BEAUTY IN BATTLE by ROBIN PATCHEN

In BEAUTY IN BATTLE, ROBIN PATCHEN finishes off her Beauty In Flight series with another nail biting story. It is not only an exciting romance thriller, but there is a strong Christian message that makes up an integral part of the series.
In this book we find Harper and Jack leaving Nutfield in a hurry, hoping to arrive in Maryland, where Harper has been advised to go to the police and tell them her story, before Derrick finds Harper.
It is a story about the importance of telling the truth, trusting the Lord with the outcome and allowing Him to direct our paths.
I highly recommend this series.


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CROSS MY HEART by ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Publication date 25/6/19.
CROSS MY HEART is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series by ROBIN LEE HATCHER, but it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoy this author's novels - she has such a way with describing the emotional struggles of her characters, and the growth of their faith in the Lord. In fact the Christian message is very prominent in her stories.
As in the first book in the series, Who I Am With You, where we are introduced to the Henning family, Andrew Henning's bible plays an important part. It has now been given to Ben, by his cousin Jessica, at an interesting time in his life. He is back at the family farm, which he is about to turn into "Harmony Barn", a place where equine therapy will be offered to those who need it, and where abused horses will be nursed back to health.
Ashley Showalter catches Ben's vision, as she loves horses, in many ways preferring them to people! She deals mostly with horses that have been abused and starved, and helps Ben find horses for his programme.
Running in the background to this story is that of Andrew and Helen Henning and their family, who lived on the farm during the Second World War. At this difficult time, with two of their sons serving in the military, Andrew holds closely to the Lord, and leans on His promises, especially those in the book of Joshua.
Drug and alcohol abuse and the toll this takes on the families involved, forgiveness and second chances, are all themes in the book. I especially love the part that horses play in the restoration of the characters.
It is an inspirational and enjoyable read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am looking forward to the third book in the series.





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THE STREET SINGER by KATHLEEN NEELY

THE STREET SINGER by KATHLEEN NEELY is a beautiful book. The story is bittersweet, with unforgettable characters, and it is one that will really stay with you. It is an emotional read, with a good Christian message, and a theme of restoration and "remembering" running throughout. I feel it brings to mind the story of the Good Samaritan and also the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13.
Adda Mae and Trisha Mills have quite a bit in common. Both carry deep sorrow and loneliness from their past, and both are seen as socially inferior by the men in their lives. Ernie used Adda's talent and then left her penniless and alone, and Grant Ramsey, Trisha's fiancé, who comes from a moneyed and socially superior background, does not want the woman he is about to marry to sully the Ramsay name by associating with a poor street singer!
Enter attorney, Rusty Bergstrom, and life takes on new meaning for both Trisha and Adda. I am not going to tell you any more excepting to say that I cannot recommend the book highly enough.


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FAR SIDE OF THE SEA by KATE BRESLIN

FAR SIDE OF THE SEA by KATE BRESLIN is a beautiful love story told against the backdrop of the First World War. There is no doubt that it was one of the most horrific times in history and we are made aware of the widespread effect of war on the countries and individuals involved.
It is in Hastings that we meet up with Lieutenant Colin Mabry, who we last saw as a returning war hero in Not by Sight. Colin has to manage with a prosthetic hand, which, together with recurring nightmares, fear of being closed up in small spaces and guilt from unwittingly drinking the last of the water leading to a man's death, makes for a complicated character. He has, however, a strong sense of duty, and commitment to the promise he made to Jewel, a young French woman who saved his life.
The story moves to France where we meet Johanna Reyer, Jewel's half sister, who also has issues from the past.
The story moves through France and into Spain, with just the right amount of description of the scenery. I love the introduction of the carrier pigeons, whose bravery played such a big part in the war, and in the story. It actually brings a feeling of peace amid the storm, which is also strongly brought out in Colin's faith in the God of miracles. We are reminded of the fact that, as children of God, we don't need to be defined by our past or our circumstances, or the opinions of others.
The plot is so well developed that we are kept guessing right to the end. Surrounded by spies, it is hard for Colin and Jo to know whom to trust as they set off to find Jewel.
The characters are very real, the story captivating and rather mysterious, and it is altogether a most enjoyable read. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.


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