ROOTS OF WOOD AND STONE by AMANDA WEN

Publication date 26/1/21
ROOTS OF WOOD AND STONE by AMANDA WEN is a most enjoyable split time novel with great characters in both of the time frames. I like the way the two stories come together and are held together by the old farmhouse.
When Garrett Anderson, a financial planner, comes down to the old farmhouse to help his sister Lauren sort out their grandmother's affairs, he finds an old satchel that he dumps on Sloane Kelley, the Sedgwick museum's historical curator's, desk. She is ready to throw it out until she comes across a diary which she finds out later belonged to Annabelle Collins 150 years ago. Sloane becomes hooked on Annabelle's story, especially when Garrett finds more diaries, which she devours. Sloane and Garrett become good friends and seem to really understand one another. In fact it is the first time that Sloane, who was left on a bus as a baby and adopted, feels as though she is worth something and accepted for herself - no longer plan B!
Throughout the novel we get the message of God's care for His children and that we need to submit to His plans for our life rather than following our own ways. Also we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and the fact that each of us is special in God's eyes.
Roots Of Wood And Stone is a really beautiful read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Independent Publishers Group.The opinions in this review are completely my own.





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THREE MISSING DAYS by COLLEEN COBLE

Publication date 16/4/21
THREE MISSING DAYS is the third novel in the Pelican Harbor series by COLLEEN COBLE. The whole series is outstanding, and I recommend that you read the books in sequence, but Three Missing Days can be read as a stand alone. It is a suspense filled thriller with quite a bit of romance. The characters are unforgettable and I am really sorry to say goodbye to them, having followed them since reading One Little Lie. The author writes her stories based on Christian truths, which really enhances her books.
Jane Hardy, the chief of police in Pelican Harbor, and Reid Dixon, have a fifteen year old son Will, who is charged with murder. It is obvious that he has been set up, but the question is by whom and for what reason?
It is imperative that Jane remembers what happened during three missing days in her childhood, especially when a militant group from a cult connected to her past are found camping on an island close by, led by an unscrupulous man who wants information from her. She feels that this, together with two deaths in a house fire, are somehow connected to Will's case.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you, but I guarantee that you will not be able to put the book down until you have read the last page. Three Missing Days is an exciting and enjoyable read and one I cannot recommend 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.


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AFTERMATH by TERRI BLACKSTOCK

Publication date 11/5/21
AFTERMATH is a legal thriller which shows TERRI BLACKSTOCK at her best. It is an exciting read with great characters and a strong Christian message in which we see God's grace and restoration, and His gift of second chances to those who follow Him.
When Dustin Webb is framed for the explosion at a concert and political rally, he calls a childhood friend, Jamie Powell, to defend him. She is a lawyer in a big firm and has to talk the partners into letting her take the case.
Taylor Reid is a young girl who survives the explosion and feels guilty for escaping when her two best friends did not make it.
Travis Grey is Dustin's best friend and a partner in their high powered security firm. He has his own problems with his wife, the mother of his two year old twin sons, who is in hospital dying of leukemia.
Two more characters we find in the mix are Avery, Jamie's daughter, and Dude, Dustin's boisterous and loving black Labrador.
The scene is set and you will have to read the book to find out more!
The story is fast paced and I guarantee it will keep you up until you have read the last page. I highly recommend Aftermath to anyone who enjoys a good romantic thriller.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
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CENTRED by JASON BROWN

Publication date 9/2/21
CENTRED by JASON BROWN is the most inspirational true story that I read last year. It is well written and I like the author's honesty and humour as he tells the story of his rise to fame in NFL football and his obedience in giving it all up in order to follow God's plan for his life.
He speaks about the importance of putting faith and family first and what happens when pride creeps in. The book is full of Bible stories and Scriptures that underscore what the Lord is teaching him. He speaks of the importance of working at a marriage and of how his wife Tay not only backs him in a venture that most people find foolish, but she also challenges his faith when he is close to giving up.
It is a book that I will read more than once. I have found it most encouraging and also challenging.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from WaterBrook & Multnomah. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


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PRINCE OF SPIES by ELIZABETH CAMDEN

Publication date 16/2/21
PRINCE OF SPIES is the third novel in the Hope and Glory series by ELIZABETH CAMDEN. Although it can stand alone I suggest you read the books in sequence - you will not be sorry.
In 1902 the feud between the Delacroix and Macgruder families reaches new heights. When Luke and Marianne meet, while rescuing her nephew's dog, there is a spark between them which grows against all odds.
Luke is as intense as ever and just as determined to bring down his nemesis, Clyde Macgruder. He joins the "Poison Squad" and is trying to stop dangerous additives from being used in food - something the Macgruders would rather keep quiet. He is a journalist, and is also translating Don Quixote into less stilted, more passionate English. He is altogether passionate, but is trying hard to conform since spending fifteen months in a Cuban jail and nearly dying there. His family is supportive, but they went through a hard time when he was in prison.
Marianne loves her parents. Although she is her father's illegitimate daughter she gets on well with them both. They are very wealthy. Although she does not need the money, she works as photographer for the government. She longs to make a difference and feels she is doing something important.
This is a book that deals with family dynamics, jealousy, betrayal, politics, the desire to make one's life matter, and through it all there is a strong Christian message.
I cannot recommend this novel, and in fact the whole series, highly enough. I was looking forward to this book and am definitely not disappointed.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.



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DREAMS OF SAVANNAH by ROSEANNA M. WHITE

Publication date 5/1/21
DREAMS OF SAVANNAH by ROSEANNA M. WHITE is a historical romance novel which takes place in Savannah during the American Civil War.
Cordelia Owens is a beautiful young lady with a vivid imagination, who loves reading and writes the most fantastic stories in which she is often the heroine who is saved by the dashing hero, in the form of Phineas Dunn. He finds this enchanting, but when hard times come will their tenuous relationship be strong enough? She has dreams which her beloved slave, Selena, also has, which either frighten her or give her hope, and lead her to pray even harder for Phin when he is away at war.
When Delia takes an interest in her parents' slaves and their stories, she is ashamed that people can be owned by someone else and seen as inferior beings because of their skin colour, even though the slaves in their household have always been treated relatively well.
When Phin finally comes home from the war, injured and somehow different, with a huge mute black man called Monty, Delia sees a big change in him.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
There is a really good Christian message of redemption and God's protection and the importance of knowing and following the Scriptures. It is a really lovely book and well worth reading.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


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ENDLESS MERCY by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE

Publication date 1/1/21
ENDLESS MERCY is the second novel in the Treasures of Nome series by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. It is a lovely book with well developed characters and ploand a strong Christian message based largely on John 16:33 where Jesus says, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world."
The main story starts in 1904 in Nome, Alaska, with a flashback to 1891 in the prologue. The three beautiful Powell sisters are still great favourites as they perform their music at the Roadhouse, but quite a lot seems to be happening at once to turn their lives upside down. A great deal of wisdom, mercy and forgiveness is required of each one of them.
This is mostly Maddie's story. What a beautiful yet naive young girl, with her strong faith and love for her family and her flock of sheep.
I am looking forward to the third book in the series.
Endless Mercy is a most enjoyable read and one I can highly recommend for anyone who enjoys 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.


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