Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green

In the past, Green's work has been hit or miss for my personal tastes. However, Veiled in Smoke reminded me why I keep returning. Here Green weaves romance and mystery, hope and loss, against the backdrop of the great Chicago fire for an engaging read.

One thing I appreciate about Green's narratives is her willingness to dive into difficult topics and Veiled in Smoke is no exception. Aside from the aforementioned mystery surrounding Hiram's murder Green also weaves in disability, PTSD, and mental health care in the 1800s as driving elements within her story. As someone with a disability, I appreciate that there were no quick fixes for Meg and the care Green took for her journey. I also appreciated the contrast she provides within the asylum and Dr. Gilbert's approach to treating their patients in regards to mental health through the care of Stephan Townsend.

Grieving and new starts were two themes that came up repeatedly whether on a large scale within the city or within the characters themselves. Green presents a variety of multidimensional characters who each offer their own perspective into these themes. This allows Green to come at her topics in both broad and nuanced ways without feeling over explored. Although Meg was the main character, Sylvie, Nate, and Stephen are all given such attention to detail and character each easily carries the story on their own in varying sections adding to the grand scale often found in Green's novels.

As far as the plot goes, despite the amount of characters and detail, Green does provide a satisfying story arc for Meg while still providing a solid lead in for the next book in the Windy City Saga.

4 out of 5 stars

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

Broken and Beloved by Sammy Rhodes

In Broken &Beloved Rhodes combines pop culture, relatable stories, and thoughtful analysis to bring his readers to a place of reflection and timeless truth. Exploring concepts such as identity, value, and wholeness Rhodes has a gift for taking large concepts and presenting them in ways that are both accessible and memorable.

One of the things I appreciate the most about Rhodes writing is his ability to teach while coming alongside. At no point does Rhodes ever come across as a lecturer but rather a fellow traveler in life with some perspectives that may not be always observable on the main road. As a result, Rhodes is able to speak into both the mundane and the extraordinary, weaving the gospels presence into both.

This is definitely a book to enter into with an open mind. Part of Rhodes style is to ask question that demand reflection to fully engage the text. Questions about wholeness, one's reaction to self and other, and the need for grace which require honesty and vulnerability.  However, again, thanks to Rhodes own vulnerability and personal stories this feels like entering into a journey of reflection rather than being sent out on one's own.

While this is not the first book on this topic I have read, Rhodes humour, conversational tone, and ability to structure and build his argument make this a book I could easily recommend to my friends looking for more insight into these themes.

As an aside, I admit, personally, it was odd seeing all the quotes from Vanier's work within the novel given the recent revelations. That said, I recognize that Rhodes would have been writing well before Vanier's case came into public knowledge and I can acknowledge that Vanier's personal issues don't detract from the contributions of his life long career. I'm just personally still working through it myself and may have just skimmed the quotes from that particular author on this read through.

4 out of 5 stars

I received a copy on this book in exchange for my opinion on the book, the thoughts are my own.

Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson

For people familiar with Peterson's work there probably won't be a lot of surprises in Secrets of My Heart. In fact, for long-term readers, there will even be a few familiar characters making an appearance. However, this also means, unsurprisingly, that Peterson has penned a tale full of characters you'll want to journey along with once again.

I really appreciate Nancy as a lead in the ways Peterson explores grieving both from Doug and Albert as well as against God and with herself. Nancy may be set in a specific time period but her emotional struggles feel relatable. Grief is complex and I appreciate how Peterson presses into it for Nancy.

Nancy also brings a host of characters with her borders. Now, recognizing that this is book one of a new series (most likely trilogy) I truly hope some of these characters find their feet in future endeavors. The sisters and Mrs. Weaver added some interest and it felt as though their secrets were merely introduced not resolved and my sense is that Clementine and Gabe could easily step up as book two's central figures maybe allowing Mimi to shine a bit more. 

I think it's a mark of skill for an author to not only leave a satisfying main story but leave you with questions about the rest of the cast. I have some theories on Mrs. Weaver.

As I said earlier, the main plot feels familiar as Nancy and Seth seek the truth about Albert Pritchard's dealings and demise but I still enjoyed Peterson's pacing of the plot and inclusion of details. Honestly, I think given the current chaos the familiarity made the novel that much more inciting.

Finally, I appreciate Peterson's working in of the Gospel. Nancy's interactions with her family and mentors never came across as sermonizing but rather as a natural mentoring and care letting the words and their message move seamlessly within the story, never jarring but encouraging interaction with the story and reflection on meaning.

4.5 out of 5 stars

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

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot

I have no problem stating it upfront. Out of the Embers is hands down my favourite book by Amanda Cabot to date.

While Cabot provides all the usual character growth and romance possibilities with her main character Evelyn, she has filled in her plot with twisting turns, lots of heart, and some of the best narrative timing I've seen in this genre when it comes to Evelyn's growth.

Evelyn easily holds this story as a lead character thanks to the personality and resilience she's developed in the face of a past filled with loss and fear thanks to the ongoing presence of one she's deemed "the watcher." I like Evelyn, she's a strong lead but not one who's isolated from her past, Cabot took the time to make sure her insecurities were realistic given her history and that she had the support in the narrative to work through them.

Wyatt and Polly were amazing secondary characters. Polly's backstory kept me guessing as it was unfolded and her innocence provided a good counter to Evelyn and Wyatt's concerns.

Wyatt was interesting as a male lead and I appreciated Cabot's notes explaining how he changed a few plot points on her thanks to his personality. This freedom Cabot gives her characters to grow and change as the narrative speaks really makes for a solid and engaging cast.

Second the romance. I've said before it annoys me when two character meet and fall in love immediately. So, I was a little concerned when Polly and Wyatt first meet. But, my fears were soon eased. Cabot really does a masterful job keeping her characters motivations in line and provides a satisfying romance for Evelyn with her three potential suitors. Also, side note, she does an excellent job capturing the environment of falling in love in a small town, the nosy but caring neighbours, Polly's opinions, everything just rings true in Evelyn's journey and made it such a joy to read.

I will admit, I'm curious to see if the charm of Mesquite Springs continues without Evelyn anchoring the plot, not to mention how one characters journey for mental health treatment will be handled in future stories but with Dorothy already confirmed to be continuing the story in book 2 I doubt fans will have too long to wait.

4 out of 5 stars.

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

Hope’s Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller

Adventure, faith, romance, and loss Misty M. Beller knows how to craft a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. I cannot believe Beller's only coming onto my radar now!

Hope's Highest Mountain centers upon Ingrid Chastain, a young woman on a mission to assist a Montana town on the brink of outbreak and Micha Bradley, a man driven to the wilderness by an overwhelming grief. With most of the story held by these two characters (assisted by the eventual addition of two new friends) Beller had to craft personalities capable of carrying their own stories. For myself, Ingrid and Micah more than held their own keeping me enthralled as they faced the dangers of the wilds of the Rockies in the winter.

Beller captures such a balance between Ingrid's steadfast peace and her stubborn determination, she's feels true to her time frame and geography but with the spunkiness needed to survive on the frontier. While Micah's grief, both personal and professional,  was portrayed with care and Beller's use of the letters to Rachel were such a smart way to invite readers into Micah's mind without making it available to his companions. 

As far as plot goes, Beller excels in writing exciting, adventure filled plots that will have you on the edge of your seat. I kept pointing out to my husband all the obstacles our central characters face throughout the plot to his incredulity. However, Beller's done her research and there was certainly a reason most did not venture through the mountains once winter had arrived. Ingrid and her companions face everything from wagon accidents to avalanches. I found it interesting that, in my opinion, Beller gives a quick run down of the event unfolding before focusing primarily on the characters reactions and interaction. This definitely made for a stronger and more interesting story with greater character investment.

To round things out, Beller did manage to find the time and space to explore some romance along the way. This adds some much needed balance to the story and gives way to some very satisfying conclusions to the story.

In Hope's Highest Mountain  Beller has balanced a satisfying blend of adventure, romance, and faith for a fully engaging read and this is only book one of the Hearts of Montana series! I can't wait to see what Beller releases next.  

4.5 stars out of 5 stars

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

Aiming for Love by Mary Connealy

Aiming for Love  started out with a lot of promise. The premise of three sisters, raised isolated from the world, suddenly having their world invaded with the arrival of a ranching family fleeing from danger immediately drew me in. Honestly, romance, family bonds, and idyllic winter settings sound like the perfect holiday read.

To be fair,  Connealy does a wonderful job painting imagery of winter forests and untouched frontiers of Colorado and there are definitely plot threads that bear the potential for further, stronger unfolding in later entries to the Brides of Hope Mountain series.

That said, I struggled to engage with this novel on a few fronts. The characters felt more one-note than I'm used to from Connealy. Ursula's fear and paranoia, Jo's curiosity, and Ilsa's healing dominated their characters. I also struggled with their family conflict as I hadn't reached enough of a connection with the sisters as a family unit to engage with that threat.

Additionally, the pacing and flow also felt more stilted and awkward than what I'm used to from Connealy. At first, I wondered if that was to help separate the sisters narrative in light of their isolation but even major story elements like the romance, the illness, and the conflict between Ursula and Jo felt off somehow in their pacing.

Having read Connealy in the past this book felt odd, fingers crossed this was a new series working to find its feet and book 2 will see this series hit its stride.

3 out of 5 stars 

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

Strong Brave Loved by Holley Gerth

At first glance Strong Brave Loved looks like many other devotionals currently on the shelves. Each chapter consists of an opening focus verse, 2-3 pages of personal story and explanation of the verse, a short prayer, and a reflective section consisting of story and room for notes. Wrapped up in a hard cover with attached bookmark (seriously one of my favourite inventions ever), it's a familiar presentation.

However, it's Holley's presentation and communication that make this devotional stand out. Holley presents bold truths wrapped up in a grace so fierce you can feel the care she holds for her message and her readers. Holley's not afraid to get into the messiness of identity and societal lies carefully drawing her readers back to scripture and pointing out the unflinching mercy and love spoken out again and again.

This feels a little like a basic truths theme, things we should know but often forget in the face of life. Holley's clear writing style and open vulnerability make the lessons accessible as she presents each reading as a partnership something not to be done alone but with other women in faith.

4.5 out of 5 stars

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