The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter – Enjoyable Read and Likeable Characters

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I enjoy reading Wanda E Brunstetter’s Amish novels and looked forward to reading her newest book The Beginner’s Quilt.  This book is actually a prequel to the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club book.

Emma is an outdoorsy young lady and she hasn’t picked up abilities of cooking, sewing, and quilting that are valued in the Amish community that would make her a suitable wife.  Her parents decided to send Emma to live with her grandparents over the summer to learn those skills.  While staying with her grandparents she meets a young man, Ivan.  While Ivan works in his in his father’s business, his interests are working on clocks.  While many men might overlook Emma, Ivan appreciates their shared interests in the outdoors.  Will Emma be able learn to cook and sew under the guidance of her grandmother?  Will Ivan be able to pursue the work he longs to do? 

I really enjoyed reading The Beginner’s Quilt.  I liked both Emma and Ivan’s characters.  It took a little while to get used to the “inner thoughts” of the characters.  I appreciated how I could see the characters growth and change over time.  I especially appreciated the grandparents and their fondness for their granddaughter.  I enjoyed the growing relationship between Emma and Ivan and was thrown for a loop when an unexpected obstacle arose that might derail their future together. 

When reading how Ivan and his family responded to the accusations made against him, it made me realize how different the non-Amish would handle the situation, especially today.  Will the truth be revealed?  Or will Ivan do what is considered right, even when his heart lies elsewhere?

I enjoyed reading The Beginner’s Quilt, both the story and the characters.  I was challenged to think how I would have responded in their situation.  Makes me want to read the other books in Wanda E Brunstetter’s quilt series.  If you enjoy Amish fiction, I encourage you to read The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter. 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson – Mixed Emotions – Interesting but Challenging

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After reading the synopsis of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson I wanted to read her newest book. 

The Lost Story of Via Belle has two timelines, 1940’s and 2006, and three heroines.  Olivia is a writer in the 1940’s.  Her pen name is Via Belle, and she is much beloved by her readers.  Izzy is a young college student at a university where Olivia was invited to speak about her writing.  Fast forward to 2006 and meet Harper who currently working as a housekeeper for a Hollywood producer.  Harper has ambitions to be a screenwriter and is hoping to get a break, if only someone will give her a chance.  But when her plan falls apart, she packs up and goes to Pennsylvania to stay at her aunt’s home.  Harper is hoping to find the right story that she can pore herself into and prove herself as a successful screenwriter.

The lives of these three women will intersect.  The lives of both Olivia, an older, wise and mature woman, and Izzy, a young and naïve woman, are impacted by Simon Farrow.  A man who may not be who he represents himself to be.  As Simon’s life starts to unravel and he loses control, their lives will be upended.  Sixty years later Harper starts digging into the mystery of what happened to Via Belle, hoping to find a story.  What she finds may be a whole lot closer to home than she could ever imagine.

When I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the characters and wondering how the story would turn out.  The dual timeline in this book took a little time to get used to.  My affinity for the various characters changed as the story progressed.  The character I struggled with the most was Harper, perhaps because of her immaturity and self-focus.  I was very surprised by the changes in Simon.  I struggled to understand why Oliva and Izzy were so slow to wake up to the truth that was staring them in the face. 

The story was interesting and there were some twists and turns I didn’t expect.  The book seemed to drag at the beginning and the end.  But in between I was drawn in by the story.

While there were aspects of faith in the story, it was not deep.  I found that surprising since Olivia had been married to a pastor.  At one point in the story, Oliva, “wanted to hear God’s whisper in the breeze.  Words that spoke to her heart.  Why had He stopped speaking to her?”  Reading that concerned me because doctrinally that is not sound theology.  Today, God has spoken to us through in the Bible, the word of God.  If Oliva wanted to hear God speak, she should have opened the Bible and read it out loud. 

There were aspects of the book that I liked and characters were interesting.  Yet, I didn’t fully understand the characters Olivia and Izzy and even Harper.  I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith better developed in the characters and storyline.

If you like mystery, intrigue, historical fiction, or are a fan of Melanie Dobson’s books, you may want to read The Lost Story of Via Belle.  This book will be published on April 14, 2016.

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart – Mixed Emotion – Action Packed, Suspenseful, But Struggled with the Moral Ambiguity

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Riptide is the first book I’ve read by author Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  It’s the second book in the Silent Horizons series. 

Readers are introduced to Foster Quinn who is recruited by Texas billionaire Sterling Beaumont to investigate who killed his son.  What started out as an investigation becomes a quest for justice and revenge.  There may be many people who have benefitted financially by wars our Nation has engaged in.  There are some who have likely betrayed our Country and may have colluded with the enemy.

But where does defending our Nation and vowing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; cross over to one man’s revenge?  Someone who thinks he can render justice, but in reality, he is executing revenge.  That’s what I struggled with in this book.  That’s why we have a justice system.  Does it fail us?  Yes.  Will some escape justice this side of eternity?  Yes.  But when a person takes revenge based on their personal assessment of what’s right and wrong, that’s where we cross a line.

I found the character, Sterling Beaumont, very interesting and liked him as well as some of the other characters.  I struggled with Foster, mostly because of his moral ambiguity.  He turned his back on his family for reasons he justified.  The novel is marketed as a Christian book.  There not a lot that make me believe it was written from a Christian perspective.  Thankfully there was no profanity.

Mixed feelings on Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  It was a fast-paced novel with lots of twists and turns and suspense.  Some of the transitions in the storyline were abrupt.  The author was very detailed in his descriptions of scenes and actions, and it was a long book as a result.  Perhaps someone with a military background might like that aspect of this novel. 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Edge of Truth – by Janice Cantore – Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense

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If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, you may want to read Janice Cantore’s newest book Edge of Truth. 

Lainie Jensen works for the Long Beach Police Department.  She’s a hardworking detective and committed to her work.  In recent years, Lainie has pull back in her relationship with her sister Evie, mostly because of Evie’s husband Stan.  But when news comes from Hawaii that she sister may have been kill in a shark attack, Lainie is going to investigate for herself.  Something is off and Stan’s story doesn’t make sense.  FBI Agent Ben Isaacs is also investigating Stan about his involvement in a money laundering operation.  Lainie and Ben’s investigations will overlap.  Will they be able to combine forces and get to the truth?  Will justice be delivered?

When Lainie started with the police force fifteen years earlier she had a difficult case in which the person escaped justice.  While she had to move forward, that case left a scar and it took a toll on her faith.  With her sister still missing, Lainie realizes that she needs to return to God.  Ben Isaacs is in the right place at the right time.  Not only to help with their interconnected investigations, but also to encourage Lainie’s faith in this time of trouble.  Will Lainie take a closer look at Ben, a man who is determined, committed, kind and caring.

Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore is filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue and I especially enjoyed the setting in Long Beach.  I liked the growing relationship between Lainie and Ben and the professional relationships Lainie had with colleagues she had over the course of her career.  Also, Lainie’s love and care for her family.  Appreciated that this novel did not have profanity. 

Writer Janice Cantore is a former police officer from the Long Beach Police Department.  So, she brings realism to the story from a police perspective.  Edge of Truth will be released on February 17, 2026, and will be available online and at various retailers.  You can learn more about Janice and her books on her website: janicecantore.com. 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin – Compelling and Fascinating

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Sarah Sundin is one of the best historical fiction writers.  Was so excited to read her newest book Mists over the Channel Islands.  I had never read about the Channel Islands, nor knew about how they were impacted by the WWII battle again Nazi Germany. 

This book tells about the lives and experiences of people who lived on Jersey, one of the British Channel Islands, during WWII.  The story focuses on the Picots, and their family, friends, colleagues, and fellow islanders who had to endure living many years under the German occupation of their island.  It tells about those who left the island before the Germans invaded, those who stayed under the heavy hand of their oppressors and how every aspect of their lives was impacted.  What it was like when help seemed to be passing their island by, even as the war was winding down, and the Germans were facing certain defeat. 

Many of the characters were very likable and it was interesting to see how they responded, grew, and changed during the years of the occupation.  As weighty as the story was, it is not without hope.  In addition to the islanders, and German occupying forces, there are Dutch resistance members seeking to help the allies by sending information that will help bring the war to an end and defeat their enemy.  Who would cooperate and help the resistance in their fight?  Who would show compassion and give aid fellow countrymen and those whom the Germans were after, even when it meant risking their lives?  Would their relationships and friendships survive?  One can’t help but wonder how we would respond under those circumstances.

I highly recommend Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin.  Loved reading this book, the characters were interesting and relatable and the story was compelling. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Mists over the Channell Islands by Sarah Sundin.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch – Helpful, Informative and Enjoyable Gardening Resource

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I recently discovered Briana Selstad Bosch’s gardening YouTube channel and have enjoyed learning some gardening tips and techniques from a flower farmer.  That’s why I wanted to read her first book The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook – Essential Techniques for Growing a Garden That Leaves the Land Healthier Than You Found It.

The focus of this book is about building up and supporting the foundation of your garden, the soil.  It was helpful to understand the difference between organic gardening and regenerative gardening and how various practices and techniques can help improve soil.  That in turn will help you grow healthy plants. 

Understanding the ecosystem of your garden can help you make choices that will benefit your garden. Choices in fertilizers, to pest and disease control, and what plants you want to include can make a difference.  Whether you are a home gardener or farmer, taking good care of the soil is essential to being able to grow and care for healthy plants.  

Briana helps the reader to understand what we introduce into our garden can impact the health of our soil and plants.  From mulching to cover crops and weed management we can make choices strengthen our soil.  What we plant in our garden and how we manage it can impact the biodiversity.  I appreciated the simple charts and comparisons to help me make good choices for our garden. 

As a home gardener on a small lot, I may not be able to do all the recommendations a flower farmer can do.  But as I learn and implement good practices, use new techniques, introduce beneficial products into our garden, I can continue learn to grow and enjoy the plants and garden we are blessed to tend. 

I enjoyed reading The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch and look forward to continuing to learn about and implement practices that will benefit our garden.  If you are a home gardener or garden on a much bigger scale, you may enjoy and benefit on the information shared in this gardening resource. 

I would like to thank Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Still Waters by Patricia Johns – Lovely and Enjoyable Read

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Author Patricia Johns, is relatively new to me.  I enjoy Amish fiction and was excited to read her current novel Still Waters, the second book in The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill series.

Beth Peachy came to help her aging paternal grandmother get ready to move in with her family.  Beth has visited her grandmother many times and has made friends over the years.  She is looking forward to seeing Danny Lapp again, it has been a while since they had seen each other and both are young adults now.  Beth has been struggling and is not sure if she wants to remain a part of the Amish community.  Her faith is strong, but she is not sure if she would be better able to pursue the thing she enjoys outside the community she was raised in. 

Beth is hopeful that she can find out more about her Dad who had recently died.  Questions that only her grandmother Mammi, who has dementia, can answer.  All families have secrets, but time is running out for Beth to get to her questions answered. 

Tabitha Schrock, first introduced in Green Pastures the first book in the series, has returned to her Amish roots.  She is still trying to be accepted by the community, but with patience and perseverance she is hopeful that she can rebuild her life among family and friends.  With her unique perspective Tabitha may be able to help Beth make the best choices for her life. 

Still Waters was a lovely read.  I enjoyed the characters and relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the community.  It was interesting to see the dynamics of the relationships and how the past has impacted the present.  Even those secrets long ago hidden.

This story is made rich and full because of the characters and the relationships they have within the Amish community.  The mystery that is unraveled makes the story even more interesting.  The story draws you in and it was a very satisfying read.  Faith is a part of the character’s lives and story.  I appreciate that this is a clean novel.  I loved reading this book, I didn’t want it to end.  I highly recommend Still Waters by Patricia Johns.  I look forward to reading many more of her books.

I would like to thank Patricia Johns and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Still Waters.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte – Wonderful, Fascinating, Inspiring, and Insightful

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As someone who loves reading about WWII history, I was excited to read Joseph Loconte’s new book The War for Middle-earth: J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933-1945.  This book shows impact of The Great War, on two men who fought in WWI, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis.  Great writers whose works have touched generations.  How the devastation they witnessed and experienced transformed how they viewed the world.

Their friendship with one another, and other like-minded men, helped anchor their Christian faith.  These men appreciated English literature and saw the value of myths and legends and how they impact cultures.  Together they were able to explore ideas, understand moral values rooted in truth, the knowledge of good and evil, and the importance of bravery in the face of impossible odds. 

While they were in Oxford England during WWII, their writings and lectures helped to battle the cultural moral decay that led to racism, anti-Semitism, eugenics, totalitarianism, and communism.

I loved reading The War for Middle-earth and learning about what impacted and influenced Tolkien and Lewis and how it resulted in their timeless writings that impacted their generation and beyond.  Eighty years later, people are still being touch and inspired by their novels. 

After reading The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte, I am looking forward to going back and rereading Tolkien and Lewis’ books, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia.  Reading the books will be even richer having learned what influenced these men and drove them write and create worlds from their imagination. 

The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte is a wonderful, fascinating, insightful, and inspiring book about J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.  Well researched and well written. 

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills – Interesting Read Filled with Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense

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Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills is the first book I’ve read by this author and I didn’t know what to expect.  The description drew me in and the mystery, intrigue, and adventure kept me engaged.

Therese Palmer received a call from Professor Rurik Ivanov desperately seeking her help to find his daughter Alina who had been kidnapped.  With the few details he gave her, she knew she needed help.  Therese was certain that Rurik wasn’t forthcoming with the facts, and she reached out Texas Ranger Blane Gardner for help.  Between her wilderness survival skills and Blane’s hostage negotiating experience, perhaps they could do the impossible.  Could they safely rescue Alina from kidnappers who were hiding the Guadalupe Mountains National Park?  They were about to find out.

Canyon of Deceit was action packed and filled with mystery and intrigue, from beginning to end.  There was no shortage of action or bad guys from the Russian organized crime, to the drug traffickers, to the Russian government looking for one of their own who was seeking asylum in the United States.  The storyline was rather convoluted and instead of trying to figure it out, I went along and let the story unfold. 

Therese, Blane, Alina, were very likable characters.  My favorite was Blane’s boss Major Sergio Montoya and I would like to see a book with Sergio as the main character.  I enjoyed how the story was written in the characters’ own voices.  Rurik Ivanov was interesting, but I wasn’t sure if he had good intentions or why he continued to withhold information that would help get his daughter back safely.  I found the wilderness hiking and survival section very interesting.  The author does a good job describing the scenes. 

I appreciated that the Christian faith was a part of the storyline and the characters’ lives.  The story involved kidnapping, murder, espionage, defection, drug trafficking and more.  The violence mentioned in the book but it does not go in to graphic detail, but beware if that’s something you don’t want to read about.

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills was an interesting read and the storyline was engaging.  I would like to read more novels by this author.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee – A Real Gem, Interesting Story and Well-Developed Characters

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I absolutely loved reading The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee!  This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

The Women of Oak Ridge tells the story of two women.  Maebelle Willett, as a young woman in 1944, left her small town in Kentucky and went to work in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to help support her family.  The town was new, the work went on around the clock, the buildings were massive, and the mission was secret.  In 1979, Laurel Willett, Maebelle’s niece, goes to visit her aunt whom she had not seen in many years.  After learning about the secret work that went on in Oak Ridge, to develop the atomic bomb, Laurel was interested in talking to the people that lived and worked there.  She wanted to know what their experience was like and their feelings about the work they did that helped end the war. 

Laurel is hopeful her Aunt Maebelle will want to share about her experiences.  But she is surprised to find her aunt refuses to talk about that time in her life.  She has built a good life for herself and is a part of her community.  But talking about her work during WWII is off-limits.  Thankfully, some of Maebelle’s friends are happy to share about their time working there and Laurel has access to historical records to help with her research for her dissertation. 

This book was well written.  The storyline and characters were exceptionally well developed.  The main characters were very likable, even when they made unwise choices, it was part of the storyline, not to put the characters in peril.  I liked how the story came full circle and we got to see how Maebelle finally came to terms with what she experienced and decisions she made. 

As a Christian, I greatly appreciate that the Gospel message was included in the story.  The main characters were believers.  Though one of them had lived with secrets that imprisoned her with guilt for years, there came a time for her to confront her sin and repent.  Would she have the courage to do that or would she choose to keep the past hidden?  But at what cost? 

The Women of Oak Ridge is a gem.  From the storyline, to the characters, and the history, the story was well written.  It was made even more beautiful by the friendships, caring family relationships, and faith interwoven into their lives. 

One other element I appreciated in this book was how women were portrayed.  Laurel is a doctoral student and has worked hard to achieve her goal.  But her dad encourages her to be open to what God may have for her life beyond her career ambitions.  That’s a rare thing in books by Christian authors these days.  Instead of the story being about a tough, self-sufficient, career focus woman, this was a story about women who want a full life. 

I highly recommend The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee.  It is an interesting and beautiful story and well written.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk

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LORD God Almighty, we come before Your throne of grace and confess that we don’t understand when evil triumphs over good.  Our minds cannot fully comprehend how good can come out of an evil act.  But may we focus our minds and comfort and seal our hearts on You LORD.  Mindful that You are still on Your throne, You will never be unseated or dethroned.  Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will take His place on that judgment throne over all humanity.  There is not one thought, word, or deed that we will escape Your notice.  Apart from the Holy Spirit bringing us to faith in Christ Jesus the Lord, we would endure Your Just and Righteous wrath.  But because You are also a God of Mercy and Grace, we have been forgiven through Jesus Christ the Lord, and brought to repentance.  May we follow the example we see in Daniel…after seeing what was to come for his people, the Jewish nation, he became pale at the knowledge of what would befall his people.  But Lord, he trusted the One who is Above All, the One who is the All Wise, All Kowing God.  The One who will judge justly.  The One in whom there is no evil or sin.  Lord, we long for that day when we are gathered with fellow saints around Your throne and give You and Your Beloved Son, the One in whom You are well pleased, the worship and praise You deserve.  We bring before You, Charlie Kirk’s family.  We can’t imagine the pain and sorrow they are going through right now.  We entrust them to You O Lord.  Comfort their hurting hearts.  May family and friends and their supporters pour out their love and support for this family.  May they carry on through Your comfort and strength.  May Charlie’s legacy go on.  May the hearts and minds of young people and old continue to be opened by the Gospel of Christ.  We thank You Lord, for Charlie’s life and the good work that he did.  We know he is now before Your throne and would not want to be back.  May we remember that we don’t know the day or hour when You will call us home.  May we live in light of eternity and desire to be about our Father’s business.  We come before You in the name of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ…amen!

The Ancient of Days

9 “I kept looking
Until thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His clothing was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with fire,
Its wheels were a burning fire.
10 A river of fire was flowing
And coming out from before Him;
Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,
And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;
The court sat,
And the books were opened.

11 Then I kept looking because of the sound of the great boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was killed, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was given to them for an appointed season of time.

The Son of Man

13 “I kept looking in the night visions,
And behold, with the clouds of heaven
One like a Son of Man was coming,
And He came up to the Ancient of Days
And came near before Him.
14 And to Him was given dominion,
Glory, and a kingdom,
That all the peoples, nations, and men of every tongue
Might serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
Which will not be taken away;
And His kingdom is one
Which will not be destroyed.

Final Approach by Lynette Eason – Action and Suspense with Some Likeable Characters

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Final Approach by Lynette Eason is the fourth book in the Lake City Heroes series. 

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is officially off duty.  She and a group of friends are flying down to Key West for vacation.  She is looking forward to some much-needed rest, fun, and spending time with friends.  Hopefully, getting better acquainted with FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross. 

Even though she is off duty, out of habit Kristine is scanning fellow passengers.  Everything seems normal until one man catches her attention.  Something seemed off about him.  Suddenly, what should have been a short uneventful flight has become a hijacking.  Thankfully, Kristine’s friends are there to help!  Looks like vacation plans will be put on hold. 

I liked having the characters and friendships from earlier books carried over.  I wanted to see their friends have more interaction with Kristine and Andrew.  I appreciated that faith played a part in the story.  At one point Kristine was contemplating how she should respond to her parent considering what the Bible says about how children should honor their parents.  Interesting since the father daughter relationship had some major issues.  I liked Kristine’s care and commitment to her siblings and Andrew’s relationship with his family and seeing him reunite with a friend

There’s a lot of action and suspense in this book with several plotlines.  Some are red herrings that dropped off later.  It stretched the imagination, especially Kristine’s story.  I would like to have seen the story with the hijacker’s family, especially his son, resolved more fully.  Would also have liked to have seen the connection between Kristine and Andrew developed more.  Don’t recall if it was focused on in the first three books. 

Final Approach by Lynette Eason was action packed and filled with suspense and some likable characters.  Liked some of the other books in Lake City Heroes series more.  But if you are a Lynette Eason fan and like action and suspense, you will want to read Final Approach. 

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

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard – Mystery and Intrigue

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Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard is the second book in her Hidden Bay series.  This book tells the story of Jo Cattrel, who readers met in the first book, Storm Warning. 

Jo Cattrel works with her friend Remi Grant at the Cedar Trails Lodge in Hidden Bay along the Washington coastline.  Something both ladies had in common is that they were in hiding because of danger in their past.  Danger that threatened their present and future.  In Perilous Tides we learn about Jo’s past and why she’s been in hiding for three years. 

Three years ago, Jo’s mother was murdered and Jo went into hiding.  She continues look for answers and for justice.  The story gets off to a gripping start when Jo is trying to find her father who left a cryptic note and disappeared.  When her search fails, Jo gets on the ferry to go across Puget Sound and head home.  But the crossing may turn deadly when Jo witnesses something she shouldn’t have.  It’s a good thing that her ex-boyfriend, Cole Mercer, was back in town.  Will Cole be able to help Jo get the answers she’s looking for?  Will he be able to help keep her alive in the face of an unrelenting enemy?  Can their relationship be restored? 

Perilous Tides has a lot of mystery and suspense.  I was about seventy percent into the story when the various clues and puzzle pieces started to come together.  The premise was interesting.  I liked the Pacific Northwest setting and enjoyed the friendship between Jo and Remi, and Cole’s relationship with his brother Hawk.  I liked Jo’s commitment to find out who killed her mom and her quest for justice.  One of the characters that I grew to like was Detective Sanders.  I hope he appears in the third book in the Hidden Bay series and his character is further developed. 

There were a few things I struggled with.  The biggest one was Jo Cattrel.  Her character came across as very self-absorbed and indulging in self-pity throughout most of the book.  It got old.  The non-stop suspense and unrelenting enemy attacks were almost too much.  It stretched the imagination. 

Faith was a very small part of the story.  Especially considering the various crises that Jo and the others were going through, it would have been a good opportunity to include elements of faith.  In conversations and prayer or thoughts. 

If you are an Elizabeth Goddard fan and enjoy mystery and intrigue with some romance, you may enjoy reading Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard.  This is the second book in the Hidden Bay series, but it works as a stand alone novel too.

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Pretender by Wanda E Brunstetter – Likeable Characters, Interesting Growth and Development, My Favorite Book of the Series

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The Pretender, by Wanda E. Brunstetter, is the third book in the Mifflin County Mysteries series.  This book is my favorite in the series.  The Protector was the first book where readers learned about the mysterious disappearance of Rosa Petersheim and the fallout for her family and friends.  No one knew why she left, of her own accord or foul play, and despite trying no one was able to find Rosa or about what happened to her.  The Peacemaker was the second book in the series was focused on Rosa’s friends and family as they try to go on with their lives despite not knowing what happened to her. 

In The Pretender, the last book in this series, readers finally get to meet Rosa, learn what has happened to her over the past two years, any why her family had not heard from her.  She is living in New York City and has worked as a nanny and as a waitress.  When Rosa is facing a crisis in her life and she makes the hard decision that it is time to return home to her family.  Anthony Reeves, chef and son of the restaurant owners, takes pity on Rosa and decides to accompany Rosa home.  Will their concocted plan influence Rosa’s parents into taking her back?  Or will it backfire and cause more problems?  Just how many pretenders are there? 

The Pretender is my favorite book in the series.  I enjoyed getting to know Rosa and was surprised that I liked her character, despite how her unwise choices negatively impacted those around her.  Anthony was one of my favorite characters.  Despite getting himself thrown into circumstances he never anticipated, he was caring and concerned for Rosa and her family.  Even when he reaped painful consequences because of his choices he did not let that keep him down or hold him back. 

I enjoyed seeing the characters from the earlier books return.  It heartening to see how the characters had grown and changed over the years, from Rosa’s parents, to her siblings, and friends.  Susan, Rosa’s sister, has remained stuck in her negative thoughts and attitudes.  How much self-inflicted misery does it take to motivate someone to change?  Is there hope that Susan can change and grow? 

I liked seeing Rosa take personal responsibility for her choices and the consequences.  It was good to see the mellowing and growth in the characters.  Anthony was a refreshing addition to the storyline.  I appreciated that the Gospel message was shared and how Scripture was used to impact characters for good.  I would have gone with a different or more nuanced interpretation on some of the Scripture verses mentioned.

If you like reading mysteries or Amish fiction, you may want to read Wanda E. Brunstetter’s newest book The Pretender, the last book in the Mifflin County Mysteries.  This was an enjoyable read and my favorite book in this series.  This book will be released August 1, 2025.  

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green – Mystery, Intrigue, and Relationships

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The Codebreaker’s Daughter is the first book I’ve read by author Amy Lynn Green.  I wanted to read it because I enjoy World War II historical novels, along with mystery and intrigue. 

The Codebreaker’s Daughter tells the story of Lillian Kendall and her daughter Dinah Kendall, and takes place in 1917 during the Great War and 1944 during World War II.  It’s a story about mothers and daughters and how they impact and influence each other’s lives.  It’s about trying to overcome difficult circumstances and live a good, decent, and meaningful live.  It’s about two ordinary women, living in extraordinary and critical times for our Country and the world.  It’s about doing important work and striving to do it well.  It’s about marriage and caring for and being there for your spouse and family.  It’s about lifelong friendships that endure over many seasons.  It’s about making choices and experiencing the consequences, both good and bad.

The book was different than I expected.  Yes, it takes place in WWI and WWII and involves codebreaking, espionage, and helping with the war effort.  But underlying it all are the relationships and lives of the characters as the grow and change over the years.

My favorite character was Roger Kendall, the husband of Lillian.  He was the steady and loving husband and father that undergirded and supported his wife and daughter.  I enjoyed the friendships Lillian had with Elizebeth and Margot. 

The Codebreaker’s Daughter is a slow-paced novel.  While it does have mystery and intrigue, the main-focus is the characters and their stories.  About twenty percent into the storyline my interest picked up more as the story focused on the work the women were doing to help in the war effort. 

While the story unraveled slowly, there were some real gems in the book.  Thoughts and insights from the characters that were thought-provoking and meaningful. 

If you like World Word II historical fiction, mystery, intrigue, relationships, and stories that focus on the characters behind the historical backdrop, you may want to read Amy Lynn Green’s newest novel The Codebreaker’s Daughter.  I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future. 

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour with Jude Dobson – Fascinating, Gripping, and Inspiring Memoir

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After reading the description of The Last Secret Agent by authors Pippa Latour and Jude Dobson, I wanted to read this story about the last female British secret agent in WWII.  

This memoir is a fascinating and gripping account of Pippa Latour’s early life and her experiences as a British female operative who was dropped behind enemy lines in France during WWII.  Pippa’s early life and experiences uniquely equipped and developed her character to be well-suited for the work she would sign-up for in her early 20’s.

I never knew that women were used as secret agents and deployed in war zones.  It was interesting to read about her training and the dangerous work she engaged in to transmit information on Germany’s troop movements back to Britian.  The dangers that these operatives encountered in the battle against Nazi Germany is almost unimaginable.  The life span of the operatives behind enemy lines was short.  They had a greater chance of being taken captive, tortured, and murdered than coming out alive.  The courage that Pippa displayed, along with the men and women like her, who served their county and the Allied Nations is awe-inspiring. 

We owe a great debt to the men and women fought in the critical battle against the great evil that Hitler’s Germany unleashed on the free-world. 

Pippa Latour’s recollections were beautifully recorded, researched and written by writer Jude Dobson.  This is an excellent memoir about an extraordinary woman who lived in a unique and critical time in history.  I highly recommend The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour with author Jude Dobson. 

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour with Jude Dobson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon – An enjoyable visit to Hope Harbor

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I enjoy Irene Hannon’s books, and looked forward to reading her newest novel is Sunrise Reef, the 11th book in the Hope Harbor series. 

Bren Ryan has made Hope Harbor her home.  She loves the beauty of the town, the friendly people, and lovely kind neighbors who are always ready to help one another.  Her life is full, but her heart is closed to romance and she has no expectation of finding love.  Bren continues to try to mend her hurting heart and be content with what she has.  Romance is not on her radar, especially after the unpleasant accidental meeting of Noah Ward.  Bren has a heart for those who are going through a rough patch in their lives.  That why she reaches out to Emma even though she is passing through town.  Noah is not very trusting and is overly protective of his father.  He is suspicious of almost everyone he meets, starting with Bren.  Will he take the time to enjoy Hope Harbor and get to know some of the townspeople? 

It is always enjoyable to return to Hope Harbor and to catch up with old friends in the community.  What I liked about Sunrise Reef, I appreciated the kind and caring community where people are willing to help a friend or ever a stranger in need.  The people are involved in each other’s lives and seem to think and believe the best about their friends and neighbors.  The characters make time for one another.  I liked Bren’s open-hearted mindset who was willing to take a risk to help someone she did not know.  I appreciated that Emma was motivated and willing to work hard to achieve her goals and help her brother.  I liked Fred and his positive, upbeat and trusting mindset. 

I struggled with Noah.  When his character is first introduced, he is very negative and judgmental about most everyone and everything.  His first encounter with Bren was so negative, it was his fault, and he did not apologize.  I struggled with Noah going from Mr. Negative to the man who was suddenly finding free-spirited Bren attractive.  I did not find that transition in the character believable. 

I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith a central part of the story.  Kindness and charity played a part in the storyline and how the characters treated one another.  But it did not seem hinged and driven by their Christian faith.  I would loved to have seen the pastor and priest in the town have a more serious roll.  That they would bring biblical wisdom and weightiness in their interactions with their congregations. 

While there were elements that I liked and appreciated about Sunrise Reef, there were characters and elements that I struggled with.  There seemed to be some worldly views in some of the characters, even those who were Christians. 

If you like Irene Hannon’s writing, you may enjoy another visit to the lovely community of Hope Harbor in her newest book Sunrise Reef. 

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

Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer – A Lovely, Enjoyable and Inspirational Read

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Hope’s Enduring Echo is Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new book.  I have only read one other book by this author.  So glad I found this novel it was a lovely read, even with some weighty issues it addressed. 

Hope’s Enduring Echo takes place in Canon City, Colorado in 1915.  The story is about the Ward family, Claude, Edda, and their daughter Jennie.  Claude’s job was to do a daily inspection of the wooden pipeline that brings water to the town of Canon City.  The family live in a remote cabin near the pipeline and they have no neighbors.  Other than their monthly trip to town and seeing the train passengers and crew, they do not see too many people.  Claude had always taken pride in providing for his family.  Thing changed two years ago when he sustained a serious injury to his leg.  He was not able to do the inspections since then.  His daughter Jennie has taken over the daily inspection of the pipeline.  Claude’s leg was not the only wound, daily he seems to be losing the battle to melancholia. 

Jennie has been homeschooled since the Wards moved to the cabin.  She has missed being in school and having friends.  That is why Jennie prayed that God would bring her a friend.  Every day when the train passed by Jennie waved to the crew and passengers.  One day a college student, Leo Day, got off at their stop.  He had seen this girl waving what looked like a bone.  Could it be a bone from a dinosaur?  As a paleontologist, Leo wanted to take a closer look and find out where it came from.  Could this young man be the answer to Jennie’s prayer for a friend?

I absolutely loved reading Hope’s Enduring Echo.  It was such a change of pace from so many other books.  Instead of being action packed, the story focused on the characters and their relationships and how they develop, grow, and change. 

The best part of this book was the characters’ Christian faith.  The characters strived to live out their faith, to apply the Scriptures to their daily life, choices, and how they responded to situations.  I loved that when characters realized that they had acted unkindly or impatiently they showed repentance and strove to apologize and make amends. 

When I think of Christian fiction, Hope’s Enduring Echo is a wonderful example of what I am looking for.  The characters’ faith was integrated into who they were and how they lived their lives.  Faith was an integral part of the storyline. 

I also enjoyed the different characters, especially Jennie, Edda, and Leo.  Claude struggled with depression it was painful to see him stuck in that cycle.  I appreciate the tender and caring response his wife and daughter displayed.  It was nice seeing the relationship between Jennie and Leo develop.  I found Leo’s quest to locate dinosaur bones and the study of paleontology interesting.

I enjoyed reading Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I highly recommend this book.  I look forward to reading more of this author’s novels, past and future books.  Kim writes in a manner that takes me back to what Christian fiction was like when I was a new believer.  Seeing the Christian faith as essential in the characters lives. 

I would like to thank Waterbrook Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg – Un-put-downable, Will keep you up late at night!

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The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg is the sixth and final book in the Marcus Ryker series.  This novel picks up where the last book, The Libyan Diversion, left off.  The United States had experienced a deadly terrorist attack by Abu Nakba and his terrorist group Kairos.  They nearly achieved their aim at taking out the President of the United States, the Pope, and as many American as they could.  If it had not been for Marcus Ryker and his team, they may have succeeded.  As it stands, far too many people were killed and injured.

When it becomes known that Abu Nakba, and his terror group Kairos, are still operational President Carlos Hernandez calls on the CIA’s elite team lead by Marcus Ryker to once and for all take out this terror threat.  Intelligence indicates that Abu Nakba and Kairos are operating in Pakistan.  Marcus and his team plan out their mission, but things did not quite go as planned.  When the team makes a horrifying discovery that the terrorists are working to weaponize the Cerberus virus their only option is to destroy the lab.  That explosive decision will make their covert mission a little harder to conceal from both friends and foes. 

Later, it discovered that Abu Nakba escaped and his terror organization is back up and running.  President Hernandez will need the CIA’s elite team to hunt down and destroy this terror group.  After the last mission, Ryker’s team is exhausted and working non-stop to try and find Nakba.  Who is funding this operation and to what end?  Is it the Russians, Iran, and how does China fit into the equation? 

Joel Rosenberg is one of my favorite writers.  He has a way of capturing the reader’s attention from the get-go.  The Beijing Betrayal is jam packed with action and suspense.  What would have once seemed an implausible story, now the possibilities seem all too real.  Joel is good at describing scenes and you can almost imagine it in your mind. 

My favorite part of the book are the characters.  Marcus Ryker is a very likable character.  He is intense and passionate about his work, cares about the people he works with, and is committed to the work they do.  I love the relationships between Marcus and his family, friends, teammates.  Even though there is plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue, it is the characters that keep my attention.  I liked the relationship between Marcus and Annie, the love and respect they have for each other.  I was rooting for them!  I liked the times where Marcus and Annie were able to talk and reflect on their relationship.  Something I appreciate about reading a book by a Christian writer is that it is clean, has no profanity, and the characters speak about their faith and try to live it out.  The Christian Gospel was shared. 

Since the story is about a terrorist group and their leader, the book has some violent scenes.  But Joel does not focus on the blood and gore.  With the aspect of the weaponization the Cerberus virus designed to kill people, it was rather disturbing.  But in what we have seen over the past 25 plus years, the thought of evildoers resorting to something like this is a very real possibility. 

Since I knew this was the last book of the Marcus Ryker series, I did not know how it would end.  Happy or sad?  As the action winds down in the story, Joel did not skimp on the ending.  He took time wrap things up with the characters readers have come to know and care about.

I highly recommend The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg, especially for those who enjoy geo-political thrillers and Christian fiction.  It is filled with non-stop action that will keep you up late at night.  The Beijing Betrayal is un-put-downable!  You know a book is good when you are thinking about it when you are not reading it.  I look forward to reading the next book that Joel writes.  If you haven’t read all the books in the Marcus Ryker series, you may want to consider doing so. 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read complimentary a copy of The Beijing Betrayal by Joel C. Rosenberg.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard – Filled with Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense – May keep you up at night

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Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard is the first book in her Hidden Bay series.  This book is action packed from the get go, filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense. 

Remi Grant first came to Cedar Trails Lodge when she was searching for a safe haven where she could escape from those trying to find her.  These days Remi works as the manager of the lodge.  The lodge is fully booked with guests who are here to watch the storm of the decade come ashore with winds and waves battering the Pacific Northwest coastline.

If it was up to her, Remi would not be on the beach with the storm coming in.  But she was trying to find a guest’s tiny yorkie.  Time is running out and Remi is reminded she can go up a rope ladder.  A few feet from the top Remi notices the rungs of the ladder are broken and the rope is shredded.  As she considers her options, she hears a voice, “Grab my hands now before it’s too late.”  The stranger, Hawk Beckett, caught her wrist as Remi is paralyzed in fear, and he pulls her to the top.

Former Night Stalker and military helicopter pilot Hawk Beckett was able to book the last cabin before the storm came in.  A friend had told him that he might find the answers he was looking for at the Cedar Trails Lodge.  Remi would like to remember what happened two years ago.  Hawk would like to forget the painful memories of the past couple of years.  Despite feeling leery of Hawk, it seems Remi will need to trust him to help protect her from whoever has finally tracked her down. 

Hawk Beckett was my favorite characters.  I like that he was ready, willing, and able to do whatever he had to do to protect Remi.  With all his military and security training he was the right man for the job.  With the resources that Hawk has available, he is not the average Joe.  In that sense, realism is a bit of a stretch.  Sometimes that is okay and why I am reading fiction.  There was no shortage of potential bad guys, with suspects at every turn.  I had inkling who the bad guy may be and it seems as though not everyone is who they first seem to be.  Faith was a small part of the story and I would have liked to have had that play a bigger part in the character’s lives.  Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the mystery and suspense.  It kept me up late on more than one night. 

From page one, Storm Warning is action packed and filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense.  It is fast paced and may keep you up at night until you unravel the mysteries.  If you like intrigue, mystery, and suspense you may want to read Elizabeth’s Goddard’s newest book Storm Warning. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.