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.

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.