“… the Master Rebuilder of Souls was crafting beauty out of the rubble.”
I grew up in land-locked states for all of my formative educational years (and“… the Master Rebuilder of Souls was crafting beauty out of the rubble.”
I grew up in land-locked states for all of my formative educational years (and until just four years ago actually), so I wasn’t taught much hurricane history. But these powerful storms have nevertheless been a large presence in other states and have altered countless landscapes, livelihoods, and family lines that deserve to be remembered. And that’s one reason I love reading historical fiction – because it teaches me about things I may not have studied in school and it honors communities who remain forever impacted by the past. In A Writing Upon the Sand, author J.M. Kirkley follows a young Texas woman in the days leading up to and after one of the deadliest natural disasters in US history, the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900.
Turn-of-the-century Galveston comes alive under Kirkley’s pen, a bustling and wealthy seaport with colorful personalities, intriguing history, and important trade. As the third-person narrative introduces us to Galveston through protagonist Emily Cleburne’s point of view, we get to know them both simultaneously. And just like Galveston’s many positive and negative layers, Emily proves to be a complex character as well. Sometimes snippy and low on patience, she doesn’t always exercise the best judgment and there were several times when I became quite exasperated with her. But even then, it’s her humanity that gives her dimension and makes her relatable, and I came to really like Emily just as much for her flaws as for her strengths. Several key supporting characters are just as vibrantly-drawn and well-rounded (and not so simple to put in a clear-cut box), including a British pastor who is a friend of the family and a rakish reporter who is the son of one of Galveston’s seediest businessmen.
The point of A Writing Upon the Sand isn’t which one of those men Emily will end up with or how they’ll fall in love, however. It’s not even about the hurricane, though that certainly plays a major role in the last 40% of the book and in how Emily’s various internal conflicts come to a head in its aftermath. From the beginning of this book to the end, the author is instead weaving a story that points to two important truths: 1) that in order to survive the storms of life, we must be anchored to the Rock, and 2) that the One who never wastes a single thing we go through can create beauty from ashes if we just trust Him to do so. And these are not themes that are presented tritely. Rather, through Emily, the author acknowledges that sometimes our trials don’t end the way we hope, that sometimes we don’t get all – or even some – of the answers we want. But even then, in the midst of the darkness and in hindsight, there will still be ‘a trail of goodness and mercy’ that we can trace if we look for God’s hand at work.
Bottom Line: A Writing Upon the Sand by J.M. Kirkley is a heartfelt debut that merges compelling history, multi-dimensional characters, honest faith, and sweet romance. The setting may be a thriving Galveston, Texas, on the cusp of a devastating storm, but the emotional layers and age-old questions explored are just as relatable to modern day readers as they are to Emily by the story’s end. I enjoyed spending time with this book’s various characters, and I appreciated that none of them were one-dimensional or easy to define at first glance. I also loved the way the narrative is structured, with the main threads of the 1900 timeline sandwiched between a clever opening and a satisfying closing set in 1926 (the resolution being what I was pulling for all along but wasn’t sure it would end up that way). It’s definitely a story that will linger in my mind and heart, and one I recommend be on everyone’s TBR list as well!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer is a love letter to classic children’s stories (and some g4.5 stars
“The best fairy tale is the true one.”
A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer is a love letter to classic children’s stories (and some great music) and a charming piece of literature in its own right, one that beautifully points to THE Story that I adore so very much. It’s also two compelling coming of age stories, thanks to the dual timeline narratives, and a deep (biographical fiction) dive into the fascinating mind & family of L. Frank Baum.
Carrie Kruisselbrink has always felt overlooked and dismissed in her family, an inconvenient outsider in the shadow of her older sister’s light. Her parents don’t place value on her dreams for her life, only on the mold they want to shape her into. Her ‘perfect on paper’ long term boyfriend does the same. So when she flees to her grandparents’ home for a summer of ‘private rebellion’ (where she hopes HER dreams for her future will come to fruition) and takes a job with a cantankerous woman, she more than relates to Mrs. Charlotte Gordon’s similar parental experience. I loved listening in on their daily conversations, interspersed throughout the rhythms of baking and gardening and reading Pilgrim’s Progress, and gladly let the greater story, the intriguing layers to Carrie & Charlotte’s characters, and their growing friendship unfold around me. The peek into the life of L. Frank Baum and Charlotte’s friendship with his family – a warm & loving household who showed her sincere affection and encouraged her talents and dreams – is icing on the cake (though sometimes I did get a bit bogged down in the biographical details given during these scenes).
There really are a hundred magical reasons to read DeNooyer’s latest, but the main one for me is not the blossoming of Charlotte under Carrie’s friendship, nor the blossoming of Carrie under the gentle attentions of a local musician who truly sees her, nor even the homage to imagination and fairy tales that wraps around the plot like an affectionate embrace. All of which are things I adored about this novel. No, the element that will have me – for a long while to come – encouraging people to pick up A Hundred Magical Reasons is the exquisitely tender redemption story that binds the whole book together from beginning to end. The way the author shows how fairy tales paint a beautiful picture of God’s redemption and restoration echoes my own heartbeat for the power of story, and watching it play out for these characters who so desperately need some locust-eaten years restored just landed right in my soul.
Bottom Line: ‘Dragons’ and burdens and secrets, oh my! And fairy tales and fear and friendship and family… and heaps and heaps of grace. A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer drew me in like a cozy blanket on a cold day, immersing me in the early 1900s and the 1980s as she skillfully spun the best sort of happily ever after. The parallels between the stories of L. Frank Baum, the allegory of Pilgrim’s Progress, and God’s relationship to the broken & the sinners & the rejected … this ‘long journey’ we must walk, through a world that isn’t our true home, a world ‘that is sometimes pleasant and sometimes dark and terrible’ … oh how tenderly it resonated in my THE-Story-loving heart. This thought-provoking novel is sure to linger with you long after you’ve closed the final page and would make an excellent book club read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
“God’s plans very often seem foolish to those He asks to carry them out.“
Jennifer Deibel is quickly becoming one of my very favorite historical romanc“God’s plans very often seem foolish to those He asks to carry them out.“
Jennifer Deibel is quickly becoming one of my very favorite historical romance authors, thanks to her charming stories, warmly-sketched settings, endearing characters, and the way she organically integrates faith themes into the very fabric of the plot. And ohhhh y’all… her heroes are truly something special – salt of the earth guys who are in equal turns ruggedly swoony and immensely huggable. Phrases (among others) that I would definitely use to describe Owen McCready of Heart of the Glen.
But before I get too distracted being starry-eyed over Owen (just wait until he dances), he’s not the only character I loved in this gorgeous novel. Saoirse (the story’s heroine) is also expertly layered, a compelling blend of grief, guilt, compassion, wit, and strength. Not to mention Owen’s sister Aileen and their dog Stout, both of whom made me grin nearly every time one or the other appeared on the scene, and a town full of colorful personalities that captured my heart. Amid the warmth and affection with which Deibel weaves these characters into an engaging tapestry, she also incorporates threads of sorrow and faith-crises and grief that add meaning and beauty when placed in the hands of Jesus. While Saoirse struggles to come to terms with her past, Owen battles the uncertainty of his future, and into both lives – and readers’ too – comes the Biblical account of Gideon just in time. I absolutely loved the truths that Saoirse and Owen learn about God and His care over us, including the reminder that He takes our tangled messes and makes them beautiful.
Bottom Line: Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel took me to turn of the century Ireland and swept me away. The story told here on this quaint sheep farm known for its skilled tweed weaving exudes so much charm as well as emotion, and I didn’t want to leave even when I’d finished reading. Yes, Owen and Saoirse are both struggling with what God has allowed, but oh these two are nonetheless such a delightful match whose chemistry is electrically tangible. Prepare to swoon over some really yummy tension & kisses (I still haven’t recovered from a couple of scenes) but also prepare to be thoroughly entertained by the writing and deeply moved by the faith journeys that Owen & Saoirse undertake. If you haven’t read a Jennifer Deibel book yet, you are truly missing out and Heart of the Glen is a great place to start!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Marriage-of-convenience plus World War 1 plus Elizabeth Camden? I could not read When Stars Light the Sky fast enough, while at the same time wanting Marriage-of-convenience plus World War 1 plus Elizabeth Camden? I could not read When Stars Light the Sky fast enough, while at the same time wanting the story to go on forever. Benedict and Inga are like oil and water at first, which means sparks fly whenever they’re together. Whether it’s the sparks of annoyance or attraction makes no difference to me because any form of fireworks between them makes for some delicious romantic tension. By the time a marriage of convenience is necessary to allow Inga to leave Germany safely, I think they were already half in love (though I equally think they would both argue otherwise). Goodness knows I was completely enamored with the two of them together, especially as straitlaced Benedict’s softer side begins to show in the wake of his growing fascination with Inga. Let’s just say that I have never loved reading an encyclopedia more. Ok, I could gush about these two for days, but there’s so much more to this novel that deserves my attention as well.
I always love the unique historical elements that Camden incorporates into her stories, and in When Stars Light the Sky we are given a front row seat to diplomatic relations in Berlin from the first stirrings of the Great War to the sinking of the Lusitania and right up to the moment that America could no longer remain neutral. I was really intrigued by the tightrope that they had to walk and the constant potential for setting off an international incident even by accident, and I became so grateful for the real men & human who navigated it as long as they did to protect America. While Benedict and Inga are sadly fictional, the story does revolve around the real US Ambassador to Germany, James Gerard and his wife Mary. Their early gaffes provided the perfect reason for Camden to bring Inga’s character from New York to Germany, which put her right smack dab in Benedict’s path … and now we’re back to me gushing over how delightful the two of them were together.
Bottom Line: Fans of opposites attract, enemies to more, forced proximity, and marriage of convenience romances rejoice! When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden sweeps readers up in a swoony love story set against a contrasting backdrop of glamour and gravitas. As America creeps ever closer to entering the first World War, compelling characters like Benedict and Inga take us into the heart of an American embassy and the tireless efforts to maintain diplomacy for as long as possible. I enjoyed getting a different, more personal, perspective on these international relationships and pivotal events than I was taught in my history textbooks, and I once again found things that I want to research more on my own. Most of all, though, I stayed completely besotted with the fan-worthy romantic tension between Benedict and Inga and I’m shallow enough to freely admit it. Elizabeth Camden always writes such exquisite stories, and When Stars Light the Sky is no exception!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“This year I have found walls like never before, but I have found freedom.“
I always love Sarah Sundin’s books, but I think that her newest WW2 novel –“This year I have found walls like never before, but I have found freedom.“
I always love Sarah Sundin’s books, but I think that her newest WW2 novel – Midnight on the Scottish Shore – is my favorite so far! I mean, what’s not to love about a slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-love romance between a burly Scottish naval officer (swoon!!!) and an endearing Dutch double agent set in 1941 Scotland with intrigue and kilts and tough decisions… and some really great kisses.
Cilla van der Zee is a truly delightful heroine whose ready wit and earnest heart made me smile. Her decision to train as a Nazi spy as a way to escape the untenable situation in which she finds herself in the Germany-occupied Netherlands and find refuge in England appears to backfire when she’s caught shortly after washing ashore in Scotland. Caught by that swoony Scottish naval lieutenant I mentioned earlier – Lachlan Mackenzie. Blissful sigh. I adored Lachlan, even if he does get Cilla arrested and even if he does struggle to trust her once she partners with British intelligence. I found his grumpiness to be endearing, and watching him fall hard for Cilla had me breaking out my fan and grinning like a besotted fool. (Much like when he starts dancing… whew.) The way Cilla teases him was lots of fun to read, too, and I really appreciated the complex layers to his character, particularly when it comes to the broken relationship with his brother. Cilla’s spiritual journey is equally touching, and so is her character arc as a double agent and what she learns about true freedom along the way.
Which brings me to the fascinating history Sundin includes in Midnight on the Scottish Shore. For starters, not many World War 2 books take place in Scotland, which is really a shame given the intriguingly complex dynamics that were in play at the time. Between the fringe groups that are still upset that Scotland and England are under a ‘United Kingdom’ umbrella, including in military service, to the unique landscape and coastal vulnerabilities, the Scottish setting gives us a different perspective than we typically see. Add in their legends and their culture (and their accents!), and it makes for a delightful place to visit on the pages of fiction, even during a war. Another element of history I loved learning more about in this book was MI5’s Double Cross program where they took the poorly-trained Nazi spies (something that surprised me) and turned them into double agents working for the Allied cause. I enjoyed learning about the codework, the ‘chicken feed’ intelligence they passed along, the restrictions on Cilla, and what MI5 did allow her to do to prove to the Germans that she was still on their side. This all culminates in some heart-in-my-throat moments where I wasn’t entirely sure how things were going to work out in terms of Cilla’s safety and her love for Lachlan.
Bottom Line: Midnight on the Scottish Shore is Sarah Sundin at her best! The seamless merging of wartime espionage with meaningful individual character growth, swoony romance, and endearing wit gives readers the ‘best of both worlds’ between the drama of the world stage and the personal relatability of joys & struggles common to us all, no matter when or where we’ve lived. I fell head over heels for Cilla and Lachlan as individual characters and delighted in watching them – the selkie and the warrior – fall in love with each other. It was also fun to be reunited with a couple of familiar characters from Sundin’s previous books and to be given what I hope are hints for her next book, too. (If I’m right, I’m already hooked and NEED to read it ASAP!) If you’re looking for a story that will put a smile (and a swoon or two) in your heart while also teaching you little-known history and pointing you to a deeper walk with God, then Midnight on the Scottish Shore should be your next read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all”
I’ve long been a fan of Emily Dic“Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all”
I’ve long been a fan of Emily Dickinson’s poems. There’s something about her work that causes me to reflect on life. So I found it especially meaningful that the authors chose to use this particular verse as one of the threads which connects all three parts of The Liberty Scarf narrative. Hope‘s indelible influence on the stories being told here felt quite, well, poetic to me, and the poignant mood it left in its wake fit perfectly with the key lives that intersected across the novel. Iris and Rex. Genevieve and Maxime. Clara and Roman. If not for the Liberty scarf inspired by Dickinson’s poem, none of these couples would have met and certainly the six of them would have no connection to each other.
But thankfully the beauty of this novel is in its homage to the seemingly isolated moments – the turns and twists and choices – that we eventually realize were telling a much larger story of hope all along. A silly bet. A bold dream. A new assignment. A shopping trip. An illness. A kiss. I loved the banter between Iris and Rex, the easy connection between Genevieve and Maxime, the swoony chemistry between Clara and Roman. All three authors are so talented, and they easily had me invested in each of these characters as well as the history being lived out on the pages. Seeing different elements of World War I through the various characters helped the novel come that much more alive, and I especially enjoyed seeing how the arts were utilized as well. From fashion and design to music, art, architecture, and of course poetry, hope sings a beautiful tune through these creative elements, one that shines light into the darkness of war and lifts the heart. Not only for The Liberty Scarf’s characters, but for its readers as well.
Bottom Line: Three women connected unaware by a beautiful silk scarf from the famed Liberty of London, its design inspired by and perpetuating hope. One woman created the scarf. One woman received it as a gift. One woman owes it everything. Despite their differences in station, mission, and personality (from each other and from me), each character felt relatable and captured my heart as well as my attention. The Liberty Scarf is a novel told in three parts, yes, but its three authors – Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan – seamlessly turn it into a unified story that will have readers solidly invested from beginning to end. (Fair warning… the first two parts pause abruptly but keep reading and it will all come back around, I promise.) I loved the premise of this layered novel, the history I learned (or was reminded of), the vivid scene-setting, the epistolary elements, and of course the power of hope. Perfect for reading when you want to immerse yourself in a story while snuggled up in a warm blanket on a cold day.
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is a very small instance of mild cursing in this novel.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
When last we left Mona Moon and her newly-married husband Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth (whom she affectionately calls ‘Lord Bob’), we hoped that When last we left Mona Moon and her newly-married husband Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth (whom she affectionately calls ‘Lord Bob’), we hoped that maybe the third time would be the charm when it came to their ill-fated honeymoon. As we join them in Murder Under a Cold Moon, they are preparing to leave Robert’s English estate for their Mediterranean cruise … after a quick stop to visit a family friend who has requested their presence. (You can see, I’m sure, where this is going.) If you guessed that their honeymoon would in fact NOT proceed as planned in this book either, give yourself a gold star!
Again, however, this is great news for readers because author Abigail Keam gives us the treat of a delightful British country/manor house mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie instead. Mona Moon excels at sleuthing out a culprit (or culprits) with her sharp observation skills and intuitive questions, and she is always at her best in the locked room / isolated estate scenarios, in my personal opinion. Or maybe that’s because those are my favorite types of mysteries to read. Either way, she has her work cut out for her in Murder Under a Cold Moon because the raging storm that strands them at the dilapidated Blackhaven Hall isn’t the only unpredictable element to contend with.
Bottom Line: A missing hostess. A dead body. A torrential storm. A house full of suspects. All of this and more awaits our newlyweds Mona and Robert when they arrive at Blackhaven Hall in Murder Under a Cold Moon by Abigail Keam. The players in this atmospheric drama make for a colorful cast of personalities and motives, and readers will be hard pressed to find a character who is actually all they appear to be at first glance (other than Mona & Lord Bob, of course). I loved all of the questions this raised, the not-knowing what would go wrong or who would disappear next, the uncertainty whether Mona (and us, by default) was on the right track. The clues are cleverly placed among the red herrings, but I nevertheless was taken by surprise more than once by Keam’s careful plotting. Perhaps the last leg of their honeymoon will go off without a hitch… although considering that the next book looks like it will pick up where we left off in this one, I’m cheerfully not optimistic. The more mayhem for Mona & her Lord Bob, the better for readers!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
The Naturalist’s Daughter is my first read by Tea Cooper, and my first read to feature the platypus, to the best of my knowledge. The two timelines – The Naturalist’s Daughter is my first read by Tea Cooper, and my first read to feature the platypus, to the best of my knowledge. The two timelines – separated by 100 years – each follow two smart and engaging women who stand on the cusp of great discovery. In 1808, Rose Winton idolizes her father and loves helping with his groundbreaking research into the platypus, also called the mallangong by the aboriginals that live around their home in rural Australia. In 1908, we meet Tamsin Alleyn, an employee of the Public Library in Sydney who is charged with retrieving and authenticating a donated sketchbook purported to belong to the 19th century naturalist Charles Winton.
Rose is gregarious and sharp, gifted in art as well as science. She loves her parents and would do anything for her father. She’s a bit of a free spirit who cares little for social restraints or society’s expectations. Even when she is sent reeling (on multiple occasions) by some surprising events and their ramifications, she bravely does what needs doing and I completely respected her for this. In fact, her part of the story is what initially engaged my interest when I started reading this novel. But it was Tamsin’s story that ultimately kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed following her as she tracked down clues and documents and long-held secrets in hopes of proving that the sketchbook was indeed Winton’s. Of course as readers, we already know it is (thanks to the 1808 timeline) but like Rose, Tamsin’s journey ends up taking some unexpected turns too. And it’s these particular twists – and how they link back to Rose’s story – that eventually made the 1908 timeline my favorite of the two.
Bottom Line: The Naturalist’s Daughter by Tea Cooper is smartly-plotted historical fiction that will appeal to a variety of readers, told across two timelines with more than one mystery to solve, several intriguing discoveries, and even a dash of romance. Full of colorful and compelling characters (including one of my faves, Gayadin), the story also allows readers to travel to the 19th and early 20th century Australia from the comfort of their preferred reading spot – something that American readers don’t often get to do and something that I definitely enjoyed experiencing. The narrative and the writing voice drew me in right away and, even though it dragged a bit in the middle for me, my attention was firmly gripped again by the end. If you’re looking to read something outside of the ‘same old, same old’ of historical fiction, then you’ll definitely want to give The Naturalist’s Daughter a try.
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is a mild amount of cursing in this novel, and while it’s mostly mild in content as well there are a couple of stronger words and profanities.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Oh how I love stories like this! Stories that reflect ordinary people like you and me who became h4.5 stars
“One must follow God in the face of evil.”
Oh how I love stories like this! Stories that reflect ordinary people like you and me who became heroes simply by exhibiting extraordinary courage, doing the right thing, and providing rescue to the at-risk and marginalized. Stories that also wrestle with deeply-layered faith issues like the kind we read about in the real-life accounts of people such as Corrie Ten Boom. (What do we do when faced with obeying earthly authorities or obeying God? Is lying ever okay in those situations? etc.) And of course, stories that tell a beautifully sweet romance with charming characters that are so easy to love. In The Italian Musician’s Sanctuary, Danielle Grandinetti has skillfully crafted a story that does all of the above – and more!
We meet Margherita as she’s hiding in a church, waiting to be smuggled out of Italy, even as her former fiance leads a violent mob to hunt her down and kill her. The reasons are at once complex and flabbergasting, and her fictional situation is made all the more heartbreaking when you realize it represents countless similar ones that really occurred in the years prior and during World War 2. I instantly admired Margherita’s bravery and began rooting for her to find a place of safety and a refuge of hope & healing. The more I got to know her as the story progressed, the more I loved her and the more relatable I found her to be. Her sanctuary may very well be found in Eden’s Cove, England (you’ll have to read it to find out for sure) and a ferryman-baker named Luke. Luke is the perfect blend of brains, brawn, and heart to leave readers swooning in his wake. And with each new layer of his character that’s revealed to us, my adoration of him increased accordingly. He longs to do the right thing – is burdened by not knowing what that is – and loves loyally with a genuine and protective spirit.
Bottom Line: The Italian Musician’s Sanctuary by Danielle Grandinetti delivers a compelling plot with vividly drawn characters and multifaceted themes of faith, hope, and love. The shorter length doesn’t take away at all from the depth of the content or the strength of the character development. Luke and Margherita are wonderfully layered protagonists, and I found myself completely absorbed in their story from beginning to end. I also loved wrestling with the complex moral/faith issues presented to these characters – and really, all of Eden’s Cove ultimately. The connection to one of Grandinetti’s other story worlds was a fun nod to her loyal readers, and the author’s sincere & joy-filled spirit shines brightly through Luke and Margherita. While this is part of a multi-author/multi-genre series, it can be read as a standalone – although the hints in this one make me want to read the others asap! If you love Cathy Gohlke, Kate Breslin, and Kristy Cambron then make sure you grab The Italian Musician’s Sanctuary, too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“We’ve seen what man can do, now let’s see what God can do.”
I was a child of the 80s and spent many a Friday night roller skating to “Walk L4.5 stars
“We’ve seen what man can do, now let’s see what God can do.”
I was a child of the 80s and spent many a Friday night roller skating to “Walk Like an Egyptian” (why was that a roller skating song?) and various other popular songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s while rocking (or so I thought) a fluorescent colored tshirt, jeans, and a side ponytail that doubled as a lethal weapon. So the fact that Meet Me at the Starlight is set around a roller skating rink – and its ‘present day’ timeline takes place in the 80s – had me feeling all the nostalgia. (One lone mention of “The Locomotion” and I was instantly transported back to junior high gym class, stumbling awkwardly through the grapevine every. single. year.)
At the center of this story, which also includes a timeline that covers the 1930s, the second World War, and even the 1960s, are Tuesday Knight (yep, that’s her name and honestly, it’s a perfect name for the caretaker of a skating rink, isn’t it?), the Starlight itself, and the quaint town of Sea Blue Beach (whose origin story is classic Rachel Hauck – a shipwrecked prince & the supernatural work of Jesus). And even though the Starlight is an almost magical setting, an endearing character in its own right that I think you’ll love as much as I did, that’s all just the foundation for the stories really being told in this moving novel.
At its core Meet Me at the Starlight is less about a skating rink and more about finding peace in the only Prince who can truly supply it. Tuesday needs that kind of peace in each of the timelines we see her through. Her grandson Matt (a swoony Hollywood actor with a heart of gold but a habit of making foolish decisions) needs it to heal the cause of his self-sabotaging tendencies. His former costar Harlow Hayes needs it to recover from a broken heart, a broken career, and a broken self-image. Heck, the whole town of Sea Blue Beach needs it, even the smarmy council member you’ll want to purse whomp almost immediately (an urge that only gets stronger as the story progresses, let me assure you).
Meet Me at the Starlight is also – much to my delight – a story of true love. And not just the really sweet & spark-filled romance that simmers between Matt and Harlow (though of course I was a big fan of that part of the story, especially when the kissing commences). It’s about flawed, imperfect characters who hurt each other and break promises and let us down and sometimes take responsibility for the pain but sometimes not. A mother and daughter. A husband and wife. Best friends. The person you’re falling in love with. And into those broken relationships comes the God who loves you and me so much that He sent His Son to ransom us, even when we think He’s let us down too. I thought each of these themes – peace and true love – were so timely for our current world and my own current life situation, and Hauck weaves them into the fabric of the story so it doesn’t come across as preachy or forced but also wouldn’t be the same story without them.
Bottom Line: Lace up your roller skates, tease your bangs, and Meet Me at the Starlight in this multidimensional novel that will engage all your emotions! Whether we were waiting with Tuesday for her husband to come home or holding our breath to see if the Starlight could be saved, I thought each timeline was so well-layered and poignant and drew me in just as much as the other. The characters are layered with depth and flaws, and every reader will find one they can personally relate to. Fun nostalgia and moments of humor and romance kept me smiling even as I also shed a few tears. If you’re a fan of Hauck’s The Wedding Chapel or her True Blue Royal series, then you’ll definitely want to read Meet Me at the Starlight! Also perfect for fans of Amanda Cox, Amanda Dykes, and Katie Powner.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“… love would take wing. It always had. Always would.”
Like most people, I’ve long been fascinated with the story of Amelia Earhart. And like most peop“… love would take wing. It always had. Always would.”
Like most people, I’ve long been fascinated with the story of Amelia Earhart. And like most people my fascination unfortunately has less to do with who she was than with her disappearance. But in On the Wings of the Morning, Valerie Banfield breathes life into the person of Amelia Earhart, shining a light on people who loved her (did you know she was married to George Putnam?) and giving us a glimpse of her personality. So that by the time we get to her mysterious disappearance in the story’s timeline I mourned her loss more as a ‘real person’ than a historical puzzle and I grieved also for Daisy who counted her as a friend.
Speaking of Daisy, the star of this novel is a sweet and spunky young woman who cares for her family and isn’t afraid to defy society’s expectations for (and restrictions on) women. I greatly admired her determination to chase her dreams and hone her God-given propensity for mechanical engineering despite the norms of the day trying to dictate her toward other, more domestic, pursuits. I loved watching her interactions with her roommate Laverne as well as with the young man who eventually captures Daisy’s heart. It’s a gentle romance that doesn’t dominate the plot (doesn’t even really begin until the book is nearly over), but it was enough to satisfy that part of me that seeks out even the slightest hint of a love story in every story I read.
And then there’s Harvey. Oh my stars, Daisy’s grandpa is the best. He is hands-down my favorite part of this book and the perfect blend of wisdom, integrity, humor, faith, affection, and humanity. I wanted to just hug him pretty much every time I saw him on the page, and I grieved with him as he watched his beloved wife Georgia struggle with early dementia. My maternal grandmother had Alzheimer’s and it’s a disease that truly drains the patient’s loved ones in heart, mind, body, and soul – not to mention what it does to the patient herself. Seeing him continue to love Georgia through the ‘sickness’ and ‘worse’ parts of their life together was not only heartwarming but heartachingly beautiful too. As was getting a front row seat to his influence on the lives of a host of supporting characters in the story.
Bottom Line: On the Wings of the Morning by Valerie Banfield is a layered novel that follows Daisy Blake as she navigates university during a tumultuous time in her family’s life while also daring to pursue a male-dominated career path despite society’s naysayers. Her encounters with the inimitable Amelia Earhart (humanized so nicely by Banfield) add compelling dimensions to Daisy’s story that will take you through a range of emotions and make you grin, laugh, and cry before all is said and done. Grandpa Harvey’s character is winsome and lovable and I could easily spend more time in his fictional presence – he’s the kind of person who just makes you feel at home, even just in ‘meeting’ him on the pages. My only quibble is that the dialogue strayed into narrative more frequently than I prefer which slowed the story down for me in several places. Still, this is a sweet and heartfelt novel of life, loss, and love – lots of love – that will ultimately keep you engaged and invested in rooting for the characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Everything we struggle through has a purpose. That’s what God’s Word says. We have to take the good and bad and the bitter and sweet.”
The f4.5 stars
“Everything we struggle through has a purpose. That’s what God’s Word says. We have to take the good and bad and the bitter and sweet.”
The first book I read by Rhonda McKnight – The Thing About Home – made me a forever fan of her work, so I was eager to return to Georgetown, South Carolina, on the pages of Bitter and Sweet. And what a meaningful journey it was!
Sisters Mariah and Sabrina have a strained adult relationship, at best, thanks to their complicated family dynamics as they were growing up. Both women are also struggling to manage personal crises of their own – and on their own – when their grandmother calls them home to Georgetown to manage the family restaurant in the face of their grandfather’s declining health. And of course one of the reasons we love a forced proximity romance trope so much is that it forces those repressed feelings out into the open… well, the same is true for forced proximity in a family drama as well. At some point, these two strong-but-hurting women are going to need to deal with their stuff if they’re going to survive what’s needed to save not only the restaurant but their family’s legacy as well.
At separate points in Bitter and Sweet, I gravitated more toward one sister than the other. But by the end I felt like both had become dear friends to me. There are such deep layers here, and deep healing – and I loved that healing looked different for each sister, but the end result was the same: Wholeness, after many years of missing pieces. I also appreciated that the author shows (so perfectly) that Divine healing can come about with medical intervention, therapy, AND Jesus. I really identified with this aspect of their journey toward wholeness and I’m grateful to see therapy getting more page time in Christian fiction.
And I can’t forget to mention all the other characters that make Bitter and Sweet so delightful to read. Swoony Dante the chef and swoony Quinton the ‘one that got away’ (one for each sister), adorable Kenni and adorable Jordy, Mariah & Sabrina’s endearing grandparents, and – of course – the star of this story’s past timeline, great-great grandmother Tabitha. Her letters open Mariah & Sabrina’s eyes to the fact that they aren’t the only Cooper women to face shame over past decisions or present failures. That Mariah isn’t the only Cooper woman to be treated dirty by a man who said he loved her. That Sabrina isn’t the only Cooper woman to make tough decisions for the good of her child. And that neither are the only Cooper women to use their own determination and talents to start over with a restaurant. Life comes full circle sometimes, doesn’t it? And Bitter and Sweet shows all the good and bad – and bitter and sweet – of that process.
Bottom Line: From the rich cadence of the Gullah dialect (and its food) to the beautifully meaningful multi-generational elements and everything in between, Rhonda McKnight has once again crafted a layered novel that speaks right to the heart with characters who will linger there for a long while. Bitter and Sweet tackles a variety of complex issues like postpartum depression, divorce, grief, unwed pregnancy, passing (as White), and even the struggle of Black people (especially women) under the Jim Crow era in the early 20th century. (I learned even more by reading the author’s note at the end and want to continue learning about this.) But at the same time, the rhythm of this story settles around you like a warm hug, points you to Jesus (and therapy), leaves you smarter and hopefully more empathetic, and keeps you deeply invested with each new chapter. Add in some swoony romance, a lowcountry vibe, and strong women with whom you can be proud to claim a sisterhood… and Bitter and Sweet will join the ranks of The Thing About Home as a novel I will savor for some time to come.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip may be a work of fiction but it’s rooted in facts surrounding a fascinating woman who really lived in New England andKatharine’s Remarkable Road Trip may be a work of fiction but it’s rooted in facts surrounding a fascinating woman who really lived in New England and made important contributions in her lifetime. I had never heard of Katharine Prescott Wormeley before reading Gail Ward Olmsted’s latest novel but I’m glad I know about her now. She never married nor had children but didn’t let that stop her from leading a full life. Katharine was an important nurse and civil servant during the US Civil War and worked tirelessly in those duties, as well as being an author and a popular translator of French novels (by the likes of Balzac, Moliere, Dumas, etc.).
In Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip, we join Kate at the age of 77 as she embarks on (as the title would suggest) a road trip from her home to Newport, Rhode Island, to her new home in Jackson, New Hampshire. While this road trip and the events therein are a figment of the author’s imagination, it nevertheless gives us a vibrant picture of Kate’s personality, her determination, her friendships, her family dynamics, and her multi-dimensional life. Olmsted takes us along on the journey with Kate, treating us to an inside look at this intriguing woman as well as the people and places of New England in the early 1900s. From friends she stays with on the way to strangers she meets (who quickly become friends) at her various planned (and unplanned!) stops, almost every encounter made me smile. Watching this larger-than-life character somehow manage to steal the spotlight AND simultaneously direct it toward others was lots of fun.
Bottom Line: Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted highlights the later days of a little-talked-about but fascinating spitfire of a woman. In fact, even though the focus of this novel is a fictional solo trip from Rhode Island to New Hampshire at the turn of the century, it could just as easily have been titled ‘Katharine’s Remarkable Life’. The warmth of the writing draws you immediately in to the story, and Katharine’s delightful personality keeps you turning the pages. If you’re a fan of biographical fiction that brings obscure historical figures to life for you, then you must read Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“I think I finally know what women mean when they talk about swooning.”
Bootleggers. Lost treasure. Hidden Rooms. Murder. Romance. And the mi4.5 stars
“I think I finally know what women mean when they talk about swooning.”
Bootleggers. Lost treasure. Hidden Rooms. Murder. Romance. And the mighty Mississippi at the heart of it all. With each new layer to the story, Moonlight on the Mississippi and its vibrant characters stole a little more of my heart. While this is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone (though I did love getting a peek at The River Queen and found myself mentally waving to its occupants like seeing long-lost friends in the distance).
Captain Camilla Lockhart loves life onboard her steamboat, carrying on her family legacy up and down the Mississippi with the found family she’s built among her ragtag crew. I really enjoyed her personality, her colloquialisms (Well, catch her sideways and call her a lark), and her heart, and even though she’s definitely bucking society’s standards for a woman (commanding a crew of men, wearing trousers, etc.) I wouldn’t have had her be any other way. And I know that Daniel Gray would wholeheartedly agree. Even though the straitlaced lawyer doesn’t quite know what to do with her at first, he’s clearly captivated and inexplicably drawn to her, soul to soul. I adored watching these two unlikely partners work together to solve the mystery of his family’s lost treasure – a quest that has already personally affected both him and Camilla – and especially enjoyed watching them fall in love. The author wrote them so well together, such a perfect match despite their very different personalities, making it lots of fun for readers to tag along on their adventures.
Bottom Line: Snakes and saltwater, what a delightful book this was! With Moonlight on the Mississippi, Stephenia H. McGee takes readers on a treasure hunt with danger lurking and romance brewing. Fabulously layered characters bring humor and heart to the mix (just wait until you meet the adorably precocious Lucas), and I loved the interactions with each one. I even found myself liking one of the villains, thanks to McGee’s multidimensional approach to his journey. Along those lines… the faith thread, including the reminder that “Although the voyage wasn’t always smooth, God remained steadfast” is presented naturally and honestly, and I appreciated the added depth. Like with The River Queen, while the main plot threads are all wrapped up, the door is open for potentially more stories here – and I’m curious as to whether the first two books will end up being more tied together than we think when book three arrives. Either way, Moonlight on the Mississippi is a grand and entertaining adventure with great characters, meaningful insight, and a warm & witty writing voice!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Who knew making movies could be such a blood sport?”
I first met Vivien Lowry in Bloomsbury Girls and found her to be equal parts tragic and vibrant a“Who knew making movies could be such a blood sport?”
I first met Vivien Lowry in Bloomsbury Girls and found her to be equal parts tragic and vibrant as a character, so I was very intrigued by what kind of journey Natalie Jenner would take her on in Every Time We Say Goodbye. (Note: it’s not necessary to have read the other books in this series to follow this third book. It works just fine as a standalone, though some of its references to the other books may have you bumping them up to the top of your TBR list!
There are several plot threads that weave through the pages of Every Time We Say Goodbye, spanning a variety of personalities across two timelines a little more than ten years apart, and presenting readers with a profound study in contrasts. On the one hand you have the glitz and glory of the Italian film industry, ushered into its heyday as American directors, actors, writers, etc fled the fear-mongering of the McCarthy era for the freedom found in Italy. Freedom from the anti-Communist witch hunts, though, came with strings attached – strings held by the Vatican who kept tight control over what could & couldn’t be portrayed in movies (more than one very weighty & timeless contrast there). And then there are the WW2 Italian resistance fighters, the refugees of war, the soldiers haunted by images they can’t forget, and the families left without answers. A world away from the film industry in many respects and inseparable from it in others. I loved these contrasts – and others – that Jenner captures so vividly, and I often caught myself thinking about the poetry of them as I read this moving story.
I enjoyed seeing famed film stars of the day like a young Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, and Gina Lollobrigida as ‘regular’ people (while still being set apart… another contrast) and getting an inside look at the workings of a movie studio in the 1950s in post-war Italy. But really this is just the canvas on which Jenner paints a poignant picture of grief, love, faith, and friendship -the means that connects the main players whose paths otherwise would not have crossed. The real story in Every Time We Say Goodbye is of brave women who dare to do courageous things. Whether they gave up their life, their love, their child, their career, their dreams, or even their regrets, I was fascinated by these vibrant characters who dared to do what was right for the sake of more than just themselves. This, to me, is the strength of Jenner’s latest novel and what kept me turning the pages.
Bottom Line: Nothing about Every Time We Say Goodbye played out the way I expected it to but the story ended up being so much more meaningful because of the unexpected turns it took. As with the other book I have read by Natalie Jenner, I closed this one with a deep sense of thoughtfulness, pondering the lessons can be gleaned as well as their continued relevance. I enjoyed reacquainting myself with Vivien and other familiar faces from Bloomsbury Girls, and I equally enjoyed the parade of new personalities that Vivien encounters in the world of Italian cinema. Some parts of the novel dragged a bit in the middle, in my opinion, overladen with more telling than showing, but not so much that I lost interest in the overall story. Mainly due to the fascinating profile of the young, female assassin for the Italian Resistance – it completely captivated me, and I loved the way that Jenner intersects this character with Vivien’s story too. Another meticulously researched and immersive novel from a rising star in historical fiction.
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is some occasional, mild cursing (plus one profanity), innuendo, and non-explicit closed-door implications of extra-marital intimacies.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Kimberley Woodhouse has given readers such a wonderful series in her Treasures of the Earth trilogy, and I am kinda sad to see it end and to4.5 stars
Kimberley Woodhouse has given readers such a wonderful series in her Treasures of the Earth trilogy, and I am kinda sad to see it end and to say goodbye to Earl Douglass whose profound quotes have begun each chapter in each book. I had never heard of this man (who sacrificed much for his love of paleontology and his dream of bringing their history to life for generations to come) before reading The Secrets Beneath and now as I close the page on A Hope Unburied I feel as though Mr. Douglass and I have become friends of a sort. A brilliant story choice for Woodhouse as a way to not only unite all three standalone books but also to give readers a glimpse into this fascinating, real-life historic figure.
So far in this series, we’ve been in the late 1800s Wyoming and Colorado, but A Hope Unburied takes us ahead a few years to 1916 and from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pennsylvania to the Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. The author’s research is meticulous, and the way she weaves it into the plot and the characters kept me entertained and deeply invested in both. The history that Woodhouse uses to frame this series has intrigued me in each book, but it really came alive for me in this one – not only the intriguing finds in paleontology but also the struggle of women to find respect and a place in the male-dominated sciences (as in many other fields), the growing unrest between science and religion, the technological/educational/scientific advances, etc.
Ohhhhh did someone say ‘friends to more’?!?! Yes, that’s right, A Hope Unburied involves my very favorite romantic trope and I couldn’t be happier about it. Eliza and Devin are instantly lovable characters, flaws and quirks (Eliza’s hats! lol) and all, and oh be still my heart… Devin is such a fantastic hero. Steady, patient, and a man of faith and integrity, he had me solidly in his corner from our very first encounter. And Eliza… her spiritual journey in this story so touched me, especially finding her worth in Jesus alone and embracing who He created her to be. I haven’t even touched on the mystery/suspense elements to this story yet, but suffice it to say that they kept me glued to the pages too. A ‘haunted’ ranch, legalistic protestors (Woodhouse does a fabulous job showing the contrast between people who love religion and people who love Jesus), sabotage, smear campaigns, murder… just when I thought I knew where it was going, something else happened to make me question everything.
Bottom Line: A Hope Unburied by Kimberley Woodhouse is everything I love about historical romance and suspense – wonderful characters, intriguing history, diabolical villain(s), and sweet romance, plus the added bonus of a story full of faith. Thanks to Eliza and her groundbreaking work for the museum, we also get to rub shoulders with Andrew Carnegie and hang out in Earl Douglass’s dig quarry. Woodhouse excels at seamlessly combining each of the above elements at a steady pace that moves the story along and keeps readers eagerly turning the pages (while at the same time wishing they could linger just a little longer with such delightful characters). I have loved each book in the Treasures of the Earth series, but this final novel is my hands-down fave of the three. I really enjoyed Eliza and Devin and would love to revisit them a few years down the road and see where their God-given purposes and love for each other have taken them.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“We are all part of God’s story. And He can do what he wills.”
At the close of my review of For a Lifetime, I said, “I am impatiently waiting for book “We are all part of God’s story. And He can do what he wills.”
At the close of my review of For a Lifetime, I said, “I am impatiently waiting for book 4 now – is it November yet?!?!?” Well, guess what? IT’S NOVEMBER!!! And I’ve just finished reading Across the Ages, the fourth book in the brilliantly unique Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer. Every time I turn the last page on one of these novels, I have to pause and reorient myself to the real world, to the knowledge that I have not, in fact, been living two – or three – lives with the protagonist(s). These stories hold me so very captive, engaging my attention & my mind & my heart, and while I always want to know what’s going to happen next I’m also never quite ready for them to end.
Like in the other books, Caroline Reed/Baldwin lives two lives simultaneously – in her particular case, when she goes to sleep in 1727 she wakes in 1927 with no time having passed while she was in the other time period. One of the threads common to each book so far in the Timeless series has been that the time-crosser(s) has/have at least their mother (sometimes more than that) as a guide to how the time-crossing works. In particular, the key components about what happens if you alter history in either of your times and what happens when you reach a certain birthday. But we aren’t very far into Caroline’s story before we realize that she doesn’t have a guide… and instantly my mind began wondering how Meyer was going to handle this lack of knowledge in the decisions Caroline makes and their ramifications. Because as the expert in time-crossing that I now am (haha!) I had a list of things that Caroline NEEDED to know, but not the first clue as to how she was going to learn them. I loved that, even four books in, Meyer continues to introduce a fresh angle to the time-crossing aspect of this series.
Seriously, I can’t ever seem to condense my thoughts on these books so you’re going to have to bear with me just a little longer. The 1727 path of the story takes us aboard a merchant ship bound for Nassau with Caroline disguised as a cabin boy, desperate to find the mother that abandoned her at birth and may possibly be a time-crosser too. But when her world collides with that of a swoony pirate, her mission takes a detour. In 1927, Caroline (aka Carrie, a great name by the way lol) is the daughter of a renowned Prohibition preacher whose reputation she strives to protect at all times, even while keeping the secret of her corrupt brothers’ sins from her parents. Complicating things further is a handsome friend who no longer tries to hide his feelings for her. Each of these paths had me riveted – but for very different reasons – and I enjoyed them both, particularly the complications that kept me on the edge of my chair. I had to remind myself to breathe each time a new twist was introduced because we were barreling toward that pivotal birthday and I NEEDED HER TO KNOW THAT SHE NEEDED TO CHOOSE. Ahem. Sorry about the yelling. I obviously still have not recovered.
Bottom Line: Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer deeply engrosses the reader in the two lives of time-crosser Caroline Reed and the different man in each path who loves her. From the complexities of posing as a cabin boy aboard a ship at sea to the equal complexities of life as the daughter of a ‘Billy Sunday type’ preacher in the late 1920s, Caroline’s story was impossible to put down. The thoughtful and layered exploration of God’s sovereignty and our own free will spoke to my heart in Across the Ages, as it did in the three books before it, and I found the redemption threads in this story to be particularly moving. I loved getting to know Caroline, Lewis, and Marcus – as well as the supporting characters – and I really loved seeing some cameos from book three. I may never recover from this series, and that’s perfectly okay (and I’m delighted that are more to come). The best stories become a part of you, after all, and these are certainly the best kinds of stories.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“Yes. Death was a fashionable thing. But admitting to others that you saw the dead regularly?That was not.”
Every time, y’all. Every. Single. Time, I p“Yes. Death was a fashionable thing. But admitting to others that you saw the dead regularly?That was not.”
Every time, y’all. Every. Single. Time, I pick up a Jaime Jo Wright book I say to myself optimistically, “This time, Carrie. THIS time you’re going to figure it out before she reveals the secrets.” Spoiler alert – I failed again while reading Specters in the Glass House, and I loved every minute of it! Because I love a book that surprises me. I remain in awe of Wright’s talent in telling a dynamic and atmospheric story that so completely immerses me in the setting and the secrets that I cannot possibly put it down until I’ve reached the last word.
The plot in both timelines – 1920s and present day – centers around a manor with a disturbing history. In fact, the longer we linger there, the more deliciously creepy the eccentric house becomes no matter whether we’re in the past or present iteration. Rooms no one else knows about. People no one else sees. Whispers no one else hears. Dead butterflies left to mark the bodies of those whose lives were taken from them. Who can be trusted? With each layer uncovered of Marian’s story (the events we see from her own perspective as well as what we learn from Remy’s present day research), I fully embraced the gothic ‘ghost story’ feel and let my mind whir with possibilities… even as I knew there would be a logical explanation that would at once stun me and make everything make sense. And it did. And I loved it.
Bottom Line: Ohhhhhhh Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright is the perfect read for this time of year – spooky and haunting and suspenseful. The manor setting, complete with its glass house of butterflies, adds all sorts of shivery vibes in the 1920s and in the present day – the perfect place for a tale like this to be told. Remy, Tate, Marian, Felix, and the endearingly gruff Elton easily grabbed my affection and further cemented my investment in this story, even though… ok, I still wasn’t sure I could let my guard down around any of them because this is not my first Jaime Jo Wright book, y’all. But I did always know this for certain – you will find them all just as captivating as I did. There’s actually still so much I want to gush about, but I’m trying to be sooooo careful not to spoil the thrill of discovery for you. Suffice it to say, though, that Jaime Jo Wright continues to write brilliantly and from a heart of compassion as she entertains us, yes, but also as she explores the nuanced intricacies of life and, in so doing, shines a beautiful light into the darkness.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“But no dance had ever been like this dance, in the arms of the man she’d spend her life with.”
What could be better than a new Edwardian romance by Ro“But no dance had ever been like this dance, in the arms of the man she’d spend her life with.”
What could be better than a new Edwardian romance by Roseanna M. White? A Nutcracker-inspired Christmas one! Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor gift-wraps a charming story for readers, whether they are familiar with the elements of The Nutcracker or not. The inspiration of the classic plot does not overpower this one; rather it’s tucked away like a favorite sweet treat to discover, one that amplifies the story and will put a smile on your heart for sure.
Mariah is such a wonderful character, the kind of person you just can’t help but love. And even though some people think her silly (including her siblings and one of her potential suitors), she’s really just full of joy and imagination and delight in the little things. I very much enjoyed seeing the Christmas preparations around Plumford Manor through her eyes and finding in her a kindred spirit when it comes to loving our family holiday traditions and believing in romance. Cyril, for his part, embraces Mariah’s whimsical side with affection and is more often than not a willing participant in her fun-loving ideas. It’s clear in his actions and attitudes that he not only enjoys her approach to life but loves her all the more for it. Which made me love HIM all the more, along with his humble and genuine spirit. I even ended up liking the other guy vying for Mariah’s hand, though Soren’s frosty self did take me a while to warm up to, as it was intended to. His character growth across this novella, though, may just be my favorite part of the story – besides the romance and the Christmas cheer, of course.
Bottom Line: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White is my first historical holiday read of the season, and it delivered everything festive, snowy, and sweet with a delightful Edwardian flair. The characters are layered, despite the shorter page count, and White’s engaging writing voice shines against a Christmas backdrop. I loved experiencing a turn-of-the-century holiday with all the trimmings – snow, greenery, dancing, handmade toys, automatons, surprise treats and yummy sweets like warm gingerbread and of course sugar plums! And even though I don’t normally enjoy a love triangle, I can assuage any similar readers that this is a mostly painless one with everyone happy in the end, including me. Above it all, the tender message of how Christmas’ true meaning can miraculously change a heart truly touched mine. Consider this your invitation to Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor – you don’t want to miss it!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Y’all!!!!!!!!! YATES’ STORY IS HERE!!!!! I have been dyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiing for Yates’ story ever since he charmed his way into my heart in th4.5 stars
Y’all!!!!!!!!! YATES’ STORY IS HERE!!!!! I have been dyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiing for Yates’ story ever since he charmed his way into my heart in the first book with his humor, kindness, brains and, yes, brawn. Speaking of the latter… I also confess to drooling over him more than a little bit as he practices his gymnast skills throughout the whole series but especially in An Honorable Deception. Whew! Keep a fan handy, dear readers. Or just read his training scenes from the comfort of your freezer. In defense of my blatant shallowness, he’s part ‘incorrigible flirt’ (like Becky Wade’s Ty Porter or Carla Laureano’s James MacDonald), part ‘tortured showman with untapped depths’ (like Joanne Bischof’s Charlie Lionheart), and part The Scarlet Pimpernel… so can you blame me for being besotted? Roseanna M. White has been building our infatuation for Yates since book one, and she’s done a marvelous job of creating the kind of hero with whom we all fall helplessly in love.
Okay, on to more noble discussions (if we must). An Honorable Deception is more than just a swoony romance with intrigue. The Imposters’ latest investigation also shines a spotlight on an evil that is unfortunately both timeless and timely, and the author does so with sensitivity and grace – and multidimensional characters who touched my heart. Never mind that this story is set in Edwardian England; the vile behavior of society’s upper crust men toward marginalized women on these pages is as current as tomorrow morning’s headlines, abhorrently so. Enter The Imposters who are not only brilliant investigators but bighearted rescuers too. While there are moments in this book that will break your heart, to be sure, there are many more that will have you standing and applauding and cheering for light to triumph over darkness.
You will also discover that, while An Honorable Deception deals with some sobering topics, it is not a heavy read. On the contrary, I frequently chuckled over the delightful banter between Yates and Lavinia (whose character just blossomed in this book – and I loved it) or grinned like a smitten fool over some delicious kissing scenes (maybe between Yates & Alethia, maybe between Yates & Lavinia, you’ll have to read to find out for sure). I also clapped giddily at the appearance of characters from one of White’s previous series and the nod to another one, my fangirl heart turning all warm and glowy at the unexpected visit with those dear fictional friends. Needless to say, even as we wrestle with the fallout of grievous sin and its victims, the joys in this story hold fast.
Bottom Line: An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White treats readers to warmly-layered characters whose stories evoke a wide range of emotions. Intrigue, suspense, humor, faith, and a handful of hard-fought happily-ever-afters blend together seamlessly to keep your attention riveted and your engagement high… and I appreciated every minute of the roller coaster White took me on during this novel. Having Yates as the hero was well worth the wait (whew. still fanning. have mercy), and seeing him deeply loved at last – for all that he is – made me immensely happy. This might be my favorite series of White’s to date, though a full and thorough re-read of the others is needed to be sure (oh the sacrifices I make for accuracy), but I need no further research to say this: Put The Imposters – and An Honorable Deception – on your must-read list without delay!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
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