Kathleen Friesen

GRACE NOTES - BLOG

My place for interviews, book reviews, and the occasional meditation. Do you enjoy a good book? I'll feature them here, so let's visit!

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Book Review: A Moment in Time

7/11/2014

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TITLE:  A Moment in Time

AUTHOR:  Tracie Peterson

DATE:  2014

PUBLISHER:  Bethany House

STARS:  *****

Alice Chesterfield is a woman pursued. Having survived an attack that left her scarred and her father dead, she is never free from the fear and memories of the man who is responsible.

Texas seems to be an answer to Alice's prayers, and when she has the opportunity to relocate to a ranch near Dallas, Robert Barnett captures her attention. Unlike any man Alice has ever known, Robert doesn't worry about the obstacles that stand in their way--and he hardly seems to notice the scar she bears.

But there are storm clouds gathering; devastating information about her family comes to light, threatening Alice's peaceful sanctuary. Disillusioned, Alice must learn to place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future...and for her heart
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This story set in the late 1800’s kept me enthralled from the beginning to the end. Tracie Peterson paints a vivid picture of life in Denver during the economic crash (news to me) and then in rural Texas. Her characters are portrayed so clearly, I’m sure I could recognize each one if we were to meet. (Yes, I know it’s fiction, but it is that well written.)

The struggles Alice and her sister-of-the-heart, Marty, endure are heart-wrenching in their realism. Faith in God is a way of life for the good people of this story, but each character has to learn to completely yield to Him their past, present, and future as they face trials and surprises of many kinds. Not an easy task.

I was offered a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, and I’m pleased to award A Moment in Time five stars.


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Book Review: Murder at the Mikado

7/9/2014

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TITLE:  Murder at the Mikado

AUTHOR:  Julianna Deering

DATE:  2014

PUBLISHER:  Bethany House

STARS:  ****

Just as Drew Farthering thinks his life has found smooth waters, Fleur Landis, an old flame, reappears in his life. She's married now, no longer an actress, and he expects she'll soon disappear--until she comes to him in dire need. The lead actor in her old troupe's production of The Mikado has been murdered, and Fleur is the police's number one suspect.

Drew would love nothing more than to just focus on his fiance, Madeline, and their upcoming wedding, but he can't leave Fleur in the lurch--even if she did break his heart once. As Drew, Nick, and Madeline dive into the murder, they discover more going on behind the scenes of the theater troupe than could ever have been imagined. Nearly everyone had a motive, and alibis are few and far between. It's Drew's most complicated case yet.


Set in the 1930’s, Murder at the Mikado is a fun immersion in jolly old England’s society. Drew has finally convinced his American sweetheart, Madeline, to marry him, but the appearance of Fleur upsets everything. The wedding date is quickly approaching, and Fleur’s involvement in a murder case draws Drew into investigating – much to his fiance’s dismay. Will Drew and his sidekick Nick figure out this complicated case? Will Madeline be able to handle the stress? Will Fleur entice Drew away from his sweetheart and his faith? 

I enjoyed this story, even though it took a while for me to get into the speech rhythms of 1930’s England. The plot is complicated and well-written, the main characters are charming, and the twists and turns enticed me. I was offered an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Murder at the Mikado earns four stars.


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    Author

    I’ve always loved music, even before the writing bug hit. Grace notes are little extras, not the actual melody. Just something that adds to the feel of the music. My desire for this blog is to encourage and bless readers, to share a little grace.

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