It has been a LONG time since I last read an Amish novel as intriguing as this one. It's the first time I've ever read one that featured a dual timelIt has been a LONG time since I last read an Amish novel as intriguing as this one. It's the first time I've ever read one that featured a dual timeline, and even more importantly, the first time I've read one that had any sort of historical references.
A Brighter Dawn features three sisters in the present day who have just lost their parents to a car accident. Their grandmother believes that it would be best for them to visit their Lancaster, PA Amish relatives as there are things in their past that need to be explained. A long cross-country journey finds Rosene sharing Clare's story of how she traveled to Germany in 1937 and lived there for 2 years. The history of the German Mennonites, the birth of eugenics in World War II, and an introduction to Josef Mengele found me struggling to turn the pages fast enough.
While I have always loved Amish fiction, Leslie Gould is one of the few authors I've not yet read - but I aim to read MUCH more of her work in the future! The depth of research in this story was astounding, and I couldn't believe how much I actually learned in this story that I never knew before. It was heartbreaking to read that the German Mennonites believed Hitler was the key to preserving their religion and way of life. It was hard to read about Clare's two nieces being sent to an institute where doctors were researching their epilepsy and not knowing whether they would live or die. On the flip side, it was wonderful to read about characters such as Dr. Koch who were more than they appeared and fought diligently for what was right.
If you're looking for a different kind of Amish story, then look no further than A Brighter Dawn! It has been several days now since I finished it and I still have these characters in my heart and mind - probably because I can't wait to see where their story takes them next....more
I have always considered myself to be a fan of all historical Christian fiction, no matter the setting or the time period. After spending time with ThI have always considered myself to be a fan of all historical Christian fiction, no matter the setting or the time period. After spending time with The Ice Swan, I may have to amend that last statement.
I managed to read a quarter of the story before I realized I couldn’t go another page. I was never able to identify with the two main characters, nor make myself believe their unlikely introduction and subsequent meetings. Wynn was the most likable of the two with his sense of humor, but I couldn’t find much more beyond that to hold my interest.
The one thing that I truly loved was the book cover. That alone was what initially drew me in, along with Svetlana’s ballet training. The latter was barely mentioned in the first quarter of the book which was another disappointment.
As of right now, I regretfully have to put this one in my DNF stack. I may come back to it at a future date as I’ve read several other reviews which state that the story eventually moves away from France into Scotland, and Wynn and Svetlana’s relationship progresses into something more. Somehow though, I don’t know if that will be enough to redeem it for this reader. ...more
If you're looking for a sweet romance, then look no further than A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham. This was my first opportunity to read a bookIf you're looking for a sweet romance, then look no further than A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham. This was my first opportunity to read a book by Ms. Fordham, and it while I did not love it from cover to cover, her writing style was quite enjoyable and I definitely want to read more in the future.
What initially intrigued me to read this book was the hope to learn more of the history of dental assistants since I have previously worked in a couple of dental offices. I'm sorry to say that these portions were not nearly as interesting or informative as I'd hope they'd be, and the book focused more on Hazel's stay and release from a reformatory and her subsequent attempts to clear her name.
Where Ms. Fordham exceled was the dialogue between Hazel and Gilbert and their eventual romance. Hazel was a red-headed spitfire, and Gilbert and his quiet ways were no match for her charm.
This was a quick and sweet historical read, and while I wish some areas were more fleshed out, I did enjoy it as a whole. I can see why this author has a devoted fan following!...more
I do love a good Amish story, and A Wish for Home grabbed ahold of me and wouldn't let go until I reached the last page. Lauren and Adam's story was oI do love a good Amish story, and A Wish for Home grabbed ahold of me and wouldn't let go until I reached the last page. Lauren and Adam's story was one of redemption and second chances, letting go of old hurts and forming new memories.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into Lauren's story of an Amish upbringing. Lauren's parents left the Amish lifestyle when she was a young child, but she was never told the reason why. In the years since, she went to college and became a very successful professional who came back to Bliss Valley to help in the discussions of a local casino development. If not for a freak spring snowstorm putting her car in the shop, Lauren wouldn't have landed back at her great aunt's inn, nor have been roped into helping her run it. She also wouldn't have run into Adam Hershberger, her childhood tormentor.
There was more to this story than just an English girl coming back into an Amish settlement, and I really don't want to spoil all the surprises that were scattered all through this book. Lauren's parents have kept a few secrets from her in her life, two of which had enormous consequences. She had to learn to forgive them while also forgiving Adam for his cruelty towards her when they were in school together. Adam had a secret of his own, and when I realized what it was, my heart broke for him.
Two characters that stole the show were cute little Mary Beth and Lauren's great aunt Sylvia. Mary Beth's personality was just the balm that both Lauren and Adam's hearts needed to mend their past, and her desire to spend time with Lauren drew Adam like a moth to a fly toward her as well. Great aunt Sylvia was a no-nonsense lady who never failed to say exactly what she thought. I loved her for it.
With A Wish for Home being the first book in the new trade paperback line from Harlequin Love Inspired, it looks like great things are in store based on this novel alone. I enjoyed my first opportunity to read something by this author, and will be eager to see what happens next with the characters in the sweet community of Bliss Valley....more
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