Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a cute, Amish romance with a love triangle that confounds me. Hannah Lapp works in a bakery with Ellie and MagdalenHannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber is a cute, Amish romance with a love triangle that confounds me. Hannah Lapp works in a bakery with Ellie and Magdalena, and eventually a few others. The relationships we see there are warm and energizing. If you wouldn’t want to work in Liza’s Bakery, you would at least want to make it a daily stop, like Sheriff Williams and Dr. Harrison. These older mid-life men are fun secondary characters, adding breadth to the story. No one but Timothy Barkman is going to like Charlene. At first, helping a newcomer to the area, he finds she attaches stronger than a hungry flea. Unfortunately, she’s rude and rotten to the core. (Ellie likes to call Charlene “Miss Nasty.”) Everyone but Timothy can see Charlene’s bad personality, and I’m left thinking, ”Can even a person in love be this blind?!” Charlene fails to consider Timothy’s wishes and requests about her forward behavior. As a former teacher, the book both delighted and dismayed me. These reactions had to do with Hannah and the course of actions she took. I can’t say more without spoilers. What unimpressed me? The story moseyed a little slower than I would have liked. I wished the novel would have had a little more substance. Also, I felt like there was one possible loose end that loomed over most of the book and then quietly disappeared. Why would I want to read more? The relationships in the bakery mentioned earlier. Maryann is a person that enters the book early on. By the end, I am intrigued enough that I will look for the next book by Molly Jebber to read her story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. This does not influence my opinions. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, for which I am solely responsible....more
Laura Frantz deftly fulfills my inner need for accurate, exciting, and detail-oriented Christian historical fiction. Frantz's characters in a Moonbow Laura Frantz deftly fulfills my inner need for accurate, exciting, and detail-oriented Christian historical fiction. Frantz's characters in a Moonbow Night will sate and romance your reading soul as they blaze a breath-taking trail through the Cumberland area of Kentucke and into your heart.
Tempe Tucker's family originally had attempted an entrance into the forbidding Kentucke territory alongside Daniel Boone and his family. When disaster strikes, they are forced to start a new life filled with uncertainty and secrets.
Sion Morgan is a lawyer turned surveyor, in need of a guide. Tempe, to her chagrin, is offered up as the best. Can Tempe safely guide a motley group of questionable men while guarding her reputation and her heart?
What I love most(besides her sweeping saga writing style)is the way Laura uses every character to show us the danger of the times. No one has the luxury of sitting on the fence during the Revolutionary War. England is fanning into flame the Indians' hatred of encroaching settlers. Every character touched my soul as he/she found his or her feet held to the crucible. Each decision would have life-changing results.
What I didn't love was the fact maps are only online, a fact I didn't even discover until reading the author's notes at the end. The maps need to be included in the book, because of the great descriptive detail Frantz uses about locations. At very least, I wish the note about online maps had been at the beginning of the book. I am not faulting the author, as this may be a publisher's decision, but I personally lost a lot of reading time unsuccessfully looking for period maps.
You haven't read great Christian historical fiction until you've read Laura Frantz. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but freely left my own review. I have already purchased this book for another....more
Screams in the middle of the night lead former Army ranger Finn MacGregor to a lady in unexpected distress. Dana Lewis has retreated, like Finn, to thScreams in the middle of the night lead former Army ranger Finn MacGregor to a lady in unexpected distress. Dana Lewis has retreated, like Finn, to the edge of a national park to regroup and recoup. What sinister happenings are occurring in their edge of the forest? Can they work together as a team, or will the surrounding evil swallow them first?
Irene Hannon, in Tangled Webs,her third novel of the Men of Valor series, has created a real treat for fans of romantic suspense. This book stood alone well, as I had not read the previous two. I loved the pacing of the romantic development between Finn and Dana. I loved the gossipy waitress who knew everyone and their business.(Doesn't every small town have one?) I held my breath as I watched the antagonists make one choice after another that would affect so many around them.
In short, Irene Hannon held me spellbound. I plan to go back and look up her other two books in the series, plus investigate other books she has written. Hannon is an author whose books would make a great addition to the romantic suspense lover's library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads, which in no way influenced the direction of my thoughts, solely my own....more
An excellent paranormal mystery, Adrift by Micki Browning, is the beginning of a new Mer Cavallo series. I was always a little off balance as I read tAn excellent paranormal mystery, Adrift by Micki Browning, is the beginning of a new Mer Cavallo series. I was always a little off balance as I read this novel. Where exactly was the author taking us with the paranormal aspect? Would it be proven true or part of a well-planned plot? Where would Mer go in her relationship possibilities? Would she choose her enigmatic neighbor or the enervating detective?
Browning made this story come to life with her descriptions of the island and the people. One can feel the call the island and sea has on Mer. Indeed, does the sea have a mysterious call, luring certain people to its depths? The people are very well-drawn and there are many relationships introduced that help give varying degrees of flavor, coming together to produce a very tasty work of art.
My one caution would be for those who prefer clean language. I would probably rate the book a PG-13 for that.
This is the first of the series and I am anxiously awaiting book two. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. However, this is my honest, unbiased opinion of the book....more
The Broken Trail is a beautiful tapestry of two broken hearts, doing a tango of love vs. safety. Set against the charming out-of-the-way tourist town The Broken Trail is a beautiful tapestry of two broken hearts, doing a tango of love vs. safety. Set against the charming out-of-the-way tourist town of Sweet River, Maine, the story and characters ring true to life with heart aching accuracy.
I loved everything about this sweet romance. Katherine Grant comes to town to check out irregularities in a small Christian school. Captain MacAlister is the by-the-book, terse policeman who rarely cracks a smile. While these characters get major attention, no characters fall flat. From Greg, a board member, to Pete, a helpful old man who befriends Kate, to Erin, to Stephanie;all are very realistic and human, interacting in different roles, yet coming together to weave a wonderful, tender, and tense tale.
Forgiveness, trust, and letting go of the tendency to own another's sins are thoughtfully examined. My heart is full after reading this book. I am excited that another will be following!...more
Ada Brownell has a talent for taking what appears to be a light historical and packing a punch into it. In Peach Blossom Rancher, the second in her PeAda Brownell has a talent for taking what appears to be a light historical and packing a punch into it. In Peach Blossom Rancher, the second in her Peaches and Dreams series, we find young John Parks returning to his childhood home to rebuild what his abusive uncle destroyed.
We see romantic triangles, economic difficulties, and a struggle to disprove a murder rap. What I loved best, though, is a secondary thread that became the major thrust of the book for me.
Brownell takes us inside an insane asylum in the late 1800's-early 1900's. I could feel my scalp crawling with those of the asylum visitors. I could see, smell, and hear the deplorable conditions there that epileptics, Down syndrome, alcoholics, and even domestic quarrelers were subjected to. This is the meat of the story to me, the part the will leave its lasting impression on my heart. It causes me to urge others to read this book, to get an inside look at early insane asylums that were mismanaged. You will wonder how you would have acted in this situation. On what side of the fence would you have been found?
An enjoyable story with a haunting message. I received a complimentary copy from the author through Book Fun. I have voluntarily chosen to leave a review, and all opinions are solely my own....more
This was just not what I expected. I had read Sheila Connolly's Orchard series and enjoyed it very much. I picked up this book from NetGalley, but havThis was just not what I expected. I had read Sheila Connolly's Orchard series and enjoyed it very much. I picked up this book from NetGalley, but have been disappointed with the direction the book takes.
I was expecting a light cozy. Instead, this book delves into whether or not there might be an actual connection with the dead. The topic permeated the whole writing, as if to convince the reader; I felt like I was reading a serious treatise on the topic, instead of a fun book. Maybe it was my mistake in what I was expecting. At a quarter way through the book, I have decided I have better ways to spend my time....more
A knock on the door by US Marshall Eli Cayne turns Julia Galloway's world back into the chaos she's been trying to escape. The Hangman is hunting her A knock on the door by US Marshall Eli Cayne turns Julia Galloway's world back into the chaos she's been trying to escape. The Hangman is hunting her down, and despite Eli and his crew's best efforts, Julia's life isn't worth more than a plugged nickel.
All this would be bad enough, but Julia has faced the Hangman before, and won...sort of... She survived, but cannot remember the perp's face,whom she definitely saw. Nor can she remember why Eli seems to be so familiar in her life.
Fractured Memory by Jordan Redwood is definitely suspenseful and tense. Still,there were too many times I felt like the author had given obvious clues as to the murderer's identity,yet refused to let her characters do a natural follow-up. The writing was great, the plot line was great, but the author refused to let go of the puppet strings and let the characters choose their own destiny.
I would challenge others to read the book and decide for yourself- is it merely great, or is it one step beyond, outstanding?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and BookFun. The opinions are solely my own....more
Haunting Tale of Dutch Settlement of West Michigan...
Lynn Austin has indeed produced another gem with Waves of Mercy. This emotionally captivating stoHaunting Tale of Dutch Settlement of West Michigan...
Lynn Austin has indeed produced another gem with Waves of Mercy. This emotionally captivating story of young love, choices, and faith freely discussed in a spell-binding saga of two different generations reminds me of the effect of Christy.
I feel like I can better explain some past non-romantic choices after reading this book, in the light of a desire to follow God's Word. What an encouragement this book can be for our young generation that needs to trust the Lord and learn to make choices based on obedience to His will. All this encased in a story that will grab your heart and not let it go!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own....more
Oh, wow! I am rereading parts of this book,The Devoted, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, to complete my review. It still leaves me with the same sense of awe Oh, wow! I am rereading parts of this book,The Devoted, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, to complete my review. It still leaves me with the same sense of awe and wonder I had the first time. I'm ready to read it all over again, already. Now there's a good book!
What makes for such a good book? Several things. Fisher presents us with an unusual bishop,David Stoltzfus,compared to the ones we usually see. David is thoughtful, not dogmatic or legalistic for their own sake. He wants to understand each situation separately.
David's son,Jesse,has his appearances, although the book focuses more on Ruth, David's sister, and Ruthie,his daughter. These characters are all well-drawn and rounded. So many people to follow with their relationships and feelings. Yet, Fisher ties them all together for a tremendously well-woven, warm Amish quilt feeling. When the book ends, you feel like you have been under that warm Amish quilt and don't want to come out, because you're way too comfortable and happy.
Suzanne Woods Fisher just was added to my list of favorite Amish authors. I received this book as a complimentary copy, but will not hesitate to buy any others. All opinions presented here are solely my own....more
Nancy Mehl's name has come to mean two things to me: heart-in-throat suspense and a feeling of "this is so believable!" Ms. Mehl's latest novel, FatalNancy Mehl's name has come to mean two things to me: heart-in-throat suspense and a feeling of "this is so believable!" Ms. Mehl's latest novel, Fatal Frost, had me off balance and fighting for self control the whole book through.(It was so very hard not to peak ahead for the clues I couldn't quite decipher.)
Mercy, a US Marshall, her former boyfriend, Mark, another US Marshall, and her best friend, Tally, are hiding from the cartel. Problem is, there is a mole in the home office. Can they stay alive long enough to escape the clutches of the cartel and root out the mole?
If you desire romantic suspense that impresses you with its realism and frantic pace, Nancy Mehl is an excellent choice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This review is freely given and all opinions are my own....more
"Hot, ugly eyes stared at Rachael from black circles in the gunman's mask." Susan Sleeman again proves her excellence as a writer in her Christmas Con"Hot, ugly eyes stared at Rachael from black circles in the gunman's mask." Susan Sleeman again proves her excellence as a writer in her Christmas Conspiracy, #6 First Responders. She emotionally reaches in and pulls out your heart in the very first sentence. Not until the final sentence can you retrieve your heart again.
This volume is Jake's story. He finds himself defending a day-care worker,Rachael, and her charge from a murderous abductor. He also has to defend her from the accusations and suspicions of hid own team members.
The story and its conclusion read all too much like headlines. No believability issues here. But oh, the tension between living in the past or moving forward;listening to regulations or one's heart!
If you love romantic suspense, you can't go wrong with Susan Sleeman's latest. While the series doesn't have to be read in order, relationships appear from other stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This review is freely offered, and opinions are my own....more
Jenny Moews is a distinct, exciting voice in Amish murder mysteries. Moews populates this book, Amish Shadows, like her previous, with both EnglischerJenny Moews is a distinct, exciting voice in Amish murder mysteries. Moews populates this book, Amish Shadows, like her previous, with both Englischers and Amish who must find a way to cooperate to solve the crime. Like a typical Amish community, look for many family interconnections.
Murder, prison, the mob, the Amish?! Is the basic premise rather incredible?Yes, but Moews weaves her taut, suspenseful story in such a way the reader can set aside the disbelief. The characters of Peter and Dylan will stay with me for a long time as I remember their struggles, foibles, and beautiful hearts.
How great to know that we will get to meet yet another Amish/English couple in Moews's third book as they continue the search for the murderers from A Dark Amish Night, book one. These books really need to be read in order, then you will be ready for book three, Amish Nightfall!
Kudos to Jenny Moews for great Amish suspense!...more
A crazy set-up, to be sure. Cameron, who finds a dead body in the lake, takes in the five dogs of the deceased. Things get weirder and wilder when it A crazy set-up, to be sure. Cameron, who finds a dead body in the lake, takes in the five dogs of the deceased. Things get weirder and wilder when it comes out that Cameron's estranged husband was dating the deceased and Cameron's little community service group decides to solve the murder.
This was an enjoyable read for me. Quirky characters in the community service group. Off-kilter romantic relationship present. Likable, relatable protagonist. Over-the-top Mother-in-law from Hades! (Cameron's relationship battle with her by itself makes the book worthwhile!)
The only thing that I felt was unrealistic was Cameron's commitment or lack thereof to her estranged husband. Her actions did not match her words.
A nice way to spend an afternoon. Recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions are my own and no compensation was given....more
I love this series! The mysteries are light, but yet fraught with danger. Not only is there a love interest, it's an unsteady triangle! Both Nate and I love this series! The mysteries are light, but yet fraught with danger. Not only is there a love interest, it's an unsteady triangle! Both Nate and Tanner are appealing in their separate ways. Sandra Orchard inserts a unique twist here: readers can contact her with their preference of beau for Serena, and that could influence the future!! Add in a quirky aunt;parents who are trying to (un)subtly marry off Serena;and a few dealings with the mob and dirty police; and one needs to duck before the bullet spray begins!
FBI agent Serena Jones has to match wits against art thieves,art forgers, and find who took the missing Dali from her grandmother's friend's home. Will Serena successfully solve the case,or will she make one too many enemies in the effort?
I definitely added Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard to my favorites list. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are strictly my own, in a freely offered review....more
Marianne Evans pens a poignant love story that will challenge every Christian's commitment to forgiveness. Pyper Brock,against her every intuition, faMarianne Evans pens a poignant love story that will challenge every Christian's commitment to forgiveness. Pyper Brock,against her every intuition, falls hard for Chase Bradington, a recovering alcoholic who is attempting a comeback in the music world.
When she finally decides that perhaps Chase and God can heal her broken past, that selfsame past slams against her like an unexpected tsunami. Will Pyper live up to her words she professes, or is there a limit to "Forgiveness"?
The tension Ms. Evans creates in this book between Pyper and Chase is indeed, palpable. The reader is drawn into both lives, taking first one side then the other as Ms . Evans skillfully draws her complex characters. Secondary characters add even more tension and anxiety for the reader, and I for one, wasn't sure what choices several characters might make. (Which led me to turn pages faster to find out.) What a convicting read about words vs. deeds!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily provided my own opinions of this book....more
Mattie and Jacob have a sparking attraction developing,but are they too dissimilar in what they want from life? Jacob is ready to move and put down peMattie and Jacob have a sparking attraction developing,but are they too dissimilar in what they want from life? Jacob is ready to move and put down permanent roots. Mattie wants to know what is beyond the western horizon...and the horizon beyond that...and the horizon beyond that... I found myself fighting for self-control to keep from looking at the back of the book and relieve the tension. Such sweet torture this story by Jan Drexler is!
Great book about two young Amish adults who are attracted to each other,yet may not be able to move forward together in the same direction, even as they physically move with their families to Indiana from Pennsylvania.
I greatly enjoyed this introspective and adventuresome tale. A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher. The opinions in this review are solely my own and freely offered....more
This was a runaway "sleeper" for me. I generally read very little nonfiction, and very few Christian living books where I feel the author's theology wThis was a runaway "sleeper" for me. I generally read very little nonfiction, and very few Christian living books where I feel the author's theology will be markedly different from mine.
So, though I'd like to give that disclaimer, this book carried my spirit away by storm! Indeed, I loved the emphasis on praise. "Praise is not a suggestion. You were created to praise God," says Dan Willis,in Prayer is My Weapon.
Here are a few points I'd like to highlight.First,according to Willis, there are several Hebrew words for praise. One is "shabach." It means to drown out other voices. "When we shabach God, we're saying, I'm choosing to shout louder than the voices trying to speak to me and every negative situation in my life...The louder you praise, the more your negativity will diminish. The louder you praise, the less you will have to worry about what the devil has said. Shabach the Lord!"
Another wonderful section addresses fear. "All I have to do- all I can do- is be faithful with what He has given me. I need only to give Him my best effort with whatever gifts I have...I need to stop worrying about how my efforts are received. I need to stop agonizing over the critics and the doubters and the naysayers. All those things are out of my control. I need to give those things to God and focus only on doing the best job I can with what I have been given."
Wow! These are just two of the great nuggets that you may discover if you choose to read this book. God had these for me; He may direct your attention to others. Remember, our God inhabits praise!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from bookfun and the Book Club Network. I have given my own,honest opinion of the book....more
I love these historical fiction smorgasbords.So many authors, so many different interpretations of the given theme, The Rails to Love. Some tales takeI love these historical fiction smorgasbords.So many authors, so many different interpretations of the given theme, The Rails to Love. Some tales take place aboard the early trains,as in The Honeymoon Express,by Susan Dietze, where an unmarried couple,desperate to be on the train,must fake marriage. One, Connie Stevens's My Soul Waits, involves one of the main characters being a railroad heir and learning the ropes from the ground up. Yet another, Train to Eden by Connie Cecil,uses a train wreck to cause amnesia in a main character whose real identity could spell catastrophe for the new relationships she is developing.
While those are some of my favorites, you won't want to miss the other six stories, either. Authors Amanda Cabot, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Lisa Carter,Lynn A. Coleman, and Liz Tolsma, and Diana Brandmeyer round out the list of contributors. Some names may be new, some well-known, but all combine for a tasty nine course progressive reading meal! Bon Apetit!!
I gratefully received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
What Ramona Quimby was for younger readers, Gertie Reece Foy does for a new generation of third through fifth graders. Gertie is always busy on missioWhat Ramona Quimby was for younger readers, Gertie Reece Foy does for a new generation of third through fifth graders. Gertie is always busy on missions with her two best friends, Junior and Jean.
Fifth grade turns out to be a pivotal year for Gertie, who longs to be the greatest fifth grader in the world. And then disaster strikes in the form of Mary Sue, who is better at everything, and whose father is a movie producer. Gertie maneuvers hilariously throughout the year trying to one-up Mary Sue and keep the respect of her classmates.
What I loved: Gertie is imaginative, creative, and totally independent in trying to solve her problems. Some great reading results. Kids can learn to ask for help from adults as they see Gertie trying to handle things on her own, yet not having the maturity needed to clearly understand the problem. Kids can also see the maturity Gertie finally develops as she bumbles along, searching for what she doesn't have.
What I wasn't thrilled about: The characters routinely used God's name as a common saying, not in reverence. Aunt Rae, in being her rough self, had a favorite encouraging phrase I would change if reading aloud to a class.
All in all, Gertie's Leap to Greatness,by Kate Beasley, is a great book and destined to become a Newberry!! I gratefully received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
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