The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee

 This is the first book I've read by Stephenia H. McGee but it won't be the last.  The way she had two mysteries blend into one romantic tale was intriguing.  I read this book in one sitting.  This book has Southern charm but also highlights male dominance in the early 1900s.  Nora is a true heroine not only for her loyalty to her home but for fighting for her mother's rights as well as forging her own path.  What makes Silas so appealing is that he really sees Nora for who she is and respects her.  The respect is brought out fully before any romance is hinted at.  The details to the horse farm and particularly breeding and surrey racing were written into the story line in a natural and interesting way not as dry facts.  I learned a lot of interesting horse history but was also blessed by tale of courage Nora showed to be who God created her to be.

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

Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 Lydie and Nathan have a long history of trust, loyalty and understanding.  When Lydie suddenly seems to prefer Nathan's older brother everyone is stunned.  Nathan is confused and devastated by the change of heart Lydie appears to have.  This book explores the physical, social and emotional impact ADHD has on a person's life.  The themes of what loyalty and being authenticy are also explored.  This book is an interesting look into the uniqueness of Amish family life and consequences of leaving the Amish faith.

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

Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman

 

 

Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman

This book should come with a little warning label for intensity.  Some might find it too violent for a Christian novel.  However, for those who are looking for an action packed, suspense thriller this book is for you.  It has all the ingredients of a good anti-terrorist drama combined with Christian characters who have to face dilemmas of right, wrong and best actions.  Lynda and Bill have unique roles to play in the operation but have a past that can either sabotage the mission or enhance it.  Their relationship adds a very human element to the rough terrain of FBI Special Agents and the unfathomable tasks they face.

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

A Christmas Quilt by Melody Carlson

 This feel good Christmas novella has all the ingredients to make it a great gift book as well as one you'd love to read cozied up by the fireplace.  Vera finds herself alone for the upcoming holidays and feeling sorry for herself. When an unexpected emergency happens with her neighbor she finds herself becoming involved with family.  This leads to her reaching out to her community for help in making a little girl's dream come true.  As the ladies in her group join together to assist the family in need they find out that the hurts and troubles in their own life are lightened as they band together, become vunerable and form true friendships with one another.

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

The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson

 The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson is the second book in her series:  Prince Edward Island Shores.  It can be read independently from the first book in the series.  However, it gives the reader a fuller understanding of the family dynamics to read both books and I can't wait to read the third installment when it comes out.  In this book we are introduced to Eli the eldest brother and Violet the surrogate sister.  Both are keeping secrets from the rest of the family.  This is a creative and spiritually sensitive story about the twisted road to forgiveness.  The role that guilt and self recrimation play in keeping family apart is highlighted.  But the real beauty of this book is how completely love can chose to accept an apology that to the world has come way too late.  This was an excellent read.

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

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

 I enjoy Fordham's wholesome love stories and this one did not disappoint.   A chance encounter between a lonely, destitute woman and an injured, angry man have lasting consequences that neither one could have imagined.  As Norah and Quincy part ways and go on to lead their lives circumstances that surprise both of them cause the futures they envisioned to not materialize.  When they meet years later their relationship teaches a  lesson on the meaning of honesty, trust, forgiveness and the depth of true redemption from the Lord.

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

When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart

 When the Meadow Blooms started off with a lot of possibilities.  I enjoyed how Gabhart built the suspense in the beginning of the book.  She also did an excellent job of character development.  The description of Meadowland made me wish it was a real place.  The interactions of past and present was very interesting.  The only disappointment was the conclusion of the story came very rapidly at the end of the book.  In my opinion there wasn't enough time given to the development in the last quarter of the book.  That being said this is still a worthwhile book to read for entertainment and spiritual enrichment.

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

The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart

 I expected this book to be of higher quality from the authors that recommended it on the cover.  It was a disappointment.  The dialogue between the characters kept repeating similar phrases and thoughts.  I was half way through the book and the "adventure" had not even begun.  The second half of the book was more interesting but predictable.  It felt like the historical facts were thrown into the narrative but the story plot was plodding along and I only kept reading because this was a review book.  If the characters were real they would have been very irresponsible and I can't imagine any parent participating in what Ava's parents did to put their child at such risk.  This story just didn't seem plausible.

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

Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon

 The great thing about the book series HOPE HARBOR by Irene Hannon is that they can be enjoyed individually or as a series.  In Sea Glass Cottage we return to Hope Harbor with two new characters which brings anticipation and characters from past books that brings a feeling of familiarity and home.  Jack is a confirmed bachelor enjoying a peaceful and productive life as police officer and author.  Into the life the controlled, "safe" life he's created for himself drops two emotional bombshells.  Although he doesn't always deal with these events in the best manner he wants to do what is best for all parties involved.  As he searches his own soul for truth and aunthenticity he is surprised at the detailed way God brings good out of difficult and even painful circumstances.

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

The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot

For Alexandra Tarkington Texas holds the idea of freedom, new horizons and a special relationship with her father.  But things didn't turn out how she envisoned.  As rumor and suspicions follow her father he tries to get her to go back to the city.  But New York doesn't hold any allure for Alexandra any more.  She is determined to make her way in the West.  Unbenown to Alexandra the man that's captured her heart is also trying to capture her father in a possible corruption case.  As Alexandra forges her way by establishing relationships and gaining a reputation as the town's teacher she examines her motives, her heart's longing and what is really important. Set in the late 1850s Alexandra's story delves into what loyalty really means and what the cost of truth involves.

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

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

This is a different look at the popular Bible story of Joseph.  Seen from the viewpoint of Joseph but also of his brother Judah.  Detail is given to the religious traditions as well as cultural customs of the time to enrich the story.  There's a lot of complicated family interactions and relationships.  Some are hard for the modern reader to comprehend by Ms Smith takes time to develop the characters.  She also gives enough historical background to help the reader see and feel where each character is emotionally and what shapes their decisions.  Having the story of Judah gave a richer, deeper and more meaningful understanding to the story of Joseph for me.  The book kept very close to the Biblical account found in Genesis.  

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

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.