Book Club: Book Review of The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Who wouldn't love a good murder mystery where the suspense is palatable, but it is not a story filled with gore? Naomi Stephens has succeeded in writing an excellent work of Christian fiction set in 1956. In The Burning of Rosemont Abbey, readers join Louisa Everly on her journey to exonerate her twin brother, Paul Everly. 

About the Book 

In 320 pages, Naomi Stephens introduces a set of characters who live in a quiet English village. These characters come to life under her skillful words and sentences. We first join the story on the night of the fire at Rosemont Abbey. Louisa was alone in the kitchen quite happy one moment, and the next she felt the death of her brother. 

Throughout the novel, we join Louisa as she tries to find out what happened to Paul and whether or not he actually set fire to Rosemont Abbey. She seeks to prove his innocence whether she has to do it by herself or with the help of a recently returned friend of Paul's. Inspector Malcom Sinclair – who had once been Paul's close friend – heads up the investigation. Louise eventually shares the information she has with Malcom. And as readers, we see the pieces fall into place that will help resolve the story.

My Thoughts 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested The Burning of Rosemont Abbey to review. While I really enjoy historical fiction, I often prefer those set further back in time than 1956. But this novel was a joy to read. 

The pace of the story was just right. As we uncovered details and clues with Louisa, it was only to be expected that we would want to keep reading. I ended up reading the final third of the book in one night. I needed to see: 

• If Paul was innocent. 
• If David Ashworth really loved Louisa. 
• If Louis's aunt and uncle would support her decisions. 
• If Malcom would figure out who was causing havoc in Wilbeth Green. 

What else did I like about The Burning of Rosemont Abbey? Louisa was a likeable character. She was headstrong but not to the point where I questioned her wisdom. I also loved the way Stephens wrote the book. For example, these sentences are very well crafted: 

"And though Louisa knew he was merely goading Mrs. Watson, she was also struck by the sudden and rather silly notion that she was growing entangled with the kind of boy who had sometimes skipped choir practice." (141) 

"'It really was like a fortress, wasn't it?' she whispered. 'How terrible it is, knowing that such a mighty structure can fall so easily...'" She shivered, her words trailing off. 

The vicar smiled gently. 'God's Word still stands, Miss Everly, and that's enough.'" (244) 

I would recommend The Burning of Rosemont Abbey to those who enjoy Christian fiction, mysteries, suspense, and historical fiction. 

Book Club: Book Review: Of Gold and Shadows

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

What a wonderful book! Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep ticked so many boxes for me. This paperback from Bethany House is set in 1888 England, with the main characters connecting over the need to properly identify and value a set of Egyptian artifacts. There is adventure, romance, and intrigue all rolled up into a quick read! 

About the Book 

The story starts out during a dark evening in an Oxford cemetery. Ami Dalton is conducting business which will net her an Egyptian artifact that she can supply to a British museum. We next jump to Edmund Price who is returning to Oxford after being abroad in India for eight years. As one of the most eligible bachelors, he is besieged by women who want to woo him. How do the two of them connect? Edmund needs someone to appraise his newly acquired collection of Egyptian artifacts so he can sell them. He seeks out Ami's father who is on a dig in Egypt. Ami offers her services and the rest is history. 

While going through the collection of Egyptian artifacts in Of Gold and Shadows, Ami discovers a piece that is cursed – the golden griffin. This brings about many interesting adventures, including injuries attributed to the cursed griffin and other incidents. Does the curse of Amentuk really exist, though? Ami reminds everyone who will listen that Egyptian curses aren't real and that they should seek their faith in God.

In addition to the appraisal  of the artifacts, Ami and Edmund being to fall in love with each other. But what book wouldn't be complete without complications? These complications include a reading difficulty, another woman, and a kidnapping.

What I Think About Of Gold and Shadows 

I would read Of Gold and Shadows over and over again! My hope is that these characters will be seen in another book, because I really want to learn more about them. 

I appreciated how Christianity and the faith of Ami and Edmund was woven very naturally into the story. There was discussion of Egyptian curses and religion, but Ami was always very firm in her beliefs.

My only complaint is in reference to Ami and her father's desire to see the Egyptian artifacts retired to Egypt. The author, Michelle Griep, does discuss this in the back of the book (with other notes about magic lanterns and palmistry). The view of returning items to the original countries was not one commonly held in Victorian England. I felt that this was allowing modern viewpoints to take too firm of a hold in a work of historical fiction.

Overlooking my one complaint, I can still highly recommend Of Gold and Shadows. 

Are you interested in learning more about Egypt? 

I have several Blogging Through the Alphabet posts in which I talk about Egyptian history, gods, and goddesses.

• K is for Khnum (Blogging Through the Alphabet)
• I is for Imhotep (Blogging Through the Alphabet)
• R is for Ramses the Great (Blogging through the Alphabet)
• M is for Mummies (Blogging through the Alphabet)
• B is for Bastet (Blogging through the Alphabet)
• I is for the goddess Isis (Blogging through the Alphabet)

Book Club: Book Review of Meeting Her Match

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review or be compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Reading historical fiction can be so much fun (especially reading a good one on vacation)! I was lucky enough to start reading Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano while on vacation. It was the perfect book to read while soaking up the sun. So, while Meeting Her Match, the third book in The Matchmaker Series, is set in West Virginia, I was introduced to Owen and Camilla down the shore.

About the Book 

The story opens with a chase through the Hudson River Valley in the Spring of 1889. Our heroine, Miss Camilla Pierpont, is riding with her companion, Lottie, when unknown assailants attempt to kidnap her. It's during this escapade that Camilla meets Owen who is there to meet her.

Owen Chesterfield is seeking help to make a refined lady out of his sister, Luella. There have been some pretty disastrous run-ins between the Chesterfield and the Murchendorfer families of Wheeling, West Virginia. Eventually, Camilla agrees to help and travels to West Virginia. 

Of course, helping Luella isn't the only plot point of Meeting Her Match. Camilla herself is facing potential matchmaking as is Lottie, Owen's grandmother, and others.

My Thoughts 

This is a really fun book. From Camilla's pets to a surly pig named Esmerelda, there are quite a few humorous and well-written moments. The family and friends of the main characters, while not at the center of the story, jump off the page and invite the reader to learn more about them. 

The description of the homes, furniture, and clothing also brings the novel to life. While reading Meeting Her Match, I could feel myself sitting on the yellow sofa and hearing the swish of period dresses. 

I would recommend Meeting Her Match for those who enjoy historical fiction.

Book Club: Book Review of These Tangled Threads

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was neither required to write a positive review nor compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

The Biltmore Estate (and its surrounding countryside) is the backdrop for These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas. Woven throughout a prologue, 48 chapters, and an epilogue, readers are introduced to a selection of characters from 1897 to 1924. Three main characters share their lives with us as we learn about weaving, woodworking, family, and truth. 

About the Book 

Sarah Loudin Thomas shares her knowledge of the Biltmore Estate, where she worked for six years, with her audience. The story starts with young Arthur meeting Mr. Vanderbilt and takes us through events in the first and second decades of the 1900s. 

Arthur is joined by Lorna, who works for Biltmore Industries and is tasked with designing and weaving fabric for the engagement of Cornelia Vanderbilt. The next main character is introduced as we see her joining the Biltmore Village. Gentry is a young girl who will be training in the weaving room under the tutelage of Lorna. As a 16-year-old, she is not eager to focus and lacks patience in completing her tasks. Conflict arises as the three characters interact in the 348-page paperback book from Bethany House.

At the heart of the novel, Thomas tells the story of the relationships between Arthur, Lorna, and Gentry. The three each have their own troubles. Arthur was sent away by his alcoholic parents and has a clubfoot. Lorna is a skilled weaver but lacks the creativity needed to design her own patterns. And poor Gentry was sent away by her unloving grandfather after her mother died. In between these details are tangled threads that bring them together again and again. 

Appalachian Author Highlights Historic Vanderbilt Wedding as Centennial Approaches

My Thoughts 

As someone who enjoys historical fiction, I was intrigued by the description of These Tangled Threads. I had a general knowledge of the Vanderbilts – in fact, I think I read another work of historical fiction featuring Cornelia – but I knew little else specific to this industry or locale. 

May I admit that I had trouble following the story when I first picked up the book? It arrived when I didn't have a lot of time to devote to more than one chapter during each reading. This made it difficult to follow the jumps between character perspectives and years in the different chapters. After a few personal and family events passed, I sat down and devoted time to reading These Tangled Threads. With the extra time to read uninterrupted, I followed the story much better.

I really enjoyed the story of Arthur. His attempt to help a family member was touching and well-written. I loved seeing his losses and successes detailed. And I was so happy with the end of his story. 

I didn't connect as closely to Lorna or Gentry, but without these two young ladies, the story would not advance. In the end, I appreciated the honesty that emerged and the growth of the characters. 

I would recommend These Tangled Threads to those who enjoy historical fiction and Christian novels. Through all the troubles, the book is encouraging and uplifting.

Book Club: Book Review of Up from Dust

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Heather Kaufman's latest book, Up from Dust: Martha's Story, is a nice mix of Biblical fiction and the examination of real events from the Bible. In the first book of the Women of the Way series, readers are introduced to the family of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany. Events start in the book with the birth of Mary and continue through the lives of the three siblings. 

With the untimely death of their mother, Martha becomes responsible for rearing her siblings with the help of their grandmother and a few women from Bethany. While she and Lazarus are similar in demeanor in some regards, Mary is a rambunctious child who never seems to listen. She is often out wandering on her own instead of fulfilling required tasks. While their father is still with them, that doesn't mean that he necessarily helps raising his children. In fact, he seems to have never gotten over the death of his wife.

Throughout the story, we see the father move to raising sheep, and this is where the first love of Martha appears. A young shepherd is hired to take care of the family's flock. A future seems to be in the works, but hardship strikes and things change. Years pass, and the family has become prosperous. Eventually, their father dies, and Lazarus takes on the full responsibility of the family. 

It is during this time that Lazarus is in charge that the family hosts Jesus. This is where we see events follow the Bible accounts more closely. After all, we don't really know anything about the early lives of the three siblings. So Martha's first love, the relationship with their father, and the friendships in Bethany are all fictional accounts provided by the author. 

My Thoughts 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Up from Dust. The joining together of Biblical fiction and real accounts was beautifully done. Kaufman explains in her author's note how and why she made the decisions she made regarding the fictionalized parts, which I appreciate. 

The lives of the three siblings really came to life – especially that of Martha. After reading this book, I felt like I really knew her. Even though many of the details were fictional, one could, after researching the time period, easily see the events taking place. Whether or not they would have happened to Martha, it doesn't matter. They are typical of the time and thus historically accurate, in that manner. 

I would recommend Up from Dust to those who enjoy Biblical fiction. It was a good work that I was eager to read each day. My only complaint is in regard to the book cover. The book itself has an odd texture and is not one that I enjoyed holding. I wish book companies would not use textured paper for their book covers. 

Want to Read More Reviews 

Book Club: Book Review of The Worry-Free Parent Workbook

Book Club: Book Review of All's Fair in Love and Christmas

Book Club: Book Review of Voice of the Ancient

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Weaving together Biblical events and historical fiction is one of Connilyn Cossette's talents. In reading Voice of the Ancient to review, I was able to see the early years of Saul as king come to life. Cossette introduces readers to a beautiful land with harsh conditions. She also brings back the boys from Between the Wild Branches for another adventure. 

About the Book 

Voice of the Ancient is the first book in The King's Men series by Connilyn Cossette. She sets her story during the years that Saul sat on the throne of Israel. According to the author's note, Cossette feels that many gloss over the years Saul was king, but he was still chosen by God to unite Israel under one banner.

The early chapters of the book bring us into a battle with the Ammonites. Cossette has been fighting her own battles. For those who don't know, she shares in the book that she has battled cancer, which caused upheaval and deadlines that were pushed back. I think the extra time spent walking that path has brought something special to Voice of the Ancients.

The story focuses upon Avidan, the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, and Keziah, the daughter of a powerful clan chief. Both end up in the same area—near an invading force—and come to rely upon each other. 

Avidan leaves his home to join his cousins and friends to answer Saul's call to repeal the Ammonite invasion, while Keziah is on the road to escape a marriage to an evil man. The novel moves between each of these characters, allowing them each time to share their own viewpoint. 

My Thoughts 

First, let me share that I haven't finished reading Voice of the Ancient, but as I will be offline for over a week, I wanted to share my review now. The book was published in August, so I do not want to wait too much longer to share my thoughts about the book. I will be updating this post when I have finished reading it. 

Both of the main characters have drawn me into the story. By alternating the viewpoint between Avidan and Keziah, I am ready to keep reading well past bedtime because I want to know what has happened to both individuals. Their stories are compelling. 

I appreciate that Avidan wishes to try and forge a life for himself. As a member of the Levite bloodline, he is supposed to remain with his tribe. His family legacy is to share the stories of their ancestors but he wants something more. This leads him to join his cousins to fight the invading force. His experience with his first battle is very jarring and wonderfully written. 

Keziah's family is located very near the area the Ammonites have invaded. Her father is afraid for his land and people so he brokers a marriage with another powerful man between his daughter, Keziah, and that man. This man turns about to be very cruel so Keziah's maid intervenes. This leads Keziah to run away from her home where she meets Avidan. 

I love the interaction between Avidan and Keziah. They end up in an area where the people have not heard all the stories of Jacob and Joseph. So, Avidan barters the telling of the stories for dinner. Keziah has not heard these stories, either. In fact, her village doesn't just worship Yahweh but also Asherah as the consort. This seems foreign to Avidan. I appreciate that he tries to carefully explore Keziah's feelings towards Yahweh and the goddess.

I am eager to finish reading Voice of the Ancient to see where Avidan and Keziah end up. Will they find his cousin? Will they find her mother's family? What will become of Avidan's cousins who are still with Saul's army? These are great questions pushing the narrative forward.

Read more about one of Cossette's other books here: Until the Mountains Fall

Book Club: Book Review of Rocky Mountain Rendezvous

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

I enjoy a good historical fiction novel, especially those that involve a mission. I was very pleased to read and review Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller. Her latest adventure is set in 1837, telling the story of four sisters seeking the woman who helped their father. 

About the Book 

We join four sisters—Rosemary, Juniper, Faith, and Lorelei Collins—in July 1837 at a trapper-trading rendezvous in Green River Valley (future Wyoming). They have traveled to the locale with the trading wagons. They are seeking the Piegan Blackfoot woman who helped heal their father years ago. On their father's deathbed, he asked his daughters to seek her out and return her beads to her. Even though the trip and the mission were dangerous, all four sisters agreed to try and find Steps Right to honor their father. 

When they arrived at the camp, they met Riley Turner when the coyote pup Lorelei was nursing escaped. Riley took it upon himself to escort and protect the girls. The men at the rendezvous had not seen a white woman - especially one from the East - in at least a year or more. So Riley wanted to protect the girls' virtue and honor. The Collins sisters hired Riley and, eventually, his campmates to help them on the journey and mission to find Steps Right. 

In addition to the dangers at the camp rendezvous, the Collins sisters and Riley also faced dangers in the wilderness and from the different tribes they questioned regarding the whereabouts of Steps Right.

 

My Thoughts 

Misty M. Beller has crafted another well-written and intriguing work of historical fiction. Her words in Rocky Mountain Rendezvous brought the location to life. While reading the book, I really felt like I was on the trail with Juniper (the Collins sister the story focuses upon) and Riley.

"The sun beat down on Juniper relentlessly as they rode past the morning hours and into early afternoon. Dragoon's tracks—and those of the horses he'd been following—had been winding around several mountains, staying to the lower rocky terrain" (218). 

I also felt like Beller did a good job of being respectful of different groups and beliefs. With recent anger towards other Christian authors telling stories set in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, I can only hope critics will read Beller's book before making a decision. 

At no point does Beller write disrespectfully of the Native American tribes that the main characters come across on their mission. I am eager to see how Beller continues the story in the series as the Collins work more closely with the tribes in the area. 

While Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is published by Bethany House Publishers, the story focuses on the journey and mission and less on God and His hand in the Collins sisters' lives. God is still present but not as central as He is in some other Bethany House publications. 

I would recommend Rocky Mountain Rendezvous to those who enjoy historical fiction and Christian Romance. The pace of the story is excellent, and the characters are well developed and interesting. 

Read my review of Hope's Highest Mountain, too! 

Book Club: Book Review of In This Moment

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

Another wonderful book from Gabrielle Meyer! I stayed up all night to finish In This Moment because I wanted to know which timeline the main character, Maggie, would choose before her twenty-first birthday. 

About the Book 

In This Moment is the second book in the Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer. The premise of the Timeless series is that the main character travels back and forth in two or three specific time periods until their twenty-first birthday. A birthmark indicates they will live this life until they must choose which life they will continue to live the night of their twenty-first birthday. 

In the first book, When the Day Comes, the main character, Libby, chose the later time period of her time-crossing and gave birth to Maggie (her second daughter and the main character of this book). In the 1941 timeline, Maggie's time-crossing parents (both Libby and her husband) have raised three children – only one of which is like them – Maggie. In the timeline, Maggie and her sister Anna are both nurses in the Navy. 

In each timeline, Maggie is interested in healthcare. She meets Clara Barton in 1861 and is training to be a doctor in 2001. Her dream really is to help others no matter what her station is in life. And her position or station is varied. In 1861, she is the daughter of a senator living in Washington D.C. at the start of the Civil War. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse who was admitted due to the influence of her grandfather. And in 2001, her mother is the Social Secretary for President Bush, and her father works in the Pentagon. Each of the different paths allowed Maggie to be involved with key historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and important events. 

My Thoughts 

The time periods highlighted with In This Moment, are definitely one where where the reader will be eager to see what happens next. With the start of the war in 1861, we see Maggie meet the soldiers who are coming from Baltimore injured and then go with her, her father, and other characters to the First Battle of Bull Run. In 1941, Maggie and Anna join a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor before December 7. And finally in 2001, readers will be eager to see if Maggie's life will be impacted by the attack of September 11. 

All of the plot points kept me reading through the night. Each chapter is devoted to one day in each time period. So, if you want to know what happens in 1941, you need to read through the chapters set in 2001 and 1861. 

Gabrielle Meyer does a wonderful job of bringing all her characters to life. As we walk alongside Maggie, we can feel her anguish as she thinks about which time period she will call home. She loves her Papa in 1861, her time-crossing parents in 1941, and her Mom and Dad in 2001. And little by little, Maggie finds love in each time period even though she had vowed to not fall in love until she made her final choice. 

Through it all, Maggie's time-crossing mom, Libby, tells her to trust God when making her decision. At times, Maggie rails against God and is angry about the choice she must make, but all works out in the end. Maggie makes the choice that will best suit her and eventually has her own time-crossing children. 

I recommend In This Moment to those who enjoy historical fiction, Christian romance, and good books. The novel is riveting and definitely a page-turner! 

Book Club: Book Review of What Happens Next

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page for more information. Thank you.

I share often about extremely good books. Books that I can't put down because they are page-turners. I recently had this same experience with What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson. I received the book in the late afternoon and started reading it that night. By the next day, I had finished the book. Such a great novel!

"Everyone has a story, and maybe everyone needs a little help toward healing." 

What Happens Next tells the story of a popular podcaster, Faith Byrne, who is suffering. She may feature individuals on her podcast who have overcome tragedies, but she is facing a number of difficulties herself and struggling with how to overcome them. She is facing a summer without her daughters as they are going to Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife. She is also facing tragic news. She learns of the disappearance of Heather Crane. During the summer of 1987, Faith and her family stayed in Deep Valley. She was befriended by Heather during the summer. They were inseparable until Faith and her family moved before the start of the new school year. It was shortly after that move that Heather disappeared. And Faith was never told of her friend's disappearance. Sadly, she thought Heather refused to answer any of her letters. 

Faith is approached by Heather's older sister, Brooke, to assist in putting closure on the disappearance. Dora Crane, the girls' mother, did not handle the disappearance of her daughter well. In fact, it tore the family apart. By the present day of the book, we learn that Heather's brother, Greg, has moved away and not returned home. Heather's father, Paul, has left Dora. While Dora keeps Heather's room as it was the day she disappeared, the rest of the family is trying to move on with their lives while still being respectful of their lost family member.

We learn about Faith and Heather's friendship through flashbacks shared from Heather's point of view, as well as Faith's own memories shared with the other characters. The details are also filled in by Dora, Nathan (who had been a friend of Faith and Heather during that summer), the original detective on the case, and Faith's grandmother.

The novel is written from three different perspectives. The chapters of What Happens Next change from Faith, Dora, and Heather as we learn more and more details about the night Heather disappeared. This is done in an easy-to-follow manner as the title of the character is featured at the end of each chapter. 

What Did I Think? 

This was another book I picked based on the cover. It looks like an ideal summer day. A purple child's bicycle is tossed in the path. Perhaps its owner is enjoying a hike through the woods or a swim in the nearby stream. As a reader, you don't know that the bike belongs to Heather until many chapters into What Happens Next.

I felt that Christina Suzann Nelson provided a wonderful sense of suspense as I read from chapter to chapter. I wanted to know what happened to Heather. I felt her come to life in the book. I was eager to know if she had come to harm or had merely gone off on her own. The title of the novel is very appropriately named! 

The characters were all very believable. I felt the sorrow and agony of Dora, the hurt and pain of Paul, as well as the hope of Faith. The hope was that she would be able to help the Crane family. They made her welcome during that summer. She wanted to return the favor to them by providing closure. 

I would recommend What Happens Next to those who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. While the characters' relationship with God was not central to the story, we can see how each reached out to God to find their way. This would make a great gift for those who enjoy mystery and suspense Christian novels. 

Read my review of More Than We Remember here: Book Review. 

Book Club: Book Review of Where the Blue Sky Begins

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I've been steering myself away from fiction – other than children's fiction – for a while now, except for historical fiction. Why? After my mom's death, I found that most modern-day fiction was too close for comfort. I decided to give Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner a chance, mostly based on the cover (which is quite lovely). Maybe I should have read the book description. This one definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

About The Book 

Eric Larson is sent to a rural Montana town, Tukston, by his uncle to work in his uncle's financial company. This is supposed to be the stepping stone for Eric's advancement within the company. Eric thinks he will work there during the summer and then be recalled to Seattle and the larger branch of the company. Of course, everything does not work out the way the confident and handsome Eric thought it would. Things move beyond his control after an accident. 

The second main character of Where the Blue Sky Begins is Eunice Parker. At forty-six years old, Eunice has given up on her dreams of becoming a veterinarian or animal rescuer as she comes to terms with a terminal illness. One of the things she has determined God wants her to do before she dies is to seek the forgiveness of several people. She created a bucket list of names and sought to meet with each of them.

Before Eunice can meet with those she wishes to, she is run off the road by Eric on her scooter. Through some good fortune and fast-talking, Eunice convinces Eric to drive her to her destination. These trips – both long and short – help a bond between the two form. As a native of Tukston, Eunice knows everyone in town, whereas Eric is a likable stranger.

Everything does always work out for Eunice as she seeks forgiveness, but through her attempts, Eric learns more about faith and God. He begins to change his outlook on his own goals with his uncle's financial company. Things change for both Eunice and Eric and those around them. 

My Thoughts 

The very first chapter of Where the Blue Sky Begins pulled me into the story. I wanted to know more about why Uncle Jack wanted his nephew Eric to see the town of Tukston. What was so intriguing about this small rural town? Who would Eric meet in the town? How would they change each other's lives? 

From Eunice's first appearance on her scooter, I didn't really think she would play much of an integral role. (I really need to start reading the book jackets.)  I am very glad that Eunice turned out to be Eric's next-door neighbor, and that she had the courage to ask him to help her accomplish the tasks on her bucket list. The friendship that developed between the two of them was a delight to read about – even with all its bumps.

The declining health of Eunice was difficult for me, as most illnesses and deaths have become over the months since my own mom died. I also find I get really attached to well-written characters, so I did not want to see Eunice's failing health or Eric having to cope with it. The author, Powner, did a fine job of handling these difficulties. 

One thing I realized after I started to write this review is that this book did not mention or incorporate the events of 2020. For that, I am very grateful. So many fiction books (and non-fiction books) that I have read published since 2020 have had to make mention of or incorporate the events into their book. It was so nice to read a book that didn't discuss masks, lockdowns, etc.

I really enjoyed Where the Blue Sky Begins. I would recommend the book to those who wish to read a good story that revolves around relationships strengthening and those who find themselves. We also see characters grow and develop into better people. Personally, I would love to see what happens to Eric. Does he stay in Tukston? And what about some of the other minor characters in the novel? How do they change after the end of the novel? 

Book Club: Book Review of The Deadly Shallows

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

When selecting books to review, I tend to stay away from series books unless it is book one. I also like to stick to historical fiction as that is something I am interested in due to my love of history. I pushed aside these two limitations when I read the description of The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey because it sounded really good. I am very glad I took a chance on Book Three of the Coastal Guardians series because I enjoyed the characters and plotline immensely. 

About The Deadly Shallows 

"CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when he learns of a mass shooting raging on his Coast Guard base. He and his team stop the attack, but not before numerous innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he determines to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice." 

- Book Cover

Wrapped up in the mass shooting on the Coast Guard base is Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler, who is attending the graduation of a friend. She travels with the only surviving member of the attack to the hospital. This man imparts one word to Brooke which puts her in immediate danger when those behind the attack find out the surviving gunman spoke to Brooke.

Brooke and Noah work together to discover answers regarding the shooting and an old crime while falling for each other. The other members of Noah's team play an integral role in the plot of the story, the investigation into this mass shooting, and another local, environmental crime. 

My Thoughts

The Deadly Shallows is a fast-paced book that does not require the reader to have any former knowledge of the characters, the location, or the series. While I found myself wanting to know more about the characters – and curious as to whether or not they were present and had a greater role in the previous books – I wasn't left with too many questions. The characters were fully developed to fit into the plotline of The Deadly Shallows and Dani Pettrey left enough questions that made me want to seek the other two books.

I felt that the description of the scenes and locations was wonderful. I could definitely see the locations in my mind as Pettrey described them. Every event came to life off the pages of this 390-page paperback book. For example, the darkness under the ocean: "She followed the flashlight's circle as it landed on dead fish...all dotting the sandy bottom of the sound's floor" (150). Or this description from shortly after the mass shooting: "Gabby hadn't even put the car in park when Noah jumped out and rushed as fast as his stupid leg would carry him" (96).

The trust in God by the characters is also a winning factor of The Deadly Shallows. I appreciated that they prayed about those involved in the mass shooting and their colleagues throughout the book. It is nice to see Christians living their lives openly as they go about their work.

My only complaint has to do with the texture of the book cover. While I really wanted to read The Deadly Shallows, I did not necessarily want to pick it up and read it. The book cover has an odd feel to it and set my nerves on edge much like when someone runs their nails on a chalkboard. 

I would recommend The Deadly Shallows to those who enjoy fast-paced, Christian Romantic Suspense novels.

Book Club: Book Review of When the Day Comes

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction, so it came as no surprise that when the book When The Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer was available for review, I jumped at the chance. The story is set in two time periods I enjoy reading about – Colonial Williamsburg and the Gilded Age. What makes this historical fiction very unique is that the main character is living in both time periods as she is known as a time-crosser. 

About the Book 

In When the Day Comes, we follow Libby as she lives out her life in 1774 and 1914. "When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives" (book jacket). When her twenty-first birthday arrives, she must choose which life she wants to continue living. She thinks she has everything worked out as to which life she wants to live, but events in one timeline bring to a halt her plans. 

With this being historical fiction, there are several figures and events throughout both timelines that are real. For example, the fictional character of Henry Montgomery from 1774 works alongside George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. And we read of the suffrage movement of the early 1900s and the start of World War I in the Gilded Age. And the characters of Libby and her mother in 1774 are based on real people from Colonial Williamsburg. 

What Did I Think? 

I was very excited to read and review a new work of historical fiction that had such a new premise. As I started to read When the Day Comes, I found myself getting frustrated at times. Libby's Mama (1774) pushed the idea that her daughters could accomplish great things and continue to have ambitions and dreams that were not typical in the 1770s. Libby's Mama was a time-crosser to 1994. I don't see anything wrong with girls dreaming, but they should be time-appropriate dreams. The book focused on the fact that they should change history, but by pushing the agenda to dream big, wouldn't that impact history?

I enjoyed a great many of the minor characters, such as Libby's maid, Edith, in 1914, the servants at Cumberland Hall (1914), Congressman Hollingsworth, Mariah, and Abraham in 1774, and even British Lieutenant Addison in 1774. They were all thoughtfully brought to life to support the main cast of characters. And even with some of Libby's flaws, she was a lovely heroine. She, along with her Mama, trusted God had provided them with the life of time-crossers and left events in His hands. 

I would recommend When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer to those who enjoy historical fiction, Christian fiction, and encouraging stories. The descriptions of the characters, places, and events were wonderful and interesting. I look forward to seeing what events will be brought to life in Book 2.

Book Club: Book Review of To Disguise the Truth

 

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Running away, hiding, seeking a new life... The main character of To Disguise the Truth has done these things and must now face the consequences. In the third book in The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series, Jen Turano explores the story of Eunice Holbrooke and Arthur Livingston. 

About the Book 

At the beginning of To Disguise the Truth, we see Arthur Livingston sitting in the office at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency across from the woman who had once shot him. The catch? Arthur does not know it is actually the person he is looking for sitting across from him. He is looking for Eugenia Howland has changed her name to Eunice Holbrooke and changed her life entirely. To help disguise herself, Eunice has taken to wearing widow's veils to hide her face. Eunice is, of course, not too keen on taking on Arthur's case as she does not want to be found.

As Arthur presses his case for why the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency should take his case, readers are taken through a whirlwind of activity. From learning the details of what has been happening in Montana since Eunice left so many years ago to joining her on an undercover mission at an asylum for women, we see characters develop and learn more about the relationship between Eunice and Arthur. 

What Do I Think? 

I am torn in regards to my opinion of To Disguise the Truth. I really liked some of the characters – in particular Arthur's grandfather, Lloyd – while others (including Eunice) got on my nerves a bit too much. I wanted a happy ending for Eunice and Arthur, but she seemed so determined to stop it from coming. And while I understand why Eunice didn't share her secret with Daphne or Judith, I know my feelings would be hurt if I was in their position. I wonder how easily I would have been able to forgive her. 

Personally, I could have done without Eunice going undercover at Blackwell's Island Insane Asylum. I am not sure how Turano could have developed the plot without these chapters, but I think I would have enjoyed the book more with a maybe a different undercover adventure. 

Maybe I have been watching too many drama TV series, but I could easily see parts of To Disguise the Truth as a TV series or movie – especially the end chapters set in Montana. All of Eunice's relatives seemed to jump off the page.

If you enjoy historical fiction, period novels, mysteries, and/or Christian fiction, I would recommend you check out To Disguise the Truth. And don't forget there are two other books in the series you can read, too. (affiliate links below) 

To Steal a Heart 

To Write a Wrong 

Be sure to read my other book reviews, including my review of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque.

Book Club: Book Review of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

I received a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I really did not want The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson to end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how William Snopes gathered information for the trial of Captain Tuttle so much that I was sad when I approached the end of the story. Did I want to know the outcome of the trial? Yes! But I would have loved to read more about the characters. 

About the Novel 

Set during the Regency era of England (1795 to 1837), The Barrister and the Letter of Marque introduces readers to a range of characters, from the pickpockets of Whitechapel to the Prince Regent himself, and brings them all to life. If you are a fan of British history or Regency novels, there are so many locales you will recognize, including Newgate Prison, Whitechapel, The Old Bailey, and the ports of the Thames.

Lady Madeleine Jameson seeks out representation for her cousin – Captain Harold Tuttle. She needs the barrister, William Snopes, to prove Captain Tuttle innocent to keep him from the gallows as well as rescue her investment in the Padget and its cargo acquired in the Indian Sea. 

Before Snopes even agrees to take the case, he and his associates are met with difficulties at every step. They can't even meet Captain Tuttle for a long while because no prison will admit to holding him captive. The Crew scatters once they are released from the ship, including the important first mate who had seen the Letter of Marque. 

What Is a Letter of Marque? 

A letter of marque is a document issued by a government (in this case England) that authorized the person carrying the letter to act as a privateer. The private person would be able to attack and capture vessels or seize cargo from the ships of nations with whom the privateer's country is at war. So usually, letters of marque were only issued during times of war to private persons. In The Barrister and the Letter of Marque, the letter was issued to Captain Tuttle of England to enable him to attack and seize the cargo of a French ship, even though England and France were no longer at war. Without this document, Captain Tuttle would have engaged in an act of piracy like he was charged by the British government. So when it goes missing the night he returns from his voyage, things become very difficult. 

In addition to seeing how the rich live – through a ball and a few other scenes involving Lord Brummell – we also read of The Lanyard Pub in the East End and the home of the solicitor, Obadiah Cummings. Finally, we get a peek into the lives of the ruffians of Whitechapel when we read of Lonny McPherson and how he runs his crew.

My Thoughts 

I enjoyed reading The Barrister and the Letter of Marque immensely, from the prologue (where we learn why William Snopes turned his back on his privileged life) to the epilogue (where life appears to return to a happy normal for William Snopes, Edmund Shaw, and Obadiah Cummings), each scene was well written and interesting. 

I found William Snopes to be a most intriguing character. I looked forward to seeing what steps Snopes would take next as he prepared the case. I enjoyed reading the conversations between Snopes and Father Thomas, as well as learning more about Snopes' personal background. Of all the characters, Snopes was definitely the most developed. 

While there is a hint of romance to The Barrister and the Letter of Marque, that is not the focal point of the novel. At the heart of the matter is the trial of Captain Tuttle and the journey to collect evidence to prove his innocence. This work of historical fiction has a heavy mystery novel feel to it, and I think it all ties together very nicely. If you enjoy historical fiction, I would recommend The Barrister and the Letter of Marque.