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.

Burden of Proof

 Three weeks after his 23 birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida.  Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become.  His days play out a beat too slow, his mind replaying the scene of his failure again and again.

But when his brother's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew, one that threatens the global power structure.   As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past and discover a means of redeeming his future.

Within the first pages of this novel my heartstrings were pulled.  Ethan is dying, he has a lifetime of regrets.  That right there pulled me in.  I connected.  I know about regrets.  Don't we all though?  Don't we wish that somehow someway we can fix somethings before we pass.  I have to admit there was some of the story line that did not intrigue me, but the personal part of it, that was spectacular.  The second chances, the being able to be at peace when your time comes...That gives hope for those of us dealing with deep regrets.  Maybe for us too, it's not too late.

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

The Love Note

The Love Note is the first book I have read by Joanna Davidson Politano and I am an instant fan.  First, I need to make mention of the cover.   A beautiful cover is so important in a book, as it is the first thing that normally catches my eye.  The cover of The Love Note is absolutely gorgeous.  It reflects the title perfectly.  

Upon reading the back of the book I immediately was reminded of the movie Letters to Juliet.  This is one of my all time favorite movies so I was instantly excited and knew I was in for a treat! 

The story is so eloquently written and had a Jane Austen feel to it.  So much of the book revolved around the letter and this was such a unique layer that I found so enthralling.  I don't want to say too much and give away the story, but I was quite surprised at the ending.  Sometimes a book will take a twist that I didn't expect and it turns out to be better than what I could have imagined.  Such was the case here.  

I can't recommend this book enough.  If you are a fan of historical fiction this is a must read.  I will be shelfing this one with my other favorite books and will be looking for other books from this author.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1863 when she discovers a never opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk.  Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings - mostly negative ones - about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared.  With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight.

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

The Conqueror

 Ad 309, Rome teeters on the brink of war.  Constantine's army is on the move.  On the Rhine frontier, pagan Germanic barbarian Brandulf Rex joins the Roman army as a spy.  Down in Rome, senator's daughter Junia Flavia finds  herself embroiled in anti-Christian politics as she works on behalf of the church.

As armies converge and forces beyond their control threaten to destroy everthing they have worked for, these two people from different worlds will have to fight together to bring down the evil Emperor Maxentius.  But his villainous plans and devious henchmen are not easily overcome. 

Will Rex and Flavia live to see the Empire bow the knee to Christ?  Or will their part in the story of Constantine's rise meet an untimely and brutal end?

I knew when I chose The Conqueror to read that I was stepping out of my comfort zone and wasn't really sure what to expect.  Unfortunately, I was very unimpressed by this novel.  If I were to be completely honest I didn't like it at all.  It was very degrading towards woman and it had sexual context that, in my opinion, does not belong in a christian fiction book.  The only positive thing I feel I can say is the author does have a great descriptive writing ability, but for me I couldn't get past the crude way woman were portrayed.  

As a christian I cannot recommend this book with a clear conscience.  I did not even finish the book.

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

The Key To Love

Love doesn't always look the way we expect it

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance.  So much so that she's created her own version of the famous Pansian love-lock wall at the bakery where she works in Story, Kansas.   She never expects a video involving the wall to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery.  He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for an epic love story like the one her parents had.  That most certainly will not include the love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems the Pastry Puff is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just the bakery but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years.  Maybe Gerard is right about romance.  Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is a new-to-me author.  I really, really wanted to like this book.  The cover is so pretty and eye catching and the title itself grabbed my attention, but what I found within the pages had me struggling to enjoy.  

Connecting with the characters of a novel is so important and when I don't feel that connection it seems the whole story falls through for me.  I personally didn't like the main characters.  Bri was annoying to say the least.  Gerard seemed controlling and rude towards women.  I also could not feel any chemistry between the two of them.

I also didn't really feel like this was a good Christian fiction book.  God was not brought into the story line and at one point there was mention of pre-marital sex being okay.  This is not biblical and a book that promotes it, even if it's minor, should not be categorized as a Christian book.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to what they like to read so just because this was not a good fit for me does not mean others won't love it.  

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

The Edge Of Belonging by Amanda Cox

 People considered him homeless because he didn't have an address of his own, but Harvey James would've been homeless even if he owned the turreted mansion off State Route 460.  To have a home, you'd have to feel as though you belonged.

Within the first pages of this book I knew I was going to love it.  The Edge of Belonging is a debut novel by Amanda Cox and if this author continues writing books as this one I can promise you that she will quickly become a favorite of mine.  I am going to be waiting (rather impatiently) for what she releases next.

The novel is a dual story line and jumps between past and present.  Harvey James (who was may favorite character) finds an abandoned newborn and for the first time in his life he feels a sense of human connection. The only problem is that Harvey is homeless.  When two people want to help Harvey find his way, he knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he has ever loved.  

Twenty-four years later, Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee her late grandmother's estate sale, she soon discovers that the woman left behind more than trinkets and photo frames - she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy's adoption.  Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

There are several big topics addressed in this book and it was done with such elegance.  I could not put the book down and it left me thinking way after I read the last page.  I really can't recommend this book and this author enough.  This one is going on my favorites shelf and I will be reading it again in the future.

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

Something Worth Doing - A Book Review

 Something Worth Doing by Jane Kirkpatrick is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction.  This book was simply amazing.  I love a book that is not only an entertaining read, but educational as well.  The book is based on a true story.  I had never heard of Abigail Scott before and I loved learning about her life.  What a fascinating woman and I think that her story is an inspiration to woman still to this day.

Jane Kirkpatrick has written so many books and if you are a christian fiction reader I'm sure you are already well acquainted with her work.  This book was by far my favorite of hers to date and I can't recommend it enough.

In 1853, Abigail Scott was a 19 year old school teacher in Oregon Territory when she married Ben Duniway.  Marriage mean giving up on teaching, but Abigail always believed she was meant to be more than a good wife and mother.  When financial mistakes and an injury force Ben to stop working, Abigail becomes the primary breadwinner for her growing family.  What she sees as a working woman appalls her, and she devotes her lie to fighting for the rights of women, including their right to vote.

Following Abigail as she bears six children, runs a millinery and a private school, helps on the farm, writes novels, gives speeches, and eventually runs a newspaper supporting women's suffrage.   Something Worth Doing explores issues that will resonate strongly with modern women:  the pull between career and family, finding one's place in the public sphere, and dealing with frustrations and prejudices women encounter when they compete in male-dominated spaces.  This book will inspire you to believe that some things are worth doing--even when the cost is great.

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

 

A Dazzle of Diamonds Book Review

 A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series.  It works as a great stand alone book so no worries about reading the series in order.  It's what I like to call a "fast and fun".  No deep issues, just lighthearted and enjoyable.  There was several parts that I found humorous which is always fun as well.

"Penelope Jean hunter loved every wedding she'd ever been to.  Except her own."

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues - until her ex-fiance walks into her office with his new bride to be.  To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company.  His work is nearly as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood.  But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot - and the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must joing forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure.  But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job - and falling helplessly in love.

I love when a love interest starts with a friendship and catches the couple unaware.  Tucker and Penelope had a long lasting friendship and their bond was already very strong.  Such a firm foundation for building a steady relationship.

Even though the story was mostly present day, there was a bit of history as the characters relied on an old diary to help uncover a mystery.  This was such an added plus and made the book all the more enjoyable for me.  

My attention was held from the first page to the last.  A perfect blend of mystery, romance and faith.

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

Pearl In the Sand by Tessa Afshar

If you are familiar with the Bible you probably already know the story of Rahab.  If you are a biblical fiction reader you probably have already read a fictional tale based on Rahab.  Maybe even more than one.  So you may be wondering why you would want to read another.  I'll answer with two words.  Tessa Afshar.

When it comes to biblical fiction there are few authors that can weave a beautiful tapestry of a story like Tessa Afshar.  I'm not sure how she does it, but she has a way of bringing the Bible to life and in the process of reading a fictional account of a true biblical story I feel uplifted and encouraged.  

Imagine having a life so wrecked, so deep in sin, so full of heartache.  How can there be hope for such a person?  The story of Rahab shows us that hope is never lost.  No matter how deep in sin you are, there is room for redemption.  Rahab was a life transformed by the love of God and she is even in the lineage of Christ.  How awesome is that?  Just like us!  When we are forgiven, we are engrafted into the family of Christ and become part of His lineage.  

One thing I enjoy about biblical fiction is that it helps you envision a better picture of Bible times.  Through the story telling you get more connected to the characters and begin to see them as the real people they were.  

I encourage you to pick up this book and read about God's faithfulness, forgiveness and love.

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.  All opinions in this review are my own.

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is a historical fiction romance.  The story begins with Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start.  There's a shocking secret that she must keep and starting over is the only way.  She settles down in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks.  She is now known as Miss Aggie, a respected schoolteacher and what many view as an old maid.  She loves her new life and after six years, it seems like her past is just that, in the past. 

When a new doctor comes to town everyone is anxious to find him a bride.  The townspeople are pushing him, and also pushing Miss Aggie.  When Aggie finally meets this new doctor she discovers that it is James, her childhood friend and former sweetheart.  The new simple and carefree life Aggie has obtained is now flipped upside down.  James just wants to find out why Agnes left him and the dreams they were creating for themselves, but he is the one person that Agnes is determined to keep her secret from.

Where You Come From Matters Far Less than Where You're Going

This is such an engaging story that is beautifully written.  Oh, how my heart hurt for Agnes.  Such a sweet character with a sacrificial love.  The friendship between her and James is so strong and the romantic pull is undeniable.  It touches on a tough topic and as you are reading it's important to remember that this is a historical tale.  The same issue today is not viewed in the same manner as it was in the past.  This book had me rooting for love to win unlike any other book in a long time.  

I loved the small town of Penance.  It was a perfect example of a small town where everyone is in everyone else's business.  There are several secondary characters that were so likeable that I really hope the Author decides to explore this town further and share another story on one of the characters.  

Rachel Fordham is an author I'm keeping my eye on.  She only has a few books out, but I've loved everything I've read so far.

***Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.