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.