Always Know with Melinda Estabrooks

 

Every once in awhile you stumble onto a book at just the right time.

This collection of stories begins with the last line of the show See Hear Love "Always know . . . you are seen, heard, and deeply loved by God." After a year of isolation and conflict these words hit with a much needed truth which unfolds throughout the pages thanks to a chorus of voices.

I was truly impressed with the diversity of this collection with 50 contributors from different walks and stages of life. It really hit me as such a reflection of the body of Christ, so many different parts coming together to share truth, uplift, and encourage reflection and growth.
With such diversity in its pages it would be a challenge not to find a voice that resonates. There is such power in a person's story and you can feel the heart of the writers coming through the pages.
 I think the diversity lends itself to Always Know being a book that will connect through multiple reads with different chapters connecting with readers at different stages in life.

The book is also very easy to engage with. Most of the chapters average two pages with the main text, reflection, takeaway, and author bio. It was so easy to grab the book in a quiet moment and read a chapter while reflecting on the follow up questions while I moved through my day.

If you're like me who's always looking to dig a little deeper, Always Know also has an amazing feature where each chapter is linked with an episode of See Hear Love (another great resource from Melinda). This really lets readers customize how they engage the material and allows for more in depth engagement on the chapters that stay with you.

5 out of 5 stars

I received this book as part of the #AlwaysKnowBook tour. The opinions are my own.

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of those authors I've come back to a few times over the years but this was my first foray into her non-Amish fiction. Stylistically, there were definitely some familiar elements, inherent to her storytelling that I was pleased to see carried over.

First, the skill of her world crafting. I often appreciate the care Fisher puts into building her story's worlds and found it more impressive in The Moonlight School.  As a historical fiction incorporating real life characters, Fisher has done her work to keep historical accurate information blended in with her vibrant Appalachian community. It was easy to picture Lucy and Jenny wandering up and down the hills of Kentucky, discovering the wonder of the outdoor services, and finding peace in the hills.

I'm also a sucker for stories that incorporate real life individuals as accurately as possible and Fisher gives us two notable ones. First was Cora. While Lucy may be the main character (and completely fictional) her second cousin Cora was an actual individual who campaigned against illiteracy through the moonlight schools she and Lucy are working to start up in the novel. Fisher definitely makes a compelling case to read more about this passionate lady. I also loved the character of Mollie McGlothin who true to the novel was the catalyst for Cora's night schools when she learned to read. These little moments of history made the novel so much more engaging and Fisher's research really shines through.

As far as the story itself goes, this really feels more coming of age for Lucy more than a typical romance when compared to similar novels. As a result I found the ending a little frustrating with how Lucy makes peace with her discoveries about Charlotte's disappearance and Lucy's own heart. It felt a little too much like leaving openings for a sequel in a story that doesn't really feel it leads up to a sequel. That said, I suspect I'm the minority on this as the story really does highlight a unique point in US history around a wonderful coming of age tale.

4 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

 

Sundin combines thrilling narrative with keen awareness of  historical detail to present a story that kept me up until the wee hours promising myself "just one more page". Although I had heard of Sundin before, with historical fiction being a personal favourite genre, this was my first true introduction to Sundin's work and what an introduction!

First, I was so impressed with Sundin's ability to balance the elements within her narrative.
Let's be honest, the action/suspense was wonderful. I loved how aware Sundin is in this novel of her pacing to maximize the suspense and, in my opinion, reader enjoyment. Even though everyone is familiar with what was coming a few short months after the story occurs Sundin still captures so much tension as Lang and Brand pick their way through the rapidly changing landscape.

That said, Sundin equally captures the emotion of the time as readers are led through the sorrow and fear of the Gold's or the hope that grows out of Lang and Brand's encounters. As exciting as the suspense/adventure elements are, I was glad Sundin gave equal time to the human element of the story to give depth and character growth.

Which is probably why I enjoyed the book's two leads so well (the villian was well written too but I don't want to focus on that too much due to spoilers).

Evelyn is every inch the spunky lead in this story and I think her efforts to be respected in her field are still, sadly, relatable today. I did find hers too be an interesting journey as she delved into her family history and how her growing awareness of her family affected how she interacted with the events around her.

On the other hand, I think Peter's story was the one that sucked me in, Sundin's use of Peter to show how different political and societal events had originally made some sympathetic or ignorant of what was happening in Germany in that period was an angle I don't often see used for one of the main protagonists but I found Peter's journey to be far more interesting as a result.

In the end, Sundin has given readers a thrilling outing in pre WWII Europe with an extremely satisfying ending.

An easy 5 out of 5 stars for me.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Redefined by Arden Bevere

 

This book held a lot of promise at the beginning but, in the end, it didn't meet expectations. That's not to say there weren't good parts. Arden Bevere is a powerful communicator with a clear vision and a drive to rally others around his call. 

I also appreciated the layout of this book. The idea of taking labels which have followed this generation and redefining them into redeemed qualities part of a godly life was interesting and helped give the book focus and direction. Bevere doesn't shy away from his topics using both personal stories and biblical teaching to explore ten different labels.

I just had two issues with the content that held me back. First, in talking about godly life to an isolated and individualistic culture I would have loved more content (or really any memorable content) about how these qualities fit into godly community. The vast majority of the content was I statements, personal goals, or individual challenges about the reader and God. While I admit we can only work on our own lives the book loses riches by not acknowledging our need for community in faith and ignoring that aspects of faithful living.

The second issue I had was the theology. Now, I know Bevere comes from a famous family but I'm not overly familiar with their theology but there is a feel of Name it and Claim it theology that runs through the book and just left me feeling icky. There were a few chapters like the one on offense and entitlement noticeable that ignored societal injustice and only had small disclaimers on unhealthy systems to set up an argument that honestly felt like if you do (a) for God he will (b) give you said blessings, dreams, desires. Maybe that wasn't Bevere's intention but enough phrasing was similar that's where my mind connected. It was disappointing as there was good content I just had to work to sift it out of the other.

3 out of 5 stars.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

 

Amanda Cabot has a gift when it comes to her stories. Her characters and settings are so well crafted and real that diving into the second book in a series is like coming back to a much loved holiday locale. I definitely missed Mesquite springs.

I really enjoyed Cabot's first outing into Mesquite Springs with Out of the Embers and was happy to see Dorothy come to the forefront as the main character in Dreams Rekindled.  

Side note, I think Dreams Rekindled could stand alone but Cabot does such an excellent job laying the town's groundwork in the series premiere that I would definitely recommend reading these two in order if possible for context and the fact it's such a wonderful tale in its own right.

Dorothy's intelligence and dreams blend so well with her genuine heart for those around her. She's an easy lead to care about. Cabot lets Dorothy take readers on a real journey of growth as she learns her own heart in light of her past and society's expectations. 

Actually, many of the characters go on journeys of growth and making peace/finding forgiveness from the past. It jumped out time and time again yet never seemed overtly blunt or in your face thanks to Cabot's skill of allowing the character's personalities and histories shape and direct the themes.

The plot does touch on some more difficult themes, which I appreciate ( I like a little substance in my romances). Ma's talk about melancholy was especially memorable and the town's struggles with division seem more poignant given the division present in so many circles currently. 

Not that the story is harsh. Cabot's skill at crafting charming small towns with a cast of characters comes through in spades. Nutmeg's scenes always stole my heart as I giggled, smiled, or even cheered at her heroic moments. I also feel Mesquite Springs has shown a lot of growth compared to what I've seen from Cabot in the past. Her adventure/mystery elements just flow into this series so naturally and Brother Josiah's meetings had me on the edge of my chair.

I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye when the last sentence ended and am thrilled to find out there will be a third outing to this dear little town.

If you enjoy this genre, give yourself a little treat and take a visit to Mesquite Springs.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the #RevellReads #DreamsRekindled tour. All opinions are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

 

In some ways, A Cowboy for Keeps reads a little like a Hallmark movie. You have the cowboys, the heroine who is starting over, and the sibling she cares for facing a serious diagnosis. Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy and predictable and there weren't any major surprises in the plot itself and yet . . .

This book is exactly what I needed for the end of winter blahs, I loved it. 

Hedlund has given the usually western romance a spin by placing her main characters, Greta and Wyatt, in a marriage of convenience so early in the story the characters are barely established. This really gave the story an enjoyable twist as now readers are invited into the newly established McQuaid household during the three months they've given themselves to see if the marriage will work.

I enjoyed the dynamics this brought as Hedlund used this uncertain marriage to explore some of the fears and concerns that can creep into a relationship. Greta's concerns about not becoming a burden were so carefully explored as she sought to prove her worth and find safety. Wyatt's concerns about provision and caring for a family were believable. Also, I'm a sucker for a good mentor character and Judd quickly won a place in my heart with his mix of guarded cowboy and absolutely softy with Astrid. Finally, I appreciated how the story talked about loss and Hedlund's theme of sharing burdens both in faith and in community.

Astrid, though a minor character, was a personal highlight of the story. As a disabled person it's so frustrating to see how often disabled characters are used solely as a burden or as inspiration, misunderstood plot devices instead of characters. Astrid was a delight though. I loved her spunk and drive. I loved her blend of wisdom and naivete. I also appreciated how Hedlund dove into some of the harder parts of long term illness looking at how it can affect caregivers, as well as the isolation and mental effects it can have on the person affected. 

I'm so excited to see where Hedlund takes these characters with the rest of this series.

4 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."