The Right Kind of Fool

The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Loyal, a thirteen year old deaf boy is swimming in a river when he notices some unusual activity which turns out to be related to a murder.  Scared, he goes up the mountain to retrieve his estranged father from his cabin.  His father works with the sheriff to piece together the clues of the murder.  This is the beginning of a most unusual summer of growth for Loyal and his family.

Sarah Loudin Thomas creates a world containing the most interesting and realistic characters.  They lingered in my thoughts after the story was over.  I especially enjoyed reading about the changes in Loyal’s father, Creed.

Her weaving of different threads of the plot kept my interest sustained in the story.  The events did not seem contrived, but very possible, as the mystery unfolded.

Because I grew up in West Virginia, this story felt a little like going home for a visit.  I really enjoyed reading it and think readers who enjoy historical fiction will want to read this, too.  I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

 

Charming, Clean, Beach Read

The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton

This book could quite handily adapt to a very nice Hallmark Channel movie.  It includes a charming community, a gruff manager, a newly divorced new-girl-in-town, a hurt single dad and an irritatingly cheerful coach, plus an assorted cast of unique residents.  In addition, all the right characters end up happily together and experience a certain amount of healing and personal growth.

This book would make a great beach read.  It was positive and light for the most part.  Even though it was published by Thomas Nelson, there was only a mention of the Bible once and no church or minister was mentioned as part of the community.  It was definitely a clean read.

I am thankful to the publisher for a free copy and this is my honest review.

New Biblical Fiction by Angela Hunt

Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt

  Daughter of Cana takes a unique approach to some lesser known Bible characters and fills in the blanks through well-researched speculation.

Tasmin is the daughter of Cana and a Jewish woman who was present at the wedding at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine.  Her brother becomes fascinated by Yeshua bar Joseph and follows him from the wedding to the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  Tasmin goes in search of her brother and finds love and the long-awaited Messiah on her journey.

Angela Hunt is one of my favorite authors.  Her work is varied and doesn’t have a consistent, predictable “voice,” which means that her books are unique and fresh.  I enjoyed this one, which is the first one of a series. 

I have read much in the genre of biblical fiction and this book compares favorably with the best authors.  It gives readers an accurate glimpse of life in biblical times.  It also poses answers to the questions of what it would have been like to grow up in same family as Jesus.

Readers who are fans of biblical fiction or Angela Hunt will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in return for this, my honest review.

                                                                                                                           

Sequel by Katherine Reay

Of Literature & Lattes by Katherine Reay

This book is the sequel to The Printed Letter Bookshop.   I enjoyed that book and enjoyed this one, too.  The author concentrates on the lives of Alyssa Harrison and Jeremy Mitchell as they intersect with the little town of Winsome, Illinois.

Characters from the previous book populate this one, too, including Alyssa’s mother and father, Janet and Seth Harrison, the Bookshop’s owner and employees, as well as some townspeople.

Reading this book gave me a sense of a Mitford novel, where many characters’ lives are open to the reader’s scrutiny.  I loved how the characters, especially Janet, grew and changed.

Another aspect of this book that I really appreciated was the references to other works of literature and the impact that those works had on the characters.  How can an author go wrong in quoting from Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men or mentioning Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time?

This book was a clean read, but had no mention of Jesus, God, the Bible or salvation, but led the reader to assume their inclusion in the changes that some of the characters had undergone.

 The author has created a little town that I would be interested in reading more of in the future.  If you are a lover of literature and small towns, women’s fiction and second chances, you will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to my daughter-in-love, Mallory for providing me with a copy to enjoy.

Some light humor with eternal significance

Laugh Like a Kid Again by Phil Callaway

Phil Callaway is a very funny, relatable guy.  He can see the humorous side of about any situation.    The book is a quick, encouraging read that I recommend for anyone!  I would be interested to learn more about Phil and his other books after reading this one.  I read this during early June, 2020, and really appreciated his humorous outlook on life during such a tumultuous time for our nation.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a little light humor with some eternal significance.  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, for this, my honest opinion.

The latest in the Cities of Refuge Series by Connilyn Cossette

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette

This book is the continuation of Darek and Moriyah’s story.  Tirzah, their youngest child becomes a spy for her people as they try to fight for the freedom of their land under Othniel.  She teams up with Liyam, a man posing as a mercenary fighting against the Israelites.

Connilyn Cossette creates and expands upon the previous characters of her series. Tirzah is a rather independent woman for her time.  Liyam is also an interesting character, who is bent upon destroying the Moabite trader who killed his child.  The two of them team up for a mission against the enemy.

The author’s trademark research creates a very real backdrop against which the story unfolds.  The characters and plot develop in a way that maintains the reader’s interest.  The book reaches a satisfying conclusion and yet leaves the reader wanting to know more about the characters’ lives.  The author expands upon an Old Testament concept of the blood avenger.  In addition, she explores themes of love and forgiveness, and second chances.

I make it a point to read anything by this author as it is well-written and excellently researched.  This book did not disappoint.

In short, this was an excellent book and I highly recommend it—especially for those who enjoy biblical fiction.  I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy in return for this, my honest review.

New-to-me author's fascinating fiction

The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

This was the first book I had read by Rachel Hauck, and if this book is indicative of her other works, it won’t be my last.  Listening to this during Covid-19 kept me engaged and thinking about something besides the craziness of the world. But even in ordinary times, this book would have fascinated me.

I loved the way the book included 5 very diverse characters:  a professor, a CEO wannabe, an heiress, an uber driver and a widower.  The mystery is why they were all invited to participate in the Story Society. The book answers that question, but in a pace that keeps readers wanting more.

I thought the author did a magnificent job teasing out the elements of each of their stories.  I kept listening to find out their secrets.  And some of them were very unexpected!

A few characters from her book, The Writing Desk, even made cameo appearances.  I found myself hoping to meet some of the characters from this book again in a future book of hers.

The author kept the story clean and also included a powerful but not preachy message of redemption, along with illustrating the underlying principle that truth sets people free.

Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction will find much to enjoy in this book.  I received a free copy from the publisher and these are my own opinions.

Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks

The author is one of my favorites, so I was eager to read this book.  It centers around Piper Boone, daughter of a wealthy family, who has suffered a great tragedy—the loss of her daughter and her marriage.

As Piper tries to put together the pieces of the puzzle regarding her family, she realizes that someone has been murdering her family members and making it look like tragic accidents.

The suspense, along with the impending hurricane, carries the reader along into the story.  Although I felt that some elements (a romance) were a bit predictable, others (the murderer’s identity) were not!

Readers who enjoy a suspenseful read with a touch of romance will enjoy this one.  It was not my favorite—I miss former heroine Glenn Marcy—but I do want the author to continue writing.  Her work is fascinating.

I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy of the book, for this, my honest review.

Attractively illustrated children's book about family love

Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs By Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotic

The little boy complains that he is too old for his mama’s kisses and his papa’s hugs.  His parents explain that even animals show love to their little ones.  They conclude that God shows love to us through our family. 

This book was very attractively illustrated and fun for a child and parent to enjoy together.  I can imagine my grandchildren giggling at the thought of sloth kisses or turtle hugs.

However, I thought the author missed an opportunity to talk about how God illustrates his love to us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.  I also wondered about the picture on the last page of the boy sleeping in his bed outside.  I didn’t understand the significance of that.

But I do think this book will open the door to talk to children about the love of their family and ultimately, the love God has for them.  Grab your favorite child and enjoy this book together today!

I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy that I will enjoy reading to my grandchildren.

Charles Martin's Latest:

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

Murphy Shepherd is more than the simple, solitary caretaker that he appears.  When Angel, an under-age trafficked girl crosses his path, it puts his life on a trajectory that even he doesn’t expect.

Murphy is a classic Charles Martin hero--- tough exterior, tender inside, wounded, but always honorable.  He made me wish that such a person really existed to be the hero that so many pine for today.

This book had lots to keep the reader engaged.  The plot was always shifting.  Murphy kept pulling out unexpected surprises.  And the author kept surprising me, too.  The characters, especially Murphy, continued to reveal more about themselves and their past.  There was always something happening to draw the reader in.  It worked on me as I finished this book in a weekend.

I have read several of Martin’s other books and appreciate his wholesome writing.  This book was the same, despite dealing with the difficult subject of sex trafficking.  I did wonder why he didn’t include any information regarding organizations rescuing children from this horror.  I think his audience would have been receptive to that.

If you are a Charles Martin fan, put this on the top of your TBR pile today!  If you have yet to read one of his books, start with this one—because you can’t go wrong.  Both men and women readers will enjoy this.  There is enough action and romance for either.  I am grateful to the publisher for a free copy, for this my honest review.

Christian Speculative Fiction

From Sky to Sky by Amanda Stevens

Amanda Stevens continues the story that she left off in No Less Days.  This book centers on Zac, the daredevil of the group.  He is desperately trying to keep his family of longevities together and protect them from someone who may be targeting them for death.

 

There are several reasons I enjoyed this book.  The author keeps the plot moving with lots of snappy and often sarcastic dialogue.  She raises thought-provoking questions about what it must be like to be immortal and outlive all of your friends and family.  The characters are well drawn and relatable with both strengths and weaknesses.  They also grow and develop over the course of the story.

The story leaves room for a sequel, and I look forward to learning more about the characters’ lives and having some of my questions answered.

I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Complex Fiction by Michele Phoenix

Fragments of Light by Michele Phoenix

Why should you read this book?  For a myriad of reasons!  Many women will identify with the struggle of Ceelia Donovan’s cancer treatment.  Others will appreciate the difficulty that the disease brought on in her marriage.  Still others will enjoy the historical fiction aspect of World War 2 that the author fleshes out.  For me, it was because I have loved Michele Phoenix’s writing.

  This book addresses issues hidden in many women’s hearts.  It is both complex and intense.  The author explores the meaning of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

 I loved the resolution of both Ceelia Donovan’s story and Cal’s story. The author made me feel some of the angst that Cal must have felt to make his life-altering decisions. I am not sure that his daughter was wrong to feel bitter about her absent father.  I found myself greatly admiring Cal’s wife whoA managed to live her life free from bitterness.

The author paced the plot so that the suspense was maintained.  The transfer of the story from past to present was easily handled and simple for the reader to follow. 

This book is a must-read for those who enjoy women’s fiction or historical fiction which grapples with serious life issues.  I am grateful to the author for a free copy for this, my honest review. 

Michigan Stars in This Book

The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels

Robin Windsor is a fourteen-year-old girl who has lost both of her high profile parents to prison.  She is sent to live with her estranged grandmother and eccentric parrot in a house trailer at the edge of a cemetery.  She adjusts to the change remarkably well, perhaps due to the unique friendship she strikes up with Peter Flynt.  They both love books and he reads them and passes them along to her.  The books play a prominent part in her life, and re-surface at a critical point in her later life.

This book had lots that I loved:  a bookstore, quirky characters (including a temperamental parrot), an art prize project, and the setting in a Michigan city.  The captivating plot switched between the past and present, but that only added to the story’s suspense.  I also loved the development of the characters, and learning what had shaped them.  The unique parts of the plot added to my fascination, such as Robin’s parents being in prison, and her “lost years” spent at Lake Superior. The book’s resolution was satisfying.

My disappointments were few.  The book ended too quickly and I wanted to see more of Robin’s spiritual journey.  The author left some questions unanswered, so perhaps there might be a sequel.  I would definitely read it! 

Erin Bartels was a new author to me, but I plan to check out any other books she has written.  I am grateful to the publisher for the free digital copy in exchange for this, my honest review. 

Continuation of Isaiah's lineage

Isaiah’s Legacy by Mesu Andrews

King Manessah of Judah was one of the most notorious kings mentioned in the Old Testament.  His life is the subject of Isaiah’s Legacy, a novel of prophets and kings.  Andrews continues the tale of King Hezekiah and Queen Hepzibah and their godly rule of Judah, which she began in Isaiah’s Daughter.  What puzzles readers of the Old Testament is why a godly king would have such an evil son.  The author has her reasons, which she develops within the context of what scripture tells us.

Her characters have depth and personality.  I both loved and hated King Manessah.  Shulle, his wife, especially seemed very complex in her ambivalent feelings toward her king husband in different parts of the story.  Zibah, the Queen Mother was a character to admire.  Her testimony shone throughout the book.

This story gave me much to ponder.  How would I respond to a husband or son who had such a blatant disregard for the laws of God or the lives of others?  How would I live in a culture that was so adamantly opposed to the God that I loved and served?  How would I survive if my husband or son were imprisoned in a foreign country for a decade?  How would I love my son if he cold-heartedly sawed my father asunder?  Hepzibah dealt with these issues and others--and lived a grace-filled life.  Although it was a dark time in her country’s history, she remained faithful and God honored her faithfulness.

This book was well-written, although it contained many dark topics.  They were handled sensitively, but still gave the reader a sense of the difficulty of the times.  A thread of hope wound its way through the story and made me want to read the passages about Manesseh in the Bible.  Readers who enjoy Biblical fiction will appreciate this book—even those who haven’t yet read Isaiah’s Daughter.

I was part of the author’s launch team and given this book in exchange for this, my honest review.     

Fascinating historical fiction set in West Virginia

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

I loved so many things about this book:  its setting, characters, plot, and writing.  Being a West Virginia girl, I enjoyed the story taking place in some historic towns in West Virginia, not too far from where I grew up.  The author admits to bending history a little to fit her story, but I think it is fascinating to read about a place near to your heart.

 The characters were complex, intriguing and well-written.  I loved that they grew and changed within the pages of the novel.  My favorite was Ivy, or maybe it was Coleman or Serepta.  They were all so interesting.

The plot was well-paced and kept me involved.  There were some surprises, and one disappointment to me:  Charlie.  I missed his presence in the story.  I found myself hoping that a sequel will follow and allow Charlie to re-enter the lives of the characters.

The writing was vaguely reminiscent of some of Billy Coffey’s southern fiction that has a pinch of the supernatural in it.  I was always weighing the events to see if they could be “real” or not.

This book grabbed my interest for all the reasons I mentioned above.  I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction or southern fiction.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for this, my honest review. 

Elizabeth Musser's latest novel

When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser

I have read some of Elizabeth Musser’s other novels, including her acclaimed The Swan House.  This is her latest novel, featuring Josephine, a writer, and her family.  Josephine is a gifted author, but suffers from depression.  The author relates her story, switching from different character viewpoints to give the reader the complete picture.  The depression, coupled with family secrets, threatens to overtake Josephine.  However, satisfyingly enough, the truth wins out.

This novel deals with some gritty issues including depression and suicide, but is laced with a silver thread of hope.  The author admits to struggling with depression herself and bravely writes about it in the epilogue of the book.  I believe that readers who also suffer from depression will find some hope and practical help here.

The characters were well-written easily garnered my sympathy.  I found myself wondering how they were doing even after I finished the book.  Even though Josephine so obviously struggled with her demons, I admired her faith and tenacity.  It is a sign of good writing that I found myself rooting for Henry, “the villain,” to come to a true experience of faith.  I also found myself wanting to read Josephine’s novels—they sounded so compelling!

The plot was written so well that I had a hard time putting down this book.  It unfolded at a good pace and had some twists that surprised me.

I really enjoyed this book and think other readers will, too, especially those who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction with some substance and hope.  Many thanks to Elizabeth Musser, who created a work that will help readers even while it entertains them.  I am grateful to the publisher for this free copy of the book in exchange for this, my honest review.