"A Sound Among the Trees" by Susan Meissner

Holly Oak is a house full of history. It lived through the war-torn days of the Civil War and even has scars to prove it. Susannah Page, the young woman who lived through those battles, is said to still haunt the house. Its current matriarch, 90-year-old Adelaide, doesn't believe that nonsense. But she does believe that the house is hurting from wrongs against it and she's determined to do what she can to make it right.

Enter Marielle Bishop. As a newlywed coming into Holly Oak, she's not sure what to think or whose opinion to believe. Is the house haunted? Are the women who live there doomed to live a life full of hardship and sorrow?

This was definitely a different sort of book. It was very odd to read a tale in which two main characters were dead, one was absent for half the novel and one was not even human (the house). The best part of this book was undoubtedly when Susannah's letters were laid out before us. They were fascinating and I would have loved to see them as as novel all on their own. I know Meissner has developed an incredibly unique niche all her own - a combination of contemporary and historical genres - but I would be very interested in seeing her try something strictly historical. I think she could do it!

I would hesitate to call this Christian fiction and indeed I frown deeply on the theology presented between its covers. The idea that when we make mistakes, or even bad decisions, we then get compensated with tragedies is just wrong. Sin brings consequences, absolutely, but it's not in some sort of cosmic balance way. Even more errant is the following belief that the universe will grant us opportunities to atone for such mistakes, to 'earn' redemption. This is so dangerous and false. We can be granted redemption from only One source. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins and He alone can relieve the load we carry and bring us justification. Nothing we do can ever bring us close to absolution. Jesus alone provides this for us!

This is never once mentioned in the book. There is only one characters who is a Christian and her relationship with the Lord is just a small side mention. These false beliefs are never addressed for what they are, and even in the end people are left thinking they've been given opportunities to earn cosmic forgiveness. What kind of message is that? Extremely disappointing and does not reflect well when held up to the light of the Gospel.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own. Click here if you would like to read an excerpt from the first chapter. Please click here if you would be so kind as to rank this review for me.

"Sixty Acres and a Bride" by Regina Jennings

Rosa Garner is a young widow of Mexican descent who is finding her way among a new land and people. Her mother-in-law, also a widow, is returning to Texas in 1878 after ten years away in Mexico. Rosa has embraced the faith of the Garner family and is determined to help Louise reestablish herself. But she hears the whispers. She sees the stares. She's an outsider who is distrusted by the community because of her differences. She must work hard to earn a place among them.

Louise's nephew, Weston, has built a successful ranch for himself. He's still hurting from the loss of his wife five years earlier but he's beginning to feel ready to give society another try. Noticing Rosa's vulnerability due to how unfamiliar she is with traditional propriety, he requests that she find work only on the homesteads of family members. This new cousin is another to seek to protect and provide for.

As summer progresses, Rosa works harder than she ever has before. Louise will lose her home if they do not come up with a way to pay all the back taxes. As the deadline draws near, Rosa is determined not be beholden to anyone... even if it might come down to asking Weston to become involved.

This retelling of the Biblical Ruth account was extremely well done. Regina Jennings has hit a home run with her debut novel and I look forward to seeing more releases from her in the future. The only two complaints I had was that I thought the last third of the book could have used some tightening up in the editing process. The passionate feelings our main characters experienced were also expressed, if I may, rather honestly. It wasn't overly edgy but it was a little more intense than I usually read.

This page-turner is sure to bring in lots of praise. Thank you to Bethany House, who provided me with a copy in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.