The Best of Intentions by Susan Anne Mason

Grace Abernathy and Andrew Easton are  the perfect leading pair from Susan Anne Mason's latest novel. I love how real this duo feels as they wrestle through their grief from the war, making decisions that fade into grey rather than a clear black and white, and repeatedly lay themselves and their hearts on the line.

Honestly, I'm so over novels where the couple falls head over  heels at first sight and never looks back. I love how Andrew and Grace's friendship feels natural and how, when secrets are revealed they react like actual human beings  that have been hurt. I may have  been yelling at the page during their confrontation but had to admit it made sense.

That's what I love about Mason, she doesn't shy away from having her characters wrestle through emotional situations where there isn't a clear cut answers. The Eastons aren't villains, Grace isn't an above reproach heroine, each family has their own motives, pains, and hurts that muddle up their views. This gives Mason's work and honesty and interest that is exciting and refreshing.

That said, I also appreciate how Mason doesn't  leave her characters alone and unresolved in her pain. The Best of Intentions has a lovely theme of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the importance of family that runs through the entire novel. Her "sermons" within the novel felt natural thanks to Rev. Burke and Mason's attention to secondary characters.

The only negative I found is the setting. Now, I enjoy Canadian history and actually have been to Toronto many times (not to mention Murdoch Mysteries is set there - a family favourite) it felt, however, that with a few name changes the story could have taken place anywhere. I'm hoping further outing in the Canadian Crossings series make further use of the variety present in Canadian landscape and landmarks

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

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright has done it again. Between her strong female leads, attention to detail, and ability to weave past and present into one gripping tale Wright's books are fast becoming must-reads in her genre.

One of Wright's greatest strengths is her ability to anchor plots with details that cross the decades and I loved the way she  incorporated those overarching details throughout The Reckoning of Gossamer Pond. I found myself going back and rechecking details on a certain watch or flipping through and realizes afresh the significance of events as new family relationships were revealed. These details help give the plot a full and complete feeling.

I also appreciate the pacing of Wright's work.  The mysteries surrounding both Libby and Annalise were given time to grow and unveil themselves naturally throughout the plot. This really helps give the story a stronger secretive atmosphere and allowed me easier access into the world  of Gossamer Grove.

Finally, I appreciate the leads Wright brings to life. Rather than focusing on coming of age, Wright brings out women who have strengths, goals, and lives of their own  while still feeling  the effects of loss and hurt from their past. I appreciate seeing characters who are relatable wrestling with the messiness of life and human  mistakes.

 

The only downside I found with The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond was the development of the Corbin brothers. While both held important roles to the plot I still wanted more out of them, especially in light of Wright's ability to bring out details. The brothers felt functional more than riveting and Jacobus especially felt like a character with more to add.

Wright has become my hands down go to for a good historical mystery. I cannot wait to see what she brings to life next.

4.5/5 stars

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

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Colouring Book Illustrated by Julianne St. Clair

Okay, for the sake of full disclosure, I adore autumn. It is easily my favourite season and I revel in my fall bias :) 

When I heard Thomas Nelson was releasing an "autumn themed" colouring book I was curious if they would be able to capture the charm and atmosphere of this season.

Overall, I'm charmed. The pictures really do cover a wide spectrum of the season from the tradition pumpkin patch to beautiful fall flowers, to hot drinks and fall sunsets. The variety was impressive and certainly gives a lot of options for colouring choices depending on a person's mood. The pictures really evoke the nostalgia and slowing down I personally associate with the season.

As far as construction goes the book itself has a nice weight with reasonable paper weight. I found my pencil crayons (or my children's crayons) went on well and easily brought the images to life. That said, I do wish the pages were either thicker or single sided as markers just were not a reasonable option do to bleed through.

Finally, I found the text selection interesting. The book does utilize a solid collection of scripture verses for users to fill in as one would expect from Thomas Nelson but also includes a few sayings ranging from theologians to simple fall themed whimsy. 

I  am looking forward to indulging in some quiet moments with my coffee, a comfy blanket, and this colouring book all autumn long and can see any other fans of the season have an equally enjoyable time.

4.5 stars out of 5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is quickly becoming a  go-to author for engaging, historical fiction that doesn't blend in with the commonalities of its genre. Once again, in River to Redemption Gabhart has picked a fascinating part of history, in this case the  city of Springfield Kentucky after a devastating cholera epidemic, the story of a slave freed by his own town, and added a host of honest characters led by young Adira Starr to both inform and delight readers.

I love when a historical fiction can inform and inspire readers to more study and Gabhart seems to have a knack for this type of writing. I was amazed to hear the foundational information of the cholera as well as Louis' unusual method of obtaining his freedom were both based on actual occurrences within Kentucky. This historical base always seems to add an extra level of depth or scope to a story when capitalized on and Gabhart provides a story filled with characters who leap off the  page.

And the characters ...

Can I just say the characterization of our two leading ladies made me do a happy dance? There was much dancing over the thrown-together family of Ruth Harmon and Adira Starr as they are the most relatable pairing of women I've read in a historical fiction this year. I loved the way Gabhart explored Ruth's grief at loosing Peter but also the  awareness of her vulnerable and unique state being an unmarried widow for so long in her environment. Whereas Adira's obvious confusion about her future and the two men vying for her attention was such a refreshing change over the usual fall in love in a chapter regardless of past or future plans. It makes both woman stronger characters as their struggles don't seem as glossed over or mere points of convenience for the plot.

As for the plot, Gabhart  effortless weaves faith throughout her fiction. I loved watching her characters actually wrestle with their faith in real ways following painful loss about how their faith fits and works with their new reality. Gabhart writes such honest questions through Ruth and  Will's narratives about grief and faith while simultaneously looking at the importance of the abolitionists  through Adira and Louis handling heavy topics with grace  that had me taking a break from my book to reflect on the greater message (and if you've been around  here  much you know what it takes for me to put a book down).  Yes, there are some sermon moments but when one of the major characters is a pastor I think that's less awkward writing and more writing your character which is certainly how Pastor Will comes across. 

Ann Gabheart knows how to tell a story but her ability to blend history  with characters who don't mind asking the hard questions and allowing their plans to shift as their faith and situations change is making  her one of my authors to follow.

4.5 stars out of 5.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Revell and Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest and uninfluenced review. All opinions are my own"

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing. (quote from back of book) 

Mary Connealy is an author with many strengths. I personally have always been caught by her ability to paint a setting. The Accidental Guardian is no exception as her characters take readers through the High Sierra Mountains even sneaking in a quick visit to lake Tahoe.

I also appreciate that her characters are often anchored in history. Here, both Trace and Deborah have concrete reasons and experiences that are  driving them at  the beginning of the book. I love these histories as they help the plot take on new dimensions rather than a compartmentalized experience.

That said, the main relationship in this novel bothered me. Between Deborah's harsh experience with her father/recent trauma of the wagon train massacre and Trace's utter isolation from woman as well as his guilty saviour complex in his identity as the Guardian, I found the relationship unbelievable. I would far rather have seen the story unfold over the winter season while their individual traumas were addressed in some reasonable manner and the relationship had less of a saviour/victim feel to it. I think this felt even more pronounced as Connealy took the time to explain their backstory without taking the same attention to the present plot's timing.

3 out of 5 stars.

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

The Return by Lacey Sturm

In The Return, bestselling author Lacey Sturm offers a collection of thoughts on how Jesus helps us see the world with new eyes and makes the mundane things in life beautiful. It’s a guidebook from a fellow traveler on how grace helps us–to overcome darkness, to release our empty rituals, to shine with his light. Not so God will love us more but because we long to love him back. And a life lived loving God back is a life that shines with heaven’s glory.

(Excerpt from back of book)

Although I listened to Sturm's band Flyleaf  in college this was my first introduction to Sturm as an author. Overall, I was pleased with the book but there were a few points of concern.

First the style, this is not your typical novel length book and I loved the eclectic and artistic format. Each chapter included Scripture verses, prayers, recipes, and song lyrics set up as though reading the author's journal, actual journal entries were published along side Strum's poetry, and exposition summing up the chapters theme wrapped up each section. 

The strength of this format allowed for increased interest as heavy chapters were broken up by artwork and poetry appealing to those who connect with different forms of written word. The material connected on different levels as concepts were discussed in traditional exposition and artistic venues, and the wide range of materials included helped bring the author and her heart forward in what felt like a more intimate and more vulnerable way.

I also appreciate the way the material covered the author's lifetime. Topics  ranged from mental health, motherhood, performing, marriage, etc.. . Readers "watch" the author grow in her journal entries and see how perceptions change and season pass which I think can be a helpful reminder in hard seasons. 

That said, there were times, that although the author commented how her decisions did not reflect on another person's choices, at times felt harsh and noninclusive of those who differed from her. There also  wasn't a lot of room for differing personalities. I know and love a lot of analytical people. I know a lot of  people who believe without having the overwhelming emotional connection the author does and at many points it felt as though the author felt that this lack of emotion meant their faith was lesser or not genuine. For that reason alone, I couldn't recommend this book to a large portion of my community.

3.5 stars out of 5 

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

Inspired by Rachel Held Evans

As someone who has wrestled with questions, I was looking forward to reading a different approach to reading scripture, especially with the tag line of "loving the bible again" However, what I found was in Held Evans approach was division and confusion.

While I highly enjoyed the explanations and breakdowns including literary genre and historical context Held Evans approach felt scattered and individualistic. As the author only hints at an overarching narrative in the epilogue there is no meta-narrative holding her presentation of scripture, each section is completely unique in their presentation and purpose. To me, it felt as thought her scripture, while more palatable, was not as powerful.

By loosing the lens of a redemptive narrative, ever genre became twistable to the readers own understanding with no absolute truth. It felt very post-modern rather than a book that is timeless and alive.

I understand that scripture can be difficult to understand and at times I think  that's even important  to encourage growth and wrestling, but a scripture with no solid declarations of  truth and  individualism running rampant through the genres just feels a tad too human inspired for my taste.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.