A GEM OF TRUTH by KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE

Publication date 20/9/22

A GEM OF TRUTH is the second novel in the Secrets of the Canyon series by KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE. It is a delightful read with some wonderful characters and is full of excitement, adventure and romance. The story takes place at the El Tovar Harvey House Hotel at the Grand Canyon in 1907. As with The Great Divide, the magnificent scenery is beautifully described. I cannot wait for the third book in the series.

Julia Schultz lost her infamous parents at the age of eight, and, except for a few weeks of being loved and cared for by adoptive parents before they too died, she had a dreadful childhood which led to her making up fabulous stories which made her feel like someone important rather than the lonely orphan who no one wanted.

She is hoping to start afresh at El Tovar, and, apart from a slip up when she first arrives, makes a conscious decision to only tell the truth.

Chris Miller, a jeweller in Williams, is fascinated by the beautiful red haired Harvey Girl. He is excited about the treasure she has found and goes into partnership with her, hoping to get enough money to buy his shop. With the importance he places on honesty and always speaking the truth, what will he do when he hears about her past?……..

There is a strong Christian message with many scriptures about the  love of Christ and His sacrifice on the cross woven into the story. The truth of “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” comes out strongly. We see redemption, repentance, forgiveness and sacrificial love shown amongst those of the characters who choose the Lord’s ways.

I highly recommend tis lovely book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical romance.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

LOVE AND THE DREAM COME TRUE by TAMMY L GRAY

Pulication date 2/8/22

LOVE AND THE DREAM COME TRUE is the third novel in the State of Grace series by TAMMY L GRAY but it  can easily stand alone, although I suggest you read the first two books as well for sheer pleasure. It is a story of broken people with broken dreams, but there is a strong message of hope and restoration.

Cameron Lee, who has achieved fame in the music world, is now washed out and has no music left in him. He frequently has panic attacks, the most recent of which he has at his sister Cassie’s wedding when he comes face to face with Darcy, the love of  his life, and her husband Bryson, who stole her from him. This attack is witnessed by Morgan, Lexie Walters’ thirteen year old daughter. Lexie has had a crush on Cameron since she was a teenager and fantasizes about him falling in love with her. Lexie, who has had a difficult life herself, is the eternal optimist as opposed to Cam’s pessimism. The difference is largely due to her trust in God whereas his faith seems to be a thing of the past…..

Love and the Dream Come True is a most enjoyable and inspirational read with unforgettable characters and a deep Christian message of forgiveness, unconditional love and redemption. 

I cannot recommend this lovely book highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

LIKE THE WIND by ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Publication date 29/11/22

LIKE THE WIND by ROBIN LEE HATCHER is a time split novel in which Millie in the 1930’s, and Olivia Ward and her formerly estranged daughter Emma in present time, are asking the age old question, “God do You really care about me and what I am going through?” Millie’s old  journal, in which she has written down her feelings and prayers, really speaks to Emma in her situation.

When Olivia’s controlling ex husband Daniel dies in a car crash leaving Emma destitute, Olivia’s dream of having her fifteen year old daughter back in her life is brought to pass, but not without tension, due to the lies Daniel has told Emma about her mother not wanting her. Things change for the better when Emma, who is passionate about acting, is invited to join the Bethlehem Springs Mountain Theater group and makes some friends, who also attend Cornerstone church.

Tyler Murphy, who went from one bad foster home to another, works as an investigator for a law firm where he looks into situations where children could end up being abused, or who are already being abused. Peter Ward, Daniel’s father, employs Tyler to find our all about Olivia to see if she is the unfit mother his son made her out to be…….

This is a story about rejection, family dynamics and hardship, where the characters come to see that Christ is our only security, and, as we see in Mark chapter four, He is in the boat with us as we cross to the other side. 

I really enjoyed Like the Wind for the relevant scriptures on which the story is based and the way the author takes us into the very real emotions of her unforgettable characters. I cannot recommend the book highly enough.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

LINEAGE OF CORRUPTION by ROBIN PATCHEN

LINEAGE OF CORRUPTION is another great romantic suspense novel by ROBIN PATCHEN which takes place in Coventry. I always look forward to this author’s books and I am never disappointed. Although such subjects as abortion, political corruption, jealousy and betrayal are brought out, the book is not at all heavy, in fact there is some humour in parts of the story.

Josie Harrington changes her surname to Smith, leaves the stressful political scene, her mother and senator father, her ex-fiancé Bentley Kent and her best friend Ellie Sanders, and moves to Coventry, hoping no one will find out who she really is. She is happy running her coffee shop and finds baking therapeutic, especially after all she has gone through. 

It is not long before Bentley arrives on the scene, hoping to win her back. They go on a hike which turns out to be disastrous, excepting that she is saved by Thomas Wyndham, the handsome insurance agent who volunteers with search and rescue. Thomas is running for mayor, but, although Josie is a brilliant political strategist, she is hesitant to help in his campaign. She is wary of alpha males, having been surrounded by them in the political arena, and wants to stay away from anything that could compromise her new life. However, someone has found out who she is, is using intimidation and will stop at nothing to try and make her father go against his convictions……

I highly recommend Lineage of Corruption as an exciting and inspirational read, with interesting characters, a nail biting plot, and a strong Christian message of redemption and restoration. I guarantee you will not be able to put the book down. 

COME DOWN SOMEWHERE by JENNIFER L WRIGHT

Publication date 6/9/22

COME DOWN SOMEWHERE by JENNIFER L WRIGHT is the poignant story of two young girls who meet at school in Alamogordo in New Mexico in 1944, both feeling the effects of rejection by their families, 
In spite of their differences, with Jo Hawthorne’s Christian faith and Olive Alexander’s rejection of God, they become friends when Olive realizes that Jo’s loneliness and difficult situation is every bit as bad as her own. We see how the war affects everybody and everything, especially with the military base in the area and the way the government takes over farms to house those involved in secret military activities, especially  in the development of the bomb that wiped out Hiroshima and changed the nature of warfare forever. We see the infiltration of communism and Russian spies, even amongst American citizens.
The story moves seamlessly between 1945 and 1952, with many twists and turns, including the bomb which explodes at Trinity causing long lasting disease and death.
In 1952 we see a disillusioned Jo who has allowed bitterness and pain to come between her and God, and between her and her dying father. Finding Olive, who she looks upon as her sister, but who she feels has also let her down, leads to finding truth at last, but also danger …………
I love the way the author expresses the characters’ emotions and the strong Christian message of redemption, forgiveness and restoration. We see how hard it is to feel Christ’s presence and even how hard it is to pray when harbouring bitterness, hatred and resentment. We see broken people trying to make sense out of life, as well as those who use and betray others.  We see walls going up and sometimes walls going down. We also see the results of choices that are made, both nationally and personally.
There is some wonderful imagery which backs up the truth of God’s word running through the book.
Come Down Somewhere is beautifully written and a most worthwhile read. Although it is heart breaking in parts, there is a strong promise of hope running through the book. and I found it thought provoking and inspirational.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley fromTyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS by PEPPER BASHAM

Publication date 1/7/22

THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS by PEPPER BASHAM is a beautifully written historical romance novel which takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1919. I love the characters and the strong Christian message. The story is set after WW1 and we see the often fatal effects the war has on so many people.

Jeb McAdams overcomes his memories of the battlefields by keeping busy. He is a family man, strong and capable, with a subtle sense of humour. Cora Taylor finds him calming, especially when he saves her life on several occasions. She has also gone through a great deal during the war as a nurse on the battlefields of France, but nothing has prepared her for the adventures she will have in this harsh and dangerous land. She longs to help the people with her nursing skills and to learn from them, especially from Granny Burcham, but “Nurse Woman” is looked upon with suspicion by some of the fiercely superstitious inhabitants.

Both she and Jeb are determined to live well in this hard place, and as Jeb says, “Maybe we can’t choose our hard, but I reckon we can choose how to live with it in the right way.” 

It is a story about second chances, healing, restoration, forgiveness and the redemption of lost souls. We are reminded that God’s plans are best and that He can bring good out of any situation. A quotation I like from Cora is: “ From what the Bible says, we are all broken, Willa, and that is why we need a rescuer.” 

There is plenty of adventure and beauty in these mountains and the story is not only enjoyable but also inspirational. I highly recommend The Heart of the Mountains to anyone who enjoys this genre.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

 

BY WAY OF THE MOONLIGHT by ELIZABETH MUSSER

Publication date 2/8/22

BY WAY OF THE MOONLIGHT by ELIZABETH MUSSER is a beautifully written novel in which the author’s Christian beliefs form a strong foundation for the main characters in the story. I also love the horse theme and the fact that each horse has its own character and is cherished by its owner.

Allie Massey has always had a close relationship with her feisty grandmother, Nana Dale, which is largely based on their love of horses. This leads to Allie’s determination to carry out her grandmother's dream of turning Hickory Hills into an equine healing centre. This hope is dashed when Nana Dale’s will is read.

Allie digs deep to uncover Nana Dale’s well hidden secrets. The author moves easily between the present day and the 1930’s and war years, gradually uncovering the mysteries of the past and giving us insight into the characters’ emotions.

This book, with its wonderful cast of characters, touches on so many topics such as dysfunctional relationships between mothers and daughters, forgiveness, being thankful for what one has rather than wishing for the next thing, an answered prayer which brings encouragement to many, WW11 and the Battle of the Atlantic where the Sand Pounders patrol the coast, and so much more, including some heartwarming romance.

i highly recommend By Way of the Moonlight as an enjoyable and inspirational read.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.