A Quirky Book from a New-to-Me Author

 Venus Sings the Blues by Buck Storm 

Bones is a lost boy in Paradise, Arizona. He ends up at the Venus motel and lounge because his foster home has kicked him out. His life, and the lives of the customers and owner of the motel are changed when an unusual stranger rides up on his Harley and wrangles his way into a job playing piano in the lounge. Although Jimmy plays jazz like a pro, his real claim to fame is the metal box he brings with him. The box makes anything placed inside it disappear. The box becomes the center of controversy, attracting a world-class illusionist, a despairing cowboy, a comical pair of thieves and a drunken but famous author. 

I loved this story! It had so many pluses. It had a plot that was interesting but not easy to guess. The characters were realistic, quirky and flawed. The setting was unique. The writing was excellent. The dialog made me laugh at times. The message made me think. As a writer, Buck Storm reminded me of Billy Coffey and Tedd Dekker, two of my favorite authors. I plan to read Buck Storms’ other books now. 

I highly recommend this book. I think it would especially appeal to non-Christian readers as it is not preachy but gives the reader a lot to ponder. It has references to alcohol and cigarettes and affairs, so it is not sanitized but handles these realistically.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy of the ARC in exchange for this, my honest review.  

Complicated Family Relationships

 Walking in Tall Weeds by Robin W. Pearson 

Author Robin Pearson writes a family drama rooted in the south. It centers around Paulette, her husband Frederick, and their son McKinley. Paulette senses that something is not right about her family, and she tries her best to draw her son back into the fold of his family during the brief time he will be home for her birthday. Her son does have a secret that keeps him at a distance from his mother and she longs for the closeness they had when he was learning at her kitchen table. But not only does she feel distanced from her son, but things are not the way they should be with her husband either. As the story goes on, the reader realizes that this family’s relationships are further complicated by the secrets they keep.

 

Robin writes realistically about the relationships. She explores the relationship between a mother and her son, and about the relationship between a long-married husband and wife. She also explores the relationship between black people and white people and how their relationships are complicated by their past.

 

I enjoyed reading this book because it presented an unfamiliar point of view of black people in Christian fiction, as well as covering the more familiar topic of complicated family relationships. Readers of women’s fiction will enjoy this book. I am grateful to Tyndale House publishers for the complimentary copy of the ARC. 

 

New Mystery by Carrie Stuart Parks

 

Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks

Samantha Williams is a part-time art teacher whose life is interrupted by events rooted in her childhood that she can’t remember.  As she investigates, and struggles to thwart those trying to kill her, she finds disjointed puzzle pieces to the mystery.  Can she stay alive long enough to solve the puzzle?

Carrie Stuart Parks has created another novel set at Clan Firin, a place where first responders can come to heal from PTSD.  This novel reveals the beginning of the organization. 

Samantha is a character that readers can relate to and admire for her tenacity and resourcefulness.  I wouldn’t mind reading another book about her. 

The plot is well-paced and kept me engaged and had some twists that I didn’t see coming.  It was creative and fits well within the genre of Christian fiction. 

I enjoyed this book and received a copy from the publisher in return for this, my honest review.

New WW2 Novel from Lynn Austin

 

Long Way Home by Lynn Austin

Austin wrote this book to honor the veterans who fought in WW2 and innocent refugees whose lives were disrupted by war. One of the main characters, Jim Barnett, returns from the war unable to resume his life.  He attempts suicide and is placed in a VA hospital by his parents.  His friend, Peggy, seeks to understand how the war has changed Jim and traces his experiences through the recounting of his comrades.  His parents and Peggy are desperate to have Jim return to them, but it is a long journey home.

I am a fan of Austin’s books and enjoy her writing style.  Even though WW2 was catastrophic for the soldiers and civilians, she conveys its horrors without graphic examples.  She also laces hope through the story, which every character needs to survive.

I particularly enjoyed reading about “Peggety” who clings to hope despite her own unpleasant circumstances and shuns the bitterness she could have chosen.  Peggy grows as a character and becomes someone to admire.

The author also deals with questions of faith that her characters wrestle with.  I felt she answered these honestly from both a Jewish and Christian perspective.

Lynn Austin has done much research and gives her readers a better understanding of World War 2.  I highly recommend this book and am grateful to the publisher for a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion. 

 

 

Inspiring Tale from Sara Brunsvold

 

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

“Clara Kip had prayed repeatedly to die in Sao Paulo.  It truly seemed the smallest of requests.  People died in Brazil every day.  What was one more?  Especially one who had dreamed of the country most of her life.  The Lord, however, gave her Kansas.”

And with these intriguing sentences, we dive into Clara Kip’s extraordinary life.  She has checked in—never to leave—Sacred Promise Senior Care Center.  But despite a fatal diagnosis, God isn’t done with Clara yet.  She has one last assignment with young reporter Aidyn Kelley.  And what unfolds from there is an inspiring tale.

I enjoyed the characters in the book, especially Mrs. Kip and the staff at Sacred Promise.  Sara’s writing made them real, and I could tell that she either had experience with the elderly and death or had done much research.

I also enjoyed the way that the plot unfolded.  I was intrigued and wanted to see Mrs. Kip’s adventurous life revealed.  The plot proceeded at a just right pace to keep my attention.

This story will make readers examine their own life and want to discover for themselves the mark that they leave on those around them.  I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this, my honest review.

 

 

 

Children's book illustrating God's Image

The Stories of God (and Kiki) by Dave Connis, Art by Amy Domingo

God made Kiki to be like Him, just like Kiki made Tybee, Otter Prince of Scallywag to be like her.  And so continue the comparisons between the stories God and Kiki write in this whimsically illustrated book.   

As a teacher, I appreciate the way that the image of God is demonstrated, because it is a basic biblical truth that children need to understand.  I love how the author shows that children share in the image of God.  Whether they draw or write, or sing or act, God can be glorified in what they do as they reflect His image.  The story presents being made in God’s image as very fun and fulfilling.  

Upon reading this to a class or my grandchildren, I think I would point out that although Kiki’s stories are imaginary, God’s are true.  I would also like to see a boy as the main character in one of Dave and Amy’s books.  And a note to adults or parents about the concept of God’s image could make this an even stronger illustration for young readers.  But I think young readers will enjoy it as my grandchildren did, especially the party at the end that all of God’s children anticipate!  I am grateful for the free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Mesu Andrews' Latest Biblical Fiction Novel

 

Potiphar’s Wife by Mesu Andrews

Who hasn’t wondered about the woman who was married to Potiphar but attempted to seduce Joseph?  Mesu Andrews uses the skeleton of the biblical account to create a well-researched story that will linger for a long time in the reader’s memory.

Set in Crete and then in Egypt, this book was different from other biblical fiction that I had read.  At first I found it difficult to get into, but I kept reading and was soon absorbed by the story.  It was very complex and layered, not at all what I had imagined as being a straight-forward attraction of Potiphar’s wife to Joseph.  She spends much of the book building the scaffolding for the event and then it occurs quickly near the end of the story.  She covers Zuleika, Potiphar’s wife, thoroughly, but the book ends with most of Joseph’s story untold.  A sequel, perhaps?

Readers who enjoy biblical fiction will enjoy this book.  It covers some new ground by being set in Egypt and focusing on the rich culture of Egypt.  It develops the characters outside the biblical narrative so that they feel “real.”  It contains many twists and turns in the plot so that the reader doesn’t have a clear view of exactly how the biblical narrative will take place.  It concludes with hope for the main character, Zuleika and for Joseph.  I am curious to see what Mesu envisions as a sequel to this beginning of Joseph’s life.

I enjoyed this book and am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.

 

The Astronaut’s Wife by Stacey Morgan

How Launching My Husband into Outer Space Changed the Way I Live on Earth

Stacey Morgan writes this book about her life as an astronaut’s wife in a next-door neighbor conversational tone. I enjoyed listening to the audio book, which she narrates.  Her style is much like Annie Downs and Rachel Hollis.  She encourages her readers to live life to the fullest, which in her case includes parachuting out of an airplane while her kids and husband wait on the ground.

I liked learning about what life was like for an astronaut’s family.  She also had plenty of suggestions for women whose husbands had more earth-bound jobs.  How to form lasting bologna-is-on-sale friends, creating connection with your husband despite distance, and how to cope when you hit a wall, what covid isolation was like for a returning astronaut, are a few of the topics she covers in this chat with her readers.

I recommend this book as a jump-starter for some interesting conversations with close friends or your own husband. It was an entertaining and informative read.

 

Third novel in Murphy Shepherd series

 

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin

Fans of Charles Martin won’t be disappointed by this book, the third in the series about Murphy Shepherd.   To truly appreciate this book, it is best read after The Water Keeper. In this book, readers learn more about Bones, Murphy’s mentor and closest friend. The rest of our favorite characters are also there:  Summer, Ellie, Clay, Gunner and Casey.

I won’t offer any spoilers but just let me say that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat (or couch—wherever you love to read.)  The plot moves quickly, the adventure keeps you turning pages and the technology Martin writes about continues to amaze.

I don’t know if Martin had this in mind as he writes, but his character strikes me as a Christian James Bond—someone who works hard to thwart evil and can do it with one hand tied behind his back.  I love that even though there are plenty of times when evil rages, Murphy Shepherd finds a way to right the wrongs that plague his world.

I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

Wonderful middle-grade novel about neuro-diversity

 

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor

Aurora Petrequin, boisterous middle-grade girl has a best friend, her neighbor Frenchie Livernois.  Never mind that Frenchie is non-verbal.  Aurora says what needs to be said.  As the story begins, she finds out that she and Frenchie are in different classrooms in their Maine elementary school.  She wonders how either one of them will survive without the other.  All goes well until one day when Frenchie disappears.  Aurora is heartbroken and wonders where he is and why he isn’t coming home.

I totally enjoyed this book and the tenderness with which the author examined a friendship between a “normal” girl and her autistic friend.  The characters were fascinating and well-written. The ending was satisfying.  It is totally appropriate for a middle-grade reader and may enhance their understanding of their autistic classmates.

As a teacher and a parent and grandparent, I can enthusiastically recommend this book to young readers.  I am grateful to the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Francine RIvers' Latest Novel

 

The Lady’s Mine by  Francine Rivers

Miss Kathryn Walsh from Boston lands in Calvada, a rough and tumble mining town.  She is there to collect her uncle’s inheritance.  Even though this town is not what she thought she was coming to find, she decides to stay.  Mattias Beck, a saloon owner and leading citizen somehow feels responsible for her.  They butt heads on many occasions.  Kathryn insists on doing what she sees as right while Mattias tries to protect her.  Only time will tell if Kathryn will live long enough to make a difference in the town that is both fascinated and aggravated by her.

Francine Rivers creates some remarkable characters.  I found myself surprised by their actions and never being quite sure what they would do next.  The plot, though a bit predictable, kept me reading.  The setting, a western mining town, was interesting to read about.  It made me think what life would be like in such a place at such a time.

Westerns or romances are not my preferred genre, but I enjoyed this book.  Francine Rivers’ fans will find much to enjoy.  I am grateful to the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for this, my honest review. 

A Twist on Historical Fiction on WW2

 

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

This historical fiction novel travels between the present and World War 2, intertwining the stories of Private Courtney Coleman and his granddaughter Del, with Matteo and his aging grandmother, the Italian ballerina.

I enjoyed the unusual slant this story took on World War 2, seeing it through the eyes of both a rising ballerina and a medic in the army.  Studded with well-written characters and laced with a mystery, this story keeps the reader on her toes.

I appreciated several things about this novel.  The romantic elements of the story were plausible and well within the boundaries of Christian fiction.  The plot was constantly unfolding but the mystery wasn’t solved until near the end of the book.   The characters’ development kept me interested as I learned more of their past.

I did find the time shifting in the plot a bit confusing.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit of romance and mystery will enjoy this book.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not obligated to write a favorable review.

[KB1] 

 

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 [KB1]

Children's Book

 Crowned with Glory by Dorena Williamson and illustrated by Shellene Rodney

As a grandmother and a Caucasian, I am probably not the target audience of this book. As an elementary teacher and grandmother to granddaughters, I was curious to see if this was a book I could share with the children in my life. It would give them a window into another culture. However, there were a few terms like "plaits dope" and "bantu knots" that I would not be able to explain, and which were not explained. 

 The illustrations were colorful and enjoyable, and the book was uplifting and positive. Other types of children beside Azira were also represented in this book, as well as their families. I loved the emphasis of Azira being created by God and crowned with His glory--something that all girls need to know. This book would be a fun addition to any little girl's bookshelf. 

Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

 Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

This is an amazing book!  I really enjoyed reading it via my favorite app, Hoopla.  It had a riveting plot complete with some surprises, a cast full of fascinating characters, and writing that was lyrical and handled difficult subjects with grace.

Set in the Great War, it follows the Angel of Argonne through the war and details some of the hardships that people experienced.  She is rescued by 3 men attached to the British forces. They must complete their mission to return her to her home across a war-torn countryside. 

 Reading this book gave me an appreciation for what men and women suffered as war destroyed their homes and lives.  Despite the chaos and destruction, the author infuses light into the darkness.

I highly recommend this author and this book for those who enjoy historical fiction or anyone who desires to see more of light in their world.

A Novel about Difficult Subjects

 

The Girl Who Could Breathe Underwater by Erin Bartels

Kendra is a successful first-time author, who is under a looming deadline for her second book. To overcome her writer’s block, she returns to Hidden Lake, the setting for her first book where she writes about a girl who has been sexually abused.  There she encounters memories and people who figured prominently in her first book. Determined to be more like her first protagonist, she faces them despite the pain they cause.  And in facing them, she comes to understand more about herself.

Bartels writes a book that speaks to the horrors that many young girls have experienced—sexual abuse.  This book is not for everyone.  There will be triggers for those who have lived through this.  Despite the difficulty of the subject, Bartels handles it well, but I would recommend it only for adult readers.

Kendra’s story also includes the beauty of a pure love story, the strength of a young woman to overcome her challenges and the discovery that every story has two sides.

Her descriptions are lyrical and although this is not expressly a Christian novel, it contains hope, personal growth and a character who shows Christ-like love.  I thought it was very well written and commend Bartels for broaching difficult and complicated subjects with grace.  I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.  These thoughts are my own.