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Showing posts from June, 2022

The Angel of Vienna by Kate Hewitt

  I really enjoy reading books by this author.  She has a way of writing that takes her readers right along with her in the story. This story was no different as we travel to World War II and the atrocities that are committed at the hands of the Germans.  This story centers around a difficult subject--the "outcasts" of society according to Hitler.  These young children are housed at this hospital for "treatments".  Young nurse Hannah is sent by her half-brother who is a high level person in the army.   She is sent to safeguard her nephew who has some different abilities.   Even though, it is such a difficult subject, the author steers away from going in depth to the torture and awfulness that takes place and instead focuses on the people who go out of their ways to make a difference in the lives of these kids. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

Pockets of Peace by Laurie Stroup Smith

  This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed her writing! This was a sweet story as Lydia moves to Pinecraft to help the owner of a bed and breakfast recover from an injury.  Of course, Lydia has a past but she is reacquainted with her friend Wesley and the reader is left to wonder whether he can continue the relationship despite the past secrets.   I enjoyed that she made a quilt for Theo and included letters and scripture verses in the pockets. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

  It took me about a quarter of the book to get really involved in it and once I hit that point, I was hooked. Dr. Chesterfield has such an interesting mind.  It was fascinating to me how he worked the case.  Lisa was a great detective who stayed in her lane and was a great character. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

Among the Innocent by Mary Alford

  This is the first book that I have read by this author but will definitely be checking out her other books. This book had me turning the pages like crazy trying to figure out what is going to happen next.  Leah is a former Amish person who leaves the community after her family is murdered.  She becomes a police officer to avenge her families deaths.  Almost 10 years later there is another murder that is very similar to Leah's attempted murder.   The dreamy new police chief, Dalton, is also keeping secrets on how he is connected to the initial murders.  I enjoyed how protective he was of Leah.   This was a great story to read and definitely kept my interest. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

Long Way Home by Lynn Austin

  This story will for surely tug on your heartstrings as you journey with Peggy as she tries to help her friend Jimmy as he returns from WWII a different man.  She looks in his rucksack and begins to contact the people he interacted with during the war. In this dual timeline, you meet Gisela who is a young lady from Germany who is also a Jew.  Her story takes place 7 years earlier than Jimmy's but will draw you in and leave you wondering how Jimmy and Gisela are going to interact. I want to be like Peggy, advocating for my friends and family even when it hurts!  This at times is a hard story to read but there is so much good in it. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

An Amish Marriage of Convenience by Rachel J. Good

  Surprised by Love book 4 I usually really enjoy anything by this author, but this book was a little slow to keep my attention.  I really enjoyed being back in the farmers market and continue to love Mrs. Van.  Her generosity and love for her community is remarkable.  She can be a little bit pushy with her matchmaking stuff, though. Stephen's daughter was insufferable in the story.  I know she was a teen and didn't want to see her dad re-marry but I found that part of the story to drag on for far too long. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham

  Cora escapes to the mountains to avoid a forced marriage but is met by people and animals who do not want her there.  Jeb is home from the war and is struggling with the aftermath of that.   I love how Cora is able to use her nursing skills and does not let the fear control her actions.  I probably would have been on the first transportation mode out of there.   The people who live in the mountains can seem so rough and hard to understand but I love how strong and resilient they are. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

Critical Alliance by Elizabeth Goddard

  This is the 3rd book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series.   Alex and MacKenzie are on the hunt to stop a cybercriminal before it destroys the company that her dad built. I did not know who the cybercriminal was until close to the end of the story--I just kept guessing but had no idea.  This is the sign of a great suspense novel, it kept me turning the pages! Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

  This is a debut author and I am so glad that I did not pass up the opportunity to read this book! This is by far my favorite book of the year and I also preordered it because I want to share it with family and friends.  I would also consider re-reading it! Everybody needs a Mrs. Kip in their life.  It was so awesome that Aiden joined in the adventure. There were so many treasure troves of wisdom in this book.  I do not usually highlight fiction books but I did multiple times in this one.  Mrs. Kip makes her end of life filled with joy and imparts so much wisdom throughout the book. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.  

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

  It is always such a privilege to read anything by this author.  I also follow her on facebook and really appreciate her love for the Lord and also her heart for foster care. My favorite characters in the story are:  Quincy, Norah, Nels, Sam, Alice and Mrs. Dovers.  I really enjoy a story that displays the possibility of second chances.  The most interesting premise was having someone ask you what your dreams are and then fighting to have them fulfilled.  I also liked the part of not letting the vultures get you. Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.  The opinions are my own.