Friday, March 1, 2024

Another Winner! 'Embers in the London Sky' - by Sarah Sundin

 


About the book:

London, 1940

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But time is running short--and the worst is yet to come.

My review:

This was a fascinating story from a couple angles, first learning more about the BBC's work during the war and the goal to boost morale but trying to figure out what's the role of censorship.  I also enjoyed learning about what the volunteers did after bombs fell, rescuing people, putting out fires, etc.  It's unimaginable what mothers endured sending their children to the country to save them but having to be separated and then learning some of the children were mistreated was heartbreaking to think about.  Aleida was a wonderful character who goes to extremes to find her son, searching everywhere she can think of and never giving up.  She struggled with some OCD tendencies, though, as a means to gain some control over her life.  She also had a very hard time trusting men because of how her husband had acted.  Hugh was incredible, a talented radio correspondent who cared so much about people but struggled with wanting the approval of his parents who didn't approve of his job.  He also worried that a health condition he had would be the end of his career if it was discovered so he questioned whether his calling was real.  He had a strong faith and a tender heart and I loved that he rescued a cat!  He was also so patient with Aleida while she encouraged him in his work and to reveal his secret and they really made each other better.  Their love story was sweet to witness.  Then to see Aleida make an incredible sacrifice was amazing; I had tears in my eyes.  The murder mystery was intriguing, too.  I always highly recommend Sarah Sundin's stories and this is no exception!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

About the author:

           The Author

  1. Sarah Sundin
    Marci Seither

    Sarah Sundin

    Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, The Sound of Light, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner,...

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Friday, February 23, 2024

Powerful Conclusion! 'The Rhythm of Fractured Grace' - Sedgwick County Chronicles 3 - by Amanda Wen


About the book:

Is Siobhan too far gone to respond to the song of a God who's calling her back to him? When a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh's shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He's too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles. Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he's fascinated with the restoration process--and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work. As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected. On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell's family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father's prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she'd resigned herself to a spinster's life. But Levi Martinson's gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love--and Deborah's shaky faith--to the ultimate test. Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God's healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron.

My review:

This was an incredibly powerful story about forgiveness and God giving you the strength to forgive what you thought was unforgivable.  I love split-time books and I've loved both books in this series but I had a little harder time with this one due to the subject matter in the contemporary part of the story.  The historical story had tragedy and unthinkable sorrow; I can't even imagine losing almost your entire family but also having to endure horrible scars.  It was beautiful seeing Deborah's love story, however, and what a wonderful man Levi was.  And to read that this family was based on real people is amazing!  The contemporary story was about a woman who needed healing and to forgive and to stop blaming herself for being manipulated and groomed into a toxic relationship.  Siobhan had turned her back on God and her faith after being hurt and rejected and it was wonderful to watch Siobhan and her sister discover Deborah's story as they researched the violin's history and what it ultimately meant for Siobhan's healing.  Matt was also an amazing man of faith and integrity in the contemporary story and it was wonderful to see how he encouraged Siobhan in her faith journey and toward healing.  I loved seeing characters from the prior books show up in both timelines but you don't have to have read the other two books to enjoy this one.  I suggest you don't miss out on them, though, because they were wonderful!  I highly recommend this book, also!

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Netgalley for Just Read tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.




Friday, December 8, 2023

'Her Secret Hope' - A Season in Pinecraft 3 - by Shelley Shepard Gray

 


About the book:

She left home to find herself--instead she found true love

Almost two years after Lilly Kurtz first visited Pinecraft, Florida, she's decided to make a fresh start there. She's ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.

When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can't get him off her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie isn't staying long in Pinecraft--and he actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly doesn't want him to know about the life she's left . . . and she can't imagine following him back to a place where she's never felt accepted.

Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

My review:

This was a cute story about a girl needing a second chance in life.  Lilly was such a sweet person who'd been made to fell less than.  It was fun to see her bloom in Pinecraft.  I liked Eddie, too, though he could be a bit pushy or sometimes say the wrong thing, which I guess made him human.  Eddie had had his heart broken so he was hesitant to trust, especially when Lilly didn't want to tell him about her past.  I loved his grandmother, who was a real hoot!  She livened up everything.  I also liked the secondary story about Nancy, the owner of the inn, and the chef.  They really rounded out the interesting characters; we got to see some of her friends. the main characters in prior books, too!  This book worked well as a stand-alone, though.  Learning to trust God and ask for guidance were a couple of the issues a few of the characters struggled with and worked through.  The setting was amazing, of course!  I really hope I get to see it one day.  I would recommend this story if you like Amish romances.

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

  1. Shelley Shepard Gray
    © The New Studio/You See Photography, Inc. www.TheNewStudio.net

    Shelley Shepard Gray

    Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Her Heart's Desire, Her Only Wish, and Her Secret Hope. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a...

    Continue reading about Shelley Shepard Gray 




Mesmerizing! 'The Warsaw Sisters' - by Amanda Barratt

 


About the book:

A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena DÄ…browska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.

But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.

My review:

I could not put this book down.  Even in this season of wanting to watch happy Christmas movies, I did not want to tear myself away.  The writing was so well done; I could feel the sisters' emotions so deeply as they dealt with loss and yet kept moving forward.  There were happy times, too, as they fell in love and hoped for what their futures would be.  Their determination to do the right thing, along with so many others who risked their lives, was inspiring.  I learned so much about what the Polish people endured during the Nazi occupation; it was so much more than I had thought.  Their resilience and fighting spirit were something to behold.  I loved the historical note where we learn more of the facts and especially about Irena Sendler, an amazing woman whose story you should read or watch and who makes a cameo in this book!  This story showed the beautiful bond sisters share, even if they keep secrets, or misunderstandings push them apart for a while.  It also shows the strength of the Polish people, especially the Jews, as they fought for survival and a better tomorrow.  Amanda Barratt is a must-read for me!  I highly recommend this book!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

      The Author

  1. Amanda Barratt
    Emerson Kloostra

    Amanda Barratt

    Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner) and Within These Walls of Sorrow. She is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of...

    Continue reading about Amanda Barratt 


Friday, October 20, 2023

Enjoyable! 'Lost and Found' - by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 


About the book:

Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver--and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge. 
 
Micah thought he was over Trudy's older sister, Shelley, who shattered his heart by running away to Nashville to pursue a singing career. Then out of the blue, she started leaving alarming messages for him. 

So when the bishop asks for volunteers to scout a potential church relocation in Tennessee, Micah jumps at the opportunity. Despite scant details, he's confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don't want to be found. 

But what he discovers in Tennessee is far from what he expects.

My review:

This was another enjoyable visit to Stoney Ridge where we can catch up with friends from past books and get to know new ones.  I liked Trudy and felt for her as she feels invisible to her parents, who were grieving over their other daughter who had left, and to Micah as she hoped he would start to love her before he shut her out.  I liked her determination to stop a local pond from being ruined by construction.  I admired Micah wanting to help Shelley, even though she hurt him, but I thought he should have asked for help.  There was a little bit of suspense as I was worried about Shelley and what kind of situation Micah was walking into.  I liked that mental health and illness were talked about and the fact that sometimes people need actual treatment.   There was also a little romance.  I always appreciate the bishop, David, and the depth of his faith as he guides his flock.  There were also interesting write-ups about birds throughout.  I recommend this book if you like Amish fiction or birds!

I received this book free from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

  1. Suzanne Woods Fisher
    © Dan Davis Photography

    Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Sweet Life and The Secret to Happiness, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several...

    Continue reading about Suzanne Woods Fisher 

Absolutely Wonderful! 'On Moonberry Lake' - by Holly Varni

 


About the book:

Cora Matthews's life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever "normal" is.

It certainly isn't what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance--with a surprising condition attached--Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.

As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.

My review:

This was such a wonderful story!  I absolutely loved the quirky characters; they made me laugh out loud with the crazy things they said and did.  So many of them also had a lot of wisdom that both Cora and I learned from.  The setting was beautiful and peaceful and it was fun watching the lodge get renovated.  I liked the mystery of Cora trying to figure out why her mother took her away when she was a child and never came back.  There was a sweet romance that didn't disappoint!  There were touching moments that made me cry.  I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next!

I received a free copy of this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

  1. Holly Varni
    Melissa White Photography

    Holly Varni

    Holly Varni is a native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, who was raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Between the lutefisk, grumpy grandparents, and crazy neighbors who mowed their lawn wearing pajamas, the seed...

    Continue reading about Holly Varni 


Monday, October 16, 2023

Another Winner! 'Creed' - Minnesota Marshalls 5 - by Susan May Warren

 



About the book:

He's a criminal—who must become a prince to save the princess he loves. But will she have to become a criminal to save him?

In the heart-pounding conclusion to the epic Minnesota Marshalls series, Princess Imani finds herself once again in peril as she becomes the target of a deadly plot. She needs Creed – only problem is, he’s facing charges in Lauchtenland. But he’s not going to let that stop him from protecting her…even if he has to become a fugitive. But who is trying to kill her? Together, they race against time to unravel a web of deceit and conspiracy that seems to entrap the entire family. As their journey takes them from the palace to the high mountains, and finally back to Minnesota, Imani and Creed must discover the truth before tragedy destroys everything—and everyone—they love.

Read the thrilling finale of the Minnesota Marshalls series, where the fate of a family and destiny of a kingdom hang in the balance.

My review:

This was another wonderful story by one of my favorite authors!  It's amazing to me how she can weave together so many characters that she's brought to life in this series and others and they show up to help each other and encourage each other.  You see their stories progress and you hate to say goodbye.  It's so much fun, though, wondering when you'll see them again as so many of her characters show up in different series.  There was so much action in this one and intrigue as Imani's life was in danger over and over and it seemed like an inside job, yet no one could figure out who it was.  There was amazing romance, of course, with more than one couple.  The spiritual struggle and growth is what really sets her books apart for me, though, as each of her characters have struggled with issues we all do, such as forgiveness and identity and belonging and purpose.  We may not become a princess or come from a rough background but we all can relate to these issues.  Her characters are so relatable and real, even if they are tough and some of them save the world fairly regularly!  I highly recommend this book and series and can't wait for where the next series takes us!

I received a free kindle copy of this book from the author.  I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.