Time Slip Mystery Novel

 

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson

Poppy Pendleton, child of Amelia and Leslie Pendleton, goes missing on the eve of her fifth birthday.   She has disappeared from her parents’ castle on Koster Island.  No one has ever solved the mystery of her disappearance.

Chloe has inherited the castle and island, along with a candy store from her grandparents.  As a child she was never allowed entrance to the castle.  But now the appearance of a little girl, Emma, demands that she find the truth to the secrets the castle holds.

This time slip novel takes the reader between the present day and the past.  Readers learn more of Poppy’s history and family while the author skillfully weaves in the present-day story of Emma, Chloe and Logan.

This book has a complex plot with many surprises but a satisfying conclusion.  Despite dealing with some of the seamier sides of life in the past and present, the author handles it gracefully.  The characters are well drawn and very relatable.  The writing pulls the reader into the story.

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

Heavy Novel on Suicide

 What a Wave Must Be by Angela Hunt

Angela Hunt is one of those “must read” authors for me.  I absolutely love her writing style and the fact that each of her books is so unique.  This book is also unique, but not for the faint of heart.  She delves into the weighty subject of suicide.  Why does a person commit suicide?  Could anyone have stopped them?  What are the ripples that spread outward from the suicide?

I kept hoping for a departure from the topic, but it colored every page of this novel.  No doubt, this is a subject that can be easily passed over due to the difficulty of it, but the author does not shy away from it.  It would be my hope that an adult considering this option would read this book and discover the devastating effects his decision might have.  That being said, I do not think this book would be best for younger readers, those not having enough life experience to be able to think maturely about this subject.

This is a dark book but not without the hope that is found in Jesus.  The characters in it seem to find their way forward and to value their own lives and that of their family.  I am grateful to the publisher and netgalley for this complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.

Southern Fiction set after the Civil War

 

Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Callie and Emmy are as close as sisters can be, growing up on their well-to-do farm in the South.  Like many families, theirs undergoes many heartbreaking incidents.  The letters in the title are between the two sisters as they are separated due to illness.

This book contains a sweet love story and some mysteries which take place after the Civil War.  I was surprised at the sad turn of events but appreciated the author’s writing style.

The author includes some interesting characters.   I was intrigued by Tirzah and Ura’s ability to “see” things. But my favorite character was Callie with her free spirit.

Although the mystery is solved, it had never really gripped me.  I enjoyed the development of the characters more than the plot.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for this, my honest review.   

 

Charles Martin's latest novel

 

The Last Exchange by Charles Martin

Pockets is the strong, silent type and takes a job to protect Maybe Jo Sue, an unlikely rising star.  Through her cinematic successes and personal failures he remains steadfast, never crossing the line between his personal feelings and his professional duty.  Finally, he takes her at her word and saves her from herself, but in doing so, he risks himself and his future.

Charles Martin creates strong, swoon-worthy heroes.  I am glad he is not afraid to write books where the hero can give himself for another.  His books truthfully portray the self-sacrificing love that Christ has for his church.

Beside the strong characters, he weaves a plot that surprises the reader but leads to a potentially happy ending.  Whenever he publishes a new book, I make it a point to read that one.  In my opinion, he is one of the best Christian writers in the market today.  His writing isn’t preachy, but the characters act out the true meaning of love.

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

A New Devotional from Joni

 

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus

Daily Meditations on the Nearness of our Savor

By Joni Eareckson Tada with John Sloan

This little devotional book packs quite a punch.  It features 110 devotions with a quote from Brother Lawrence on one side and a meditation from Joni on the other.  If you want to continue in self-pity or lukewarm Christianity, do not read this book!

I found it to be quite encouraging.  Joni can speak with authority on the blessing of suffering.  She shares her secrets of communion with Jesus in simple childlike terms.  Though the selections are short, they leave the reader with much to ponder.

I highly recommend this book and I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy for this, my honest review.

John Grisham's newest novel

 

The Exchange by John Grisham

Abby and Mitch McDeere star in this novel, 15 years after The Firm.  One of Mitch’s colleagues has been kidnapped and Mitch must spearhead the effort to collect the 100 million ransom.

I enjoyed reading about Abby and Mitch again, and their life after his employment at the firm.   There were no courtroom settings but some international travel, which was interesting. I kept waiting for Grisham’s trademark plot twist, which never really came.   All in all, this book left me rather flat, but for a reader wanting to follow up on Abby and Mitch’s latest adventures, it would be a worthy read.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for this, my honest opinion.

An Apiary Setting

 

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

Callie and Beckett have no idea the other exists until each are named in the trust of beekeeper George Walsh. As the two women are thrown together, they struggle to begin to understand what George intended and why.

Both have been damaged by the past.  But with help from each other and their friends and family, they begin to heal and discover that a new life is possible.

This story had some unusual elements including an apiary, a tornado and a small charming “alien.”  The characters were relatable and loveable, especially Fern.  The author leaves some questions unanswered but provides a satisfactory and believable conclusion.  I found myself wondering what would happen to the characters after the conclusion of the book, a sign of a well-written book.

I appreciate the complimentary copy of this arc, in return for this, my honest review.  

 

Unusual Post Civil War story

 

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller

This novel is based on some historical evidence of a special place where emancipated blacks formed a community to support each other, run by their designated king and queen.  It was a fascinating account and highlights the struggles that black people experienced before and then after the Civil War. 

The author creates a strong and determined Louella Montgomery as the queen of the Happy Land.  Her husband, King William, was by her side until his death and was then replaced by his brother, Robert.  William and Louella were characters to admire as they grew in love and forgiveness.  They led their people well.

Although I enjoyed learning about this special community, the writing style didn’t draw me in.  It was difficult for me to connect with the characters even though I admired them.  I wonder if the author didn’t try to tell too much of the story and in the process sacrificed the readers’ emotional connection with the characters.

Nevertheless, this book has much to offer readers who enjoy knowing the history of the Civil War period.  I am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for this my honest review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New BIblical Fiction

Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette

The author continues her series of Biblical fiction The King’s Men with a coming-of-age novel revolving around Avidan and Keziah.  Avidan is a Levite who is trying to break free from the constraints of his life by running away to join the army raised by the new king Saul.  Keziah is running away from an arranged marriage to a wicked man.

As usual, the author creates characters that seem to step off the pages into the reader’s heart.  In addition to wonderful characters, this book gives the reader a clearer understanding of the heartbeat of the times when the Israelites were a collection of disjointed tribes, some of whom had forgotten who Yahweh was.

One of the things I like best about Cossette’s writing is that it is redemptive.  Avi comes to understand and trust His God in a clearer way and the reader leaves the book with a greater understanding of the trustworthiness of God.

The ending was satisfying but still left some questions unanswered and room for a sequel.  If readers haven’t yet read a book by Connilyn Cossette, consider this your encouragement to do so!  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.

Split-Time Novel with Friendship and Second Chances

 

Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke

This split-time novel centers on four young ladies who attend the prestigious Lakeside Ladies Academy in the years up to 1910.  As we learn of their adventures at the school, we fast forward to the present where they have graduated and made their way into the world.

This story dwells on second chances, forgiveness, and enduring friendships.  It is well-written and easy to get lost in.  The author skillfully weaves the story line between the past and present and even manages a rather surprising plot twist that had me rereading to see what pertinent clues I had missed.

Readers who enjoy women’s fiction, split-time stories and happy endings will find much to like in this novel, as I did.  I recommend this novel and am grateful to the publisher for this arc in exchange for this, my honest review.

Big City Girl Finds Love in a Small Town

 

The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight Nain

Casey Black is a famous social media influencer from New York who is ready to renew her vows with her husband of 7 years, when he backs out.  She takes off for her deceased father’s small hometown to regroup from her humiliation and discovers the secrets of her family’s life that have haunted her.

This book is written from Casey’s point of view and chronicles her discoveries and personal growth as she learns more about her family’s past.  It includes a handsome potential love interest, a spunky centenarian grandmother and hordes of new relatives.

I do think the plot was a bit predictable, and would make a great Hallmark movie, but the characters were lovable, and it was written in an easy-to-read style.  Not too many authors that I read feature modern day people of color.  This book gave me a greater appreciation for the struggles that they overcame. 

Readers who enjoy women’s fiction will enjoy this story.  I am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary arc in exchange for this, my honest review.

Realistic World War 2 novel

 Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt 

 

Amanda Barratt vividly brings to life the story of the Jews in Poland during the Nazi occupation. She focuses on two women, Zosia Lewandowski, a gentile, and Hania Silberman, a young Jewish girl.  

This book is meticulously researched and realistically portrayed the horrors of the suffering of the Jewish people and their supporters during the time of Hitler. 

Despite the nightmare of the occupation and their incarceration, the characters’ will to survive and to live will astound the reader. The German’s cruelty will abhor the reader.

 

I read this book to learn more about the suffering of the Jewish people and came away with an appreciation of their tenacity. It also made me appreciate the blessings of my life. 

Hania and Zosia gave me much to aspire to as they persevered during what had to have been an impossibly challenging time in which to live. Their characters were so sensitively and skillfully rendered that I found myself thinking about them after I read the last page. 

Readers who enjoy realistic WW2 fiction and historical women’s fiction will come away with much from this novel. I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.  

The Emissaries first book by Angela Hunt

                                                    The Woman from Lydia by Angela Hunt 

Euodia, a seller and artisan of purple dye, became a follower of Yeshua because of Paulos’ ministry in Philippi, seeks to rescue the little slave girl that Paulos had set free from demons. The Biblical story is recounted in the book of Acts. 

The author uses her sanctified imagination and meticulous research to create the details of this story. She includes the method of procuring the dye from the snails. She gives Euodia a household of freed slaves, including Ariston, an honorable believer. She also gives Euodia a passion to rescue Sabina from her abusive master. She provides a fascinating background on the life and treatment of slaves. 

The book reaches a climax and then surprisingly ends. Fans of Biblical fiction and Angela Hunt will enjoy this novel and find themselves caught up in the culture that the apostle Paul lived in. I appreciate receiving a complimentary copy of this arc from the publisher, in exchange for this, my honest review.  

Appalachian Mountain Fiction

 This Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles 

For 30 years, 93-year-old Minerva has been keeping a secret for her now-deceased husband. Granted, she does not know exactly what the secret is, but she wrestles with how long she should remain loyal to her husband, especially now that she knows the truth about him. Complicating her dilemma is her new relationship with Del, a young reporter who is digging into her past to find the truth. Can she trust Del, and can she bring herself to reveal what she knows before she dies? 

This book explores the question of loyalty, family ties and honor. It is a captivating story that transports the reader into the hills of Appalachia during the early 1900’s. Minerva is a complex character who is trying to prepare for her death by coming to grips with her past.

 

I enjoyed the description of Minerva’s way of life as well as the landscape. I found some of Minerva’s ruminating over her dilemma to be a bit repetitive. I felt the plot could have moved a bit faster and still accomplished the same ending. 

I did enjoy Cindy’s writing and found her message to be of value. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will like this one, especially Minerva’s feisty character. I am grateful to the publisher and netgalley for this complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.   

Fifties Family Fiction

 The All-American by Susie FInkbeiner 

This novel takes an in-depth look at an American family in the early 1950’s. The father, a well-known novelist, his English wife and their three children plus a daughter-in-law round out the main characters of the story. 

The story was told through the eyes of the two sisters, Bertha, and Flossing. I found the characters endearing, especially Flossie. They were so well-written that I expected them to walk out of the pages of the book.

 

The book was more character-driven than plot-driven, but I enjoyed the characters so much that I had to keep reading. I found it interesting that this book dealt with the Communist concern of that era. From the title, I had expected more of a sports novel, and baseball was woven through it but was not too heavily emphasized for a non-sports lover like me. 

I would love to read a sequel to this novel and discover the rest of the story for these lovable characters. Readers who enjoy Susie Finkbeiner’s fiction will find much to enjoy about this novel. I am grateful to the publisher and netgalley for the complimentary copy in return for this, my honest review.  

Unusual Love Story

 Indigo Island by T. I. Lowe 

This book was as unusual as one of its main characters, and totally captivated my imagination. I loved (and hated some,) the quirky, well-written characters. The plot took turns that I did not anticipate and kept me reading. The ending was satisfying.  

The author created realistic and fascinating characters. Hudson was very memorable, as was Vee. I came to love and appreciate Sonny and her back story, too. I loved the way the characters responded to challenges and grew. I became invested in their lives and thought about them after I read the last page of the book.  

The plot was interesting and covered some difficult topics like sexual abuse and recovery. Woven into the plot was a love story that I had not anticipated. I enjoyed the epilogue showing the trajectory of Sonny’s life. I was glad she had found healing and a happy conclusion. 

I have read another of T. I. Lowe’s novels and enjoyed it. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy romance that breaks out of the traditional mold. I appreciate the complimentary copy that I received from the publisher and netgalley, in exchange for this, my honest review.  

  

Newest Phaedra Patrick Novel Set in Italy

 The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick 

I have read many of Phaedra Patrick’s books and love much about her writing. This book was no different. It included lovable characters who she developed throughout the book and a plot that I was not able to guess. 

Each of the characters was dealing with a heartbreak of some kind and the author slowly reveals them to the reader. She explores what helps assuage grief and what constitutes happiness. 

The ending was a bit ambiguous and left me feeling disappointed. I had hoped that Ginny would make a different choice. 

But overall, this was a very pleasant and enjoyable read and transported me for a few hours to a quaint hotel in a small Italian town. I am grateful to netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.