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.

Yours Is The Night by Amanda Dykes

 

I know whenever I pick up an Amanda Dykes novel I'm in for an adventure that will engage my mind and pull at my heart, Yours Is The Night is no exception.

Now, before I go on, I will admit, thanks to life being exceptionally busing at the moment, I had a hard time following the story for the first few chapters. This was, in part, due to Dykes need to establish her foundation and introduce the core group of characters the readers would follow.

I am a bit of a sucker for the unlikely group of travelers storyline and Dykes gives us a solid group to love. While Matthew and Mira were clearly the stars of their small group, I was impressed to find myself just as invested in the wellbeing of both Henry and, eventually, George. 

I'm fairly certain I say this every time I finish a Dykes novel but honestly I would love to see this on screen one day. Her skill in bringing moments together would pair so well with a visual medium because her words so easily bring her narrative to life.

Matthew and Mira are wonderful leads both united in a shared history of painful losses and simple faith. Their romance does feel a little fast paced at times but forgivably so given the pressures of their circumstances. Honestly, the pace feels fast more due to Mira's history than the actual speed of the romance given there were more than a few speedy weddings during that era outside of fiction.

Henry's story of finding his voice was  a lovely compliment to the main storyline and I actually found myself wishing for more  of his perspective and story since he had to share his time in the spotlight with Hank. 

George's story was one of those little twists Dykes adds in that I really didn't see coming. His journey of faith, culminating in the scene around the "campfire" was certainly not the one I thought would stay with me and yet . . . I think it may be one of my favourites of the book.

Dykes doesn't hide the horrors of what the soldiers experienced during the war, in fact, she even touches upon the propaganda present with Hank's character, the reality of trench warfare and the final battles through Matthew's experiences, and the reality of loss and impending loss through the journey of the 17th band.

That said, there were definitely moments where the story felt stretched to accommodate a fairy tale ending and yet, the characters on the journey become so endearing it's hard not to want the fairy tale for them. I certainly found it that way.

For sensitive readers, it should be noted as a WWI novel, there are some descriptions of battle within the story, character death, and a story element of sexual assualt (though no details are given of the actual assualt just the aftermath). 

4 out of 5 stars.

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

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."

A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller

I really enjoyed the premise of A Warrior's Heart, with its isolated community, fierce defender, and the interloper with regrets, I expected a bit of historical fiction with a healthy dose of eventual romance.

While some of those elements were present, in the end, I felt like I wasn't the intended audience for this book.

The elements I was most intrigued by (the village of Laurent, the life of a female warrior, etc) all quickly took second place to a romance plot between the two lead characters.

The Village of Laurent is a fascinating town hidden in its caves with a history that was only hinted at. I truly hope some of that is unveiled in future novels of the Brides of Laurent series as it felt so underutilized here.

As did Brielle. I really wanted to love her as a lead. She has risen the ranks to be a protector of her people, had faced down hardships and loss, and was a character that hinted towards great strengths and awareness of her weaknesses. But most of the book focused on her attraction to Evan in a way that felt contrary to the character and history introduced in the earliest chapters.

Same with Evan, although he had some shining moments later in the book, most of my memory of the story was his pining after Brielle, even as she was in a position of authority over him.

I think I just went in with the wrong expectations. I wanted the history of Laurent, the reality of life on the frontier and the uniqueness of the culture that had sprung up in their isolation. In reality, this boils down to a romance novel placed in a previous era more than historical fiction and romance fans will probably find a greater connection to the story Beller shares.

 

"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

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