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ABOUT THE BOOK:
 The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale’s Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch’s heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David’s grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island’s land. And while Hardy doesn’t enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate’s assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island-and its traditional way of life-hangs in the balance. Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . . Past and present collide in master storyteller Phillips’s dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace, and of the dreams of men and women everywhere. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1QpMpIN
MY REVIEW:
What is the connection between an old man, boy, and young lady in the early 1900’s and the modernistic present of 2005? How does a D.C. gal connect with auld Shetlanders?
This was definitely an interesting book. I didn’t particularly care for the execution of all of the interesting details, though. Half of the time the story felt like it moved backwards with so much reminiscing and historical retelling. While it was all quite interesting, so many details could have been left out and the actual story would have still stood strong. I suppose it would be my choice to read slowly throughout several weeks…but as I was on a deadline, I found myself wanting to skim all of those tedious details.
The spiritual substance of this book was also interesting. From David’s youth having a sorceress which led him the opposite direction: to seek God for himself–to Loni’s Quaker upbringing. There seemed to be a lot of mentions of religion but not really a lot of substance. It was more vaguely passed over as spiritualistic. It didn’t come out as a strong Christian book…but almost a confusing one, that left me wondering just where these characters stood and what they believed. They said they read God’s Word yet seemed content to live the Christian life apart from the church. Someone said Loni was God’s Child, even though she had basically rejected Him since her childhood. There was a part about David hearing God’s verbal voice. So…kind of a confusing spiritual plot.
Now…for those of you considering this book, if you like to read a complete story, wait until at least another book is out. So many loose threads are left hanging. I can’t dispose WHICH threads lest I leave spoilers. It’s enough to make me want to read the second book, if I have time when it comes out.
One character is vulgar: Jimmy Joe used mild language–words that I just personally don’t care to use–and insinuated things like sodomy (he wasn’t one, but in his vulgarity basically asked others if they were). I mean yeah, his ploy to buy the island was intriguing and his character being defined as despicable was vivid…but…yeah, not for me.
Several (calm) scenes in a pub. Language used about women who were assumed of ill repute. No romance to speak of, but an allusion that a man made to a woman about having fun.
I did and did not like the book. I loved the Shetland dialect! Ah! That was authentic. I liked the whole Laird and Chief laws and inheritances. David was definitely a favorite character. But, there was just a style about this book that I can’t say I embraced. I guess there were enough insinuations and hints (above mentioned) about things I just didn’t care for.
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review from LitFuse Publicity*
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Phillips is a bestselling author with more than 70 of his own titles. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly 30 more books. He is known as the man responsible for the reawakened interest in George MacDonald of the last 30 years. In addition to the MacDonald titles adapted/edited for today’s reader, his publishing efforts in bringing back full-length quality facsimile editions also spawned renewed interest in MacDonald’s original work. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland but make their home near Sacramento, California.
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Tag: Book Reviews
A Treasure Concealed | Book Review
I have already done my “Friday review” but this book has been on my shelf a little too long and I need to get it reviewed here. So two review today.About the Book
Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she’s losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.
Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He’s a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .
Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?
Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He’s a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .
Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?
My Review
This is my second Tracie Peterson book to read, and I really enjoyed it. Of course, I have a little infatuation with things mining and old West, so the whole theme of the book drew me in.
The POV goes between Emily Carver and Caeden Thibault, both who are trying to understand how God works, basically, how their mothers had strong faith in God even though their lives were not ideal. I thought Peterson did an excellent job with explaining that God is not unjust because of circumstances He allows (brought on by wicked men).
There was a beautiful salvation message in this book, and I really think I can say that the spiritual plot of this book was strong. I’m finding that I like a lot of quotes in Peterson’s books.
However, this book wasn’t without a few things that made me cringe. For example, why do authors always add moments of “almost unacceptable” that were “unavoidable?” Besides that, there were illusions to men desiring to mistreat women, but it wasn’t vulgar. Younger readers may not want to read this book because of that, though. There is romance in this book, but I didn’t feel like the story was only wrapped around their emotions (there were moments in the story that hung only on the romance, but overall, the book wasn’t just about that).
Quotes I liked:
“A house and little fence will not be what makes you happy. Don’t be deceived and throw away the good things you have in search for something that doesn’t exist.”
“God never is the One to walk away, Caeden. Only we can do that.”
“If God knows all, then how can He be disappointed?”
“Trust comes in knowing [God] better.”
*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange of my honest review*
About the Author
Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
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The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts | Book Review
An artfully playful collection of unexpected and remarkable facts about animals, illustrated by Swedish artist Maja Säfström.
Did you know that an octopus has three hearts? Or that ostriches can’t walk backward? These and many more fascinating and surprising facts about the animal kingdom (Bees never sleep! Starfish don’t have brains!) are illustrated with whimsical detail in this charming collection.
My Review
| I got this in and read it in about ten minutes. It is a very whimsical, simple book with facts placed creatively on the pages. It was so much fun to learn several animal group names that just made sense (like a group of cockroaches called an intrusion). I personally don’t care to know all of the information about animals and their digestion…but that was about the only negative I found. I was pleasantly surprised to find no evolution in this book!
*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange of my honest review* About the AuthorMAJA SÄFSTRÖM is a Stockholm based architect and illustrator who has gained international recognition for her quirky animal drawings. For more of her works, visit: http://www.majasbok.se |
Mr. Zip and the Capital Z | Book Review
About the Book
After a terrifically hard and terribly disappointing day before the Fourth of July, Peanut Johnson, wandering aimlessly down Main Street, stumbles upon The Capital Z, a This and That Shop. Stepping inside, he meets Mr. Aloysious Zip, the kind and eccentric shopkeeper, who introduces Peanut to a most wondrous place. There are toys and trinkets, model cars and miniature wagon trains, even memorabilia from days gone by—“reminders,” says Mr. Zip with an air of mystery.
Discovering “everything from A to Z” inside The Capital Z, Peanut also finds history unfolding before his very eyes. Touching a Kentucky rifle hanging on the shop wall, he is transported to the wilderness where he sees his Great-Great-Great-Great Uncle Milkweed Johnson fighting in Andrew Jackson’s regiment during the War of 1812. George Washington’s sword brings Peanut onto the battlefield where the General, on horseback, dodges bullet after bullet. And while staring at a beautiful stained-glass window depicting the building of the Tower of Babel, Peanut finds himself in a crowd of angry and confused spectators, all speaking a different language!
But Peanut’s visit to The Capital Z turns out to be much more than a journey through history. As he peers into the past with his Uncle Milkweed and some of America’s greatest leaders, he finds courage and hope to face his own mistakes, taking his first steps from boyhood to those of a young man.
My Review
2.5/3 stars
The Capital Z holds many memorable historic items–each with a story: a Kentucky rife that told of Milkweed Johnson’s bravery in returning to his former plantation, a sword replica that told of George Washington’s battles, and a room with books and stained glass windows. As Peanut listens to tales of history, he realizes how he can be brave in the problem he created two days before.
The premise of this story is clever: create a shop where the shopkeeper can teach history in a creative way. The writing style is great for children–easy going and funny. The historical tid-bits seem well-researched, with foot notes.
But…
There are some strange things that, in order to give my honest book review, I feel necessary to mention.
Time-Travel:
“People tell me that when they’re in this shop, they feel like they see or hear unusual things.” As Mr. Zip tells stories, Peanut “sees” what is happening. Kind of like a time-travel, yet he’s still in the shop for most of them–and it’s never really explained. Mr. Zip was in all of the pictures even from 100 years ago and “It seemed to Peanut that Mr. Zip had a firsthand knowledge, almost as if he had actually been there! ‘No way.’ Dismissing the thought, Peanut caught up to what Mr. Zip was saying.”
I’ll just mention that Peanut had an infatuation with a girl which, while it was a little silly to a grown-up, just does not seem needed for a children’s book.
Spiritual (this is the main thing that pulled my star rating down):
The stained glass reminders went straight from the Garden of Eden to Noah’s flood–no mention of HOW sin came into the world. The cross was mentioned, and how God has a plan, and being a Christian–but no mention of Jesus Christ (ever). In all of this, it was all paraphrased Bible stories with opinions inserted that just didn’t QUITE sound Scriptural. There was more of a “good morals” slant and how Peanut should do the right thing because that was what the men before him did.
When I started this, I honestly thought it might be a good family read-aloud book. The introduction of all of the Johnsons’ names was just hilarious. But given the negatives, I’m just not comfortable with recommending this book unless you like fantasy (but even then, the spiritual slips just have me concerned).
*I received this book from BookCrash in exchange for my honest review*
About the Author
Kimberly Bryant-Palmer never dreamed of becoming a writer, but always loved reading–her favorite authors being James Michener, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Harper Lee. Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in both music and biology from Mary Washington College (now The University of Mary Washington). While in graduate school, studying music theory, she worked a short time in cancer research before going on to write and record a CD, Just Enough. But it was when she met an artist named Jerry Palmer, and wrote the introduction for a book idea he had carried in his head for 25 years, that she found what she truly loved to do.
Mr. Zip and The Capital Z, a story of restoration and hope, tells of a young, dark-skinned American boy, Peanut Johnson, who has just endured “a terrifically hard and terribly disappointing day.” In this tale, Kimberly explores matters of the heart while taking her readers on a magical journey through history.
As she wrote, Jerry sketched the characters, and together, they brought the eccentric Mr. Zip, the tenderhearted Peanut, and his hilarious, lovable family to life.
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Back in the Saddle | Book Review
About the Book
It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.
He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding…and why.
Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?
My Review
Overall, this was a sweet story, kind of a modern parable about the prodigal son (including the jealous brother). I enjoyed reading the progression of Colt’s modern, high-budget thinking to more humble, down-to-earth, people-first focus. I really, really liked the cowboy feel. It was an interesting mix of old-fashioned cowboy in a modern world, but it was well done. Colt’s heart for the children was so sweet! I loved his relationship with his nieces and Noah.
I wish I could give this book amazing five stars. Like I said, it was a sweet story, but it just didn’t stand out as a strong faith-filled book. There were verses quoted, prayers to God, and overall, a good bit of mention of God. However, it was unclear if Colt was saved at the beginning and “got right” with God as the book progressed? Because at first, his anti-God made me assume he wasn’t saved, but there was no scene of him repenting and turning to God. Secondly, there seemed to be a Catholic hint with Angelina and her mother mentioning Mary and lighting candles. Also, there was what I would consider “mild language” in this book (as in, more “everyday” lingo that we don’t like using around the house).
For those who like to know romantic content, there were several scenes which most people would probably find “sweet romance.” They were drawn to each other, had moments of being lost in the nearness of each other, and they kissed (several times) before they knew there was a commitment.
Honestly, I did enjoy the story, but the spiritual plot and romance just knocked it down a star for me. I know of many reader friends who would probably love the story because it is clean and sweet.
*I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review*
About the Author
Best-selling, multi-published author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of over thirty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. With over 3/4 million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.
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The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder | Book Review and Giveaway
About the Book
In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever–if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
My Review
Whether or not Jem is in, she’s in with Merinda and her detective scheme. Though Jem’s last name is Watts, she doesn’t at all think she compares to Wattson–even though Merinda is determined to be a Sherlock Holmes and refuses to let two mysterious murders go unnoticed in political unrest.
Seriously, who would NOT laugh at the title of this book? It just entices you to the humorous account of two bachelor girls as they get into the detective world. This story had me laughing aloud–and that doesn’t usually happen when I read. Yes, there was romance in this book but it was hysterically funny. Going into detail would give spoilers.
I’m not usually a murder mystery reader, but besides the first chapter in which they trailed alongside Jasper Forth–without permission–and saw the first girl’s demise, I pretty much forgot that was the “theme” of the book. It did not at all take on a dark setting.
The girls call one of the men a name which is probably not fit to be repeated (in my vocabulary) but other than that, I suppose one would call it clean. If someone cursed, it was mentioned, “He cursed under his breath” and the author did not fill the reader in with which words he said–which I appreciated it.
Two things knock a star off for me:
It is yet another book that seems to have only “partial Christianity” in it. The one mystery that Merinda doesn’t care to solve is that of religion. Jem acknowledges God, goes to the church in the end. It mentions Ray meeting weekly with a pastor, but a real relationship with Christ isn’t threaded throughout the story.
Secondly, Jem and Merinda really are independent, feministic women. It is tastefully covered in wit, but Jem’s parents disowning her for the way she has chosen to live and Merinda’s whole outlook in life just doesn’t match what I perceive as Biblical womanhood.
A favorite quote:
“Can’t you just see the headlines? ‘Herringford and Watts stomp out the Morality Squad.'”
Jem threw up her hands. “‘Herringford and Watts get thrown in jail!'”
“‘Herringford and Watts become Toronto’s premiere investigators!'”
“Herrington and Watts better get fed soon or Watts won’t be long for their new enterprise.”
*I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review*
About the Author
Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.
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Playing the Part | Book Review
About the Book
Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.
Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.
Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.
My Review
3.5 stars
Lucetta is a famous actress…but she is not on stage for almost the entire book as a sudden threat enters the scene in the first chapter. Abigail is certain that her grandson’s castle is the fortress to protect Lucetta, but the day she arrives, Lucetta is almost killed several times. Is the castle truly going to keep her safe?
What I liked:
The style so had me laughing! Mrs. Turano certainly has a gift when it comes to witty scenes and just making them humorous. The story kept a steady pace moving forward.
What I didn’t like:
There were a few things that could have been left out–like the description of Lucetta’s clothing when she was running from the goat. The scene would have been complete without drawing our minds to how her dress slipped when she wasn’t paying attention. Also, I can hardly consider this a Christian book, according to my standard. God was mentioned 3-4 times and then it was only in passing or a character realizing that their relationship with God wasn’t as it should be. No continuing spiritual theme could be seen in this book.
It’s not a book that I WOULDN’T recommend…it was indeed enjoyable. I just don’t wholeheartedly endorse it as a spiritually edifying book.
*I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for my honest review*
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RQM4QD
About the author:Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
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Enter a giveaway for Playing the Part on LitFuse!
Learn more about this blog tour here.
The Path to a Modest Lifestyle | Book Review
About the Book
When you’re obeying His commands and serving the Lord there is a certain satisfaction that you feel. Serving Him brings you great joy and pride. But what about giving yourself and your life to Him entirely? In giving Him your life, that includes giving Him your appearance, your attitude and your heart’s desire. You are a daughter of the one true King. It’s time to step into the life that God has meant for you to live; one filled with confidence in your natural beauty and grace. Let His glory shine through you, bringing His light to the world. Within these pages you’ll learn to unlock your natural beauty that God has given you.
My Review
This is a short and easy book to read (I read it while getting distracted from editing a book ;)), but I enjoyed every minute of it. Amanda covers a lot of ground in a few short words–from accepting the body God has made you in to embracing the role of womanhood.
Not only does Amanda cover Biblical reasons for modesty, she gives some very practical insight in how to change one’s wardrobe. The simplify chapter was very organized and had a great list of questions to determine what to keep or get rid of.
A quote that stood out to me:
“[Wearing dresses] has become a wonderful daily reminder of the thought and hard work God put into making me who I am: a woman.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book to read*
About the Author
Amanda started writing at the age of 13, already an avid reader, she decided it was time she tried her hand at the craft. Just a few months after beginning to write she became a regular contributor at The Link magazine. After starting high school, Amanda put her writing career on hold and went on to be a normal teenager. It wasn’t until Amanda entered college that she started her first book Searching for Summer. Now twenty-three, Amanda is an avid writer, and reader. Her love of books whether written by herself or others has immensely grown since her childhood. She now runs her blog, A Pinch of Faith and her online business AmandaLeite.com. She has recently published her first book The Path to a Modest Lifestyle and has plans for many more books in the future.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Connect with the Author
Email: apinchoffaith@gmail.com
Website: http://www.amandaleite.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaleiteauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apinchoffaith/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/amandaleiteread
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/apinchoffaith
Purchase Link
Blog Tour ScheduleSunday March 27, 2016: Modest On Purpose
Monday March 28, 2016: Our Wood Home
Tuesday March 29, 2016: Emmmmerz
Wednesday March 30, 2016: Honey Rock Hills
Thursday March 31, 2016: With a Joyful Noise
Friday April 1, 2016: Coffee with Kara
Saturday April 2, 2016: Views from the Window Friend
A Dream Not Imagined | Book Review
I read A Dream Not Imagined a few months ago…but it is one of those sweet reads that I highly recommend and, as I had an empty “book review” slot, decided that it’s a great option to fill in for today.
About the Book
A Maid, a Prince, and a Duke. A Gardener, a Stepmother, and a secret…
Ellie Abbington, a beautiful yet unassuming young woman, quietly longs for her life to change. Too privileged to associate with the servants—too underprivileged to associate with her own family; she dreams a dream of a prince and a happily ever after.
But it could be that her own stepsisters, conniving Dezmarie and easily-influenced Adelaide, are dreaming the same dream…of the same prince.
In the end, are dreams even all they’re made out to be? Especially with deep and long-hidden secrets about to be unearthed?
A Dream Not Imagined is a non-magical fairytale novella based loosely on the classic tale of Cinderella.
My Review
I thought this was such a sweet, innocent story. For a Cinderella retelling, there were a couple of surprising plot twists which I thoroughly enjoyed. In a way, it kept me guessing, but at the same time, I could still figure out what would LIKELY happen. There was a sense of mystery with Lady Abbington’s actions–and I did figure out what that mystery was a little bit before it was spilled. 😉
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t overly romantic. In fact, I don’t even think they kissed–“the man” (which you’ll have to read to discover who HE is ;)), just kissed her forehead, from what I remembered.
I greatly appreciated the concept portrayed in this book–which this quote does so well in summing up:
“There comes a time,” Lottie went on gently, “when we need to stop and let God write our love stories. In that moment, something will happen; you’ll stop ruining your life.” She chuckled softly, then went on with steady eyes, “And a dream will come true. A dream you’ve not imagined.”
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About the Author
A Christian homeschool graduate, Shantelle has a passion for writing and all things books. From a young age she’s been penning tales with a hope of sharing with the world adventurous and soul-stirring stories that bring glory to God.
A Dream Not Imagined, a fairytale novella, is her first published book. She’s currently preparing a full-length fantasy novel for publication as well, and working on its sequel.
Shantelle blogs at A Writer’s Heart: http://shantellemaryh.blogspot.com/ about her stories, favorite books and movies (with reviews), healthy wheat-free recipes, and hosts fellow authors, among other things. One of her joys is connecting with fellow writers and readers! You can also find her on:
Facebook: Shantelle Mary Hannu, Author (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shante…)
Twitter: @shantellemary (https://twitter.com/shantellemary)
Goodreads: Shantelle Mary Hannu (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show…)
Google+: Shantelle H. (https://plus.google.com/1017721315637…)
Pinterest: Shantelle H. (https://www.pinterest.com/h0160/)
Room for Hope | Book Review
Some books just have a happy, cozy feel to them. That was totally the case for me with Room for Hope. Ms. Sawyer tackled a tough case with the Shillings–unfaithfulness, adoption, forgiveness, thievery, rejection, acceptance, and trust. Wow, so much skillfully portrayed in one book!
Ms. Sawyer had a very good balance with the romance in this novel (for my preference). The theme of the story was definitely more about family and their trials than one finding their “happily ever after.” I can honestly say that I enjoyed practically every minute of reading this book.
I did find it a little strange with the pastor and his visions–it was just a hint of strangeness.
Younger readers might want not want to read this book because of the very circumstance that threads the story together. Ms. Sawyer was very discreet as she dealt with the dad’s unfaithfulness, and even in occasions when someone called the children a vile name, she never wrote what the word was.
Beautiful quote from there:
“I can’t look at year’s and weeks. I have to look at souls and sales. What would God have me view as the most valued?”
*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review*
About the Book
In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?
About the Author
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the highly acclaimed, best-selling author of gentle stories of hope such as What Once Was Lost and Through the Deep Waters. With more than one million books in print, Kim has garnered numerous awards including the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. She lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don. She enjoys travel, quilting, and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.Purchase the Book
Amanda Tero Books 