A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

 Kimberley Woodhouse's A Deep Divide invites readers into the world of Harvey Girls, young women across the early US who worked in rail diners and restaurants, with young Emma Grace McMurray, an heiress on the run, as the readers guide.

First of all, I love stories that introduce me to parts of history I haven't yet explored and the story of the Harvey Girls is a portion I've never encountered before. The whole concept of young women working across the US at these rail diners is fascinating and I'm surprised more storytellers haven't played with the concept.

Emma Grace is a suitably engaging lead character. I appreciated Woodhouse's acknowledgement of the long term effects of McMurray's traumatic past while balancing that with a hardworking, adventurous nature. Woodhouse balanced Emma Grace well to give a lead with many sides that was believable as someone who could thrive in the lifestyle of a Harvey girl.

I also appreciated Woodhouse's weaving of faith into the story. Emma Grace's reluctance to embrace faith resonated in light of her past. Watkins, Ruth, and Henderson's faith felt natural and integrated into their lives rather than large sermons plopped into the middle of the narrative. I do feel like Emma Grace's faith journey is a little unusual in it's very fast resolution of her trauma and I wish the pacing of that had been given more care but it was in line for what I expect in the genre.

Also, can I just say what a stunning setting Woodhouse chose! I mean, El Tovar was a real Harvey House and was considered one of the jewels of it's line, but the way Woodhouse painted the canyon and the landscape, the awe and care she instilled in her characters just made the book that much more enjoyable.

Now for readers looking for a heads up on sensitive topics there are a few things that should be mentioned (also some hints at spoilers in here). There is mention of a kidnapping both of a child and an adult, there are story plot involving loss of parent through illness and through murder, and there is a storyline involving  injury (non life-threatening) to a child, that couldn't really be skipped over to still follow through with the main plot. 

Overall, this was a great way to round out my reads for 2021 and I'm curious to see where Woodhouse takes readers in book two of Secrets of the Canyon. 

4 out of 5 stars

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.

Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant

 

An online relationship, a food truck competition, and dreams on the line. It was definitely a plot line that caught my interest.

I have to admit, the format of this plot was fun. Amant's plan to have her characters meet in converging relationships under pseudonyms online and as competitors at the local food truck competition made for an interesting contrast. The online chats allowed the characters moments of vulnerability that really helped reveal them to each other and readers while the in person segments added the drama and tension one comes to expect in this genre.

The characters, overall, were interesting. Amant really seems to have a heart for building characters who feel earnest and real. Rather than just making Rory quick tempered and unsure due to plot convenience or gender stereotype, I appreciated how Amant took the time to layer them in through Rory's experience with her losses in life as well as her complicated relationship with her father and his words effect on her worth and confidence. Anchored characters just feel so much more real and Rory's whole personality was well thought out and executed, making for an enjoyable main character.

While I should also point out Jude as an example of this Hannah was a stand out character for me that bears more of a mention. As a disabled person, reading about disabled characters often makes me wary. Too often writers get lazy with disabilities leaning into demeaning inspirational stereotypes or one dimensional plot points. I appreciated that Amant took the time to leave stereotypes behind and give readers a character who was insightful, kind, and had some great interaction with the plot. Not perfect but still a great character.

The plot itself reads a little (or more than a little) like a Hallmark movie. While not my usual type of read it was still fun, easy to follow, and had the expected happy ending.

One of my biggest issues with this book was the pacing and flow. The ending felt so rushed in its resolution, like a sitcom episode trying to rush into its 23 minutes time frame. So much build up on establishing Rory and Jude's hurts, dreams, and expectations to have them resolve in such a quick and neat manner felt counter to their personalities and trauma. While I can appreciate the desire for such an ending in the genre, it just felt like it ignored a lot of Rory's character in particular.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.

After She Falls by Carmen Schober

 

After She Falls, from debut novelist Carmen Schober, follows Adri Rivera a young mom and former semi-professional fighter who finds herself at a crossroads after leaving an abusive relationship with her young daughter.

First the positives: I really enjoyed Schober's willingness to dive into more of the realities of her characters life rather than over prettying them for her genre. There were scenes where main characters drank and talked about sex. The characters who shared their faith often did it hesitantly and awkwardly but with heart (and boy doesn't that ring true), the parents and guardians had regrets and were conflicted at times about their choices. I really love stories that don't make things too perfect to be possible.

Additionally, I also appreciated the work Schober put in to make Adri's situation with Owen feel more realistic. Her back and forth, her considerations for Eva, her doubts, all felt very true to Adri leaving the life she'd been living in the past few years. 

Finally, I found it interesting to see a Christian fiction written with the main characters attending in a Catholic setting. This is unique in my experience and I wish Schober had dug more into this side of the characters.

Things I struggled with: I did really struggle with the pacing and transition of this book. Now, to be fair, I'm not big on professional fighting, so maybe I missed some key elements? But it felt like every so often I had to flip back and reread a page or two as I couldn't find the transition. This definitely disrupted my immersion.

Second, I know both Max and Adri had varying levels of hurt and trauma they were working through but they weren't the most charismatic of leads to keep me drawn in. I became more invested in Boom, Roman, or Eva who had little story time comparatively.  

Trigger warnings: I think it is fair to note that there are some scenes that could cause readers with similar backgrounds some distress. While there is obviously some violence due the the central professional fighting theme. There are also two violent assaults on a central character by a significant other as well as a violent assault on a family pet.

Personally, despite this book feeling more of a mixed bag to my personal tastes I'm very curious and excited to see where Schober goes from her and how her storytelling style continues to grow in these next few years.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.

Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson

 

It's not often I say this so I'll lay it out up front. I cannot recommend this book. 

I started out with high hopes. The design team really put together a nice package. The attached bookmark, the thicker pages, and the hard cover all present an eye catching design. The concept also intruged me. Each day was assigned a chapter of Luke and expounded upon for 6 or so pages. Almost triple the length of similarly styled books for a more in-depth study of the material.

Then I started reading it. It became very clear that Larson was writing to a very narrow audience and one that myself and most of my circle may never identify with. Each daily read included a "fasting" option be it found or otherwise many of which would be triggering or harmful for those with traumatic pasts. One day even implored readers to fast from negative and cynical feelings, forgiving those around them with no word or recognition how many this time of year face situations encountering abusers and toxic scenarios. In fact, there was no trauma awareness in any page with the tone of a teacher telling students to simply do better. While there were nuggets of truth in the readings it was hard to engage them among the frustration of knowing how easily many of her missives could damage readers desperate to find healing and meaning in the season.

Where Larson really lost me though was day 9 she talks about how the Parable of the sower speaks to the non grounded believer whose "attention deficit" kicks in saying they have "heart, but no depth" What a horrible weight to put on a neurodiverse believer! While I'm hopeful Larson meant it as an illustration of her generation and not ableism, it's still ableism and a great disappointment to see it amongst the words of such a well known author. 

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.

Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy

 

Kimberly Duffy is one of those writers who continually hones her craft and I find myself appreciating and enjoying her style with each new tale that she weaves together.

In Every Word Unsaid readers are invited to travel with Augusta Travers, better known as Gussie, as she flees expectations and scandal to the unknowns of India.

Much of the plot revolves around Gussie's search to find her place and her identity in a world where she doesn't seem to fit. Gussie's struggles feel real and relatable both in her longing for belonging and identity and her somewhat naïve selfishness that marks the earlier chapters. As someone who lived in dormitories for years Gussie's struggle really transcend a time period and it was easy to dive into. Her growth arc also felt believable. Will everyone be happy with where she ends, probably not, but honestly, her growth feels realistic for the time frame of the novel. 

I also appreciated the cast of characters we're introduced to. Uncle James may be one of my favourite supporting characters of the year! He was so understanding and wise. Duffy really tapped into something special when she crafted him. I also appreciated the depth she went into with Specs and Catherine. Her decision to give both of them differing levels expressions of anxiety and expressions of trauma added a different layer of depth to the narrative and Gussie's interactions.

I would say, that while I enjoyed the book, there were a few plot points that readers should be aware of. There is a plot point involving maternal injury and miscarriage that could be distressing. Most of the plot also centers around a time of Plague in India which may be to close to current global events for those looking for some escapism.

Duffy has definitely won me over as a reader and I cannot wait to see what she brings to the shelves next.

4 out of 5 stars

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.