TITLE:  All That We Carried
AUTHOR:  Erin Bartels
DATE:  2021
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

Back Cover: Estranged sisters embark on a hiking trip on the tenth anniversary of their parents' deaths in an attempt to reconnect. In the wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.

My Review: Part novel, part allegory, author Erin Bartels invites readers on a hiking adventure with two disparate sisters, Olivia and Melanie Greene. United by blood but divided by grief, they haven’t been together in the ten years since their parents’ untimely death.

Vivid descriptions and powerful emotions drew me in and kept me reading, as these two women struggle with one another as much as with the elements. Their supposedly simple hike becomes much more.

Faith plays an important role in this story, and I longed for a resolution to the sisters’ confusion. That is where All That We Carried fell short, in my opinion. Perhaps the ending was too esoteric for me. But the descriptions of the Upper Peninsula’s wilderness area made me want to visit, and the brief bits of joy made me smile—all in all, a good read.
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I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and award All That We Carried four stars.

TITLE:  Things We Didn’t Say
AUTHOR:  Amy Lynn Green
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****

From the back cover:
Headstrong Johanna Berglund, a linguistics student at the University of Minnesota, has very definite plans for her future . . . plans that do not include returning to her hometown and the secrets and heartaches she left behind there. But the US Army wants her to work as a translator at a nearby camp for German POWs.

Johanna arrives to find the once-sleepy town exploding with hostility. Most patriotic citizens want nothing to do with German soldiers laboring in their fields, and they're not afraid to criticize those who work at the camp as well. When Johanna describes the trouble to her friend Peter Ito, a language instructor at a school for military intelligence officers, he encourages her to give the town that rejected her a second chance.

As Johanna interacts with the men of the camp and censors their letters home, she begins to see the prisoners in a more sympathetic light. But advocating for better treatment makes her enemies in the community, especially when charismatic German spokesman Stefan Werner begins to show interest in Johanna and her work. The longer Johanna wages her home-front battle, the more the lines between compassion and treason become blurred--and it's no longer clear whom she can trust.

My review:
Things We Didn’t Say tells Johanna story via letters, which caught me off-guard at first, but the intrigue within the missives kept me reading. Johanna makes an interesting heroine. Her high intelligence and fierce drive sometimes clash with social niceties, and her only true friend is Peter Ito, a brilliant young man of Japanese descent in a time when Japanese are met with as much suspicion as Germans.

On the surface, this story is about two young people trying to serve their country, although Johanna commits reluctantly. In reality, pride, prejudice, loyalty and, finally, faith are the real stars. And that makes this World War 2 novel relevant today.
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It took me a while to get into this story, chopped up as it is into short letters, but it hooked me fairly quickly, and secrets, lies and mysteries will do. Things We Didn’t Say will stay with me for a long time, and I recommend it, awarding it four stars. I received this book courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Publishing Inc.

TITLE:  What Are YOU Made Of? (Life Lessons From Nature)
AUTHOR:  Caitlin Nickel
ILLUSTRATOR: Lilla Vincze
DATE:  2020
STARS: *****

From the back cover:
Have you ever wanted to quit when things got hard?

Have you wondered, "what's the point?" when you were going through difficult experiences? The characters in this book have felt all of those things!

Come along and meet Pearl, Jack, Diamond and Fergie, some of the world's most rare and wonderful creations who became what they are by enduring hard things.

My review:
What Are YOU Made Of? is a delightful story for children from 5 to 10 years of age, but it’s message of encouragement will appeal to all age groups. This book shows how troubles can produce beautiful results and encourages readers to trust the God Who created them and is always with them.

I was surprised and intrigued by the science discoveries and experiments designed for a fun, hands-on learning encounter. The author even invites readers to interact with her personally, a surprising and sweet touch.
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I love this book and highly recommend it. What Are YOU Made Of? would make a great gift or resource for schools. Five stars!

TITLE:  The Escape (US Marshals)
AUTHOR:  Lisa Harris
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ***1/2

Back Copy:
US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest.

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them.

My Review:
I’ve read several books by Lisa Harris and expected a fast-paced, high tension story. This one almost met those expectations. My attention wandered now and then, and there were places where the plot line seemed terribly familiar to another story. Coincidence? Perhaps.

Madison James appealed to me. Capable in spite of pain, she is a worthy heroine. Jonas Quinn felt a little flat but still attractive. The settings, first the rugged Idaho mountain forests and then the amazing scenery of Wyoming, kept me reading.

When I pick up a book to read, I expect a full story: great beginning, compelling middle, and fabulous ending. This story did not end well. The problem at the beginning of the story was not resolved, and I felt cheated. Used. Cliffhangers, in my opinion, are not a good way to treat a reader/reviewer.

As a Christian reader, I want to see faith lived out and the main characters growing in their faith. In The Escape, God was mentioned a few times. The characters depended on themselves and their team—not a bad thing, but not enough.

All in all, I was disappointed by this story. I hoped to award five stars, but The Escape earns three and a half stars from me. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.
 

TITLE:  A Haven for Her Heart (Redemption’s Light #1)
AUTHOR:  Susan Anne Mason
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****

Back Copy:
Homeless after being released from a women's reformatory in 1939 Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken in by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love--until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.

Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He'll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he's immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.

Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia's secrets destroy any chance at a future together?

My Review:
A Haven for Her Heart opened my eyes to a piece of Canadian history that enraged and challenged me. Who knew that not that many years ago (the reformatory was finally closed in 1969), unmarried, young pregnant women could be arrested and jailed for the crime of being incorrigible? The prejudice against these girls and their vile treatment was beyond horrible. This book is based on actual places and one woman’s true experience, making the story even more intense.

Sweet, young Olivia Rosetti gave in to her fiancé’s passion before he shipped out to fight in World War II, and the results of that one night changed the course of her life. Betrayed and disowned by her father, Olivia can never go home again, even after enduring eighteen months of violence at the women’s reformatory.

I couldn’t help but admire Olivia as she struggles to make her suffering a turning point, to reach out to others in the same predicament. Ruth is a true angel, coming to Olivia’s rescue and giving her a reason to live. Darius goes through a major change in attitude and choices, drawn to Olivia’s beauty of face and character.
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Each character in this story became real to me. My heart hurt for the pain the young women endured, sorrow upon sorrow. The author has written a magnificent tale of forgiveness, faith in God, and sacrificial service that eventually can lead to great joy. A Haven for Her Heart affected me deeply and earns five stars. I was given a copy of this book by Baker Publishing and Graf Martin Communications..

TITLE:  Nothing Short of Wondrous (American Wonders Collection #2)
AUTHOR:  Regina Scott
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****
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From the back cover:
It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. When her 6-year-old son is kidnapped by a poacher who wants the boy to guide him to the place where the last of the Yellowstone bison congregate, Will and Kate must work together to rescue him, save the bison, and protect the park. In doing so, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.
 
My reactions:
Memories of spending a week exploring the wonders of Yellowstone years ago drew me to the setting of Nothing Short of Wondrous. The setting almost overshadows the characters in this story, but that’s not a negative. After all, the dangers of the fascinating area bring the lead characters together as Kate acts as guide to Will and his men.

One cannot help but admire Kate Tremaine. Widowed and left to maintain an aging hotel while caring for its guests, raising her son, and fending off unwanted proposals, financial and otherwise, Kate meets each challenge with determined spunk.
When foes do their best to ruin her reputation, thus jeopardizing her lease on the hotel, Will has the chance to be the hero he longs to be. But his dark secret may destroy a possible relationship with the lovely Kate.

I enjoyed this story, not only for the setting but because the characters became real to me. I adored young Danny and hoped Kate and Will could overcome their problems to find happiness together.
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Nothing Short of Wondrous earns four stars. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

TITLE:  Point of Danger (Triple Threat #1)
AUTHOR:  Irene Hannon
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews, but now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently.

But unless he can track down her foe, fast, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.
Passion abounds in Point of Danger—Eve is passionate about her beliefs, Brent is passionate about protecting her, and many are passionately eager to wreak havoc. The opening sentence ramps up the ol’ blood pressure immediately: “The package was ticking.” Great tension, and it doesn’t ease until the satisfying end.

Irene Hannon is one of my favorite authors; I’ve read most of her books, both suspense and sweet romance. I laughed out loud at her cute and subtle self-promotion, a brief, welcome light moment in this fast-paced suspense. One thing I really appreciate about Ms. Hannon’s suspense stories is that she doesn’t stoop to utilizing explicit violence. Tension, both romantic and danger create a story that I couldn’t put down.

I love Point of Danger and give it five stars. I was given a copy of this book from the publisher.
 

TITLE:  Love’s Gentle Touch
AUTHOR:  Laura Hodges Poole
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Firefly Southern Fiction
STARS: *****

After escaping her husband’s deadly abuse, Misty Stephen struggles to put her life back together. With the help of counselling, the local women’s shelter and her own determination, Misty goes back to nursing at the hospital. Helping others is her passion, no matter how winsome or difficult the patient.

One patient, a young battered woman who reminds Misty of herself, quickly becomes special. Jenny’s brother, however, sparks a different kind of interest. But can she ever trust another man?

As a way to work through his grief, Jenny’s brother Adam decides to step out in faith to make a difference and asks Misty to help him. Their journey toward healing carried me with them each step of the way.

Author Laura Hodges Poole’s compassion and courage shines through her writing, and Hope’s Gentle Touch, brings to life and light the dark secrets of abusive relationships. Her portrayal of the long-term results broke my heart and made want to act on behalf of these hurting women and children.

I loved this story and highly recommend it. Hope’s Gentle Touch earns five stars. I received an ARC of this book from the author.
 

TITLE:  The Price of Valor (Global Search and Rescue #3)
AUTHOR:  Susan May Warren
DATE:  2020
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

The Price of Valor opens with hero Hamilton (Ham) Jones and his newly discovered daughter, Aggie, along with other members of the former SEAL’s team. Shortly after, many other characters enter the scene as though the reader should know them.

I didn’t realize this is the third story of a series, as it isn’t indicated on the cover. Therefore, the assumed knowledge of the supporting case threw me. I do not recommend reading this book as a stand-alone.

In spite of that issue, the author kept the tension high and the action hot throughout the book. Even though I had to go back and check identities a few times, the pace kept me reading, eager for a positive outcome. I have read a few books by Susan May Warren, and The Price of Valor retained her signature high action.

At times, my credulity was stretched by the action, and that detracted from the story. However, the message of forgiveness and grace is strong and redeemed the plot for me. All in all, this is a good read the kept me glued to the pages until the end.

The Price of Valor earns four stars. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher.
 

TITLE:  Broken Together
AUTHOR:  Joi Copeland
DATE:  2017
PUBLISHER: Forget Me Not Romances
STARS: *****

A lot can happen in seven years. People can change for better or worse. When Zoey Fuller returns home after seven years, she is amazed at the changes she sees in her former best-but-secret friend.

In Broken Together, author Joi Copeland tackles tough subject matter with a deft combination of hope and grace. This story weaves together deepest despair and God’s compassion and forgiveness.

As Zoey’s transformation makes a difference in her students’ lives, her tentative friendship with the handsome man down the hall takes on a whole new depth. This story touched my heart, and I give it five stars.