Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray

 I want to start this review with a trigger warning.  This story may be a trigger to anyone who has been a victim of violence.  I felt it was an engaging story however the responses of some of the victims seemed contrived to me.  I realize in a book there isn't the time to delve into the depth of recovery.  But  I think the story would have felt more authentic if there had been a time lapse between events.  The loyalty shown in the Amish community and their kindness towards those in recovery was warm and heartening.  There were many aspects that showed that the author had a desire to show recovery was possible and had a positive tone overall.  My concern is the way the initial response to violence was  portrayed and the rapid recovery.

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

A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 I found this book riveting in that it contained three characters with unique needs for healing in their life.  The ways they were entertwined with each other created a true page turner.  It stretched me as a person to consider the ways that God can heal someone even after years of pain and inner turmoil.  Ms Fisher writes with such emotional clarity.  The way she has her characters seeking God is so authentic and not just a slapped in scripture or short reference to prayer or God  Her books all have God as a natural part of the story that feels genuine.  I enjoyed learning more about EMT training, foster care and grief recovery.  

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

#A Healing Touch

#RevellFiction!

The Color of Home by Kit Tosello

 Audrey thinks a short trip "home" to visit her great aunt and uncle will be just the thing to clear her head while helping them declutter.  But she underestimate the power memories have to invade the present.  As she struggles to make sense of a devasting loss she becomes entangled with another's traumas.  As she shifts through what to hold on to and what and how to let go of other things she begins to open up to possibilites she once thought out of her reach.

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

Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson

 Whitney has made a promise to her friend Aretha out of the goodness of her heart.  But when it all goes wrong she begins to look like a swindler.  For those who have enjoyed the other "Red Door Inn" books this one does not disappoint.  Whitney is anxious to prove that she is reliable, trustworthy and most of all can stick to a commitment.  But when a promise she made feels oh so wrong she questions herself and her motives.  Whitney will discover things aren't always as they seem even about her own life and choices.  This is a book filled with Christmas scents and flavors as well a fun Christmas romance/

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

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

 Between the Sound and Sea travels back to the time when lighthouses were fun by a lightkeeper.  It was especially crucial during WWII when suspected submarine and battle ship attacks were feared after Pearl Harbor.  The legend of Saint-Mae in the Outerbanks has Joey wondering if there is any truth to the rumor.  Finding escape from her own troubles she takes on a temporary job to restore an ancient light house.  In the process she finds she wants to help retsore an old man's dream.  The closer she becomes to Walt and his lighthouse dream the more mysteries start to evolve.  Not the least of which is the person of Walt's own grandson Finn.  Together the three unknowingly embark on a mission to help heal somethings that have long been broken.

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

Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller

 Until Our Time Comes is based on true events occuring during World War II in Poland.  The heroine is an American fulfilling her life long dream to work with Poland's Arabian horses.  She meets Bret Conway a news reporter.  They will have to learn to trust each other in a time where nothing is as it seems.  This becomes more crucial as year after year progresses with more restrictions and danger.  This is an action packed story with a strong faith in God threading throughout each chapter.  It taught me about a specific aspecr of the Poland's history that I didn't know anything about.  And the courage to love and sacrifices that the main characters displayed was an inspiration.  At the conclusion of the book it was hard to believe this was the author's frst published book.  It was that good!

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

Unforgiven by Shelley Shephard Gray

 I found this book a good comparison between forgiving and keeping boundaries.  Shelley Shephard Gray is an author who knows how to paint emotions and also leave a lasting impression.  The contrast between Seth and Leon was well portrayed.  It was interesting to read about how Tabitha's Amish community treated her situation versus Bethanne's.  The characters were intriguing and I wish the book could have gone on longer to explore the ideas of forgiveness versus boundaries a bit more.  This was a more serious read but had enough light hearted moments with tender first loves so that it was a book filled with hope not darkness.

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