A New Romantic Suspense by Terri Blackstock

Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock

This book is typical of Terri’s blend of romance and suspense.  The characters were interesting, and in some cases, heroic.  The plot moved quickly, but was a little predictable.  The ending was satisfying and left a few questions unanswered.

I found the main character’s vocation, a combination sky jumper/fire fighter, interesting.  Brenna’s dilemma with the custody battle over her children seemed realistic.  Her alcoholic tendencies seemed a little too easily overcome, however.

All in all, it was an entertaining read, but not to be compared to her If I Run series, which I found excellent.  Readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense will like this book.  I received a free copy from the publisher, for this, my honest review.

Wonderful Way to Leave a Written Legacy to Grandchildren

Dear Grandchild, This is Me

A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales

This make-it-your-own-book comes with places for the grandparent to fill in a multitude of pages giving details of their family, early childhood, school, marriage, parenting, and travel.  The grandparent also has the opportunity to answer thought-provoking questions like “What historical event occurred during your life that you’ll never forget?”

The book also contains envelopes with stickers that could hold special letters or memorabilia for the grandchildren.

This is a very special book, with lots of ways for a grandparent to connect with a grandchild.  It would be a marvelous keepsake as the pages would be recorded in the grandparent’s own handwriting.

For any grandparent wishing to leave a legacy in writing to a grandchild, this book provides a well-thought out template.  It is beautifully published and designed to make a lasting keepsake.  I look forward to filling one out for my grandchildren.  I received a free book from the publisher, for this, my honest review.

Entertaining and Thought-provoking Southern Fiction

The Stars of Alabama by Sean Dietrich

I loved so many things about this book!  The setting allowed me to learn about an unfamiliar time in our nation’s history.  The characters were quirky and multi-layered.  The plot kept me reading to determine how the three story lines were going to converge.  And his use of the supernatural was ironic.  The author also handled gritty subjects gracefully and appropriately.

I enjoyed reading about a time period in American history that I knew little about—the dust bowl and into World War 2 on the home front.  The author captured the hardships that families experienced and gave me an appreciation for that part of our history.

I fell in love with the characters and was sorry to see the book end.  I felt as if I had watched them grow up over a period of years and knew them like family members.  They were very well-written and realistic. 

   

I couldn’t anticipate how the plot threads would come together, but it was very satisfying when they did!  Of course the author knew how to use suspense to keep my interest.  The ending was one that made me sigh contentedly.

I thought his inclusion of the supernatural was interesting—especially set against the backdrop of charlatan preachers and in contrast with the house of prostitutes. This book reminded me a bit of Billy Coffey’s books, which also contain some supernatural elements.

This story contained examples of incest, murder, racism, poverty, death, and religious chicanery.  However, the author handled it in a tactful way and always laced a thread of hope through the darkest situation.

I highly recommend this book.  Southern fiction fans will find much to enjoy.  I intend to read more of Sean Dietrich’s books.  I am grateful to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

New to me author, Shawn Smucker

Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker

Cohen is trying to figure out why his dad is lying in a puddle of blood in the basement of the family funeral home.  Did he kill his father?  While he tries to answer that question, the reader goes on flashbacks of Cohen’s early family life to determine how they arrived at this point.

This book probes the father-son relationship that seems to be prevalent in our culture.  “Maybe that’s the problem with fathers and sons—they lose each other. . . Everyone loses their dad.  It doesn’t matter if you want to or not.  It’s finding him again that’s the hard part.  I don’t know if that happens very much.”  Cohen counsels Thatcher, a troubled teen he meets in the hospital.

This book is part fiction, part philosophy, part supernatural-thriller and part coming of age novel.  The author was new to me, but this book made me curious to try his other books.

It was well-written and the plot moved along at a decent pace, but I didn’t find a character that resonated with me.  I definitely felt like I was an outsider looking in, trying to figure out what was happening.

I was happy with the resolution of the book.  It does offer hope and doesn’t strand readers in a dark place.

Readers who enjoy Billy Coffey, or Ted Dekker, may find much to like in this book.  I am grateful to  the publisher for the free copy I received for this, my honest review.

Another great book by Connilyn Cossette

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette 

This book tells the story of Rivkah and Malakhi, who were mentioned briefly in a previous book.  The author continues the tale that she has told through the Cities of Refuge books.  And although I have read her previous books, I think readers who jump in at this book will still follow the storyline fine.  But I bet they will go back to read the books that they have missed! 

This book remains true to Connilyn’s trademark style of plot twists, in-depth character development and rigorously done research. 

I enjoyed reading more about some of her characters from previous books, seeing where their lives had taken them.  I also enjoyed reading about the life in Bible times as she depicts. 

Her writing style is easily read.  The plot twists go beyond what is expected by the reader.  And her books make me more interested in reading the Bible to corroborate the story events—a bonus not easily found in fiction! 

I heartily recommend this book and all her other books.  Readers who enjoy fiction set in Bible times will love this!  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.