Redefined by Arden Bevere

 

This book held a lot of promise at the beginning but, in the end, it didn't meet expectations. That's not to say there weren't good parts. Arden Bevere is a powerful communicator with a clear vision and a drive to rally others around his call. 

I also appreciated the layout of this book. The idea of taking labels which have followed this generation and redefining them into redeemed qualities part of a godly life was interesting and helped give the book focus and direction. Bevere doesn't shy away from his topics using both personal stories and biblical teaching to explore ten different labels.

I just had two issues with the content that held me back. First, in talking about godly life to an isolated and individualistic culture I would have loved more content (or really any memorable content) about how these qualities fit into godly community. The vast majority of the content was I statements, personal goals, or individual challenges about the reader and God. While I admit we can only work on our own lives the book loses riches by not acknowledging our need for community in faith and ignoring that aspects of faithful living.

The second issue I had was the theology. Now, I know Bevere comes from a famous family but I'm not overly familiar with their theology but there is a feel of Name it and Claim it theology that runs through the book and just left me feeling icky. There were a few chapters like the one on offense and entitlement noticeable that ignored societal injustice and only had small disclaimers on unhealthy systems to set up an argument that honestly felt like if you do (a) for God he will (b) give you said blessings, dreams, desires. Maybe that wasn't Bevere's intention but enough phrasing was similar that's where my mind connected. It was disappointing as there was good content I just had to work to sift it out of the other.

3 out of 5 stars.

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

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

 

Amanda Cabot has a gift when it comes to her stories. Her characters and settings are so well crafted and real that diving into the second book in a series is like coming back to a much loved holiday locale. I definitely missed Mesquite springs.

I really enjoyed Cabot's first outing into Mesquite Springs with Out of the Embers and was happy to see Dorothy come to the forefront as the main character in Dreams Rekindled.  

Side note, I think Dreams Rekindled could stand alone but Cabot does such an excellent job laying the town's groundwork in the series premiere that I would definitely recommend reading these two in order if possible for context and the fact it's such a wonderful tale in its own right.

Dorothy's intelligence and dreams blend so well with her genuine heart for those around her. She's an easy lead to care about. Cabot lets Dorothy take readers on a real journey of growth as she learns her own heart in light of her past and society's expectations. 

Actually, many of the characters go on journeys of growth and making peace/finding forgiveness from the past. It jumped out time and time again yet never seemed overtly blunt or in your face thanks to Cabot's skill of allowing the character's personalities and histories shape and direct the themes.

The plot does touch on some more difficult themes, which I appreciate ( I like a little substance in my romances). Ma's talk about melancholy was especially memorable and the town's struggles with division seem more poignant given the division present in so many circles currently. 

Not that the story is harsh. Cabot's skill at crafting charming small towns with a cast of characters comes through in spades. Nutmeg's scenes always stole my heart as I giggled, smiled, or even cheered at her heroic moments. I also feel Mesquite Springs has shown a lot of growth compared to what I've seen from Cabot in the past. Her adventure/mystery elements just flow into this series so naturally and Brother Josiah's meetings had me on the edge of my chair.

I certainly wasn't ready to say goodbye when the last sentence ended and am thrilled to find out there will be a third outing to this dear little town.

If you enjoy this genre, give yourself a little treat and take a visit to Mesquite Springs.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book as part of the #RevellReads #DreamsRekindled tour. All opinions are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

 

In some ways, A Cowboy for Keeps reads a little like a Hallmark movie. You have the cowboys, the heroine who is starting over, and the sibling she cares for facing a serious diagnosis. Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy and predictable and there weren't any major surprises in the plot itself and yet . . .

This book is exactly what I needed for the end of winter blahs, I loved it. 

Hedlund has given the usually western romance a spin by placing her main characters, Greta and Wyatt, in a marriage of convenience so early in the story the characters are barely established. This really gave the story an enjoyable twist as now readers are invited into the newly established McQuaid household during the three months they've given themselves to see if the marriage will work.

I enjoyed the dynamics this brought as Hedlund used this uncertain marriage to explore some of the fears and concerns that can creep into a relationship. Greta's concerns about not becoming a burden were so carefully explored as she sought to prove her worth and find safety. Wyatt's concerns about provision and caring for a family were believable. Also, I'm a sucker for a good mentor character and Judd quickly won a place in my heart with his mix of guarded cowboy and absolutely softy with Astrid. Finally, I appreciated how the story talked about loss and Hedlund's theme of sharing burdens both in faith and in community.

Astrid, though a minor character, was a personal highlight of the story. As a disabled person it's so frustrating to see how often disabled characters are used solely as a burden or as inspiration, misunderstood plot devices instead of characters. Astrid was a delight though. I loved her spunk and drive. I loved her blend of wisdom and naivete. I also appreciated how Hedlund dove into some of the harder parts of long term illness looking at how it can affect caregivers, as well as the isolation and mental effects it can have on the person affected. 

I'm so excited to see where Hedlund takes these characters with the rest of this series.

4 out of 5 stars

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

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

A Dance in Donegal may be Deibel's debut novel but she has already proven to be a master at pulling her readers alongside for a journey.

Honestly, I was surprised when I scanned the covers to discover that Deibel was new to the world of historical novels. The life and character she pulls into her stories was enchanting. I love how you could feel her time in Ireland helping with the immersion as she crafted her landscapes and villagers. Also, while some may find the way the villagers' accents harder to read I almost squealed with excitement as I spotted the Gaelic popping up throughout the book (it's one of my life goals to learn Gaelic and the glossary made my nerdy heart so happy). It shows Deibel's attention to detail and the effort she spent building an environment for her characters.

Oh the characters, what a ride this story turned out to be.

Moira really is the perfect lead for this narrative bringing readers in as she, herself, discovers her mother's home village for the first time. Her newness in the town really mirrors the readers as both discover the people, traditions, and history of Ballymann. Deibel wrote Moira with some believable flaws that definitely help move the story along yet still feel natural to the character not merely plot device.

Sean feels like a typical male lead but I think part of that is how overshadowed he ends up by Peg and Colm. These two friends/mentors of Sean and Moira were easily the highlight of the book for me with their patient wisdom, deep love, and gentle ways. Honestly, even with how the book ended I would read a book centered on them.

The plot itself was engaging following Moira's move from Boston to her mother's hometown of Ballymann to become the new teacher. The mystery of her mother's past, the arc between Aedach and the town, and obviously Moira's love life keep the story moving at a decent pace. 

For those who have issues with stronger subjects there is a scene depicting an assault on a female character that is interrupted and a well developed character in the plot is murdered. Both events are carefully and well written but the plot would be confusing if you tried skipping them.

I really was impressed with this one and would definitely recommend keeping your eyes open for Deibel in the future. 

4.5 stars out of 5

This book was provided as part of the #RevellReadsBookTour, all thoughts are my own.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is probably my favourite author in the genre. I've loved her work since page 1 and once again she has delivered masterful story filled with romance and loss against the backdrop of the Virginia Colony.

I'm always amazed at the ability of Frantz to craft her world and Tidewater Bride  is no exception. Frantz skill at painting a picture with her words is impeccable and it's easy to let yourself get lost in the heat of summer within the colony. I love how Frantz takes the time to highlight the little things. Frantz paints pictures with every paragraph and is easily one of the most immersive writers I've encountered these last few years.

The story itself centered on Selah and Xander giving the plot much to chew on. I enjoyed Selah as a protagonist, her matters of the heart and interactions were relatable and believable (who doesn't like a good romance these days). That said, Watseka stole the book for me. What a sweet character.

While Frantz doesn't get as dark as other books I've read this year she also doesn't shy away from serious topics. Over the course of the novel Frantz touches upon topics such as kidnapping, rape, arson, and slavery. With so much packed into it's pages I wasn't exactly surprised the ending felt very quick, almost to the point of rushed, and yet, I believe, readers will still appreciated the ability of Frantz to weave her loose ends to completion.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason

 

While this was not the easiest read I've shared with Mason, the amount of research, heart, and honesty make A Haven for Her Heart the most impactful and memorable.

Inspired by the story of a survivor of Ontario's former pregnancy laws and the Mercer Reformatory, Mason brings readers Olivia Rosetti, a young woman trying to find her way after being incarcerated, forced to give up her child, and the loss of those she loved due to becoming pregnant while unmarried in 1939 Canada.

Olivia is such an honest protagonist, Mason gives space for the character to fell her losses and her trauma in a way that felt true to what she had gone through. I know some who have unfortunately also been unable to raise their children in light of a broken system that still exists and Mason's capturing of Olivia's pain, grief, and helplessness is so present I would hesitate to recommend this book to some lest it bring back those feelings, much like Olivia faced with Abigail and Mrs. Linder. 

On the other side, I was thrilled Mason wasn't content with a story of pain but gave Olivia a balance of qualities that endear her to readers as she seeks healing. Her passion and heart may have cemented her as one of my favourite characters of the year (yes, I know it's ridiculously early for such a statement but we'll see come December).

The plot itself around Olivia's story is one that drew me in instantly. Honestly, though Mason is conscientious with her words, this is still easily the darkest novel in her writings to date but only due to her honesty to the material and the horrors women suffered in the real Mercer Reformatory not that long ago.  Living in Ontario and recognizing all the landmarks Olivia travelled, recognizing that Olivia's details actually happened to survivors within a generation instantly made the plot hit harder. It's Mason skill with giving her characters like Olivia, Ruth, and Darius flaws and heart, faith and pain that makes the story so engaging. Mason takes her research and breathes life, emotion, and relatability into it through the characters that build her story. Honestly, I know when Mason puts something out I'm going to get sucked into her characters but perhaps because of Mason's ability to delve into deeper topics the characters of A Haven for Her Heart feels like her strongest offering yet.

While not a light read, A Haven for Her Heart is definitely a worthwhile one.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Things We Didn't Say by Amy Lynn Green

 

Even though Things We Didn't Say may be Green's debut novel, she writes with the skill of a season veteran. I honestly didn't know what to expect coming into this novel, a debut story conveyed through fictional letters, notes, and general correspondence. After a few late nights, I can definitely say that Green is an author I'll be watching for in the future.

First, I loved the style of storytelling Green chose to use. Readers start the book off knowing our main character Jo has been accused of treason before plunging back into a timeline of written correspondence that chronical her journey to those accusations.  I was a little concerned for chapter 1 but won over by chapter 3. The letter format really added to the atmosphere of the story, it doesn't read like just another WWII story, the characters feel so much more personal and real with the appearance of reading their letters and watching the story unfold without the aid of an omniscient narrator.

This storytelling style also gave so much more connection with the main character Jo. Jo is such a fun character, she's whip smart and ambitious with a heart that tries it's best while lacking social niceties. In most setting that type of character can feel rough around the edges, just because that's often how that personality comes across. Giving Jo access to her written words, her rough drafts, and the protection of a typewriter allowed Green to highlight Jo as she envisioned while still highlighting all of her best bits that are often overlooked with those characters.

The style also allowed for some greatly realistic musing and moral questions. One of my biggest frustrations with Christian fiction is the obligatory moral sermon that many books seem to plop down somewhere due to genre constraints. Letters seem to allow for more musings and natural conversations about deeper things (or that could be my letters I'm a notorious rabbit trailer). The deeper questions between Jo and Peter and Jo and Pastor Sorenson felt so natural and true to character especially amid the backdrop of what was happening in their lives.

Green picked some interesting areas to highlight in her story. While I was familiar with the internment camps in North America after Pearl Harbour, I was not familiar with the fact that P.O.W camps existed in the midwest. Green's ability to take these events, research the history, and create characters who explore humanity completely won me over.

Honestly, if you are a fan of WWII novels but want a fresh approach to the genre I would highly recommend giving Things We Didn't Say a chance.

4.5 stars out of 5.

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