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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Book Review: A greater Story

 

Each of us is living a story

Sam Collier's story started with rejection. When he and his twin sister were born, their biological mother gave them up for adoption. Though Sam loved his adoptive family, he sometimes felt like a puzzle missing crucial pieces. But God reached into Sam's life and showed him that he didn't have to write his own story, because it was really God who was telling his story through Sam.

In this deeply personal yet remarkably universal book, Sam Collier tells his inspiring story of abandonment, sacrifice, gratitude, and rescue, revealing how God is always doing something bigger and better than we might imagine. He has a purpose and a plan for every single one of us, and he is always telling his greater story through our trials, our relationships, and our triumphs.

If you're in the middle of a challenging time and long to know that God is working through it, Sam's story will teach you how to see the big picture, even when there are pieces missing.

My Reflections: I had not heard about Sam Collier's story so didn't quite know what to expect from his memoir.

I was so surprised and moved by Collier's life journey. I absolutely adore people's life stories, they are so interesting and moving, everyone has a story it's just if they are brave enough to tell it. 

Collier does an exceptional job of weaving his personal story in with God's amazing grace and redemptive plan for each and every one of us. It is always amazing to look back and see where God has worked in the lives around us. It may seem pretty bleak in the short term but God always had a greater plan for all of us, sometimes we just have to hold on tight with eyes pointed upward. 

If you are looking for an uplifting and inspiring book this one is definitely a must-read!

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

Sam Collier:

Sam Collier is a pastor, speaker, writer, and host of the A Greater Story with Sam Collier TV show and radio podcast that currently airs in 100 million homes. He also communicates nationally and internationally as a speaker and regular contributor at...

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Book Review: Set the Stars Alight

 

From The Back:

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

My Reflections: Amanda Dykes newest book "Set the Stars Alight" is divine and begs readers to cuddle up with their favourite hot beverage and settle in for the rainy season (If you live on the Island that is) I'm always thrilled to read books by this author she writes timeless tales that make the reader want to savour and ponder her mystery entangled stories. 

This book has it all lyrical enchantment, heart-rendering sadness and is inspiring and uplifting all captured into one novel!

This story landed in my lap at just the right time, isn't God good! Thank you Amanda Dykes for penning a story filled with vivid imagery and a captivating reading experience!

If you are in love with words, mystery and history this my friends is your next read. I can't wait for the next story that comes my way from this writer, simply amazing!

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

Amanda Dykes

Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's a former English teacher and the author of Set the Stars Alight and...

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Book Review: These Nameless Things

 

From The Back:

Once held captive and tortured on a mysterious mountain, Dan was lucky to have made it out alive. But freedom comes at a cost. Left with little memory of the horrific ordeal, Dan can recall one thing--his escape meant leaving his brother behind.

With each day that passes, Dan waits with the other survivors in hope of his brother's escape. But just as long-forgotten memories start rising to the surface, the sudden appearance of a wounded woman throws everything into question. As Dan struggles to know who to trust, he is caught once again in a paralyzing moral dilemma:

How far will he go to save the people he loves?    

My Reflections:

I have to say I usually give positive reviews, but this book I just couldn't sink my teeth into. I found it dark and broody and couldn't really see the connections being made. Now, this may just be my lack of interest in these types of genres, so please do read it for yourself and decide. Next time I will read the back a little more carefully.

I had the storyline pegged from the beginning, it was hard not to miss. I just kept wondering if the book was going to reveal some great faith-based lesson, If it did I totally missed it. I am in a place in my life where I do not want to read unsettling distressing stories, and this may be why I was not a fan. 

I think if you like this type of read you may very well love it. I'm not a fan of sci-fi or horror types of storylines, so that is my issue not the fault of this storyline or book.

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

Shawn Smucker:

Shawn Smucker is the award-winning author of Light from Distant Stars and These Nameless Things, the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, and the memoir Once We Were Strangers. He lives with...

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