The Lines Between Us by: Amy Lynn Green

 

I really couldn't wait to see where Green would take us with her newest novel The Lines Between Us  and readers familiar to Green's former novel will see multiple elements that are helping form her trademark style.

Green takes readers back to the era of WWII, but as in her last novel, she focuses on the efforts of those who were stateside for the duration. Once again, I was excited to delve into a part of history I don't really dive into often with the focus this time on the WAC (Women's Auxilary Corps) and the CO's (Conscientious Objectors).

Dorie is definitely a plucky heroine (and I think she'd appreciate the term plucky). I felt she was a strong lead with her curiosity and tenaciousness, both necessary qualities for the plot. I'll admit there were times she was a little more abrasive or manipulative than I expected but it was still well written and believable.

Gordon was my favourite of the two lead characters which, it's not often the male lead draws me in more than the female counterpart. I appreciated his wrestling with truth and conviction both from his working out the practicality of his faith and convictions in the present as well as the reconciliation of how those beliefs diverged in his past. Green writes Gordon's story with both the historical detail I'm coming to expect from her as well as the engaging authenticity of her characters.

One element that I've found unique to Green's writing that I was delighted to reencounter was her usage of letters to drive her plot forward. While they played a larger role in Things We Didn't Say,  I loved the creativity of having key plot points driven forward through military missives, heartfelt letters home, and log books full of the ramblings of long nights. It just adds such an interesting element and dimension to the story and I love to see Green continuing this.

The plot itself, again, I love how Green takes lesser known stories from a well covered era and gives them a moment to shine. While it's more common to cover the European lines I was fascinated to read of the roles the CO's filled at home, the work of the WAC, and of the Triple Nickles, all groups that contributed in their own way to the war effort while facing down prejudices for different reasons. Green really does an amazing job weaving these three groups together with the park rangers of Oregon against a back drop of mystery and belief that keeps you searching for the truth on multiple levels until the end.

4 out of 5 stars. 

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

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

 

This was not my first time encountering Politano's work but, there is no question this has easily become my favourite. Politano is a gifted writer spinning characters, mystery, and emotion together into a tale you simply won't be able to put down.

Readers are quickly drawn into the story of Ella, a young, aspiring dancer seeking to both find her way in life as well as maintain her last ties with her beloved mother. Both of which have led her to the Craven Street Theatre as an aspiring ballerina, a risky choice for a young lady of the era. I love Ella as a main character. She has the joy and curiosity that makes her such an inviting heroine and yet her drive for perfection and belonging give her story such an air of familiarity. 

Jack, on the other hand surprised me. While I'm used to there being an element of a love triangle or dual suitors vying for attention, I loved how Politano allowed readers to be introduced to Jack through Ella's experiences in contrast to Phillippe's reveal through the general motion of the plot. It added to the element of mystery that surrounded Ella and who sought her good.

Now, piece of advice, don't start A Midnight Dance at midnight (like some who shall remain nameless) unless you have the chance to sleep in the next day. I was amazed at how effortlessly the plot seemed to weave and reveal at the right times, the plot felt perfectly paced as Ella and Jack sought to unravel the mystery of the Craven Street Theatre's ghost. Her characters growth felt natural as well as their missteps, to the point I almost threw the book at one point out of frustration that the end may not go the way my heart hoped.

My only disappointment with the story was the subplot of Ella and her sister Lily. Compared to the pacing, growth, and skill with which the main story flowed and grew, the sisters subplot felt clunkier in comparison and I wasn't sure how I felt about its resolution. To be honest, I'm almost certain that this particular subplot will be forgotten rather quickly as it just felt out of place in comparison.

That said, it is obvious that Politano is a masterful storyteller who has brought readers something special with the Craven Street Theatre and those that call it home.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the Revell Reads book tour, all opinions are my own.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

 

I love a good story full of secrets and restoration which makes The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocer a perfect title to kick off my fall reading stack.

Cox may still be relatively new to the world of published novels but she definitely shows the soul of a true writer weaving tales and characters that will bury themselves in readers hearts.

Now that said, can a place be my favourite character? I'm pretty sure Old Depot Grocery may have won a corner of my heart all on its own. I love how thoroughly Cox captured the heart and soul that a meeting place like Old Depot grows in the small communities that home them. Growing up in a small farming community, I may never have gone to the store that inspired Old Depot but I recognized the familiar rhythms and relationships which Cox so beautifully and accurately captured. Old Depot felt a little like home and, honestly, I would have read more about the stories held by her creaky floors and old walls.

The story itself was beautifully woven as Cox jumps between three generations of woman: matriarch Glory Ann, Rosemary, and Sarah. I both loved and occasionally wanted to sigh and shake my head at these women. The plot was laid out so clearly in the effects that one decision can have for all who come after. You could see the regrets and how easily lies and miscommunication snowballed the effects for generations. It makes for a compelling read that is filled with heart. I mean, if you twisted my arm I'd probably admit Glory Ann was my favourite of the bunch, but you could see Cox's background in counselling come through with the realistic ways her characters reacted to grief, loss, and opportunities for change and growth which I greatly appreciated.

There were one or two areas that felt a little out of place, perhaps just for my own perception of the town and history of the story. One phrase from Clarence felt too early for the historical placement of the plot point not a big issue at all in the grand scheme of things. I did struggle a little more with the plot surrounding the robbery feeling out of place with the town but I definitely saw how it was central to the story Cox was telling.

Overall, this was a story that touched on so many timeless themes and did so with heart, I'd definitely recommend giving The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery a peek this autumn.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book through #RevellReadsBlogTour all opinions are my own

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