A Feeling of Home (Redemption's Light #3) by Susan Anne Mason

Title: A Feeling of Home (Redemption’s Light #3)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

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:

     Can she set aside the pain from the past to embrace a new love?

     Isabelle Wardrop’s well-to-do life has completely unraveled. Within months, she’s lost both her parents, her fortune, and her home. With nowhere else to turn, she and her younger sister move in with a trusted former servant in an impoverished area of the city. Desperate for work but having no qualifications, Isabelle is forced to accept help from Dr. Mark Henshaw, the very man she blames for her mother’s death.

     Mark Henshaw has admired Isabelle for several months, but after the tragic death of her mother, he vows to make amends for the past and help her find her way. But when Mark learns his younger brother has formed an undesirable friendship with Isabelle’s sister—one that brings a whole new set of problems into their lives—he doesn’t know if Isabelle will ever forgive him.

     When startling developments begin to take place, both within Isabelle’s heart and their siblings’ relationship, her future looks very different than anything she could have imagined.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical novel.

     I love the main characters in this book. There are a number of very important characters not just the four that I consider the main ones.

     From the very beginning my heart went out to Isabelle Wardrop and her sister Marissa. I can’t even imagine the heartache and confusion they were going through as they tried to piece their lives back together. I was amazed at the strength of character that Isabelle displayed in the aftermath of tragedy.

     Mark Henshaw was also an amazingly strong character with a heart to help others. He definitely had some flaws, but don’t we all. Alongside Mark was his brother Josh. I understood the struggles that existed between them as they were dealing with their relationship as brothers as well as guardian and ward.

     I loved seeing how many people stepped up beside Isabelle and Marissa and worked to help them through a very trying period. The individual journey’s of growth and maturity that all four of the main characters had to take were very intertwined and yet at the same time different.

     I’m giving this marvelous book 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 Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

Title: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

Author: Jennifer Ryan

Pages: 432

Release Date: May 31, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Format: eBook (also available in hardcover and 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:

     Three plucky women lift the spirits of home-front brides in wartime Britain, where clothes rationing leaves little opportunity for pomp or celebration—even at weddings—in this heartwarming novel based on true events, from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.

     After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. Praying that her niece and nephew will be more hospitable than her brother had been, she arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business while staying in a quaint country village.

     Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay—the village has been interminable dull with all the men off fighting. But just as Cressida arrives, so does Violet’s conscription letter. It  couldn’t have come at a worse time; how will she ever find a suitable aristocratic husband if she has to spend her days wearing a frumpy uniform and doing war work?

     Meanwhile, the local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother’s gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local Sewing Circle meeting, Grace asks for her helpp—but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills.

     Before long, Cressida’s spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves.

My review:

     I loved this incredible historical romance novel.

     There was a large cast of characters in this book. There was quite a few different personality types and I had fun getting to know each one of them. I take that back, there was one woman that I truly couldn’t stand. Every book has to have at least one like that though.

     Cressida, Violet, and Grace were the main characters in this book. They alternated having chapters from their view points. The journeys that they each took growing and developing throughout the story were vastly different even though they were interconnected. I loved seeing how they stepped up to help each other and the whole community. They were truly resilient along with the whole county of England.

     The plot of this book really demonstrated the strength of nation. I enjoyed finding out how they were able to gather the number of wedding dresses that were needed to meet the demands. The women of England still wanted to have the white weddings to celebrate the start of their new lives. Yet they were stuck with all the restrictions of the clothes rationing that had to be implemented to meet the needs of the military.

     I am giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I’m glad that I took my time reading it so that I could savor the story.

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 Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Title: The Hope Jar (The Prayer Jars #2)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 320

Year: 2018

Genre: Amish Fiction

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:

     What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that get bigger by the day?

     Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them.

     Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayer by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?

My review:

     This is a wonderful Amish story.

     There is a large cast of characters. They are very well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. It was great reading about the peaceful way of life on the Amish farm. A few of the characters made some very poor choices and I liked seeing the journey they each had to make to rectify their mistakes. It’s quite a process to face up to how we hurt others and learn to ask for forgiveness.

     I’m giving this great book a rating of 5 stars. I do recommend it and am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

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.*

My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Title: My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline’s Search

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Pages: 256

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

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:

     Where is Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter? Who is the mysterious Mrs. Smith?

     Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone—even a Pinkerton agent—to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous.

     Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?

My review:

     This a great historical romance novel!

     I love both of the main characters. Jonah and Madeline are both very well developed. I enjoyed seeing how they interacted with each other. It was fun finding out about their past relationship.

     I was definitely caught up in the plot for this book. There was a wonderful mystery is trying to find Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter. There were a number of surprising twists that were discovered. When we got to the final uncovering I had a few points that caught me totally by surprise.

     I’m giving this great story 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.*

12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #3 by Margaret Brownley / Miralee Ferrell / Pam Hillman

Title: 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #3

Authors: Margaret Brownley / Miralee Ferrell / Pam Hillman

Pages: 154

Year: 2015

Genre: Historical Romance Novellas

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (now only available in a single paperback with the other 3 collections)

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:

     Love is buzzing in the Good Old Summertime! Spend the sunny days of summer relaxing with an ice cold glass of lemonade and revel in the dreams of twelve brides who are a bit surprised by how the men of their dreams come into their lives. Journey to the Old West, stay on the prairie, and visit quaint small towns. . .without leaving the comfort of your own front porch!

     The dog days of summer are here, but love is still in full bloom with Novella Collection #3:

Dog Days of Summer Bride by Margaret Brownley

     Music teacher Marilee Davis and blacksmith Jed Colbert don’t realize they’ve been sharing the same dog until. . .it digs up a stash of stolen loot. The reward will go to the dog’s owner—if only that can be decided.

The Dogwood Blossom Bride by Miralee Ferrell

     Gracie Addison is a tree-climbing tomboy, and practical Will Montgomery objects to her unladylike influence on his niece. Will his judgmental attitude come back to bite him?

The Lumberjack’s Bride by Pam Hillman

     Chicago transplant, Lucy Denson cooks for a logging crew in the Mississippi backwoods until she can return to her idea of civilization. Can Eli Everett help her rethink her ideals?

My review:

     These three novellas are wonderful historical romances.

     I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the main characters in these stories. It was a lot of fun seeing what the different plots for the romances are. Each author came up with a very different storyline for their couple.

The Dog Days of Summer Bride by Margaret Brownley

I loved seeing how both Marilee and Jed were willing to make changes in their own routine to figure out how to develop a relationship with each other.

The Dogwood Blossom Bride by Miralee Ferrell

We can all learn a lesson about trusting God with our loved ones from this great story.

The Lumberjack’s Bride by Pam Hillman

It’s great seeing how people can learn about what is truly important to them when they are faced with difficult decisions.

     This novella collection can’t be purchased as an eBook any more. There were originally four of these collections in total. It is possible to locate the set of all 12 Brides of Summer novellas in one paperback book to purchase used. They are a fun way to spend a few hours. I’m giving this individual collection a rating of 5 stars.

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.*

Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars #2) by Ronie Kendig

Title: Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars #2)

Author: Ronie Kendig

Pages: 400

Year: 2020

Genre: Action-Adventure / Military Thriller

Publisher: Bethany House

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:

     Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

     The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.

My review:

     This is an incredible action-adventure/military thriller novel!

     This is part of a true series. You should read book one before this story. 

     This book has a huge cast of characters. I kept a list beside me to help me keep track of all of them. There is a wonderful team of special ops specialists. Each one had their own speciality and it was great seeing how they all worked together. Their interactions with each other between ops that they were sent out on was a lot of fun to see.

     The plot of this book had so many twists and turns in it that I had to work to keep all of the details straight in my mind. There were many times that something that had come out earlier showed up again and in its second, or third, appearance suddenly was a very key factor in what was happening. This was definitely not a book to just sit back and relax while I was reading it. It was fun to actually have to work to follow the action.

     I’m giving this marvelous book 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.*

My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie's Resolve by Rebecca Jepson

Title: My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie’s Resolve

Author: Rebecca Jepson

Pages: 256

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

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:

     Journey now to the healing spa town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1885 where the past and present collide and a woman is on the precipice of unexpected love.

     Millie Cooper, fisherman’s-daughter-turned-nurse, flees a painful entanglement with the wealthy Drexel family who summered near her childhood home in Nantucket, only to encounter them again six years later in Glenwood Springs. The serenity of Millie Cooper’s mountain hideaway in a town with healing springs is disrupted when she faces caring for the elderly mother and the expectant wife of Stephen Drexel the man she’d once love—at the request of John Drexel, the man who’d kept them apart.

     Will Millie forgive the wrongs she feels were done to her, or will she come to see them as a blessing in disguise that lead her to greater joys?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance.

     The main characters: Millie, John, Katherine, and Stephen are all very well developed. There is a lot of variety in their personalities and traits that come through very clearly over the course of this story. I enjoyed seeing how they interacted with each other and how their relationships changed as the story progressed.

     The plot of this book was great. It kept my interest though at a few times I felt frustrated with the characters and wished they would just be honest with each other so that things could move along a little quicker.

     I’m giving this wonderful 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.*

Drawn by the Current (The Windy City Saga #3) by Jocelyn Green

Title: Drawn by the Current (The Windy City Saga #3)

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethan House

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:

     Lives depend on the truth she uncovers. She can’t give up her search.

     A birthday excursion turns deadly when the SS Eastland capsizes with Olive Pierce and her best friend on board. Hundreds perish during the accident, and it’s only when Olive herself barely escapes that she discovers her friend is among the victims.

     In the aftermath of the tragedy, Olive returns to her work at a Chicago insurance agency and is immersed in the countless investigations related to the accident. But with so many missing, there are few open-and-shut cases, and she tries to balance her grief with the hard work of finding the truth.

     While someone sabotages her progress, Olive accepts the help of newspaper photographer Erik Magnussen. As they unravel secrets, the truths they discover impact those closest to Olive. How long will the disaster haunt her—and how can she help the others find the peace they deserve?

My review:

     This is an incredible historical novel!

     I was horrified by the story of the SS Eastland. I had never even heard of this disaster. After getting through the tragedy itself I had to look it up online to learn more. I’m always amazed when I learn about historical events by reading fictional books. The author has done a fantastic job of making things come alive. The descriptions and details she includes painted a very clear picture in my mind.

     I love Olive, Claire, Erik, and all of Olive’s family. It was wonderful to see the growth and maturing of the three main characters as the story progressed. They each learned some very valuable lessons about life as they navigated the aftermath of the disaster.

     I’m giving this marvelous book 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.*

Shadows of the White City (The Windy City Saga #2) by Jocelyn Green

Title: Shadows of the White City (The Windy City Saga #2)

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 384

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

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:

     The one things Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have-a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears—until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World’s Fair, and Sylvie’s world unravels.

     Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose’s violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

     From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, they’re taken on a search that points to Rose’s long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible historical novel!

     This book is filled with tons of details about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair! I was captivated with all of the details and descriptions that are included in the story. It was brilliant to have Sylvie be one of the tour guides for the fair. It created a very natural way to take the readers through the fair grounds.

     The plot of the story was very well crafted. I was caught up in the emotions that Sylvie and Kristof, along with Rose and the entire cast of characters were dealing with. There is a very thought provoking exploration of what love really looks like. Many of the characters had to take journeys in this book to figure it out in their own lives and in their relationships.

     I’m giving this wonderful book 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 Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

Title: The Prince and the Prodigal

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Publisher: Revell

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:

     Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

     While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

     Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture—a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

My review:

     This is an amazing Biblical novel!

     I have read the book of Genesis multiple times. The story of Joseph and his brothers is a fairly large part of the book. At the same time there are a number of details that aren’t given in the bible. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fictional account of their lives. The author has done an incredible job of filling in details of what everyday life would have been like for Jacob’s large family as well as Joseph’s life in Egypt.

     After the point that Dinah was raped by Shechem she really isn’t mentioned in the bible. My heart went out to her and what her life would have been like after Levi and Simeon killed all of the men in the city of Shechem. This book does show her as having a fulfilling place in the family.

     I’m giving this wonderful book 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.*

Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1) by Jocelyn Green

Title: Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1)

Author: Jocelyn Green

Pages: 416

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

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:

     Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than just their store.

     The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire—he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

     Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father’s innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.

My review:

     This is a gripping historical novel!

     There is definitely a large element of romance in this story but the history is much more important in my mind. I love the four main characters. Meg, Stephen, Sylvie, and Nate are incredibly well developed. Watching the emotional growth of each of them was fantastic. As they grew I enjoyed seeing the changes in how they interacted with each other.

     I had read about the Great Chicago Fire in history class. It never really seemed real to me before reading this book. The fear and other emotions the people dealt with in the aftermath was palpable. My heart broke especially for Stephen as he was not only trying to deal with the current situation but also all of his memories and fears from his service in the Civil War.

     I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how they learned to depend on God to help them. The fact that multiple characters were able to bring scriptures to mind was a great reminder to me about the need to memorize scripture.

     I was completely captivated by this book. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending 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.*

I'll Be Seeing You by Robin Lee Hatcher

 

Title: I’ll Be Seeing You

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Pages: 382

Release Date: June 7, 2022

Genre: Dual-time Novel

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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:

     Generations of secrets unfold as a young college student learns the truth about her great-grandmother’s World War II heartbreak and love.

     Brianna Hastings’s life seems dull and full of disappointment until a handsome young man visits her church. She’s instantly smitten by the charming Greg, who leads an exciting, independent life—the kind of life she longs for. But when a college history assignment forces Brianna to interview her great-grandmother about life during World War II, she can’t believe it when Daisy presses her with questions about Greg’s character. “What sort of man is he? Who is he at his core?”

     What could her great-grandmother possibly know about love at first sight?

     The questions take both women back to Boise, Idaho, in the early 1940s, when war emphasized how fragile life could be. Daisy and her older sister pine for the same handsome bomber pilot—until one night of terrible judgment reveals their true characters and drives them apart. Trying to protect the people she loves the most, Daisy condemns herself to live a lie.

     In the years that follow, as Daisy grapples with the consequences, she receives unexpected grace from a man she’s known her whole life but never looked at twice. Could what she learned about love save Brianna from heartache three generations later?

  

My review:

     This is one of the most thought provoking novels that I have ever read!

     I really love Brianna, Daisy, Adam, Hannah, and Todd. I think that my favorite character though is Professor Meyer. He is mentioned but never actually in any of the dialogue. But the assignment that he gave to his college history class was absolutely fantastic! I sort of wish that I had had a teacher that gave that type of assignment. It took a student who hated history and turned her around.

     I was completely caught up in the plot of this book. Both time periods were captivating. They way that they related to each other was wonderful. I was extremely happy to see how both Brianna and Daisy grew and matured. It was wonderful to see the growth in their relationships with God.

     I find that I have no choice but to give this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I usually don’t review books this far ahead of their release. I would suggest that you pre-order it so that you won’t forget to get 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 Sugarcreek Surprise (Creektown Discoveries #2) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Title: The Sugarcreek Surprise (Creektown Discoveries #2)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 320

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Genre: Amish Romance

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the 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:

     Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herschberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

My review:

     This is a delightful Amish romance!

     Both Paul and Lisa are very well developed. I felt a lot of compassion for Lisa very quickly after meeting her. She had a lot of tragedy in her childhood and was still carrying the scars from it emotionally. I desperately wanted to see her work through the pain and move on with her life. Paul was also trying to move on from a painful situation. I enjoyed seeing how Paul and Lisa were able to develop a friendship and then use that to heal. 

     The plot of this story was wonderful. There was plenty of hardship and troubles that Lisa and Paul had to deal with that helped them grow. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Lois and Orley Troyer, along with older family members, were able to support both of them and encourage them to trust God with what they were going through.

     I’m giving this delightful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. The main characters from the first book in the series are mentioned, but there is no reason to read it first.

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.*

High-Wire Heartbreak (Door to the Past) by Anna Schmidt

Title: High-Wire Heartbreak (Doors to the Past)

Author: Anna Schmidt

Pages: 256

Release Date: January 1, 2022

Genre: Dual-time Novel

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

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 1936—A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery—and possibly death.

     A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield come to Ca d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.

     Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.

     Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

My review:

     This is an absolutely incredible dual-time novel!

     I totally love the main characters in both time periods. Chloe and Ian are great. Watching their interactions change as the story goes along was a lot of fun. Then when we got to the 1936 storyline I was quickly captivated by Lucy and Bernardo. They were all surrounded by a full cast of supporting characters in each period.

     I was fascinated by the procedures that were described for doing research in a museum’s archive. I’m amazed thinking about all of the work that takes place to piece together historical stories. I was enthralled by the details that were included in connecting the two stories into one cohesive book.

     I’m giving this wonderful book 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.*