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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