Book Review: Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

 

Dear Henry, Love Edith. Becca Kinzer. Tyndale House (2023). 373 pages. Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction.

First Line: "Henry grimaced, not sure which irritated him more - the persistent ache in his knee or the relentless voice in his ear."

Summary (Goodreads): After a short and difficult marriage, recently widowed Edith Sherman has learned her lesson. Forget love. Forget marriage. She plans to fill her thirties with adventure. As she awaits the final paperwork for a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town. The last thing she needs is a handsome local catching her eye. How inconvenient is that?

Henry Hobbes isn't exactly thrilled to have Edith, who he assumes is an elderly widow, dumped on him as a houseguest for the summer. But he'd do almost anything for his niece, who is practically like a sister to him given how close they are in age. Especially since Edith will be working nights and Henry works most days. When he and Edith keep missing each other in person, they begin exchanging notes--short messages at first, then longer letters, sharing increasingly personal parts of their lives.

By the time Henry realizes his mistake--that Edith is actually the brown-eyed beauty he keeps bumping into around town--their hearts are so intertwined he hopes they never unravel. But with her departure date rapidly approaching, and Henry's roots firmly planted at home, Edith must ultimately decide if the adventure of her dreams is the one right in front of her.

My thoughts: This is a fun romantic comedy that could easily be a movie. The author writes in such a way as to allow the reader to "play the movie" in their head.  She could take a simple sentence uttered by one of the characters and turn it into a hilarious mess.  I will admit it did feel a tad over-the-top at times.  

But, the story is not all fluff and light-heartedness.  There is some depth.  Edith and Henry have both had some difficult times in the past that are informing how they are living now.  They both have to do some soul searching.  Fortunately, each of them has a friend to give them a nudge in the right direction.  But, these things take time which is realistic, but also really frustrating for the reader!  Just when you think things are going the right direction, suddenly they are going the opposite way.  Yes, there was quite a bit of tension which kept me turning pages. 

The scenario is a funny one - two people live in the same house, but have not met.  As the story progressed and Henry discovered who Edith was, but chose to keep deceiving her, I was disappointed.  However, that didn't last long as Henry finally set out to right the wrongs and tell the truth.  And of course that didn't go smoothly either. 

Some of the themes are home, serving God, love, being good enough and self-doubt.  If you are looking for a light-hearted read with some depth, give this book a try.

Quotes:

"The light of the full moon guided her.  The muted brassy sound of big band music, competing with the tune of cicadas, followed her.  She folded her arms over her stomach, a sense of peace battling with a restless desire to run."

"'Let me get this straight,' Lance said, raising his voice to be heard above Frank Sinatra's croons.  'You're baring your soul to an old lady who's living in your house but you've never actually met.  You've got the hots for a lady you've met but don't know anything about.  And you're still going out with a lady who drives you crazy every time she talks, which is all the time.'"

Book Review: The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

 

The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians #3). Dani Pettrey. Bethany House (2022). 416 pages. Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction.

First Lines: "Early December.  Holly Ridge, North Carolina.  Crisp night air slapped his cheeks, but he'd long since learned to endure the elements."

Summary (from Goodreads): CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

My thoughts:  The Deadly Shallows has an intricately detailed plot along with two well developed romances.  I really like the way Dani Pettrey tells a story.

The books starts with a mass shooting at a graduation ceremony located on the Coast Guard base and attended by flight medic, Brooke Kesler.  Things quickly erupt into chaos.  Not only is Brooke traumatized by witnessing the shootings and being injured, she is needed to help treat other injured people.  The pace is intense and doesn't slow down.  There are some quieter moments between some of the characters, but they are short lived. 

The mystery that needs to be solved is who is behind the shootings and why.  Unfortunately, these are professional criminals and are difficult to find or trace.  Also, since Brooke was assigned to treat the one shooter who survived and he choose to whisper something to her just before going into surgery, she has become a target.  Noah Rowley was also injured in the shooting while trying to take down the shooters, but he doesn't let that slow him down.  Noah and Brooke are forced to spend lots of time together as they are working on staying safe and trying to figure out what happened.  As they spend more time together, they have to examine their feelings toward one another.  As is often the case, it's complicated.

There is a secondary storyline involving another member of Noah's CGIS team, Caleb, and female private investigator, Austin.  When Austin's dog becomes ill and is taken to the vet, the vet discovers the dog has been poisoned with a hard to identify substance.  Caleb takes a sample to the Coast Guard lab and they discover is has come from the sound near Austin's house.  This is also a complicated plot that was interesting to look into.  It involved the process of foam production and the waste chemicals involved in the process.  

The author was able to weave all of this together seamlessly.  The romances were always secondary, but provided a nice break from the action.  The characters from the first two books also make appearances as the team works together.  I'm becoming rather fond of them.  Thankfully there is one more book to go in this series.  I look forward to reading it!

Quotes:  

"With the majority of the surrounding houses dark for the night, the sky shone with sparks of illumination.  It reminded him just how small he was in the majesty of God's creation."

"Eye contact was crucial in Brooke's job.  If the patient couldn't see her intent and her reassuring gaze, they often slipped through her fingers rather than hanging on."

"'Vanilla is a perfectly good flavor.'  Once he found one he liked, why switch?"

Other books in the Coastal Guardians series:

The Killing Tide

The Crushing Depths

Book Review: A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

 

A Midnight Dance (A Midnight Dance #1). Joanna Davidson Politano. Revell (2021). 384 pages.  Genre:  Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance.

First Lines: "Covent Garden, London, 1833.  He was so very blue. That was all my scattered mind could gather as he sailed past the window of Craven Street Theatre."

Summary:  Ella Blythe has always loved to dance.  It's not surprising considering her mother was the famous Delphine Bessette and her father, whose identity is unknown to her, was also a dancer.  Delphine Bessette was badly burned in a fire and presumed dead.  But she survived and went on to give birth to Ella.  Delphine and Ella have always lived in seclusion.  Ella longs to dance at the Craven Street Theatre like her mother did.  But, her mother begs her not to.  She doesn't want Ella's life ruined like hers was.  

While Delphine is alive, Ella keeps her promise.  But once she is dead, Ella auditions and is accepted into the corps de ballet.  After working hard and receiving a scholarship, she has her wish of dancing at the Craven Street Theatre.  Part of her reason for wanting to be at Craven Street is to discover who her father is.  As she is preparing for her first show, she realizes that the world of the ballet is cut-throat.  Ella is not willing to do the things some of the other dancers do to secure their position in the hierarchy.  Will she be able to survive in this world of dance?

My thoughts:  I read the second book in this series a couple of months ago not realizing it was part of a series.  I loved it so much that I wanted to go back and read the first book.  However, each of these books could be read as a stand alone with out missing too much.  The characters from this book make an appearance in the second book, but it is a small part.

I took ballet when I was young and am always drawn to books about dancing.  When the book begins, Ella is fifteen-years-old and desperately wants to train to be part of the ballet.  Her mother has danced with her from a young age, but never leaves the house.  Just before Ella was born, there was a terrible fire at the Craven Street Theatre.  Her mother was believed to have died in that fire that was deliberately set.  She changed her name and has stayed in seclusion all these years.  Delphine loved to dance, but theatre life was cruel to her and she wants to protect Ella from that.  It was shocking and fascinating to learn about the life of a dancer in Victorian times.  The author gives a few more details in her Author's Note as well.

I really liked Ella as a character.  She worked hard for what she wanted, but she wasn't willing to  compromise her convictions to get it.  Because of this she received lots of ridicule.  Something she has always struggled with is feeling like she is not enough, both as a dancer and as a person.  This story is her journey of growth toward realizing that she is enough.  It is also a beautiful example of giving glory to God in everything you do. 

Jack Dorian is the choreographer at the theatre.  He is known for being charming, wild and a ladies' man.  Ella does not make life easy for Jack.  She refuses to be charmed by him and assumes that anytime is offering her something, he expects something in return.  Eventually, when she has no other choice, she decides to accept a kindness her offers her.  She keeps telling herself that eventually Jack will want something in return.  I enjoyed watching Ella and Jack's relationship grow.  

Ella wants to learn who her father is and who set the fire that almost took her mother's life.  There are so many layers to this mystery.  Just when I thought she was getting close to the truth, there was another twist.  In the end, Ella discovers what she needs to and many things she didn't know she needed.  

This was a beautifully written story full of vibrant, deep characters.  I highly recommend it.

Quotes: 

"'Always maintain marvelous posture, even in little things - smaller roles, backstage conversations, darning a pair of shoes - make beauty and elegance a way of life, even in the mundane moments, and they cannot help but notice you shining in your little corner.'"

"Already he felt freer, calmer, simply being outside."

"'A great many things that were originally noble and beautiful have been tarnished by this world, but that doesn't change what they were originally created to be.'"

The second book in the series:

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

Book Review: Alaskan Sanctuary by Teri Wilson

 

Alaskan Sanctuary (Alaskan Wilderness #5). Teri Wilson. Love Inspired (2015). 217 pages. Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction.

First Line: "'Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf?'"

Summary (Goodreads): Piper Quinn is fighting for the future of her wolf sanctuary. A painful childhood has taught her to be more comfortable with animals than humans—especially the beautiful wolves of Aurora, Alaska. So when reporter Ethan Hale arrives to cover her struggling shelter—and deems the wolves a danger to the community—she's ready to prove him wrong. A former park ranger, Ethan's seen just enough tragedy to support his claim. Soon their difference of opinion is front-page news. And Piper and Ethan must reconcile their opposing views with their stubborn hearts that are quickly finding refuge in each other.

My thoughts:  Often when I go on vacation, I like to take books that have been sitting on my shelf for a while.  Alaskan Sanctuary met the criteria and sounded intriguing.  What I didn't realize until after I read the book, is that it is the final book in a series.  However, I never felt like I was missing anything during my reading.  Looking into the series a little more revealed that all the books take place in Alaska, but have different characters and scenarios.  

My interest was peaked from the very first page and I don't mean the first page of the story.  The author dedicated the book to the people and wolves at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center and went on to thank them in her acknowledgements.  That told me the author had done some research on wolves and I was in for a learning adventure.  I was not disappointed.

Piper Quinn has developed a heart for wolves and is working hard to find funding for her wolf sanctuary.  She has two wolves living in the sanctuary and has become friends with them.  If that sounds a little frightening to you, I understand, I felt the same way.  However, the author did a wonderful job of informing the reader about these magnificent animals and their habits and she did it all in a natural way through the main character's thoughts and dialogue with others. I liked Piper.  She is a lonely soul who has been hurt and is afraid to open up to others.  She has a big heart and has found solace in caring for the wolves.  

I wasn't sure what to think of Ethan Hale at first.  But as the story went on and we learned something about his past, I warmed up to him.  He is a man dealing with past pain that is informing the decisions he is making in the present.  I didn't blame Piper for not trusting him.  

There is a lot to work through when Ethan's article comes out and makes the wolf sanctuary seem like a danger to society.  Ethan soon realizes that he was hasty in his assessment of what Piper is doing and hopes to do with the sanctuary and amends need to be made.  There was also a mystery to solve and a bit of suspense.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in Alaska.  I'm not sure I will go back and read the other books in the series, but I will definitely look for more books by Teri Wilson.

Quotes:

"She was consciously aware of the fact that she spent the majority of her time with wolves.  For the most part, she preferred it that way.  Wolves were easier to understand than most people.  Wolves had an organized, predictable social structure.  You knew where you stood with wolves.  Wolves didn't lie.  And they didn't keep secrets.  Not that they were particularly noble.  Like other animals, they were simply incapable of deception."

"The crisp morning air swirled with snowflakes as she led him down the path toward the wolf enclosures, their footsteps muffled by a blanket of pine needles." 

"Snow drifted down from a sky the color of glaciers in springtime and surrounded them in a feathery embrace.  The wind whispered through the lonely forest, and it sounded almost like a sigh. "

Book Review: A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh

A Cross-Country Christmas. Courtney Walsh (2021). 242 pages. Genre: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction.

First Line of the Prologue:  "Texts from Spencer to Lauren: December 1st, 8:32 am. 'I know you hate talking on the phone so I'm trying your favorite mode of communication... I figured out a way for you to get home for Christmas... Since you promised you would - Call me!'"

Summary: Lauren promised her brother she would come home for Christmas this year.  She is not a fan of Christmas, but Spencer's wife is having a baby and Lauren promised she'd be there.  Home is in Chicago, which is a long way from California.  Besides not being a fan of Christmas, Lauren is not a fan of flying.  

Spencer's best friend from high school, Will Sinclair, is also heading from California to Chicago for Christmas.  Spencer has arranged for Lauren to ride with Will.  The problem is Lauren has no desire to ride with Will.  You see, Lauren had a crush on Will for many years and he broke her heart.  But her fear of flying is stronger than her dislike of Will, so she accepts the ride.  

My thoughts:  Courtney Walsh has created some realistic, relatable, likeable characters in Will and Lauren.  

Lauren has a difficult past.  Not only with Will, but with her parents.  She has created a wall around herself for protection.  She is afraid of being hurt again, although she might not readily admit that.  She has a successful career as a set designer for TV shows and pours herself into that.  She has a best friend and a brother who loves her, what more does she need.  She is also convinced that people can't change.  She is organized and independent.  I could relate to her on many levels.

Will also had a difficult past, but it was of his own making.  He has a great family and was blessed with a stable upbringing.  But, somewhere along the way, he began making bad choices.  Because of those choices, he lost something he loved.  Now, he lives his life trying to make up for his past.  Unfortunately, Lauren remembers the bad choices and doesn't know that he's trying to live differently.  As they ride together, she is closed off and cold.  She doesn't want to let him in, but she begins to wonder if maybe he has changed.  

I loved the way this story was told.  It was realistic, fun and humorous.  But Will and Lauren also deal with some heavy issues.  They both change and grow throughout the story.  The romance is gradual and sweet.  The road trip was an interesting plot and allowed me to see the sights with them as they drove.

Some of the themes are second chances, love, believing the best about someone, friendship, family, the consequences of bad choices, and forgiveness. 

I wasn't ready to leave Will and Lauren and especially Will's family.  So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned there is a sequel coming out in November!  I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.

Quotes:

"Lauren's heart raced like a dog in a house with an Amazon Prime truck pulling up outside."

"He hadn't seen her in a lot of years, but in that time, she had not only grown up, she had also apparently planted a grudge against him.  He wasn't exactly sure why, but decided to put it in the 'not my problem' thought box."

"She was probably one of those women who was insulted when a man tried to hold the door open for her.  It was impossible to know how to act these days.  He'd been taught to be a gentleman, but now that was insulting."

"She was a caffeine addict, and she really didn't care."

Book Review: The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey

The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2). Dani Pettrey. Bethany House (2020). 320 pages. Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction.

First Line: "Late September.  Thirty-eight miles off North Carolina's Coast. Greg Barnes clinked along the grated metal steps, his boot heels rasping with each shuffle as he headed topside for a much-needed breath of smoke."

Summary:  Coast Guard Investigative Services agent Rissi Dawson has been assigned a new partner.  When he walks in however, she is stunned.  Her new partner is Mason Rogers, the boy who was in the same foster home with her when she was a teenager.  The boy who always comforted and protected her when things went bad.  She hasn't had contact with him since the day he aged out of care.  

Rissi and Mason are assigned to investigate a death that happened on oil rig off the coast.  There are too many coincidences in the case for there not to have been foul play.  To complicate matters, many of the sailors believe in a curse and are convinced that is what is causing bad things to happen.  Will Rissi and Mason be able to uncover the truth before more deaths occur?

My thoughts:  I rarely read books in a series one after another.  But, after reading the first book in the Coastal Guardians series, I couldn't wait to see what happened next.  The Crushing Depths picks up just a few weeks after The Killing Tide ends.

Rissi Dawson is a character we were introduced to in the first book.  We were given glimpses of her past.  I was eager to learn more about where she had come from and what she had endured.  My curiosity was satisfied in this book.  Not only that, but Mason, the boy who always watched out for her and who she had a crush on, has reappeared in her life.  Now they have been paired together in a work environment.  Fortunately, both are professional enough to realize they need to focus on their work.  However, both wonder if the other feels the same.  The romance is realistic and sweet.  

The mystery of what happened on the oil rig is complicated.  The death is deemed an accident.  But, the circumstances are too specific to be a coincidence.  As Rissi and Mason investigate, their lives are put in peril.  There is plenty of action and suspense.  As part of the investigation they need to find out more about the curse that many of the sailors believe in.  It was interesting to learn about this.  There were many layers that needed to be uncovered.

A secondary storyline involves Noah and Brooke, a Coast Guard Medic.  Someone is stalking and threatening her.  She thinks it is an ex-boyfriend.  However, as Noah investigates, the threats keep coming.  Some of them were chilling.

Once again I enjoyed the team working together.  The dynamics between them are a lot of fun.  I also enjoy the unique setting and job that they do.  I don't live near an ocean and know very little about what is involved in the Coast Guard.  This is an interesting way to learn a little about it.  

This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. 

Quotes:

"Instead of an apartment, he'd gone with a cool seventies-style beach cottage on the sound side of Wrightsville Beach.  Tall marshes dotted the waterways on her left.  The sound of seagulls squawking contrasted with the beautiful silence of the white-and-gray egret standing regally at the marsh's edge."

"'That was the first and only time I saw Senior Chief smile.  He went on to explain that there's military bearing and gentlemanly bearing and that the two aren't mutually exclusive.  That talk anchored in my brain.'"

Book Review: The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey

The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians #1). Dani Pettrey. Bethany House (2019). 347 pages. Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction.

First Line: "Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Fire ripped through Finn's right shoulder, ricocheting down his arm."

Summary (Goodreads): A Corpse That Only Leads to Secrets. 

An Old Flame with Danger Written all over Her.

Things Are about to Get Very Complicated.

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

The already volatile situation is complicated even further by the arrival of Gabby Rowley--Finn's boss's sister and an investigative reporter with unrelenting questions about the crime. Now that she's returned, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My thoughts:  Dani Pettrey is an author I have not read before, so it took me several chapters to get into the flow of the story.  But once I did, I couldn't read it fast enough.  

The investigative team involved in the series is the Coast Guard Investigative Service, so much of the action takes place on the water.  The book opens with a heart-wrenching rescue scene that goes bad followed by a chase scene through the streets of downtown.  The difficulty for me came in keeping the characters straight and feeling like I was missing something.  This didn't last long and I wasn't missing anything, the author was just revealing some of the characters' past and it caused to wonder if these characters had been in another book.  They weren't and more of the past story emerged as this story proceeded.  

Each of the members of the team plays a unique role.  I really enjoyed getting to know each of them and cared about them.  This story is primarily Finn and Gabby's, but we get to know the other characters as well.  I especially enjoyed scenes where the team would meet to go over the evidence gathered.  It gave me an NCIS (the tv show) vibe and helped to pull things together.  

Finn is likeable hero who is flawed, but takes his job seriously.  He cares about his team members and doesn't like to leave anyone behind.  Gabby is head-strong and driven and often took unnecessary risks just to get a story.  She seemed selfish at times, but just when I was thinking I didn't like her too much, she would check herself and realize she had been acting selfishly and correct it.  Being a reporter, her involvement in the investigation seemed a little unrealistic, but the author did a good job of providing an explanation.  

Figuring out if and how the two storylines intersected kept me guessing.  There were plenty of suspects, many of whom the team hoped weren't involved.  There were so many twists and surprises, it was hard to put the book down.  

I enjoyed this one so much that I immediately started on the second book in the series.  It picks up just a few weeks after this one.  If you are looking for edge-of-your-seat suspense with some great characters and some romance, give this series a try.

Quotes:

"Did she always put the story above all else? And did that include everyone? Did she put the story before God and His will for her life? She always assumed the pursuit of truth was what He wanted for her life, but she'd never actually prayed and asked Him to reveal His will.  She preferred to assume the insatiable drive in her - the urge to discover the truth - was created in her from the start."

"The moonlight shone through the upper windowpane, a cool breeze sweeping through the lower screen.  The air was growing heavy - the sign of another storm rolling in."

"The scent of corn bread and fresh chili swirled in the air, mixing with the burnt coffee smell that Gabby insisted was the worst way to describe the wonderful smell of roasting coffee beans emanating from the gold roasting machine."

Book Review: A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg

A Seaside Wonder (Muir Harbor #2). Melissa Tagg. Larkspur Press (2022). 383 pages. Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance.

First Line: "If not for the proprietor's name on the little shop's window, Philip might never have thought of it again."

Summary:  Indi Muir has never recovered from the decision she made eleven years ago.  Since then her life has seemed to be a series of distractions to help her forget.  When her ex-fiance returns to Muir Harbor with news that is going to force her to face what she has been running from, Indi begins to feel like her carefully constructed world is falling apart.  To top it off, someone has been sneaking around Muir Farm looking for something.  

When his mother died, Professor Philip West was ,made guardian of his half-sister, Holland.  This caused him to move back to Maine and into his grandfather's house, a place that feels cold and lonely.  Holland doesn't seem to want Philip around and is sure she can take care of herself.  Encouraged by a friend to get away for a while and take Holland with him, Philip decides to return to Muir Harbor, a place that made him feel at home.  It all sounded ideal in theory, but in practice it is more complicated than he imagined.

My thoughts: Melissa Tagg is quickly becoming a favorite author.  A Seaside Wonder drew me in from the very beginning.  This is the second book in the Muir Harbor series and we step into the story at a place overlapping with the previous book, but from a different perspective.  Autumn by the Sea was told from Neil Muir and Sydney's perspective.  This book is told from Indi Muir and Philip's perspective.  Stepping into part of the story we already knew was a unique and interesting twist.

Indi Muir was adopted by Maggie Muir when she was a baby, so this is the only family she has ever known.  Just after high school, she made a life changing decision.  Since that time she has done all she can to make up for it.  If she stays busy, she won't have time to think or feel.  Indi thinks her family and others see her as a mess - as someone who doesn't think before she acts and gets herself into difficult situations.  The reality is that her family sees her as a talented, creative and kind young woman who has the confidence to take risks.  I loved the way the author took us along on Indi's journey of growth.

You couldn't help liking Philip from the very beginning.  He is generally quiet, shy, studious and some would say boring.  But he is also funny, kind, practical and thoughtful.  After his best friend's wife describes him as "shy and bookish", he had this conversation:

    "'Shy and bookish are not insults.  Not according to my wife.  She says it makes you endearing.'

    'I don't want to be endearing and I don't want to be having this conversation.'"

The opening scene where Indi and Philip meet - the meet-cute - is hilarious.  

While there is romance, there is so much more to the story.  There are themes of abandonment, family - birth family, found family, who is your family - , grief, love, faith, loyalty, prayer, loss, failure, and being thankful for what you have.  Once again, this story has a little romance, a little mystery and a little family drama.  Together they made a wonderful story full of depth and humor with a satisfying ending.  There were several story lines that were begun in the first book that continue in this one.  Some are brought to conclusion, some are advanced and some have not yet been finished.  

If this book sounds interesting to you, I would recommend you start with the first book, Autumn by the Sea.  It is a story you won't want to miss and you will be introduced to the Muir family and Muir Harbor.  Now I will be eagerly awaiting spring because that is when the next installment of Muir Harbor will be available.  

Quotes:

"The night air felt fragile somehow, a crystalline moon tucked into black velvet, the morning's mild temps lost to a brittle breeze that wisped its way in and around the bare branches of Muir Farm's backyard trees."

"... no, none of this had been chance.  All of it had been a gift from the God who was teaching him how to wonder again.  Teaching him through the beauty of a seaside farm and a tiny town at the edge of a lit-up harbor.  Through all the ups and downs of finding his place in Holland's life."

"'Look at Maggie.  She doesn't pretend she doesn't have holes in her heart where Robert and Diana and her granddaughter should've been.  But she still has beauty and joy and love in her life.  She's figured out how to live in the tension between honest heartache and steadfast hope.  She's put her trust in a God who...who maybe doesn't make every crack disappear, but who holds all her broken pieces tenderly.  Who heals her simply by being with her.  Staying with her.'"

Book Review: Sundown by Susan May Warren

Sundown (Sky King Ranch #3). Susan May Warren. Fleming H. Revell (2022). 368 pages. Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction.

First Line: "Colt Kingston was in worse shape than he thought."

Summary:  Taylor Price has been helping out at Sky King Ranch while she recovers from the events that led to a plane crash.  In fact, she helped nurse Delta Force operator, Colt Kingston back to health after he was beaten to within an inch of his life by terrorists.  Now that Colt is on the mend, Taylor is ready to talk about what led the plane to crash.  The problem is her story is hard to believe.  It involves the Russian Mafia, a kidnapping, her attempts to crash the plane and her survival of the crash. But, when they locate the downed plane, everything Taylor has said proves to be true.  And if it is true, Taylor's life and the lives of many other people are in danger.  As Taylor goes into hiding, Colt, with the help of his brothers and their connections, set out on a mission to eliminate the threat.  

My thoughts:  In this final book in the Sky King Ranch trilogy, Susan May Warren has given her readers another hard-to-put-down story.  

Colt Kingston, ex-Delta Force operator, has been living out of a duffle bag for ten years.  After an altercation with one of his brothers, he has not wanted to return to the ranch in Alaska.  But, after being severely injured by terrorists in Nigeria, he has no where else to go.  Of the three Kingston brothers, Colt is the one who seems the most fearless.  He is always first to enter the fray and often takes chances that others wouldn't.  Some think this is because Colt doesn't value his life and is being reckless.  Colt doesn't see it that way or does he?  He definitely has some things to work through and he does just that in this story.  

Taylor Price is a a doctor of infectious diseases and a medical scientist who is trying to create a treatment for a deadly virus.  That is why she was kidnapped.  Someone wanted to stop her work so that they could use the deadly virus as a weapon.  Taylor is brave and smart, but she doesn't know who she can trust.  She suspects there is no one she can trust. Taylor also has some things to work through, but first she has to save the world. 

Every time I read a book by Susan May Warren, I find myself being so thankful for the men and women who daily protect our country from threats.  She gives me a deeper understanding of the costs of serving in this way.  But she also highlights the reality that each of us is created with gifts and talents by God for a specific purpose.  In this story, Colt is seen by some as being reckless.  But he has saved so many lives by his actions.  God has given him the ability to take risks that others won't.  We need people like that.  On the other hand, Taylor is not someone who regularly takes physical risks, but she daily examines terrifying diseases and works hard to figure out how to stop them.  She is not afraid to step into the middle of a situation that has left someone injured.  We also need people like that. 

In the middle of all of that, there is romance blossoming between Colt and Taylor.  At times, it felt like the romance was bogging the story down.  But, that was a minor thing.  

Overall, this was a great conclusion to the Sky King Ranch trilogy.  There were several loose ends tied up.  I will be sad to say good-bye to these characters, but if I know Susan May Warren, some of these characters will make appearances in future books.  I look forward to seeing what is next.

Quotes:

"Tae sat on the deck of her tiny cabin that overlooked the lake on Kingston property, the mountains tracing their outline against the magnificent blue sky.  The sun shone through wispy clouds, and the scent of wildflowers layered the air."

"'You don't have to control every moment, plan every step.  Maybe you just say yes to the doors God opens.'"

"'The role of a soldier isn't to ask why, or even determine the course of the fight.  Our job is to just say yes.'"

"'People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."' George Orwell

Book Review: From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling

 

From This Day Forward (Song of Blessing #4). Lauraine Snelling. Bethany House Publishers (2016). 368 pages. Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance. 

First Line: "'When will it be my turn?' Deborah MacCallister paused to sniff a spray of lilac."

Summary:  The town of Blessing, North Dakota is growing quickly.  The hospital is now well established, but short handed.  The men of the town have their hands full trying to build a school and some homes before winter comes.  Since the school teacher moved away, they are in need of a new teacher before summer's end.  Head nurse Deborah MacCallister needs to go to Chicago for training on hospital administration.  Tensions are running high as the people are overworked.  Led by Ingeborg  Bjorklund and John Solberg, the residents pull together through prayer and hard work.  

My thoughts: It is always refreshing to return to this series.  The town of Blessing was settled by the Bjorklund family in the late 1800's.  From This Day Forward takes place in the early 1900's.  Each of the stories in this series has a strong sense of family, community and faith.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the hospital and how much I learn about medicine and doctoring during this time period.  This story has less of that than the others in the series, but there is still enough to satisfy my curiosity.  

Ingeborg is our main character and all of the other characters are touched by her in some way.  Some are related, others are just loved by her.  She is a woman with a strong faith in God.  She helps out in whatever way she can, whether by preparing food, driving the tractor or just being available to talk. She is always taking care of someone.  She is now a widow and her children are grown, but she has "adopted" a girl and a woman in need of a home.  

Another main storyline involves Head Nurse Deborah MacCallister.  She has loved Toby Valders since they were children, but he doesn't seem to be able to make a commitment.  Toby does care about Deborah, but realizes he is afraid of making a commitment.  After doing some soul searching and talking with trusted friends, he begins to realize his fear has to do with his past.  It is only after acknowledging his fear that he can begin to change. 

This is the final book in the series and I am sad to see it end.  The entire Blessing series is twenty books long, however it is made up of smaller series.  I have only read the four books in The Song of Blessing series.  I imagine the entire series is great, but I had no problem starting here.  If you are interested in this series I recommend you start with the first book in the Song of Blessing series, To Everything a Season.  If you are really ambitious and want to start at the very beginning, the first book is An Untamed Land. 

Quotes: 

"Back in bed, she listened to the night sounds, the singing crickets, an owl hooting, the breeze lifting the lace curtains."

"'How come your house always feels so peaceful?'

'I imagine because the Lord of peace lives here.  And He fills our house and hearts with His love.'"

"She could feel the smile lifting her face and see the morning breeze setting the lace curtain to dancing."

Book Review: Sunburst by Susan May Warren

Sunburst (Sky King Ranch #2). Susan May Warren. Fleming H. Revell (2022). 353 pages. Genre: Romantic Suspense. 

First Line of Prologue: "Four years ago... Ranger wasn't here to get into trouble, but wow, she was pretty."

Summary:  Ranger Kingston, former Navy SEAL, is part of a mission to rescue his brother and others from a terrorist in Nigeria.  Among the hostages rescued is Noemi Sutton, a woman Ranger met years ago and never thought he would see again.  

Noemi Sutton is working for an organization attempting to unite refugee orphans with their families.  They were captured after discovering a village where everyone had died of smallpox.  But, why were they taken?  As they attempt to find a safe place to hide, it seems they can't escape the terrorists.  When they finally find refuge at the home of Noemi's uncle, who happens to be a king, things get really complicated. 

My thoughts:  When I read a novel by Susan May Warren, I expect a story filled with danger, adventure and a little romance.  This story did have all of that, however I think the romance played a bigger role.  

There was plenty of danger, suspense and adventure though.  Escaping from terrorists, not making it to the rescue helicopter in time, getting lost in the jungle and discovering that Noemi's uncle is a king all made for a very adventurous story.  The highlight was a Nigerian wedding.  The author includes a note to the reader at the beginning of the book explaining that her daughter-in-law is Nigerian and that she had always dreamed of having a traditional Nigerian wedding.  Because of the pandemic, she and the author's son were not able to have that type of wedding.  Warren worked with her daughter-in-law to create the wedding she had always wanted in this book.  

Even without the usual amount of heart-pumping danger and suspense, this was still a page turner.  The terrorists are still following them even after they think they are safe.  Figuring out how they have been able to follow them is tricky, especially when they don't know why Noemi has been targeted.  On top of that, Ranger and Noemi are working through their feelings for one another. 

I really liked Ranger.  He is a man of duty and won't let anything get in the way of that.  However, that has caused him to put his job as a SEAL ahead of everything else in his life including his family and a possible relationship with Noemi.  He is struggling with a physical problem that has caused him to have to leave the Navy.  This has caused him to question who he is, since that was his identity.  

Noemi is more of a free spirit and doesn't think she needs anyone.  Her father was Master Chief Sutton, a trainer in the SEAL program.  When Noemi was growing up he trained her in how to protect herself.  She thinks she can take care of herself.  

Most of the story takes place in Nigeria, but there is some of the story that takes place at Sky King Ranch in Alaska.  Both are such beautiful locations and we do get a glimpse of each one.  

Sunburst was a great addition to the Sky King Ranch series.  If you haven't already read the first book in the series, Sunrise, I would encourage you to start there.  This is a great series and I am looking forward to the next story.

Quotes:

"Noemi had been in plenty of open markets around the world, and they all possessed the same sort of local energy - men shouting prices, bickering, the exhaust of trucks and the bustle of workers unloading potatoes, rice, tomatoes.  The odor of fresh fish mixed with the robust scent of grilling meat, the cluck of penned hens, the thump of music from a nearby cafe, and of course the push and shove of the crowd."

"Her aunties had spent four hours on her makeup - including false eyelashes - and then arranging an elaborate headwrap that looked like a golden fluff of whipped cream.  They'd even giver her false nails, painted coral.  And then came the dress.  Deep, emerald-green skirt that hugged her hips before flaring out in ruffles to the floor, with gold stars embroidered into the hem."

"'You've always spent your life looking forward, the destination in mind.  But faith is stepping forward without knowing the destination. Your job, as a warrior of the Lord, is to listen.  To walk in faith.'"

Book Review: A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

A Sky Painted Gold. Laura Wood. Scholastic (2018). 392 pages. Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance. 

First Lines of Prologue: "It all started with an apple.  Trouble often does, I suppose, and this particular apple was a real troublemaker - a Pendragon, red-fleshed and sweet, that I stole from someone else's orchard."

Summary:  Louise Trevelyan is the second daughter in a large, close-knit family.  Her older sister, Alice, is getting married and Louise is feeling lost.  She has taken to making her way to a large, abandoned house, the Cardew House, on an island near her home.  She visits the orchard and has discovered an unlocked window that lets her into the home.  There is an extensive library inside and Louise loses herself in detective novels.  

One evening she notices activity at the house.  She climbs a tree to better view what is going on.  Before long a man makes his way to the tree and lights a cigarette.  Soon, he begins talking to her.  She can't believe he spotted her.  Eventually, he convinces her to come down and invites her inside. She refuses.  He insists that his sister would love to meet her.  Before long she receives an invitation from Caitlin herself.  Louise is soon swept into a world completely different from her own and struggles to find her place in either one.

My thoughts:  I have not read many books in the Young Adult genre and wasn't sure what to expect.  I was captivated by this story.  The story takes place in 1929 on the Cornish coast.  Louise is the second oldest of eight children.  Her father is a farmer and they live in a ramshackle farmhouse.  Alice, the oldest child, is getting married when the story opens.  She and her fiancee have been in love for as long as Louise can remember.  She sees it in the way the look at one another.  Alice is only two years older than Louise, but Louise can't imagine feeling that way about a man.  

After Louise is discovered in the apple tree, by none other than Robert Cardew himself, her life changes.  She begins spending days at the Cardew House with Robert, Caitlin and their friends.  Their parents are both dead, but the house is staffed with servants.  They have parties with Jazz music that Louise has only dreamed about.  Robert finds them boring, which is why he has escaped to the orchard.  Robert finds Louise's matter-of-fact way of viewing the world refreshing.  Caitlin and her friends also find her to be something of a novelty and enjoy having her around.  Louise does worry that they will become bored with her eventually.

The descriptions of the countryside and the parties are mesmerizing.  It was easy to get lost in the world the author created.  There was a nice mix of the hedonistic, party life and the sweet home life of Louise's family.  The author does a nice job of  giving the reader a taste of the party atmosphere without delving too deeply into it. There is a definite Great Gatsby feel to the story.  

"The night is clear and calm.  When I reach the beach, the sea is quite still, its gentle rippling waves filling the air with a muted rushing sound. The Cardew House is lit up like a birthday cake, and if I strain my ears I can just about hear the echo of music and laughter being carried across to the shore."

Throughout the story Louise realizes that this dream life will end with the coming of autumn.  The Cardews will return to London and she will have to figure out what she is going to do with her life.  She has also discovered that the Cardew family has secrets.  Caitlin seems to be wasting away, "burning up", as one character describes her.  Louise longs to be taken into her confidence, but Caitlin insists she is fine.  

This is a complex story.  It is a coming-of-age story, but it is also so much more.  It is a story of two families and explores things like race, class, the place of women in society, marriage and friendship.  

This is one of my favorite reads of the year.  When I was finished, I wanted to start again.  A Sky Painted Gold was Laura Wood's debut novel.  She has written two more and I look forward to reading them. 

Quotes:

"A nearby crunching on the gravel drive jolts me and sends me hurtling - not too daintily - into some shrubbery. A couple in the most gorgeous evening wear sway into view, clearly under the influence of something even stronger than Aunt Cath's ginger wine.  I hold my breath.  This is what it must be like seeing a lion in the wild."

"She looks like a fairy princess, floating in a cloud of white silk and chiffon.  White feathers crown  her shingled head, although her pale hair looks almost silver in this light.  Several strings of pearls are wrapped around her slender neck, and on her feet are the most gorgeous white silk slippers, a bit like you'd expect a prima ballerina to wear. "

"I may not want exactly what my sister has, but I know her love for Jack is real.  It's honest and precious, and she values it above anything.  And that's what I want.  Not this game, not this refusal to care properly about anything.  It's heartless.  It makes people disposable.  People like me."

Book Review: Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart

Nine Coaches Waiting. Mary Stewart. Hodder & Stoughton (2011) (First Published 1958). 455 pages. Genre:  Romantic Suspense, Gothic.

First Line: "I was thankful that nobody was there to meet me at the airport."

Summary: Linda Martin has taken a job as governess for orphaned, young, Phillipe, Comte de Valmy.  She has been living in England, but was raised in France.  Madame de Valmy has made it clear that she wants an English girl as governess who will be able to teach Philippe English.  Because of this, Linda hides the fact that she speaks French fluently.  Philippe takes an immediate liking to Miss Martin and the rest of the family is relieved to have someone looking after him.  It is important that he is well looked after since, upon the death of his parents, he became heir to the de Valmy estate.  As Linda gets to know the family, she feels that something isn't quite right.  When Philippe narrowly misses death in two different accidents, Linda begins to wonder whether he is safe.  As rumors circulate, Linda doesn't know who to believe.  What she knows for certain is she must keep Phillipe safe.

My thoughts:  Linda Martin is a very likeable heroine.  She is young, but wise for her years.  She spent seven years in an orphanage and learned how to take care of herself.  She doesn't expect things to be handed to her and is very willing to accept her place in life as a servant.  She has a soft spot for Phillipe as he has also been orphaned recently.  

After the death of his parents, Phillipe has been living with his Uncle Leon de Valmy and Aunt Heloise at Chateau Valmy.  The chateau belonged to Phillipe's father, Etienne.  However, Leon and Heloise have been managing it while Etienne and his family lived in Paris.  Leon's son, Raoul, has been attempting to manage Leon's property, Bellevigne. Unfortunately, Leon has let many things go and Raoul has his hands full trying to keep the place up.  After an automobile accident, Leon was confined to a wheelchair.  He is an intimidating man.  Linda is afraid of him.  On the surface he seems to like Linda, but she doesn't trust him.  Heloise is kind, but can be cold.  She is unwell and needs pills to help her feel normal.  Linda is never quite sure what to think of her. 

There are two potential suitors in Linda's life.  However, she never has any doubt which one she prefers.  There are some very fun, Cinderella-like scenes in the story.  The de Valmy family traditionally holds a dance and decided to go ahead with it even though the death of Etienne and his wife is very recent.  Madame and Monsieur de Valmy invite Linda to attend.  She has nothing suitable to wear, but has saved some money and is able to go to the little town and buy some fabric.  Fortunately, she has sewing skills and makes a beautiful dress.  

As the story progresses the suspense really picks up.  Linda is warned that Phillipe's life is in danger.  She is not sure whether to believe it or not, but decides that she doesn't want to take any chances with Phillipe's life.  The two of them escape in the middle of the night and flee through the woods.  They find some shelter for the night, only to be nearly discovered.  They are hungry, tired, dirty and don't know who to trust. 

Mary Stewart is such a great writer.  I was enthralled through the entire story.  Her descriptions of the French countryside made me feel like I was there.  The night scenes are especially memorable.  I also enjoyed all the literary references.  Each chapter begins with a quote from literature, as well as other references throughout the story.  

I am so glad I finally got around to reading this author and I look forward to discovering other great books by her. 

Quotes:

"And at the edge of the pavement there were the flowers; tubs of tulips and freesias and the scarlet globes of ranunculus; box after box of polyanthus, vivid-eyed; daffodils, sharply yellow; the deep drowned-purple of pansies; irises with crown and fall of white and ivory and blue and deeper blue ... oh, beautiful!"

"I found Buchan, too, and Conan Doyle, and a host of forgotten or never-known books that, gratefully, I devoured - forcing myself to ignore that irrational feeling drilled into me in the seven years at the Home that Reading was a Waste of Time."

"'He's as finicky as a five-times-table, and about as lively."

"An owl called below me, down in the woods; called again.  Its muted melancholy found too ready an echo in me.  I felt tired and depressed."

 

Book Review: The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Sweet Life (Cape Cod Creamery #1). Suzanne Woods Fisher. Fleming H. Revell Company (2022). 308 pages. Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction. 

First Line: "Dawn parked in front of her childhood home in Needham but couldn't make herself get out of the car."

Summary:  Dawn Dixon never expected to spend her honeymoon without her groom and with her mother.  But that is exactly what she finds herself doing.  After breaking their engagement just two months before the wedding, Kevin offered their hotel reservations to Dawn saying they were already paid for and no refund was possible.  So, Dawn took him up on the offer and decided to invite her mom, Marnie Dixon, to come along.  Dawn's father passed away less than a year ago, so she figures her mom could use some time away.  

The two of them are doing their best to rest and heal.  But when Marnie buys an old, run-down ice cream shop, Dawn thinks her mom is crazy.  Or maybe in denial.  After the initial shock and frustration wear off, Dawn agrees to stay just for the summer and help her mom get the shop cleaned up. In order to do that though, Dawn will need to take a leave of absence from her job in Boston.  Dawn has been working her way up the ladder of an accounting firm and is poised to make partner.  Staying in Cape Cod will most likely mean giving up the partnership.  Will spending the summer helping her mom be worth the loss of the partnership?  Dawn can't imagine it will, but it feels like the right thing to do.  As the two of them begin working on the overwhelming clean up and restoration, Dawn learns that there is more to life than climbing ladders. 

My thoughts: The Sweet Life was such a great read!  I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end.  The book jacket lists it as Contemporary Romance.  I'm not sure that I would classify it that way.  There is some romance, but it is actually pretty minor.   It is mostly about a mother and daughter who have very different personalities learning to work together and appreciate one another.  

Dawn Dixon is the type of woman who plans everything and follows the plan.  She has a hard time working off of her plan because that might mean she will not reach her goals. She is known as a hard worker and has earned the name Teflon Dawn.  

Marnie Dixon, on the other hand, likes to be spontaneous and decide what strikes her fancy in the moment.  She is very creative and can sometimes be impulsive.  Dawn has a hard time trusting her to do what she says she will do.

There are some great supporting characters as well.  Lincoln Hayes, a local who volunteers on a daily basis to various charitable causes.  He gives his afternoons to helping Dawn and Marnie get the creamery ready for opening day.  Leo the Cowboy, a five-year-old who loves ice cream and is always a willing taster.  Nanette, owner of the t-shirt shop across the street.  If there is anything you need to know about anyone, Nanette is your gal.  Mrs. Nickerson-Eldredge, descendent of the original founders of the town.  It is her job to reinforce the historical standards of the town.  

Dawn and Marnie develop a rhythm to their days.  Basically they stay out of one another's way.  But, as they are working independently, they are also growing and changing and healing.  Some of the themes in the book are grief, fear, disappointment, determining what is really important in life, patience, friendship, the role of faith and stepping out of your comfort zone. Even though Dawn and Marnie have been through some very difficult situations, there is a thread of hope that runs through the entire story.  

Thankfully, this is the first book of a planned series because I was not quite ready to leave Dawn, Marnie and the rest of the cast quite yet.  I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.

Quotes: 

"Chatham was a walkable town.  Quaint, tree-lined, utterly charming."

"It was the only way to really know a place - to walk it."

"'Living one day at a time brings a wonderful freedom.  Most people live in the past or the future."

Book Review: Edgewater Road by Shelley Shepard Gray

Edgewater Road (The Rumors in Ross County #1). Shelley Shepard Gray. Blackstone Publishing (2022). 284 pages. Genre:  Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction.

First Lines of Prologue: "'That's her, boss, ' Bo said under the cover of a large black umbrella. 'That there is Jennifer Smiley.'"

Summary:  John Lincoln Bennett lived next door to Ginny Smiley his whole life.  He often heard about her only granddaughter, Jennifer, although he had never met her.  When Ginny died, she left her house to Jennifer. Ginny always looked out for Lincoln and because of that he felt a responsibility to make sure Jennifer had whatever she needed. 

Jennifer Smiley has fond memories of her grandmother and feels honored that she left the house to her.  She looks forward to making the house her own and starting a new life.  She soon discovers that included with the house is group of men who live next door and seem to feel obligated to look out for her.  She is intrigued to learn that they work for her neighbor, Lincoln Bennett.  

Lincoln finds himself immediately attracted to Jennifer.  But they are from different worlds.  Jennifer is sweet and innocent and always immaculately dressed.  Lincoln has been to prison and now helps ex-cons get on their feet.  Will Jennifer be able to overlook his past and get to know this man who has a heart for others? 

My thoughts:  Shelley Shepard Gray is an author I have enjoyed reading.  In the past she has written Amish fiction, romantic suspense and historical fiction.  Edgewater Road was hard to classify.  Before reading it I thought it would fit under the romantic suspense genre.  But after reading it, I think I would classify it more as romance with some suspense.  As it turns out, the book was a little rough around the edges.  Even so, I did find lots to like about it.

I liked Jennifer Smiley from the beginning.  She is embarking on a new adventure - that of owning and caring for a home.  Moving to her grandmother's house involves her leaving the area she had been living in.  This takes courage. I appreciated the way the author revealed her vulnerability, but also showed her choosing to do uncomfortable things because they were right.  Her initial distrust of Lincoln and his friends was realistic.  But, as she was tempted to write them off because of their history, she also reminded herself of the way they had treated her.  They had helped her without being asked and each one of them had been polite and kind. 

It took me a bit longer to warm up to Lincoln Bennett.  He seemed to be a bit cold which didn't line up with his attraction to Jennifer.  But, as the story went on, he was shown to be a man who had a heart to help others.  He was definitely a flawed person, but he was trying to live a better life. 

Jennifer had a lot to learn about her grandmother.  As she began going through her belongings, she found letters and other papers that alarmed her.  Lincoln had known Ginny well, but was not sure how much he should reveal to Jennifer.  He thought maybe it was best to just keep her in the dark and let her remember her grandmother as she knew her.  Jennifer struggled to decide whether to learn the truth or remain innocent. 

And there is some suspense, but it doesn't happen until after the midway point in the book.  It was caused by a bad decision Jennifer made.  By this point in the book we knew the characters pretty well, which made it more suspenseful.

I always appreciate the thread of hope and faith that run through Shelley Shepard Gray's books and both of those were present here.  Although the faith element wasn't strong.  Other themes I appreciated were second chances, not judging a person by their past, reconciliation, friendship and kindness.  

As I mentioned earlier, the book seemed a bit rough around the edges.  Going in I was expecting a suspense book. However, because the suspense part didn't happen until late in the book, I struggled to see where the book was going for the first half.  There were also some inconsistencies that bothered me.  For instance, at one point Jennifer was making a meal for Lincoln and then Lincoln left before eating it.  This wasn't shown to be done on purpose, but rather seemed like bad editing.  It was interesting to read the Acknowledgements at the end of the book where the author stated:

"Some books seem to write themselves, but this wasn't one of them.  For Edgewater Road, I needed as much help and support as I could get."

She also thanks several people for helping her "fine-tune the beginning of this book multiple times". 

The second half of the book seemed to smooth out and come together.  I ended up liking the characters and appreciated the growth in them as well as the direction the story was going.  Overall, having enjoyed the author in the past and liking the story well enough, I look forward to reading the next book in the series and hope that some of the rough edges get smoothed out.

Quotes:

"Caroline was her mother. Had he expected her to want to move heaven and earth to be by her daughter's side? Yes.  Yes, he had.  Then again, life wasn't full of people wanting to step up all the time."

Book Review: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Until Leaves Fall in Paris. Sarah Sundin. Fleming H. Revell (2022). 400 pages. Genre:  Historical Fiction.

First Lines: "Paris, France. Wednesday, May 29, 1940. As long as she kept dancing, Lucille Girard could pretend the world wasn't falling apart."

Summary:  As Nazi takeover of Paris is imminent, American citizens are warned to return to America.  Ballerina Lucille Girard is determined to stay.  Especially when her Jewish friends must leave their bookstore and return to America.  Lucie decides to give up her spot in the Paris Opera Ballet School to buy the English-language bookstore.  By continuing to ban books, especially English books, the Germans make it difficult to stay in business.  As Lucie witnesses what she thinks is resistance activity in her store, she is eager to get involved.

After the death of his wife, American Automaker Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the United States with his daughter.  However, the US Army convinces him to stay and make trucks for civilian use that would benefit the Germans.  This way he could pick up bits of information he hears and pass it on to the US Military.  It appears that Paul is a collaborator with the Germans.  Paul and Lucie meet as Paul's daughter browses the books at Lucie's bookstore.  But when Lucie discovers what his factory does, she refuses to talk to him.  As war rages on, it becomes more dangerous for both Paul and Lucie to aid the resistance.  In order to survive, they need to set aside their differences and work together. 

My thoughts: I love when an author includes a letter to the reader at the end of the book.  In her letter, Sarah Sundin tells the reader about the inspiration for her main characters.  They were both inspired by real people which made the story come to life for me.

Lucie's dream has always been to gain a position in one of the highest classes at the Paris Opera Ballet School.  She has danced with them for ten years.  When her parents returned to the United States, Lucie stayed.  She has been in the care of the Greenblatts, owners of Green Leaf Books and dear friends of her parents.  Lucie loves the bookstore and spends her time outside of the dance studio there. When the Greenblatts decide to return to America, they urge Lucie to come with them.  She feels like Paris is her home and can't bear to leave the bookstore.  Lucie is caring and forthright.  She is, at the same time, both disciplined and carefree.  She doesn't believe there will be much danger to her if she stays.  

Paul opened a branch of Aubrey Automobiles in Paris as a way to expand the family company and also as a way to separate himself from his father.  Now, he is grieving the loss of his wife and the Germans are taking over.  He wants to sell the business and return to his family in America.  However, when he is approached by the US Army and asked to sell trucks to the Germans for civilian use as a way to aid the United States in the war effort, Paul feels it is his duty to stay.  However, because he appears to be a collaborator, he has lost most of his friends. Paul is a hardworking, intelligent man.  He is well-liked by most and is thought to be fair.  He struggles to understand his young daughter and be the father she needs.  

This was a fascinating look at the daily lives of a few people in Paris during the time of German invasion.  It was interesting to hear about all the rules the Germans placed on the people.  You could sell books, but only certain books.  You could sell vehicles, but only certain vehicles.  Everyone was under blackout laws and severe rations. But yet, there were many Americans who stayed in Paris.  

I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris.  Especially the difference between the Left Bank and the Right Bank.  During the course of the story Lucie and Paul see many of the sites in Paris.  They also attend a ballet at the Paris Opera House.  

Speaking of ballet, the descriptions of Lucie's dancing were really fun for me.  They brought back memories of when I took ballet.  I didn't study for as many years as Lucie, but I studied long enough to begin pointe.  

This is a complicated story with many layers.  Paul and Lucie are attracted to one another, but Lucie refuses to be kind to a collaborator.  Their paths keep crossing as Paul's daughter loves Lucie's bookstore and asks to visit it.  Lucie is civil to Paul, but cold.  However, she sees that he seems to be a good guy.  He is kind, even when she isn't.  She is having trouble reconciling the way he acts with what he does. They are both involved in resistance activities, but can't say anything.  As more violence breaks out, it becomes more and more dangerous to assist the resistance.  

This was a fascinating story with great characters, wonderful historical details, a little romance and some suspense to keep the story moving along. 

Book Review: Sunrise by Susan May Warren

Sunrise (Sky King Ranch #1). Susan May Warren. Fleming H. Revell (2022). 368 pages. Genre:  Christian Fiction, Adventure, Romance.

First Line: "By the time Dodge got to the hospital, he'd already broken his first promise."

Summary:  When Dodge left Copper Mountain ten years ago, he made himself some promises.  One was that he would never return.  After receiving a phone call from his sister telling him their father had been in a accident, Dodge had no choice but to return to Copper Mountain.  Fortunately, his father was only injured, but he will need some help at the ranch for a while.  Dodge agrees to stay for a few weeks, but then he is leaving.

Echo Yazzie dreamed of leaving Copper Mountain for Anchorage or maybe even the lower 48.  She loves the Alaska wilderness and thought she might want to get a degree in Biology.  But if she left, her father would be alone.  To be honest, she wasn't sure she was ready to leave him.  She has made a life for herself raising and training sled dogs, gardening and guiding research expeditions in the wilds of Alaska.  

There was a time when Dodge and Echo thought they would spend their lives together.  Now it has been ten years since they have seen one another.  When a fellow researcher goes missing, Dodge and Echo have to work together to find her before it's too late.

My thoughts:  This is the beginning of a new series by Susan May Warren.  She excels at creating characters who are true heroes.  That is not to say that these characters don't have flaws, they definitely do.  But what makes them heroes is that they are willing to sacrifice for others and often choose to do what is right, rather than what is convenient.  They are relatable because they are not perfect, they make mistakes along the way and often mess things up.  

Something happened ten years ago that caused Dodge to leave.  He was hurt in many ways and promised himself he would never come back.  His story is revealed layer by layer as we watch him interact with the people in his home town.  He is home because it's the right thing to do.  His dad has been injured and can't fly his delivery route.  Dodge will take over until he can fly again.  He really doesn't want to see anyone from his past, especially Echo Yazzie.

Echo also has hurts in her past.  She loves Alaska and she really does love her life there.  But there is a part of her that wonders "what if".  Her dad has been struggling.  He loves wildlife and has spent many years rehabilitating animals that were injured.  But recently he has been making some bad choices - drinking and getting into fights.  Echo has her hands full.

The Alaska wilderness plays a huge part in the story.  The beauty and rawness of the landscape really comes through.  As Echo's fellow researcher goes missing, the elements prove to be the biggest adversary.  In fact, this was one of those books that I got so absorbed in, that the intrusion of real life was jarring. I didn't want to put it down, but I also didn't want it to end. 

Themes of forgiveness, second chances, faith and love dominate the story.  There is a lot to love about it and I highly recommend it. 

Book Review: When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

When Twilight Breaks. Sarah Sundin. Revell (2021). 365 pages. Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance. 

First Line: "Berlin, Germany.  Tuesday, March 15, 1938. Evelyn Brand had done a crack bit of journalism, and she hadn't even had to dress like a man to do so."

Summary:  Evelyn Brand is a journalist working for the American New Service in Berlin.  It is not easy for a female to be in this line of work.  She is often passed over for big stories regardless of the quality of her work.  When she is sent to Munich to cover a story about  American students attending the University of Munich and their experiences, she once again feels she has been passed over.  Her male colleagues are given assignments in Berlin covering Hitler, the Nazi party and other political happenings.  Her boss gives her a contact at the University, Peter Lang.  The two men were roommates at Harvard.  Peter is a professor earning his doctorate in German.  He will be able to put her in touch with American students.  

Peter Lang is conducting research on language learning.  He has analyzed the way the mouth moves when speaking German and this has allowed him to help his English speaking students to more easily speak the German language without sounding like foreigners.  As Peter and Evelyn work together, the difficulties in Germany escalate.  Sarah longs to be able to report what is really going on in Germany to her American readers, but her boss proofs and changes her work before it hits the press.  Peter begins using his contacts with the Nazi party to feed Evelyn information that will help her get the stories out.  How long will they be able to keep this up before the truth comes out?

My thoughts: Every book I have read by Sarah Sundin has been enjoyable and this one was no exception.  She knows how to tell a good story.

Evelyn Brand is hard-working and feisty.  She handles herself well in a workplace full of men.  Her deepest desire is to report the truth.  Unfortunately, that is not what Germany wants the world to hear.  Germany wants the world to hear that life in their country is so much better than other places in the world.  That things are orderly and controlled.  But, Evelyn finds ways to report truth that won't upset Germany.  Unbeknownst to her, her boss is a supporter of the German agenda and often changes the wording of her articles before they go to press.  The male reporters are able to send their articles directly to New York, but Evelyn's must first be checked by her boss.  She is obviously frustrated by this, but handles it well.  Lying and cheating are not things she is willing to do, but she comes up with clever ways to get around the barriers in her path.  It was interesting to be immersed in the world of a female reporter in this era.

Peter Lang is such a good guy.  He is a genuinely caring person.  This comes through in his interactions with his students, his boss, and his co-workers.  He prefers things to be orderly and well-organized and arranges his life this way.  He is impressed with some of the ways Germany has created order.  At first, he thinks America would do well to imitate Germany.  But as he begins to see what is really going on, he realizes that Germany has taken things too far and he is the first one to stand up against the wrong attitudes of the Nazi party.  However, since he has contacts with the Nazi party, he uses those to gain information for Evelyn so she can get the word out to the United States.  It is a dangerous game he is playing.

Peter's work is interesting.  He is teaching German to American students, but in a unique way.  He has studied the way a German speaker moves his mouth and tongue when he speaks.  This knowledge helps to remove the accent that many Americans have when trying to speak German.  It can also go the other way - helping German speakers who are learning English to lose their accent.  In the author's note at the end of the book, she indicates that many of the elements of Peter's work are based on work done by her grandfather.

The bulk of the story takes place in the months leading up to Kristallnacht, the night when the homes and businesses of many Jewish people were destroyed.  Not only that, but many were killed or captured and sent to concentration camps.  The chaos and fear of that night are well portrayed by the author.  I learned a lot about what it was like for an ordinary person in Germany during those months.  The author took us to speeches given by Hitler, Nazi party meetings, concerts and movies.  

The faith element of the story was worked in seamlessly.  As the atmosphere grows more tense and dangerous, both Peter and Evelyn turn to God to help them through their difficulties. 

There is also a romance element in the story, but it is not overbearing and really is an aid to the storyline.  

Overall, this was a really good story containing many of the things I love in a book - great characters who do interesting work, a good sense of place, and some historical tidbits. If any of these things appeal to you, give this book a try.

Quotes:

"'I like jazz, but some of the modern works are too atonal and chaotic for my taste.  Classical music will always be my favorite.'"

"A man like her father, good and kind.  Papa let her be herself.  Papa took pride in her spunk and her accomplishments."