Melody Carlson's Once Upon a Summertime ~ Reviewed

Once Upon a Summertime

Melody Carlson
Series: Follow Your Heart (Book 1)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 2, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800723570
Description:

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

Review: 

Melody Carlson has penned a sweetly innocent coming of age story in Once Upon A Summertime. Okay, Anna Gordon isn't a teen girl, but she's kind of still living that life. She's bunking with her Grandmother and holds a job that sucks the marrow from her bones and keeps her from becoming the adult she wants to be. When a high school friend comes back to visit, Anna gets a wake up call. Marley is living a life that even though doesn't quite fit Anna's dreams prods Anna's inner dreamer into consciousness. 

Leaving everything she knows behind, Anna strikes out for New York and her very own version of a dream job. As she really discovers who she is and what she wants and needs in life, Anna blossoms into her new position and into a new relationship. 

With fun glimpses of New York, and a look into the inner workings of a hotel, Carlson whooshes Anna into adulthood and will no doubt cause true romance fans plenty of swoons. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Kim Vogel Sawyer's When Grace Sings ~ Reviewed

When Grace Sings: A Novel 
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Series: The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 17, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307731332


Description:

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion?  
Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren’t what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she’s operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa’s insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths. 

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

Review:

When Grace Sings is about a young woman named Alexa Zimmerman. She recently met her Old Order Mennonite Family for the first time, and now resides with her Grandmother at her house. They have turned the house into a bed-and-breakfast, and Alexa is hoping her new family will accept her. In the meantime, her first longtime boarder, Briley Forrester, a reporter from Chicago, comes to stay at the inn. Little do they know that his purpose there is to learn more about the lives of the Mennonites, to prove that everything is not as “perfect” as what they portray to the world. While Briley worms his way into the hearts of the people of the community, Alexa is working hard to resist his charms. As things begin to settle into a groove, Alexa is asked to set a room aside for her cousin, Anna Grace. However, having Anna Grace in the house may force everyone to face secrets that have remained hidden since both girls were born.

I enjoyed this story, but found myself wishing I had read the first book in the series, as there were a lot of references made to things that happened in book one. I think I would have had a better understanding of this story. However, that being said, I really enjoyed this book, enough that I would like to find the first one so that I can find out the back story.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Gerard Kelly's The Boy Who Loved Rain ~ Reviewed

The Boy Who Loved Rain
by Gerard Kelly

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Lion Fiction; 1st New edition edition (January 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1782641297

Description:

They say that what you don’t know can’t hurt you. They’re wrong.

Colom had the perfect childhood, the much-loved only child of a church pastor. Yet he wakes screaming from dreams in which his sister is drowning and he can’t save her.

Fiona turns to her husband, desperate to help their son. But David will not acknowledge that help is needed―and certainly not help from beyond the church.

Then they find the suicide pledge.

Fiona, in panic, takes Colom and flees… but when will she acknowledge that the unnamed demons Colom faces might be of her and David’s own creation?

This beautifully written and searching novel by poet Gerard Kelly explores the toxicity of secrets, the nature of healing, and the ever-present power of rain.

Review: 

I like a story full of psychological twists and turns and puzzles. This novel has those abundantly in it, and it has more, sympathetic characters and evocative writing. 

A young teen, Colom, begins acting out and his religious father knows what he needs, more discipline. However, his mother despairs that there is something deeply wrong that discipline isn't going to help. 

A crisis flares and mom choses a radical plan to help her Colom. 

The layers of this young man's sorrows, confusion and past begin to be revealed. And with it the deceptions in the parents' lives. A water, sea, rain theme winds it's way through the landscape of this fascinating story of brokenness and ultimately, hope. 

A satisfying read even if told through the least intimate omniscient point of view. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Lyn Cote's Blessing ~ Reviewed

Blessing
Lyn Cote
Series: Quaker Brides (Book 2)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 18, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414375611
Description: 

An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women’s rights and abolition.

Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father’s clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she’s his equal―or challenged him to consider the lives of others.

In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?

Review: 

Blessing is a story set in Cincinnati at the height of women's suffrage and the Underground Railroad. Because Ohio borders Kentucky many a slave sought the chance at freedom through those generous enough to care about human beings regardless of gender or skin color. 

I've not spent a lot of time studying this piece of our history. And though I know it was scandalous to expect any rights if not a white, wealthy man, the struggle is foreign to me. I can vote just as easily as my husband after all. This is one of my favorite things about historical fiction, that a story can make a situation long past very real to me through characters I grow to care about. 

Lyn Cote does an excellent job making characters change and develop into people I was able to admire. And she brought to life that some of my freedoms did come at the very real cost to others. 

Anyone interested in a rich, deep story set in a volatile time in our history should look into reading this novel. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Bonus Review:

Blessing is about a young woman named Blessing Brightman. Having straying from her Quaker faith to marry a man not of the faith, she found herself in an unhappy marriage. After her husband's tragic death, Blessing returns to her roots, and becomes involved in Women's Rights and the Underground Railroad. Gerard Ramsay comes from a wealthy family, but is trying to get out of the control of his father, so he goes to Cincinnati in hopes of talking his cousin out of getting married, as he believes marriage only ties a person down. Through mutual contacts, Blessing and Gerard's paths keep crossing, though both casual and dangerous events. However, as much as neither believes in marriage for themselves, they can't help the pull that they feel towards each other.

The first chapter of this story started a tad slow for me, but not slow enough for me to put it down. The pace picked up quickly, and I hard a hard time keeping myself from “binge reading.” I really loved this story and admire Blessing's character. She was a strong woman that fought for the rights of people, yet she was still a Godly woman, looking out for people's best interests. This book was wonderful, and I hope to read more by her.

Reviews by: Sarah Meyers

Lori Benton's The Wood's Edge ~ Reviewed

The Wood's Edge: A Novel
by Lori Benton
Series: The Pathfinders
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601427328

Description:

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact? 
 
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths. 
 
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples. 
 
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

Review:

The Wood's Edge begins in 1757 in the new colonies before the Revolutionary War. The New York frontier is home both to the Oneida Indian tribe, and to the British colonists. On the same day that Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey has a dilemma on his hands. His infant son, born that day, has died, but his wife does not yet know. While she is sleeping, he takes the boy from her and grieves. In the midst of wandering, he comes across a young white woman dressed as an Indian in the camp hospital. She is sleeping, and holding newborn twin sons, one white and one brown. In moment of madness, fearing what the loss of the baby might do to his wife, he swaps his dead son for this woman's living white son. Shortly after, chaos ensues, and as the young woman, Good Voice, escapes with her babies, she doesn't realize until it's too late that the white son she is holding is not her own. While her and her husband, Stone Thrower, grieve their missing son, Reginald is now living with a heavy conscience, though no one suspects that William is not his son. As time goes on, Reginald's wife begins to lose her mind, and his young daughter, Anna, begins a friendship with a young Oneida boy, Two Hawks, not knowing that this is William's brother. As the children grow, the weight of the decision made that day grows heavier on Reginald and the truth begins to come out

I LOVED this story. I had a hard time putting it down. I kept getting inpatient for things to get fully resolved, only to get to the end of the book to find that I have to wait for the next one in the series to come out. I highly recommend this book. It was wonderful

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Chris Fabry's War Room ~ Reviewed

War Room: Prayer Is a Powerful Weapon
by Chris Fabry
Paperback: 424 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 4, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496407288
Description:

Juggling motherhood and her job as a real-estate agent, Elizabeth Jordan wishes her husband could help more around the house. But Tony’s rising career as a pharmaceutical salesman demands more and more of his time. With a nice home in the suburbs and a lovely young daughter, they appear to have it all―yet they can’t seem to spend time together without fighting.

Hoping for a new listing, Elizabeth visits the home of Clara Williams, an elderly widow, and is both amused and uncomfortable when Clara starts asking pointed questions about her marriage and faith. But it’s Clara’s secret prayer room, with its walls covered in requests and answers, that has Elizabeth most intrigued . . . even if she’s not ready to take Clara’s suggestion that she create a prayer room of her own. As tensions at home escalate, though, Elizabeth begins to realize that her family is worth fighting for, and she can’t win this battle on her own. Stepping out in blind faith, putting her prayers for her family and their future in God’s hands, might be her only chance at regaining the life she was meant for.

Review: 

I've seen most of the Kendrick brothers' films and am a big fan of their ability to deliver important messages through humor and charming characters.

In the War Room novelization adapted by Chris Fabry, I found the Kendricks' wit intact. The quick moving plot line is all about fighting. The fleshed out characters of Tony and Elizabeth Jordan are experts in war and the proof is in quick flare ups and scars left behind. But, on some level, the life they've created, where they are miles apart, is normal. Elizabeth takes on the selling of a home for a feisty little prayer warrior who won't let Elizabeth rest in her cold war of a marriage. Instead she helps fan the flame in Elizabeth to put the armor on and battle for her family

Heart warming and challenging reading, highly recommended to anyone who loves a good story.

When I closed the book for the last time on this story I came away remembering that all is not as it seems. Material success, fame, beauty, glory are often just smoke and mirrors that don’t fool others, more likely we are only fooling ourselves. And sometimes God's best work is to rip down what we've built. God is in the business of retooling, reframing, reimagining and repairing our lives when we get out of the way and stop fighting His every move.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Varina Denman's Justified ~ Reviewed

Justified: A Novel (Mended Hearts Series)
by Varina Denman
Series: Mended Hearts Series
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (June 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0781412161

Description:

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.


Review:

Varina Denman's Justified is book two in the Mended Heart Series. The storyline picks up a few months after book one ended. Fawn, one of Ruthie's former haters finds herself shunned and alone except for the kindness of Ruthie's family. 

Fawn's father and mother have disowned her, not necessarily for being pregnant out of wedlock, more so for refusing to marry Tyler, the baby's daddy and the son of one of the richest men in the area. 

Fawn discovers much about others, what she has always accepted at face value and the truth about herself during the months where she creates a nest for her little family of two. 

Tyler intensifies the pressure and temptation for a marriage that would meet all of the physical needs and wants that Fawn has grown accustomed to. Her parents encourage her to take that step. But her heart tells her otherwise. 

Denman spins a complex tale full of struggle and growth. Her characters are multidimensional and the topics and challenges they face are ones we see played out in our world and churches. If you are looking for a solid story that makes you hope for the characters give this one a shot. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

An ARC of this book was sent to me for an honest review.

Sandra Byrd's Mist of Midnight ~ Reviewed

Mist of Midnight: A Novel
by Sandra Byrd
Series: The Daughters of Hampshire
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Howard Books (March 10, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1476717869

Description: 

In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes. 

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”? 

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

Review:

Captivating from paragraph one, Mist of Midnight had me seeing a couple midnights I had no intention of staying up for. 

Written in a shrouded gothic tone, Mist of Midnight starts with the return of Rebecca Ravenshaw to her family estate. Now, this is a return that is already fragile as Rebecca is coming home from India where the rest of her family perished. She is a virtual stranger to England. When she arrives at her estate she discovers it occupied and that her arrival is met with suspicion. It seems that Rebecca Ravenshaw had already claimed the property and died a tragic not-to-be-talked about death. As days go on, Rebecca uncovers more puzzles and bizarre behaviors, even from the only one she begins to trust, Luke Whitfield, the man in line to inherit should Rebecca prove to be an imposter or show up dead.

Loved this. So dark and broody and outright creepy in places. My historical itch was fully scratched with the social shunning of Rebecca and the calculating folks who watched and waited for her to fail at her endeavor. The twists and turns in this tale offer up a great story in the process. If you love historicals and tense, rich writing with deep characterization you have to give this one a deeper look.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Sarah Sundin's On Distant Shores ~ Reviewed

ON DISTANT SHORES
Sarah Sundin
Series: Waves of Freedom (Book 1)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 4, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800723422

Description:

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. 

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Review: 

On Distant Shores is about Georgiana Taylor, a young flight nurse in World War II. She left a comfortable home and a loving fiance to serve her country, against the wishes of both her family and her fiance. John Hutchinson is a 2^ndgeneration pharmacist who has enlisted to help his country, but finds that he is the low man on the totem pole, and neither him nor his profession receives the respect he feels he deserves. John and Georgiana meet, and while there is an instant chemistry, they both have someone waiting for them back home, and they are determined to be faithful. Throughout the war, they endure some very trying difficulties, not only due to the circumstances of the war, but due to ways in which the lives they left back home in the states are changing.

I really had a hard time putting this book down. It was so interesting to me. I love history, and haven't read a lot of books during this time period, but I thought it was very well done, not only the characters, but the historical aspect of it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

A Few Technical Issues

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Max Davis's Dead Dog Like Me ~ Reviewed

Dead Dog Like Me
by Max Davis
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing (June 23, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617955248
Description:

Megachurch pastor Nick Gregory's life is falling apart. His wife is filing for divorce. His congregation is questioning his leadership. His faith is nearly nonexistent. It goes down hill from there. When he regains consciousness after a horrific car crash, Nick realizes he is no longer in his hometown or even in the twenty-first century.

Transported back in time to 800 B.C. and into the body of King Saul s grandson Mephibosheth, Nick must quickly adapt to a completely different way of living. Can the experience of living as a another broken man, desperate for God s healing, bring healing to Nick himself if he can ever get back home?

A novel of adventure, redemption, and outrageous grace, Dead Dog Like Me takes you back in time to know more deeply a God who never changes, a God who lavishes you with His love.

Review:

dead dog like me is a book I would not have purchased. I'm such a fan of cute little dogs and there is one on the cover, however, I have the secret aversion to the possibility of animal peril and I just won't go there. 

I receive unsolicited books for review and I generally pass them on to local readers who read for Novel Reviews. Every once in awhile I find an unsolicited novel I hang on to. If a book is in a genre I might read I will always crack the cover and read the first paragraph 

I opened dead dog like me and then read the whole thing in two days. I barely did dishes. I didn't sweep up the dog hair that my beagles throw willy nilly throughout my house. I just read this book.

I also have an aversion to books (and songs) that are sentimental and designed to manipulate emotion out of the reader. dead dog like me had me weeping and not because it was designed to. 

That said, this story is touching and feels authentic. A superstar preacher melts down and loses everything but what's left behind is pretty beautiful. 

It might be one the best books you read all year 

Reviewed by:  Kelly Klepfer

Jodie Bailey's Quilted by Christmas ~ Reviewed

Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series
by Jodie Bailey
Series: Quilts of Love
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 21, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426773617

Description: 

Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches. When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

Review: 

Quilted By Christmas centers around a young woman named Taryn McKenna. She was raised by her grandmother after her mother passed away and her father abandoned her. She feels alone in the world, except for her grandmother, Jemma. The only other person she ever loved, Justin, her high school sweetheart, joined the military after they graduated, and their parting was anything but amicable. Now, twelve years later, it's Christmas time, and Justin returns home from the military. He has no idea what has gone in in Taryn's life, but when her Jemma suddenly finds herself in the hospital, Justin steps up to help Taryn with Jemma's home, as well as a quilt that needs to be done by New Years. As they begin to spend more time together, Taryn realizes her feelings are still there for him, but doesn't believe he could ever love her again, especially with the secrets she's carrying.

I really enjoyed this story. I could relate to Taryn in a few ways, so I empathized with her and what she was going through. The storyline was easy to follow, and after a turning point in the story, I found it hard to put the book down as I wanted to see how everything was going to turn out. I wasn't disappointed.
Sarah Meyers

Rachel Hauck's Once Upon a Prince ~ Reviewed

Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding Series)
by Rachel Hauck
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (April 30, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310315476


Description:

Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by best-selling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess―just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simons Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?

Review:

This book was sent to me ages ago by the publisher. I had every intention of reading and reviewing it in a timely manner. And I didn't offer to someone else to read, so I was very interested in the storyline. Apologies for the late review. But is a good review ever too late? Maybe the timing is kind of like midnight striking. It is about a prince. Enough of that. Rachel Hauck is a very gifted storyteller. She weaves a tale of international love, kingdoms, princes and throws in almost every little girls' original dream, to become a princess.

Susanna Truitt finds herself at the backside of her dream life when her little little castle of cards comes crashing down around her ears.  Her prince charming has found a future happily ever after, unfortunately, that doesn't include Susanna. Designing beautiful surroundings as a career somehow falls flat, she can barely give away her services. And Susanna sees her likely future as alone and working in the family restaurant. Not that that's a bad thing...but....

In steps Nate, with a burden of his own. And limitations, and sacrifices he must make. Plus one must consider the large pond that separates Nate and Susanna. Is there a happily ever after for either of them?

If you haven't read this book, and you have a hankering to do so, I'm pretty sure you won't be sorry. There's a whole lot of charming in it, prince and otherwise.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Randy Singer's The Advocate ~ Reviewed

The Advocate 
by Randy Singer
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414348606

Description: 

2015 Christy Award finalist!
2015 ECPA Christian Book Award Winner!
At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths―Roman crucifixion.

Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant’s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.

Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?

The advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

Review: 

This is a little bit of a different direction for Randy Singer. Kind of a blast to the past. I can't even imagine the kind of research he did to put this epic tale together. Not only is it a legal thriller which he does so well...he transports the reader back to the days of Rome in all it's bloody glory. Caligula, Tiberius, Nero and all the very hedonistic lives they lived. Oh, and just to raise the challenge a little he fictionalizes Biblical characters. Yes, Luke and the Apostle Paul, and, oh, Jesus. 

Now onto the plot, conspiracies, murder, political unrest, gods, gladiators. He has included it all. Theophilus, the advocate, experiences both sides of the law and takes on the best the Caesars have to offer in the legal arena. 

Chicken warning on this one. It's a heavy read and the setting is brutal. However, I recommend it as a fascinating what-if story set in a crazy world. 

This book was sent to me by the marketing department and sat on my shelf for quite awhile. Sometimes I just have to be in the mood to dive into a deep historical.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Stephanie Grace Whitson's Daughter of the Regiment ~ Reviewed

Daughter of the Regiment 
by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (March 24, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455529036

Description:

Irish immigrant Maggie Malone wants no part of the war. She'd rather let "the Americans" settle their differences-until her brothers join Missouri's Union Irish Brigade, and one of their names appears on a list of injured soldiers. Desperate for news, Maggie heads for Boonville, where the Federal army is camped. There she captures the attention of Sergeant John Coulter. When circumstances force Maggie to remain with the brigade, she discovers how capable she is of helping the men she comes to think of as "her boys." And while she doesn't see herself as someone a man would court, John Coulter is determined to convince her otherwise.

As the mistress of her brother's Missouri plantation, Elizabeth Blair has learned to play her part as the perfect hostess-and not to question her brother Walker's business affairs. When Walker helps organize the Wildwood Guard for the Confederacy, and offers his plantation as the Center of Operations, Libbie must gracefully manage a house with officers in residence and soldiers camped on the lawn. As the war draws ever closer to her doorstep, she must also find a way to protect the people who depend on her. 

Despite being neighbors, Maggie and Libbie have led such different lives that they barely know one another-until war brings them together, and each woman discovers that both friendship and love can come from the unlikeliest of places.

Review: 

 I just finished Daughter of the Regiment by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I loved this book! I’m a fan of historical fiction and this is a good one. The story takes place in Missouri at the beginning of the Civil War. Maggie Malone is an Irish immigrant who lives in Missouri with her brothers who like her are supporters of the Union. They have neighbors who have a plantation and are slave owners. There’s a wonderful contrast in the book between Maggie who’s tough, unfeminine, great at shooting and working on the farm and Libbie who lives on the plantation and is a picture of the feminine Southern Belle (although things are not always as they seem). The book offers a fascinating look at the horror of being neighbors one week and facing each other in battle the next. It caused me to wonder what I’d do if my neighbor suddenly became my enemy. Throughout the book the author, Stephanie Grace Whitson, shows a masterful contrast between the two women and their situations. Maggie has followed her brothers into battle where she meets the fascinating Sergeant Coulter while Libbie stays on the plantation under the domination of her older brother who’s a slave-owner and decides to turn his property into a Rebel camp. The author paints a picture of each character that helped me understand even those who are minor characters. Between the house slaves who work for Libbie, Maggie’s brothers and other soldiers in the Union army all the characters seem like real people and I found myself caring about what happened to them. I’d never heard of the Daughters of the Regiment before (women who sometimes traveled with Union soldiers) and it amazes me to think of their bravery.  This is truly historical “fiction” as the characters and battles are fictional but it is historically accurate and gives us a picture of how the Civil War impacted the lives of everyday people. I didn’t want the story to end and appreciate so much the afterward provided by the author which gives a look into what happens to each character (loved this). 

     If you enjoy historical fiction, I know you will enjoy this book. If you don’t usually read historical fiction, you don’t know what you are missing! It has romance, adventure, history, drama (including a look at an abusive relationship), faith and humor. Plus there’s a dog! What more could a reader want?

Reviewed by: Susan Aken

Bonus Review:

Daughter of the Regiment takes place in Missouri right as the Civil War is about to start. It centers around a young woman named Maggie Malone. After her brothers decide to leave to fight with an Irish Brigade for the Union, her home is practically destroyed by Southern “sympathizers,” nearly killing her Uncle Paddy. Much to everyone's disagreement, she decides to go after the Irish Brigade after finding out one of her brother's is wounded. Through a series of events, she ends up following them and taking care of “her boys,” even into battle. In the meantime, Libbie Blair is living with her brother, who has turned their plantation home into Confederate headquarters. Libbie is forced to endue his abuse, while playing the part of a Southern Hostess, making all of the men feel welcome. When the battle comes to her backyard, she is forced to find out what she really stands for. Maggie and Libbie form a bond due to circumstances beyond their control.

I loved this book, and had a hard time putting it down. I just love this time era, and seeing how these two woman grew and took a stand to take care of these men, whether they were on “their side” or not. Not only that, but they were able to forge a friendship despite being on opposing sides. I really like this author and am anxious to read more books by her.

Sarah Meyers

Mary Ellis's A Plain Man ~ Reviewed

A Plain Man Paperback
by Mary Ellis
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736949801

Description:

Bestselling author Mary Ellis offers an engaging new standalone Amish romance about a prodigal seeking to find his way home. 

Though Caleb Beachy lived in the Englisch world for some years, he is a Plain man at heart. When he decides to return to the Amish lifestyle, he moves back home and goes to work for his father. Soon these two strong-willed men find themselves at odds. Caleb discovers there's more to embracing his faith and reconnecting with the community than merely driving a horse and buggy and giving up Levis.

Josie Yoder was just a girl when he left. All grown up now, she gives Caleb hope for the future. She soothes his frayed temper and is determined to remind him that while his faith may have wavered, God never left his side. Caleb is tempted to return Josie's feelings, but the choices he made while away are a heavy burden on his conscience. Will past mistakes end up destroying their fledgling romance? Or will she be able to break through the wall around his heart? 

A Plain Man is more than just a sweet romance centered in Amish beliefs. It's the ever-fresh story of a wounded heart finding joy, health, and healing in God's infinite grace.

Review: 

A Plain Man tells the story of Caleb Beach. After leaving the Amish faith for five years to live in the world, he has come back home. While away from his family, he found he was drawn to alcohol and women. Finally, after being out of work for a while and finding no satisfaction living a worldly life, he has returned home, however, he is having a hard time adjusting. He is living the Amish life on the outside, but inside he's still struggling with his faith. He is also having to struggle with living under his father's roof again, and showing him the respect that he is due, both as a son and now as an employee. On top of all of this, he is re-introduced to Josie Yoder, which confuses his emotions even more.

It was interesting reading a story about someone who had lived in the world for five years, and then came back to the Amish faith. My mind would think that after that long, it would be difficult to go back home and re-adjust to a simpler life. But I enjoyed reading about Caleb and seeing how God changed him. Also, I liked seeing him come to terms with all of his guilt over the things he had done while living in the world, and realizing that forgiveness is available.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Lisa Wingate's The Story Keeper ~ Reviewed

The Story Keeper
by Lisa Wingate
Series: A Carolina Heirlooms Novel
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 22, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414386893

Description: 

Successful New York editor, Jen Gibbs, is at the top of her game with her new position at Vida House Publishing -- until a mysterious manuscript from an old slush pile appears on her desk. Turning the pages, Jen finds herself drawn into the life of Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in the turn of the century Appalachia. A risky hunch may lead to The Story Keeper's hidden origins and its unknown author, but when the trail turns toward the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she'd left behind forever, the price of a blockbuster next book deal may be higher than she's willing to pay. 

Review:

Yes. I am a fan of Lisa Wingate. The Story Keeper contains all of the reasons Wingate is such a satisfying author. The story within a story is something she does so well. This tool brings her characters to life because they are discovering some event from the past that forces them to deal with the present and dredge up and work through some of their current struggles. 

But even if Wingate didn't use this method in her fiction, I'm pretty sure she'd still write great characters. In this particular story the reader gets to meet Jen Gibbs. Jen has big dreams as an editor and finally has a toe in the door of a small but prestigious house. A portion of a manuscript shows up on Jen's desk one day and rocks her world. She starts chasing a bunny trail, but it leads somewhere she thought she'd left behind and bolted the door on. Facing her past, and scrambling to grasp her future she risks job, reputation and comfort to chase the story to the end. 

You know. If you aren't reading books by Lisa Wingate, I just have to ask why not? 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer