A Distance too Grand by Regina Scott

In A Distance Too Grand Meg Pero takes on the position of military photographer for an expedition hoping to find a suitable pass through the Grand Canyon. Being a female photographer is the least of her problems as former flames and new intrigue follow her into the wild.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. While Scott uses a few familiar plot devices with the reconnecting romance and young woman fighting for her place, the characters themselves add endearing qualities that keep the plot enjoyable. The mystery of the missing Colonel added to the level of interest by expanding the plot from just another coming of age or historical romance.

Honestly the setting holds it own just through the sheer magnitude and power of the Grand Canyon itself. Given Meg's profession of photographer I felt Scott worked hard not only to help readers capture the mood of the landscape but also stay true to the vision and awe Meg would notice with her artistic view of her world.

The characters themselves were well written with Meg and Ben both believable in their ability to carry the overall novel. That said, Dot and Hank are one of my favourite secondary couples of the year. The way Scott wrote in Dot's fault just made her jump off the page in all the right ways while Hank's obvious love for her over the years was so sweetly written in all its ups and downs. I love when authors take the freedom of a secondary character and let them step into their own and Scott's managed this wonderfully.

As for the leads, as I said Meg and Ben carry the plot well with the romance, mystery, and scriptural threads all mainly interwoven through their characters. I appreciated Scott's confidence in allowing her characters to explore their changing lives in their own pace. This really allowed the spiritual and romantic plot lines to feel more natural. I like how Meg wrestled with her identity and how that played into romance rather than just jumping headlong. I also appreciated how Scott established this as a character trait as she explored faith in the same manner.

4 out of 5 stars

I received this book through the Revell Reads Book tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson

Homeschooling is on the rise and the opinions on homeschooling are skyrocketing accordingly. In her new book, Erickson strives to address some of the most common naysaying voices both internal and external.

For the most part, as a homeschool mom on their second year, I can see how this book would bring encouragement to those new to homeschooling and veterans alike. Erickson addresses a wide variety of topics including schooling multiple children, qualifications to school, and avoiding comparison. These practical lessons are infused with Erickson's passion and a wide knowledge of scripture to help families find their footing. 

I also appreciated the perspective Erickson brings as one trained in formal education. This gives her a unique perspective when addressing some of the more common fears by those in opposition to homeschooling and paints a picture of grace when seeking to understand those fears while responding in love.

My biggest concern with the book was how little room Erickson leaves for re-evaluating your family's decision to homeschool as time passes. Erickson's book, with its black and white thinking, doesn't leave much room for the messy grey that often makes up family life.  I know homeschool families that have switched back to more traditional schooling due to work, health, or other commitments who would feel nothing but guilt and condemnation from Erickson's connecting of homeschooling with calling. That worries me.

Overall, I think this book has a lot to offer. It's biblical perspective can help homeschooling families zero in on their purpose and help them frame their homeschooling to their individual family's strengths and weaknesses, offering practical advice from one who has been there. However, the firm black and white thinking could be harmful to those who are struggle in circumstances outside of their control due to the interweaving of faith, calling, and homeschool commitment which leaves me feeling a bit wary.

3 out of 5 stars 

I received this book from Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion, the views expressed are my own.

Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong

Every once in awhile I read a book that feels different. The words leap off the page and feel less like text and more like sitting in the kitchen over coffee with a friend sharing and learning more about life. Back Roads to Belonging is one of those kitchen conversation books.

Honestly, Kristen has a way of cutting right to the heart of the matter within this conversational tone, weaving hard earned wisdom, grace, and humour through her narrative while anchoring everything with Scripture. I especially appreciated the structure of her work, each chapter including introducing the chapter's theme, sharing a story from friend or personal past, and ending with a blessing. 

I also appreciated the way in which Kristen unpacks the topic of belonging, one often charged with so much meaning and emotion in our lives, in such a clear and gentle way. There's no denying each chapter clearly points to a central theme of belonging but each chapter also stays true to exploring belonging from a different perspective that both builds and expands understanding.  

This constant fleshing out and broadening means that most readers, will find a chapter that resonates with their own journey of belonging while also simplifying the ability to use this book as a reference. 

If I had to choose one book to recommend this year, this would be it.

5 out of 5 stars

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

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

A rag woman, a country estate, and intrigue around every corner combines to create a highly enjoyable read from Joanna Politano.

Joanna Politano knows how to deliver a plot that is both fresh and engaging to readers. There really was so much to love within these pages. The characters were well fleshed out and had flaws that made them feel more realistic. I appreciated how Rothburne Abbey was able to take some of these on itself as it mirrored Raina's personal journey throughout the plot. Sully was a great romantic lead with his passion and drive, though I wish he had recognized his own identity as more than rescuer earlier in the book. 

I also appreciated the detail Politano put into the layers of her plot. The depth within the themes of renewal/restoration, the meanings of identity and names, the challenges of pursuing freedom and truth all made for a riviting read where the plot pulled readers in without revealing all of its secrets before their time.

Now, all that said, there were two points that detracted from the story slightly for me personally. During the transitions from Raina to Sully were a little jarring as the timing felt off but was never specifically mentioned. Now, admittedly, I was reading late at night which happens when you can't put a book down ;) but I do wish there was more clarity in those pov changes.

I, also personally, feel that the romantics will find the ending a wonderful conclusion but I would have preferred a more realistic end. Everything clicked into place just a little too neatly in the final chapters for my own taste and I was intrigued by the other path Raina had available to her which felt more plausible. 

Politano knows how to weave story and characters with meaning and message to create an engaging narrative for readers to fall into, that said, the ending does feel a little too clean for the story that was told and I'll probably be pondering Raina's what-ifs for awhile.

4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes

Whose Waves These Are is nothing like the books I normally choose to read and was everything I needed to read this summer.

Dykes blends historical and contemporary fiction, romance and mystery to provide a plot that is both engaging and complex.

The plot itself was a joy to read, I was concerned when I realized that the story itself would jump between WWII and contemporary settings that plot threads may go unaccounted for or that the time jumps could feel sloppy, However, Dykes is masterful at incorporating her thoughts and ideas into a cohesive story that flows well and often had me in wonder at the twists and details she includes.

This is in part due to the strength of her anchoring characters. Annie Bliss is relatable both in her insecurities as well as in her returning to her place of safety in Ansel as she tries to determine her next step in life. Annie has flaws, fears, and failures that give her depth yet still presents the strength and determination that make her easy to root for.

Alternately Robert Bliss anchors the historical sections with ease as he walks through the afternath of the war, what it meant to survive, and how to work through his grief. In many ways GrandBob felt like the most fleshed out character and quickly became my favourite part of the book. Dykes really took the time to point out the moments of Bob's life that gave shape to the man Annie knows and that progression really allows Dykes to have an impactful and emotional conclusion that just wouldn't hit home without the time and effort she spent introducing Bob the way she had.

Actually between Annie, Robert, and the mysterious second male lead of Jeremiah, it wouldn't be a far stretch to say that Whose Waves Are These centers upon a theme of learning to move forward and live after loss, a topic Dykes handles with sensitivity and realism. Dykes takes care to give her characters room for an emotional response and certainly was able to bring about a response from me (yep, this was definitely a book I shoved in hubby's face asking if he could believe it . . . in a good way).

As I said, Amanda Dykes was not on my radar before this book but I'll definitely be taking the time to look her up from now on.

4.5 stars out of 5

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

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

Every once in awhile an author introduces their readers to a village so charming and wonderful you wish you could stop by and visit. Sometimes, if you're lucky, the author will give you a chance to visit once again.

In Yours Truly, Thomas, Fordham takes readers back to the little town of Azure Springs. While not what I would call a traditional sequel to The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas  still features the same landscape and cast of characters that were so endearing in the first novel with it's own host of mysteries and romance. 

However, this novel feels more like a "summer read". The writing not quite as crisp, the plot a little more familiar. This novel is a comfortable read for a hot summer afternoon and a chance to revisit old friends more than be challenged or engaged by deep plots. The old friends though . . .

Personally, I was thrilled to see the return of Margaret and her boarding house. Margaret was one of my favourite characters in Fordham's other outing to Azure Springs and I loved seeing her character get some more time to shine. It was also interesting to see how life had played out for both Em and Eliza in the years that had passed. Fordham certainly doesn't forget the characters of her past which I appreciate as a reader, the town's moved forward but not forgotten and the continuity of Azure Springs felt honest. I also appreciate Fordham's willingness to let characters live with the consequences of their actions within the plot, for better or for worse. It felt respectful of the secondary characters and allowed them their own moments of importance.

As far as new characters go, Penny is a lovely lead. I enjoyed having her backstory at the dead letters office and how it allowed letter writing to become so important to the plot. She is a wonderful mix of romantic and seeker of wisdom wrestling to find her place in life.  Both Penny and the male lead Thomas really help emphasize a theme of new beginnings and second chances that just seems at home in Azure Springs.

As I mentioned earlier, the plot wasn't especially surprising, that said it was the perfect level of engagement for a lazy summer afternoon with a satisfying resolution of the main stories by Fordham at the end and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to visit again should Azure Springs pop up once more.

3.75 stars out of 5

I received this book as part of the Revell Reads book tour in exchange for my honest opinions

A Reluctant Bride (Bride Ships #1) by Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund has done it again. A Reluctant Bride is, by far, my favourite read this summer and I'm so excited for book #2 in March 2020.

Following the Tynemouth, a ship chartered to bring 60 women to 1860's British Colombia and help establish the settlement under British rule through marriage, Hedlund chooses to focus readers through the eyes of Mercy and Joseph.

Mercy is an amazing protagonist and really highlights Hedlund's skill as both author and researcher. While Mercy is definitely a character readers can empathize with and root for, Hedlund is respectful of the social and economic setting Mercy would have grown up in and the effects it would have on her worldview. This adds layers of drama and tension that, I felt, gave the book a much stronger rhythm and urgency when appropriate. I appreciated that Mercy has to wrestle through her long established views on worth, class, and self while reminding readers just how difficult it can be to break free from those old perspectives.

Adding to the strength was Joseph, who provided his own contrast and similarity to Mercy as he wrestled with the expectations of class and upbringing affecting how he approached and interacted with his world. I particularly enjoyed how Joseph's greatest rival is his own worldview and the chance that gave Hedlund to allow the character to grow over the course of the book.

I was also impressed with how Hedlund worked faith into her plot and into the characters lives. Unlike some  stories, the inclusion of faith felt natural and the questions the characters had about faith and God felt real given the struggles they had been facing and the mentors or lack thereof they had to guide them. I appreciate when faith is a natural outcome of character development in the genre.

Honestly, I cannot recommend this book. When I look back at some of my favourite fiction in the last five years Jody Hedlund is always near the top for her deep and heartfelt characters and willingness to focus on the historical areas that are often overlooked in the genre. 

4.5 out of 5 stars.

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