This book was hard to set down. The opening scene grabbed me and the suspence continued to build right to the end. As the story developed and more details were discovered about the Gemini Thief, a kidnapper of boys, the more suspects mounted. The author incorporated multiple voices throughout the novel which enhanced its flavor and the characters. They became real people to me as I saw the ramifications of losing someone you love which turns every waking moment into remembering and grieving at the same time.
Thea Delacroix deeply misses her cousin, Aulus, belieiving he is one of the June boys. But the police arrest her eccentric father as the main suspect. Her world seems to be spiraling downward where no one trusts her and she fears to trust anyone.
I recommend this creative, cliff-hanging novel by Courtney C. Stevens. It is not my usual Christian historic novel. I received a copy from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own. #TheJuneBoys #NetGalley
You Were Always Mine – Book Review – Suspense and Intrigue!
You Were Always Mine by Nicole Baart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a page turner! If you like suspense, a clean novel, and family ties this may be the book for you. I won You Were Always Mine from a Goodreads’ giveaway and was not familiar with the author. Her writing is brilliant and kept me engaged from page one on. Her characters fill their roles with authenticity.
A dedicated mother of two boys loses her husband in an unusual hunting accident. As her life spins out of control, she discovers secrets that leave her unsettled about his death and her future.
I recommend You Were Always Mine. Subjects in the book include adoption, marriage, friendship and betrayal.
Thank you to Goodreads and Nicole Baart for this opportunity to read this book. My own honest, opinions are expressed in this review.
The Grumble-Free Year Book Review
The Innkeeper’s Daughter – A Fascinating and Intriguing Read!
The Innkeeper’s Daughter by Michelle Griep
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I delighted in this novel, another in the Bow Street runners series. Joanna works her heart to the bone at the Blue Hedge Inn her family owns. She watches over her young brother and her aging mother who are her world. The Inn’s holds a rough crowd in the lower class section of Dover, England, but it’s her life and she must make ends meet to pay the rent. Unbeknownst to her, an undercover officer has taken up residence under her roof, with the name of Alexander Morton. He’s not the usual customer since he pays ahead of time for his room and board. The bar brings in ruffians and some aren’t who they seem to be.
I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery played out in the plot. The two main characters cannot deny the chemistry that develops between them. Alexander struggles to maintain his strong, godly beliefs while he discovers who is smuggling at the docks. The author incorporates some humorous and colorful characters, such as Mr. Nutbrown, who only speaks through his puppet and skips paying his bill by climbing out his window.
Michelle Griep, one of my favorite writers, brings depth, true human flaws plus graces into her books. She clearly believes that faith in God is worth clinging to in any circumstance.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Innkeeper’s Daughter. All thoughts are my own.
The Weaver’s Daughter -Historically Rich!
The Weaver’s Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The well defined characters in The Weaver’s Daughter face family loyalty while risking integrity. Kate Dearbourne lives in a community that survives on their weaving trade steep in tradition. Henry Stockton returns home from the Three Years War, seeking solace and restoration. Instead, he finds a battle about to explode between his wealthy, visionary family and the local weavers.
Kate’s eyes begin to open to her father’s stubborn ways as she continues to run into Henry. Both Kate and Henry must find their place with God, themselves, and the ongoing weaver’s barrage against progress. Henry struggles inwardly looking for his own path. Kate challenges everything she’s always known, even the suitor her father desires for her.
The Weaver’s Daughter moves quickly, delves into history, and shows the reader the real heart of her characters. I enjoyed this novel set in the Industrial Revolution.
I received a copy from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
No One Ever Asked – Riveting Must Read!
No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This brilliant book ranks as the best book I’ve read in months! Katie Ganshert births a marvelous group of characters. Each one vital to the depth of emotions that run through a community when forced to integrate two school districts. Racism pitted against living out one’s faith and beliefs caused this reader to search my own heart and mind. The players all have a voice revealing the angst behind their actions. The parents, teachers, and students affected, create dramatic statements. What would you do in their situations? This timely and delicate subject makes No One Ever Asked a must read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Great Alone – Mesmerizing!
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kristin Hannah’s writing has mesmerized me before so I didn’t hesitate to request The Great Alone on Net Galley. The time period and the place drew me in. I was in college in the 1970s and my husband and I watch some real life TV programs of families living off the grid in the upper north of Alaska. This novel grabbed me immediately. Leni, a young teen and her parents are the main characters. Her father has returned from the Viet Nam war as a POW suffering from PTSD. Life becomes quite erratic for these three. He struggles to maintain a job moving them often. He eventually devises a plan for a new start by moving to Alaska. Leni’s mom sees hope in his decision so she begins to prepare for the new adventure. But nothing could equip them for what they encountered. Once in Alaska, life changed rapidly.
I must warn you that the book contains family abuse, violence, and desperation. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the novel. Will hope arise for Leni or her parents? Can they survive the daunting wilderness of Alaska?
I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
If I Live (If I Run #3) Suspense!
If I Live by Terri Blackstock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One of the reasons I enjoy reading Terri Blackstock’s books is her series with familiar characters. I read the first novel in If I Run but not the second. I would suggest reading all three since the middle one gives important details needed to understand the last book. I was able to put the pieces together and liked the suspense expected in her writing.
Casey continues to hide from those who do not understand her innocence or believe her. One person may be seeing her side but can she trust him or anyone? To say more will spoil the story for future readers.
You will find well defined characters, complex and compelling mixes of situations and complications. This is a fast read to find the conclusion to the If I Run series.
I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious Hope – Inspiring and Uplifting!
Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious Hope by Katherine Elizabeth Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Katherine Clark’s story moved me to deeper faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. What started out as a lovely afternoon at a playground became a horrific tragedy for her and her family. On the ground after a child jumped from a jungle gym falling on top of her, she really thought she would just get up. How wrong she was as she spent months in the hospital and in recovery with a diagnosis of quadriplegia. Her determination and strength in God created a miraculous advance in her dire prognosis. Scripture, prayers, and her resolution to walk again shored her up while unbelievable odds stacked against her. Her experience proves the premise of knowing the Bible and its truths as it will prepare a person for whatever may come. Her foundation of faith, family, and dreams of the future lifted her beyond the impossible.
Where I End is inspiring and uplifting as this young mother rises above circumstances. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
Review of Stranger No More: A Muslim Refugee’s Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus
Stranger No More: A Muslim Refugee’s Story of Harrowing Escape, Miraculous Rescue, and the Quiet Call of Jesus by Annahita Parsan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found myself staying up late delving into Annahita’s life, her struggles, and her quest for freedom from abuse and dominion as a Muslim woman. Her childhood in Iran was simple and then her world became complex beyond her wildest imaginations. One day she was married and the next, a widow. Her nightmarish world astonished me. This recollection of what she encountered, endured, and then escaped opened my eyes to a world I can barely comprehend. Not that it isn’t believable but that in contrast, my life is vastly different. The trauma she endures to bring her children to safety, to practice her new found faith, and to experience life with choices amazed me.
What a remarkable story and woman! I highly recommend this book of hope, suffering, stamina, and faith.
I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.