Beautiful and Moving! 'Through Water and Stone' - A National Park Novel - by Karen Barnett

 

About the book:

In 1948, Zion National Park ranger Henry Eriksson and his wife, Alma, are less than one year removed from their infant son's sudden death in a flash flood, and the weight of the loss hasn't diminished with time. When Henry discovers an abandoned baby in a hatbox on his morning rounds, he's unsure how to react, but Alma is delighted, and she reignites with purpose at what seems to be a miracle from God.

Nearly eighty years later, Talia Eriksson leaves her job at an athleisure company in Palo Alto, California, in disgrace and returns to Zion National Park to reconnect with her grandfather and review her life goals. But when an at-home DNA test exposes family secrets, Talia and her newfound friend, law enforcement ranger Blake Mitchell, work together to search for answers.

Talia navigates the rocky path into her past with Blake by her side, what she discovers may alter everything she knew to be true about herself. With the uncertain future looming, Talia must learn that family is deeper than genetics and that trusting God can mean being still and clinging to the Rock.

My review:

This was a beautiful story and I'm not just talking about the plot.  The Zion National Park setting was gorgeous and the descriptions really made me feel like I was there.  It was truly a character of its own.  I loved both of the storylines as my heart broke for what Henry and Alma had endured, losing their child like that.  I can't even imagine the heartbreak.  Then to have this hope and renewed purpose as they find a baby who needs them, only to later be worried that he would be taken away.  They were a couple of strong faith who determined to do the right thing and it was incredibly admirable.  I admired Talia, too, as she stood up for what's right and lost her job because of it.  I admired her drive but she also needed to learn to slow down and listen for what God wanted her to do.  It was fun going along with her on her hikes as she rediscovered the park and got to know Blake.  I especially find genealogy fascinating so I loved when she got her results and started digging into that.  Blake was a man of faith who was a little scared of commitment because of his messy family and also trying to deal with some residual effects after being deployed.  He had that war experience in common with Henry.  There were some sweet romantic moments and some action.  I didn't want to put it down!  I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for reviewing this book.  All opinions are my own.

Fascinating! 'A Song in the Dark' - by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

About the book:

Against the simmering backdrop of the impending WWII, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe despite the dangers. When she learns that Hitler's escalating regime of injustice is targeting other disabled people, Chaisley realizes she is in a prime position to help those who are threatened reach safety. But the Führer's growing fascination with the celebrated musician endangers her undercover mission and forces her to walk a tightrope between her fame and her calling.

When Rick Zimmerman receives his next assignment from the British Secret Intelligence Service, he's surprised to learn he'll be acting as the personal driver of a world-renowned pianist as she traverses Europe. The role gives him the perfect cover to complete side missions of sabotage and intelligence-gathering, but he soon suspects the brilliant, alluring pianist has secrets of her own. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate--and survive.

Bestselling author Kimberley Woodhouse crafts a stirring story of fighting for hope, love, and justice amid the tumultuous European continent on the brink of war.

My review:

This was a fascinating story for many reasons.  Not only was Chaisley a piano prodigy as a child, she was blind.  Then she was determined to help disabled people who were in danger while she was on tour and worked with her assistant and contacts to get people to safety.  She also developed a complicated code using Braille and music.  She was very impressive and I kept imagining what it would be like to be blind and then to face such a terrifying time and to come face to face with Hitler, no less!  She had a very strong faith and also an ability to detect lies based on someone's tone, inflections, etc.  She was incredibly brave and inspiring but not perfect.  Rick, too, was a man of great faith and bravery as he watched Chaisley to figure out her secrets while knowing many of his fellow spies had disappeared.  He was trying to deduce if she was on the side of good or evil and what her plans were, all while falling for her and being given new orders he had to carry out.  There was a little bit of romance and some action.  Her guardians and assistant were inspiring as we saw all they did to save the ones in danger.  It really made me appreciate again all the people who risked their lives to save Jews, the disabled, etc. from Hitler, some names of which we know and some will probably never be known this side of Heaven.  I highly recommend this book and pray we never forget.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for my review.  All opinions are my own.

'Perfect' Audiobook- Hearts on Display 1 - by Kimberly Keagan, Narrated by Robin McAlpine

 

About the book:

In the glittering era of the Gilded Age, the heirs of Philadelphia’s Denwall Department Stores navigate family expectations, relentless ambition, and unexpected love.

William Walraven’s picture perfect life is turned upside down when his fiancée jilts him for an English aristocrat and his father refuses to name him as his successor. To prove he’s worthy of leading Denwall, Will must open their first New York store under budget and before the Christmas shopping season. Overwhelmed by disappointment and a nearly impossible deadline, Will has no time for distractions—especially not the captivating bookseller he saves from being crushed by a beer wagon.

Ivy King and her aging grandmother are barely keeping their struggling bookshop afloat. Though drawn to the charming, enigmatic man who saved her life, Ivy has no illusions about her place in the world. It certainly isn’t beside a department store heir whose dazzling emporium threatens to close her family’s business.

Brought together in the wake of an attack on Will’s brother, Will and Ivy find themselves at a crossroads—torn between the expectations that define them and a future neither expected.

Perfect is a clean, wholesome historical romance featuring opposites-attract tension, class differences, a touch of mystery and humor, and an inspirational journey of faith and love.

My review:

This was a sweet romance about two people attracted to each other but fighting it as they both started out believing a romance couldn't work between them.  William had been dumped by who he thought would be his perfect match, even if they weren't in love, so decided to focus on proving his worth to his father so he could take over the family business.  He was drawn to Ivy when he met her but felt he had too much work to do and his father would never approve anyway since she was of a lower station so wasn't planning to pursue anything.  Ivy, too, had a past rejection but because of her shorter leg that she had to wear a special shoe for.  She felt that no one would want her, especially not a man of high society, since she and her grandmother were struggling shopkeepers.  If it weren't for Will's pushy but loving brother, I don't know if they would have gotten together as Will seemed determined to stay away.  He had to work through some issues with his father as he had impossible standards that no one could live up to and work to fight for the woman he loved.  I liked the echoes of You've Got Mail with the little bookshop fighting to survive and the big store coming to threaten their way of life.  I liked the mystery where Ivy started to notice rare books missing at her second job as a librarian and was trying to figure out if they were being stolen when Will's brother was attacked.  They were drawn closer than before and he started to help her with the mystery.  There was also a faith element as they attended church together and there was mention of prayer.  I thought the narrator did a good job but I did have to listen at 2x the speed.  I usually do, though, as that's what I'm used to now so anything slower usually seems too slow, especially at the regular speed.  I liked the story and if you like romance, you'll probably like it.  I am curious to continue the series as I'm interested in who will catch the bookworm brother's eye.

I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Beautiful, Touching Story! 'A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro' - by Heather Norman Smith

 

About the book:

A small dose of kindness can go a long way

Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn't just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it's his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she's no longer there.

Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.

With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what's right.

As Della Rose navigates the end of her marriage and Andy continues his secret philanthropy, they navigate grief and trusting God. Heather Norman Smith weaves a charming and heartwarming Southern story to remind you of the power of simple kindness.

My review:

This was such a beautiful, touching story about the difference kindness can make in a person's life.  Andy was such a sweet guy, always sincere and caring about others.  He's had a hard life because of the tumorous mass that covers half his face, with some people scared or disgusted.  His own father left so his single mother raised him alone.  She was an incredible woman and taught him about faith and how to treat others.  We really get to know her even though she's passed because of letters she wrote as he grew up that he'd take out and read.  His grief over losing his best friend and roommate that he took care of was incredibly touching; he had Down syndrome and was always happy and full of joy.  Andy went through a lot of changes in the story.  Not only did he lose his best friend but a woman he knew when they were little kids moved in to the apartment building and he could tell she really needed a friend.  He also wanted to tackle a bigger philanthropy project and met a man down on his luck who could assist him.  We also get Della Rose's side of the story as she's dealing with being on her own for the first time in her life and needing to support her daughter.  Her husband becomes threatening and that creates an element of suspense in the story as I kept waiting for something to happen with him.  She also wondered if there could be something to faith after knowing Andy again and seeing the love of Jesus shine through him.  This was set in a small Southern town and that was another character in itself.  I laughed, I cried.  I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for my review.  All opinions are my own.

Thrilling Suspense! 'Canyon of Deceit' - by DiAnn Mills

 

About the book:

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

My review:

This was an incredibly suspenseful story with twists and turns!  From tackling nature and its hazards on a dangerous mountain range to being chased multiple times while being shot at, the suspense didn't let up.  I also liked that there was some investigation to it as they tried to figure out if they could trust Rurik and find out what was actually going on.  I really admired Therese and her faith and how she put God first, even when she was really drawn to Blane when they had dated previously but broke up with him when he didn't share her faith.  She was also incredibly strong mentally and fit physically to guide them up and down slippery mountain peaks, all while searching for the child and dangerous men.  She also could keep her head about her and help in a crisis.  Blane was pretty impressive, too, with his skills as a Texas Ranger and with negotiating.  There were some good conversations about faith and they discovered there had been incidents in both their pasts that they blamed themselves for and couldn't seem to forgive themselves for.  There was some good advice about dealing with that, too.  There was also a little bit of romance.  I would highly recommend this book if you like suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Enjoyable Teen Read! 'Charting the Course' - Finding Faith 2 - by Leslea Wahl

 

About the book:

A ten-day Caribbean cruise might sound like a fabulous way to spend the holidays. But Liz would rather be anywhere than stranded on a ship for her estranged father’s high school reunion.

While an anonymous note, an onboard mystery, and a cute boy help turn the tide on the unwanted trip, Liz and her father drift even further apart. However, when Liz's reckless actions create a tsunami of unintended consequences, she recognizes that she's drowning in pent-up hurt and anger. As her carefully created façade begins to ebb away, she turns to her faith and sets off to chart a new course for her life.

My review:

I really enjoyed this story about a teen girl trapped on a cruise ship with a dad she's angry at and a bunch of strangers.  There was never a dull moment as Liz discovered mysterious notes that led her on a scavenger hunt plus got involved in another mystery to try and help someone.  There was a cute boy who was also incredibly nice and understanding; he seemed almost too perfect!  There was a hint of romance and a lot of other fun characters.  She also joined a competition plus doing excursions and just enjoying all the fun things on the ship made me feel like I was there with them.  I hadn't realized when I asked to review this book and the first one that they were Catholic books.  She mentioned praying to Mary, saints and the Holy Family, which I don't believe in.  Jesus said he's the only way to God and that He's interceding for us.  She does have her pray to Jesus and another character mentioned praying to God and also asking the Holy Spirit to guide their words when speaking to someone.  I liked that she realized she couldn't keep going on like she had and prayed for help.  She also confessed to a priest, which again the Bible says we just need Jesus for that.  Overall, I liked the story a lot and the Catholic parts were minimal.  There was also a surprise twist!  If you like a clean story about forgiveness and starting over, plus just a fun teen read, you should check it out!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.                  

Fascinating Addition to the Series! 'A Scheming in Parliament' - Of Cloaks and Daggers 2 - by Erica Vetsch

 

About the book:

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.


Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?


Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

My review:

This was a fascinating addition to the series as we see Bertie and Philippa's story continue from the first book.  Bertie was trying to figure out if some corruption in the political realm was going on while Philippa continued to run the Eleos school.  While he made connections and learned what he could in his new role, Philippa was faced with a difficult decision.  I'm not as crazy about politics so that part didn't interest me as much but I found it fascinating when it seemed like there was something criminal going on involving captive women and they joined forces to save them.  I really admired their bravery, especially Philippa, as she didn't have training but put her life at risk anyway.  There was some suspense and action.  There was a little bit of romance as they became closer through the different situations and really learned what kind of person the other was and felt drawn to each other.  There was also a good presentation of the gospel.  I'd recommend reading the first book before this as it helps to understand the characters and their motivations better and it's always fun to see characters from other series' as well.  I'd definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.