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.