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.

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

 Jacqueline Potter and Ginny Masters have their own set of unique issues at the management positions.  When the chance comes to switch places for the summer both are eager to take the plunge.  In the process they discover much deeper issues than discontent.  As each looks carefully at their lfe choices, their ways of developing and maintaing relationships and how they view themselves they make some startling discoveries.  This book is packed with fun antcedotes but equally mixed with wise musing on the parts of the main characters.  Melody Carlson is a master at keeping the reader engaged while imparting jewels of wisdom.

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

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Fatal Witness is not my usual genre, however I could't help but be pulled into the story.  Fatal Witness is a perfect recipe for a romance/suspense novel.  Mae has been searching for her missing grandchild for many years and hired a K-9 specialist to aid her in the search.  Meanwhile Dani knows her parents were murdered when she was a very young girl.  Some believe she witnessed their murders but Dani has blocked all memories of that day from her mind.  One of the most intriguing parts of the story is when Dani begins to sketch some of her nightmares.  With the help of a loyal canine companion Lizi and clues that start to surface as danger lurks nearby Mae and Dani begin to bond together in their pain and deep desire to know the truth of what happened on that fateful day.

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

The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold

 This book certaintly holds culinary delights in descriptive recipes and the process of the creation of these intriguing and delicious treats.  But it is through the making and sharing of her great-grandmother's recipes that Nikki discovers wisdom to help those she loves and even herself.  Faced with a complex combination of love, hurt and fear she flees to her uncle's farm.  There she meets a variety of interesting characters that both bewilder and comfort her in their own quirky ways.  When she discovers her great-grandmother's recipe book she finds wisdom within the pages to help her navigate this painful time in her life.  Her great-grandmother's hand written notes with each recipe offer just he words of advice she needs.  She begins to understand that forgiveness isn't given because someone deserves it but because of what God has done for each one of us when we didn't deserve it.

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

P.S> It's Gonna be Good by Heidi Lee Anderson

 This book was a totally different type of Christian book and I just LOVE it.  I felt like Heidi and I were out shopping or at the beach or sipping hot chocolate and chatting.  She is so down to earth yet has awesome spiritual wisdom.  She writes in such a way as to invite humor and life in the nitty gritty into the writing.  At the same time she is not afraid to tackle some difficult theological questions.  This book was so refreshing and encouraging and inspiring.  I cannot say enough good things about this book.  Each chapter highlights a Biblical story but she brings her life experiences into the mix and this leads to a rip roaring good time.  As the title indicates:  P.S. It's Gonna be Good

Tired of Trying by Ashley Morgan Jackson

 The title of this book grabbed by attention.  The content kept my attention.  Jackson has a way of describing events, feelings and solutions in a way that makes it all seem authentic.  She doesn't just tell you to put on your brave face and pull up your boot straps and get going.  She details parts of her own painful journey through deep depression.  Then she gives pratical advice.  And some strategies to use to help you get where you want to be emotionally.  She is not fanatical but wisely advises a person to seek professional help from medical doctors as well as therapists.  But she gives more than this.  She shows how God is in the pit with you and that as you wrestle for your own mental health that He is right there beside you.  

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

 The story is told from each sister's point of view.  Helena who at first seems the more traditioinal sister.  Antonina who braves the backlash of loving a Jew.  When Hitler and his German army threaten everything the sisters have known in their hometown of Poland suddenly things change.  Their father is off to war.  Antonina's heart is compeled to help her boyfirend and all those in the Jewish ghetto.  Secrets and misunderstandings occur and lead to the separation of the sisters, not just physically ut emotionally as well.  As the war picks up speed Helena and Antonina will make very different choices that will affect the rest of their lives.  This is a very personal, very intimate look at life in Warsaw Poland between the years 1939-1945.  It leaves one wondering what choices would be made if one lived through actrocities that were never before imagined.  And what lengths would one go to to save a loved ones life.

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

Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepherd Gray

 Her Secret Hope is the last book in the trilogy:  A Season in Pinecraft by author Shelley Shepherd Gray.  The group of Amish women is from a more liberal sect and have more freedoms such as paving their own way for career and home.  Lilly Kurtz desperately wants to be recognized and loved for being her own person and not just what others project her to be.  When she gets a job at the local bed and breakfast she thinks her dreams have come true.  However, her path to discovering herself has a few twists and turns a long the way and not what she expeced.  As her friends try to give her advice and her boss doubts her motives she is thrown into an emotional whirlwind of emotions including meeting a handsome stranger.  This book deals with identity crisis, being true to one's self and what makes solid relationships that last.

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

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

 This book was a delight to read.  Packed with good neighbors, a family mystery, small town coziness and gentle whispers of God's love.  Moonberry Lake is a place I wish I could visit and be welcomed by the residents.  Cora lived her adult life in a post traumatic haze because of her mother's poor choices and unwillingness to forgive.  As Cora struggles to deal with her own need to forgive her mother she finds herself inheriting her grandparents' lodge.  Through the restoration process of the lodge she begins to restore her faith in relationships and begins to build a circle of mixmatched and eccentric acquaintances that become dearer to her than anyone she's known before.

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

Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I read this book in one setting.  An amazing book dealing with honesty, mental health issues, church unity and acceptance of differences.  Ms Fisher is a true master at creating an enticing tale and at the same time addressing serious issues that impact many people not just in the Amish community but for all.  She hits head on the stigma associated with mental illness and how much damage we can cause our loved ones by not reaching out and helping others receive proper treatment.  The book has a much broader theme of being honest with oneself and reaching out for dreams despite fear or opposition.  There's a lot packed into this book about relationships personal and within the fellowship of a church body.  But it is in no way a dry reading.  I couldn't stop turning pages once I started.  A delightful part of the book was each chapter had a short blurb about a specific bird and its symbolism in the Bible or for Christians.  

I received this book from the publsihers but was not requird to write a positive review.

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 Opening this book is like stepping into a modern fairy tale.  Complete with a shocking DNA discovery, missing prince, rival heir to the throne and one very handsome assistant this story has all the ingredients for a spicy mix of intrigue and romance.  Adelaide never knew anything about her father until a letter appears in her mailbox.  As she weaves her way through building a relationship with the father she just met and side stepping advances by Prince Georg while negotiating terms with her step-mother she learns what it means to await God's timing.  

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

Letters From My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

 What I like about the author Valerie Fraser Luesse is that every single book I have read of hers has surprised me.  I did not "figure out" the ending.  There was enough to keep me involved with the characters and turning the pages to the end of the book.  At the same time there is a realistic tone to" Letters From My Sister" that made me feel as if I could have been friends or neighbors.  Ms Luesse has a talent to create a story line that is incredible yet believable.  This book explores those faded childhood memories that come back to haunt us as adults.  Callie must choose to push down her doubts and fears or face the consequences of discovering what really happened.  Although we may not have as dramatic as a revelationas Callie did the storyline speaks to the reader about choices, family relationships and facing our fears.

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

The All Amerian by Susie Finkbeiner

 I read this book in one day if that isn't endorsement enough, I don't know what is.  I couldn't stop reading to find out if Flossie would stand up to the bullies and if Bertha ever got to live her dream and what would become of their father accused of being a communist.  Why was Uncle Matthew a recluse?  And did Mother regret leaving her homeland to come to America?  But the story was much more than just  these notions.  In each of the hearts of the Harding family lies deeper and signifcant issues.  The way the individual members found healing as well as how family came together to help each other was truly beautiful to read.  Despite their differences the tender regard and steadfast love of this family makes an impact that stays with you after  you read the last page.  This book is more than just an entertaiing read it actually teaches a lot about human nature, fear versus bravery, bullies versus faithful friends and surviving the hard times with grace and hope.

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

Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

 The story takes place in a fictional town of Pinecraft, Florida where a group of New Order Amish reside.  While Betsy tackles her wish list of achievements she also learns to overcome emotional fears that have kept her bound.  With the support of her friends and new found respect from her parents Betsy tackles subconcious and concioius inhibitions.  As her character develops her self confidence grows.  For the first time Betsy truly enjoys life to the brim.  The friendly people of the town along with the adventures of four best friends make this a fun summer read.  I couldn't put this book down wondering what Betsy would do next.  I've never been disappointed by a book by Shelley Shepard Gray but this might just be my favorite series yet.

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