A Parcel for Prudence (Virtues and Valor, Part 4) by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: A Parcel for Prudence (Virtues and Valor, Part 4)

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Pages: 96 (approximately)

Year: 2014

Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press

Note: A received a free eBook copy of this novella through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     The exciting Virtues and Valor serialized story continues with book 4.

     MURIEL TOLSON grew up with all of the luxuries life could offer. As the daughter of a duke, she married the second son of an earl and lived in style on his family’s estate. When her husband ships off to fight the Nazis in Africa, Muriel heeds his request to use her intelligence and language skills to help with the war effort. She approaches the British secret services and soon finds herself recruited into an experimental all female cohort dubbed the Virtues, a collection of seven extraordinary women with highly specialized skills.

     Assigned the code name of PRUDENCE, her natural French allows her to infiltrate Occupied France where she works as a courier; carrying messages, money, and sometimes people through the secret resistance network aiding the allies to accomplish very dangerous missions behind enemy lines.

     When Nazis capture the agent code named TEMPERANCE, the team shucks previously laid plans and fast-forwards operational timelines. Is the team ready for this daring mission, or will the Third Reich thwart their plans before they can even get started?

     A PARCEL FOR PRUDENCE is part four of seven serialized novellas entitled the Virtues and Valor series.

     Seven valorous women – different nationalities, ethnicities, and social backgrounds – come together as a team called the Virtues.

     In 1941 Great Britain has a special war department that assembles an experimental and exclusively female cohort of combat operatives. Four willing spies, a wireless radio operator, an ingenious code breaker, and a fearless pilot are each hand-picked, recruited, and trained to initiate a daring mission in Occupied France. As plans are laid to engineer the largest prison break of Allied POWs in history, the Nazis capture the Virtues’ radio operator. It will take the cohesive teamwork of the rest of the women to save her life before Berlin breaks her and brings the force of the Third Reich to bear.

     Some find love, some find vengeance, and some discover the kind of strength that lives in the human heart when all they can do is rely on each other and their shared belief. Courage, faith and valor intersect but, in the end, one pays the ultimate price.

My review:

     This part is as fascinating as the previous ones.

     Muriel Tolson, code name Prudence, is the character that takes center stage in this part of the serialized novel. She is as well developed as the main characters in each previous part. Her background is just as clearly presented. I connected with her just as much as I did with the others. Early on in this novella there is a horrible scene where Muriel is tortured. The description of it was so detailed that it both made my heart race and ache for what she endured.

     The rest of the story is very well written. I enjoyed seeing a few of the things that happened during Temperance’s Trial told now from Prudence’s view point. It really is adding more depth to the overall story that is being told. I am really looking forward to reading the other three parts of this serialized novel.

     As with each of the 3 previous parts to this story I am finding that I have to give this one, Prudence’s point of view, 5 stars. I am also once again highly recommending it.

Charity's Code (Virtues and Valor, Part 3) by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: Charity’s Code (Virtues and Valor, Part 3)

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Pages: 96 (approximately)

Year: 2014

Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novella through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     The exciting Virtues and Valor serialized story continues with book 3!

     DOROTHY EWING never met a crossword puzzle that she couldn't solve with shocking speed. As a loving wife and mother of three children, she had an idyllic life with her home and her puzzles – until she had to see her husband off to war. Then the bombing of the Blitz began.

     Now her husband Tom is a POW in Occupied France, her children have been sent to the hopeful safety of her parents’ home in York, and she is working at Bletchley Park as an assistant to cryptanalysts. After cracking the code on an encrypted letter from her husband, she is recruited into a special team called The Virtues.

     She works on the home-front, receiving and sending messages to her team in France and coordinating a secret mission with her husband via coded letters. She intercepts the transmission from TEMPERANCE alerting to her blown cover. The clock is ticking in a race to save Temperance’s life. Information has to be sent to and received from the team on the ground. Can Charity help save her, or will the constraints of time and the efficiency of the Third Reich work against them?

     CHARITY’S CODE is part three of seven serialized novellas entitled the Virtues and Valor series.

     Seven valorous women – different nationalities, ethnicities, and social backgrounds – come together as a team called the Virtues.

     In 1941 Great Britain has a special war department that assembles an experimental and exclusively female cohort of combat operatives. Four willing spies, a wireless radio operator, an ingenious code breaker, and a fearless pilot are each hand-picked, recruited, and trained to initiate a daring mission in Occupied France. As plans are laid to engineer the largest prison break of Allied POWs in history, the Nazis capture the Virtues’ radio operator. It will take the cohesive teamwork of the rest of the women to save her life before Berlin breaks her and brings the force of the Third Reich to bear.

     Some find love, some find vengeance, and some discover the kind of strength that lives in the human heart when all they can do is rely on each other and their shared belief. Courage, faith and valor intersect but, in the end, one pays the ultimate price.

My review:

     This is a wonderful novella set during WWII.

     This story is a fantastic look at life for the wife of a WWII fighter pilot in England. I fell in love with the main character, Dorothy Ewing, from the first moment we see her with her husband and friends before the war starts. She is a wife and soon-to-be mother. I was able to relate to her and her love for her husband and her life. As the story progresses and England goes to war her strength and courage come to the forefront. We quickly learn how God has prepared her to be an asset to her country in their fight against Germany.

     The story flows smoothly and captured my attention. I couldn't stop reading it. I was completely caught up in the ongoing story that began in part of this serialized novel. I am going to have to read the rest of it. I need to find out how things end up for all of these incredible characters.

     I am highly recommending this novella and giving it 5 stars. This series is a great look at some of the truly incredible women from WWII.

Homeland's Hope (Virtues and Valor, Part 2) by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: Homeland’s Hope (Virtues and Valor, Part 2)

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Pages: 100 (approximately)

Year: 2014

Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novella through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     The exciting Virtues and Valor serialized story continues with book 2.

     Stage and screen legend VIRGINIA BENOIT performs for standing room only crowds in her adopted home of France. When the Nazis roll into Paris, she flees to Casablanca, taking the heart of an enemy General with her. While there, Virginia devises a plan to use her position, her talent, and influence with the high ranking Axis officer to aid the Allied cause.

     Virginia joins the Virtues team, assigned the code-name HOPE. Her keen mind trains in the craft of espionage. After staging a rift with the US, she returns to Paris, hiding undercover in plain sight, and spies on the enemy. All is well until the Third Reich imprisons the Virtues wireless operator, code named Temperance.

     As the Virtues engineer a plan to rescue Temperance from the Gestapo’s clutches, Virginia takes to the stage to play her part in the daring mission. Will the murderous racism of the Nazi High Command prevent her from fulfilling her duties?

     HOMELAND’S HOPE is part two of seven serialized novellas entitled the Virtues and Valor series.

     In 1941 Great Britain has a special war department that assembles an experimental and exclusively female cohort of combat operatives. Four willing spies, a wireless radio operator, an ingenious code breaker, and a fearless pilot are each hand-picked, recruited, and trained to initiate a daring mission in Occupied France. As plans are laid to engineer the largest prison break of Allied POWs in history, the Nazis capture the Virtues’ radio operator. It will take the cohesive teamwork of the rest of the women to save her life before Berlin breaks her and brings the force of the Third Reich to bear.

     Some find love, some find vengeance, and some discover the kind of strength that lives in the human heart when all they can do is rely on each other and their shared belief. Courage, faith and valor intersect but, in the end, one pays the ultimate price.

My review:

     This is another great historical novella by Hallee.

     I love the way that Hallee introduces us to Virginia Benoit. We see from the very beginning that her passion is for singing and that she has an incredible talent for it as well. We are given a fantastic explanation of her childhood and the racism that she has faced her whole life. She has grown into an extremely strong and courageous woman that is willing to put her life on the line to stand up against evil for the sake of others. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of her endeavor to combat the bullies of WWII. I look forward to reading the other parts of this serialized novel.

     As with part 1, I am giving this part 5 stars. It is definitely worth you taking your time to read these wonderful novellas. I highly recommend this one, even as I did part 1.

Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance #1) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Title: Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance #1)

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Pages: 160

Release Date: April 15, 2015

Publisher: Mountain Brook INK

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Five-Star-Chef Zoe Griffin walked away from her dream job. Did she make a mistake?

     Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her.

     Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all – to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future…together.

My review:

     This is a delightful inspirational romance.

     The title couldn't be any better “Island Refuge” says it all. There are three prominent characters; Zoe, Nick, and Rachel. Each of them is carrying a deep hurt inside that they aren't willing to talk about at the beginning of the book. They simply need a safe place to stay while they heal. The B&B on Wildflower Island is the perfect place for that. The development of these three incredible characters is wonderful. I love the way the author gradually brings out each of their stories and reveals their broken hearts. Then a secondary character mentions that she prays about things and the journey to reestablish a relationship with God begins.

     I had never read anything by Kimberly Rose Johnson before. This novel is a job well done and I will be looking for more of her books. I am giving this book 5 stars and highly recommending it.

Top Secret Identity (Love Inspired Suspense) by Sharon Dunn

Title: Top Secret Identity (Love Inspired Suspense/Witness Protection #4)

Author: Sharon Dunn

Pages: 224

Year: 2014

Publisher: Harlequin

Note: I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Her New Life

     Morgan Smith had to give up her name, her calling and her past when she entered the witness protection program. Now a caretaker of horses on an Iowa farm, she spends her days in the stables and helping kids learn to ride. But danger has followed her. She longs to tell her handsome boss, Alex Reardon, everything – about the troubled adoption agency she worked for, a missing infant and the attempt on her life. But sharing her past with Alex could put him in grave danger and lead a killer to their door.

My review:

     There is more romance than suspense in this novel.

     The two main characters are very clearly presented. Their pasts are slowly revealed explaining what makes each of them hesitant about getting involved with others. I was able to really get connected with Morgan and feel sorry for the situation that she is in.

     I am used to the Love Inspired Suspense line of books being filled with heart-pounding danger running throughout the book with calm moments strategically placed. Most of this book has a much more subtle suspense in it. Later in the story the danger did pick up and then it really captured my interest. I found that most of the way through, though, it was an enjoyable nice light romantic book to read. It was clean and yet there was plenty of attraction clearly spelled out, just the kind of romance that I love to read.

     I am giving this book a 4-star rating. I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys a calmer suspense with a very nice romance. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

An Aria for Nick (Song of Suspense #2) by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: An Aria for Nick (Song of Suspense #2)

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Pages: 320

Year: 2013

Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press

Note: I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     The only man who can save her life has been dead for a decade…

     Raised in a loving home, Aria Suarez dreamed of becoming a professional pianist happily married to her high school crush. After the only boy who ever caught her eye dies a hero’s death and her wrist is shattered along with her future plans, she turns her brilliant musical mind to nuclear engineering and solving mysteries of science.

     Abandoned to an abusive father at five, Nick Williams grew up dreaming of escape; of enlisting in the Army and leaving his wretched life behind; of proving himself worthy of the girl he loves. But the crucible of combat offers only the escape of death.

     A decade later, Aria uncovers a nuclear plot that threatens the heart of our very nation. Sinister forces surround and threaten her when, out of nowhere, the man who reportedly died so many years before returns as if from the grave intent on protecting her.

     Has God finally joined them together?

     Or is Aria doomed to mourn Nick twice?

My review:

     This is an intriguing romantic suspense novel.

     Aria has a brilliant mind, but she is also very aware of what is going on around her. That makes for a wonderful combination. It also ends up putting her in incredible danger. I love the development and presentation of this character. We learn about her family relationships by meeting her during her senior year in high school.

     As we follow Aria we get a glimpse at Nick. Then Hallee takes the time to introduce us to Nick’s family situation and shows us what makes him tick. She does a great job at this and making them very different from each other.

     Fast forward 10 years and drop Aria into a dangerous situation. Nick shows up with training and experience that she had no idea about and they are sent down a twisting and turning path of questioning, “Who are the bad guys, and what exactly are they up to?” Their journey is filled with suspense and danger. It was a captivating novel and I was drawn into it quickly and found that I couldn't quit until the answers had all been found and the danger was past.

     As with each of the other books by Hallee Bridgeman I have to give this one 5 stars. I am highly recommending it. She is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading everything she writes.

Aileen's Song (Sisters in Spirit #1) by Marianne Evans

Title: Aileen’s Song: Song of the Spirit (Sisters in Spirit #1)

Author: Marianne Evans

Pages: 106

Year: 2014

Publisher: Pelican Book Group

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this story through The Book Club Network and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Aileen, Siobhan, Kassidy and Maeve – long ago they made a purity pledge to God and a friendship vow to one another. Now this quartet is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime…

     All her life, Aileen Brewer has dreamed of singing on stage and winning the heart of Liam Douglas. When she sings, she exudes confidence and charm. Away from the spotlight, she’s the sky, curvaceous woman who has always tried to maintain a sweet, Godly spirit despite her radical upbringing and a sense that she’s not quite good enough.

     During a music festival at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Aileen takes the stage with her three best friends, and Sisters in Spirit is born.

     Liam, a Christian record producer, is captivated by the wallflower of his youth who has blossomed into a magnetic performer. He champions a record deal, and a quest for Aileen’s heart begins, but can she find confidence enough to take command of the group…and accept Liam's love? Can Liam help her see the beauty of the woman she has become?

     Dreams just might come true in ways only God could orchestrate…

My review:

     This is a wonderfully sweet and pure romance.

     I absolutely love the main character, Aileen Brewer. She is surrounded by three very close girlfriends who look up to her as the leader of their group. We are introduced to this close-knit group of friends as they bind themselves in a purity pledge and a forever friendship vow. As they are doing this we are shown just how deep of a belief these girls have in God and their desire to honor Him. As the story progresses we see the faults and insecurities that Aileen struggles with. She is a very human woman and easy to relate to.

     The story that Aileen and her friends embark on is a very sweet and feel good story. The love story is simple and very clean. It is a delight to see how Aileen and Liam traverse the pathway of discovery. The road that Aileen and her friends travel is the stuff that fairy tales are made of.

     I’m giving this great little story a rating of 5-stars. I highly recommend it.

Temperance's Trial (Virtues and Valor, Part 1) by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: Temperance’s Trial (Virtues and Valor Part 1)

Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Pages: 105

Year: 2014

Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novella through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     The Third Reich seeks to extract the information she alone knows.

     Marie Gilbert and her elder brother flee from Vichy France after the Gestapo arrest her father for suspicion of aiding Jewish children to escape the oncoming fascist front. Once in London, Marie is recruited into an experimental all female cohort dubbed the Virtues, a collection of seven extraordinary women with highly specialized skills.

     Known only by her code name, Temperance, she is trained to operate a wireless radio and returns to her beloved France. With a new identity, Marie clandestinely communicates vital intelligence directly back to Headquarters but unwillingly attracts the attention and apparent adoration of a handsome but ruthless Nazi officer, Oberleutnant Leopold Schafer.

     As the H-hour to execute their daring mission draws ever closer, Marie plays a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the unrelenting and merciless young Lieutenant Schafer and the Nazi soldiers under his command.

     Temperance’s Trial is part one of seven serialized novellas entitled the Virtues and Valor series.

     Seven valorous women – different nationalities, ethnicities, and social backgrounds – come together as a team called the Virtues.

     In 1941 Great Britain has a special war department that assembles an experimental and exclusively female cohort of combat operatives. Four willing spies, a wireless radio operator, an ingenious code breaker, and a fearless pilot are each hand-picked, recruited, and trained to initiate a daring mission in Occupied France. As plans are laid to engineer the largest prison break of Allied POWs in history, the Nazis capture the Virtues’ radio operator. It will take the cohesive teamwork of the rest of the women to save her life before Berlin breaks her and brings the force of the Third Reich to bear.

     Some find love, some find vengeance, and some discover the kind of strength that lives in the human heart when all they can do is rely on each other and their shared belief. Courage, faith and valor intersect but, in the end, one pays the ultimate price.

     Introducing the Virtues and Valor series by Hallee Bridgeman. Seven serialized novella, each inspired by real people and actual events, reveal the incredible story of amazing heroines facing the ultimate test of bravery.

My review:

     This is an incredible historical novella.

     This novella sucked me in immediately. The main character Marie Gilbert, code name Temperance, caught my interest from the exciting first moment we see her. I hadn't been aware of the women that worked as operatives in occupied France during WWII before hearing about this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to their contribution to the Allies efforts to defeat Germany. I will be trying to expand my knowledge of these brave women and their missions. The story flows smoothly and quickly.

     My only complaints about this story are that it was too short and it ends with a cliffhanger. But then it is only part one of a 7 part serial novel. I will definitely have to read the other 6 parts to find out the rest of the story. I am hooked and have to give it a 5-star rating. I highly recommend this wonderful novella.

Captured by Love (Michigan Brides #3) by Jody Hedlund

Title: Captured by Love (Michigan Brides #3)

Author: Jody Hedlund

Pages: 384

Year:  2014

Publisher: Bethany House

Note: I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger discover firsthand the high price of freedom.

     The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

     Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British – and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who’s grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

     As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they’ll risk for love.

My review:

     This is a captivating inspirational historical romance.

     Angelique is an incredible main character. She is so well developed and presented that it was very easy to feel a connection to her. Many times throughout the story my heart ached for the way she was treated as well as for the situations he was put in by others. Very early on it was apparent that her heart’s desire was to do the right thing and to treat others with kindness. She is surrounded by a lot of additional character that are very important to the story. The development of these people is just as well thought out. Their characters and personalities are also clearly described.

     Angelique, Pierre, and Miriam have faith in God that is clearly presented. Both Angelique and Pierre are on a journey in this story where they learn more about God and trusting Him. It was wonderful to go on this journey with them.

     Jody Hedlund has a wonderful talent for description. It was very easy to form a mental picture of the surroundings and action taking place. It held my attention the whole way through the book.

     I highly recommend this book and give it a 5 star rating. I have not read either of the previous books in this series. After reading this one and enjoying it so much. I am definitely going to be going back to read both of them.

The Lady Fugitive by Ada Brownell

Title: The Lady Fugitive

Author: Ada Brownell

Pages: 284

Year: 2014

Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing

Note: I received a free copy of this eBook through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     How does a respected elocutionist become a face on a wanted poster?

     Jenny Louise Parks escapes from the coal bin and her abusive uncle offers a handsome reward for her return. Because he is a judge, he will find her.

     Determination to remain free grips Jenny, especially after she meets William and there’s a hint of romance. But while peddling household good and showing a Passion of the Christ moving picture, he discovers his father’s brutal murder.

     Will Jenny avoid the bounty hunters? Can she forgive the person who turns her in? Will she find peach, joy and love?

My review:

     This book is an enjoyable light diversion.

     This story is set in 1908 Colorado. Most of the characters are either mean evil people or believe in Christ and it is very easy upon first introduction to tell who is who. The two main characters, Jenny and William are well developed and their background is presented. I was able to connect with both of them and start to root for them in each situation they faced.

     The plot of the story moved along quickly keeping my interest to see what would happen next. The one thing that caused me to drop a star in my rating is that it was a little unbelievable how quickly problems were solved. This isn’t an especially long book and yet Jenny and William were faced with an unusually large number of problems and dangerous situations for the length of the book. They breezed through each one and seemingly were unfazed by them. This is really why I called it a “light diversion.”

     I was not bothered by the amount of scripture that was presented throughout the story. I know that there are people that would not like it though and wanted to mention it so you won’t be caught unaware. Many of the characters are Christians and speak freely about their belief to each other and to those who don’t believe.

     I am giving this book a 4 star rating. I do recommend it.

Web of Deceit (Agents Under Fire #1) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Web of Deceit (Agents Under Fire #1)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 260

Year: 2015

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Will he help find her sister’s killer . . . or lead the killer to her door?

     When FBI Agent Kaitlyn Knight discovers her brother-in-law is Vyper – the notorious cyber-criminal and murderer wanted by the FBI – Kait doesn’t question her duty to arrest him. But when he murders her sister in front of her, leaving her infant niece motherless, Kait vows to hunt him down and bring him to justice while raising the baby.

     Three years later, and not even a whisper of a lead in her search, Kait is about to give up hope of ever finding Vyper. All of that changes when he goes on a murderous spree taunting Kait with clues that she and homicide detective Sam Murdock must solve before her devious brother-in-law takes another life.

     As the body count rises, Sam discovers the killing spree is really about striking back at Kait. He must put everything on the line – including the relationship he’s developed with Kait – to ensure her safety. The killer is waiting, watching her every move – and he won’t stop until he’s exacted his revenge and reclaims his rights t raise his daughter.

My review:

     This is an intricately woven clean read suspense novel.

     From the beginning of the book I was caught up in the plot of the story. It starts with FBI Agent Kaitlyn Knight facing off with her brother-in-law as he points a gun at her threatening to kill her. This face-off ends with one dead and Kait devoted to catching the killer. Fast forward 3 years and the killer is now coming after Kait to make her pay for that death.

     I loved the characters of both Kait and Sam. They are both very human and dealing with wounds from their pasts. They are trying to sort out their feelings and do the very best that they can at their jobs and in relationships with others. I was able to follow through and understand what they were each dealing with as the story progressed. There were also a number of secondary characters that played key roles in the story that were well developed and presented.

     The plot of the story was very intricate and had lots of twists and turns in it. It kept me guessing as the different key points were revealed. The killer’s evil intent was gradually shown piece by piece even as an onion might be peeled layer by layer.

     As with each of the previous books by Susan Sleeman that I’ve reviewed I have to give this one 5 stars. She is just that good of a writer. I can’t wait for her next book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense novels. You won’t be disappointed by it.

     You can find more information about this series of books at Susan Sleeman’s web site at: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.susansleeman.com%2Fbooks%2Fagents-under-fire%2F&h=zAQEvNHos

Anna's Crossing (An Amish Beginnings Novel) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Title: Anna’s Crossing (An Amish Beginnings Novel)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Pages: 336

Year: 2015

Publisher: Revell

Note:  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Some endings are really beginnings…

     On a hot day in 1737 in Rotterdam, Anna Konig reluctantly sets foot on the Charming Nancy, a merchant ship that will carry her and her fellow Amish believers across the Atlantic to start a new life. As the only one in her community who can speak English, she feels compelled to go. But Anna is determined to complete this journey and return home – assuming she survives. She’s heard horrific tales o ocean crossings and worse ones of what lay ahead in the New World. But fearfulness is something Anna has never known.

     Ship’s carpenter Bairn resents the somber people – dubbed Peculiars by the deckhands – who fill the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. All Bairn wants to do is to put his lonely past behind him, but that irksome and lovely lass Anna and her people keep intruding on him.

     Delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions test the mettle and patience of everyone on board. When Anna is caught in a life-threatening situation, Bairn makes a discovery that shakes his entire foundation. But has the revelation come too late?

     Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing – and the lives of two intrepid people who braved it.

My review:

     I highly recommend this book!

     This is the first book that I have read by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It is fantastic! Her character development and presentation is incredible. The story flowed smoothly and captured my interest from the beginning. She does a wonderful job of describing the location throughout the book. It made it very easy to visualize where they were and what was going on within the story.

     Then to top all of that off when I finished the story itself I read the author’s note at the back. Suzanne presents the facts that she found out doing research for the novel. She also presents additional information that couldn't be confirmed. After all of that she explained why she used the information she did in crafting this marvelously entertaining look at the history of the Amish people and their arrival in America. Be sure and read the author’s note at the end. You won’t be sorry.

     I loved this book and am looking forward to any more books she writes in this series. I’m giving it the full 5-star rating and I have to repeat myself in saying, I highly recommend it.