TITLE:  Justice Delivered
AUTHOR:  Patricia Bradley
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. A victim of sex trafficking, she's been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can't even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she escaped her captors and is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn't bring herself to report to police for fear of reliving her captivity is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.

When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has before it's too late. When that proves to be not enough, she'll have to go after the perpetrators herself.

Human trafficking is a heinous evil that turns precious girls (and boys) into disposable merchandise—not a pleasant topic for romance. But author Patricia Bradley, with gentleness and faith, pulls back the curtain by introducing Carly Smith, escaped but not healed, and making us care deeply for her.

Justice Delivered kept me riveted with its multi-dimensional characters, some of whom may or may not have been guilty of involvement in her kidnapping and the subsequent evil. Faith in God is not preached but is shown, with forgiveness a critical point.

The timeliness of this book moved me and increased my awareness of human trafficking.
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I received Justice Delivered courtesy of Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing Group. Justice Delivered earns five stars and is highly recommended.

TITLE:  A Desperate Hope
AUTHOR:  Elizabeth Camden
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****
Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she's finally put behind her—or so she thinks. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town—but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them before it's too late.

A Desperate Hope weaves romance and hidden pasts with authentic historical details, one of my favorite combinations. It should have been a five-star story. But the pace dragged at times, and Eloise and Alex both kept shy of my heartstrings. The contrast in their personalities certainly added interest, and the supporting cast added depth. In spite of some issues, I enjoyed the story. There were enough mysteries here and there to keep me reading, and the ending was quite satisfactory.
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I received a copy of this book courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications Ltd. and Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own. A Desperate Hope earns four stars from me.
 

Did the Father turn His face away?

For a long time, but especially through this season of Lent, I have wondered about one assumed part of the Easter story. Please understand that I am not a theologian, but I am a sincere child of God, a child who asks questions.

This is one that has troubled me: Did God the Father turn away from His crucified Son?

Why is this scenario so troubling? Because if, as I was taught from childhood, God cannot look upon sin, even when borne by His beloved Son, how could He ever see me in my unrepentant sinfulness?

How could He live up to His beautiful name, El Roi, the God who sees me?

The entire time He lived on earth Jesus enjoyed unbroken fellowship with His Father (e.g. John 14:9-11). But then came that horrible moment on the cross, when beaten, stripped and mocked, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”

Does your heart not break at those words? Mine does. There is Jesus, God’s obedient Son, fulfilling His purpose—to die in our place, paying for our sinfulness with His perfection.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Oh, the great, great love of Jesus! He willingly went to the cross, because of His great love for us. And on that cross, as the weight of all our sin broke His heart and His body, He cried out in anguish, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”
But the conclusion that God the Father turned His back on His Son has always bothered me.

Can Love turn away from Love?

Perhaps it is at this moment when Jesus’s humanity is most palpable and most identifiable. From His perspective, under the burden of our guilt, He cannot see His Father and feels forsaken, abandoned, alone. I know that feeling; do you? He experienced that sorrow for us.

Is there any Biblical backup for my supposition? Psalm 22 is widely considered to be a Messianic psalm of Jesus speaking to His Father. Look at verse 24: For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.”

My tentative conclusion is that God the Father sees us always, but unrepentance keeps us from seeing Him. He waits in love for us to repent, to turn to Him, and Jesus’s agonizing death made it possible.
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Thanks be to God for His amazing grace!

TITLE:  When You Look at Me (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 2)
AUTHOR:  Pepper Basham
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Woven Words
STARS: *****
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When Julia Jenkins' great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt's treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart. 

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness. 

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

How could I not love a story of two awkward introverts who think in music? I adored both Julia and Henry, as well as Julia’s family of extroverts—including her intimidating father, Nate. Watching these two deal with their private pain while moving forward toward their dreams created the best kind of romance.

Faith is a huge part of When You Look at Me, showing God’s grace through trials and joys. The mystery of Julia’s aunt Amelia added an extra layer of intrigue and romance, a golden thread in this gorgeous tapestry.
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When You Look at Me is a wonderful story and easily earns five stars. Highly recommended!

TITLE:  All in One Place (Holmes Crossing Book 2)
AUTHOR:  Carolyne Aarsen
DATE:  2015
PUBLISHER: Misty Ridge Publishing
STARS: *****
She has sass. She has spunk. She has a devastating secret.

Terra Froese likes to keep people at arm's length and change her address regularly. It keeps life simple and uncomplicated. But when an abusive boyfriend forces her to make wrenching choices, she flees the city and across the country.

Terra takes her emotional baggage on her trip to her sister, Leslie, hoping to discard it along the way. But when forced to stay in Holmes Crossing, Terra has to face her past and decisions that still haunt her. She also has to figure out what to do about Jack DeWindt, a cop who would like to convince her to stay around awhile. Can she stay and face her past? Or will she move on, carrying her guilt and fears alone? Again.

All in One Place caught my attention—and my heart—from the beginning. Actually, I think my heart may still be in Holmes Crossing, where faith is not only discussed, it is lived. Out loud, with grace. Terra’s flight from abuse and threats of even worse brings her to the only family she has left, her sister Leslie. Terra is unprepared for the changes in Leslie’s life and attitude, but her need prepares her to watch and listen.
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I love this story of atonement and redemption. All in One Place reveals truth about mistakes, sin, and their consequences. It also shows clearly the wonderful hope available through Jesus Christ. It easily earns five stars. Highly recommended!

TITLE:  The Erie Canal Brides Collection
AUTHOR:  Christina Miller, Johnnie Alexander, Lauralee Bliss, Ramona K. Cecil, Rita Gerlach, Sherri Wilson Johnson, Rose Allen McCauley
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Barbour Books
STARS: *****

Seven romance stories take you back to the building of the Erie Canal and the opening of the Midwest to greater development.

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, and soon other states like Ohio created canals linking Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Suddenly the Midwest was open to migration, the harvesting of resources, and even tourism. Join seven couples who live through the rise of the canals and the problems the waterways brought to each community, including land grabs, disease, tourists, racism, and competition. Can these couples hang on to their faith and develop love during times of intense change?

I don’t always read historical novels, but when I do, I truly enjoy ones that teach me something. This collection, with seven stories of different sections of the Erie Canal, from its beginning to after completion, taught me a great deal. From the work of agents hired to convince their neighbors to sell their land for the canal, to the dangerous health hazards for those building it, and the prejudices stirred up by the arrival of builders and returnees, this collection holds a wealth of real history. I appreciated learning about the Separatists, a sect I hadn’t heard of before, and I cheered for brave Abolitionists, especially in the face of the dangers brought by the despicable Bloodhound Law, as well as heroes who returned to a home where they’d experienced heartbreak.
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The Erie Canal Brides Collection taught and entertained me, and it earns five stars. Recommended.
 

​TITLE:  The Invitation (The Mustard Seed #1)
AUTHOR:  Nancy Moser
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Mustard Seed Press
STARS: *****

​*A TV news producer. 
* A housewife and mother of two. 
* An ex-governor. 
* A struggling writer. 
* A homeless man

Five ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere. 

Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange—some might even call them miraculous—things start happening, all five find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point. 

Before it’s over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you. 

God uses ordinary people—in extraordinary ways.
 
The Invitation grabbed my attention on the first page and didn’t release me until the end. The message of this story will stay with me—forever, I hope.

Four people received invitations delivered by unlikely people, and a fifth stole one when it was tossed into the garbage. Each person struggles with their invitation, wondering who was behind this strange gathering and what would happen next. I wondered, too!

Del, the homeless man, was probably my favorite character in the story, although homemaker-mother Kathy and young writer Nancy tugged at my heart, too. Walter, the newsman, irritated me, but his self-centered, judgmental ways rubbed everyone wrong. Former governor Julia’s confidence obvious leadership abilities aroused admiration.

But the mentors of this diverse group were my absolute favorites. I loved that they, too, had questions at times, even though their foreknowledge was undeniably remarkable.
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Author Nancy Moser weaves action, mystery and multidimensional characters into a fantastic tale of destiny and faith. I loved this story and give it five stars. Highly recommended!

TITLE:  We Hope for Better Things
AUTHOR:  Erin Bartels
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request--that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos--seems like it isn't worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.

At her great-aunt's 150-year-old farmhouse, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.

Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes readers on an emotional journey through time--from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War--to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.

We Hope for Better Things is an unusual story. It’s not a romance, but love plays a critical role. It’s not a suspense, yet is filled with secrets waiting for revelation. Set in three distinct time periods (1860s, 1960s, and present day), the core issue remains the same. Although this novel doesn’t fit neatly into a category, it will stay with me for a very long time.

Elizabeth Balsam, the present-day heroine, begins digging into the past of Nora Balsam and her life in the 1960’s. Nora’s life, as Elizabeth discovers, is inextricably tied to her great-grandmother Mary Balsam, who lived in the 1800s. Three women, all carrying secrets, set into motion events that shape their and their descendants’ destinies.

I was surprised to read that this is the debut novel of Erin Bartels, as her writing is exquisite. Gem-like details, like “my aunt’s glacial pace,” are sprinkled throughout the narrative. Bits of humor ease the heaviness of buried secrets without detracting from the serious subject matter. Each character comes to vivid life under Ms. Bartels’ skilled pen, and although the three Balsam women are obviously the premier characters, each member of the supporting cast is crucial to the tale.

We Hope for Better Things moved me. Deeply. It made me realize that while many things change, some things—sometimes unfortunately—do not. This important novel earns five stars. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Publishing Group.

TITLE:  Mending Fences
AUTHOR:  Suzanne Woods Fisher
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ***

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him.

Amos and Fern Lapp allow Luke to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, Luke must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt--a four-page, single-spaced list. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused. 

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused . . . that isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching. 

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm. Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend Izzy only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge. 

Mending Fences is a pleasant story with interesting characters. However, the plot pace reminded me of a slow-walking horse pulling an Amish buggy.

My favorite characters were Amos and Fern, along with Bishop David. The way their lives expressed grace touched my heart and made me want to follow their examples. Luke’s grudging realization of his harmful attitude and actions kept me reading, and Izzy’s lostness rang true.

Some surprises were sweet, but others seemed like a stretch to me. This is obviously the beginning of a series, but I expected more threads would be tied off by the end of the book.
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own. Mending Fences receives three stars.

TITLE:  Never Let Go
AUTHOR:  Elizabeth Goddard
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****1/2

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk.

Never Let Go lives up to its name, starting with a mysterious kidnapping and pushing through murders, arson, and multiple suspects. After Willow’s beloved grandfather and mentor dies, Austin cannot stay away. His protective instincts and training tell him there’s more to the story, and he’s right. But the secrets he tried to hide from Willow in their earlier relationship still haunt him and threaten to tear them apart once again.

I enjoyed this story, the mystery, the hesitant but undeniable attraction between Austin and Willow, and the complicated relationships. The plot seemed a little too cluttered at times, leaving me confused, and not in a good way. Other than that minor drawback, Never Let Go held me captive from the beginning to the end, pulse racing and pages flipping. I give this story four and a half stars and recommend it to anyone who likes romantic suspense.
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Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.