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.

TITLE:  A Tumbled Stone
AUTHOR:  Marcia Lee Laycock
DATE:  2012
PUBLISHER: Word Alive Press
STARS: *****

In A Tumbled Stone, author Marcia Lee Laycock placed me solidly into the shoes of young Andrea Calvert, whose dysfunctional foster parents barely acknowledge her existence. When Andrea’s unplanned pregnancy becomes obvious, her foster mother decides to send her away from their prairie farm to give birth and relinquish the child for adoption, all to prevent gossip and judgement from neighbors and the local church, where the pastor lives up to his name, Castor. Unable to deal with the pervading sadness and a loveless future, Andrea flees to Regina, determined to end her pregnancy.

Evie, owner of the Regina diner where Andrea gets a job waitressing, creates stone jewelry as a hobby. I love her remarks to Andrea as she offers a stone pendant to the desperate young woman. “God is always doing things in our lives, but it takes time. He knows exactly when to take the pressure off or increase it. He knows just how much tumbling we need.”

But how can Andrea trust a God who allowed so much pain and loneliness? How could she believe in His love when no one else had ever loved her? Wouldn’t it be better to end the pregnancy than give birth to another unloved child?

A Tumbled Stone is a tale of deep sorrows, hidden pasts, and fear-filled future, but through the “tumbling” of God, it is also a story of redeeming love and bright hope.
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I love this novel and award it five stars. I bought A Tumbled Stone from the author; all opinions are my own.

TITLE:  One Smooth Stone
AUTHOR:  Marcia Lee Laycock
DATE:  2007
PUBLISHER: Castle Quay Books
STARS: *****

This novel tells the story of Alex Donnelly who is running and trying to hide from nearly everyone. He has picked a good place to do it - the Yukon - but is pursued by friends, enemies, and most effectively, by God. Burning with the need to know about his parents, Alex returns to his birth-city, Seattle, where he discovers that his mother tried to abort him. The trauma sends him on the run again only to find out God has orchestrated a divine appointment for him back in the Yukon. The story is filled with miraculous healing, struggles with rage, and an obsession with revenge for a childhood abuser. It shows that God never gives up on those whom He has chosen. His mercy and grace extend to those who consider themselves unworthy, and even more so, to those who are considered unworthy in the eyes of the world.

Winner of the 2006 Best New Canadian Author award, One Smooth Stone grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. I was hooked on the first page by the author’s vivid descriptions of the Yukon wilderness and the lead character’s powerful secrets. Marcia Lee Laycock layers compelling personalities, intense drama, and harrowing revelations purposefully, to show God’s love and care through the worst circumstances.

I could not put this book down until the very end, which added yet another twist. This is not an easy read, though. Its gritty realism hurts the soul, but its message of hope and redemption brings joy. One Smooth Stone will stay with me for a long, long time. It easily earns five stars. Highly recommended.
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Disclaimer: I purchased this book directly from the author.

TITLE:  The Amish Baker
AUTHOR:  Marie E. Bast
DATE:  2019
PUBLISHER: Love Inspired
STARS: ****

When his son breaks one of baker Sarah Gingerich’s prized possessions, widower Caleb Brenneman insists the boy make amends by doing odd jobs in her bake shop. A childless widow, Sarah can’t help falling for the boy…or his farmer father. But Caleb is progressive New Order Amish while Sarah holds traditional beliefs. Though they’re worlds apart, are they a perfect match?

The Amish Baker is more than a romance as it contrasts Old and New Order Amish cultures. I enjoyed learning about the differences and similarities. Both put high value on family ties and traditions, and that’s where Sarah and Caleb’s troubles begin, as they try to ignore the romantic sparks but cannot help dreaming of a future together. Meanwhile, Sarah’s bishop shows his determination to marry her off to a widower—any widower, it seems—since it has been three years since her husband died. Her feelings don’t matter, making her feel as though she herself doesn’t matter. Independent and hard-working, she resists in spite of warnings of discipline.

Sweet and easy to read, The Amish Baker earns four stars. One warning: the descriptions of her delicious baking may cause compulsive snacking! It’s worth the risk, though, as Sarah and Caleb bravely work their various roadblocks to love.
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Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

TITLE:  Equipped: Ephesians 6 Devotionals
AUTHOR:  Ruth L. Snyder
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Creativity Publishing
STARS: *****

Is spiritual warfare real?  Are you aware of how you’re being attacked? If so, what can you do about it? Equipped takes a detailed look at God, at our enemy, and at our response. Everyday struggles happen, but you can be victorious. 

In Africa, people believe in spirit beings. Witch doctors cast spells. People dance barefoot over red-hot coals without being burned. Spiritual warfare is obvious.

In other cultures, the spiritual battle is not so evident. Still, it is very real. Homes are divided by discord and divorce. Parents are overly busy. Children are lured into drugs and sex-trafficking. Churches are complacent and powerless. Is there hope? 

Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10 NIV). What's stopping you from living life to the full? Read Equipped. Become aware. Put on your spiritual armour as described in Ephesians six. Stand firm. Pray. 

The more I read of this devotional, the more I love it. Author Ruth L. Snyder draws on and shares her own experiences, from her childhood in Africa to life as a wife and mother in Canada. She uses these examples to point us to the truth of God’s word, showing how to grasp and use the armor promised in Ephesians 6 to not only endure but triumph.
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I appreciate the author’s transparency and wisdom, and her emphasis on reading and using the Holy Bible and prayer is a reminder I need daily. Equipped fills the need for a devotional that is both simple and deep and deserves five stars. Highly recommended.
 
 

TITLE:  Let Your Light Shine
AUTHOR:  JoAnn Durgin
DATE:  2018
STARS: *****

Sam and Lexa Lewis look forward to a quiet Christmas with their family in Houston. They’ve tackled many challenges together, but when their personal world is rocked by a potentially life-changing diagnosis, they arm themselves with prayer, knowledge, and the support of their closest family and friends.

In Austin, Josh Grant is settling well into his role as lieutenant governor while Winnie juggles expectations as the wife of an elected official along with professional demands and a busy homelife. Instead of the private family Christmas they’d anticipated, new revelations stir up old insecurities and threaten everything they’ve built together. 

With developments that set the stage for the remaining two books in the series, Let Your Light Shine revisits the lives of the TeamWork family while delving into the deep bonds of love, family, and abiding friendship. A powerful and emotional read, and told with the author’s customary humor, the faith-filled pages of this latest installment of the Lewis Legacy Series remind us that while life doesn’t always go as planned, our trials and detours can often lead to the sweetest blessings of all from the heavenly Father of lights.

Let Your Light Shine is set fifteen years after romance first bonded Sam and Lexa Lewis together. With four children to raise, books to write, a catering company to oversee and an international mission group to run, life is seriously busy for Sam and Lexa. So when their precious youngest, Michael, shows signs of autism, possibly Asperger’s, they have to adjust their expectations and schedules while dealing with the emotional blow of uncertainty.

I appreciated this glimpse into the author’s own life, because as she reveals at the end of the book, her own sweet son has Asperger’s syndrome. Her experience shines through Lexa’s struggle to learn as much as possible while continuing to juggle all her other responsibilities. What a picture of mother-love and courage!

Meanwhile, Josh is under pressure of many kinds in his political role, leaving Winnie to face vicious rumors and personal attacks. Their struggles cemented my dislike for politics in general and the deceitful ways of power-hungry people in particular. That didn’t prevent my sympathies for them or hopes they could eventually overcome.

I enjoyed “catching up” with various members of TeamWork in this story and look forward to the next installment. Young Joe’s budding relationship with Gracie added a special sweetness and hints of things to come.
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Let Your Light Shine earns five stars. Recommended!

TITLE:  In Too Deep (Dive Team Investigations #2)
AUTHOR:  Lynn H. Blackburn
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

When the dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren't prepared to find an encrypted laptop--or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant. 

Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming--a professor at the local university with unparalleled computer security and forensics skills--to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence uncovers a human trafficking ring and implicates members of Adam's own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case. 

The truth could set hundreds free--but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets. 

I’d read and enjoyed the first book in this series, so when offered the chance to read and review In Too Deep, I jumped on it. I’m glad I did. This tale is not only a well-written, exciting romantic suspense, it deals with an important and urgent subject—human trafficking.

The chemistry between the two main characters is electric, and their team members add much to the thrill of discovery. Danger stalks them all, coming closer then they’d ever dreamed.

Author Lynn H. Blackburn skillfully weaves a strong element of faith into this story, showing a realistic struggle between fear and trust.
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I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. In Too Deep earns five stars from me. Recommended.  

TITLE:  Amee’s Story
AUTHOR:  Carol Harrison
DATE:  2010
PUBLISHER: Guardian Books
STARS: *****

Amee’s Story touched my heart from the beginning. Only a mother could write so tenderly of the trials and miracles surrounding the birth of her fourth child. When a stroke at birth threatens the survival of tiny Amee, Carol, her husband and their family struggle to deal with each new revelation of damage and danger. The specialists didn’t expect Amee to live, let alone walk or talk, but through much prayer and skilled intervention, Amee not only survived but astonished her doctors.

The author’s experience as a teacher prepared her to help her daughter reach her full potential. Reading this book gave me an even greater appreciation for special education teachers who truly care as well as a deeper understanding of the life of these precious children.
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Amee’s Story is a revelation of God’s goodness through trials and a testimony to the strength and determination of Amee and those who love her. It earns five stars. Recommended!