheets

...from the publisher...

With profound biblical insights and personal stories, bestselling author Dutch Sheets takes you on a 30-day journey to cultivating--and enjoying--deeper intimacy with God.

...my thoughts...

I read The Pleasure of His Company A Journey to Intimate Friendship with God by Dutch Sheets along with the author's during a 30-day journey through Dutch's daily Give Him 15 posts. I looked forward to this special time each day.  The book is easy to read, entertaining and very profound.  Dutch's humor and wisdom shine through the written words but it is his deep faith and dedication to teaching that makes the book come alive.  I recommend this book to anyone who desires a closer relationship with the Lord.  This book is filled with insights from the bible and ways to get away from the bustle of the outside world for a while to recharge and restore  the spirit. Well Written and timeless!

Rachel Fordham A Lady in Attendance

...from the publisher...

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

...my thoughts... 

I enjoyed reading A Lady in Attendance!  What a novel idea for it's time, to have a lady in attendance at a dental office in 1898.  This is the second book by Rachel Fordham for me and she is becoming a favorite author for me. I like her style and this book hooked me from the beginning. 

Shy Gilbert had no idea what he was getting into when  he engaged Hazel as his Lady in Attendance.  Happily, she was much more than he could have dreamed of for efficiency and congenial personality with his patients.  Too shy for much of a chairside manner, she made up the difference.  Efficiency and quick thinking on her feet made him look forward to each morning when they began their day together. 

The dark side of the story was formidable, but wrapped up neatly in the end.  A little faith, compassion and love ruled the day and strategic writing made this book one you should add to your reading pile this summer!

Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham

 ...from the publisher...

1933

At eighteen years old, Molly Ryan dreams of becoming a journalist, but instead she spends her days working any job she can to help her family through the Depression crippling her city. The one bright spot in her life is watching baseball with her best friend, Hannah Dreyfus, and sneaking glances at Hannah’s handsome older brother, Max.

But as the summer unfolds, more and more of Hitler’s hateful ideas cross the sea and “Swastika Clubs” and “No Jews Allowed” signs spring up around Toronto, a city already simmering with mass unemployment, protests, and unrest. When tensions between the Irish and Jewish communities erupt in a riot one smouldering day in August, Molly and Max are caught in the middle, with devastating consequences for both their families.

1939

Six years later, the Depression has eased and Molly is a reporter at her local paper. But a new war is on the horizon, putting everyone she cares about most in peril. As letters trickle in from overseas, Molly is fored to confront what happened all those years ago, but is it too late to make things right?

From the desperate streets of Toronto to the embattled shores of Hong Kong, Letters Across the Sea is a poignant novel about the enduring power of love to cross dangerous divides even in the darkest of times—from the #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child.

...my thoughts...

I enjoy historical fiction and Letter Across the Sea was a captivating story.  The glimpse into how the war affected our Canadian neighbors shows how far this terrible war truly spread its web across the world. I was taken aback at the way lifelong friendships were impacted not only by anti-antisemitism but also political ideology.  

The book starts out during the Great Depression leading up to the war.  Growing up my parents spoke of the depression.  Their sacrifices led to lifelong habits where nothing was wasted, especially food.  Reading the accounts written by Genevieve Graham brought their plight to life.

This story is not about victory gardens and ration books.  The harsh realities of Max and Molly's story and the aftermath of the riots in Toronto are compelling.  Letters Across the Sea is one of those memorable books that lingers long after it is been closed.  The characters are rich with the life they bring to the story. They are heroic whether they fought in a battle facing death, wasted away in a P.O.W. camp constantly under duress or writing of the war and the conditions it leaves the world.  

I appreciate the new perspective this book has given me.  Many thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.  My opinions are mine

At LIghthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher

...from the publisher...

Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan--to take Camp Kicking Moose to the

next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor's kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn't know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.
 
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined. 

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the coast of Maine for a story that reminds you to release what doesn't matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and friendships.

...my thoughts...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Coming back to this island off the coast of Maine was like visiting one of those special places where the folks are genuine and thunderstorms are like the legendary storms from childhood.  Those storms just don't seem to last as long as those of old.  Lessons are learned on this trip and they impact the entire extended Grayson family.  At Lighthouse Point is the third book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Three Sisters Island series.  I have read and reviewed each book in this series, beginning with book one, On A Summer Tide and continued with On a Coastal Breeze and culminating with At Lighthouse Point. Paul Grayson has three daughters so it was fitting that Three Sisters Island was named for Cam, Maddie and Blaine.  The series tells each daughter's story as they come into their own under the magic of this island and their unwavering faith.

As the family is reunited with Blaine's return from Paris, there is also a surprise visit from Paul's estranged father. On the surface, the family is a united front.  Within the separate rooms of the big house, everyone has something weighing on their minds.  Suzanne's talent at sorting things out shines through especially in this novel.  I won't add any spoilers but I will share that this is a fitting end to a wonderful series about a family that rediscovers what it means to "be there" when you are needed most.

I thank #NetGalley and #Revell for an advance copy of this book.  My opinions are mine to write and share.  I recommend this book to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. 

The Robin's Greeting by Wanda E Brunstetter is Fitting Solution to the Amish Greenhouse Mysteries!

...from the publisher... 

A Season of Hope Is Coming 

For the past two years Belinda King, along with her two grown daughters and teenage son, has been

struggling to keep the family greenhouse running. Despite disconcerting events that have threatened to put them out of business, they have survived two growing seasons. And now Belinda can focus on the two suitors vying for her attention. Herschel Fisher, a new acquaintance, makes her feel relaxed, and Monroe Esh, an admirer from her past, reminds her of her youth.

But just when Belinda thinks she can choose between her suitors, life throws more trials her way. Her son, Henry, becomes bitter about the idea of her dating anyone, and attacks on the greenhouse start again.

When can Belinda hope to experience the peace and love her weary heart longs for?

...my thoughts... 

I eagerly awaited for this book to be published and it did not disappoint me. For so many reasons, Wanda E Brunstetter hit the target on this series.  The sorrow from the beginning of the series to the joy that returned to the King family as they struggled to keep the greenhouse a vital business for their livelihood was a testament of faith and hope.  Each member of the family grew as they were stretched to their limits and their resilience was inspiring.

Challenge after challenge kept Belinda going when she could have easily closed the business and moved in with one of her married children. I admired her courage and willingness to keep moving ahead in spite of everything.  I also enjoyed her bit of romance.  I have read a lot of Amish fiction through the years and there are not many that include romance for widows with grown children.  It seems they just get moved to the Dawdi house.  Her suitors, Herschel Fisher and Monroe Esh offered a bit of pizazz to the story. It was down to good writing that one could see each man for who he was and I was pleased to see who won her heart.

I was very surprised at the ending of the story when we finally learned who was behind the attacks on the greenhouse.  I can usually come close to solving a mystery but this one surprised me.  I enjoyed this book and recommend this series to those who like Amish fiction with a bit of mystery involved.   The Robin's Greeting neatly ties everything together.  Many thanks to #NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an advance copy for an honest review.  All opinions, however, are mine.

Blackberry Beach Another Wonderful Visit to Hope Harbor

 

...from the publisher...

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

...my thoughts... 

I have long been a fan of Irene Hannon's books, whether it be her suspense novels or a trip to Hope Harbor.  Needles to say, I enjoyed reading Blackberry Beach.  I can almost hear the Gladys and Floyd, the resident seagull couple and feel the sand in my toes as I walk the beach. Blackberry Beach is a novel about second chances and taking life at a slower, but meaningful pace.

 For Katherine the life she was leading was nearly out of control and she wanted to simply enjoy her time alone, escaping notice from any other being. She was beginning to think her incognito stay in a luxurious beach house was a success when she met Zach and his aunt Stephanie.  Not used to people she could trust, it was a blessing to find that things in Hope Harbor were truly different. 

 Zach's new life as a successful coffee shop owner is what he hoped it would be.  If only his father would see things his way and  understand that even though he left a big salary behind, he had everything he needed. Everything, that is except someone to share that happiness with him in peaceful Hope Harbor. 

Charley, the resident sage, fish taco chef and successful painter turns up at the most interesting times, sharing uncanny wisdom that is so in sync with others concerns to make them wonder just a little, how one man can possibly know....yet he does.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys good clean stories of the heart.  I received this book from the publisher, Revell and netalley. My opinions are my own.  

Reviewing: A Patchowork Past

...from the publisher...

When wild child Sophie Deiner--the daughter of an Amish bishop--is forced to return to Nappanee, Indiana, quilt-shop owner Jane Berger is one of only a few who welcome her back. It's the last place she wants to be, but Sophie's recent illness requires that she recover for a while.

As Sophie heals, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is appalled to learn of the wretched living conditions they're forced to endure. Sophie begins advocating on their behalf, but soon finds herself opposed by an ex-boyfriend who is the farm foreman.


Jane begins relating the story of an Amish couple who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. And Sophie is more convinced than ever that she needs to fight for the powerless. But when digging deeper makes conditions even worse, has she chosen a fight she can't win?

...my thoughts...

Coming back to Nappanee, Indiana, we learn Sophie's story. In ill health she has a lot of bridges to mend, some created by misunderstanding and gossip and others simply by the tangled web of feelings between mother and daughter.  It was good to see the story of her relationship between Sophie and her mother come to light.  The complications created by expectations and lack of understanding are complicated and the author did a good job revealing this, often through the family stories shared by Jane Berger around the quilting circle. 

 I am a fan of Amish fiction, and  have often enjoyed reading Leslie Gould's work. I was, however, disappointed in this book with it's political slant and nearly didn't finish it. However, I wanted to see how things turned out for Sophie and for Jane to finally finish her story on the Chicago fire. I received an advance copy of this book from Bethany House publishers from netgalley.com for an honest review.  My opinions are my own.

 ...from the publisher...

1941. The Blitz rages over London.
And even in Cornwall, the war is being fought…

When Violet loses her sister in the Blitz, she must take her nieces to safety in Cornwall. On the coast, she
meets carefree chorus girl Eva, who is also running from the dangers of London.

But Porthcurno hides a secret military base, and soon Violet and Eva realise there’s a battle to fight in Cornwall, too.

Together with local Hazel, who works on the base, they must come together to help the war effort. But will their friendship be enough to keep them safe?

...my thoughts... 

I enjoyed reading Betty Walker's Wartime with the Cornish Girls. The story puts the reader in the middle of events that shaped the future of the brave men and women in Great Britain.  Fortitude and courage allowed them to overcome the hardships of a war that took so much from them all. People who may never have met before the war were on an even keel through their work in the united war efforts.

It is no secret I enjoy historical fiction, and with the added bonus of a secret base on Cornwall with a bit of intrigue captured my attention.  Of course, as with any story set during war, there is no ignoring the devastation of the lives lost, especially in remote locations where people least expect the intrusion of an enemy attack.  I look forward to reading more of Betty Walker's works in the future.

Shadows of the White City

...from the publisher...

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.                                                                                                                                          

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

...my thoughts... 

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is book 2 of the Windy City Saga. While I believe this book can stand alone, I read about three  pages and decided to purchase the first book, Veiled in Smoke.  I simply wanted more of the story about the two sisters, Meg and Sylvie. I am glad I made this decision. I haven't read Jocelyn Green's work before and have quickly become a fan.  I received an advance reader copy from the publisher, Bethany House, for review, so this was a good introduction to Jocelyn's work.  

Simply put, this is a fine piece of historical fiction. The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 is the setting but with all the detail about the exhibits and famous celebrities, it could almost be considered as one more character in our story.  I enjoyed the intrigue involved in the story when Rose disappears and how it brought Sylvie and Kristof closer.  Kristof has troubles of his own yet he is willing to help Sylvie in every way possible. The fair was vast and this small group of connected people whose lives were intertwined within its confines kept this story moving. Inside the cover is a map of the exposition and I referred to it as our characters moved within its boundaries.  I recommend this book to those who love historical fiction with a little bit of added romance and mystery.  Well researched and very thoughtfully written.

 

Julie Klassen A Castaway in Cornwall

...from the publisher...

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

 As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

...my thoughts... 

 A Castaway in Cornwall is an intriguing story for the glimpse it gives us into another way of life in Cornwall.  The taking of plunder was so common, the residents of that coastline never considered the loss shipwrecked items were to the rightful owners.  A lost bible, a crate of rum, all for the taking and who would be the wiser.  It appeared to be a sport that gathered many to the shoreline in the hopes of finding something worthwhile.

For Laura, it was an altogether different thing.  She searched for life, and would be a healer for anyone who needed care.  I admired her spirit.  Wise beyond her years, she had an innate ability to see what others could not see.  She did discover treasures on the shore, but her treasure trove was stored until such time she could restore those treasured items to those rightful owners.  The arrival of the stranger, handsome and mysterious set the stage for a poignant love story that sets Laura onto a path that she was destined to take. 

The setting of this story is colorful and well described.  I would love to visit this area and the vast cliffs and stormy seas.  One could almost feel the storms and see the raging sea.  This is a book for those who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of adventure!

When Twilight Breaks Amazing Historical Fiction by Sarah Sundin

 ...from the publisher...

Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be

expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.

 ...my thoughts...

I had a hard time putting When Twilight Breaks down.  From start to finish this book was a gripping story set just as Nazi Germany was about to pounce on the rest of the world.  Intrigue was at its highest and the pure hate deeply embedded within, showed its ugly head like a snake slithering into the very lives of the vulnerable.  Sarah Sundin has done it again with her standalone novel When Twilight Breaks.  Impeccable research with the gift of masterful writing, this reader was captivated by the story of Evelyn and Peter.

Unlikely as suitors, Peter and Evelyn are thrown into a whirlwind as danger escalates in Germany. Evelyn lived by a code she established as a woman correspondent trying to succeed in a world with doors open to men only.  She was highly motivated to get the best stories and was very aware of the danger posed in Munich in 1938.

Peter was engaged in groundbreaking work in language studies at the university while pursuing his PhD. He fit into society, and was immune to the threat posed by the Nazi regime.  After all, the overall country appeared to be doing so well since he visited as a youth. Nothing impeded his work and he enjoyed the freedoms he was accustomed to at home in America.  However, once his eyes were opened to what lay beneath the prosperous land, he and Evelyn embarked on quite a gripping journey together. It was full of suspense that kept me turning pages to see how far they could go to escape the clutches of those who wanted to stop them. 

What an amazing story.  I recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction mixed with a bit of suspense and romance.  A five star book that is destined to become a bestseller. 

The Moonlight by Suzanne Woods Fisher is Wonderful and Inspiring

...from the publisher...

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?


As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.

Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.

 

 

 

 

 

...my thoughts...

I just finished reading Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest historical fiction novel The Moonlight School.  I enjoyed the book very much in many ways.  The historical aspect of one woman's mission to eradicate illiteracy in hills and hollers of Kentucky was phenomenal. It is incredible that Cora Wilson Stewart was able to rouse a culture to an action that improved the lives of so many.  Literacy changes a way of life forever.  

The story unfolds when a reluctant Lucy is sent to Rowan County Kentucky to become her aunt Cora's assistant.  Fresh out of finishing school, she had no idea she was in for the culture shock of her life.  Suzanne Woods Fisher is a master at character development, and the Moonlight School is a canvas of characters waiting to develop.  Lucy is just one example of a character who came to life between the pages and grew to become an amazing woman.  She is an inspiring fictional character who proved to be an able assistant to the real life Cora Wilson Stewart, by overcoming her city ways to see the wonderful people of the hollers with full lives and stories of their own.

I recommend The Moonlight School as one of the important good books for the year.  It is inspiring, uplifting and a joy to read.

A Cowboy For Keeps Engaging Story With Delightful Characters

 ...from the publisher...

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died.

Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

...my thoughts...

Digging into Jody Hedlund's A Cowboy for Keeps was an easy prospect for me.  I enjoy her books and was curious to start her new Colorado Cowboys series. It wasn't long before I found myself fully engaged in the story.  Marriages of convenience are a popular topics and sometimes dismissed as lightweight fiction.  Not so when you dig deeper.  These men and women endured a hard life and their rewards were very different than what we expect for ourselves today. I enjoy reading these stories because they remind me that this was how many parts of our country were settled into communities.  Communities with families, schools and churches became the fabric of life for the men and women who had the gumption to work hard and build homes on their ranches or farmed their land.

Greta was a courageous young woman for leaving her home behind to forge a new life in an unknown territory to marry a perfect stranger.  A stranger who promised to also support her ailing little sister Astrid, whose life depended on this move.

Watt hadn't planned to saddle himself with a wife, but the mayor's proposition to help him increase his herd was too good to overlook.  The conditions of the deal were another story, but he had plenty of time to meet the requirements so he agreed.  Time, though, is a funny thing as it slips by day by day until finally something has to happen and it all happened as predicted.  Yes, this story was predictable but I didn't mind because the characters were likable and the author wove the tale together in a unique way. 

The location was also a character in this story with descriptions that are picturesque and engaging.  I don't  think Greta could  have found her new home in a better place. It seemed to have it all with plenty of hills, plains and of course, hot springs. I think this is one of those books that would appeal to any reader who enjoys good, clean historical fiction.  I am already looking forward to the second book in this series.