The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

 The Lady of Galway Manor gives a glimpse into the unrest during 1920 in Ireland.  The friction and animosity between the British and Irish was intense.  This story demonstrates how this affected the daily lives of those people living in Ireland being "ruled" by British landlords.  The historical facts are built into a Romeo and Juliet type love story.  It takes a hard look at familial loyalty and love versus romantic love.  And asks what is true love?  The answers are found in these pages of an intriguing, action packed, story of love and loss.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

A view Most Glorious by Regina Scott

 Regina Scott takes historial information specific to the women's suffragate movement and makes it personal in the story of Coraline Baxter.  Coraline is a young woman whose mother values social standing to be of the utmost importance.  As Coraline valiantly tries to make her own path the reader sees how many obstacles stand in her way.  The way women were expected to dress or not dress.  Their speech, their mannerisms, their attitudes towards father, husbands, etc.  And above all the idea that a daughter must bow to her paarents wishes in all things and then do the same with her husband.  Coraline struggles with the idea of these social norms, her own dreams and ideas and what God would have her do.

I received this from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

A Season in the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Woods

 This is one of the most unique themes for an Amish based book. This story brings to life the fascinating aspects of bird watching from the amanteur and professional viewpoint.  As Ben and Penny grapple with reality, dreams and preconceived notions they also seem to set into motion a wave of healing with far greater impact than they can imagine.  This book kept my interest word by word.  I completed it in one sitting.  Ms Woods will not disappoint as a master storyteller.  This book is powerful in the themes of trusting God's timing and purposes, forgiveness and reconciliation.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirpatrick

 Natalie Curtis is a noteworthy woman.  What she set out to achieve for Native Americans in the early 1900s is astonishing.  I found the information in this book awe inspiring.  However, the delivery of the information was not riveting.  I found myself hurrying through the pages to get to the conclusion rather than because it was a fascinating page turner.  Still I found this book impactful for making me aware of Ms Curtis' contributions and loving relationship with the Native Americans.  The book helped me understand more fully the incredible injustices done to the Native Americans.  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

This is a soul deep story of generational secrets that created a family that gave blessings but also pain.  Through the twists and turbulence of desperation to keep and uncover family secrets there is an unexpected healing.  This healing comes as a grandmother, daughter and granddaughter learn what to hold on to and what to let go of.  The story also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and allowing trusted people in your life in emotionally.  This is a well crafted book in regards to character development, plot and spiritual and emotional depth.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

 Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson kept my interest the entire read.  While some of the script was predictable the intrigue of how the characters came to terms with past wrongs felt authentic.  The feel of the lobster fishermen community was brought to life.  Details to the work, skill and dangers gave a perspective to the importance of the legacy Meg's family had maintained and why it was so precious to her.  Johnson did a good job to show the family secrets or sins do not have to frame who you become.  As Oliver learns to become his own man and Meg learns to see beyond childhood impressions they grow into God's grace for themselves and others and even find romance.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie FinkBeiner

 Told from the viewpoint of family members:  Mom, Dad, Oldest sister and Middle sister, this story reveals the emotions each family member takes in the journey of adoption.  Told in first person formate as the father philosopizes, the mother shares her views and Sonny as oldest sister speaks her mind and Mindy the middle child and adopted daughter expresses her feelings. Each of the characters has a distinct literary voice.  Each of the four characters are seen in different time periods covering 1975, 1988 and 2013.  This story also dips into the prejudices of the times immediately following the Vietnam war.  It is a book of family dynamics with both blessings and dysfunctions flowing down through the generations.  It is a cleverly crafted tale that brings the spiritual very naturally into the every day lives of the Matthews Family.  This was in no way a "pollyanna" type tale but it left me with a very good feeling in my heart.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.