The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart

 

Ann Gabhart is best known for her sweet romances set in the early 20th century Appalachians. I've been following her stories for awhile now and I know I can count on Gabhart to always have a close attention to detail and a wonderfully vivid, detail filled capturing of the Appalachian spirit and the traditions and personalities of those who lived in the communities there.

Once again I loved Gabhart's choice of setting. Sourwood was delightful to explore, especially through Mira's fresh eyes and Ada June's enthusiasm. Gabhart also tried to give a balance to the community from the sweet young Joseph to the distant Riley. As someone who grew up in a rural community I appreciate when a fictional community shows the same sort of quirks that make those communities home.

That said, these may be my least favourite of Gabhart's main characters. Mira is a sweet and brave young woman but I struggled with the way her relationship with Gordon was presented. The entire "God told me to pursue you" and continuing to pursue until they were married a week later is such a dangerous mentality that has been romanticized to the harm of many women. I feel like I would have enjoyed Mira and Gordon so much more if they had a recent history or a longer courtship instead of their red flag start and Gordon's continual refusal to communicate throughout the book.

Ada June's story on the other hand left me wanting more. I would have easily read a book solely devoted to her story of finding herself and her family. I loved how Gabhart paced her healing, I loved the respect given to her trauma induced mutism, and she had such a spirit about her. However, because it was Mira's story not Ada June's I found myself more invested in Ada June without the same level of resolution.

While Mira's story does follow the traditional pattern of a happy ending in this genre, Ada June's as a secondary character felt like it had loose threads. Still readable but less satisfying.

3 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book as part of the RevellReads program in exchange for my honest opinion. 

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

 

Jennifer Deibel is back with another February release! 

The Irish Matchmaker is Deibel's fourth release and are her novels are becoming a midwinter tradition around here. I don't know about you but after a few months of Canadian winter I need something cozy, sweet, and delivers an ending that leaves me smiling and this tale fit the bill entirely.

This time Deibel invites readers into the lives of Donal Bunratty, a farmer and single father to nine year old Sara, and Catriona Daly one of the matchmakers of Lisdoovarna.

I loved these characters and the care with which Deibel crafts their story. While this definitely is a romance, Deibel made sure to give each character their own foundation to stand on. Caty's search for self and security and Donal's search for wholeness after the losses in his life provided a rich setting for the romance to bloom amid the Lisdoovarna Matchmaking festival (which does actually exist to this day). 

While A Dance in Donegal is still my favourite overall tale from Deibel, Caty and Donal are my favourite romance. Deibel's pacing in this story was delightful. The romance happens naturally allowing for so many sweet scenes (I still can't decide if the painting scene or the dance was my favourite). This more natural pacing also crossed over into the religious elements. Donal's journey through his hurt and grief, his slow return to his faith, and his eventual return to community felt relatable in that it honours his pain while still providing the hopeful conclusion you expect in the genre.

As usual, Deibel provides wonderful worldbuilding through her descriptions of the Irish countryside, the festivities surrounding the festival, and the use of Irish words throughout the story (I recommend a second bookmark for the glossary at the front).

4.5/5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, the views expressed are my own.

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

 

I will confess, Jocelyn Green has always been a hit or miss writer for my personal taste. So I was thrilled to find myself on the edge of my seat as Green takes readers back to Prohibition era NYC.

Leading this tale is Dr. Lauren Westlake, the assistant curator of the Met's Egyptology department. I mean, there was so much I liked about Lauren, she's a smart and capable scholar, a caring and attentive friend, and yet Green writes her longing for family and stability with such vulnerability to make her feel relatable and well-rounded.

As usual, Green does deliver a strong and complex storyline. The Egyptology/art forgery storyline is utterly fascinating. Green's descriptions of key signs for forgeries, her ability to convey the excitement and dismay of Lauren as items were confirmed or found short really helped to engage the story as I was relatively clueless on the subject before this book.

I also appreciated Lauren's more personal storyline centering on the theme of her family both with her strained relationship with her father as well as her reconnection with detective Joe Caravello. Green does such an excellent job capturing that alternating hope and pain that can be present with childhood trauma.

With Green's attention to detail and ability to capture the feel of her settings there are definitely times this novel feels like a written film noir. Joe's plotlines with police corruption, prohibition, and murder have that grittier feel with Green's detailed world building.

Readers looking for a clean, happy ending will probably find themselves a little disappointed by the ending. While Green wraps up the story beautifully there's definitely not the "storybook happy ending" for all the plot threads that readers may expect from this publisher. However, I think Green made the best choice for her story as anything else would have felt hollow to the characters she has created and the realities of their tale.

4 out of 5 stars

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

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

 

WWII fiction lovers are in for a treat with Sundin's latest novel  The Sound of Light. 

In this latest novel, Sundin is inviting readers to Denmark 1943 alongside American physicist Dr. Else Jensen and Baron in hiding Henrik Ahlefeldt. 

I was quite excited to see Sundin chose to base her novel around Denmark's own tale of resistance and community during the German occupation as it's a story that has continued to catch my interest throughout the years and I find people are either very familiar or completely unaware of the courage the Danish people illustrated during this time. It really is such a fascinating slice of history.

It also served as a solid backdrop for Else and Henrik as the wrestled through questions of courage, truth, and standing up for what is right. I really appreciate when an author can explore a theme from multiple angles without it feeling forced or overused. Between Henrik's relationship with his past, his role at the shipyard, and his work with the villa through to Else's challenge with her coworkers and her work with the paper, to the Dane's decisions regarding the "cold shoulder" and their Jewish neighbours, Sundin managed to weave courage in all it's forms into each corner of her tale.

I also appreciated how Sundin allowed both her main characters to have an arc that allowed them to grow and develop rather than a one sided rescuer romance. Else's challenges really resonated as she struggled to find her voice in a male dominated field and then as she sought to find her courage in the face of societal wrongs with the occupation. However, I loved that Henrik had a solid redemption arc of his own that required personal and emotional work before Sundin allowed the story to veer into romance. Honestly, it made the story feel richer and made the relational story threads feel healthier.

As usual, Sundin has delivered a solid Europe based WWII novel filled with heart, historical detail, and hope. 

4 out of 5 stars

This book was provided as part of the #RevellReads book tour. The opinions are my own.

Under the Starry Skies by Tracie Peterson

 

I've been thinking a fair bit about this particular story since finishing it the other night. While Peterson writing itself shows the skill and finesse one expects from a writer as prolific as Peterson, the content and characters frustrated me to the point of lowering my enjoyment of the story.

Cassie Barton is described as "sensible and independent" in the book's description but despite having lived mostly independent while her father grieved in a town marked by the railway and increasing activity from revolutionaries she shows so little common sense. She doesn't lock her door, she goes out to dinner with a man who threatened her as a show of Christian goodwill, among other things. All of Cassie's character development was connected to other characters, rather than independent she read as very passive and dependent as a result.

I was equally frustrated with Brandon's storyline. While I fully acknowledge his background was traumatizing and had a lot of potential for the solid redemptive storyline Peterson has favoured in the past. Brandon's communication with his pastor regarding his familial history, while most likely era, reads as very victim blaming/victim shaming which left a bad taste in my mouth as well. 

It is also important to note that this story involves domestic violence against women and children as well as two description of killing (one premeditated and one reactionary) for readers who may be more sensitive to those plot themes.

2.5 out of 5 stars

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

When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

 

Libby is trapped in a world on the brink of WWI attempting to fend off her mother's attempt to use her as a social pawn and dreaming of delving into things that matter, until she goes to sleep and wakes up in Colonial Williamsburg running her late father's print shop as the colonies and England move closer to war.

Honestly, this is one of the most unique premises I've encountered in awhile.
One consciousness, two bodies, two time periods, two entirely separate lives. 
Each day is lived as any other until midnight strikes, the traveler sleeps and wakes in their alternate life loosing no time in one while living the other. This cycle then continues until their 21st birthday when they must choose one life leaving the other and all it holds behind forever.

In a lot of ways this felt like two historical novels in one. I really enjoyed how Meyer was able to capture the details and rhythms of both colonial America and early 20th century America. More importantly, I was captured by Libby and how thoroughly Meyer captured her heart and duty in both lives and the tension she held as her birthday approached.
Meyer's ability to capture Libby's growth and grieving really anchored the story as well as highlighting the premises uniqueness attributes. Libby's reality of saying goodbye to a life that would think her dead and gone while she stayed anchored in the other added different layers to her relationships that really gave the plot an extra layer of interest. 

I appreciated the implied lore of time travelling running through family lines as well with Libby's Williamsburg mother also being a traveler, mentoring Libby in how to navigate the unique challenges of the life they'd been given. 
I also found it interesting that, given how unique the time travelling premise was, the travelers we meet throughout the book are all people of faith despite their situation. I'm not exactly sure what genre this type of time travelling falls under (it doesn't quite feel sci-fi, yet it's so grounded in historical fantasy doesn't feel accurate either.) but it was encouraging to have a faith based story that wasn't afraid to incorporate more fantastical elements.

The only downsides were in it's conclusion. Considering how well written and engaging each timeline was, everything felt almost too neatly wrapped up with Libby, Reggie, and Henry in the end. I mean I know this is historical fiction/ time travel book and stretches beyond the fantastic but for so many paths to converge into a perfect path just seemed a little too shiny as much as I wanted happiness for Libby.

As a fan of historical fiction, this was like getting two engaging stories in one and despite my mixed feelings over the conclusion I would easily read another one of Meyer's characters journey through time

4 out of 5 stars

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

Along the Rio Grande by Tracie Peterson

 

Tracie Peterson is back with new series, Love on the Santa Fe's, debut novel Along the Rio Grande. Fans of Peterson will find many familiar elements on these pages and a relatively easy read almost to the point of being forgettable.

Susanna Jenkins is a typical lead female for the genre. She's determined, levelheaded, kind, and had kept her faith through great loss. She's agreed to help her family learn how to survive after great losses financially and socially. All great elements but she really doesn't stand out among other female leads for good reasons, I was confused how she was lauded for her common sense but pours out her family's problems to the first handsome stranger. Much of the time she felt more a passenger in her life than a primary lead.

Gary's storyline has interesting potential in the young man trying to find his place in life but, like many of the plots in this novel, it felt spread too thin and not enough substance. While their parents did show more of their own motivations and struggles they were very unlikeable until the book's climax, so I personally didn't find that engaging either.

I guess I'm a little at a loss. I can see where Peterson has touched upon solid themes of starting over, redemption, and love in ways that have so much potential. But I also felt uncomfortable with her one secondary characters only memorable line being a  self directed racial insult and disconnected from storylines that felt like they could have mixed and matched any Peterson characters and still come out with a similar story.

I think Peterson fans will still enjoy Susanna's tale as the writing and themes are what you expect from Peterson. I just think, for me, I felt frustrated at the glimpses of depth I saw that never delivered.

3 out of 5 stars

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

Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon

 

Hannon is once again inviting readers to stop and rest in Hope Harbour. 

Sea Glass Cottage is the eighth outing by Hannon to this charming little town and returning readers will be thrilled to see that many of the characters who make up the heart and soul of HH are back for another tale.

Now, I will say as someone who has read most of the series (I believe 2 books slipped by me during busier seasons), this was the first book in the series that I really felt having read prior novels would add significant enjoyment to the story. So many of the little nods like Eleanor's cake, the town experts at the festival, the coffee shop, and Charley with the birds really build off prior novels and their stories. I'm not saying a new reader wouldn't enjoy Sea Glass Cottage but this would not be my top recommendation for introducing the series.

So, onto the story. First, Charley has been a favourite of mine since his first appearance in book one and I was thrilled to see him play a larger role in this story. His talks with Beth and Steve showed so much more of his character as did his scenes with Noah and I loved seeing Charley shine. I appreciated seeing Hannon dig a little more into Charley's quiet faith and his steadfast service to the town, Also, how can I get so happy over seeing that two fictional seagulls have not changed? Those birds always make me smile.

The primary storyline centering on Christi and Jack feels very familiar to Hope Harbour with it's centering themes of new beginnings, redemption, forgiveness, and of course romance. Honestly, I am always intrigued by Hannon's willingness to incorporate characters that don't fit the norm of her genre and her openness to tackling grief through the experiences of Steve, Hannah, Beth, and Jack were probably the most memorable scenes of the book for me. That said, there wasn't anything stand out about Christi and Jack for me this time and I can already see them fading into the quiet background of Hope Harbour in my memory.

While the story itself was a sweet and well wrapped up read, I felt that Hannon relied more on the familiar in this book. The faith topics felt a little more preachy than I remembered, the time jumps felt a little more jarring with weeks rushing by, the pacing just didn't match what I expected from Hannon or the series. 

For readers going through harder times I think it's worth mentioning that this novel does touch upon the sudden loss of an adult child, loss of a parent, foster care, and child abuse/bullying themes.

3.5 out of 5 stars.  

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

The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot

 

I'm going to be honest, this review may be a little biased because I absolutely love Mesquite Springs and The Spark of Love was the perfect way Cabot could have ended our journey alongside such a dear cast of characters.

The Spark of Love is Cabot's third and final outing to Mesquite Springs and this time readers are given two lead female characters. Alexandra Tarkington, daughter of hotel owner Calvin Tarkington (introduced in the previous visit to Mesquite Springs) and dear Laura Downey who finally gets her own time to shine as well.

One of my favourite things about Cabot's writing is the way she takes themes, plot points, and anecdotes from previous books in a series and weaves them into current stories.  I loved getting the updates on the the townspeople from the main characters Laura and Alexandra through to earlier primary characters like Polly, Evelyn, Dorothy, and Mrs. Lockheart. Even the puppies got an update. This really helps reader immersion and it felt like visiting old friends and catching up after being away. I also felt these moments helped emphasize just how much care Cabot puts into her characters and stories to wrap them up with the storylines they deserve.

So I was pleased to see Laura get a shot at love after two books of heartbreak and it was so worth the wait. I appreciated the patience Cabot gifted Laura's story as neither Laura nor her beau would have been in a place to maintain a healthy relationship in book one. Instead readers see both characters slowly grow, learn, and heal into a place where they can be equal participants balancing, encouraging, and loving each other.

That said, Alexandra is the obvious main character and for the "outsider" in town she manages to hold the story well. 

Those new to Mesquite Springs may find a lot of familiar plot hooks in this series but Cabot hasn't set out to rewrite the genre. Her strength is in tested wisdom, characters that leap off the page and invite you to sit down over pie, romances that make you want to play matchmaker, and plots that wrap up with a completion that makes you want to cheer.

I recommend taking a chance on Mesquite Springs but to get the full breadth of its charm and Cabot's skill do yourself a favour and read all three in their printed order, it's worth the time.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

This book was provided as part of the #RevellReads book tour. The opinions are my own.

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.

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.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

 

I think it's safe to say I have a soft spot for anything Liz Johnson writes nestled onto the shores of P.E.I. Between her ability to capture the unique charm and quirks of small town life as well as the ability to craft characters who feel like people you could meet in everyday life, I know Johnson will deliver a satisfying story.

In Beyond The Tides readers are invited into the annual lobster hunt with the crew of the Pinch a fishing boat run by Whitaker. But with Whitaker's wife facing an unknown illness and time running short, he opts to sell his license and boat to whoever proves themselves over the season: his previously uninterested daughter Meg or his crew member Oliver who irrevocably altered Meg's life in a moment of high school anger.

I really enjoyed this book . . .  like read it all in a night enjoyed. Johnson's eye for detail is fantastic and really helps with the immersion as she paints her scenes for readers. I couldn't help but chuckle as the crew downed their Tim's in the morning, or sympathize with Meg and Oliver as they navigated the rumour mill of a small town. 

Johnson has a wonderful subplot for Meg and her Mom about making memories but Johnson also excels at this as she gives her readers sunrises at dawn, nights on the boat, and walks on the beach. She can craft a stand out moment without it feeling out of place in the overall weave of the story and I appreciate that skill in an author.

The leads in this particular novel I found to be quite solid. Meg's confusion and wrestling as she sought to find some stability in her changing world was well written, and I love how her character arc not only showed growth but stays true to the character originally introduced. Johnson introduces some sensitive topics with her characters like loss of a parent, career instability, etc. but the characters responded in a way that made sense with how they were written allowing the story to ebb and flow as they grew.

Oliver was a solid counter to Meg throughout the story as he wrestled through his own losses and responsibilities. I appreciated Johnson ability to counter and compare similar struggles in Oliver and Meg's lives without making it feel to matchy.

As for the romance, I definitely appreciated Johnson's pacing throughout the book, with Meg and Oliver providing an excellent story. But, I also very much appreciated the romance element present within Meg's parents story. To see the love and romance present, for better or for worse, was a lovely touch and a beautiful story even if it was just in the background.

4.5 out of 5 stars.  

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

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

#TheSecretKeepersOfOldDepotGrocery

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner

The Nature of Small Birds invites readers into the lives of a "normal" American family and the effects of the Vietnam war over the course of multiple generations and through the eyes of various narrators.

Before this particular novel I was more or less unfamiliar with Susie Finkbeiner and her work and I'll admit it took me a little while to adjust to her writing style (Oh how my tired brain would have loved a family tree at the beginning of the book to help me sort out Bruce, Linda, and Sonny as the narrators), eventually I fell in love though.

One of the strongest aspects of Finkbeiner's work is her ability to capture the emotional aspects of her plot for good and for bad. While Sonny is a bit older than myself the nostalgia as Finkbeiner captures the pop culture aspects of her growing up with PBS before moving to malls and movie theaters, I was amazed at how easily my mind was able to capture their world thanks to Finkbeiner's inclusion of these pop details.

Finkbeiner also knows how to handle more serious emotions with a careful and delicate touch, you can see her heart and research going into the scenes where Mindy is processing the emotions surrounding her involvement in operation babylift. I quickly grew to love Finkbeiner's heartbreaking honesty when it comes to life and loss as you saw it throughout the adoption journey as well as with Mindy's adopted uncles time in Vietnam and the effects on them and their loved ones.

I also appreciated how Finkbeiner doesn't try to wrap the story up neatly into a tidy ending, she acknowledges some losses and some messes are too big and too complicated to tidily fix in 356 pages. Some characters get an honest ending instead and I feel like that's truer to the story that was being told one that wasn't finished, wasn't resolved but also one that wasn't devoid of hope.

While it hasn't been terribly long since I finished it, The Nature of Small Birds feels like one of those books that just sticks with a reader popping up in their mind from time to time, something I'm not opposed to in the least.

 4.5 out of 5 stars

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

To Find Her Place by Susan Anne Mason

 

In the  second offering of the Redemption's Light series, Mason reintroduces reader to former case worker Jane Linder and wounded veteran Garret Wilder as they both seek to fill the acting director position for the Toronto CAS. 

While I feel this is the weaker book in the series so far, there are still a lot of elements that make this book worth a look regardless of whether or not they've read A Haven For Her Heart (which I highly recommend!). 

Once again, Mason doesn't shy away from heavier topics to add some depth and realism into her books. I appreciated watching Jane interact with the children in the society's care and Mason's inclusion of how some children grief can appear as anger and/or misbehavior.  I also appreciated her exploration of grief as it related to life altering injury and that she had her characters take time to explore what that meant on an emotional and mental level. Obviously a book tackling WW II era elements will at least touch on grief but I was impressed both with the sheer natural variety Mason includes in this tale as well as how naturally she allows her characters to articulate their grief, even if it's messy.

The story itself was interesting. I appreciate how Mason tackles historical events that are close to home as a fellow Ontarian. She isn't afraid to delve into lesser covered areas and I enjoyed experiencing this fictional account of how children's aid worked in the WW II era. I also appreciated how naturally Jane and Garrett's relationship developed. She took the time to incorporate the back stories she gave them for a natural progression that was far more satisfying. The side story of the missing money was also interesting but felt very much a side story, that wrapped up quickly and without fanfare.

Which touches upon my critique, many of the storylines in this book wrapped up quickly and far more sweetly than was believable given the nature and era of the story. Almost everyone came back from war, children placed with families healed from their issues easily and smoothly, a character faced a disabling injury that he recovered from quickly but also had people bending over backwards to help with accessibility plans in case they didn't (as someone with a disability I confess I laughed at everyone's eagerness to accommodate). After such serious elements it made the ending feel too "fairytale" in some ways for me. While I somewhat expected and maybe even rooted for the unbelievable happy ending it just felt too clean and polished.

3.75 out of 5 stars.

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

Sustaining Faith by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

 

Fans of Oke and Logan will be pleased to reunite with sisters Lillian and Grace in Sustaining Faith. This book is a direct sequel to Unyielding Hope (which far warning I somehow missed) and follows the two sisters as they settle into all the changes the past year has brought to their small family.

Now as I mentioned before, I haven't read book one in the When Hope Calls series. For people jumping into the series at this point it is totally doable. Logan and Oke present a wonderful tale with Lillian and Grace's story, however I did feel I missed some of the richness of the world, plot, and emotions that they laid out earlier. Essentially, if you can get your hands on book 1 first go ahead and enjoy it but if you can't I think you'll pick up just fine.

Oke and Logan really draw on their strengths with this novel. While the events of the book feel very ordinary, right down to waiting on phone calls with spotty connection, Oke and Logan shine with their emotion connection and their ability to pull out their characters hearts, hopes, and fears. Given the underlying themes of loss and starting over that run throughout the book, the authors had plenty of chances to dig deep and I was thrilled to see how often they let their characters sit with what was happening around them.

I've read a few novels in the past that touched on the stories of international orphans sent out to the frontier to find homes or work placements but I really appreciated the approach taken here. With Grace's own experience growing up in homes and Lillian's as someone who was adopted, Logan and Oke really give their characters the ability to explore the issues surrounding the developing care system from different angles.

I was pleased, remembering Oke gentler style from previous novels, to see the authors digging into the more painful emotions that can surround these placements and the grief that surrounds them. From Grace, to Jane, to Freddie the character reacted with an honesty in their portrayal that made my heart ache.

Now, one key point I forgot about an Oke and Logan series is don't expect an ending until the end and that also proves true. This novel very purposefully weaves itself into the story previous and the one (or ones) that are yet to come. In fact, warning to readers, this book does leave you on a cliff hanger on more than one plot line. Not in a lazy way but in one that leaves you checking the calendar for release dates.

4 out of 5 stars.

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

On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright

In her latest novel On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor  Jaime Jo Wright brings together her trademark mix of mystery, attraction, and timelines for a complex, keep you guessing until the last page tale.

As someone familiar with Wright's work, I was excited to see that she has stayed true to her familiar style of weaving one mystery throughout two time periods. This time, readers being invited to follow Adria Fontaine in 1885 looking to escape her troubled life by way of missing gold as well as Kailey Gibson in modern times looking to understand a tragedy from her childhood.

This style is truly the strength of the story. Wright has an undeniable skill when it comes to guiding her plot through her chosen eras building mystery and anchoring her plot. As a result of her style, Wright is one of the few writers who consistently keeps me guessing (and turning pages throughout the early hours) in an attempt to figure out the next clue.

Wright also stands out as an author who doesn't shy away from harder topics. In this particular novel, she touches on disabilities, trauma/PTSD, mental health, abuse, and addiction to name a few. My favourite character of the entire story was a resident named Maddie, a delightful older woman living with dementia thanks to Wright's skill teasing out the balance between Maddie's wonderfully realistic spunk in life with the grieving of her reality and disease. 

That said, there were elements of this book that sat differently with me, one being Mr. Crayne. Mr. Crayne bothered me as a male lead. While I appreciated the potential in his character, the timeline felt too rushed for me to be comfortable with the end results. If you've read my reviews before you'll know I'm a sucker for a good redemption arc and Mr. Crayne, initially, seemed to fit that type with his tragic past, his harmful coping mechanisms, and his traumatized mind coupled with his growing desire to change. 

However, and here lies some spoilers, given his traumatic past and Adria's own troubled mindset wrestling with her abusive family and suicidal tendencies, the relationship felt dangerous in the short time frame rather than romantic. It was hard to see the romance over the warning flags.

I also struggled with the feeling that some characters were there less as a part of the worldbuilding and more because the plot needed some form of move ahead. It just left me feeling a little less immersed and a little more disjointed than I'm used to feeling with a Wright novel.

While the structure and the mystery Wright lays out in Foxglove Manor are as solid as ever, there were just a few points that fell short for me this time. 

3.5 out of 5 stars.

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

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy

 

This is the book that has made Duffy a must read on my reading list. In A Tapestry of Light, Duffy introduces readers to Ottilie Russell, a young woman of European and Indian ancestry, caught between two worlds and surrounded by grief.

This is an easy book to get lost in. Duffy skillfully brings India of the late 1800s to life as she invites readers into Ottilie's hometown. I really appreciated her attention to the smaller but important details using things like the spices and the scents of Ottilie's daily routine to bring the narrative to life. You can feel Duffy's excitement for history and storytelling come through with this care. I was glad to see this detail maintain it's pace throughout the story as Ottilie left India for England, eventually ending up in London.

One of my biggest issues with Duffy's last book was an inability for me, personally, to connect with the main characters, that wasn't a problem at all here. I really appreciated how Duffy tackled so many universal issues amid her backdrop, things like racism, poverty, loss, and love. The characters weren't rushed through their stories and many had more complicated backgrounds than their initial introduction hinted at.

I also really appreciated Duffy's treatment of faith within Ottilie's story. Ottilie isn't the typical heroine I see so often in the genre. She wrestles with her faith, she feels the questioning about having questions, she knows her own brokenness, she fights in the midst of loss. Her grief and questions feel so real. I love how Duffy chose to keep Nani and her Bible as such a central part of Ottilie's journey and her interactions became a favourite part of the story for me.

For people wanting a vibrantly painted setting, deeply realized characters, and a plot to keep the pages turning A Tapestry of Light is well worth diving into.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

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