Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

 This is the first Christian "time travel" book I've ever read.  I have mixed feelings about that.  However, Jody Hedlund writes a strong story line that makes it feel believable.  The characters are intelligent, well spoken and emotionally engaged with each other.  There's enough of a mystery to keep the reader guessing.  There's also some unresolved family issues that bring pathos into the tale.  The intricacies of the scientific "discovery" are fascinating and thought provoking.  This book could definitely be a real discussion starter.

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

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

 I enjoyed this book because I felt the author did a good job of building the relationship between the main characters.  There were subtle hints of the romance all the way through the book.  She had the relationship be meaningful and the characters consider obstacles when they initially became attracted to each other.  It gave an interesting view of dentistry in the 1800s as well as norms for courtship and what was considered proper etiquette between men and women of good character.  At the beginning of the book the reader doesn't know whether Hazel is guilty or innocent of the crime she is incarcerated for.  The rest of the story deals with her decisions along the way to hide her identity, confess her downfall and fight for justice for a victim.

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

At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 This book explores the complex relationship sisters often have.  Blaine must decide what is important and what goals she truly wants to achieve and at what cost.  The island setting of this book gives immediate intrigue.  And just as Blaine's life doesn't follow a predictable straight line neither does the story.  There is plenty of the unexpected to keep a reader's interest.  The thoughts and musing of the main character are not trite but give depth to the story line.  As Blaine deals with disappointments and hurt feelings she also navigates areas of her life she had put on hold.  She sets off to prove to her family her worth.  But she  begins to realize she must feel the worth inside her own heart.  

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

Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

 This is a very "heavy" book.  It is written in an almost dark tone.  It deals with some very serious issues that evolve around unexpected deaths.  There is a lot of criss cross emotional confusion among characters.  The family struggles with anger, sorrow, bitterness and guilt.  The book's slow progress towards resolution matches the processes involved in the stages of grief.  While at times this book has a feeling of hopelessness it eventually breaks forward into acceptance, strengthen ties and new life.

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

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

 

I found this book hard to stay focused with.  It started with 5 year old Miriam’s conversations with her mother being way above her years.  It was frustrating to read dialogue that seemed unrealistic to me between a 5 year old and adult.  I had to push past that frustration to read the rest of the book.  It appears the author was trying to reconcile the seemingly harsh judgements of God on infractions of the law with His deep and intimate relationship with Moses.  However, the scenes depicted made it appear as if God has favorites.  This was disturbing to me.  I can appreciate the author’s motives but this story just didn’t resonate with me.  It was disappointing compared to her other books.

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

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

 Moira is compelled to take a job in Ireland to honor her mother's dying wish.  Although she loves the idea of teaching in the rural Irish village she finds that fitting in isn't automatic.  In fact the harder she tries to befriend the villagers the more they seem to avoid her and even shun her.  Confused by the attitude she endeavors to prove herself as a capable teacher.  Secrets long hidden from her start to seep out as members of the tight knit community lash out at her.  Just when she thinks she is finally making some real friends a betrayal so deep shakes her confidence that God led her here.  This book blends mystery, the meaning of true friendship and God's healing into a lovely mix that has you longing to comfort Moira and be her friend.  It's more than a fun read.  There is depth to the lessons in this story.

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

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lucy is anxious to leave the confines of society behind and explore her options.  When her aunt requests her help she is only too eager to assist.  Lucy meets with quite a few surprises from riding mules, to encountering a lifestyle she really hadn't imagined.  As she gets to know the people that her Aunt Cora loves her mind is opened up to new possibilities.  Putting her judgments aside she begins to see the worth and precious value of the Kentucky hills people.  As she listens to the life stories of others she delves into her own past.  Through her acceptance of others she sees that she has not accepted herself.  This is a story of spiritual healing with plenty of good twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

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