Minding the Light - A Book Review

Historical Christian fiction is my all time favorite genre and Author Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite authors in this category. She writes such beautiful stories that are rich in historical facts.

I love this book! It had absolutely everything I love. History, romance, Christian faith, characters that are easy to connect with.

We all have an idea or plan of how we want our life to go, but circumstances of life sometimes turn everything upside down and we find ourself on a new path. This story is so relatable. I think most everyone can relate to those circumstances.

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil.  But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourage him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind theLight" finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be honarable, wise, faithful-she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for?

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

The Hope of Azure Springs - A Book Review

Seven Years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one.  When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job.  He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself.  Caleb expects to succeed.  What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

I love Historical Romance and The Hope of Azure Springs has everything I love in a good novel.  From the very first page I could not put this book down.  It was perfect from front to back and I can't recommend it enough.  You will laugh and cry.  The characters are well developed and so much of the emotion were things I could relate to.

This was the first book I have read by Rachel Fordham, but I can assure you that it won't be my last.  She has made me an instant fan and I am looking forward to her next release!

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

The Edge of Over There - Book Review

Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable, but after the Tree and the lighting and the angels, everything felt tenuous, like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand.  She spent years looking for signs of that other world, waiting for it to break through.  When it didn't her friendship with Sam Chambers grew cold and distant, and they both wondered how any of it could actually have happened.

Four years later, 16 year old Abra's long delayed quest to find the next manifestation of the Tree of Life is renewed when she sees a woman walking up the road - a woman who looks exactly like Sam's dead mother.  The woman directs her to New orleans wher she will find the grave of Marie Laveau, on of seven gateways  between this world and Over There.  As Abra enters The Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust.  But she's starting to think that some doorways should never be opened.

I have a very hard time connecting with this book.  It is supposed to be Christian fiction but I struggled with feeling that it fit into that category.  Part of me feels like it is supposed to be an allegory with deeper meaning, but I just didn't feel it or get it.  It was just strange and had a very dark side to it.  The angels didn't even like being called angels.  It was just too dark for me.  Maybe I'm not seeing the real meaning behind it, but for me I cannot with a clear conscience recommend it Christian fiction, however if you can put that aside, you may enjoy it as a fiction read.

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

Sons of Blackbird Mountain - A Book Review

I don't know how she does it but Author Joanne Bischof has captured my heart again with another great novel.  The last book she wrote "The Lady and the Lionheart has become my all time favorite book and now this one is coming in at a close second.

I wasn't sure what the book was even going to be about when I received it, I just knew I wanted to read it.  As soon as I opened it and realized that it was centered around ASL I was so excited.  I have always been interested in this beautiful language and have taken several classes.  She did so well and this in such a respectful  and accurate way and it gave the reader a greater knowledge of this language.

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth-century Appalachia.  Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband's cousins-three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three hundred acre farm.  Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in the tight knit family.

but her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers.  The youngest two both desire her hand and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where and whether to offer her affection.  While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her.  Though Deaf, mute and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain.  Thor possesses a sobering strength.

As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts.  Will two brothers longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family?  Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged and unfamiliar world?

I can't recommend this book enough.  It is sure to be one you love!

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

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River To Redemption - A Book Review

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart is one of the best books I have read in a long time.  .  My all time favorite genre would be Christian Historical Fiction and this novel was written set in one of my favorite time periods.

Adria Starr lost her entire family to the cholera epidemic of 1833.  As most of the towns people fled to escape the "bad air" two slaves stayed behind.  Louis could have fled to freedom, but instead stayed behind and cared for the sick and buried the dead.  Louis came to Adria's rescue and when the towns people returned he made sure she had a good home.  Ruth Harmon was widowed by the same cholera epidemic and agrees to take the young Adria in.

Twelve years have passed and Louis is about to be sold, but Adria is determined to buy his freedom.  The whole town remembers Louis' selfless act and come together to help Adria in her efforts.  Ruth has been alone for all these years and has all but given up on her dreams of having children of her own, but when a new preacher comes to town it seems she may have a second chance at love and a real family.

Adria is ready to risk everything for a cause she feels passionately about, but will it come at a cost to Ruth, Louis and all the people she has come to love?

I cannot say enough good things about this book.  It is going on my shelf of favorites.  Such a great message of love and waiting on God's timing and answered prayers.  I could not put it down and loved everything about it!

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

Send Down The Rain - A Book Review

Send Down The Rain is written by New York Times Bestselling Author Charles Martin.  This book is a little different than what I normally read. When I requested Send Down The Rain I was not sure what to expect. I had never read anything by Charles Martin, but I figured if he was a Bestselling author it was worth a shot, plus I had read a few raving reviews about the book.

I'll just be real for a minute. I picked this book up and began reading three different times. The first two times I struggled through the first few pages and gave up. By the third time I was telling myself to trudge through. So, I grabbed it one more time and began reading. Funny thing, this time I loved it. After I got through the first two chapters I became engrossed in the story and read half the book in one night. I had to force myself to close it, because I needed to get a few hours of sleep before morning. The next day I could wait to find time to finish the book.

I'm so thankful I stepped out of my box and gave this book a chance and if anything it goes to show that sometimes you have to dig a little deeper into a story before you actually connect, but give it a chance and you just might love it!

About the book:

Allie is still recovering from the loss of her family's beloved waterfront restaurant on Florida's gulf coast when she loses her second husband to a terrible highway accident.  Devastated and losing hope, she shudders to contemplate the future-until a cherished person from her past returns.

Joseph has been adrift for many years, wounded in both body and spirit and unable to come to terms with his Vietnam War experiences. Just as he resolves to give up his search for peace, he discovers a mother and her two small children lost in the forest. He instinctively steps in to help them get to their home in Florida. There he returns to his hometown and has a bittersweet reunion with his childhood sweetheart Allie.

When Joseph offers to help Allie rebuild her restaurant, it seems the flame may reignite, until a 45 year old secret from the past begins to emerge, threatening to destroy all hope for their second chance at love.

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

Together Forever - A Book Review

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Orphan Train series.  I've been loving this series and was so excited about the release of this second book.I've always been interested in the Orphan Trains and historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.  Not to mention I love Jody Hedlund.

Marianne Neumann has one goal in life:  to find her lost younger sister, Sophie.  When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with children-firm but tender and funny.  Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away, and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden.  As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer...until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.  

I always enjoy the Author's note at the end of the book.  Not all Author's include this, but Jody Hedlund doesn't disappoint here either.  I enjoy getting a glimpse into the thought process behind a book and a little more facts to go along with the fiction.

I would definitely recommend this great book.  Especially if you are like me and love historical Christian fiction.  

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

More Than Meets the Eye - Book Review

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed.  Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes- one blue and the other brown - Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her.  Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgements, and Eva has two - Set and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in Pecan Gap, Texas to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death.  Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family.  When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed.  Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

My favorite genre to read is historical Christian romance and this book by Karen Witemeyer fits perfectly into that category.  Its a very heartwarming story and was a quick and easy read.  Evangeline has had so much heartache in her life, but her outlook is refreshing.  There is a strong sense of family, but this book goes to show that family is not always blood.  Sometimes it is the people you choose.

Thank you so much to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Arms Of Mercy - A Book Review

On the eve of a new year, Catherine Glick is expecting her bu of five years to propose.  Instead, the unexpected arrival of an old boyfriend, Elijah, sends her life spiraling out of control.  When a rash decision damages her current relationship Catherine leaves for Florida to work in her cousin's bakery - anything to flee the source of her shame.

Elijah Graber knows he hurt Catherine when he left their Amish district six years ago. HE's determined to explain his actions, even if it means following her to Florida.  Perhaps their two day work bus trip together will provide enough time for him to make his case and win her back.

Just when Elijah is starting to tear down the walls Catherine has built, their busk skids on an icy road and amid the mayhem and tragedy that follow, Catherine disappears.  Elijah's friends urge him to prepare for the worst, but Elijah holds on to his hope in God and refuses to give up his search for Catherine.  With supernatural nudging from the most unexpected places, Elijah sets out to find the love he once lost - no matter the cost.

If you enjoy reading Amish Fiction you are probably already familiar with Ruth Reid.  She is a very skilled author in bringing to life and insight of the daily life of the Amish community.  Her books are always filled with deep faith, a touch of romance and well developed characters.  You can always expect a few unexpected twists that keep you guessing as well.

Arms of Mercy was a very enjoyable read and the cover is absolutely beautiful!  Highly recommended for Amish fiction lovers!


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

Before I Saw You - Book Review

Sometimes I am a little leery of reading books by Authors I am unfamiliar with.  I have my favorite Authors, the tried and true ones that I know when they have a new book I will love it.  But there are those times when I pick up a book by a "new to me" author and I am so intrigued by what I read that I want to go back and read the author's previous books.

Such was the case with Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells. I absolutely loved this book and did not want to put it down from start to finish.  I connected well with the main character and her story was gut wrenching.  My heart broke for her and in the end I rejoiced with her.

There is a heroin epidemic where Jaycee Givens lives.  Folks are dying and Jaycee doesn't have  more than a thread of hope.  A tragedy lands her mother in prison and Jaycee is pregnant.  She is trying to hide the pregnancy because she trusts no one.  when the time comes that she can no longer hide the pregnancy, not even from the baby's abusive father, she decides that she must make some tough choices for the safety of her unborn child.  Sometimes you have to decide whether to hang on or let go and the truest form of love will help you decide.

I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read more from this author!

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