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 The Sisters of Corinth

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.

Without knowing it, I picked book 2 in The Emissaries Series to review. While it would have been nice to have read the first book, I did not find it necessary to my enjoyment of The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt. 

About the Book 

This work of Biblical fiction is set in Corinth during the early days of the Christian Church. Paul is in Rome and Aquilla and Priscilla visit our main character in the opening pages of the novel. The story revolves around two sisters—Mariana and Prima. The interactions with religions and the politics of the day surround the sisters and their family. 

Mariana and her mother, Hester, worship Adonai and trust in Yeshua. Prima, Mariana's stepsister, worships the Roman gods and goddesses (using the Greek name for some, as they live in the Greek city of Corinth). Prima visits the temple of Aphrodite throughout the novel and calls upon the goddess to help her. Narkis—the paterfamilias—worships the Roman gods but is not upset about his wife and stepdaughter worshiping Adonai. Prima is the one who sees this as an affront to the Roman empire.  

While Mariana merely seeks to honor Adonai, Prima is interested in wealth and social status. With the arrival of a new provincial governor in Corinth, Narkis, as chief magistrate, sees an opportunity to secure his power and fortune. And since Memmius—the provincial governor—has a young son who is an eligible bachelor, this provides the perfect opportunity to secure a betrothal for Prima. 

Much to Prima's dismay, things do not turn out to her liking, and she seeks the favor and assistance of Aphrodite. This leads to many visits to the temple and the gladiatorial arena. 

My Thoughts 

I enjoyed reading The Sisters of Corinth. It was definitely a page-turner. With chapters going back and forth between the viewpoints of the sisters, it was easy to keep reading.

The historical description was also very accurate. It is clear that Hunt does extensive research to help bring her novels to life. 

My only complaint is in regard to the character choices of Prima. She went to the arena to have relations with a gladiator, allowed the high priestess of Aphrodite to influence her morals, and frequented taverns. I would have preferred the author to share fewer details about the prostitute-like actions of Prima. 

If you enjoy Biblical historical fiction, I would recommend The Sisters of Corinth. 

Looking For More Book Reviews? 

• Book Club: Book Review of Up from Dust
• Book Club: Book Review of These Tangled Threads

Book Club: Book Review of At Love's Command

I received a FREE 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.

Karen Witemeyer's first in the Hanger's Horseman Series, At Love's Command, is a Christian Romance set in 1893 Texas. The book weaves together the story of Matthew Hanger and his band of mercenaries with the life of Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Dr. Jo (Josie) is brought one of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace, to operate on after a bullet finds its mark, she and Matthew start to fall in love. At Love's Command really could be a book about love at first sight. But this is not a sappy romance novel but one where both main characters are grounded in their faith and ask God into their lives to help them on their journey.

One of my favorite parts of At Love's Command are the Bible quotes provided by "Preach" Luke Davenport. Whenever the Horsemen are setting out to carry out a mission, Matthew asks Preach "got a verse for us?" These always seem really fitting as the story continued. 

"He's fought through ruthless outlaws and injury, but with her, he's tempted to surrender." 

Throughout the novel we also see Josie's struggle with leaving the mission and rescues in God's hands. I really appreciated reading the words that Karen Witemeyer provided for Josie. At the heart of Josie's thoughts and prayers: "Only you can save him, Lord. Please. Save him" (228). I was wary that Josie would be an overbearing female character since she was a doctor in a world and time when there were not many female doctors. But even though she took pride in her skills as a doctor, she was humble and understanding of knowing when she was not the strongest. 

My third favorite thing: The two occurrences where God seemed to intervene to help the Horsemen. They were left in the wilderness without their horses and a man with a wagon came along the road. And in the second occurrence, they found something that was missing and were able to return it to someone who gave them rest and assistance on the final leg of their most dangerous mission. 

If you enjoy historical fiction, Christian romance, and westerns, this might be the perfect novel for your summer reading. At Love's Command was a book that had me at the edge of my seat, turning the pages to see what would happen next. I look forward to reading what happens to the rest of Hanger's Horsemen. 

Book Club: Book Review of The Lost Lieutenant

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this book 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.

Historical fiction can bring to life the days of the past by introducing imaginary – but totally believable – characters amidst a variety of events in the past. These stories can also encourage readers to go research the time period to learn more on their own. In The Lost Lieutenant readers are immersed in the Regency Era of Great Britain meeting a war hero and his future bride. Erica Vetsch weaves a tale of suspense while her characters demonstrate their faith in God. Reading and reviewing The Lost Lieutenant was a pleasure.

About the Story

First in the Serendipity & Secrets series, The Lost Lieutenant begins in Berkshire, England on January 4, 1813, at the home of Diana Seaton. She is preparing, at her father's bidding, for her debut season in London while worrying about how she will be able to keep her promise to her sister. What was once a dream - escaping to the capital city of London and attending a myriad of social events - is now something she is dreading as she would rather stay at home on the Seaton Estate.

We are quickly transported to a hospital where we meet Evan Eldridge who was injured at the Battle of Salamanca in the South of Spain. Even though Evan was mostly healed physically, he was still suffering from nightmares, memory loss, and panic attacks. He was suffering from what the French called "Vent du boulet" – the wind of the bullet. Soldiers who suffered from the wind of the bullet thought the war was still going on around them even though they were nowhere near the battlefield. What would happen to the soldier who was the best sharpshooter of his regiment? What would happen to Evan Eldridge? Readers quickly learn his life will be turned upside by the Prince Regent in no time at all.

The story of Diana and Evan in The Lost Lieutenant is set in the Regency Era. This was the time period when the Prince Regent (who would become King George IV) ruled in place of his father, King George III, who was ill. The Lost Lieutenant is set in 1814, which was in the early years of the Regency Era (1811 to 1820). The Prince Regent is very involved in the lives of both Diana and Evan as he confers the title of Earl of Whitelock upon Evan Eldridge for rescuing the godson of the Prince Regent. This godson just happens to be the half-brother of Diana who was being presented at court on the same day.

My Thoughts

I liked how, through a series of events and coincidences, the Prince Regent promoted the marriage of Evan and Diana which would end up being extremely beneficial to both of them. Diana would be free of her father's influence and be able to fulfill her promise to her deceased sister. Evan would have a strong helper in starting out as a member of the peerage in the way of his wife. (Evan was also receiving help from Marcus Haverly, himself a member of the aristocracy but a second son.) All the struggles that befell Evan were due to the fact that you do not say, "No," to the Prince Regent. I love the fact that the ruling class has such power over the aristocracy (who has such power over everyone else). Such an interesting difference from the way most of us are used to living today.

I felt very drawn to the characters. I was eager to find out what would happen to Evan and his new life as Earl of Whitelock. This title was accompanied by an estate that was crumbling and ill-kept even with a dutiful man remaining behind at the estate when the old Earl had died. When Evan and his Lady Diana arrived at White Haven, they discovered just how much work was ahead of them. They basically had to achieve a miracle in time for the visit of the Prince Regent.

I would recommend The Lost Lieutenant to those who enjoy historical fiction, Christian romance, and Christian fiction. Please note there are scenes in which Erica Vetsch tackles some difficult subjects like the physical and emotional abuse that Diana faces from her father and pre-marital relations that occur within the aristocracy. So even while The Lost Lieutenant examines weighty issues (including Evan's own stress from serving in the war), the book is enjoyable and uplifting as Evan and Diana find hope in each other and God.

Read my review of the second book in the series! 

About the Author – Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award-winning author. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. You can find her at the following social media pages:

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram 

Would you like to read The Lost Lieutenant yourself? Do you want to learn more about the giveaway?

Book Club: Book Review of The Spice King

This post contains affiliate links. I received a free copy of The Spice King in return for my honest opinion. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

I know I have been writing this a lot in my book reviews but I am very glad that I had the chance to read The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden. The first book in a new series, Hope and Glory, is a fantastic work of historical fiction that brings to life Washington D.C. during the time period after the Spanish-American War. As a fan of historical novels, this book hit all the right notes for me.

The novel written by Elizabeth Camden, who is known for historical fiction set in the Gilded Age of America, follows the life of Gray Delacroix, the Spice King, and his family. We are also introduced to Annabelle Larkin who has recently moved to Washington D.C., with her sister Elaine, from Kansas. Annabelle has a temporary job at the Smithsonian Institution which brings her into contact with Gray. She is tasked with gaining access to Gray's private orchid collection and if she gains that access, to see a rare vanilla orchid that is believed to be extinct. Annabelle manages to ingratiate herself with Gray by bringing a whimsical world map of spices and the two very quickly start to fall in love. Gray opens his heart to Annabelle as he shows her his spice factory and his private greenhouses. We see her growing attraction to Gray even as she needs to look for evidence for the War Department to secure a permanent position in D.C. Why is it so important that she stays in D.C.? Her blind sister is working at the Library of Congress and relies upon Annabelle for assistance.

In addition to seeing the development of the characters of Gray and Annabelle, as readers we also learn of Gray's siblings – Caroline and Luke, the Talbots, the parents of Annabelle, and a rival business family. I really felt like I got to know each character through the descriptions and conversations written by Camden. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the adulterated food products, the debate about government regulation of food (and spices), and the First Lady, Ida McKinley (I want to go read more about her now!). For fans of historical fiction, I highly recommend The Spice King.

I really like books that make me want to read more about the topics introduced and discussed. I already had an understanding about the need for the Pure Food and Drug Act after studying another historical fiction novel set in the early 1900s but it was very interesting to see how manufacturers also attempted to scam customers and save money through the use of chemicals and spices. And with the description of Annabelle and Elaine trying different spices while making dinner I want to go and experiment with spices in my own kitchen. These are sure signs of a good book for me.

Who might enjoy this book? Readers who like historical fiction, Christian romance, cooking and baking, mystery and intrigue, and good triumphing over evil will find something to enjoy in The Spice King. It is a fast-paced novel written by a Christy and RITA Award-winning author. I recommend you take a look at it!

Book Club: Book Review of At the Wolf's Table

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When I am at the library, I sometimes peruse the 'new book' shelves in the front. I spied At the Wolf's Table: A Novel by Rosella Postorino and picked it up. My initial reason for checking the book out was because it appeared to be a historical novel with World War II as the setting. I really enjoy historical fiction and non-fiction. So I was hoping this would be of interest.

"They called it the Wolfsschanze, the Wolf’s Lair. “Wolf” was his nickname. As hapless as Little Red Riding Hood, I had ended up in his belly. A legion of hunters was out looking for him, and to get him in their grips they would gladly slay me as well." (quote from book jacket)

The main character of the book – Rosa Sauer – is a taste tester for Adolf Hitler. She, along with nine other women, taste the food prepared for Hitler to ensure they are not poisoned. These women do not necessarily get along and part of the book examines the tension between Rosa (who is from Berlin) and the women from the village.

Rosa left Berlin after the death of her mother. While her husband was serving in the German army, she lived with his parents in Gross-Partsch. Joseph and Herta were depicted almost as the typical in-laws – loving, kind, and eager to see their son.

The idea behind the story is that of Margot Wölk, who was the last living taste-tester of Hitler. At the age of 96 she decided to tell people of her experiences. Postorino heard of her and wanted to learn more about Wolk and her experience but she died before Postorino had the chance to speak with her.

I found the book to be interesting. There were details regarding living in Germany during World War II that helped bring the story to life such as the bombing of Berlin, the lack of food, and the missing men from the cities, towns, and villages.

At some points I did find the description to be beyond what I would ordinarily enjoy. There were quite a few scenes describing the sexual relationship between Rosa and another character. These were not necessarily as explicit as a romance novel but still a bit more than I wished to read in a historical fiction.

Another key event that tied the entire book to real events was that of the attempting bombing of Hitler with a briefcase. The event was discussed as it impacted the lives of those Rosa had come to know.

Would I recommend At the Wolf's Table? With caution as I do not think all my readers would enjoy reading about sexual situations or maybe even the harsh realities of life during war-torn Germany. I am happy that I picked up the book as it introduced me to a new area of history.

Interested in other historical fiction? 

From books set during World War I to books that travel back and forth in time, I have reviewed a number of historical fiction on A Mom's Quest to Teach. 

Book Club: Book Review of The Number of Love

This post contains affiliate links. I was provided with a copy of The Number of Love for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Are you someone who loves numbers? Do you see in numbers? 

Roseanna M. White shares a fantastic story in The Number of Love. I was so glad I was able to review this new book from Bethany House Publishers.

Margot De Wilde is one of the codebreakers in the secretive Room 40 in London. She works via deciphering intercepted German telegrams and sees numbers everywhere. These help her with her work and help her in her prayers.

I know I have been saying it a lot about books I have been reading of late, but The Number of Love was another book I was unable to put down! There were many nights when I stayed up well past my bedtime to see what would happen next to Margot and Drake.

"The toughest puzzle she'll have to solve 

might be the wishes of her own heart." 

White takes us on a journey with Drake Elton, a secret agent of the British government, as he seeks out the newest plot of the German government during World War I. Readers read about his interactions with his sister, Dot, with Margot (Margot quickly becomes Dot's friend), and with his co-workers and old friends.

Weaved among the field experiences of Drake in Spain, readers become acquainted with those who work with Margot and his family. Margot is a very intelligent and beautiful young woman (she celebrates her 18th birthday during the telling of the story). I see her as a good role model for female readers. She is someone to aspire to – she trusts God is bigger than her and knows best, she wants to help her friends and family, and eventually admits when she has made mistakes (she is human).

My Thoughts 

I love how the main characters trust in God. I think more of this trust needs to be shared in fictional books. Readers need to know they are not alone in their love and trust of God. While saying this, let me be clear that religion is not the main focus of the book. The Number of Love is still a story of secret agents, mystery, love, and intrigue. We see Elton dodging bullets from a German secret agent and Margot spending time with her brother and sister-in-law.

I recommend The Number of Love! I will be on the look out for the next in The Codebreakers series by Roseanna M. White. 

Book Club: Book Review of Far Side of the Sea

This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

On occasion I happily stumble upon new books to review that check off all the boxes for what I enjoy in a book. Kate Breslin's Far Side of the Sea from Bethany House is a work of historical fiction set in World War I Europe with a touch of a light, Christian romance. One of my favorite styles of books is historical fiction. I also like nonfiction works and I love studying World War I so this book was one that I quickly finished in a few days.

The main characters of Far Side of the Sea are Lieutenant Colin Mabry and Ms. Johanna Reyer. We journey with them through France to Spain in search of Jewel, Johanna's sister, and Jack, their father. A few of the characters were first introduced in Breslin's earlier novel – Not By Sight – but I did not feel at a loss for not having read this prior novel. (Although I will be reading it soon as I enjoyed Far Side of the Sea so much!)

"That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives." 

Over the course of 367 pages, Breslin takes us on an intriguing journey of spies, coded messages, carrier pigeons, and a brief history of the Irish fight for freedom from one girl's perspective. The paperback book also includes an author's note which provides a few historic details about World War I and ten discussion questions that are good for a book club.

Throughout the adventure of searching for her sister and father, Johanna learns from Colin to trust in God and that miracles can happen. During their journey to Barcelona, Colin shares a wonderful story about how he overcame his stutter and came to talk to God once they "got to know one another."

While some may see the events that took place in regards to his stutter as mere coincidence, it is very easy to see that God had answered Colin's prayer and aided him in being like the other boys at his school. Now he just has to trust God's plan for him after his injury on the battlefield.

I would recommend Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin to those who enjoy historical fiction or Christian Romance. If you like spy tales or mysteries, this might also interest you as it is a complex tale of German, French, British, and American agents. I will definitely be looking for other books by Kate Breslin in the near future.

Blogging Through the Alphabet: Introduction to the Series

A Mom's Quest to Teach is once again joining in with other bloggers for a Blogging Through the Alphabet series. If you are interested in joining us, I am adding the rules at the end of this post.

Everyone who participates will write with a different theme or goal in mind – except for the common goal of focusing each post around that week's letter. For example, last series I wrote about history topics (and I will for this one, too). If you haven't figured it out yet, I love history. I was a history major and a high school history teacher. I also volunteered for the National Park Service. Other bloggers wrote posts about children's authors or vacation spots. So many interesting posts!

Looking Forward

This time through the alphabet, I hope to write about more American Civil War battles and individuals including Appomattox and General McClellan to accompany the posts I already wrote about Antietam and General Lee. And I am considering writing a second part to my posts about King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. There is so much more to share about them than was in my original posts i.e., more than just Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon or Elizabeth's own marriage problems. Are there any topics in history you are hoping to read about this time?

This new series will start the week of February 17, so be sure to keep an eye out for our new posts!

The Rules

• Each post must be family friendly. If it is not, we have the right to remove it. 
• When linking up to this post, you give us permission to share your post and/or a photo from your post in future posts and social media shares. 
• Place the Blog Button from the site onto the post you are linking up. 
• Use the hashtag #abcblogging when promoting your post. This will help us find you and help us promote you as well.
• If you have time, check out a few of the other posts and share the love. 
• The most important rule is to make sure you are having fun! This is not something we want you to be stressed out over. We want to see all the fun ideas that everyone comes up with for the letters!

Book Club: Book Review of The Curse of Misty Wayfair

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy. Thank you.

The lives of two young women are connected across 100 years in The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House. Thea Reed and Heidi Lane are each searching out their own answers in the romantic suspense novel that I recently read to review. Through their seeking answers, they each discover that Misty Wayfair and her supposed curse upon the Coyle family is impacting their own lives. As a fan of mysteries, I really enjoyed The Curse of Misty Wayfair. I read it in about four days because I was so excited to see what happened next to Thea and Heidi.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair tells the tale of Heidi Lane (in the present day) – the daughter returning home to help her sister run a resort lodge and visit her mother who is in the grip of dementia – and that of Thea Reed – a traveling photographer who lives in 1908 and is seeking answers of her ancestry. Both ladies are living in Pleasant Valley which seems to be anything but pleasant.

Great Characters 

Sometimes when an author splits a story between two main characters there are problems – underdeveloped characters and plotlines – but Jaime Jo Wright introduced a well-developed supporting cast and a strong story linking the two ladies over 100 years. I loved reading about noisy Mrs. Brummel, quiet Rose, the Amos couple, and the secretive Simeon – all of whom were part of Thea's story – as well as Heidi's sister and brother-in-law and the Crawford family who helped Heidi answer her own questions.

Potential Spoilers Ahead 

The Curse of Misty Wayfair opens with Thea taking a memento mori – a photograph of a deceased person – which takes us to Heidi purchasing an album in an antique shop with that very same photo of Mary Coyle taken by Thea. This was the beginning of a personal connection to Heidi Lane as I enjoy looking through old photographs in antique shops and have purchased some from the mid-1800s and early 1900s (although none were memento mori).

The physical resemblance of Heidi to Mary is what begins the connection across the years. Over the course of Wright's book, we learn of Heidi's anxiety (which created a second connection for me) and see how Rhett Crawford helps Heidi reign in her anxiety at various events – a car accident, a fire, etc.

As Thea finds out who she is and what became of her mother, I found myself wanting to know more of her life and that of Simeon Coyle. I was very sad when I read the last page of The Curse of Misty Wayfair as I wanted to follow both Thea and Simeon and Heidi and Rhett on their journeys as couples.

End of Potential Spoilers 

Both Thea and Heidi discovered with the aid of others that focusing upon God – the Creator – was what was really important on their journey to find themselves.

I recommend The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright to those who enjoy romantic suspense, Christian fiction, mysteries, or historical fiction. Wright did a wonderful job weaving together the mystery of a small logging town, a scandal, and the present day.

If you enjoyed this book review, please take a moment to read these others on 

A Mom's Quest to Teach: 

Book Club: Book Review of A Cobbler's Tale: A Novel

Disclaimer: I received access to the e-book for free on NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

A Cobbler’s Tale: A Novel by Neil Perry Gordon is an intriguing look into the lives of three individuals – Pincus, Jakob, and Clara – as they navigate New York City and Poland in the early 1900s. The story introduces the reader to life in a Jewish village in Krzywcza and New York City. I really found the tale to be an interesting one as I learned more about each individual and their lives and families.

The story starts in July 1910 aboard the SS Amerika where we meet Pincus Potasznik who is seasick and his new friend, Jakob Adler. Both are Jewish and escaping persecution and trying to make a new life in America. A Cobbler’s Tale provides many details about the life of Pincus in the United States and that of his wife, Clara, in Poland. One of the groups to which we are introduced – in addition to the gangs of New York – is that of the Landsman Society of Krzywcza, which helps the newly immigrated from Pincus’ village find a job, a place to live, and provide religious assistance as well.

One of the features I liked about A Cobbler’s Tale was that everything seemed to hold a significance. Things that might only seem to have a passing importance to the story – like the meeting of the palmist Dora Meltzer – are actually more important to the plotline than they first appear. This assisted to create a tale that was woven together from the first page to the last page of the book. I most definitely wanted to see what was going to happen in each successive chapter of the book.

Clara was a strong character of A Cobbler’s Tale. She was key for keeping her family together while Pincus emigrated to America. There were many things that Clara needed to accomplish without her husband. From the birth of their last child, Anna, to keeping the cobbler’s shop running in Krzywcza with the help of Shmuel, while raising the children, Clara was kept very busy. She also handled difficulties with grace and strength.

My recommendation requires you to read a few potential spoilers. A Cobbler’s Tale: A Novel by Neil Perry Gordon is not the typical work of Christian fiction I usually review for my blog. So while I may have enjoyed it – as I really enjoy works of historical fiction and non-fiction – there may be some parts that some might find disturbing.

Warning and Potential Spoilers

There are a great number of raw details included in the story that are not normally found in books that I review for my blog. For example, there is persecution, gang warfare and violence, murder, rape, and details about war in general. Personally, the way in which Clara must ‘handle’ the police chief in Krzywcza was upsetting to me as well as that of the problems that Moshe (the son of Pincus and Clara) got into with the palmist towards the end of the book.

Even with the raw details of the story of the three characters, I do not feel disappointed in having read A Cobbler’s Tale: A Novel. I loved the little details included about life during the 1900s and felt the individuals came to life. I enjoyed the book.

Looking for more books to read? 

Why not check out these other book reviews? 

Book Club: Book Review of Lady of a Thousand Treasures

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy. Thank you.

I really enjoy historical fiction – perhaps it is because I was a history major and a history teacher – so I jumped at the chance to review Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd from Tyndale Fiction. The novel is centered around Eleanor Sheffield, an evaluator of antiquities, and her attempt to advance her family business and make an important decision regarding a "thousand treasures." We also meet Harry, Lord Lydney, and many other people important to Eleanor's story.

"A threading of voices spooled throughout the expansive chamber wherein we waited..." 

The novel opens in 1866 in Oxfordshire, England, and we quickly learn that Eleanor is the temporary trustee of the Late Lord Lydney's collection of art, armor, jewelry, silver, and other antiquities. She must decide whether the treasures stay at the house – Watchfield – with Lord Lydney's surviving son (Harry) or if they should be donated to the new South Kesington Museum. Both choices provide Eleanor with advantages and disadvantages. So what will she choose? It is a difficult decision for Eleanor. What would you choose?

The plot, while surrounding missing antiquities, fake urns and coins, is also a love story between a middle class lady and a new Lord. Throw in an ailing uncle, new servants, Italians fleeing war, and money issues and you will find you cannot put down Lady of a Thousand Treasures because you want to see what happens next. There are so many wonderful small and big moments in the story that made me keep reading well past my bedtime.

I love that we get to know all the characters through their conversations with Eleanor and her thoughts about the characters and their actions. Books where we really get to know the characters are so great to read.

I recommend this book to those interested in historical fiction – especially of the Victorian Era as Lady of a Thousand Treasures is part of the Victorian Ladies Series Collection. I found the book to be a quick, good read.

Learn more about the author – Sandra Byrd – by visiting the following sites:

 Website –  Pinterest 

Book Club: Engraved on the Heart

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson is one of the best period fiction novels I have read in a while. I was hesitant to review a book that takes place during one of my favorite time periods to study – that being the American Civil War period. Whenever I read any book – fiction or non-fiction – about the Civil War, I ask several questions:

• Will the book be historically accurate? (Although I have no problems with fictitious characters meeting real people as long as it fits into the real historical timeline.) 
• Will it weave enough history into the fictitious characters' lives to bring the past to life? 
• Will it be an enjoyable story that needs to be set in history? 

After reading and reviewing Engraved on the Heart from Tyndale Fiction, the answer to all three questions is a definite YES for me! 

The story by Tara Johnson is primarily that of two individuals: Keziah Montgomery and Dr. Micah Greyson with their hometown of Savannah, Georgia as the backdrop. From the very first chapter, I was blown away and intrigued. I believe I finished Engraved on the Heart in less than a week. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the book.

Engraved on the Heart focuses upon Keziah, a young woman from a Confederate family who is suffering from an illness that her family wants to hide. This illness has kept her single much to the annoyance of her match-making parents. Right before the American Civil War starts Keziah's old schoolmate, Micah, returns from Philadelphia where he had trained as a doctor. In addition to learning his medical skills in Philadelphia, Micah also learned a lot from Abolitionists in the North, too. 

Ma Linnie's words reminded me of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 

Keziah and Micah renew their friendship and embark on a dangerous journey together helping slaves escape in the Underground Railroad. In addition to their adventures helping slaves find freedom, they also grow to like, and maybe love, each other. While Keziah's illness has kept her single, Micah has his own secret that he believes will keep him single. All these details are wonderfully woven into the story. 

Throughout the book we clearly see Keziah and Micah's strong relationship with God and their faith that He will provide for and aid them in all endeavors. We also see Dr. Greyson giving up the work he does to God. He says, "The Almighty is the one who deserves the gratitude," when thanked for medical services (217). 

There are great descriptions used by Tara Johnson. For example, one of the characters is described as getting old: "His gentle movements reminded her more and more of a clock slowly winding down" (63). What I also like about the book is that there was one of those 'catch your breath,' 'Oh, NO!' moments towards the end. Maybe I didn't even see it coming because I was so caught up in the story but Johnson took me by surprise. 

I recommend Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson to anyone interested in historical fiction, Christian fiction, or fiction set during the American Civil War. While it tackles a difficult subject – slavery and the Underground Railroad – it is not a difficult read. I will be looking for more books by Tara Johnson in the future!