Searching For You

(Orphan Train #3)

by Jody Hedlund

Description

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Biography

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

My Perspective ~

Searching For You is my favorite book in this fabulous series. Connecting with Sophie again and following her path through this last book of the series is a sweet and poignant journey.  It's an education into the lives of countless orphans transported out of New York City during the 1850s. This is a coming of age so to speak, as Sophie grows as an individual seeking a better life for herself and her little charges, Olivia and Nicholas. Disappointment, heartache and challenges are encountered countless times, but Sophie's love and devotion to "her" children keep her moving forward. 

Bad choices begin to change to better choices along the journey to a stronger and healthier life, but until Sophie surrenders to God her life remains somewhat chaotic. Human connections eventually touch Sophie's heart, and hope, faith and trust begin to take place. Although this is the last book of a series, it could easily stand on its own, but by all means read the entire series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

Sold on a Monday

by Kristina McMorris

Description

From New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris comes another unforgettable novel inspired by a stunning piece of history. 

2 CHILDREN FOR SALE

The sign is a last resort. It sits on a farmhouse porch in 1931, but could be found anywhere in an era of breadlines, bank runs and broken dreams. It could have been written by any mother facing impossible choices.

For struggling reporter Ellis Reed, the gut-wrenching scene evokes memories of his family’s dark past. He snaps a photograph of the children, not meant for publication. But when it leads to his big break, the consequences are more devastating than he ever imagined.

At the paper, Lillian Palmer is haunted by her role in all that happened. She is far too familiar with the heartbreak of children deemed unwanted. As the bonds of motherhood are tested, she and Ellis must decide how much they are willing to risk to mend a fractured family.

Inspired by an actual newspaper photograph that stunned the nation, Sold on a Monday is a powerful novel of love, redemption, and the unexpected paths that bring us home.

Biography

KRISTINA MCMORRIS is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her novels have garnered more than two dozen literary awards and nominations, including the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, RWA's RITA Award, and a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction. Inspired by true personal and historical accounts, her works of fiction have been published by Sourcebooks Landmark, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Kensington Books. 

Kristina's latest novel, the acclaimed bestseller SOLD ON A MONDAY, follows her widely praised THE EDGE OF LOST, THE PIECES WE KEEP, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES, and LETTERS FROM HOME, in addition to her novellas in the anthologies A WINTER WONDERLAND and GRAND CENTRAL. Prior to her writing career, she hosted weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy Award-winning program. She lives with her husband and two sons in Oregon, where she is working on her next novel. For more, visit http://KristinaMcMorris.com

My Perspective ~

In 1931 rural America a sign that reads "2 children for sale" might not be extreme. The Great Depression took a toll on many families, and it wasn't unusual to seek alternatives in order for children to be fed and clothed. Featured in the news the story of two sold children ate at the heart of the nation. The reporter responsible for the story couldn't let it go, and sought to discover the whereabouts of the children he had placed in the hearts of Americans everywhere. 

Life in the newsroom and the contacts reporters depended upon for information were highlighted in this heartrending book. I found the hierarchy in the newsroom interesting. Romance was an additional aspect that created a realistic slant. There was no room for boredom throughout this story of love, life and the authenticity of the hardships in this time period. I had a hard time putting this book down, as the plot moved along swiftly, creating numerous high points. I thoroughly enjoyed Sold on a Monday!

Notice: Contains expletives and profanity.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

The Crown Lord

by William Sirls

Description

After a successful revolt in 1846 that reversed the roles of slaves and masters, modern-day America is now dominated by a wealthy, black ruling class and whites are dealing with decades of oppression and prejudice. 

When his father, a civil rights attorney, is killed after defending a white man, seventeen-year-old Willie Gibbons is forced to move to Michigan with his uncle and thrust into the heart of the racial divide.

The search for his father's killer lands Willie on the wrong side of a powerful and shadowy black supremacist group known as The Crown, a dangerous place for any man—black or white.

The Crown Lord is a stark and jarring look at race, class, and the American Dream that will keep readers on edge.

Biography

Over the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and tremendous lows--some born of chance, some born of choice. Once a senior vice president at a major investment firm, he was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering, where he learned a great deal more than he ever bargained for. Life lessons involving faith, grace, patience, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. He is the father of two and makes his home in Southern California. Visit his site at: www.williamsirls.com

"The Crown Lord, besides being a boldly written political thriller, is an important reflection on the genesis of racial animus in America. William Sirls has created a new optic on prejudice and bigotry and their relationship to power, economics, and human ego. Everyone who has unanswered questions and unaddressed concerns about racial equity must read this thrilling novel."
―Louis Gossett Jr., Academy Award winner, and author of An Actor and a Gentleman

NOTE: The Crown Lord is considered mainstream fiction, and as is common in such fiction, it contains rough language and content. 

My Perspective ~

Unlike this author's previous books, The Crown Lord is a dystopian and gritty representation of race reversal in modern day society. This book may be disturbing for some readers, due to content and language. Original and creative, once I became acclimated to the atypical race reversal, the story captured my attention and continued to keep me in suspense. Characterizations are well done and believable, and there is a continuing crescendo toward a dramatic climax. I find myself still thinking about this book long after completing it.

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Lost Christmas Memories

by Dana Mentink

Description

A witness with amnesia

Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life?

Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.

Biography

Dana Mentink is an award winning author of Christian fiction. She's written more than twenty five mystery and suspense novels. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at www.danamentink.com or find her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. Dana hosts monthly contests at www.dmentink.wordpress.com and on her YouTube channel.

My Perspective ~

This book started out with a bang and the suspense continued to the end. A fast paced plot and interesting characters are only the tip of the iceberg in this story. The Thorn family are closely knit and share their lives with all they encounter. Keegan is the youngest son, and has some issues to deal with. His involvement with Tracy is questioned by his family, but he is convinced that she is believable, and sticks with her through thick and thin. His older brothers have his back.

Unpredictable and filled with action, Lost Christmas Memories is one of my favorites in this series. It's a fast read due to the constant danger and misfortune. Don't begin reading this just before bedtime or you might as well kiss your sleep goodbye! I'm sad to see this series end. I grew to love the Thorn family and their consistent devotion to one another. Grab a copy and enjoy this fast read!

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

Formula of Deception

by Carrie Stuart Parks

Description

An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II’s most dangerous secrets—a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.

After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she’s an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man’s memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and back in the killer’s crosshairs.

The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter have Murphy drawing the five bodies he discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators find has them mystified. Evidence suggests that the bodies were deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned Quonset hut from World War II only brings more questions.

As one by one the investigators who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much darker at stake. What happened on this island during the war? And who is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried?

Biography

Carrie Stuart Parks is an award winning artist, writer, speaker, and law enforcement instructor. A Certified Forensic Artist, she met her husband, Rick, in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Together they formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They are the largest instructors of forensic art in the world. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society.

My Perspective ~

Carrie Stuart Parks has become my favorite suspense author! She never disappoints, and the action is nonstop as well as unpredictable! This book is very well researched, with some very interesting historic information that I hadn't previously known. Characters are deeply defined, and the setting is descriptive and authentic. This may very well be this author's best novel yet! Don't miss it!

The Edge of Over There

by Shawn Smucker

Description

The captivating sequel to the award-winning The Day the Angels Fell
Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. But after the Tree and the lightning and the angels, everything felt tenuous, like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. She spent years looking for signs of that other world, waiting for it to break through. When it didn't, her friendship with Sam Chambers grew cold and distant, and they both wondered how any of it could actually have happened.

Four years later, 16-year-old Abra's long-delayed quest to find the next manifestation of the Tree of Life is renewed when she sees a woman walking up the road--a woman who looks exactly like Sam's dead mother. The woman directs her to New Orleans where she will find the grave of Marie Laveau, one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. As Abra enters The Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust. But she's starting to think that some doorways should never be opened.

Biography

Shawn Smucker is an author and co-writer who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He followed up his award-winning novel, The Day the Angels Fell, with the sequel, The Edge of Over There. You can find out more about him at his website: http://shawnsmucker.com

My Perspective ~

Exceptional! I read The Day the Angels Fell a few months ago, and was eager to read The Edge of Over There. This tale of spiritual warfare is one of the most creative stories I've read, and I look forward to much more from this talented author! I'm happy I have hardcover copies of these books. They will be passed on to my grandchildren. Don't let the YA label fool you! These books are incredibly fast paced and deeply creative. I'm 70 years old and loved them both! 

The Edge of Over There is an allegorical tale, illustrating the strong forces between good and evil, and the quest for immortality. Characters are strong and unforgettable, and the settings are descriptive and detailed. The imagery the author uses is very creative and poetic. I will be reading these books again. The layers of these two novels are deep, and warrant a second or even third read. Brilliant!

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck

by Bethany Turner

Description

Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she's made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she's chosen. She's still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she's not sure she can write anymore. She's beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a "scandalous" book. And the fact that she's falling in love with her pastor doesn't make things any easier.

With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.

Biography

Bethany Turner is the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former VP/operations manager of a commercial bank and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned thirty-five), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. For more, visit www.seebethanywrite.com and www.facebook.com/seebethanywrite.

My Perspective ~

Surprisingly witty and humorous, but open to some steam in the romance department. I thoroughly enjoyed this page turning adventure where a non-Christian suddenly discovers faith, and embraces it in every way. Told in the first person, Sarah truly reveals her deepest thoughts and desires, and lays them out in a truthful and amusing manner. I loved the fact that I could just relax with this book and relate to her life stories. Great story of love and new found faith.

Church Ladies' Quilts

(East Perry County)

by Ann Hazelwood

Description

For generations, ladies have gathered at churches to quilt, as they bring income to their treasury. In Church Ladies Quilts, the fifth and final novel in the East Perry County series, Kate Meyr's love for quilts convince her to join the quilters at Concordia Lutheran church in Borna. The ritual of their practices amuse Kate as she listens to the diverse personalities. It doesn't take long after Kate joins them that a mystery surfaces of a missing quilt. The Pastor, who is dearly admired by the ladies, tries to keep the story quiet for the church's reputation. In the meantime, Kate's friendship with Clark is turned upside down and anew relationship appears with a red Jeep. Kate's research on Josephine is enhanced by discovering who has been putting yellow roses on her grave.

Author Biography:

Ann Hazelwood is a former shop owner and native of St. Charles Missouri. She's always adored quilting and is a certified quilt appraiser. She's the author of the wildly successful Colebridge Community Series and considers writing one of her greatest passions. Other Books: Colebridge Community series - The Basement Quilt, The Potting Shed Quilt, The Funeral Parlor Quilt, The Jane Austen Quilt Club, The Ghostly Quilts on Main, Quilted Lilies, A Colebridge Quilted Christmas

My Perspective ~

Church Ladies' Quilts is a light and easy read, great for a weekend or possibly for the beach. Written in the first person point of view, at times I became bored with the main character. Her life revolves around food, family, friends and three different gentlemen. A well-to-do woman, everything comes easy for Kate, and I found her to be a bit irritating. Interesting relationships are well told, but my boredom came into play with the descriptions of every meal and the character's penchant with Merry Merlot. There is a lot of repetition throughout the book.  

Descriptive and well developed characters come into play, and there are numerous subplots throughout this story. Some additional editing would be helpful as I discovered numerous errors throughout my reading. The depth of story was somewhat shallow for me, but I enjoyed Kate's varied activities. A ghost or "spirit" and a stolen quilt added a bit of mystery. As a light read I did enjoy the book for the most part.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift, and there were no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

Plain Everyday Heroes

(3 Inspirational Novellas)

by

Laura V. Hilton,

Rachel J. Good,

Thomas Nye

Description

They come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Sometimes they're larger-than-life wonders who do grandiose things, but more often than not, they're ordinary people who do something that feels extraordinary to the person they help. They're just "Everyday Heroes."

Playing with Fire by Laura V. Hilton

After a devastating fire, Noah Behr's faith is buried in rubble, but time spent searching for God and the love of Arie Zimmerman might just bring the healing his heart and soul needs.

An Unlikely Hero by Rachel J. Good

When a stranger arrives and arouses Benuel Miller's suspicions, the blind shopkeeper doesn't let his guard down for a minute... until Mari enters the picture. Something sinister simmers under the surface, and Benuel risks his life and hope of love to discover the truth about the stranger.

Racing the Slow Girls by Thomas Nye

Daniel Shetler just wanted fun with his friends, but when Miriam Hostetler and her friends get in the way, a not-so-friendly rivalry begins. Things change when Miriam's little sister goes missing, he finds himself drawn to her and her family.

My Perspective ~

Playing with Fire by Laura V. Hilton

Ms. Hilton has a talent for bringing a couple close, through a kindling romance that develops into a blazing inferno of attraction. Her characters are believable and likable. This sweet romance contains a journey toward redemption to top it all off. I thoroughly enjoyed Playing With Fire!

An Unlikely Hero by Rachel J. Good

A complicated mystery links Benuel and Mari in a most unusual manner. A lot transpires in this brief tale, quite impracticable, but fast paced and exciting. Entertaining, if unbelievable.

Racing the Slow Girls by Thomas Nye

Mr. Nye has a talent for descriptive pictorial imaging. His writing is prose. The tale of Daniel and his friends, and the story of a little girl and her pony are sweet and detailed. I enjoyed this story of friendship and acceptance. 


Disclaimer: 
I received a gift copy of this book, and was not required to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

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.