Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne – Likeable Characters, Faith, Friendship and Hope

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I was excited to read Anne Blackburne’s newest book Mary’s Calico Hope, the fifth book in The Heart of the Amish series. 

Mary Yoder’s life has not been easy.  Daily she deals with the injuries, pain, and mobility issues that she sustained at the age of four in a buggy accident.  Despite the daily challenges she faces, Mary has hope and faith and trusts God.  She works hard to supports herself.  She lives in her own place, yet she also has the support of her family whose home connects to her small dawdi haus. 

When the new doctor, Reuben King, meets Mary he investigates a surgical procedure that may help relieve her pain and help improve her mobility.  Mary has been down the surgery road one to many times with mixed results.  As they continue to interact and get to know one another, Reuben is attracted to Mary.  He appreciates not only her outward beauty but also her inward spirit.  Will their relationship be anything but friendship, since Mary is Amish and Reuben is a Mennonite?

I enjoyed reading this book and found the characters very likable.  Mary and her family and friends were caring, loving and supportive of one another.  Reuben was a dedicated doctor, cared about his patients and developed friendships in the Amish community.  I appreciated that faith was foundational to Mary and the other characters.  They lived out their faith daily.  The author brought back some of the characters from earlier novels in this series. 

In every town there will always be that person who likes to stir up trouble.  Will Bishop Troyer see through Amelia’s critical eye and gossiping tongue?  Will he address the sin that is in her heart?  Or let her go unchecked? 

One thing I struggled with was the characters belief that God was speaking to their hearts, outside of Scripture, and telling them what to.  (A belief that is very prevalent today.)  As opposed to God speaking to believers through inerrant Scripture alone.  Absolutely I believe God directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9). 

Some aspects of the Amish faith, I struggle to understand.  Like the Amish not being able to become doctors without leaving the faith.  I had never heard of the Beachy Amish and found that interesting.

If you enjoy Amish stories that incorporate faith into the storyline, I recommend reading Anne Blackburne’s newest book Mary’s Calico Hope.  Anne’s characters are well developed and seem to go deeper than other books.  I appreciate how the characters showed love and support to one another and had a reverent attitude towards God.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne.  I was provided a complimentary copy of the book, but was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  This book will be published June 1, 2024.

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay – Fascinating, Compelling, Filled with Intrigue

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When I read the description about Katherine Reay’s new book, The Berlin Letters, I wanted to read it.  So glad I had the opportunity.  It was a great book.  

Monica Voekler loved her husband Haris and enjoyed their life together in East Berlin with their daughter Luisa.  But she did not share Haris’ appreciation for the GDR government.  The day came when the wall went up, guards would not let people pass through to West Berlin, and razor wire deterred citizens trying to escape.  That day Monica was desperate and would resort to the unthinkable to ensure her daughter would be safe.  She tossed her beloved daughter to her father on the other side of the wall.  Their lives changed that day, for Monica and Haris, and for three-year-old Luisa and her Grandparents who later moved to America.

The Berlin Letters is a wonderful read.  The novel takes place during the Cold War and spans 28 years, from 1961 to 1989.  It tells the story about a family divided and torn apart by the oppressive German Democratic Republic and the Berlin Wall.  It is filled with mystery, intrigue, secrets, spies, snitches, encrypted letters, and code breaking.  It tells the story of people who risked their lives to get the truth out the world with the hope of change and freedom. 

As fascinating as the intrigue is the story was made even more compelling by the characters and their relationships.  The characters came across as very real as we learn about their experiences and what they are thinking and feeling.  The characters grew and changed over the years.

I enjoyed reading historical fiction and Katherine Reay did a fabulous job making the characters come to life during the fascinating time of the Cold War.  The Berlin Letters is a is compelling, thoughtful novel, and filled with intrigue. 

The Berlin Letters is the first novel I have read by Katherine Reay and I am so glad I discovered her work.  I was reminded when reading this book, what an incredible time we lived through when we saw the Berlin Wall come down and freedom come to those who were oppressed.  I look forward to reading more of her books. 

I would like to thank Publisher Harper Muse and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon – Scenic Beachside Town and Likeable Characters

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Sandcastle Inn is Irene Hannon’s tenth novel in the Hope Harbor series.  It was lovely to return to this beautiful, scenic, and welcoming small town.

Veterinarian Matt Quinn has come to town to help his sister Kay for a month.  She is heading to Idaho to help a friend who is having surgery.  Kay desperately needs help with her recent acquisition of a bed and breakfast.  The B&B has a great view, but the insides need a lot of work before it will be ready for customers.  Help may be close at hand with Vienna Price, a hotel marketing expert, who is in town following a job change.  But can the work be completed in a short period of time and within budget? 

Also passing through town are Andrew and Paige who are going through a rough season in their life.  They have responded with honesty and integrity, but cannot seem to get a break.  Thankfully, they are committed to one another, for better or for worse.  Readers will be happy to see some of their favorite characters from earlier novels return.  Especially Charley who has the best tacos in town.  He is always there with kind and caring words, and wise counsel for friends and strangers alike.  Hope Harbor would not be the same without the resident seagulls Floyd and Gladys. 

I loved the characters in this book and enjoyed seeing how they were supported and encouraged by family and friends.  In Hope Harbor, you can expect a little romance.  While the town is lovely, the people are going through challenging times which can stir up emotional and relational issues.  There were some gems of insight shared by characters.  Characters dealt with issues including grief, forgiveness, patience, love, divine providence, and trusting God.  Faith is a part of the story.  I would like to have seen it go even deeper. 

Sandcastle Inn is part of the Hope Harbor series, but works well as a stand alone book too.  I enjoyed reading this book and liked the characters.  With all the bad things going on in this world, sometimes you just want to read a feel-good story, with likeable people in a beautiful setting like Hope Harbor.  I recommend Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon.  The story has people you would like to meet, in a place you would like to visit, and leaves you feeling hopeful. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  Sandcastle Inn will be published April 2, 2024.

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley – Interesting Plot, But the Story Got Bogged Down

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I enjoy suspense and mystery novels and was excited to read Patricia Bradley’s newest book Fatal Witness, the second book in the Pearl River Novel series.  A cold case, family secrets, a repressed memory, and a family seeking justice makes for an interesting mystery. 

At age nine, Danielle witnessed her parents’ murders and was whisked away by her uncle Keith.  It has been twenty-five years and Dani has no memory of the events that changed her life.  Her uncle has protected and insulated her from all possible danger.  While she has no memory of her family, she inherited the natural artistic talents of her grandmother Mae.  The subject of a recent magazine article, Dani has been invited to attend an artist workshop in Cincinnati.  Though Dani has no memory of her early life, her grandmother has never forgotten her, nor stopped looking for her.  Seeing the article in the pottery magazine, Mae is certain that Dani may be her long-lost granddaughter. 

I found the storyline intriguing.  I liked Dani and was curious about her uncle Keith and how he would react to Dani venturing out on her own.  I liked her grandmother Mae who was willing to press law enforcement to investigate this cold case and find her granddaughter.  Law enforcement officers in the remote area of Tennessee were stretched thin and had a lot of area to cover.  But Mark Lassiter with his K-9 companion Gem, along with Alex Stone and her team would do what they could investigate this cold case and protect those in danger. 

Once Dani is back in Tennessee, things heat up and it appears the murderer will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.  At this point in the story, it seemed to get bogged down.  I struggled with the last half of the story. There were a lot of characters and potential suspects to weed through.  There were some strategic errors made by law enforcement several times.  Some risks and decisions that were made were not logical.  As a former military sharp shooter, I found it interesting that Mark allowed himself to be distracted. 

Faith was a small part of the story and a Bible verse was focused on in times of danger.  I would like to have seen Mark’s faith more fully developed and part of the story. 

I liked the storyline and characters in Fatal Witness, but found the story dragged in the last half of the novel. 

I would to thank NetGalley and Revell Publishing for the opportunity to read Patricia Bradley’s book Fatal Witness.  If you enjoy Patricia Bradley’s writing and like mysteries and intrigue, you may enjoy this book.  I was provided with a complimentary copy of Fatal Witness.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne – Enjoyable Story with Likeable Characters

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Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is the first book I have read by author Anne Blackburne.  I found this book very enjoyable.  It was a nice change of pace and filled with some likeable characters.

Ruth Helmuth has been a widow for a year and is childless.  She lives on a property that has been a part of her family for many years.  She is hard working, industrious, and provides for herself by raising goats, using their fiber and milk to earn income.  That is why Ruth was taken aback by the proposal from Bishop Troyer that she sell her family’s farm to someone who he deems more deserving.  Ruth knows of widower Jonas Hershberger and his young daughter Abigail.  But it is not until he has a business proposition to use the upstairs of Ruth’s large barn for his basket weaving business that they get to know one another.  Will their business relationship develop into something more?

The main characters in this book, Ruth, Jonas, and Abigail, as well as their friends are pleasant, kind, and caring.  They are very supportive of one another.  The only exception is Bishop Troyer and his rude granddaughter Evelyn. It seemed like the bishop was not very discerning and has turned a blind eye to his ill-behaved granddaughter.

I enjoyed reading Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise and felt like I was stepping into a different world.  A slower pace of life and with nice characters, the kind of people I would like to know.  Faith is a part of the storyline. 

If you enjoy Amish fiction with a little romance, I recommend reading Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne.  This is the second book in the Heart of the Amish series.  This book is an enjoyable read with likeable characters.  I look forward to reading more books by this author. 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey – Interesting Storyline, Likeable Characters, But Too Many Characters and Subplots

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I enjoy reading mystery and suspense books and was excited to read Dani Pettrey’s newest novel One Wrong Move, the first book in the Jeopardy Falls series. 

Christian O’Brady’s received a frantic phone call from his client Tad Gaiman about a break-in and theft at his art gallery in Jeopardy Falls.  Christian had installed state of the art security system at all three of Gaiman’s art galleries.  When Christian arrived on the scene, he learned that the impenetrable system was compromised by his client and a mystery-women he had met the night before.  Christian will be working with Sheriff Brunswick and insurance investigator Andi Forester to find out what happened.  When news comes out about break-ins at Tad’s other art galleries, this case just got a lot more complicated.

The premise of this storyline is interesting and many characters were likeable.  There was a lot going on in this story.  There were a lot of characters, Christian’s brother and sister worked with him, along with a work associate.  Christian’s brother Deckard knew of Andi, but under a different name, and what he knew about her was not good.  Andi had a lot of baggage and had left her last job with the FBI under a cloud of suspicion.  Not a lot of people believed in her innocence, except for friend Harper. 

Andi was not the only person with personal baggage.  Christian, Deckard, and their sister Riley had a rough start and had battled putting their past and the memories behind them.  It seems like everyone’s past was coming back to haunt them.

I had some problems with this book from the start.  At the beginning there are two brutal murders that take place and were told from the point of view of the bad guys.  It seemed over the top and especially ugly which surprised me in a book from a Christian writer and publisher.  It did not make the story better and I thought about putting the book down.  There were multiple bad guys and keeping track of them was challenging. 

There was a whole lot of past baggage with the main characters, almost everyone of them.  They were likeable, but it was a lot of issues to get through.  Perhaps the volume of issues took away from the storyline. 

The Christian faith was somewhat included, but was not deeply developed.  The physical attraction between some of the character could have been toned down some.  There were some illogical decisions or risks that were taken that did not make sense.  I didn’t quite believe the ending.  With two brutal murders and other violence in addition to major high end art theft, it did not seem logical that law enforcement would be on site to get the bad guys. 

There were elements that I liked in One Wrong Move, likeable characters, and an interesting storyline.  But it was overwhelmed by the number of characters with lots of baggage and details.  I like Dani Pettrey’s writing, but this story kind of detracted from itself by the volume of characters and subplots. 

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

A Year Full of Pots by Sarah Raven – Filled with Helpful Garden Design Ideas, Information and Spectacular Photographs

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I listen and learn from Sarah Raven’s podcast and was eager to read her newest book A Year Full of Pots.  What a tremendous resource this book is for gardeners.

Sarah specifically focuses on plants in pots throughout the year, month by month.  She starts out by giving some rules of thumb for designing combinations of plants that work well together. 

Then month by month, Sarah shares what plants she puts in containers.  January and February bring color into the new year.  In March and transition from winter to spring and using bulbs.  In April learning to do a bulb lasagna and how to do it.  May is working with tender perennials.  June, summer begins with making plant supports and fertilizer.  July the garden flourishes.  August looks at flowering plants.  September when tender perennial climbers are at their peak performance.  As autumn comes having perennials and those plants that will perform late into the season.  In November and December there are still some hardy flowering plants to take center stage as wells as bulbs.  Worked into each chapter are tasks that need to be done.

I appreciated the helpful information and details about different varieties that Sarah uses in her garden pots, what she likes about the different plants.  The book is chock full of pictures, gorgeous photos that you will want to look back on for design ideas for your own garden, in pots or perhaps worked into landscape.

Even though I live in a very different area than Sarah, I can take the ideas and designs work them into our home garden.  I loved this book and was on sensory overload looking at the spectacular photographs.  So many beautiful photos, ideas and information to enjoy and learn from.

I highly recommend A Year Full of Pots by Sarah Raven.  I plan on purchasing a copy of this book when it is published on April 9, 2024.  I want to use it as a reference guide filled with helpful information and design inspiration.

I would like to thank Bloomsbury USA Publishers and NetGalley for an opportunity to read a complimentary copy of A Year Full of Pots by Sarah Raven. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell – A Refreshing and Lovely Read

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Maybe it was the winter season that piqued my interest in reading Marta McDowell’s book All the Presidents’ Gardens.  With our garden at rest, it was a lovely time to read about the history of the Presidents’ gardens at the White House over the last 235 years.

I absolutely loved reading this book.  It was a combination of history, gardening, with a little bit of biographies mixed-together.  It was refreshing to see the love of gardening from our Presidents, their wives, and families, and how they enjoyed the fruits of the labor of those who executed design plans.  What a huge task for the men and women who designed the gardens over the years.  I found it interesting to learn how everyone’s background, education, and experience influenced the designs, selection of plants, and the additions of other elements to make the gardens what they wanted. 

As a gardener, I found I connected with the Presidents and their families that had a love for gardening.  I appreciated their desire for seed and plant preservation.  I came away from reading this book with a new appreciation for how gardening is passed down from one generation to another.

If you love gardening, history, biographies, or design, I highly recommend All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell.  This was a lovely and refreshing book to read. 

I would like to thank Timber Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore – Fascinating World War II History

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In recent years, I have been interested in reading World War II history books and wanted to read Stephen L Moore’s book The Strike of the Sailfish, Two Sister Submarines and the Sinking of a Japanese Aircraft Carrier.

The sister submarines, the Squalus and Sculpin, seemed to be ill-fated.  In 1939, off the coast of New Hampshire, the Squalus sunk.  Twenty-six of officers and men drowned, and thirty-two men remained alive.  Thanks to the help from the men on their sistership, the Sculpin and other ships, the men were rescued.  Amazingly, the Squalus was raised, decommissioned, and overhauled.  In 1940, she was recommissioned as the USS Sailfish.  Three of the Squalus survivors went on to serve on the Sailfish during WWII in the Pacific.  Their sistership, the Sculpin was also in the battle in the Pacific fighting against Japan. 

What happened to officers and men who served on those submarines and what they encountered during WWII is hard to imagine.  This book was well researched and is filled with a lot of details about the men who served, operation of the submarines, problems encountered with equipment, weapons, and the challenges of fighting a war in a submarine. 

The difference an effective leader can make as he leads his men in the battle was amazing to read about.  What these men endured in the submarines, the battles they fought, facing storms, disasters, being taken rescued, only to be taken captive as prisoners of war is almost beyond comprehension.  The drive to survive and commitment to fight and win the battle was awe inspiring.

There were times, it was hard to read what about what these men experienced.  But I am glad I finished it.  In many ways, these men were part of the greatest generation who fought evil and won.  So very grateful for their service and sacrifice. 

If you are interested in World War II history, or appreciate the military, you may wand read The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore.  It was challenging, and at times a hard read, but it was well worth it. 

I would like to thank the Publisher Dutton Caliber and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Double Take by Lynette Eason – Action Packed Suspense

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I enjoy mystery and suspense novels and was excited to read Lynette Eason’s newest book Double Take.  This is the first book in her new Lake City Hero series.  This book will grab your attention from the get go. 

Lainie Jackson is a physician’s assistant at a hospital in Lake City, NC.  After stopping to check on a friend, Lainie headed to work on a rainy day.  A driver behind her was intent on passing and clipped her car which sent her car over the side of the mountain.  After calling 911, Lainie noticed a man peering over the edge of the road.  A man that looked like Adam, her former fiancé who was dead.  Or was he?

Detective James Cross and his partner, Cole Garrison responded to a domestic violence call.  James wants to do whatever it will take to get the children out of a very dangerous situation, including putting himself in the line of fire.  After sustaining injuries, James was taken to the hospital where he was treated by Lainie, his sister’s best friend.  Perhaps they can reconnect and help each other.

There was a lot going on in this story.  Lots of characters and relationships that were intertwined.  Some healthy and some not so good.  Both Lainie and James had a lot of baggage from their past, from family issues and PTSD that had left emotional scars.  It seemed like there some “blame the imperfect parents” that caused their children to have issues going on.  I don’t know any perfect families and life sure can be messy. 

Yet, I liked how Lainie was honest, straight forward, and respectful.  I appreciated how James evaluated how he had erred in his response to his father and how his father was willing to look at his own actions.  I liked the main characters, they seemed like decent, kind, and caring people.  They had good friends who were supportive and tried to be there for them, people they could trust.  I appreciated that Lainie did not do stupid things that unnecessarily put herself at risk and she was open to receiving help. 

The characters were likeable.  The storyline was a bit of a stretch on believability.  But I wanted to know whodunnit and why.  I liked how the characters grew and developed during the story.  There were some twists and turns, intense situations, and serious subject matters.  Topics like domestic violence, attempted murder, suicide, and dysfunctional families.  Faith was a small part of the story.  I would have like to have seen faith, trust and dependance upon God, and prayer more fully developed in the characters. 

If you like suspense and mystery, you may want to read Double Take by Lynette Eason.  I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading future books in the Lake City Hero series. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Double Take by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Wonderful World of James Herriot – by James Herriot – Enjoyable, Interesting, Memorable and Lovable Characters

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When I saw that The Wonderful World of James Herriot audio book was available to listen to on NetGalley I was excited at this opportunity.  As the subtitle says this book truly is A Charming Collection of Classic Stories by James Herriot.

I remember discovering James Herriot novels back in the 1970’s when I was in high school and reading All Creatures Great and Small.  More recently watching the beloved PBS television show of the same name. 

The audio book was quite lovely.  It was made more special with the narration by Anna Madeley, Nicholas Ralph, and Rosie Page.  You will recognize the voices of Anna and Nicholas who play characters on the PBS show All Creatures Great and Small.  They do a fantastic job in bringing these stories to life.  Dr. Rosie Page is the daughter of Alf Wight, better known by his penname James Herriot. 

You know a book is good when you are interested from the get go as Rosie narrates the book’s introduction.  It was fascinating to learn how Alf came to write his stories and the books that have become a treasure to so many.

This book made me laugh and cry.  I appreciated the love and compassion that James (Alf) showed to the animals he cared for and the people who owned them.  People from all walks of life, interesting and memorable characters, and animals. 

Some of the stories go into detail about the ailments and treatment of the animals.  You may not want to have young children listen to or read the book, but wait until they are a little older.

I greatly enjoyed The Wonderful World of James Herriot.  It was delightful as an audio book and one I would like to listen to or read again.  It is the kind of book I would want to come back and listen to or read all over again, and share with others.

The Wonderful World of James Herriot would make a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for family and friends, or even for yourself.  If you are familiar with the James Herriot books, it will likely make you want to go back reread his novels. 

I would like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audio book The Wonderful World of James Herriot by James Herriot.  I was provided with a complimentary copy of this audio book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis – Loved This Book, Enjoyable Characters, and Interesting Relationships

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I enjoy Amish fiction but had never read any novels by Beverly Lewis.  After reading the description of the The Heirloom, I wanted to read her newest book.  I am so glad I did!

The Heirloom tells the story of Clara Bender and her great aunt Ella Mae Zook.  Clara’s world has changed since her mother’s death a year ago.  In the months after her mother’s passing, Clara had grown closer to her father.  But since he remarried a couple of months ago, things had changed and home didn’t feel the same.  At nineteen years old, Clara knew that one day she would leave home.  The prospects for a good match in her community were not promising because eligible men about her age were not available. 

While clearing out her mother’s desk, Clara found letters her mom had exchanged with aunt Ella Mae.  It seemed they had a very close relationship and a deep connection.  That got Clara to thinking, perhaps she could go visit her great aunt in Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks.  Get to know her and connect over their shared love for Clara’s mom.  Her dad is reluctant to let Clara go but relents with the understand that she will be back in a couple of weeks.  His concern is that the Amish community in Hickory Creek is much stricter than the one in First Light, Indiana.  That was one of the reasons they had moved.

I absolutely loved reading The Heirloom.  I enjoyed the main characters Clara and Ella Mae and the people surrounding them.  I found the storyline compelling and moving.  Clara’s grief was relatable and Ella Mae was such a kind and caring person to all who were around her.  Both characters were thoughtful, hardworking, and other centered. 

What I appreciated the most about this book is the aspect of their Christian faith.  It was part of their everyday life and impacted how they lived. I have read other Amish fiction and have often thought it seemed like faith based on works, instead of faith that bears the fruit of repentance and good works.  That part of the Amish faith was explored in this book.  Not in a heavy-handed manner, but in thoughtful way.  I appreciated that the Gospel of Christ was clearly shared.  It was enjoyable to see young people building relationships that were pure.

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis was so enjoyable.  The characters and relationships were well developed.  This novel had a richness you don’t often find in books.  Not everything was sunshine and flowers, there were some difficult subjects addressed.  I was very moved by Clara and Ella Mae’s story, and found myself grieved and wondering how the story would turn out.  I trusted the author no matter if it had a good ending or a sad ending, she handled the story and characters well.

I highly recommend The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  It was enjoyable, rich, and thought provoking.  So glad that I found this author whose work is new to me and look forward to reading more of her books.

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read complimentary copy of The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.    

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard – Not Believable, Convoluted, and Stretched the Imagination

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Shadows at Dusk is Elizabeth’s Goddard newest book.  I have read several of her books and looked forward to reading her latest mystery.

Shadows at Dusk tells the story of Detective Trevor West who is searching in Alaska for his sister Jennifer Warren who disappeared over a year ago.  Trevor is a former US Marshal and knows how to track people.  But will he be able to solve the case that is most important to him?  He enlists the help of Alaskan bush pilot Carrie James to help him follow Jennifer’s trail.  Reluctantly, Carrie agrees to help him.  Not long into their journey it appears that someone does not want them to continue their search and will do whatever it takes to stop them.  But who exactly is the target?  Is it Trevor or is it Carrie? 

Let me start with the things I liked about this book.  I enjoyed learning about beauty of this vast, remote, and treacherous terrain.  I liked the character Trevor, he seemed like caring, determined, and faithful friend.  I liked Rip who was willing to help them on their mission, even at great risk to himself. 

I struggled greatly with this book for several reasons.  I hate it when characters do something stupid and illogical that puts them at risk and in danger.  Both Trevor and Carrie did that repeatedly throughout this story.  At times even acknowledging that they made a bad decision or calculation.  But they never seemed to learn from their mistakes.  Things like not making copies or photographs of key pieces of evidence.  Not giving that evidence to the police.

The storyline did not seem plausible.  From the bad guy behind it all and those who were helping him try to stop Trevor and Carrie.  It appears that someone from Carrie’s past might also be targeting Trevor.  Speaking of Carrie, I did not like or connect with her character.  This story stretched the imagination, not in a good way.  The story was not believable.  Because the characters continued to make unwise and illogical decisions, over and over again, I stopped caring about them.  I did not understand why a trained law enforcement officer would make some of the irrational decisions he did. 

There was very little about God or faith mentioned in the book.

From my perspective, I did not like Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard.  The storyline was not believable.  Characters made illogical decisions that put them at risk throughout the story.  The story drug on and on.  It was too complicated and convoluted. 

I have read other stories by Elizabeth Goddard and enjoyed them and would like to read more in the future.  But Shadows at Dusk missed the mark and I would not recommend it. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligations to give a favorable review. 

Our World is in a Moral Freefall

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Each day now
I take a deep breath
Before I read, listen to, or watch the news

What news of unimaginable evil awaits us today

Will it be a news of a veteran
A man who served this Nation
Who once protected and defended our Country

Now the object of a manhunt
After taking the lives of innocent people
Leaving a trail of wounded whose lives will never be the same

Or will it be news of unimaginable evil
The chosen Nation Israel
Once again under attack by her enemies

Only this time, it was not a “lone wolf”
Instead, it was a coordinated, well planned, secret mission
Launched by hundreds, no thousands of terrorists

Not an attack on the Israel’s Defense Forces
No! Against the innocent and vulnerable
Civilians, innocent, unarmed men, women, and children

Brutally, cut down
Murdered, raped, tortured, taken captive
By their twisted, morally depraved terrorist neighbors

What was their crime
Why was this hellish attack unleashed upon innocents
Religion and ethnicity, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Most evil doers try hide their evil deeds
Not so on October 7, 2023
With the morally depraved hell bound terrorists

They proudly recorded it for all
For the world to see
Expecting great rewards now and in eternity

Even with their own video evidence
Plain for all to see
The evildoer’s defenders and supporters make excuses

World leaders with broken moral compasses
Those who call evil good, and good evil
Encourage restraint and proportionality

Proportionality? What?
Do they sanction murdering the innocent
Raping innocent women and children

Do they think it acceptable
To torture and kidnap innocent civilians
Subject them to unimaginable horrors

Decent, God-fearing people and nations
Do not intentionally do evil to innocents
Instead, they fight the terrorists and evil doers

Terrorists who hide behind women and children
Who hide their weapons, rockets, and launchers
In school, hospitals, and places of worship

Let us not forget
The terrorist’s greatest allies
The main stream media

They choose to believe the lies of a terrorists
Who just days before brutally took the lives of innocents
Who recorded the rape, torture, and kidnapping of civilians

Lest we think this insanity and brutality is confined to Israel
Let us look around us
See the protesters and supporters of terrorists

Marching in the street
Chanting “From the River to the Sea”
“Palestine Will Be Free”

In colleges and universities
Places of “higher learning”
Jewish students are in fear for their lives

Jewish people around the world are waking up
Recognizing the hatred of their enemies
Enemies supported by those whose consciences have been seared

Let us learn from history
Take terrorists and evil doers at their word
They desire the destruction of Israel and her people

Will we let that happen again
Or will we stand with Israel
“I will bless those who bless you.”

Will we stand idly by and do nothing
Or worse, align ourselves with those who hate Israel
“I will curse those who curse you.”

Lord, we are a people lost in our sin
Unmoored from a biblical foundation
Driven by feelings over rational, logical thoughts

Deceived and deceivers
Believing fiction over truth
Defending lawlessness and evil

You warned us in the Bible, these days would come
Our world is in a moral freefall
Getting worse day by day

We are sinners through and through
Apart from Christ Jesus the Lord we can do nothing
All our deeds are as filthy rags

Apart from His sacrificial death on the cross
To pay the penalty and sin debt for all who repent and believe
We are lost and without hope

Lord, use what is happening in the world today
To bring us to an end of ourselves
Bring us to repentance and faith in Christ

LORD, we take comfort in Your sovereignty
In the knowledge that all will give an account to You
The LORD God Almighty who sees and knows all things

The One who is Holy, Holy, Holy
The One who is perfectly Just and Righteous
The One who gave His Only Begotten Son so that we might be saved

By Susan Bunts Wachtel
October 26, 2023

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon – An Interesting and Satisfying Read

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Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite writers.  I enjoy her romance stories and suspense novels.  That is why I was excited to read her newest book Into the Fire, the first book in the Undaunted Courage series.

Bri Tucker was scheduled to meet with retired arson investigator, Les Kavanaugh, to review several cases he thought merited further investigation.  Instead, she finds herself at Les’ home investigating a fire that has taken his life.  The next day Bri reluctantly accepts help from ATF Agent Marc Davis.  After Bri and Marc examined the scene, both agree that there wasn’t much of anything to suggest arson.  Just that nagging feeling that something is not right.  Though Bri and Marc find each other attractive, each has their own emotional baggage that may make developing a personal relationship difficult. 

I really liked this book.  I found the investigation of a fire very interesting.  What makes a fire suspicious vs accidental, and what information is relevant in an arson case.  I liked the characters.  At first, I wasn’t too keen on Bri.  But as her background was unveiled, I grew to appreciate her.  Marc was a wonderful character, kind, caring, wise, and protective.  Also enjoyed the Bri’s sister and brother and their close, and supportive relationships.  Loved Marc’s grandmother, such a sweet, wise, and caring woman. 

I did not suspect who the bad guy was.  Interesting that the story begins with the perspective of the arsonist.  About two thirds of the way through the story the bad guy is revealed, which causes the reader to look forward to seeing how the characters will solve the case.

Faith was part of the story, especially with Marc’s character.  I would like to have seen it even more with other characters. 

With the mix of an interesting plot, likeable characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, Into the Fire by Irene Hanson was an interesting and satisfying read.  I recommend it.  The book will be released on October 17, 2023.  

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Into the Fire by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman – Enjoyable Characters, Friendship, Laughter, Romance

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I find Amish fiction quite enjoyable and was excited to read Beth Wiseman’s newest book The Amish Matchmakers. 

Retired dentist, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus decided to move to Indiana to be near his only grandchild, Mindy.  He has rented a small cottage at the Peony Inn.  It is a bed and breakfast run by two Amish sisters, Esther, and Lizzie.  They have a reputation for matchmaking.  Now it seems they may have another match in mind, unbeknownst to one other.  Things may get a little complicated. 

I enjoyed reading this book, mostly because of the likable characters.  Esther and Lizzie, especially Lizzie, are very different than most characters in Amish fiction.   Lizzie has taken a liking to reading romance and true crime novels.  She does not hesitate to speak her mind and has become superstitious.  Esther is more sensible and down to earth, and tries to rein Lizzie in.  Benjamin is a bit of a mystery and he has some secrets he is not ready to share.  Ben’s granddaughter Mindy visits him regularly.  Following a car mishap, she meets Gabriel who helps around the inn. 

The characters are enjoyable and funny.  Ben’s not the only mysterious one.  It seems that each character has their own secrets they don’t want revealed.  Esther and Lizzie are caring towards one another and welcome others into their lives.  I liked Mindy and Gabriel’s relationship.  They were caring, responsible, and level headed with a little romance. 

I like Amish fiction because their world seems a little simpler and less complicated.  I enjoyed reading The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  While I don’t fully understand the issues surrounding an Amish person being involved with an Englisch person, I appreciated how that aspect of relationships were approached.  I also appreciated that this novel was clean. 

I recommend The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  It is a good and enjoyable story with likeable characters.  This book will be published October 17, 2023

I would like to thank Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

A Prayer of Repentance and Cry for Mercy and Grace

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Came across something I posted in 2020 to Facebook. Reading back through it, it seems more relevant today, especially seeing the slippery slope of sin and depravity we continue to go down.

March 15, 2020

Father God, we come before You Lord God Almighty a broken and sick people.  What is going on with a physical sickness in our Nation and across the world is an outward symbol of our moral bankruptcy.  God, we are a people who need to repent!  We are blind to our own sin and we need the light of Your Word to shine on the darkness in our own souls, minds and hearts and illumine our moral depravity and bring us to true repentance. 

We are a people and Nation who has cut its ropes from its spiritual mooring and is adrift like a ship in a storm.  We have children who literally don’t know right from wrong because they have not been taught.  They do not know that there is the source of moral authority we can turn to, learn from and be wise.   We are a people who think our heart is the moral arborator of all things when in fact we are wicked and depraved sinful people.  We have people who think that they are women when in fact they are biologically created men and go to extremes to try and change.  In our ignorance affirm the biological confusion in children. 

We are people who don’t recognize sin.  We watch movies and TV shows and read books saturated with sin (having other gods, idol worship, taking God’s name in vain, ignoring the sabbath, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, lust, profanity, pornography, disrespecting parents, stealing, bearing false witness, lying, coveting and envy) and call it entertainment.  We call adultery an affair, we call sex outside marriage a decision between two consenting adults.  Instead of recognizing murder as a grievous sin, we see it as entertainment.  We foster hatred in our hearts, bear grudges, we nurse grievances and our mouths pours forth profanity and gross immoral sinful language that we cover under the freedom of speech.  We forget that there is a God to whom we will give an account. 

We have people in our nation who champion the right to murder children in the womb and now, God forbid, even murder them after they have been born.  We have a city that lights up their tallest building to celebrate a law that permits people to murder babies up to the very moment of birth.  It’s considered lawful and a right to kill a human being created in God’s image.  What’s wrong with us?  We have nations in our world that want to stop treating the elderly and hasten their deaths. 

We are a people who worship creation over the Creator.  People who want to protect animal rights over and above the right of a human created in God’s image to have life.  We turn to money and possessions thinking that will satisfy us.  We’ve made an idol of our body, focusing to the extreme on what we eat, exercise, what we wear and feel free to reveal parts of our body that should be reserved for a husband and wife.  We view pornography in the privacy of our own home and expose our children to it and wonder why they are engaging in sex at younger and younger ages.  We choose sex over true intimacy and relationship.  We worship and think of self over and above all else. 

Lord, even as Christians who know You, who read Your Word, we need to examine our own hearts and recognize our sin and repent.  We are tempted to a check box mentality Christianity.  If I go to church, if I read the Bible, if I go to Bible study, if I say a quick prayer then all well.  But how often, we fail to let the truth from Your Word penetrate our hearts, expose our sin and bring us to repentance?  How much are we caught up in the world and fail to see it?  How often do we spend timing doing something we want to over and above reading and studying the Bible?  How often do we override that conviction of the Holy Spirit and do that which is wrong before You?  Do we fail to share the Gospel of Christ with those who are perishing because we are uncomfortable in doing so?  Do we fail to share the Gospel or confront a fellow Christian caught up in because we know of sin in our own lives and don’t want someone to call us a hypocrite?  Do we cower under the banner of unity when we see a believer in error that should be corrected?  Are we so prideful?  Do we think that our righteousness is something we’ve achieved instead Christ’s righteousness being credited to our account?  Do we think we are achieving holiness because we are a super Christian rather than knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work in us and using God’s Word to expose sin and grow us in godliness?  Do we live in such a way that others would praise us instead of You?  Or do we live to honor and glorify God?  Do we have the biblical knowledge and wisdom to discern erroneous teaching?  Do we substitute and accommodate worldly human wisdom in place of the Gospel of Christ?  Where You have revealed unity in Christ do we seek to divide?  Do we fail to confront those who are caught up and believe a false god and false religion?  Do we fail to confront sin and tell ourselves we are loving them even though they are bound for hell?  Do we have the truth of God, know what sin is, the need for repentance that the Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life?  Do we know that there is no other name under heaven or earth by which man can be saved, but we choose to remain silent?  Do we know we should reach out and help others but choose not to because it’s inconvenient?  Shouldn’t we remember that it wasn’t convenient for Christ to go to the cross?  The pain He endured we deserved.  The death He died, He died on our behalf so that we could repent, believe in Him and be saved. 

Father God…we are a sinful, unrighteous, unholy, morally depraved people.  We are deserving of Your righteous, just judgment.  You are Holy, Holy, Holy…You are the One True and Living God.  You are Just in Your Judgment.  You alone are Wise.  You are All-Knowing…there is nothing hidden from Your sight.  All things are exposed, open and laid bare before You…including our hearts, our true motives, our hidden thoughts.  You are our Creator…You have given us life.  We are called to Worship our Creator…You alone are worthy of our worship and praise.  You alone are to be honored and praised and glorified.  You are the God who Delivers us, most importantly from our bondage to sin.  You are the Law Giver…Jesus Christ was the One and Only who could fully obey Your Law.  The Sinless Lamb of God given to take away our sin.  You have revealed Yourself in the Bible.  May we humbly ask Your Holy Spirit to open our blind eyes to see.  To unstop our ears that are deaf to You.  To take our sinful hearts and darkened minds to see You as You have revealed Yourself in Scripture.  Help those who are dead in their sin, be alive to You in Christ.  You are the God who saves the least likely.  You are able to save the one that we think is too far gone to be saved.  Because salvation is a work of God, not of man lest we should boast. 

Father God…while You are the Righteous Just Judge and Holy in Your Wrath, we humbly ask You for Mercy and Grace.  For Mercy where we deserve judgment.  Grace to endure.  We ask that You would protect people from getting this virus.  That You would help those affected to recover and protect their family and those around them.  We ask that the Great Physician would give wisdom to our doctors and scientists and help them to know how to treat us and how to prevent us from getting sick.  We thank You for the gift of medicine, doctors and nurses…but we know that ultimately, all healing and heath is from You.  We ask that You will give our President, Vice-President and our Nation’s leaders wisdom in helping our people.  We pray that You will restrain our tendency to panic and hoard supplies and food and instead make us a generous, kind and caring people.  Help us to be a compassionate and caring people.  Help us to daily remember our dependence upon You…our deep and desperate need for You.  Not just in the midst of an epidemic, but most importantly for our forgiveness, salvation through Christ Jesus the Lord and to grow in holiness and wisdom.  Most importantly Lord…we thank You Lord…that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that we have peace.  We do not need to fear.  You know our end from the beginning.  Our death is a divine appointment.  With Paul, we can say to live is Christ and to die is gain.  It’s only because of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that is found in Him that we have peace.  We come to You Lord God our Father in the Name above all names…our Great Shepherd…the Lamb of God…our Merciful High Priest…the Sinless Son of God…the King of kings, Lord of lords…the Son of God who took on flesh and was born of a woman.  The Lamb of God who is Worthy.  The Just who justifies sinful man.  The One who will Judge the world in Truth and Righteousness.  The One who has Authority over creation and nature and can calm the storm.  The One who can Heal with a word.  The One who can raise the dead, yet cry at His friend’s grave.  We come to You in the Mighty, Glorious, Marvelous, Matchless Son of God…Jesus Christ the Lord…amen! 

Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler – Interesting Mix of Gardening and Mystery

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After reading the description of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler, I wanted to give this British novel a try. I was hoping it would be reminiscent of Rosemary & Thyme, a nice mix of gardening and mystery.  

Steph Williams needs a job and hopes to be hired as the gardener at Beaulieu Heights, a small wealthy estate in England. Wherever Steph goes, her faithful companion Mouse goes too. To say that the residents are quirky is an understatement. Some are more welcoming than others. It seems that all the homeowners have their secrets. But would any of them be willing to break the law to protect their secrets? To steal, blackmail, or even commit murder? Just as Steph is getting a handle on the various gardens, she receives a threatening note. To make things worse, the residents have accused Steph of blackmail. How in the world will she clear her name, much less keep her job?

It took me a little while to get used to the first-person writing style and the British terms. But once I did, I enjoyed reading this book. I liked Steph and her dog Mouse. Loved reading the descriptions of the gardens, about plants and the work to be done. I could almost visualize the settings. The people in Beaulieu Heights, both residents and workers, were an interesting group. A few were friendly and some you would want to avoid. Steph was a very likable character, as was her dog. 

The residents of Beaulieu Heights were an interest mix. Though very wealthy and seemingly in need of nothing, their lives were a bit of trainwreck. I liked some of the friendships that Steph developed with both the residents and staff members. I enjoyed Steph’s relationship with her brother and parents. There were lots of weeds to dig through to get to the bottom of the mystery. I did not guess who the bad guy was.  

There were a few moments that I found touching. Like the kindness and encouragement of a few people when Steph stood wrongly accused. Or the support and love from her brother and dad. The progress in her relationship with her mom. 

Not going to give away the ending. But I would have liked to have seen justice. One mystery not wrapped up is what happened to Steph’s ex-husband who seemed to disappear.  

There is some profanity in the book, as well as revealing sexual immorality that some of the characters had been involved with. Thankfully, it did not go into graphic detail.  

I enjoyed reading this mystery Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. It was a change of pace from my regular reading. If you enjoy mysteries and gardening, you might enjoy this novel.

I would like to thank Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

Countdown by Lynette Eason – Mixed Reaction

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I have enjoyed several novels by Lynette Eason and was excited to read her newest release Countdown, the fourth book in the Extreme Measures series. 

Raina Price works as a flight paramedic along with her friends Penny and Holly.  Raina had to reinvent her life due to an abusive relationship from which she had escaped.  To protect herself and her loved ones there is no going back.  While watching sports news Raina sees a young snowboarder who is the spitting imagine of the man from whom she escaped.  If she has seen Michael Harrison, surely the boy’s father will see him and figure out who he is.  How can she protect the boy?  Raina’s been feeling spooked lately, like someone has watching her.  US Marshal Vincent Covelli is concerned and wants to help Raina.  Will she accept his help or try to go it alone?  How can Vincent and law enforcement help protect Raina from a man whose true-identity and whereabouts are unknown?

This book had a lot of twists and turns.  The action and intrigue did not stop until the end. 

What I liked about the book: I appreciated the friendships that Raina had with Penny and Holly and their friends.  They were a closeknit group and there for each other, through thick and thin.  I liked Vincent, he was a very caring and patient man, ready to put himself in danger to protect Raina. 

What I struggled with: Countdown really stretched the imagination on believability.  I understand that there are evil people out there who are intent on causing harm and destruction.  But to have someone keep track of a person for many years, as well as those with associated with her, was not believable.  To be able track when she called a person after many years, who has the resources to that? 

It did not make sense that Raina who has been in constant fear for her life, especially following an incident, would come home and not lock the garage door.  Come on!  The logic on why the bad guy was doing what he did, it was a stretch too.

I would like to have seen the characters’ faith a bigger part of the story.  Instead, it seemed cursory. 

There were things I liked about Countdown and some things I was not too keen on.  I like Lynette Eason‘s writing, but Countdown was not my favorite.  If you are a fan of Lynette Eason and have read the earlier books in this series, you may enjoy it. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Countdown by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter – Beautiful Setting and Likeable Characters

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Wildflower Falls is Denise Hunter’s newest book, the fourth book in the Riverbend Romance series.  I was excited to read it because I have enjoyed a couple of other books by Denise.

Following the death of their mother, Charlotte Simpson and her step-sister Emerson are owners of a horse ranch.  Charlotte is committed to making a go of the business.  Emerson, on the other hand, is not so keen on the idea.  But Charlotte is moving ahead and expanding the business.  She is having a new barn constructed to handle additional business.  She even hired a respected horse trainer Gunner Dawson to help with the horses, knowing he was only staying for a short while. 

In her mother’s paperwork, Charlotte found information about her biological father and learned that he may be related to an established family in the community.  How will she verify that information, and when should she make the facts known?  Emerson has been emotionally distant and Charlotte finds herself confiding in Gunner.  He is not only good with horses, but he has become a friend and is a good listener.

The storyline is what made me want to read this book.  I enjoyed reading about the scenery and horses in a beautiful small-town in North Carolina.  I found the story about finding her biological family interesting.  My favorite character was Gunner, who seemed to be a kind, caring, and trustworthy man.  I liked how their relationship grew.  I also liked Charlotte’s biological siblings and their families. 

I struggled with Charlotte a bit.  Her character was very self-focused.  The story seemed to drag for a while.  In the last part of the book, a slew of details was made known.  Those details would have made the story better if introduced earlier in the book.  I would like to have known the back story of Gunner earlier.  Without those background details, his actions did not seem logical or reasonable.  In fact, I was irritated that those details were added so late in the story.

The book was relatively clean.  I would like to have had the characters’ faith more fully developed.

While this was not my favorite Denise Hunter book, there were elements I enjoyed in the story.  If you like a beautiful rural setting, horses, nature, family, friendship, and a little romance, you may want to read Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter.  This book will be released September 12, 2023.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.