Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

 

Title: Before We Were Yours

Author: Lisa Wingate

Pages: 342

Year: 2017

Genre: Dual-time novel

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shanty boat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world fo danger and uncertainty.

     Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.

     Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

My review:

     This is a heartbreaking dual-time novel!

     I was caught up in the story from the very beginning. I loved the main characters and my heart broke for the situations that they were in. I can’t imagine people treating each other the way that Georgia Tann treated both the children and their birth parents. She was completely cruel and heartless. I completely understood why Rill did the things she did to try and protect herself and her siblings.

     In the present day portion of the book Avery Stafford was caught by the expectations of others and trying to figure out what her own life was supposed to look like. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that she was willing to go against what was expected of her and try to help May as well as her Grandma Judy. She is an incredibly strong woman with a heart for helping other people.

     I liked going on the journey with Avery and Trent to find out how the people in the present were connected with each other and learning each one’s history.

     This is the first book I have read by Lisa Wingate. I loved it and am giving it a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Sit. Stay. Forever. by Angela Hunt

Title: Sit. Stay. Forever

Author: Angela Hunt

Pages: 36

Year: 2020

Genre: Remembrance Book

Publisher: Hunthaven Press

Format: eBook (also available in hardback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     From the author:

     Dogs do speak. But only to those who know how to listen.

     This little book came to me in a flash while I was vacuuming. When I began to weep, I shut off the vacuum and hurried to my computer, where I typed out a draft of the work that became Sit. Stay. Forever. I posted a copy to my Facebook page, and when the reaction of readers equalled my own, I knew I had to publish those verses as a book.

     Sometimes small books can have the biggest emotional impact, because the emotion isn’t in the words, it’s in the heart of the reader. The words and illustrations on the page remind us of the precious relationships in our lives and bring us back to an awareness of and appreciation for those beloved friends.

     Sit. Stay. Forever is the perfect book for anyone who loves dogs. The hardback comes with a dust jacket and makes a wonderful fit for dog lovers. There’s even a page for the recipient to paste a picture of their beloved canine.

     A little book with a powerful impact . . . just like the big little lives that leave their paw prints on our hearts.

My review:

     A very sweet remembrance book for dog owners.

     This is a very short book. The pictures are what really make it stand out in my mind. I read this as an eBook. It is absolutely going to be better in print. It starts with a page to put a picture of your own special fur baby and this can’t be accomplished in an eBook. I like the fact that it has a page covering each stage of a dog’s life. By the end of it I was in tears.

     I’m giving this wonderful book 5 stars. I believe that all dog lovers would love it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Brides of the Big Valley by Wanda E., Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Title: The Brides of the Big Valley

Author: Wanda E., Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Pages: 448

Year: 2019

Genre: Amish Romance

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

My review:

     Three incredible Amish romances!

     Each of the three authors wrote a separate story. They are set in the same town though the main characters are in different Amish communities. I was fascinated by seeing the differences among the communities. As I went through the stories I loved the fact that in the latter two there was at least a mention of a character from the previous ones.

     All of the authors developed wonderful characters. I loved all of the main ones. The stories are each unique and captured my interest very quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how each person dealt with the difficulties that they faced. Each main character had wonderful people supporting and encouraging them along the way.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I’m really looking forward to reading anything else these ladies write.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

To Write a Wrong (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency #2) by Jen Turano

Title: To Write a Wrong (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency #2)

Author: Jen Turano

Pages: 264

Release Date: August 3, 2021

Genre: Historical Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she’s determined to solve.

     Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold.

     As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman’s trust and save both their lives.

My review:

     This is an incredibly funny historical romantic comedy!

     I startled my husband a number of times while reading this book by laughing out loud. I have never been disappointed by a book written by Jen Turano. She has a remarkable talent for developing quirky characters that I fall in love with. This is very true of both of the main characters in this book. The verbal interactions between Daphne and Herman are great. For both of them to be writers it is fun to see how they confuse each other with their words.

     The plot of this story is very well crafted. I was very confused a number of times by the twists and turns that the story took. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how many different red herrings popped out at me. It was fun to try and figure out which things were actually important to the case and which ones weren’t. There were plenty of humorous moments along the way.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Bridge of Gold (Doors to the Past) by Kimberley Woodhouse

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Title: Bridge of Gold (Doors to the Past)

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Pages: 256

Release Date: June 1, 2021

Genre: Dual-time Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Repairs on the Golden Gate Bridge Uncover a Century-Old Murder.

     Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigations heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge ignite an obsession worth killing for?

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible dual-time romantic suspense novel!

     All of the main characters are incredibly well developed. I fell in love with all four of them. Their personalities were presented in a way that I felt as if I could meet them in my own community. 

     Margo and Luke have so much difficulty in everyday life living in 1933. It was wonderful getting a look at how the depression affected each person that was alive. I loved reading about the type of equipment that was used and the problems that were faced by the divers who were working to build the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge.

     Kayla and Steven had things much easier when they were diving around the south tower in present day diving equipment. Though they still had all of the problems with visibility and current to contend with. It just fascinated me.

     The mystery and suspense that arose around the skeleton that was found was fantastic. It completely sucked me in and had me staying up much later than I should have to finish the book and get the answers.

     I am giving this marvelous story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Walnut Creek Wish (Creektown Discoveries #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

NOTICE: The Follow By Email option is going away! It had previously been announced as taking place in July of 2021. It has now been changed to August.

Title: The Walnut Creek Wish (Creektown Discoveries #1)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 320

Release Date: August 1, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     An Antique Store Becomes a Place of Healing for Broken Hearts

     Welcome to Walnut Creek, Ohio, where Orley and Lois Troyer own an antique store they call “Memory Keepers.” Though knowledgeable in antiques and their repair, their real talent is in mentoring folks who are hurting and don’t even know it. Enter Jeff, a restaurateur, and Rhonda, a hotel manager, who recently moved to Amish country for the slow pace, but the change of scenery puts even more stress on their already strained marriage. Will an antique sled be the last straw, or will it lead to unexpected revelations and the fulfillment of dreams?

My review:

     This is a wonderful contemporary fiction book!

     I don’t really know how to classify it. There is a sweet Amish couple that befriends a younger English couple that is struggling. There is small town life. But at the same time the English couple both work in the city. It all flows nicely though.

     All four of the main characters are well developed. I absolutely love Orley and Lois. Their marriage is strong and yet they also learn some things along the way to make it even stronger. Rhonda and Jeff have long journeys that run throughout the book. Part of their journeys are taken individually and part of it is together as a couple.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that there is so much focus on growing and improving as people. We need to all remember that we should never stop maturing as long as we are alive.

     I am giving this great book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*