Deanne Gist's Tiffany Girl ~ Reviewed

Tiffany Girl: A Novel
by Deeanne Gist
Paperback: 544 pages
Publisher: Howard Books (May 5, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451692447

Description: 

From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play comes a compelling historical novel about a progressive “New Woman”—the girl behind Tiffany’s chapel—and the love that threatens it all.

As preparations for the 1893 World’s Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany—heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire—seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel, the likes of which the world has never seen.

But when Louis’s dream is threatened by a glassworkers’ strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boarding houses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls.”

Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful, budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to live in a boarding house when most women stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than anticipated. From a Casanova male, to an unconventional married couple, and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.

As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. Who will claim victory? Her dreams or the captivating boarder next door?

Review:

Deanne Gist's Tiffany Girls is a charming peek into the past. I had never heard of Tiffany Girls and was fascinated by what Gist's research uncovered. Not only was the world of stained glass making interesting, but also the other tidbits and horrors she uncovered during the time of the World Fair. Bustle pinching? The life and times of boarding houses. House kits. So, so many interesting stories are woven into Flossie's plot.

If you love a well written historical give this one a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer 

Colleen Coble's The Inn at Ocean's Edge ~ Reviewed

The Inn at Ocean's Edge (A Sunset Cove Novel)
by Colleen Coble
Series: A Sunset Cove Novel (Book 1)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 14, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401690262


Description: 

Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

Review: 

Colleen Coble has crafted quite the twisted tale in this novel.

Claire Dellamare, high powered heiress, steps into a world that feels freakishly familiar when she surprises her father to help him close on an important deal. After a panic attack upon entering the lobby of the Hotel Tourmaline Claire convinces herself that she is overreacting. But then the details about her past begin to unfurl. When she witnesses a murder that few believe even happened she finds herself a suspect and in danger. The mystery deepens as does the danger. Claire finds herself trusting Luke, the handsome local who wonders if she has suppressed memories important to him as well as her own memories of what happened that fateful night his mother disappeared.

This is a fast moving novel with intense drama within the first few pages. The tension does not let up as the reader finds out more and more surrounding the mystery that seems to tie Claire to Luke's mother.

I generally like my fiction to move a little slower paced, but found I was compelled to go along for the ride. As I tried to put all the puzzle pieces together with the mystery of what happened to Claire, I got caught up with the characters as they helped me meet my goal. This novel would be a terrific summer read. Even on a sandy beach, if you dare.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Robin Lee Hatcher's Whenever You Come Around ~ Reviewed

Whenever You Come Around
by Robin Lee Hatcher
Series: A King's Meadow Romance (Book 2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 12, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401687695

Description:

Will writing a romance help this author find a real-life hero?

Charity Anderson turned her back on Kings Meadow years ago, with good reason, and has avoided visits to her hometown whenever possible. But with her house in Boise damaged by floodwaters and a book deadline bearing down, staying in her parents' empty home seems her only option. However, being in 

Kings Meadow dredges up a painful secret, and old fears threaten to overwhelm her.
Charity's former high school classmate Buck Malone never left town, instead sacrificing his dreams to take care of his family. Now he enjoys an uncomplicated life as a wilderness guide and confirmed bachelor. The last thing on his mind is settling down.

When Charity's dog causes an accident that leaves Buck with a broken ankle and wrist at the start of prime tourist season, Charity has little choice but to render aid while he recuperates.  Soon Buck becomes the inspiration for Charity's hero, both on the page and off. Can he also help her face and overcome her fears so they might find their own happily ever after?

Review: 

I was so captured by Robin Lee Hatcher’s newest novel, Whenever you Come Around, that I read it in two days. Another beautifully written story set in Kings Meadow, a fictitious place near Boise, Idaho. 

Charity Anderson returns to Kings Meadow after a long absence. She’s now a successful author but is paralyzed in her personal life because of a long-held secret. She returns to stay in her parent’s home while they are in Europe. 

Why does being in Kings Meadow bring back painful memories? Will she be forced to deal with her secret? And what about Buck Malone, the handsome bachelor and wilderness guide who lives next door? Charity used to have a crush on him when they were in high school but he is a confirmed bachelor. What happens when an accident forces them together? Will Buck rethink his decision not to consider marriage? 

Robin grabbed my attention right away as I wondered what painful memory Charity was trying to block from her mind. I also fell in love with her little dog Cocoa from the beginning. Cocoa plays a big part in the story. I enjoyed reading Robin’s beautiful descriptions of Idaho and found myself wanting to plan a trip there.  Robin writes so seamlessly that the story flows and carried me along. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it especially to anyone who enjoys contemporary Christian fiction.  If you’re like me, you’ll love Kings Meadow, the characters and sweet, little Cocoa. 

I agreed to review this book but was free to express my opinion good or bad.  

Reviewed by: Susan Aken 

Chapman's, White's and Myra's Sync or Swim ~ Reviewed

Sync or Swim: A Fable About Workplace Communication and Coming Together in a Crisis
by Gary D Chapman, Paul E. White, Harold Myra
Hardcover – November 1, 2014

Hardcover: 112 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802412238

Description:

Sam, the new CEO, was ready to hit the ground running. But his team members-and Mother Nature-had other plans. An ambitious yet naïve sheepdog is called upon to lead Monarch Enterprises-a troubled organization on a beautiful isle. Confronted with broken systems and challenging personality types, Sam must learn how to marshal his team before the imminent storm washes everything away. Along the way, he gleans valuable lessons from an unlikely mentor-a wise, old puffin.

Sync or Swim is a small tale with enormous insight on ways you can empower, engage, and energize employees or volunteers facing discouragement or cynicism. It's a delightful, quick read that will:

• teach you communication techniques that enhance teamwork and productivity;
• bring to life the principles used by hundreds of successful organizations;
• provide relevant, practical insights based on real-world experiences; and
• stimulate lively and positive interaction (discussion guide included).

Based on the principles successfully used by major corporations, health organizations, over 250 colleges and universities, government agencies, churches and non-profits.

Review: 

Sync or Swim is business fable model of what the Five Love Languages/personality type awareness can do in a professional setting. The characters in this quick read are animals with personality types that are characteristic of the portrayed animal. In addition, each character has distinct triggers that can either be flipped by a shrewd, respectful manager to bring more energy and teamwork, or switched off by a clumsy or clueless one.

This clever, simple book offers effective information. However, even though the wisdom in the book is simply explained it's up to individuals within the company to care enough to utilize the methods suggested and unselfish enough to recognize that everyone is needed to pull off the big, ultimate goal. I don't see it being useful as a tool dispensed to all leaders in an organization unless the upper management does some of the work to prepare the ground for acceptance by the middle managers and employees.

The simplicity of the book could be a huge asset in companies or organizations where there is resistance to read heavier how-to-books. This fable could be a great small group tool for any organization that desires to work cohesively to pull off big or important projects.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Diann Mills's Firewall ~ Reviewed

FIREWALL
Diann Mills
Series: FBI: Houston (Book 1)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 20, 2014)
Language: English

Description: 

2015 Christy Award finalist!
2014 winner of a Genre Fiction award from Library Journal!
After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.


Review: 

Firewall centers around Taryn Young, a young woman who works for a software company. The day after her wedding while at the airport, getting ready to head out for their honeymoon, the terminal is bombed. Taryn is injured and her new husband has disappeared. Even worse, Taryn wakes up in the hospital, only to find out out the she and her new husband, Shep, are prime suspects in the attack. Agent Grayson Hall is assigned to the case, and while all of the evidence currently points at Taryn, he can't help but believe in her innocence. While many think it's a terrorist attack, Taryn is convinced it has something to do with the software she recently developed for her country.

When I started this book, I really didn't think it would be very interesting. However, once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down. I'm not typically into suspense stories, but this one was awesome. It kept me guessing the whole time, with all of the twists and turns. I appreciated how the situation brought Taryn back to the Lord and a dependence on Him to get her through situations she had no control over. I highly recommend this book. You won't be able to put it down!

Reviewed: Sarah Meyers

Chris Fabry's Every Waking Moment ~ Reviewed

Every Waking Moment
by Chris Fabry (Author)
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414348630
Description:

A 2014 Christianity Today Award of Merit winner!
Treha Langsam is a mysterious young woman who has fallen through the cracks, much like many of the elderly people she works with at Desert Gardens Retirement Home. But Miriam Howard, director of the facility, sees her extraordinary gift and untapped potential. Treha is a whisperer of sorts, calling those who have slipped into dementia back to a life of vibrant, if only temporary, clarity.

When Treha’s and Miriam’s stories intertwine with a documentary team looking for stories of the elderly, Treha’s gift is uncovered, and the search begins for answers to the mysteries of her past. As their paths converge, each person is forced to face the same difficult question: What if this is as good as my life gets?

An uplifting, human tale of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift.

Review:

I love fiction centering around anti-heroes. By that I mean the heroes who don't really fit the mold created for us. No capes, no spandex brightly colored jumpsuits, just real, flawed people. 

Treha is one such hero. A girl with a drive to find someone to love her, a disability and a mind that somehow connects with others in an extremely unusual way. As she struggles to find her own story she inspires others to tell or refine their own. The setting for most of the story is a nursing home where life and death are all too real. 

A budding filmmaker finds that his story is in the story of others as well and that Treha holds a key to the one piece of information not available to him. The nursing home administrator discovers that she has less control over her life than she had realized and struggles to find hope in her bleak future. 

This is a heartbreaking but very hopeful story that left me with a satisfied sigh when I turned the last page. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer 

Mindy Starns Clark's and Susan Meissner's The Amish Groom ~ Reviewed

The Amish Groom 

(The Men of Lancaster County)
by Mindy Starns Clark, Susan Meissner
Series: The Men of Lancaster County (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Harvest House Publishers (April 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736957340



Description:

New from bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, The Amish Groom(Book 1 in The Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives. 

Born to an ex-Amish mother and an Englisch father, 23-year-old Tyler Anderson was raised as a military kid until the age of 6, when his mom passed away. His dad, shipping off to yet another overseas post, placed Tyler in the care of his Amish grandparents, an arrangement that was supposed to be temporary. It lasted a lifetime.

Rachel Hoeck is the young woman waiting for Tyler's proposal. She senses that though he loves her and wishes to make a commitment to her and his Amish beliefs, part of him still wonders whether an Amish lifestyle is truly for him.

When an opportunity to connect with his father unexpectedly arises, a visit to California causes Tyler to question everything, including a future with Rachel. Will the new girl in his life, Lark, cause him to remain in the Englisch world? Or will he choose to be an Amish groom after all?

A poignant novel of hoping for romance and searching for identity, set in a beloved Amish community.

Review: 

The Amish Groom tells us about twenty-three year old Tyler Anderson. He was born in an Englisch world to a military father and a former Amish mother. At age six, Tyler's mother died suddenly. His father was constantly traveling for the military, so he took Tyler to live with the Amish grandparents that he had never met. However, his father kept putting off coming to get him, until finally, a few years later, his father was married again with another baby on the way. When he asked Tyler if he wanted to live with him, Tyler declined, feeling he was unwanted. Now, however, he finds that he has a restlessness in him, much like his mother, and wonders which world he belongs in. When his father calls and asks him to stay with his younger half-brother for a few weeks while he and his wife are traveling, Tyler decides this might be God's way of giving him a chance to decide. While living in the Englisch he experiences many new things, and finds he has to deal with a lot of issues that have been pushed to the background for his whole life.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I appreciated that Tyler was trying so hard to find the Lord's will without compromising himself or his beliefs. And that he was patient in waiting for answers and letting the Lord guide and lead instead of trusting his own instincts. I really wasn't sure which way he was going to go for most of the story. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Hillary Manton Lodge's Reservations for Two ~ Reviewed

Reservations for Two: A Novel of Fresh Flavors and New Horizons (Two Blue Doors) 

by Hillary Manton Lodge 

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307731774
Description:

A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places
 
Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up. 
 
Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life? 
 
As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?

Review:

There are multiple reasons I liked this novel. The basic plot line involves a young woman, Juliette, who is firmly entrenched in Portland. Her very ill mother is there, and she and her brother are opening a restaurant together. However, her heart is entangled with a perfect man cross country. Neil is truly, truly so close to who she needs, and if he’d consider relocating to Portland he’d be the one.

Before the restaurant opens Juliette heads to shop for wares and suppliers in France and Italy. Both these food capitals of the world also are peppered with relatives of Juliettes. Neil surprises Juliette and joins her on her journey. While in France Juliette finds letters written by and to her grandmother and she takes them with her.

Once home Juliette must face the reality of life, her mother’s condition is worsening, absence from Neil is breaking her heart, and opening a new business adds stress upon stress. What kind of security or even hope does her future hold?

Juliette wasn’t my favorite female character. Her indecisiveness and anxiety levels were frustrating a time or two. However, the story that unfolded in the letters to and from Grandmother Mireille was fascinating. I also loved the foodie details and Lodge includes a Baker’s Dozen plus recipes in the book. Historical fiction is delightful and I'm a sucker for the romance of Europe, especially France and Italy so those snippets were fabulous as well. The family connectedness between Juliette and her siblings and parents was a great touch and brought them to life. I didn’t the first book in the series and didn’t feel lost or buried under catch-up details that might have been important from book one. The melancholic faith that colored the illness and the family’s response was a human, pensive undertone that really added depth to the fiction and more than made up for Juliette’s anxiety and indecisiveness. Finally, I appreciated Juliette’s growth in the novel. If any of those areas are hot buttons for you consider this novel for your summer reading (and cooking) enjoyment.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Amy Sorrells's Then Sings My Soul ~ Reviewed

Then Sings My Soul: A Novel
by Amy K. Sorrells
Paperback: 360 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (March 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434705455


Description:

When Nel Stewart returns home due to the sudden death of her mother, she realizes her beloved father, Jakob, is struggling with dementia.

With the reappearance of a high-school sweetheart, deliveries from Ukraine addressed to her, and the discovery of a mysterious, vintage aquamarine gemstone, Nel senses God is pulling her into the past to restore their faith and their futures. Told partially through Jakob's flashbacks of fleeing genocide-ridden eastern Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, the novel combines elements of mystery, history, faith and romance to reveal how God redeems the broken years ... and our future.

Review: 

Then Sings My Soul is about woman named Nel. She has moved away from her home to pursue a life as an artist, creating beautiful jewelry for high-end clients. Her world changes overnight when she gets a call from her 94 year old father, Jakob, telling her that her mother passed away, suddenly. As she returns home to help with funeral arrangements, she discovers that her father has been dealing with memory loss for some time. When he falls suddenly and ends up in rehab, his condition seems to worsen. In the meantime, Nel discovers a vintage aquamarine gemstone as well as information from the Ukraine, leading her to believe there is more to her father's past than she realizes, however, she is unsure how much she will learn with his mind deteriorating the way it is.

This book was well written. The story is told partially through Jakob's flashbacks of growing up in Ukraine, and his escape to the US. I thought it went back and forth without any confusion. Seeing what this man and had gone through so long ago, and carried with him his whole life without telling anyone was just heartbreaking, especially knowing the things he went through really happened. I really enjoyed the story, and how it all came together at the end. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Whiskers of the Lion: An Amish-Country Mystery
by P. L. Gaus
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Plume (March 31, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0142181730

Description: 

In Whiskers of the Lion, Sheriff Bruce Robertson is charged with finding a young Amish woman on the run from a murderous drug ring so she can testify in federal court. Wrestling with a recurring childhood nightmare of a deadly lion, the Holmes County sheriff finds himself torn between allegiance to the legal system he upholds and the beliefs of the people he is sworn to protect.

Review:

I have not read any of the other books in the Amish-Country Mystery series so please keep that in mind. I feel like I got insight into characters by descriptions and interactions but also felt like I missed some of the hearts of the people involved. This is likely due to not getting to know them in earlier books. Therefore, I found myself not caring about them or their motivation. 

The Amish details were intriguing and I always find myself curious about plain or simple living. Fans of Amish fiction need to take note that there is quite a bit of detail. 

As far as the mystery goes, there is quite a bit of twisting and sleight of hand. The author added some elements that weren't fully veiled, others were surprising. 

Overall, I'd recommend starting at the beginning of the series rather than reading this as a stand alone. If you are already smitten with the series I imagine you will find much to like. Amish literature fans need to know there is a little intensity that might make this not appropriate for chickens or children. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Sally John's Between Us Girls ~ Reviewed

Between Us Girls (Family of the Heart)
by Sally John
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736954651

Description:

From bestselling Christian fiction author Sally John comes a brand-new series featuring broken lives, new beginnings...and unexpected romance.

Welcome to Casa de Vida--eleven quaint bungalows located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean in tiny Seaside Village, California. Owner Liv McAlister never advertises vacancies beyond a small hand-lettered sign out front, preferring to trust that God will send the right tenant at just the right time. And He always does.

Meet Jasmyn Albright--she's had more than her share of bad breaks lately, beginning with the tornado that demolished her farmhouse. Emotionally fragile and feeling utterly alone, Jasmyn heads west, hoping to outrun her heartbreak. And she doesn't stop until she notices a small sign that reads "Vacancy." Before she's quite aware of how it all happened, Jasmyn finds herself the newest tenant at Casa de Vida. She hardly dares to hope that her fortunes might be about to change...but of course when God is at work, anything can happen, and new beginnings are one of His specialties.

Sometimes among strangers, family happens. And sometimes, when we least expect it, romance is a welcome guest.

Review:

A master of relational stories, Sally John’s latest book, Between Us Girls, is the delightful tale of friendship, restoration, and hope. I loved her main characters, Jasmyn, Liv, and Samantha. After a life altering and devastating event, Jasmyn finds herself in sleep Seaside Village, ushered into the loving care of Olivia. Samantha is a driven businesswoman, who never stops to enjoy life. How she found her way to Casa de Vida, the cottages Liv owns and rents, is a twisty tale in itself. And Liv, who never had a child, finds Jasmyn is the daughter of her heart—but the girl is only on vacation, destined to go home to Illinois. I highly recommend Between Us Girls.

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan

Eva Marie Everson's The Road to Testament ~ Reviewed

The Road to Testament
Eva Marie Everson
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426757980

Description: 

Ashlynne Rothschild never wanted to be a people person. She learned a long time ago that the more she protected herself from the details of people’s personal lives, the better off her life would be. So it comes as a surprise when she finds herself liking—if not loving—the good, God-fearing people of Testament, North Carolina, where she is sent to earn her chops as a reporter. And it is with some anxiety that she unearths a story that could turn these people against her. Beneath the picturesque setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains, secrets are buried—one secret in particular. Keeping it hidden would go against Ashlynne’s journalistic integrity, but publishing the story would hurt those she’s learned to love—even her gruff, unapproachable boss, William Decker, who harbors mysteries of his own. Ashlynne has two options: run away or expose the truth of Testament . . . whatever the cost? 

Review:

The Road to Testament is about a young woman named Ashlynne Rothschild. She grew up in a life of privilege, having Grandparent's who own a successful magazine, which Ashlynne expects to inherit. However, her family decides she needs to expand her horizons a bit, and get out of her comfort zone. Therefore, before she can move up in the company, she is sent to a small town called Testament, North Carolina. It's in Testament where her Grandparent's started their first small magazine with their best friends, who now run the local paper and want to get the magazine going again. Ashlynne must prove herself there before she can return to the family magazine. She doesn't expect to have to work for the boss's handsome grandson, William Decker, who seems to dislike her from the very beginning. Ashlynne's low opinion of herself from early childhood experiences cause her to second guess herself, yet want to prove herself at the same time. In the meantime, she finds herself strangely attracted to this man that can't seem to stand her. In the meantime, amidst her journalistic digging, she uncovers some news that is going on town that could be devastating both to her career, to the town, and the new friendships she's made.

I loved this book. I don't know what it was about it. Maybe the big city girl going to the small town and finding she liked it. Maybe being envious of her getting to go to that small town America home to live, away from the city life. I was so excited to see her start to relax and enjoy the slow pace life there. The author did a great job of transporting me to Testament. I found myself wanting to vacation there. And I liked the characters and the storyline A LOT, too. I highly recommend this book. I had a hard time putting it down.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Bonus Review: 

I received this book from the publisher without agreeing to review it. I always give the uncommitted novels a once over and pass on genres or style I'm pretty sure I will struggle to like. The Road to Testament ended up in my keep-and-get-to-it-eventually pile. I'm so glad I did keep the book. 

Everson grabbed my attention immediately with strong writing and story telling. The characters develop right away, and keep some interesting details to themselves revealing in snippets only as necessary to move the story along. The romance was sweet and fun but avoided cheesy and didn't trigger my eye rolling muscles. 

Ashylynne and William both grew and learned a few things about life on their journey. Everson painted a lovely community in Testament that had me wanting to visit. Even though this story is a couple of years past first publication its well worth the time investment to read it. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Linda White's Words of Conviction ~ Reviewed

Words of Conviction
by Linda J. White
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (April 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426735413

Description: 

There’s nothing as convicting as words that threaten your daughter’s life. You want your kid back? Do just as I say. You do not know who I am. But I’ve studied you, you and your family. I’ve been watching you. You’ve been using people. Because you’re greedy. Now, it’s payback time. Terrifying for any parent, these words are especially grim for Senator Bruce Grable, whose guilt may be the reason his five-year-old daughter, Zoe, has disappeared. Or is it because of his wife, whose words make her sound more the victim than their daughter? Or their nanny, whose silence harbors her own secrets? One thing is for sure: The words hold the clues to finding Zoe alive. And it’s up to Special Agent Mackenzie Graham, a forensic psycholinguist, and FBI agent John Crowfeather to decode the messages in time. 

Review: 

I love police procedurals, I read them, I watch them, oh yeah, I'm a fan.  

Linda White has a former FBI husband who steers her authentically down the path of her creative investigation in Words of Conviction. Nice. Authenticity is a major plus. New to me was the psycholinguist aspect heavily playing out in this cat and mouse story. A psycholinguist uses skill and probability to profile and to determine what words and word usage share about the person communicating.

The story unfolds as a powerful senator's small daughter is kidnapped. McKenzie Graham is on the case to find little Zoe before a just discovered health issue puts her life further in danger. On top of finding the kidnapper, McKenzie has to fight for respect among her peers, especially John Crowfeather. It doesn't help that she's drawn to his brooding good looks and strong, silent persona.

Tensions ramp up as the tale draws to a close. McKenzie draws the kidnapper into a carefully woven web. But as they get closer to the kidnapper's location things begin to go south. Time ticks away as the story twists and turns.

Fans of police procedurals should find quite a bit to like in this novel. There is a strong spiritual thread within the story line as well. Child endangerment and some violence might be a deal breaker for more sensitive folks.

I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy to read and review.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Jocelyn Green's Spy of Richmond ~ Reviewed

SPY OF RICHMOND 

Jocelyn Green

• Series: Heroines Behind the Lines
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: River North (March 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802405797

Description:

Trust none. Risk all.
Richmond, Virginia, 1863. Compelled to atone for the sins of her slaveholding father, Union loyalist Sophie Kent risks everything to help end the war from within the Confederate capital and abolish slavery forever. But she can't do it alone.
Former slave Bella Jamison sacrifices her freedom to come to Richmond, where her Union soldier husband is imprisoned, and her twin sister still lives in bondage in Sophie's home. Though it may cost them their lives, they work with Sophie to betray Rebel authorities. Harrison Caldwell, a Northern freelance journalist who escorts Bella to Richmond, infiltrates the War Department as a clerk-but is conscripted to defend the city's fortifications.
As Sophie's spy network grows, she walks a tightrope of deception, using her father's position as newspaper editor and a suitor's position in the ordnance bureau for the advantage of the Union. One misstep could land her in prison, or worse. Suspicion hounds her until she barely even trusts herself. When her espionage endangers the people she loves, she makes a life-and-death gamble.
Will she follow her convictions even though it costs her everything-and everyone-she holds dear?

Review:

Spy of Richmond is book four in the “Heroines Behind the Lines, Civil War” series. In this book, we follow Sophie Kent. Raised in a Confederate home in Richmond, Virginia, she raised at a young age by her “Yankee” mother to oppose slavery, though she had to keep these feelings to herself. After her mother dies, she continues her efforts to help the Union by taking food to the prisoners at the Libby prison, which does not go over with the Confederates in her town. Before she knows it, she is a full blown spy for the Union, passing on relevant information to help turn the tide of the war. Also involved is Harrison Caldwell, the son of a family friend whom she met while attending a school up north. They had made a pact to be together before the war broke out, and now that circumstances have brought them back together, their feelings are even stronger. But between Harrison getting thrown in prison, and Sophie being under scrutiny as a Union sympathizer, it seems like there will never be a time for them to be together.

I LOVED this book. I didn't know that more stories in the series were being written. I hope there are more to follow. This one was so interesting, beings that even though we know how the war ended, we don't know how it ends for the characters in the story, and that just makes you want to keep reading. There are also appearances of characters from previous books, which helps tie things together, as well. I look forward to starting the series over and reading them one after the other.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Candace Calvert's By Your Side ~ Reviewed

By Your Side (Crisis Team)
by Candace Calvert (Author)
February 19, 2015
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414390327

Description:

ER nurse Macy Wynn learned essential, gritty lessons in the California foster care system: land on your feet and trust no one. She’s finally located the fellow foster child she loves like a sister, but the girl’s in deep trouble. Macy’s determined to help, no matter what it takes. Her motto is to “make it happen” in any situation life throws at her—even when she butts heads with an idealistic cop.

Deputy Fletcher Holt believes in a higher plan, the fair outcome—and his ability to handle that by himself if necessary. Now he’s been yanked from Houston, his mother is battling cancer, and he’s attracted to a strong-willed nurse who could be the target of a brutal sniper.

When everything goes wrong, where do they put their trust?

Review:

   If you enjoy medical thrillers, you will love By Your Side by Candace Calvert. As a former ER nurse, the author is able to write about medical issues with accuracy and in a realistic manner. To be honest, stories with lots of medical terms and details about sickness and disease are not my favorite. I had trouble with the first third of the book because of all the medical terminology but if you enjoy that kind of novel, this is a good one. 

The fact that I stuck with the book shows that Ms. Calvert wrote in a way that engaged me with the story in spite of those issues. She grabs the reader from the beginning by opening with action and drama. Right away we see that Deputy Fletcher Hope is a man you can depend on as he comes to the rescue when a sniper starts shooting. He rescues Macy (a nurse) who is more comfortable being the rescuer instead of the one being rescued.

The author has created characters that have depth and we discover more and more about them as the novel progresses. We learn why Macy has put such a protective guard around her heart. We feel her pain when she makes some shocking discoveries. I found myself really hoping for her to open up to Fletcher and allow him to know her. There are many other levels to the story. There is the medical side for those who enjoy that. There is the sniper who is killing in cold blood. Will they find out who it is? There is the story of Fletcher’s mom who is battling cancer. What about Macy’s longtime friend Elliot and his wife? Is there more to the story? The author gives insight into various other characters and leaves it open for more books to come, as this is book 1 in the Crisis Team series. The author also explains in detail about Crisis Care and what that involves. I do recommend this book, in spite of my own struggle with lots of medical terms. It is a great love story. It has action, suspense and a few surprises. It is also heartbreaking as one character shares their story of being a foster child. Overall, I enjoyed it.

   

I received a copy of By Your Side to review but I was under no obligation to give a positive review.

Reviewed by: Susan Aken

Vannetta Chapman's Murder Tightly Knit ~ Reviewed

Murder Tightly Knit: An Amish Village Mystery

By Vannetta Chapman

Published by Zondervan

363 pages

ISBN: 978-0-310-32569-7

Back Cover:

Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englisch man has been loitering around back.

Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.

The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village killed Owen Esch.

Amber and Hannah need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Review:

This may have been the first cozy mystery I’ve read. It’s certainly the first I remember reading, and the concept of an Amish murder mystery is truly unique.

My experience with the Amish is very limited. Outside of their candy—the Amish community midway between Kansas City, MO and Branson makes the best candy covered almonds ever!—I’ve not experienced their culture at all, except through a book or two. So it was intriguing to read about this small, close knit community, one where the Amish and Englisch often interacted. Middlebury reminded me of some beach and lakefront shopping areas our family has visited on vacations. In that aspect, Ms. Chapman did a great job of crafting a pleasant, touristy, close-knit community.

The mystery thread of this novel was truly well done. It was fun to follow the clues, form suspicions, then later, discover my suspicions had been misplaced! Although I also held a great deal of suspicion for the villain, and towards the end, was utterly convinced he was the murderer. I wasn’t, however, convinced the authorities would clue in to this fact.  

Not being an Amish fiction reader, I wasn’t hugely interested in a lot of the day-to-day details presented in this book, but I recognize many Amish fiction fans would be. (In fact, those very details could very well be what Amish fiction fans enjoy most!) I also found aspects of the book unnecessary, like much of Amber’s personal life, mainly because I never quite figured out how it related to the story. As a result, I did find myself skimming a bit and still able to keep up with the overall plot and various threads. However, for Amish fiction, the premise was unique, the mystery fun, and the setting endearing. Those who enjoy Amish fiction should give Murder Tightly Knit a try.   

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery