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.