The Reluctant Warrior

 

The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy is the second book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series.  You don't necessarily have to read the books in order, but it will definitely add to your reading experience and help you to get to know the characters in a deeper way.

The Reluctant Warrior focuses on Cam (Cameron Scott).  He is seeking to find who killed his brother and sister in law.  He has come to fetch his daughter and nephew, but now he is trapped by a blizzard.  Gwen is caring for his children and she has become so attached and fears that Cam will take them and leave.  

Cam is very rough around the edges and is used to barking orders and everyone obeying him.  When both the male and female cabins they are staying in catch fire during a blizzard it quickly becomes apparent that someone is trying to take their whole camp out.  Cam gets hurt and now Gwen is caring for him too.  He soon learns why his kids love this woman.  Gwen sees through Cam's rough exterior and decides to help him get through to the children who seem more afraid of him than anything.  Slowly the walls start breaking down and a sweet relationship is forming, not only between Cam and the children, but between Gwen and Cam as well.  But let's not forget that someone wants them all dead and their is a battle ahead.

I always enjoy Mary Connealy's books.  She is so entertaining in her writing style and this book was no exception.  I loved all the characters and loved the sweet romance between Gwen and Cam.  I would highly recommend the whole series!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Season on the Wind

 

It has been a while since I have read an Amish Christian Fiction book, but I can always Count on Suzanne Woods Fisher to deliver.  

Ben Zook had only two loves in his life:  Birds and books.  In a stroke of luck he found a way to combine his two loves into a career writing books about rare books.  All was going great until a chase for a rare white winged tern leads him back to the one place he never wanted to return to. His Amish home in Stoney Ridge.

Desperate for photographs of the rare bird he hires a local field guide, Micah Weaver.  He also boards in Micah's home and his hope is to "bag the bird" and leave Stoney Ridge before anyone recognizes him.  Whet he did not count on was Micah's sister Penny.

It was a summer long ago that Penny first introduced Ben to birding. It was also that time that she fell in love with him.  She had always hoped that Ben would return back to Stoney Ridge and to her.  The only problem now is that Ben has absolutely no memory of her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is so apparent that great research went into the writing of it.  I was captivated by the birding aspect and I am reading to start bird watching immediately!  Another thing that I loved is the faith and spiritual tones in the book.  Forgiveness is a big topic and I love reading a book where I can clearly see underlying lessons.  

Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

A View Most Glorious

 

A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott is the third book in the American Wonders Collection series.  It is not a series that you need to read all three in order.  This makes for a great stand alone book.

In A View Most Glorious Coraline Baxter is a modern day woman living in the 19th century.  Her suffragette group suggests that Cora climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness and prove that woman can do anything that men can do.  Cora's mother is not supportive of her daughter's modern day views and insists she must marry.  When she learns of Cora's plans to climb the mountain she gives her an ultimatum... "if you do not succeed, you must marry the man of my choosing".  Cora becomes moret determined than ever to prove that she is a strong independent woman.  

With little climbing experience she seeks help from a guide.  Nathan Hardee wants nothing to do with this crazy expedition, but when he learns of Cora's mother's stipulation and the man that she has chosen for his daughter he knows that he must help Cora.

As Nathan and Cora journey up the mountain they both rediscover their faith in God and are quickly discovering that the view is most glorious toghether.

This was such a fun book to read.  I found it to be fast paced and a quick read, mainly because I didn't want to put it down.  Cora is such a strong character and I love her determination and courage to pursue what she believes in.  The sweet romance between Cora and Nathan is enjoyable to read and their is plenty of adventure and danger that keeps you captivated.  I have long since wanted to visit Mount Rainier and the authors descriptions of the mountain has me wanting to go more than ever!

Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox is a dual timeline story.   It jumps from 1965 to present day and as the 1965 storyline progresses the two stories intertwine into one.  I found this very interesting to read and a great way to deeper know your characters as you're reading about their older and younger selves.  

In 1965 Glory Ann confesses to her parents that she is pregnant with her dead fiancés baby.  He died in Vietnam and her parents arrange a marriage of convenience to save her reputation.  Clarence is a nice enough guy, but Glory Ann is determined to never love again.  Time though, has a way of changing things.  Clarence is so good with Rosemary and his patience and love for Glory Ann, in time, wins her over.  Soon they have a baby of their own.  When a tragedy strikes the family, Rosemary spends years blaming herself and trying to make up for her wrongs.

In present day, Sarah returns home to help her mother, Rosemary and grandmother Glory Ann, run the Old Depot Grocery store that her grandmother owns.  Sarah has just suffered the loss of her husband, but more than that she is dealing with a lot of guilt, and could it be that the nausea and lack of appetite could be caused by something else?  She soon discovers that her mother has been keeping a secret and is determined to uncover what it is.  The three woman are going to have to come together and let love heal their wounds.  The secrets that have been kept are destroying all of them.  

I really can't recommend this book enough.  I couldn't get enough of it and lost several hours of sleep trying to find out what happens next.  There is a big surprise in this book that I must not spoil, but oh is it a good one!  I was not expecting that twist!  

Thank you to Revell and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.  The review is my own opinion.

The Gold in These Hills

Joanne Bischof is one of my all time favorite authors and her recent release, The Gold in These Hills, is one of her best books yet.  It is a dual storyline.  That seems to be a very popular style of writing and although it is not my favorite, I did enjoy both of these storylines and how they complimented each other.

One of the stories is set in the late 1800s to early 1900s.  Juniper Cohen came to California to marry John as his mail order bride.  The gold mining town they are living in is slowly fading into a ghost town with no gold to be found.  John seems to have disappeared and many of the townsfolk believe him to be dead.  But not Juniper.  She refuses to believe that her beloved John is dead.  She writes him letters and turns down proposals in hopes that one day he will return, but it's not long until she finds out that John is an outlaw.  Juniper is furious.  When he finds his way back home, he is near death's door and Juniper struggles to care for this man that betrayed her.  She has to find a place of forgiveness and allow her own heart to be healed.  

The other story is set in present day and focuses on Johnny Sutherland who is going through a divorce.  He has just bought an old farmhouse and is excited to fix up a new home for him and his two children.  After discovering some old letters written by Juniper he realizes that there is a lot more history in this old house than what he realized.  He meets Sonoma who is doing some research for her family tree in hopes of discovering more about her heritage.  As they read the letters and dig into the past and new relationship begins to form between the two of them.

I really enjoyed so much about this book.  I wouldn't have minded if the whole book would have stayed centered on Juniper and the early 1900's, but it was clever how the two stories interlocked.  I am so excited for the next book in this series to come out and I'm sure I will love it just like this one. 

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. 

The Healing of Natalie Curtis

 Historic fiction has always been my favorite genre to read and it is books like The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick that serve as a perfect example of why. 

I don't recall hearing anything about Natalie Curtis prior to reading this book.  There is a lot that could be said about her life and the book only touches on a brief time period.

Living in New York, Natalie has isolated herself for the past five years after having a breakdown of sorts.  Her health is bad and she has little desire to do the things she once loved.  Her brother, who has been living out west comes for a visit and she sees how is health has improved greatly since being a way.  He convinces her that it would help her too if she would go back with him and maybe if she goes she can find her love for music once again.  

Not long after arriving in this new land does she find out that the Native American's music and dialect is under attack.  Under the Code of Offenses that prohibits the natives from singing, dancing or speaking their own language. It soon becomes Natalie's mission to preserve the songs and language of these people.  She knows what she must do...appeal to Teddy Roosevelt, the president of the United Stated. 

While helping the native people, will Natalie find the song in her heart again or is it lost forever?

When I pick up a historical fiction novel and it leaves me wanting to know more about the true life events or with a deeper knowledge of a time period or historical figure I knew little about, I know it was a good book.  This one was amazing! If your a History buff like me, I think you will love this one!

Thanks to Revell for proving me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Christmas In The Alps

 

 I have read several books by Melody Carlson and I've come to look forward to her Christmas novels.  Yes, I said Christmas.  I know it's only September, but what other way to end summer and go into the fall season than with a holiday book. The nights have even been a bit chilly here this week which make it perfect for a cup of coffee a blanket and a book.  

I always consider this Author's books what I like to call "easy reads".  They are usually kind of light hearted and just enjoyable.  This one continued in that category for me.  

Simone has had a rough year (relatable right). After a time of heartache and loss she discovers a letter from her French grandmother who has now passed away.  The letter informs Simone of a treasure that she is heir to and how she needs to travel to Paris in order to retrieve it.  Simone thinks that her grandmother must have not been in her right mind when she wrote the letter and doesn't want to go.  Her fear of flying doesn't help, but with the persuasion of a friend she heads to the French Alps.

During her flight she meets the charming Kyle Larsson and one of my favorite parts is when he helps her through a panic attack on the flight. When they land they part ways, but soon find themselves reunited. As she is trying to uncover the treasure that her grandmother spoke of is it possible she may uncover a romance between her and Kyle?

There were a few slow moments to the book, but overall an enjoyable read.  Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Since You've Been Gone

 Since You've Been Gone is the third and final book in the Restoring Heritage series by Tari Faris.  This whole series has been really good, but this is not one that you have to read in order to feel like you understand what's going on.  It makes a great stand alone book if you so choose.  I do think you would enjoy the whole series though.  

I am someone who reads a great deal of historical fiction and suspense.  Not very often to I read modern day romance novels. They just never really appeal to me, but that was not the case in this book.  I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Leah and Jon.  

Leah is back in Heritage and her main goal is to try to make her business a success, but there's a problem.  Jon Kensington is heir to the company and also her old high school crushd and nemesis.   Back in the day he made Leah's life very difficult and she has yet to forgive him. Why would she trust him after all these years?  Instead of selling the business Jon makes a proposal to Leah that they become partners.  With her creativeness and his business smarts they could make it a success.  Leah is on edge though and feels like he is once again trying to belittle her.  What she doesn't understand is that was never his intention when they were in high school and it is certainly not his intentions now.  He has secretly loved her for all these years, but with the constant disagreements will she ever see past to the man he really is and can they learn to trust God and each other?

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Midnight Dance

 A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano has been my favorite book I've read so far this year.  It has been a while since I have stayed up all night reading, but I could not stop.  The author used her words to dance right into my heart.  The story tells the history and culture of ballet set in London in the 1830's and honestly I found myself quite surprised that I fell in love with a novel about ballet.  

The first chapter starts out with some excitement and a bit of a mystery, but soon the author gives some clarity.   Fast forward five years and there is so much mystery that surrounds Ella as she tries to uncover who she is and what really happened to her mother.  Throw in some romance and you have an amazing story that will captivate you.  

From the Back of the Book:

All theater romances are tragedies.  Ella Blythe knows this.  Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most and certainly different that the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater.  Yet as she struggles to maintain her tenuous place in the ever shrinking ballet company, win the attentions of principal dancer Philippe and avoid company flirt Jack, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the dead ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past?

Mystery and romance make the perfect dance partners in this evocative story!

I can't wait to read more books by this author.  Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Beyond the Tides

 

I am so excited to tell you about Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson.  This has been my favorite summer read so far and I'm sure you will love it too.  There is so much good to say about this book.  First, any book that has me showing outward emotion is a winner for me, whether that emotion be fear, anger, tears or laughter.  For this book, it was laughter.  The author had me laughing out loud with her wit on several occasions.  Another plus was the romance. And when I say romance, I mean romance.  The first kiss between the main character's will have you sighing and smiling at the same time.  Such a beautiful descriptive way of describing a beautiful moment.  Also, the setting ya'll!  Prince Edward Island! Need I say more?

Another great thing about this book is that it's the first one in a series!  I can't wait to read the second book and if it's anything like the first I know I will love it too!

When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead.  Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet, or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness, she can't stand to see Oliver Ross in charge.  Not when he ruined her dreams of a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then.  Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg, an innocent bystander.  But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution.  Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season he'll decide who gets it.  Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought, and  their dreams aren't what they expected.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Under the Bayou Moon

Right now we are in the middle of a heat wave.  Heat index is currently at 109 degrees and this is the pattern for the remainder of the week.  Even though I am a summer lover this is pretty hot and on days like this I feel there are really only two options.  Find some water to cool off in or stay indoors in the air condition. Both of those places are really good for reading.   So let me tell you about a book that makes for a great summer read.

Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse takes place in 1949 in Louisiana and I absolutely loved the setting and the way the culture that was represented.  The characters were fun loving and almost perfect.  This book is one that I like to call an easy read.  You don't feel tense reading it, you can just sit back and enjoy with a glass of ice tea.  At times the storyline was a little too slow, but overall I found it to be a very good and enjoyable read.

When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change, but she could never imagine how dramatically.

Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she's soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.  Yet it's the lessons Ellie herself will learn from new friends, a captivating Cajun fisherman, and ever a legendary white alligator haunting the bayou, that will make all the difference.

Take a step away from the familiar and enter the shadowy waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience and romance.

I should also probably warn you that after reading this book you are going to want to visit bayou country for yourself!

***Thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Come Back To Me

 I can always be assured that when I pick up a book by Author Jody Hedlund that I'm going to love it, but love may not be a strong enough word for this book.  This was astounding writing and storytelling at its finest.  I have to say I was a little worried when I found out this book was going to include time travel because I wasn't sure how Jody Hedlund could pull it off.  I mean, its pretty different from her normal writing, but let me tell you, she does it and she does it with her normal elegant writing style that I absolutely love. A matter of fact, I felt like I was traveling back in time write along with them. 

I will warn you, you're going to want to clear your schedule because you won't want to stop reading.  This has been the best of my summer reading to date.

From the Back Cover:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them.  But when her father falls in to a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must questions all of her assumptions.  He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time.  Insane.  Until Marian test his theories  and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protections...as his wife.  The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William.  Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister?  And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

This is the first book in the Waters of Time series and I can't wait to read the rest of the books as they become available.

Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Lady in Attendance

 

After being falsely accused and spending five years in a New York state reformatory, Hazel is now free and wants to redeem her name.  She can no longer go home to her family, for the false accusations has tarnished her family name and they are still trying to redeem themselves from the damage that was done.  She finds a job working for Dentist, Doctor Gilbert Watts as his lady in attendance and in him she finds more than an employer, she finds a good friend.  She's working hard to clear her name and finally has hope that her future may look brighter than she thought.  Gilbert on the other hand can tell that Hazel is hiding a secret.  When he finds out the truth about her past, will he be able to look beyond what meets the eye and see the real truth.

I just adored this story by author Rachel Fordham.   I was so intrigued with the character of Hazel and couldn't wait to see how the story played out.  The friendship was so sweet between her and Gilbert.  I couldn't help but feel sorry for Hazel.  Our choices when we are young can effect our future even if we are "innocent" being in the wrong place at the wrong time can have its consequences.  

I can't wait to see what this author writes next.  This was one is going on my list of favorites!

Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I give this one five stars!  A must read for historical fiction readers.

Along A Storied Trail

 

Tansy Calhoun is a packhorse librarian who delivers books to the people of Owsley County Kentucky during the great depression.  She has lived on these mountains her whole life.  Although still young, she is past the age most girls marry in these parts.  Her and Caleb were good childhood friends, but Tansy always thought he was interested in her sister.  After being away for several years, Caleb is back and their friendship picks up where it left off.  Then there is a government writer who comes in to interview the people of the mountains and record their stories.  Tansy is infatuated by him, but is the real person for her the one who has always been there. Someone who shares the same past and the same interests, that lives there in the mountains that she calls home?

Aunt Perdie lives in the mountains by herself.  She's lived her life alone and rather likes it that way.  At least most of the time.  When a young girl in need shows up at her doorstep Aunt Perdie opens up her heart and home and brings the girl in as family.  When tragedy strikes and Aunt Perdie loses her home to a fire, her and the young girl go to live with Tansy and her family.  Aunt Perdie thinks she knows all the answers and knows exactly which man Tansy should choose.

I loved the book so much!  The dialect, the characters and the storyline were all perfect.  It was fun and entertaining and had me chuckling outloud a few times.  I would love to read more about these characters and really hope the author chooses to do a sequel!

Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I give it five stars!

The Paris Betrayal

 

The Paris Betrayal is the first book I've read by Author James R. Hannibal.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was intrigued by the title and description.  Thankfully I was not disappointed!  Mystery/Suspense is my favorite genre to read right now and for me to really love a book it needs to grab me from the get-go and this one did just that. It had be turning each page eager to find out what happens next.  It is a very relatable book for what's going on in today's world.  It is post pandemic and talks about bio-weapons however, not covid ,this could still be hard for some to read about.  It did not bother me, but readers might want to be aware going into it. 

After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed.  A sniper attack, an ambush, a call for help that brings French SWAT forces  down on his head. Ben is out.  this is a severance-reserved for incompetents and traitors.

Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team.  More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company's plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him.  He struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory withing his own body.

Be warned that when you pick up this book you are not going to want to put it down.  So clear your schedule and get ready for a great suspense novel that will keep you guessing.  

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Never Miss

Never Miss is the debut novel of Author Melissa Koslin and what a great first book it is!  I do a lot of reading at night and I pulled an all nighter with this one.  I couldn't put it down.  From the first page I was intrigued with the character of Kadance.  I felt sad for her.  She has a very lonely life, just her and her cat Mac.  Her profession as a sniper keeps her living undercover.  She comes from a family of Assassins and the skills she has were taught from a very young age.

Lyndon is doing some deep research that suggest that the virus, Ebola, is man made and is about to be used as a weapon against the U.S.   Kadance comes to Lyndon's rescue when she saves his life.  They join forces and try to discover who it is that keeps shooting at Lyndon.  It all seems to stem from the research he's doing, but as they begin to warn others it seems that no one believes them.  The deeper they get the more it seems that the only people they can trust is each other, but what they think to be to true is about to get turned upside down as they continue to search for answers.

This was such an enjoyable book that was fast paced and had plenty of suspense.  If you are a fan of christian suspense I would highly recommend this book.  This is an author that I'll be keeping my eye on.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Present Danger

Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard is the first book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series.  This is a great suspense novel.  From the very beginning the suspense begins and just when I thought I knew what the main story line was, the author threw me for a loop and added a new twist.  A matter of fact, this book is so full of twists and turns that sometimes I found it hard to keep everything straight.  It almost felt like my head was spinning.  Talk about fast paced!  There is also a touch of romance thrown in and I'm always a fan of that.  I am really excited to see what the rest of this series has to offer.  If you enjoy suspense novels this book comes highly recommended.

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission.  He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working along side his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn.  One that hits close to home.  As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her.  But he's failed her before.

If he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

This will make a great summer read!  Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Night Fall

Nancy Mehl is one of my favorite Christian Suspense Authors.  Her newest novel Night Fall is the first book in the Quantico Files Series.  From the very first page I was captivated and couldn't wait to see how it ended.  The pace is steady with plenty of mystery.  This one is a little different as you know who did it from the beginning, but there is still plenty of mystery.

I also love the message that this brings.  It doesn't matter how you were raised,  you can choose to rise above your circumstance or you can fall into the same pattern of those who raised you. It takes a brave and strong woman to be a better person in spite of her circumstances.

Alexandra (Alex) though she was free from her troubled upbringing.  No one knows about her past and that is just the way she likes it.  She is living out her childhood dream of working for the FBI.  She has just become a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, when the Kansas and Missouri authorities contacts them about bodies found on freight trains traveling across the country--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced into confronting her past in her new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars.  When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, KS, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case while battling her own weaknesses, Alex must face how far she'll go and what she's willing to risk to put a stop to the train killer.  

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Miriam's Song

 

When it comes to biblical fiction Jill Eileen Smith is my favorite author.  She has a way of weaving true biblical truths with fictional details that make it easier to connect and understand what life was like during Bible times.  For me, it helps me see these true biblical heroines as real people.  So often the Bible is short in its descriptions that we forget that they are real people with real feelings.  

I think it's important to remember while reading biblical fiction that it's just that....a fiction account of a biblical truth.  God tells us the beautiful story of Miriam in his word and I always like to go back and read the story from the Bible after reading the biblical fiction account.  This book was so beautifully written, but just remember it's for entertainment so to speak.

Jill Eileen Smith always gives a great look inside of her research and thought process at the end of the book and I enjoy reading this about as much as I enjoy the book itself.  I love to see how author's come about their stories and while reading Miriam's Song it is evident that much research was put into this book.

One thing that was challenging with Miriam's story is the time span.  From the start of her young life of protecting her baby brother to her death is quite a story.  All fit into one novel had to be a hard task, but it was very well written and I enjoyed getting to know Miriam on what feels like a more personal level.

Christian fiction is always a plus to read if it challenges you to draw closer to God and read His Word more.  This book is such a book.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

I was so excited to finally get my hands on Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot.  This is the second book in the Mesquite Springs series and ever since the day I finished the first book, Out of the Embers, I've been patiently waiting for the second book. You could very well read this as a stand alone book, but this is such a wonderful series that I encourage you to read the first book if you haven't yet.  You'll get a much better feel for the town of Mesquite Springs and all the wonderful people that live there.  

In this second book we get to delve deeper into the life of Dorothy Clark.  We learned a little bit about her in Out of the Embers as being the sister of Wyatt.  Now Dorothy is living in town as her brother and new wife are away on their honeymoon.  She's helping out at Polly's Place, but her true dream lies in writing.  Unfortunately in the 1850's there are not very many opportunities for writers. Especially women writers.  

Brandon Holloway has seen the disastrous effects of writing your own opinion in a newspaper.  He is a man running from his past and decides to start over in Mesquite Springs.  The town is without a newspaper and this time he is determined to do things the right way and just publish truth and not opinions.  He is instantly drawn to Dorothy and soon they are working together on the town Newspaper.  Suddenly there is division withing the town and rumors are pointing to Brandon. Now Brandon and Dorothy combine their efforts to figure out who's trying to destroy Brandon's livelihood.  

Brandon and Dorothy are both determined not to marry, but their growing affection towards each other has them questioning their decision.

I loved the sweet romance between Brandon and Dorothy.  My heart ached for Dorothy over some of her fears that caused her to not want to marry.  Phil was also a character that broke my heart. So much heartache in his life and I think what he truly wants is to be happy.

I cannot recommend this book and this author enough.  She has secured a spot on my list of favorite authors.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Moonlight School

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher has made it to my favorites shelf.  I fell in love with this story and was captivated from the start.  The story is inspired by true events which always makes it so much more enjoyable for me. I loved the "Acknowledgements" that the author included at the end of the book where she shared where she got her inspiration to write the novel. I always enjoy little tidbits like that.  After reading this amazing novel I need to go to my library and do some more reading and research on Moonlight Schools.

If you are planning on reading this book this month you should join the Facebook group called Beyond the Book.  It's a virtual book club group where discussion questions are given each week and many times the authors participate as well.  This month the chosen book is The Moonlight School.  I'm really excited to discuss this book and see what others thought of it as well.

Haunted by personal tragedy, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky in the spring of 1911 to assist her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of schools.  A fish out of water, Lucy is appalled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. 

Born in these very hills, Cora knows the twin plagues of illiteracy and poverty.  So does Brother Wyatt, a singing school master 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, along with something else she hadn't expected...love. 

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange form my honest review.

When Twilight Breaks

 

When it comes to historical fiction author Sarah Sundin is one of the best there is.  Her knowledge on WWII is astounding and the way she weaves real historical facts in with fictional characters is superb. If you have a facebook you should follow her as well.  She posts some great pics and information about her research.  

With that being said, this book of hers was not my favorite.  It was good, just not what I expected.  It seemed to have a big political pull and frankly I am exhausted of politics.  When I pick up a book so many times I want to escape reality and political agendas seem to be everywhere now days.  Also, I am not big on feminism and it was pushed quite a bit.  I did however enjoy the passionate characters and the historic look into Germany as it was nearing the brink of World War II.  I think this is a stand alone novel and not part of a series, but I'm always on the lookout for what this author has next.

From the back of the book:

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male dominated profession and 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 does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on he 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 withing he Nazi party-to feed information to the shrewd reporter he cant get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Dance in Donegal

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I've always dreamed of going to Ireland some day and after reading A Dance in Donegal the desire has only increased.  This is the debut novel for Jennifer Deibel and she has such a gift in writing a story that transports you right into the pages of the story she is telling.  From the beautiful description of the countryside along with the Gaelic phrases and Irish accents I could picture everything so perfectly and if I'm completely honest I may have started talking with a bit of an Irish accent around the house because I just couldn't help myself.

From the first pages I was drawn into this story of Moira.  There are so many different emotions entwined in the pages from grief, hope, redemption faith and so much more.  I have to say I even got a little angry at one point.  This has been one of those books that leave me wanting more.  The kind that leaves me thinking about the characters long after the last page is turned and I really hope we get to revisit these characters in upcoming novels!

All of her life, Moira has relished her mother's descriptions of Ireland.  When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother's wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country.  Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion.  Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in hr presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballyman to do.  Moira must relay on the kindness of a handfull of friends-and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced as she seeks to navigate a life she never dreamed of, but perhaps was meant to live.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.