What Blooms From Dust

by James Markert

Description

"The closer he got, the brighter that red became. It was a rose—a rose that had no earthly business growing there, right in the middle of all that dust."

Just as Jeremiah Goodbye is set to meet his fate in the electric chair, he is given a second chance at life. With the flip of a coin, he decides to return to his home town of Nowhere, Oklahoma, to settle the score with his twin brother Josiah. But upon his escape, he enters a world he doesn’t recognize—one that has been overtaken by the Dust Bowl. And the gift he once relied on to guide him is as unrecognizable as the path back to Nowhere.

On his journey home, he accidentally rescues a young boy, and the pair arrive at their destination where they are greeted by darkened skies and fearful townspeople who have finally begun to let the past few years of hardship bury them under the weight of all that dust. Unlikely heroes, Jeremiah and his new companion, Peter Cotton, try to protect the residents of Nowhere from themselves, but Jeremiah must face his nightmares and free himself from the guilt of his past and the secrets that destroyed his family.

Filled with mystery and magic, this exquisite novel from award-winning author James Markert is a story of finding hope in the midst of darkness and discovering the beauty of unexpected kindness.

Biography

James Markert lives with his wife and two children in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a history degree from the University of Louisville and won an IPPY Award for The Requiem Rose, which was later published as A White Wind Blew, a story of redemption in a 1929 tuberculosis sanatorium, where a faith-tested doctor uses music therapy to heal the patients. The Angels' Share is his second novel, and he is currently working on his next historical, All Things Bright and Strange. James is also a USPTA tennis pro, and has coached dozens of kids who've gone on to play college tennis in top conferences like the BIG 10, the Big East, and the ACC. Learn more on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @JamesMarkert 
For news and updates visit his website: www.jamesmarkert.com

My Perspective ~

Somewhat dystopian, this is an accurate portrayal of life on the southern plains during the early 20th century dust storms. Well researched, this author wove an accurate fictional story of the desperate struggles of the residents in the southern plains, and the ravages the daily dust storms heaped upon them. 

The plot revolves around the Goodbye family and their relationships with one another and their neighbors through one of the most difficult times in our nation's history. Descriptive and pictorial, I could nearly taste the dirt that filled these characters' lives as the dust roared through their homes on a daily basis. Characters are very well developed, and life in chaos is cleverly depicted through these quirky, gritty characters. I enjoyed this book very much, although a bit of repetition bogged me down at times. 

The Hope Jar

(The Prayer Jars #1)

by Wanda Brunstetter

Description

What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets 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 prayers 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?

Biography

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of almost 90 books with more than 10 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

My Perspective ~

The Hope Jar is an excellent read for newcomers to Amish fiction and young adult readers. Much in depth information pertaining to the Amish way of life is explained throughout this story of an older Amish couple and the deception a family imposter portrayed. 

I was disappointed that the entire book was based on the lies and misrepresentation of a young woman who deceived the Lapps into thinking she was their granddaughter. The deception began somewhat accidentally, but continued for several months which became somewhat bothersome. I had hoped to see some resolution and reconciliation in this story. I assume that will come through in the sequel which will become available in several months. This isn't one of my favorite books by this author. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions in this review are my own.

A Simple Singing

(The Sisters of Lancaster County #2)

by Leslie Gould
Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

For years Marie Bachmann thought of herself as the "good" daughter. She was the most loving to their mother, the most dedicated to their Amish way of life. But when a Mennonite farmhand, Gordon Martin, shows interest in her she can't help but be flattered--until her mother sends her off to Florida. While there, Marie begins spending time with bad-boy Eli Jacob, the bishop's son from back home. 

When Gordon shows up in Florida to volunteer in a homeless shelter, her life becomes even more complicated. At the same time her aunt begins telling her of a Civil War-era ancestor and the woman's uncommon bravery . . . a story that begins to work at Marie's heart.

Marie hopes returning home may simplify life, but Eli soon follows. As Marie grapples with whether she should court Eli or leave the church for Gordon, the story of Annie Bachmann shines a light on what God has for Marie's future.

Biography

Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of thirty novels. She loves traveling, research, Shakespeare's plays, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and are the parents of four children. http://www.lesliegould.com/

My Perspective ~

Companion stories are beautifully interwoven throughout this very interesting novel. Amish life is portrayed both in Civil War time and modern day, with examples of what is acceptable and not, in both time frames. A bit of Mennonite life is interspersed throughout the stories to give a bit of comparison in traditions in both ways of life. 

Well developed characterizations and descriptive depictions of the landscape and pictorial images of the ravages of war are highlights throughout this book. Relationships and fellowship with those unlike ourselves are highlighted through the use of homelessness, slavery and differences in culture, demonstrating selflessness in a world of selfishness. Spiritual growth and maturation are highlights in both the main characters throughout this novel. 

The Civil War was well researched for this book, as tales of the Battles of Gettysburg are well defined and accurate. I loved this book, and look forward to the next in the series. This author has a talent for bringing to life the miseries we share, and the beauty of redemption. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions in this review are my own.

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