Book Review: The Nature of Small Birds

 

From the back:

In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When one of those children announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adopted family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival in their lives.

Mindy's father grapples with the tension between holding on tightly and letting his daughter spread her wings. Her mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy and her sister struggle to find the strength to accept each other as they both discover who they truly are.

My Reflections:

If you know me you know that I am a bird lover, so when I saw the beautiful cover of "The Nature of small birds" I just knew I needed to read it.

The cover which lead me to the pages did not disappoint. Within I found a beautifully soft, gently flowing narrative with amazing quotes and a compelling storyline. 

Told in three timelines, beginning in 1975 (Mom Linda), 1998 (Sister Sonny), and then skipping to 2013 (Dad Bruce.) These are all told in the voices of Linda, Sonny, and Bruce. I adored this format, you can tell the author did her research! 

Susie Finkbeiner has extreme talent in bringing this book together in a cohesive manner. She hits it just right and the reader gets to experience the culture of each era and the feel of the character. A heartwarming story following the love, acceptance, and complexities of a family knit together by God's design. A must-read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Susie Finkbeiner

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, and Stories That Bind Us, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She...

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Book Review: A Warrior's Heart

 

From the Back:

Her heart longs for peace, but peace won't keep them safe.

Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she's risen to be the key defender for her people's peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.

My Reflections:

Misty Beller's newest series titled  "Brides of Laurent" is an inspiring, heartwarming tale of second chances, strength, faith, and integrity. Readers will be transported back to the 19th Century, a land of beauty and unrest.

Brielle Durand is fiercely protective of her people. Having lived through a heartwrenching tragedy that took the lives of many of her people including her own mother Brielle's heart is continuously on the lookout for danger.  When she tracks an interloper set to discover her encampment she is quick to act. 

Evan MacManus is oblivious to the fact that he is being hunted. sent on a mission by James Madison, he is set on finding the sought-after explosive material presumedly found in the Canadian Rockies. He never expected to cross paths with a reclusive community hidden in the caves, nor did he expect to be taken, hostage!

Both Brielle and Evan have secrets, will they be able to overcome their haunted pasts in order to work together for a better future?

If you are looking for a stirring, memorable story look no further. Beller has penned the perfect start to her new series, I can't wait for book two!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Misty M. Beller

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller (www.mistymbeller.com) writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and...

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Book Review: Come Back to Me

 

From the Back:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight, comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

My Reflections: 

I am usually not the time travel type, but I adore Jody Hedlund's work so much that I went for the leap. I was pleasantly surprised at how this book transformed my previous assumptions. Her spin on time travel was unique and certainly nothing like what I have read before.  

"Come Back to Me" revolves around the medieval time period of 1381, England and the present time. Will Derham a handsome and chivalrous knight, rescues Marian Creighton from an upcoming beating. In return for his protection, he offers her his hand in marriage. The thing is Marian needs to locate the vial of holy water in order to heal her father who is in a coma and save her sister who suffers from a genetic condition. Then there is the small fact that she is travelling in a different time period. Marian must act quickly as her father's and sister's very lives depend on her. Confused by her growing attraction to Will and her quest for the holy water, Marian must make some hard decisions.

Hedlund has certainly done her research for this novel. Moving seamlessly from present time to 1381 is no small feat I'm sure! The Historical details made the book jump to life and her characters were spot on for both time periods. This was such a fun book to read. Even though I normally don't go for this type of genre Hedlund masterfully weaves an unforgettable tale sure to please.

Book Review: A Man With A Past

 

From the back:

He must piece together his past if he's to have any chance at a future.

Falcon Hunt traveled west, compelled to start a new life by a surprise telegram that promised him an inheritance and a family in Wyoming. But shortly after arriving, he wakes in a river, completely unaware of who or where he is. As he tries to regain his memory, he meets two men who claim to be his half brothers and the prettiest woman in the area, Cheyenne Brewster. Only trouble is, a few flashes of memory make Falcon wonder if he's already married.

Falcon immediately draws Cheyenne's ire as he so closely resembles her no-good stepfather who swindled her out of inheriting her mother's property. But despite her resentments, she has to admit these newcomers' presence has some appeal, especially after Falcon steals a kiss.

When shootings start happening on the ranch, it's clear someone is gunning for the Hunt brothers. Falcon and Cheyenne set out to find who is behind the attacks, but it'll take all their savvy and skill to deal with their enemies and the potentially forbidden love growing between them.

My Reflections:

In Mary Connealy's second book "The Brothers in Arms" series, you will expect to be entertained for many solid hours. I have to admit this author consistently has me reading well into the wee hours of the night, I simply must keep reading! 

This book is no exception, in this series the plot builds onto the first book "Braced For Love." Readers can expect a good recap, for this reason, I would suggest this not be read as a standalone, read them in order to get the full benefits of the story!

A Man With A Past continues with the story of the Hunt Brothers. Falcon Hunt seems to have lost his memory putting him in a rather awkward situation. He can't recall the two men who claim to be his brothers, but he sure wants to get to know the beautiful lady named Cheyenne. When flashes of his past life come to light Falcon struggles with his building interest in this beautiful lady. Being the honourable man he is, he tries to live by his deep-rooted values hoping to remember enough of his past in order to build a future.

Cheyenne is the half-sister to Wyatt Hunt she is a firecracker of a woman who holds her resentment close after being cut off from the ranch she was raised on. When more confusion comes her way in the form of a handsome cowboy with no memory, things get really interesting!

I love that Mary Connealy weaves other characters into her novels interconnecting stories to add to her future series. I can't wait for book three! If you are looking for a novel packed with handsome cowboys, adventure and a sprinkle of humour this just might be the book you are searching for!

Book Review: The Heart's Charge

 

From the Back:

For Years They've Been Nomads for Justice, but a Final Mission May Just Lead Their Hearts Home.

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

My Reflections:

I adore Karen Witemeyer's ability to take a novel and turn a story into a masterpiece!

From start to finish I was captivated. 

In this fast-paced novel, there are mini-stories within the main plot. I loved all the characters from big to small, the children at Harmony House were so charming, they each have their story to tell. Mark and Jonah, they made me laugh out loud at their bumbling ways and inner thoughts. That

is what I enjoyed about this story you get inside the character's heads and really understand their perspective.

Katherine's dedication to the children at Harmony House and her tender heart make her truly a remarkable yet fragile character. Eliza was another story she was not going to let any man hurt anyone she loved especially her...until she started to get soft with Jonah that is. 

Kindness, love, and a smidgen of suspense make this a well-rounded read. If you are looking for the perfect summer read I would highly recommend "The Heart's Charge" 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Karen Witemeyer

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas...

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Book Review: Night Fall

 

From The Back:

For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,
Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,
Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,
Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

My reflections: Nancy Mehl is one of my favorite authors. Her books are always filled with non-stop action, suspense, and well-rounded characters. Her newest series is not much different, in this book you know right off who the perpetrator is. Now I do love good surprise but I was able to glean more information about this sinister character so this wasn't a deal-breaker. 

This could be a triggering book for those who suffer from PTSD and have experienced similar upbringings. I say this because of the dark ambiance, coupled with the mention of cults and abuse may be too close to home for some.

F.B.I. behavioral analyst Alex Donavan had my attention straight away, she is spunky and unbelievably strong. Not sure if she can face her bygone past she puts on a brave face and dose her job, but will all the stress of her past be too much for her to catch the "Destroyer?" Can she use her knoledge about "The Book" and its followers to save the lives of more innocent people? 

I adored Logan Heart, his gentle demaner and caring heart work into Alexe's resolve. His faith is stong and when Alex struggles with her fears he is there to provide compfort and kindness, it dosn't count that he finds her attractive!

I can't wait until the next book comes out, I'm sure Alex has more bad guys to catch. 

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than 40 books and a Christy Award and Carol Award finalist as well as the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer...

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Book Review: When Twilight Breaks

 

From the Back:

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

My Reflections:

Sarah Sundin has certainly done her homework in her newest novel 'When Twilight Breaks'This novel will give readers a glimpse into the tumultuous year before the official start of WW11.

Gripping storyline, powerful immersive writing and courageous characters round out this novel Beautifully. Sarah Sundin has a way of penning her stories so that the reader is completely entranced, her writing is so atmospheric I dare readers to put this book down!

Evelyn Brand a foreign reporter finds herself working in Munch Germany year 1938. She is striving to keep up and excel in a man's profession. She finds herself having to balance how she writes, too much will not only put her career in danger but also herself as well.

Peter Lang is the "hero" in this story. He is clever, hard-working and puts the needs of others before his own. What more could you ask for? I enjoyed watching his faith blossom throughout the entirety of this story.

Sarah Sundin presents an overall gripping read that packs a punch. With just the right amount of suspense, danger and a little pinch of romance, this book will not disappoint!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Book Review: Moonlight School

From the Back:

Haunted by personal tragedy, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to assist her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of schools. A fish out of the water, Lucy is appalled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters.

Born in those very hills, Cora knows the twin plagues of illiteracy and poverty. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing school master who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose, along with something else she hadn't expected: love.

My reflections:

My favourite types of reads consist of historical fiction with a strong plot as well as character development. Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers abundantly with her new book The Moonlight School.

Woods Fisher illuminates the plight of illiteracy among the rural population of the Kentucky hills, blending past and fiction together creating one of the best reads this year. 

This book reminds me of how literacy or the lack of affects a population so dramatically. I absolutely love to read and have passed that passion down to my children. Homeschooling my kids teaching them to read made this book so much more interesting. 

All of the characters had their own charm. Cora (real historical heroine) was the propeller of the Moonlight school, but she has supporters along the way. Moonlight school was a program where adults could go and learn to read and write on the nights when it was a full moon. It was this way because the moonlight was bright enough to let the townsfolks see in the one-room schoolhouses. It also aided in letting them get back safely on the dense forest trails. 

Lucy Wilson cracks me up, sent to the rural town by her father, Lucy is a duck out of the water as she tries to navigate the primitive environment. She soon finds her well-to-do lifestyle may have brought some preconceived ideas. She learns to love the simple things along with the people she is helping. A certain young Brother Wyatt sparks Lucy's interest, causing her is swoon just a little.

There is also a bit of mystery from two of the other characters but I will let you enjoy the details of that one!

Moonlight school was a delight to read if you are looking to delve into a little history, spiced with a wee mystery this read is definitely for you!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Moonlight School and the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, The Deacon's Family, and The Inn at Eagle...

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