BOOK REVIEW: The Divide by Jolina Petersheim

In this gripping conclusion to The Alliance, nearly six months have passed since Leora Ebersole's Old Order Mennonite community fled to the mountains for refuge after an attack destroyed the power grid and altered life as they knew it. Since then, Leora has watched and waited for news of Moses Hughes, the young Englischer pilot who held off invading looters long enough for everyone to escape. Unsure Moses even survived, Leora has begun to warm to the affections of Jabil Snyder, who has courted her patiently. But she struggles to see herself as the bishop's wife, especially when she learns that Moses is alive and has now joined a local militia.

An unexpected encounter in the woods deepens Leora's crisis, as does a terrifying new threat that brings Moses' militia into the community's shaky alliance with the few Englischers left among them. When long-held beliefs are once again put to the test, Leora wrestles with the divide between having faith and taking action. Just how much will her shifting landscape change her?

I was so ready to jump into this story.  The first book, 'The Alliance' crept in and hooked me.  I need to find out more. Back with the Old Order Mennonite Community from Mt. Hebron as they are settling into their new camp up the mountain.  I'm sad that this is set to be the conclusion of this short series and am wondering how I can finagle the idea that it can, and should, continue.  I know luck is most likely on my side but ya know, a girl can dream.  Forget the end of the world as we know it (that song totally ran through my head as I typed it).  Could you survive without electricity?  Or the internet?  Or coffee?  I mean, Leora and her community do just fine without the first two but the last...

OK, enough about my plea for another installment, let's talk about the book.  I'm gonna start, as always, with the eh moments.  There's a lot that happens in this story.  A LOT.  With those things there were opportunities to bring depth to the situations and characters that was missing.  Depth of emotion and feeling.  Depth of even spiritual conflict when it comes down to making choices that involve the tenants of personal faith.  The love triangle shaded into rather annoying as well.  They are hard to write successfully and hard to love (at least for me).  This one got petty and I didn't love it.  Finally, and literally finally, the ending was just too neat.

But, there was so much good as well.  Leora truly grew as a person.  And Seth.  And Charlie (yes even that cranky Englisher grew - in my opinion).  And Moses.  And Jabil.  They evolved due to their situation, their faith, and the idea of what the future may hold.  I have to wonder, for Leora, what her crisis of conviction regarding the tenants of her faith will lead her.  It's not completely addressed in this story but you can't make the hard choices she made (in a split second mind you) and not have long term ramifications on your convictions.  I grew to love this community and these characters.  I'd love to see them again.  I'd love to see how the end, or the beginning depending on how you look at it, plays out.  I still don't know the extent of the EMP.  I'm telling ya, there's so much more here to explore...

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

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About Jolina Petersheim 

Jolina Petersheim is the bestselling author of The Alliance, The Divide, The Midwife, and The Outcast, which Library Journal called “outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational” in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013. That book also became an ECPA, CBA, and Amazon bestseller and was featured in Huffington Post’s Fall Picks, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and the Tennessean. CBA Retailers + Resources called her second book, The Midwife, “an excellent read [that] will be hard to put down,” and Booklist selected The Alliance as one of their Top 10 Inspirational Fiction Titles for 2016. Jolina’s nonfiction writing has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Writer’s Digest, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Today’s Christian Woman. She and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but they now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their young daughters.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, and Richelle Brunstetter

One Quilt Binds Three Generations of Amish Women

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3
The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.

Luella’s Promise
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
Luella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.

Karen’s Gift
By Jean Brunstetter
Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?

Roseanna’s Groom
By Richelle Lynn Brunstetter
When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.

I was really excited when I first heard about this book.  I mean, symbolically, what better than three generations of women writing about three generations of women?  Three generations of love and faith.  I think I've reached a situation where anticipation clouded reality.  I liked this book but I didn't fall in love with it.  I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the promise of love for generations.  There were some elements that I felt lacking and missing though, and that kinda breaks my heart.  This review is so hard to write for many different reasons.

Let's break the three stories down.  In the first story I fell in love with Louella and Atlee.  It took me a touch off guard when I realized that the quilt originated with Atlee's first wife, a dear friend of Louella.  I feel, however, that this story missed opportunities to build conflict.  Both internal conflict within the characters but also the resolution of those conflicts through faith.  This book set an amazing stage for the following two stories but it just wasn't a bulls-eye.  Jean's story of Karen and Seth was rich with conflict that was handled really well.  So much of the conflict set the stage for the following story but also showed the reality of working through the process when a child has a handicap.  However, there was so much 'filler' that didn't do much to progress the story along but felt more to fill space.  The story also jumped through time awkwardly without filling in enough of the gaps.  I feel like the biggest missed opportunity for this story was the passing of the quilt. The quilt was it's own role, it's own character really, but there was opportunity for the quilt to find it's home that was missed.   Richelle's story embraced the theme of this book in ways the other two weren't in a position to do so.  First, before I even go there, I LOVED the story of the runaway groom!  You don't see that portrayed in books or movies much, it's always the stereotypical runaway bride.  Richelle built and developed characters with depth and flaws and pulled in the reliance of faith that is very reminiscent of her grandmother's earlier work.  This story flowed so easily with developed story-line and even depth of conflict and resolution that is hard to pull off in a novella length story.  This story held the promise of the quilt.  This story held the promise of faith and love and family and future and God.  There was one little thing I noticed that I was shocked when Kristin and I were comparing notes that she didn't catch.  When John went to talk with Roseanna about why he ran there was the big set up that despite the cold and snow he chose to walk.  After their conversation he walked back to his buggy?!?  Sometimes it's the little things and I usually miss those.  That little story edit glitch did not however affect my rating of this book.

This collection of intertwined stories of generations of love is one that I will gladly re-read and am happy that I own as part of my collection.  It's a great book for anyone who cherishes family, love, and a life built in faith through the easy and the difficult.  It is not just a holiday read and while centered on Christmas is a book that can bring heartwarming and joy at any time of year.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Books and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter

 Meet Wanda E. Brunstetter
 New York Times bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter became
fascinated  with the Amish way of life when she first visited her husband's
Mennonite  relatives living in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband, Richard,
live in  Washington State but take every opportunity to visit Amish settlements
throughout the States, where they have many Amish friends.
Meet Jean Brunstetter
Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states.  In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.   
Meet Richelle Brunstetter
Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

BOOK REVIEW: Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli

Boston, 2015
Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated—plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present?

Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works.

Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.

Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender.

I know I say something like this every time but, good gravy this review is hard to translate from thoughts to words.  I saw this on accident on NetGalley and threw a bunch of hopes, prayers, and wishes that I would be accepted.  The synopsis drew me like a moth to a flame.  The cover didn't hurt either.  I knew that it might not be all that I expected since dual time frames are often hard to pull off successfully.  But I still had to read it!  I'm beyond glad I did since there's only one eh moment for me in the who shebang.

Let's get that eh moment out of the way so I can get back to gushing.  The faith felt awkward.  It is integrated well but it felt like an after thought.  It felt like a toss out to the Christian fiction reviewers that NEED that faith element in every single book they read.  Like I said, it fit with the book but it didn't feel seamless and it didn't focus in like it could have.  Without it, the book still would have been amazing.  I think people forget you don't have to overly write and read it to draw people to Christ.  It wasn't an awkward enough an eh moment to affect the rating, however.  (I've been known to do that.)

On to the good stuff!  Like I said before, dual time books are hard to pull off.  Heidi did so in a way that it meshed together really well, each time frame bouncing off the other to create an amazing story.  What she did with two very well known events was nothing short of engaging.  I needed to know the story of the ring.  I knew the story but I had to ensure that Brad and Annie got to know it too.  I think if it hadn't pieced it together, for them I would have been heartbroken.  But then again, if Liberty hadn't found her happiness again I would have been heartbroken.  I was so invested in these two women.  But now I need to know what secrets Brad and Annie will find in her family tree...hint hint sequel. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Heidi Chiavaroli 

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston's Freedom Trail. She writes Women's Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Assult by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt and Alton Gansky

Cycle 2 of the Harbingers series continues the story of four gifted strangers brought together to fight a growing darkness.

In Bill Myers's "The Revealing," the team finds themselves in Rome trying to retrieve the mystical spear Hitler once owned--the very spear that pierced Christ's side. This task will take them from hidden chambers inside the Vatican to a mysterious seaside cave with powers they could never expect.

Frank Peretti's "Infestation" unleashes a microscopic evil on the world that deceives, blinds, kills, then spreads. The Harbingers team must confront a monster bent on seducing and destroying mankind.

In "Infiltration" by Angela Hunt, the team is wounded and barely holding together. Forced to split up, they realize their investigations have led them into dangerous waters.

Alton Gansky's "The Fog" unleashes a supernatural mist unlike any other. There are vicious things in the fog that kill whatever they find. One team member realizes that the ultimate sacrifice may have to be made.

'The Assault' picks up where 'The Invitation' left off.  Four stories told from four different view points that all blend and weave together.  the author's refer to them as episodes in a series, much like a sitcom.  I'd forgotten how much paranormal/sci-fi elments there were in this series.  It was a leap from what I've been currently reading and it took a bit to get my head in the game.  The dying animals with no eyes thing is still alive and well in this book as well.  I'm certain it plays into the bigger picture with 'The Gate' (again is back, sorta) but I've not yet been able to piece it all together. We started back out with Brenda, and by extension Daniel, in 'The Revealing'. This story is a followup on a scroll that was found which The Professor sent to an old mentor at the Vatican.  Honest, this story left me feeling a lot confused and a little lost.  It was lacking in plot to the point that the message that was attempting to be conveyed was lost on me.  They dig through a couple of catacombs, end up on a beach with eyes thugs chasing them and end up in an ever changing house that merges with the multiverse.  I think they figured out what they were supposed to with the Spear of Destiny, but I can't be certain since I was predominately lost in the shuffle.

Episode two, 'Infestation', takes up with the Professor and the team back to Florida where the unexplainable deaths all first began.  Being back on firm ground that I recognize helped to kick up the understanding.  This short episode got to the root of, and explained so much of, what has been going on with the animals.  The one thing I'm not loving with the shortened story-lines is the lack of ability to create real depth to the plot. Things feel entirely too easy.  Oh we need this, blam in the nick of time (without much time mind you) we have it.  It's just slightly too tidy in a plot that could easily fill a coliseum.  Moving on to episode three, 'Infiltration',  where we catch up with Andi after they have managed to escape the reemergence of the fungus.  Andi has a lot of things to deal with.  Yes the infiltration is done but there's the emotional scars to deal with.  And of course, getting involved with a delicious looking psychiatrist proves to be disastrous for them all.  This was by far my favorite episode in this book.  With more a focus on the group trying to research The Gate and Andi dealing with life it's the most involved. There's no awkward need for bizarre heroics which makes it easier to follow along.

The final episode, 'The Fog, in the book comes back from Tank's perspective.  This episode was more about emotion and drama than physicality like the others.  There were no exotic locations, no 'chasing' the bad guys.  More the bad guys chasing them.  And there is definitely a sense that someone is directing the teams movements.  Providing them tickets and accommodations and much needed funds.  Tank takes one for the team and I loved this episode through his voice.  The only thing that was truly lacking, I'm sure due to lack of space for additional word count, was a thorough understanding of what he was thinking, doing, feeling and especially seeing.  All told this second installment is just as good as the first and here's to hoping I can get my hands on the next one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

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About Bill Myers

Bill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
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About Frank Peretti

Frank Edward Peretti is a New York Times best-selling author of Christian fiction, whose novels primarily focus on the supernatural. To date, his works have sold over 15 million copies worldwide.

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About Angela Elwell Hunt 

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. 
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About Alton Gansky 

Alton Gansky is the author of 30 books--24 of them novels, including the Angel Award winner Terminal Justice and Christy Award finalist A Ship Possessed. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he holds a BA and MA degrees in biblical studies. Alton and his wife reside in Southern California.

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BOOK REVIEW: Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson

Ian Wells is a young criminal defense attorney struggling to build a Minneapolis law practice he inherited from his father while caring for a mother with Alzheimer's. Nearly at the breaking point, everything changes for Ian when a new client offers a simple case: determine whether three men qualify for over nine million dollars of trust funds. To qualify, none can have been involved in criminal activity for the past twenty years. Ian's fee for a week's work: the unbelievable sum of two hundred thousand dollars.
Ian warily accepts the job--but is quickly dragged deep into a mystery linking the trust with a decades-old criminal enterprise and the greatest unsolved art theft in Minnesota history. As stolen money from the art theft surfaces, Ian finds himself the target of a criminal investigation by Brook Daniels, a prosecutor who is also his closest law school friend. He realizes too late that this simple investigation has spun out of control and now threatens his career, his future, and his life.

I first came across this book in a monthly Bethany House email.  I was distraught and torn because I literally want every single book in that monthly email.  Seriously, it's almost impossible to chose.  But I found my loophole.  I prayerfully pick one and then request the remainders from NetGalley and cross my toes that I get approved for the whole kit and caboodle.  Which, as you can tell because you are reading a review right now, that I was approved!  The fact that this was a legal mystery/thriller was right up my alley.  The fact that it was from a Christian publishing house was like free coffee.  Just a disclaimer, while this book is from a Christian publishing house it is not necessarily a Christian book.  Outside of a couple of verses from 'Amazing Grace' there were no other faith elements.  However, it is a clean book with no language, sexual scenarios and lacked overt violence.

I was excited to dig into the story of Ian, and the backstory he uncovered with this mysterious trust. Let me get the not so positive things out of the way before I tell you why I actually really liked this book.  There were entirely too many characters!  OK, there probably really weren't but for someone who struggles with names (seriously, I'd probably never remember my name but for the fact I've had it way too many decades!) I was frequently confused.  I came so close to grabbing a notebook to write all these people down so I could remember who was who and what they did both past and present.  I almost felt like the intensity wasn't as intense as I had hoped but I'm starting to think that it's just me.  Almost like I'm looking for something that was there but I didn't connect with it.  That I will not hold aganist this amazing story.

This book, on the positive side, had all the good stuff I look for in a mystery and/or thriller.  Characters that that drew me into their conflict, a mystery that I couldn't figure out (this one really did well) OK yes I did figure out a few things but not in a way that in any way detracted from the story but actually helped it.  My gravy there was one (there were several all told) bombshell that actually took me by surprise.  The rest were figured out with story flow the way they should have been.  I LOVE a mystery that I haven't already picked only partway into the book.  Johnson gave me that so...  This book really does flow well, has engage-able characters, and takes the reader on a pretty good roller coaster ride. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

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About Todd M. Johnson 

Todd M. Johnson has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Todd’s passion for writing blends well with his legal career, and his novels are drawn closely from his personal experiences as a trial lawyer.
A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, Todd taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law and has served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.
Todd lives outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy. They have two children, Ian and Elizabeth.

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BOOK REVIEW: Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar

Purple. The foundation of an influential trade in a Roman world dominated by men. One woman rises up to take the reins of success in an incredible journey of courage, grit, and friendship. And along the way, she changes the world.

But before she was Lydia, the seller of purple, she was simply a merchant’s daughter who loved three things: her father, her ancestral home, and making dye. Then unbearable betrayal robs her of nearly everything.

With only her father’s secret formulas left, Lydia flees to Philippi and struggles to establish her business on her own. Determination and serendipitous acquaintances—along with her father’s precious dye—help her become one of the city’s preeminent merchants. But fear lingers in every shadow, until Lydia meets the apostle Paul and hears his message of hope, becoming his first European convert. Still, Lydia can’t outrun her secrets forever, and when past and present collide, she must either stand firm and trust in her fledgling faith or succumb to the fear that has ruled her life.

When I stumbled across this book on NetGalley I knew I had to request it.  I hadn't read Afshar's writing before but the synopsis drew me in.  The story of Lydia, the first believer on the continent, who invited Paul and Silas into her home, was a draw like no other.  What I anticipated and what I read were not the same thing however.  It was an engaging story that cast you into the characters but I never bonded with the characters, I never felt their hurt or fear or pain or longing or even their joy.

The story moves along well, telling the story of Lydia with her father and how she came to be in Philippi.  It tells of her meeting, and subsequently rescuing Rebekah.  It tells of how they met Paul and Silas and his group on the banks of the river.  It tells of her salvation and the growth of the church there.  The story is well told.  I could picture the scenes, the people.  I could smell the smells.  But I couldn't feel the fear.  I couldn't feel their excitement.  I couldn't even feel their joy.  The story read smoothly but I didn't 'feel' anything.  Everything was glossed over.  It was told well but it missed depth.  

This is book is well told but I wish it had more.  Characters I could bond with and ache with.  Characters I could rejoice with and embrace.  I'm glad I read it as it delved deeper (even if fictionally) into the story of Lydia and her purple dye (really purple....that almost turned me off :D) and the church of Philippi. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

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About Tessa Afshar

Tessa was born in Iran and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as cochair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She serves on the staff of one of the oldest churches in America. But that has not cured her from being addicted to chocolate

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BOOK REVIEW: Egypt's Sister by Angela Hunt

Five decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery.

Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life.

This book is so hard to review right now.  When I saw it come across the available titles at Bethany House and NetGalley it captured my attention and I HAD to read it.  Biblical fiction is a favorite genre of mine (well, lets face it there's so few genres that aren't a favorite!). While not exactly Biblical the synopsis definitely fits into the genre.  There's the added bonus of Angela Hunt who is just amazing.  However, the execution didn't quite hit the expectation, at least for me.  Set during the 'Silent Years', this book tells the story of a young Jewish girl, Chava, who is raised with and envisions a lifelong friendship with Cleopatra VII.  The appearances of Cleopatra were few, which was disappointing in a book about her, but Chava's story had potential to be interesting.

There are several things, if you haven't figured out yet, that fell flat for me with this book.  I felt like I was reading a historical text as opposed to a novel about the lives of two historical women, one of which is quite famous as the subject of books, movies and documentaries.  There was so much historical 'filler' that took away from the story.  Just an example, referencing that the battle with Caesar in Alexandria would become known as the Alexandrian War seems out of place for a character to reference something that would come later, most likely after her time.  With all the extra research filler the story tended to drag along.  It read quickly but the story was sluggish.  I don't to pick about everything but another thing that struck me as beyond odd was how quickly Chava became a midwife and trained another midwife.  It felt like 'hey look at me, I successfully delivered a baby and read a scroll, put me in coach!'.  There were a few things that just didn't add up or were just too much that brought this down for me.

It wasn't all drawbacks and sluggishness.  Honestly, my favorite portrayal was of Agrippa.  He was a gentleman, kind, honest and accommodating.  He didn't just look at for number one but for all those he cared about.  Chava, when she was simply telling of her life was engaging.  When the story slipped into research mode that was lost but she kept me in the story.  I promise I didn't totally fall flat on the book.  It left a lot to be desired for me but I love the premise, I adore the author and I think in the right hands this book will be a blessing and become well loved.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.  
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About Angela Elwell Hunt 

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. 
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BOOK REVIEW: The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

That moment when you are reading a book but you can't read fast enough (an it's way past bedtime so you are fighting burn-y eyes as well) but at the same time you need the book to last forever.  I just survived that moment and am trying to decide how to convince Goodreads and Amazon to make a 5+ stars rating option.  Perhaps I'm getting too ahead of myself, or yourself as the case may be.  'The Return' came up for tour with CelebrateLit and I KNEW I had to read it.  I've yet to meet a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher that I didn't adore.  The problem?  You know there's always a problem.  I'd not read the first two books in the series.  The almighty Ma to the rescue with a couple of well placed library books, and the reminder that I had the first book 'Anna's Crossing' in my Kindle library.  You don't have to read the first two books in this series to appreciate this story, it could be read as  standalone.  I don't recommend it since the series is amazing, but well ya know.

Anna and Bairn and even Felix are all grown up with families of their own now.  There's another family, the Zook's, who don't live nearby but play heavily into this story.  Hans, remember the adopted child of Dorothea and Jacob, has fallen in love with their daughter Betsy and makes regular trips to visit them.  However, the natives of the area massacre the family, steal two of their children (including Betsy) while one escapes unknown to the others and ends up with Bairn and Anna at their home.  Fisher does this amazing job of telling multiple stories within the timeline at different locations that blend so seamlessly and perfectly and 'right'.  Betsy's story of her capture.  Tessa (Bairn and Anna's daughter) and her life and unrequited love for Hans.  Felix and his intellectual laziness.  (It has to be true since Catrina said it right?)  Even some stories from 'Anna's Crossing' that come full circle. 

This cannot be the end of the series.  It can't.  I need to know what happens with Caleb (read the book already - I can't give everything away!).  I need to know what Betsy decides for her future.  What about the boys as they grow up?  'The Return' brings the story of this small church from Germany by ship to the new world and the next generation.  But it's not over yet, I refuse to believe it's over yet.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Celebrate Lit and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.
Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

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BOOK REVIEW: Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh

After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home--a quaint tourist town full of memories she'd just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work--something her eclectic family doesn't understand.

Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren't ideal.

Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can't find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he's found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along--if only she'd just look up.

I wasn't overly sure what I was going to think of this book.  The premise was enough to draw me in when I read it on the Tynedale page.  But then I've read a few romances lately and tend to burn out on them fairly quickly.  That and I've never heard of this author.  I should have known I'd love her just based on the bio but well, ya know.  Lane was everything a flawed character needs.  Social tics, insecure backstory, and a drive to be better than what she believes she's not.  Ryan, or Brooks, as he's called a lot by those who know and love him, is just as beautifully flawed with his own backstory, minus the social tics and feelings of insecurity.  It just goes to show that having a so-called perfect childhood does not shelter someone from growing pains and guarantee a well adjusted adulthood.  Or that being from the literal wrong side of the tracks means you will never stretch your wings and fly.  

I loved these two flawed characters surrounded by flawed family and a town that never quite grew up.  It's steady consistency is vital to these characters and this family.  People grew, and sometimes changed but the town itself remained the safe harbor of 'home'.  And yes, while you can never go 'home' again you can always go home to love and acceptance and memories.  As Lane learned though, you have to be ready to go home.  You can't just do it out of obligation.  Lane has avoided home, the horrible memories, and the inferred betrayal of her family.  Having gone away to college, changed herself completely as a person, lost her first love to her sister and feeling betrayed by that she's made her life about her career.  And the hustle and bustle of the big city.  How often do we all try to find ways to replace the hurts with something that can't hurt?  

Brooks on the other hand was given refuge with Lane's family when he was just a kid.  He got out, went to the military, deployed, came home the hero.  But it wasn't enough for him either.  From the next town over, a town to nowhere, he relocates to the haven of his childhood and knows he has found home.  The son of an abusive alcoholic and a disappearing mother he knows the hardness of life.  But he finds solace in the acceptance of his found family and tries to look for the silver linings.  Their backgrounds are as opposite as the moon and sun. Their outlook is just as varied.  I loved these two characters, watching them grow and learn and just figure things out.  Sometimes you have to have the confidence to look up, look around, and hang on for your life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tynedale and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Courtney Walsh

When I was a kid, I had an imaginary friend. Her name was Kellen and she had auburn hair and freckles. She wore a patchwork brown dress and brown Mary Janes.
Come to think of it, she was very brown, but she went with me everywhere.
I suppose it’s unacceptable to have imaginary friends once one becomes an adult. That’s why I decided to become a writer. To give myself creative license to dream up all kinds of imaginary friends…and then, to tell their stories.
I’ve always been a person with a pure love for creating characters and bringing them to life. In high school and college, I turned to the stage. Later, it was scrapbooking. Now, it’s fiction. Funny how it all comes together, no?
See, I believe we all have a story to tell. We all have stories that make us laugh or shed a tear. We may even have that one that stops the heart. And I suppose that’s why I write…to capture those stories. To give them a place to breathe. To remember how it is that I got here in the first place.
I learn so much more when I’m paying attention.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Blessing by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Return to the Troyer farm where, despite stressful changes occurring in their lives, Joel and Heidi once again open their Ohio home up to those seeking to learn about Amish cooking. This time a teenager helping her divorced dad cook for the family, a caterer needing new recipes, a food critic, a hunter looking to impress his buddies, a wife given the class as an unwanted gift, and a mailman lured in by the aroma of good cooking gather around Heidi s table. More than good food is exchanged, though, as friendships form, a romance blossoms, and hearts are healed."

Back with Heidi and Lyle as she gears up for a new cooking class, they revisit (sometimes ever so briefly by letter) with the previous students and we meet an entire new group of students.  Might as well meet them right?  Allie is the wife of a cop with two young children.  Honestly?  She annoyed me a bit.  Lisa, a caterer, is interesting and I'd like to know more about her.  Todd, the restaurant critic, is about as arrogant and self-important as you can imagine he is.  Bill, the head janitor confuses me a bit.  I can't get a good initial read on him.  Nicole, just a teenager with adult responsibilities on her plate, is everything a teenager is.  But she kinda annoys me too.  And a late addition to the class is Lance, the mail carrier, who leaves me a bit confused and I don't really feel the bond with him positive or negative.

I feel like this book may be a smidge better than the first one (The Seekers) but it's a toss up really.  Wanda develops the characters so well and despite the limited time each character truly gets she builds great backstories that merge well into the kitchen.  Kendra is back with a precious baby while Loretta has joined the Amish faith officially.  It was like settling in with old friends again while learning new people and getting glimpses of past people.  I loved seeing how Heidi takes her simple charm, her innocent confidence, and her open heart and opens up the students to herself and each other.  The ending left room for a third book and for that I am super excited to find out about.  Wanda just makes you feel good and this series is a warm hug each time you get to settle in and chat with Heidi and her students.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Wanda E. Brunstetter through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda E. Brunstetter is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of Amish and historical fiction. She's also written Amish cookbooks, Amish-themed devotionals, and several children's books with Amish characters.
Wanda E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish because they live a simple life, which she feels we all need in this day and age.
Wanda and her husband Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, have Amish friends in several Amish communities.
Besides writing books, Wanda's a professional ventriloquist. In her spare time she photography, gardening, knitting, looking for shells and agates on the beach, and spending time with her family.

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BOOK REVIEW: Weaver's Needle by Robin Caroll

Two recovery specialists.
One murder.
A hunt for the Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine becomes a race of survival.

Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.

After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
        
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. The trail takes them from New Orleans to Weaver’s Needle in Arizona where legend claims the mine is hidden. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.

Can Landry and Nickolai work together despite their distrust of each other to save the legend before more innocent lives are lost? Will they find the real treasure isn’t the gold, but something more valuable. . .true love and understanding?

I'm really struggling with this review. The description grabbed my attention when I saw it available on NetGalley.  Seriously?  It's a mystery people!  What it had it description however left it lacking in other areas.  I choose to read through some other reviews for a bit of inspiration in getting my thoughts to screen.  And realizing that I really need to trim my fingernails to help cut down on the typos!  I digress.  I found reviews I agreed with wholeheartedly.  I found reviews that I'm not sure we read the same book.  I found reviews that brought up issues I'd never thought about.  And then I realized that I was simply procrastinating.  I needed to write this review, I was just hesitant to do so because I knew there wouldn't be a good way to get my thoughts to the screen.  I'm pretty sure it's all gonna come out sideways and I'm sorta OK with that.

I want to end on the positive so I'm going to cram a lot of drawbacks here in the middle.  Pace.  The book had a few pacing issues.  It seemed to drag along, throw in unnecessary details, and things that could have built suspense didn't quite show up to the party.  Tires and fires and brakes...weren't quite the oh my they needed to be.  While these were dragging down the story the romance between the competitors and main characters was on FIRE!  It was just a smidge too fast for me.  I get that drama brings people together but I mean for gravy sake they didn't know each other, the are pitted against each other but the 'flame' appears in a week or so?  Really?  I don't think so!  

Let's talk about faith for a moment.  This is a Christian book from a Christian publisher.  That doesn't mean I have huge expectations of faith at every corner, honestly it's hard to tastefully pull that off without feeling like you are being beaten with it.  I have a couple problems with the faith elements in this book.  First and foremost, the introduction of faith and basically the way it was addressed through easily the first half of the book felt awkward.  It's wasn't just sorta sitting there and it wasn't just sorta discovered.  It felt abrupt and awkward.  It got better in the second half but it felt more like a Bible beating at that point because of the weak introduction earlier on.  The other thing that sorta bothered me was the shaman angle with the Apache.  Please, don't think I'm judging, as it is a huge part of our cultural history.  The fact that it's there doesn't bother me in the slightest.  The weird interspersed chapters of this spirit journey kinda bother me as they didn't connect anything until the end, by then it was too late to redeem them.  What bothers me about them is that they carry the conclusion.  What could have been a converging of faith and ideas became the opposite.  I feel like the Apache vision overshadowed what God could have accomplished and detracted from any Christianity that could have been taken from the story.

All that said, if you are still with me, I did enjoy the story.  Even through the bumps and bruises and potholes and awkwardness this book has the potential to be something amazing.  In the right hands it will be a well loved story.  The characters grew on me, the intrigue did develop and embrace me, and I have hope for the future of these characters and wouldn't mind another trip through the pages with them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Robin Caroll

“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her 26 published novels.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-six years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Weight of Lies by Emily Carpenter

In this gripping, atmospheric family drama, a young woman investigates the forty­-year­-old murder that inspired her mother’s bestselling novel, and uncovers devastating truths—and dangerous lies.

Reformed party girl Meg Ashley leads a life of privilege, thanks to a bestselling horror novel her mother wrote decades ago. But Meg knows that the glow of their very public life hides a darker reality of lies, manipulation, and the heartbreak of her own solitary childhood. Desperate to break free of her mother, Meg accepts a proposal to write a scandalous, tell-all memoir.

Digging into the past—and her mother’s cult classic—draws Meg to Bonny Island, Georgia, and an unusual woman said to be the inspiration for the book. At first island life seems idyllic, but as Meg starts to ask tough questions, disturbing revelations come to light…including some about her mother.

Soon Meg’s search leads her to question the facts of a decades-old murder. She’s warned to leave it alone, but as the lies pile up, Meg knows she’s getting close to finding a murderer. When her own life is threatened, Meg realizes the darkness found in her mother’s book is nothing compared to the chilling truth that lurks off the page.

Oh my grits and gravy...this book.  When I first requested it from NetGalley it seemed like it would be interesting.  A bit of intrigue, a heap of family drama, and a dash of crazy thrown in for good measure.  Oh it had all that but then took it to a completely different level...in a good way.  Meg's mom wrote a cult classic that happened to capitalize on the horror fame of the 70s.  It wasn't necessarily well written but it was well received.  So much so that multiple movies were made of it.  And here we are 40 years later with a re-launch of the book hanging in the balance on the anniversary of the first release.  Meg doesn't really care about any of that.  She's estranged from the mother she felt was never there for her to begin with.  But of course, things happen that put them back together - sorta. Not necessarily in the same room but definitely in the same space.  And most assuredly at odds with each other, again.

This book brought it all to the table for me.  Most importantly, a good mystery.  Throwing in the poor little rich girl (I say that in the nicest way possible) and the attention hungry mother just added fuel.  Oh and don't forget the publishing guy who is out to make a name of himself at anyone's expense.  Or the family on Bonny Island whose lives were forever altered because of this book.  Kitten, or Doro as everyone knows her, was just a child when the book came out.  The huge acceptance the book garnered also brought a lot of fingers pointing in her direction.  Was she the inspiration for the murderous child in the book?  Lots of theories were thrown out, lots of fans created their own sub-culture, and lots of lives were caught in the balance.  Meg sets out to uncover the secrets and learn the truth.  Was the book 'Kitten' really just a work of fiction?  Was this book worth the end result of how it affected Meg's life, when she wasn't even born yet?

This book hit all the right notes, even though I still can't stand Ash - you know that publishing guy who would sell his grandma's soul for a contract.   It kept me guessing, surprised me more than once, and had me checking over my shoulder as I read well into the dark of night. The ending was a bit predictable and trite, after of course it changed paths and kept me guessing.  Once the secrets were out it lost originality but I can't fault like a chapter ya know.   I'm definitely interested in reading more of this author and am seriously contemplating a paperback copy to reside with honor on the bookcase.  Yup, it was THAT good.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.  

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About Emily Carpenter
Emily Carpenter, a former actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant, was born and raised in Alabama. After graduating from Auburn University, she moved to New York City and now lives in Georgia with her family. She is the author of Amazon bestselling Burying the Honeysuckle Girls and The Weight of Lies.

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