ReviewsByErin

Chloe Vance is sitting on the most exciting news of her life. She's accepted a job teaching art at a school in Prague. Now if only she can find a way to break the news to her always-do-what's-expected mother.

In order to prove that she can take care of herself, Chloe spontaneously invites her mother on a roadtrip touring the literary sites in America's heartland. Her older sister Lauren tags along too. As they visit sites in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma, they experience the wonders of the written word but face the fact that it's our own stories we might have the most trouble sharing.

The characters in this book are all very unique. Chloe has a wonderful free spirit, full of grace. Edie is shackled by invisible tethers of expectations from generations before her. Lauren holds deep secrets and has lost a grasp of her own self-worth. Can the ties of family love triumph in the face of all they are not saying?

This was a great story, especially if you are a literary fan and have visited some of these same sites. It's a study in how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we can shut others out or let them in. At times it was a difficult book to read, because what we say or what we don't say has the power to hurt others, and unfortunately there are hard moments of pain in the story. But that's not the end. I won't spoil the ending, but I will say it brought happy, touched tears to my eyes.

Recommended for all fans of women's fiction.

Cilla van der Zee is desperate. The Nazis now occupy her home country of the Netherlands and she has to escape. But how? Cilla hatches a plan: Approach the Nazis, convince them she can spy for them, and then defect as soon as her feet hit English soil.

But that plan fails immediately when instead of defecting she is arrested before she can even leave her lifeboat.

In the face of execution, a new plan arises: Agree to become a double agent.

Cilla is forced to a remote posting where she provides strategic information to the Nazis but all of the Nazi information to her British handlers, including the man who captured her. The one man who can't stand her. The one man she can't stop thinking about.

This novel explores the concept of freedom. Is Cilla really free within the cage of what she is allowed to do? Is Lt. Mackenzie free within his strict orders and the need to do everything correctly? Is his brother free when he protests Scottish involvement in Britain's war? Where do faith and forgiveness and love come in?

As always, a wonderful WWII novel from Sarah Sundin. I personally had a hard time wrapping my head around the spy angle because that's not how I think, but I enjoyed the characters and their wonderful arcs. I'd recommend this book for any fans of historical romance.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

 

Delphinium Hayes has a special gift. As a florist, she's familiar with the scents and meanings of flowers. As someone with synesthesia, she can also pick up the innate scents of people—and they happen to match the flowers she loves so much. She's able to discern a person's true character from only a whiff.

She also has a soft spot for the seniors from the local assisted living facility. When they start meeting for forbidden poker games in her walk-in cooler, Delphinium is helpless but to play hostess. As more seniors join the group, hijinks ensue, especially when they find out that Delphinium's business is in trouble. They make it their mission to save the shop and honor their beloved friend.

This book made me laugh out loud. I really enjoyed the seniors and how they stole every scene they were in. I didn't relate to Delphinium quite as much, with her impulsive and sometimes reactionary personality. However, her big heart makes her a heroine worth cheering for. After years of feeling overlooked and misunderstood, she's finally found people who love her just as she is. There's even a little romance to brighten the colorful bouquet of personalities.

I'd highly recommend this book for fans of Jan Karon's Mitford series or anyone who enjoys wholesome, character-driven stories. You'll love Moonberry Lake and its quirky residents.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Things have been going south for Josephina Harris. Through no fault of her own, her Tennessee hometown has turned against her, and now her event planning business is floundering. In desperate need of any kind of job, Joey answers an ad looking for someone to remodel an old lighthouse in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

When Joey arrives on Bleakpoint Island, she quickly discovers there's been a mix-up about her gender, which sets an edge to her interaction with the men looking to hire her for the project. Then people begin warning her about the ghosts that haunt the island, hounded by the secrets of the past. Joey is convinced it's all stuff and nonsense, and sets right to work.

The remodeling job does indeed reveal a depth of secrets, and danger lurks on this otherwise deserted shore. Who is out to threaten her work? Is there any truth to the mythic Saint-Mae said to have rescued downed sailors in the 1940s, and does this girl have anything to do with the papers Joey finds hidden in the walls?

There is a lot to draw readers into this story. An idyllic setting. History. A series of mysteries to follow. I've really enjoyed this author's other books, but unfortunately this one fell a little flat for me. It was very slow and I never felt attached to any of the characters. I can see why other readers might love it, though. If you like contemporary fiction with a strong side of historical intrigue, I'd definitely recommend this. Also don't miss out on the author's other books, as those contain really great storytelling. I hope you'll check them out!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

 


Is the Briarwood Teardrop sapphire really a piece torn from the sky? It certainly attracts enough attention for it. And when the gem goes missing, bad things happen.

Private investigator Peter Driscoll has been hired to return the sapphire, suspected to be in the possession of silent film actress Lily Temple. But Peter becomes convinced that Lily isn't the one who stole it, though there is definitely more to her than meets the eye.

Lily has gone by many names over the years, but now she's come home to St. Ann's Well Gardens, where her best childhood memories were made. She's longing for the one who made her a lover of stories and fairly tales. Will he come when she sends out a signal for him?

The imagery of a woman in a garden longing for home and belonging is strong and striking, and I appreciated the spiritual thread of the story. I found Lily to be an interesting character, but I was continually confused by her. How old is she supposed to be? Where did she learn to do all that she is able to do? What is the elusive truth about her? Though there's always a hint of mystery about Joanna Davidson Politano's stories, and usually trying to figure things out is one of the things I like best about them, but this one left me wanting a bit. Since I could never grasp Lily, I could never grasp the story.

But maybe other readers will not have this issue. There's so much to enjoy, from the real history woven in to the steady hero to the truth of God calling us always to Himself. If you like a book that presents a puzzle to solve, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple could be for you!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Young teacher Nikki Werner is reeling after her parents' divorce. Feeling shaken, she turns to answers within her family tree and visits her grandparents' farm in northeastern Missouri. Though her grandparents have both been gone for years, her uncle Wes welcomes her and sets her up at the farmhouse.

As Nikki helps Uncle Wes go through their ancestors' belongings in preparation of renovating the old home, she's drawn to some German books and a notebook filled with recipes and wisdom that were clearly written with care. When Nikki chooses to spend her summer vacation on the farm, she decides to go recipe by recipe through the book, cooking and absorbing the proverbs of her mothers before her.

This story is full of small town, down home charm, as well as the intricacies of family relationships. As Nikki questions both her past and her future—after all, if her parents' marriage didn't survive, how could she think of entering the state of holy matrimony herself?—she is continually pointed to the Lord by Uncle Wes and others she meets. 

I enjoyed this story, which while delving into deep topics is also gentle and calming. The writing style reminded me strongly of Cynthia Herron and her Welcome To Ruby series. My only small complaint about the book is that sometimes going no-contact with relatives really is the healthy and even loving thing to do. When it comes to dysfunctional families, each person must prayerfully decide what is the best course for themselves. If it's healthy for relationships to be restored, that is indeed cause for rejoicing, but it is not possible for everyone.

I'd recommend this for any fan of general or women's inspirational fiction.

I received my copy of this book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I read some really great books this year! Here are my ten favorites, separated by genre. Click any cover to visit the book's Amazon page.



"Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham

Penelope ventures across the ocean to help restore a 100-year-old family-owned theater. Along the way, the pure joy of her personality proves infectious, even in the face of difficulties.



"Memory Lane" by Becky Wade

Remy rescues a man suffering from amnesia. As she helps him find his memories, she fights to keep her own at bay.



"The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass" by Katie Powner

Garbage truck driver Pete sees a side of people that most do not—and I'm not just talking about their trash. He sees beauty and value in others that may be overlooked by those not paying attention.



"Dear Henry, Love Edith" by Becca Kinzer

A mix-up leads Henry and Edith to share a house without ever having met. He thinks she's an elderly widow, and she thinks he's a nice little old man. Such a fun story!



"Wedding at Sea" by Melissa Tagg

Can two decades-old mysteries be solved? Can two people who have never gotten along plan a wedding for someone very dear to them?



"The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin

The Danish resistance during WWII takes center stage. A baron and a physicist must both decide what they will do to protect their country and save their friends.



"An Elegant Facade" by Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Georgina has a closely-held secret. Colin is a businessman in a world of gentlemen who look down on honest work. Can they see past their dislikes of the other to find true depth of character?



"A Beautiful Disguise" by Roseanna M. White

Lady Marigold and her brother use the talents gained from their unusual upbringing to run a secret spy ring among highbrow society in Edwardian London.



"Kiss Me on Christmas" by Sarah Monzon

A single mom and her neurodivergent son travel for the holidays to help with a family wedding, and on the way they meet the boy’s favorite YouTuber, who happens to be the best man at the same wedding.



"This and Every Christmas" by Jaycee Weaver

One family's December 23rd tradition plays a pivotal role in their daughter's romance. Visit this one special day through the years to see the story unfold.

Find more Top Ten Tuesday posts at That Artsy Reader Girl.

When Beckett Walsh unexpectedly lost her father, she didn't think she might lose everything else too. Their farm has been her entire world since her mother left when she was a child, when the grief and insecurity of the loss drove her to become agoraphobic. Now her father has left the farm into the care of two people—Beckett, and an unknown woman named Callie Peterson.

Callie is on the verge of setting up a permanent store front for her online business, but her alcoholic mother may come between her and her dream—again. Rehab is expensive, and if her mother is willing to go, shouldn't Callie do all she can to help? But when she finds out a man she's never heard of has left her half a bee farm, maybe that will allow her to help her mother and grow her business without giving up anything.

But who was George Walsh and why did he leave his farm to two young women who didn't know the other existed?

This is a gentle story that explores big emotions and the needs of humanity. Both Beckett and Callie have endured deep wounds, and both are in need of help from others to help them overcome. But help isn't easy to accept when you've known loss and betrayal from the ones who should have loved you most. 

I deeply related to Callie but I also loved Beckett's part of the story. I appreciated the way faith was woven in and truths were expressed by the supporting characters. The hints of romance and one young girl also brought a lot to the novel.

I'd recommend this for fans of contemporary and womens fiction. "It's possible for treasured things to come out of brokenness. Even if it doesn't happen the way any of us would have wanted. Even if it comes through loss." (Chapter 44)

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

 

If you're a fan of WWII stories, you are not going to want to miss this new release from Sarah Sundin. I learned so much about Denmark and the Danish resistance—or non-resistance—to Germany's occupation. 

Baron Henrick Ahlefeldt wants to stand up against the Nazis. In a twist somewhat reminiscent of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Henrick decides to take on a secret identity. Instead of a rich playboy, he takes on the persona of a common, illiterate laborer in order to avoid detection and help with sabotage.

Dr. Else Jensen loves her work in theoretical physics. Even though her dual American citizenship would allow her to leave the country, she's determined to stick it out and make a name for herself at the institute. But her new assignment is thwarting her talent, and her Jewish roommate is pressuring her to join the resistance. And she can't help noticing the kind, if rough around the edges, shipyard worker who shares their boardinghouse. 

Else and Henrick are both wonderful characters. Henrick shows determination and sacrifice at every turn, embracing the good of his country above his own desires time and again. Else grows so much throughout the novel, and I cheered for her every step of the way. I had no idea that there were certain countries who lived under Nazi occupation with very little interruption to their daily lives. It was interesting to see how the people of Denmark rose up as the war stretched on, and in the end the Danish people saved more than 90% of their Jewish population. If you want to find out how they did that, you should read this book.

Another thing I loved about this story was how Sundin wove in so much imagery from Denmark's own Hans Christian Andersen. That added an authentic touch to the portrayal of Danish culture and mindset.

I highly recommend this book to fans of WWII stories and historical romance in general.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

2022 held so many wonderful books! I'm here today to talk about my favorite in the Historical category. They're listed below in alphabetical order by author's last name.

Click on any title to read my original review, or click on the cover if you're interested in purchasing these books for yourself.

 "Engaging Deception" by Regina Jennings
Olive has a secret and she can't let anyone know—except her talent is just bursting from her. What hijinks will ensue when she becomes a nanny for her biggest competitor?

 "The Lost Melody" by Joanna Davidson Politano
Vivienne has a heart for rescuing others, but her first mission turns her life on its head. Will she end up being the one in need of a rescue?

 "Until Leaves Fall in Paris" by Sarah Sundin
Would you thwart evil if you had the chance? Two Americans contribute to the French resistance during WWII, putting themselves on the side of right in a dark time.


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