All That We Carried by Erin Bartels

 Unique.  Intriguing.  This book has emotional depths.  After finishing the book I just sat in silence for awhile absorbing what I read.  Almost the entire book takes place during a backpacking trip between two estranged sisters.  There are intense flash backs that give clues to what is really going on between these two sisters.  This story takes a very unusual approach and path to understanding God's place in grief and unexpected twists in a person's life.  This is not light reading but it is well worth the time to contemplate the weightier matters of life while enjoying the dialogue and journey (both literally and emotionally) of the characters.  

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

Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 This unusual and delightful Amish book took me into a new area of Amish life.  Young Jonas joined the army because of his convictions about slavery being wrong.  Yet the Amish make no exceptions for military service.  When he returns home three years later his love Katie has been faithfully waiting for him.  But now he has to convince the Bishop and the bretheren that he is worthy to take vows for the church and as Katie's husband.  Meanwhile he brings home a non-Amish friend Aaron who has suffered severe injuries inccured in battle.  Katie's best friend Elizabeth finds this unsettling as she is drawn to him despite her resolve to ignore him.  As Aaron heals physically he begins to understand how truly deep his emotional and spiritual wounds are.  As these four young people search for what it means to follow God a beautiful story is told of friendship, courage, faithfulness and devotion.

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

The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

 This book has all the wondrous things we all enjoy about a good, clean love story.  But added into the mix is a healthy dose of reality that for me makes the love story all the sweeter and more tender.  The heorine of this book has dream like fantasy of the perfect love story for her life.  The problem is that no man can meet up to those fairytale like expectations.  When Bri finds out that her "perfect" parents maybe didn't have the "perfect" marriage after all it sets her into a tailspin.  But not one to flounder, Bri begins to piece together a puzzle that just might help put her heart back together the way it should be.  Ready for authentic relationship and committed love.  

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

Until I Met You by Tari Faris

This is the second book in the series Restoring Heritage by Tari Faris.  Faris doesn’t shy away from tackling the difficult concept of reconciliation.  She plunges right into the emotional havoc a broken family relationship causes.  Through the love story of Libby and Austin we are introduced to facets of Austin’s life that are tinged with bitterness and jealousy.  As Austin comes to grips with his true feelings and his motives he sees things in himself that he has tried not to face.  This is a great book with a lot of emotionally charged, authentic soul searching. 

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

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox

 

This is as debut novel but Amanda Cox has a flare that makes her appear as a seasoned author.  She tackles an age-old problem of Christians lying for a “good” cause.  When is it right to tell a lie?  Is there ever a reason strong enough to counter a deceit?  The reader will follow Ivy Rose in the aftermath of a life-long deception.  The emotional reactions and relationship consequences are dealt with in a realistic manner.  The author tells an amazing story while also giving worthwhile insights into what is truth and what the deeper meaning of family is.

 

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

An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

This was a fun and interesting read.  This book combines two pieces of American history.  The “coming out” parties that introduced young women into society and established their official courting phase.  And the rich heritage of the Appalachian people and the specifically the midwives sent to help during the 1930s.  Piper battles with duty and longing to seek her own destiny.  When the opportunity comes to serve others by volunteering in the Appalachian Mountains she snatches the chance for one last adventure before settling down.   Through a rich tapestry of relationships Ann Gabhart shows the heart of the Appalachian people.  The author also gives a look into the heart of young debutante who longs to make a real difference in the world and not just become a show piece for her future husband.  The reader will explore the culture of the Appalachian people as they wait to see if Piper will be true to her familial duty or true to her heart’s longing.

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

What Momma Left Behind By Cindy K. Sproles

Set in the late 1890s in the Appalacian Mountains this story shows what determined love can do.  Worie becomes an orphan at 19 years of age with two estranged older brothers.  One brother is a drunk and the other brother brutal.  Worie sets out to carry on her mother's legacy of tending to orphaned children.  The author does a remarkable job of helping the reader become immersed in the culture of the Appalacian people.  She stays true to their traditions as she tells Worie's story.  Historical facts, psychological themes, family drama, Biblical truths and controversial decisions are found in this book.  In one book the author has given much to ponder even after the last page is read and the book is closed. 

I was given this book by the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Stay with Me by Becky Wade

Truly magnificient in every way this latest book by Becky Wade has me in awe. Author Becky Wade takes a very sensitive, timely and difficult subject of opioid addiction and turns it into a story of hope and redemption. The love story is tender, amazing and fun as you would expect from Becky Wade. The mysteries found pocketed in the story are so compelling I could hardly turn the pages fast enough. This book is packed with flashbacks, unresolved relationship issues, suspense, drama ... you name it. But it all comes together in a neat package that blends into a beautiful picture of God's grace. The character's dialogue truly speaks to the heart.

Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Set in the beauty of Mississippi this romance has more than one mystery to solve and plenty of action.  Trying to figure out who the good guys are versus the bad guys isn’t as obvious as it might seem to Brooke at first.  While she tries to figure out who to trust her heart with she becomes involved in a dangerous undercover operation that may cost her more than she bargains for.  With a sweet grandmotherly neighbor, a protective mother and zealous friends, Brooke is bombarded with advice on her personal life.  But the things she’s keeping hidden will either keep those she loves safe or cost them their lives. 

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

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner.

This book surprised me!  I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much.  But now I can’t wait to read more books from this author.  The romance was fun yet it had a lot of deep issues involved in the story.  Bethany Turner knows how to get your attention and while she has it give some honestly profound relationship advice.  I really loved how this book went from cute story to a deeply meaningful exploration of what love can mean.  I was impressed that the relationship was built in stages and on purposeful self searching and vulnerable sharing.  The story was well put together.  I couldn’t put it down.

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

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot

I have enjoyed Amanda Cabot’s books before and am hesitant to write a less than positive review.  However, I found this book contained quite a bit of violent death.  Although, the author doesn’t describe the deaths in details there is enough wordage given to create visual images.  Murders by fire, slashing throats, etc.  At first, I thought okay she’s giving the back story and kept reading but there continued to be this type of essence to the story.  It is called a “chilling mystery” on the back cover.  I just didn’t expect it to be quite so full of cold-blooded killings.  The romance part of the book is sweet and enjoyable but it was ruined for me by too much of blood shed in the book. 

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

Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal

Christian Thriller?  Oxymoron?  That’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself when you open the pages of James Hannibal’s book Chasing the White Lion.  The story bounces from Thailand to Washington, D.C. to Russia to Virginia.  Snippets of CIA officer Talia Inger’s family secrets are interspersed within her mission to infiltrate a crime syndicate in the jungles of Thailand.  When her team discovers that a group of kidnapped children are involved their mission becomes more intense.  Hannibal takes time to paint lively, personal and intriguing character portraits as well as giving the reader a knock out, heart thumping, suspenseful, chill-up-your-spine tale.

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

Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith

Fresh ideas and historical details are given to this retelling of Esther’s story by author Jill Eileen Smith.  Smith gives emphasis to the building of relationships between the characters in her story.  Whether the characters are heroes or villains the reader gets a sense of their purpose, motives and desires.  There is a beautiful blend of senses brought to life through vivid descriptions of textures, colors, fragrances and flavors of the Persia empire.  Careful detail to cultural norms and political, historical events are given.  Reading this Biblical story with the new insights Smith brings helps Esther become even more of a heroine in my eyes. 

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

SUNRISE at NORMANDY series by Sarah Sundin

I received the 3rd book of this series free from the publishers.  But after reading that book I decided to go back and read book #1 and book #2 of the series:  The Sea Before Us and The Sky Above Us.  I'm just so impressed I have to write another blog!  There are three brothers and each book is about a brother who joins a different branch of the armed services.  Each brother has his own battles not only on the war front but inside himself.  Yes each book is action packed and filled with tender romance but what really impressed me is how naturally the author weaves spiritual truths into the conversations, thoughts, and actions of each character.  In Sundin's books Christian values aren't just tacked on as an afterthought.  They are the very fiber of her stories.

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

In this 3^rd book in the “Sunrise at Normandy” series Clay has reached a point of despair so great that sacrificing his life for his country feels like the only option.  But when he rescues Leah, an orphan looking for her lost little sisters, something changes.  When he’s shipped out the letters between the two of them become more personal, more emotional and more intense.  The marriage of convenience he offered her as a protection begins to feel like something he wants more than anything.  In this action packed romance we see two people with very different upbringings, different ways of dealing with betrayal and loneliness and even different ways of dealing with love.  Yet in their differences there is something that binds them together.  This book is filled with interesting tidbits from the WWII era while drawing the reader personally into the characters dilemmas, heart breaks and yearnings. 

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

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

Although this book is published by a Christian publisher don’t expect overt Christian tones such as references to Bible, prayer or a personal relationship with God.  You will not find them.  However, this book does provide spine tingling suspense without detailed violence, flirting without love scenes, intense dialogue without foul language and edge of your seat, page turning drama.  The story’s main theme is the inner workings of the detective team and how each member brings an important piece to the closure of a crime mystery.  I really got hooked into this book quickly, but was disappointed there wasn’t any part of the story that dealt with how the characters related to God in their work environment or personal relationships.  Since it was from a Christian publisher, I had expected that. 

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

Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is the 3^rd book in the series “Deacon’s Family” by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  But it easily can be read on its own.  The main characters are Jimmy a wayward Amish young man finding his way home and Sylvie a young widow with a secret.  Interwoven in this story are all the lovely things about the Amish life style that fans of Amish books enjoy.  But I loved the fresh look at what forgiveness can mean.  This book takes a look at people’s weaknesses or “flaws” and shows that God can work with our bad habits and even our sins and transform us.  Several different scenarios about broken relationships are interrelated with Jimmy and Sylvie’s story.  The beautiful way that Fisher shows ordinary people coming to grips with their own need for change, repentance and acceptance makes this a book that is truly hard to put down. 

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

Collateral Damage by Lynette Easton

Lynette Easton is a master with words that immediately immerses you in the time frame, mind set and heart of her characters.  Collateral Damage is no exception.  This story takes place after Asher and Brooke have left their army careers behind.  But when PTSD seems to be overtaking Asher’s life he decides to seek help from a counselor.  Brooke has dedicated her post military career to helping others, especially with PTSD, even though she has some issues of her own.  From this seemingly innocent start Asher and Brooke are thrust into a murder mystery when  dead body is found in her office.  Finding out why becomes more perilous than anything they could have expected especially when it becomes clear that Brooke was the intended target.  Fighting past their own fears, regrets and doubts Asher and Brooke work together to solve the mystery and in the process form a bond tighter than any they have known before.

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

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

Two stories collide to create an explosive, dramatic romantic suspense thriller.  Orion, suffers from PTSD following a failed mission in Afghanistan.  Little does he know that his life is about to intersect with Jen, a former member of his team that he hasn’t seen in years.  Jen suffers from guilt, feeling responsible for the failed mission and specifically for the injuries Orion sustained.  The intense emotional impact of their “reunion” and what follows makes for an unforgettable story.  This book is much more than a 2^nd chance at love tale however.  It shouts with intrigue at ever turn.  As Orion delves into mysteries and hints of a cover-up his PSTD escalates and so does the danger.  He is determined to get to the absolute truth no matter what the cost.  Jen adds a twist he didn’t expect, but he finds out that maybe that isn’t so bad after all.  This is the first book in a new series by author Susan May Warren.  It ends leaving you feeling content and yet at the same time yearning for more.

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