Introduction Cindy Woodsmall is well-known for her Amish fiction. I used to read Amish fiction regularly, but I've taken a break from the genre. When I saw that she and her daughter-in-law co-authored a contemporary novel, I was interested! The Gift of Christmas Past quickly introduces the reader into the worlds of teenage foster child Hadley and rich teen Monroe. Hadley finds herself in a position that no foster kid wants to be, and she relies on Monroe to help her escape. When the situation ...
Many Sparrows by Lori Benton – a review
Many Sparrows is an Early American History novel written by Lori Benton. It takes me back to twenty years ago when, as a teen, I was fascinated with my Native American ancestry. It all began with having watched the movie The Last of the Mohicans in high school. What spawned was a deep interest in learning about the different tribes of Native Americans. I next read the novels The Last of the Mohicans and Follow the River, and my love for these stories runs deep. When I received the opportunity ...
True To You – a Netgalley Review
True to form, Becky Wade has utterly drawn me in with another ridiculously well-written story. She amazes me. I've long been a fan of Becky Wade's writing, and in the past I've checked out her books at the library. She's an author whose books I eventually want on my bookshelves. :) Introduction First, I have to tell you that True to You is part of a series called the Bradford Sisters. Prior to this novel, there's a prequel/novella entitled Then Came You (which is CURRENTLY--as of ...
Reunited by Danger by Carol J. Post – a review
It goes without saying that I thoroughly enjoy a good mystery. When I was a kid, my mom read them like crazy and always encouraged me to try them. Nope. I was all into the Sweet Valley High craze (which, in their defense, had SOME mystery from time to time), Beverly Lewis' Amish fiction, and Robin Jones Gunn's (and a smattering of other authors!) books. All of those were loaned to me by my grandmother (who was, to my joy, a hoarder of multiple genres of delightfully good books!). It wasn't until ...
The Writing Desk – a Rachel Hauck Team Review
This summer has been insane. This review is coming late, late, late, late. I had everything in the world happen at the time I was supposed to review The Writing Desk. Car accident happened. Then Ocular rosacea--corneal inflammation, affected vision--couldn't read without getting a migraine. Both vehicles needed repairs (not at once, though!) and went to the shop. Braces for one child. Four wisdom teeth surgically removed for another child. In five weeks. The last two weeks, I've been working on ...
The Duke’s Dilemma – a Celebrate Lit Review & GIVEAWAY
Introduction I like a good who-dun-it novel. The Duke's Dilemma is one of those. Aaaand it also contains one of my other favorite genres--history! The setting is London in the year 1815. I enjoy a good Regency novel, and this one was no disappointment. I'd never read one of Elaine Manders' books before, and I hope this is not my last! Lady Cassandra Wayte married into her title. Born a farm girl, Cassandra found herself in a horrible situation, and Lord Wayte took in her and her godmother. ...
A Love So True – a Bethany House Review
Introduction A Love So True by Melissa Jagears is a novel that took me down a road that I'm not used to traveling on in Christian fiction. This piece of historical fiction hit on the topic of prostitution. Evelyn Wisely, the main character, works at the local orphanage, and in her work she mingles with the children of such women. Aiding the women and providing a safe haven for them is Evelyn's dream. Opening a shelter to help the ladies leave their lives of prostitution is her desire. David ...
What Hope Remembers – a Revell Review
What Hope Remembers, the third novel in the Misty Willow series, was fantastic! I hadn't read the first two novels in the series, so the setting was new to me. It's a stand-alone book, so I didn't have anything to really get caught up on, thankfully. Amy is a former lobbyist who gets back to her roots in the country. Joining her brother and cousin, she has to find her way back to the simple life, a little begrudgingly. A recovering anorexic, Amy struggles with her past and struggles to move ...
Henry Hodges Needs a Friend – Netgalley Review
Henry Hodges Needs a Friend is a children's book written by Andy Andrews. Andy is a wonderful Christian story-teller. I've read a few of his books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. He does a wonderful job of interjecting feeling into his stories. Henry Hodges is one of those stories. Henry is a young boy living with his mother and father, and he is lonely. He doesn't have any friends who live nearby. Using clever rhyme, Andy Andrews tells Henry's story. Henry's imagination is vivid. He ...
Alice’s Notions – a review
I enjoy a book that grips me from the beginning. Tamera Kraft's Alice's Notions does that. Alice's Notions is a Christian historical fiction novel that has a Post-World War II time-frame. Alice is a young lady who has recently become a widow after the death of her husband Joe in the Battle of the Bulge. Returning to her roots in West Virginia, Alice rents a shop and apartment and begins her own sewing shop. What she doesn't realize is that she's going to quickly have to let go of her fear and ...
For the Record by Regina Jennings Review
For the Record, Regina Jennings' newest historical Christian novel, is a book I've been waiting for. I've been a fan of Regina Jennings' novels since Book 1: Sixty Acres and a Bride (which I reviewed here). Suffice it to say, I do my best to keep up with her writing because her books are that good. Building Great Characters and Scenes Regina is remarkable at fleshing characters, and heroine Betsy Huckabee and hero Joel Puckett in For the Record are no exceptions. Betsy Huckabee is not a ...
Buried Memories by Carol Post
Buried Memories didn't fail me! Saying that I like Carol J Post's writing is such a pitiful way to explain my enjoyment! I have read Carol's books before, and she's a long-time Love-Inspired Suspense writer (through Harlequin). You can read my review of her novel Trust My Heart here. Buried Memories is a Christian romantic suspense that really kept me on my toes. The back and forth dramatic was riveting, and the characters written so well that I felt like I was there along for the ride. {Click ...
