Child of Mine

I have a confession to make. Though I've been given many recommendations, hints, and outright directives I have never read a Christian Amish romance.

There, I've said it.

I just couldn't help it. I've always loved historical novels but ones with adventure and intrigue. Somehow, in my mind, Amish novels just didn't fit my criteria of a good read. Even if it was only the subplot.

Then I was given the opportunity to read Child of Mine by David & Beverly Lewis.

Kelly Maines loves her daughter, if only she knew where the girl was. . .
For years, Kelly has tirelessly sought her stolen daughter, neglecting her health and relationships in search of her missing child.
Since his brother's death Jack Livingston has been raising his adopted niece with the help of their loyal Amish nanny Laura Mast.
As one clue leads to another will Kelly find her beloved child or loose what little she has left?


I admit as an adoption advocate the idea of a mother searching for her stolen daughter was heart wrenching and drew me in almost instantly.
Kelly Maines was a character that connected with this Mama's heart and I couldn't help but root for her as she fought between achieving her dreams, healing, or finding peace with both. She was a real character to me not an overly clean Christian version of a hurting woman but a hurting woman looking for peace.

Likewise, Jack made me laugh, the confusion he faced re-entering the dating scene while dealing with an aging Nattie was balanced beautifully with his tangible love for a little girl who changed his life.

The Lewis' are good at spinning a plot.
The slow revealing of each character's story, the events that made them into the people they had become were beautifully woven together with each narrative flowing into the next. I felt it was a great illustration of just how easily lives can be intertwined without us realizing the destination. This is a great novel for readers who like their books to be a journey rather than something to be consumed.

This talent at spinning out their plot helps give the Lewis' characters depth and humanity. I would go as far as saying that it would be difficult for the target audience to not find at least one character with whom their resonate.

That said, at times, I'll admit, I was a bit frustrated by the over-description which occurred, particularly in the book's earlier chapters. Initial character description felt a little forced with details being added for the sake of adding details.

The positive side of this, if it wasn't for writing up a review, I would have easily forgot the awkwardness of these initial introductions with complete outfit descriptions thanks to the overwhelming charm and heart which followed.

I would highly recommend this book to any readers looking for a good solid novel with a lot of heart and none of the smut that so often ruins a good simple romance.

4.5 starts out of 5



I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Saving Amelie

Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by stories about people, stories of loss and hope, stories of overcoming adversity. Not many people were overly surprised when I discovered the world of fiction based upon those who lived through the world wars, especially those who survived with disabilities.

Over the years I have read many novels from well known to well written to those best left upon the shelf, either way it was no surprise that eventually I'd find my way to Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke.

Saving Amelie is a recent novel from Tyndale publishing following the character of Rachel Kramer, a young woman on the cusp of finally chasing down her dreams, providing she accompany her scientist father back to Germany for one last visit to the Institute she has visited since childhood. During her visit Rachel discovers the life she has always known may not be one based upon the truth and she must choose which path she intends to follow.

I really liked this book, as in stay up late, can't put it down, have to find out what happens to the characters kind of like. Although I've read a lot of material based on WWII, it is rare for me to find a novel I can appreciate where one main characters been disabled, even though this group were also highly persecuted along with many others during that era. In fact, the beliefs of genetic superiority and racial superiority's effect on the disabled population in Nazi occupied territory is the main group which bears exploration within Gohlke's tale, both through the eyes of young Amelie as well as through the wrestlings of the prejudiced Rachel who is learning to form her own beliefs for the first time in her life.

As a disabled individual, it was refreshing to see a novel which willingly addresses this portion of history while still maintaining awareness of other events, despite the deceptively peaceful locale of the story's main plot. Given that Saving Amelie is published by Tyndale, I was concerned that there would be some glossing over of the more serious nature of the events being shared yet was surprised to find Gohlke willing to address equally serious topics such as murder and sterilization as the story warranted, though the book did maintain its overall hopeful mood.

Each of the main characters: Rachel, Lea, Oma, Amelie, Jason, Fredierich, and Rivka were each given their own plot line that realistically interacted with and stood apart from the others while highlighting the different struggles that occurred during the war, each representing their own group and giving insight through the characters struggle.

Personally, I would easily recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys WWII fiction, Christian fiction, or modern historical romance. 4.5 stars out of 5

Caught in the middle

Mrs. Anne Tillerton only wanted to get away, live her life in peaceful safety away from uncaring  eyes that saw what they want and a dead husband whose life haunted almost as much as his death.

I have a confession to make.

I didn’t want to like Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings.

Anne’s character made me bristle, but hear me out. It wasn’t her rough around the edges, speak her mind attitude. Like Nicholas, it made Anne that much more endearing when she allowed her true self to be shown in quieter moments with Sammy.

It felt uncomfortable reading a woman who’s life seemed to be a collection of clichés.

Nicholas also made me bristle. In the beginning he really came across a profit based, image driven man. When Anne confronted him on his faith being self-serving I almost wanted to cheer.

Here is the thing though, Jennings doesn’t leave her characters stuck in their flaws, she allows them to grow, change, and flourish through their experiences and faith bringing readers on a much more satisfactory journey than the first chapters ever could have hinted at. I’ll admit, I ever cried during the story’s climactic moments.

Jennings uses her characters both to lead readers on a journey with her characters – Anne as she learns to heal, forgive, and love as well as Lovelace as he learns to see the world and his priorities. However, she simultaneously uses those same characters to ask hard question about faith to her readers and the cost of love.

As a word of warning, I didn’t realize when I began this book that Caught in the Middle actually exists either in a series or as part of a world within Jennings collection of writings. As Anne slowly lets Nicolas (and the reader) into her abusive and broken past (which was actually quite well written for a Christian novel from a counselling perspective while remaining non-triggering), there are strong hints of the plots in both Sixty Acres and a Bride as well as Love in the Balance.  I truly believe this can be viewed as a read alone novel but for readers who enjoy the whole picture or just fall in love with Jennings style, those would be good books to keep in mind.

All in all i give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book for free from Bethany Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion

Tide and Tempest

For Tillie McGrath life's plan was simple. Move to America and build a life with her beloved and unborn child. Life rarely goes according to plan, however, and Tillie finds herself burying the past and moving forward thanks to her friends at the boarding house. What Tillie doesn't realize that the past can fight back when you least expect it.

Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig is the third book in her Edge of Freedom series and I was thrilled to continue on with the stories of the boarding house's next member after falling in love with the intertwined tales of Ana, Cara, and Eoghan in the early stories.

I really appreciate how carefully Ludig works to build her worlds and keep her characters intersecting through natural story points which flow out of the overarching plot and am amazed when seemingly coincidental encounters from earlier tales turn out to be major plot drivers an entire novel later! To have this level of foresight (or the ability to tie back) definitely increased my enjoyment of the plot and Ludwig's storytelling capabilities.

In the second novel, readers are briefly introduced to Tillie McGrath, Tide and Tempest's heroine, a sad woman in the midst of rebuilding her life after loosing her fiance and delivering their stillborn child. As a result my interest was already piqued when I opened up book number 3 found Tillie's journey to and from the boarding house to be our next focus.

When I first started Ludwig's series Tillie was the one woman I wished I could find out more about, the grieving woman, the quiet woman, and Ludwig does not disappoint. While staying true to the overarching plot with the Fenian's and The Celt, Ludwig still crafts a beautiful story of mercy, forgiveness, and love for young Tillie.
I found, in a lot of ways, Tillie has been the character over the series to show the most growth and wonder if this is a reflection of Ludwig's on growth over the series as an author?
Tide and Tempest does have a more complete feel than it's predecessors, possibly due to story line completions, but their was an equal though more subtle maturation in the writing itself which adds to the ease of reading.

Overall,  as much as I loved Ludwig's early work, Tide and Tempest has become a new favourite and I'd highly recommend it to fans of the genre.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Tabula Rasa

I love books.

I love stories. I love a well written character that draws you in. I love the learning and transportation that takes place.

As such, I'm fairly picky when it comes to my books, even more so when Hollywood decides to tread on much loved friends.

This is why it was so odd to read a book and have my second thought be "This would make an amazing movie (if done right)"

Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin truly is an edge of your seat thriller and I loved every minute of it.

The character of Sarah definitely fits the criteria for drawing in readers. I love that Lippert-Martin allows for readers to discover the world and Sarah as she reclaims her own identity and begins making her own decisions. Her lack of knowing helps heighten the mystery but also allows her to be a sympathetic character. Although readers are unsure who is friend or foe you can't help but want things to work out for this young girl.

Thomas was a little cliche when it comes to nerd based characters and yet it also made him a suitable counterbalance for Sarah midst the horrors she was encountering in the hospital and  takeover. Although not a wholly innocent character his innocent brought a more human touch to the story.

Oh, and the hospital. I don't generally read many books that are set in a single building. I find it difficult for an author to hold my focus when the setting never really changes (okay there's also the yurt scenes but that's not a huge change.) Instead Tabula Rasa offers up the setting as another primary character. One who is neutral and ever present, intriguing and threatening in it's own way.


Finally, I really enjoyed Lippert-Martin's ability to craft a story. Confession time, once again, this isn't a story to read while falling asleep (or if you hope to fall asleep during insomnia). Tabula Rasa is a fast paced, seat of your pants, adventure novel with twists and turns I don't think I would have seen even if I was trying to finish it at 3am.  Lippert-Martin keeps her story on task and to the point when it comes to remaining true to Sarah's quest for identity and being true to herself well still providing little moments that help propel the characters forward as individuals rather than plot points.


I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion from NetGallery. The views expressed are my own.

Living with Hypermobility Syndrome

It's ironic that I'm posting this review so late.
Due to my lousy proprioception I may have misjudged my proximity to a bookshelf and ended up with a concussion. This meant no reading or writing for a couple weeks as either activity seemed to trigger a massive migraine.


What a joy, not.
What is a joy is Isobel Knight's book Living with Hypermobility Syndrome.
As someone who is officially diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos (either the same or a close related condition depending on which medical professional you ask) I was curious to uncover the opinions and research of someone who has walked the journey of complex, chronic illness longer than myself.
I was not disappointed. 
I truly wish every single one of my medical professionals I interact with would read this book in the hopes they could gain even a percentage of the empathy and knowledge stored within the pages. This book really is a must read for any who struggle with a condition that is marked with hypermobility as one of its defining features.
Why is this book so good?
First of all, it's organized for easy reference. Thank you! A book that's easy to navigate will simply be used more often and thanks to Knight's clear categories and logical ordering this book is a breeze to sort through.
Second of all, this book takes first hand experience into account. When facing hypermobility whether HMS, EDS, or something else, being understood as a person, as a patient, and as a reliable source of information is so rare. The way Knight weaves personal experience, both her own and others she has encountered, enriches and deepens the conversation laid forth.
Thirdly, Knight doesn't shy away from important topics such as mental health and feminine issues. 
Living with Hypermobility Syndrome is a valuable resource for patient, professionals, and loved ones of those living with one of these conditions.
5 out of 5 stars

The Here and Now

I was provided with this book through NetGallery in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Your world is dying.

Imagine living in a world where death by plague is the most common ending of any story, regardless of age, gender, or status. Imagine a world filled with isolation, screens, chemicals, and the fear of a droning buzz that could signal your end. Now, imagine the only way out was to back.


The Here and Now by Ann Brashares is a far different read than what fans acquainted with her Sisterhood books may have come to expect by Brashares.

The premise is intriguing, due in part to the possibility. A world devastated by plague, environmental change, and crumbling infrastructure. A world where children die and bodies are left lest the grief stricken become the next to be grieved. The only plan for salvation? Travelling into the past to establish new lives and maybe change the future.

Main character Prenna was a great character and one I enjoyed watching come to life. While this book has a blend of mystery and adventure, the core of the story, in my opinion, is Prenna's coming of age.  Brashares did an excellent job bringing Prenna from scared refugee to an emerging, confidant young woman. It was the little touches that made this character exude her depth. While some may find the trip to the beach as lazy given the timeline, the touches such as the mosquito, the slow building of trust, the breaking out, were all necessary to move the story along in it's often fast paced sweetness.

That said there were a few things that left me saddened as I turned the last page.
(Warning - here be spoilers sweetie)


Ethan

I actually know some unique people so his character does not seem as over the top as some people say, with a mind like his and the people he had encountered, his skill set was not surprising. If Brashares hadn't put the time into his character, building up his backstory the physics, the early genius, the ability to spot little details, his networking, most of his skills just naturally flow out of a well developed character.
Now that I've got that out of the way, I was disappointed with how Ethan and Prenna ended up. To have their future ripped away (seemingly) at the very end felt a bit like being robbed.

If I'm honest, the whole ending felt a little short all though I'm torn. If the author's intent was to tell the story of the exodus back through time, she accomplished that fully. The story accomplished it's set goal. However, the characters that were created as the connection point for readers were left hanging with tantalizing heartbreak and promise all rolled into one. I'm still rooting for Ethan/ Prenna, Katherine, and Molly.


Now, mind you, if this book does get a sequel all this could be resolved and I'd be a happy reviewer (hint, hint Brashares)

All in all, I found The Here and Now to be a fun and engaging read which I devoured in an afternoon. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 though due to my reservations about the ending