A Thousand Shall Fall: Shenandoah Valley Saga Book 1 By Andrea Boeshaar

I received this book from the author, Andrea Boeshaar and Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book . The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War

Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off--only to find she's fallen into the hands of the enemy.

Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they're all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.
Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally--and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, A Thousand Shall Fall is framed around compelling characters and a very romantic setting in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Andrea Boeshaar’s extensive research guarantees historical accuracy and romance genre enthusiasts and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the Christian perspectives on actual historical events.
         

My Thoughts:  


A Thousand Shall Fall is the first book in Andrea Boesharr's latest series, Shenandoah Valley Saga and it is great! This is the first book by Andrea Boesharr's I have read but I have a few on my TBR pile, so I am excited to dig into them.  As a huge fan of Historical Christian Fiction and my love of the Civil War this book had the perfect blend. Andrea Boesharr has the perfect blend of fact and fiction in this book that really kept me interested and I learned some more about this time in history.  Andrea Boesharr writes with authority about all things Civil War including all of the places the war took place, the way of life before, during and after, the state of things in both the North and South, and the attitudes of the people in the different places. I found myself having a hard time at first getting into the book but after the second chapter that was not the case. I really found myself unable to put down this book, not wanting to have to wait to get back to it!  The characters are well written and are real people. I really enjoyed this book! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, it will not disappoint! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. I give this book  I give this book 4 STARS.

Another Way Home: Chickory Inn Series Book 3 By Deborah Raney

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:  

Grandchildren are not in short supply for Grant and Audrey Whitman, although their middle daughter, Danae, and her husband, Dallas Brooks, after trying for years, have not been able to contribute to the growing family. Danae is open to adoption, but Dallas will not even discuss it. Her despair over never having a family of her own is so deep, it even causes her to question God’s plan for her life. Knowing she must find something to do to fill her lonely days and energize her life, Danae volunteers to work at a newly opened women’s shelter in town. She was only looking for a way to spend her time, but getting to know the hurting women at the shelter fills her heart and she learns to live a life of gratitude once again. But heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil— and leave them all forever changed

My Thoughts:

Another Way Home is the third book in Deborah Raney's Chickory Inn series and it is the best one so far. I have had the honor of reading and reviewing the first two books in this series and each one is better than the last.  Another Way Home focuses on Danae and Dallas Brooks. They have been trying for many years to have a family, had many fertility treatments, and haven't been able to get pregnant. Danae's sisters have 5 between them and one on the way and each time it kills Danae to not be a part of it and it affects the relationships Danae has with other people especially her sisters and question God's plans.  Danae has been open to adoption but Dallas won't do it or talk about it. Danae decides she needs to find something to fill her days so she volunteers at a women's shelter even though Dallas and her Dad have some major reservations. Danae finds being at the shelter helping these women and children brings her joy she hasn't had in a long time. Danae finds herself filled with purpose and really connecting with one woman and her son especially. Even Dallas comes to the shelter to help and he finds himself connecting with the little boy.  When Dallas and Danae help her out over Thanksgiving and the events that unfold from there throws their lives up in the air and changes them forever.

Another Way Home is FANTASTIC. I am a huge fan of Deborah Raney having read quite a few of her books since I started reading Christian Fiction. Those who read my reviews know that I don't read much in the category of Christian Contemporary fiction but  I have a few authors of Christian Contemporary Fiction that I read and Deborah Raney is at the top of that list. I really feel that Another Way Home is the best book I have read by Deborah Raney.  This is one of those books that after I read it I had to take time to process before I could review it because it is that kind of book. I really had a hard time putting it down at night, this book grabbed me from the start and held on to me until the end, keeping me guessing how it would all work out until the end. I don't know that I will be able to do this book justice in this review because it is just deep and well written but I am doing to try. In this book, Deborah Raney deals with some big topics and she writes with authority on them including adoption, infertility, the effects of infertility on the family, domestic violence, and the effects domestic violence has on adults and children. Another Way  Home really deals with these topics honestly and tastefully. As I read this book, the emotion and levity of this story really hit me. Deborah Raney wrote with such passion that you can feel the emotions in her writing. I really love that she is able to write about these topics cleanly, without having to be graphic. As a reader, I felt the full effects of these things without it having to be vulgar or violent. This book really brought out a range of emotions from laughing out loud to heartbroken and sobbing  for the characters. The characters in this book and this series are well written and relatable to everyone, things don't just work out in the end but how the characters handle them is key.  As someone who has dealt with some of these issues including infertility and domestic violence Deborah Raney captured not just the topics but the heart of these issues and all the emotions that surround them for everyone, not just the main characters but all of those around them and in the situation with them. This book really touched me and it is one of those that will stay with me for awhile. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, especially after the sneak peek at the end of this book.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who reads Contemporary Fiction, it will not disappoint. I give this book 5+ STARS.  

A Respectable Actress By Dorothy Love

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.


My Thoughts:  

A Respectable Actress is Dorothy Love's latest novel and it is fantastic. Dorothy Love is one of my favorite authors. She writes Christian Historical Fiction that really keeps you on the edge of your seat and A Respectable Actress is no exception. From the start, this book grabs the reader with mystery and keeps you guessing until the end. This book has a little of everything: mystery, murder, romance, action, and adventure. I found myself unable to put this book down. Dorothy Love does a fantastic job of mixing fact and fiction into this book. The Civil War Era has always been one of my favorite times in history so it was great to learn more about the Reconstruction Era and our justice system at that time in history which is VERY different than today.  I really enjoyed the characters in this book, they all were real people who had messy lives and secrets like the rest of us. Dorothy Love writes with authority about Civil War, Reconstruction of the South, The South and the United States during this time, and the justice system during this time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction with a little suspense, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of Dorothy Love's books. I give this book 5 STARS.

Valley of Decision: Carthage Chronicles Book 3 By Lynne Gentry

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision---leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can't---secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie's surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

My Thoughts:

Valley of Decision is the third and final book in Lynne Gentry's series The Carthage Chronicles and all I can say is OH MY GOODNESS!!!  As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction, The Carthage Chronicles series had me hooked. This book and series is a perfect blend of past and future. Lynne Gentry seamlessly transitions between the two worlds and brings them together perfectly. In Valley of Decision it is Thirteen years later and Lisbeth has moved on with her life knowing she can never see Cyprian again. Now their daughter is 18 years old and decides in a hasty decision to go back to the third century to save her father and bring him back to the present.  Lisbeth finds herself heading back to the third century, this time with her father in tow. It is thirteen years later in the present but in the past it has been less than a day. Maggie finds out her grandmother, Magdalena is on trial for her life and Maggie's father is her legal counsel even though he has his own worries for his life. Maggie tries to save her grandmother and her three friends with the help of 2 men who have feelings for Maggie and the diversion they create starts riots and destroys the one thing the new proconsul loves. Now it is in question whether anyone will survive and how they will get back to their own times.

I had the privilege of reading all three books in this series and wow, each one was better than the last. The Valley of Decision brings this series to an explosive, unexpected end.  The story picks up right where the second book ended and so much is in chaos. Lynne Gentry writes with authority on archeology, art from both past and present, our world past and present, and time traveling. Lynne Gentry does what not many authors can and that is flawlessly transition between the past and present, making time traveling seem possible.  This book and series had me on the edge of my seat, guessing until the end. I could not put the books down and could NOT wait for the next one to be published.  I enjoyed all of the characters in this book and series, a great mixture of characters from completely different times brought together.  I enjoy Lynne Gentry's style of writing and really learn a lot from her writing as a craft and through historical facts. She brings together the perfect blend of fact and fiction, I found myself looking up and learning so much about our history especially as Christians and the struggles they faced. I am sad that the series has ended but enjoyed every minute of it. I HIGHLY recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I do recommend reading the books in order. I cannot wait to read what Lynne Gentry comes up with next! I give this book and this series 5+ STARS!!

Promise to Keep: Promise of Sunrise Book 3 By Elizabeth Byler Younts

I received this book from Howard Books for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife's death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin's deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther's grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.

My Thoughts: 

Promise to Keep is book 3 in Elizabeth Byler Younts Promise of Sunrise Book and I really enjoyed it. I have not read any books by Elizabeth Byler Younts so I was excited to have the opportunity to read a new to me author. Especially a new to me Amish Fiction and Christian Historical Fiction author. As a HUGE Amish Fiction and Christian Historical fan I am always excited to learn of new authors to read.  Promise to Keep is the 3rd and last book of the Promise of Sunrise series but it definitely doesn't need to be read in order and this book can definitely be read as a stand alone.  This book takes place during WWII and the impact it had on the Amish and English alike. Esther Detweiler was orphaned as a child living with her grandmother and taking care of her. When Esther's cousin died, Esther and Orpha took in her deaf daughter, Daisy because Irene's husband Joe decided to enlist in the military. Irene was raised Amish but left when she married Joe Garrison and was shunned by everyone except Esther and Orpha.  Until Esther took in Daisy no one knew she was deaf, they all thought she was "simple" but eventually Esther figured it out and taught herself and Daisy to communicate mainly through sign language and their own ways. Esther knew Joe would be back for Daisy after his service was done but that didn't change that Esther has been a mother to Daisy and the only parent she has really ever known so when Joe comes home, Daisy doesn't understand and is very angry. Esther is afraid of what will happen when Joe is ready to take Daisy back and raise her. As Esther works with Daisy and Joe, Esther and Joe start to have feelings for one another past being in laws and co parents for Daisy.

I really enjoyed this book by Elizabeth Byler Younts! As a huge fan of Amish and Christian Historical fiction this book is the best of both worlds. When I requested this book I was not aware it was the third and last book in a series and didn't know until I finished the book and read the acknowledgements at the end. This book definitely can be read as stand alone. I could NOT tell that it was part of a series and I did not feel like I was missing any parts of the story. Elizabeth Byler Younts grew up in an Amish Community so there is a knowledge and authenticity to this story that really stands out. I found myself learning so much more about the Amish and their role in WWII, the military in general. Elizabeth Byler Younts paints a realistic, honest look at Amish life, not just the happy or pleasant. I found myself taken in with this story from the start and had a hard time putting it down. This story is great and I have definitely found another author to add to my list! I look forward to reading Elizabeth Byler Younts other books! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish and Christian Historical fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.

The Methuselah Project By Rick Barry

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My Thoughts: 

The Methuselah Project is the first book by Rick Barry I have read and all I can say is AWESOME! This book takes place in two different times in history until they collide into the present. Parts of the book take place starting with WW2 and other parts take place in the present and eventually the past catches up with the present and they come together and it is explosive.  Captain Roger Greene was born to fly. From the time he can remember it is all he ever wanted to do, so when he could, he joined the US Eighth Army Air Force and flew planes for the WW2 efforts to defeat Hitler.  One of his missions he is shot down. Captain Greene survived and was taken prisoner by German soldiers. Instead of going to a POW camp, Captain Greene wakes up in a cell somewhere with six other service men in separate cells. Captain Greene and the other men in this project are referred to by their number 1-7, Capt. Greene is number seven, the last person captured for this project.  Soon it is explained that these men have been chosen for medical experimentation of a serum of sorts that is like a Fountain of Youth. The project extents the subjects life span, their bodies do not age, and their bodies can heal from sickness or injury in no time flat. All seven men were inoculated with Methuselah but Captain Greene is the only one of the seven that survived. After the war ended the Methuselah Project continued being funded by private people and referred to "The Organization"  Capt. Greene is held captive in from December 1943 until his escape in March 2015. Simultaneously Katherine Mueller lives in Atlanta with her Uncle Karl. Karl took her in when both of her parents died when she was very young. Katherine comes from a long line of German descendants who are part of this organization called Heritage Organization or HO as those inside call it.  Captain Greene and Katherine's paths crossed and now they are in a mess together. As Roger tries to stay alive, Katherine is doing what she can to help him even though his story sounds outrageous.

The Methuselah Project is really a fantastic read. From the first page until the last this book grabbed a hold of me and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a VERY hard time putting this book down.  As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction I was excited to learn more. Rick Barry writes with authority about World War Two history, science and technology past and current, flying/being a pilot, and the Armed Forces. Rick Barry writes with such detail that I honestly felt like I was there, a part of the action. The characters in this book are amazing. I really enjoyed the characters, good and bad guys. Sometimes it was hard to tell which were which.  I love books like this! The idea of the Methuselah Project really started me thinking about the sciences out there and what people can do with it, good or bad.  The Methuselah Project is a work of fiction but wow, to think it could be real, really gets you thinking. I found myself experience a range of emotions as I read this book from laughing out loud to crying. This book has a little bit of everything: mystery, intrigue, murder, romance, and action. So I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Rick Barry! I give this book 5+ STARS.

Stone Cold Case: A Rock Shop Mystery Book Two By Catherine Dilts

I received this book from Roger Charlie Publicity and Management and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

Rock shop owner Morgan Iverson's discovery of human remains reopens a cold case and unhealed wounds in a Colorado mountain town, while her find of a rare gemstone sparks a dangerous treasure hunt.

The remains are those of Carlee Kruger, a prom queen who vanished fifteen years ago. Carlee's mother asks Morgan to investigate. A Sasquatch look-alike may hold the key to both Carlee's death and the gemstone, but he eludes the police, despite repeated sightings by an elderly cowboy and the rock shop's donkeys. As she uncovers the past, Morgan becomes the target of someone determined to keep the truth buried.

In book two of the Rock Shop Mystery series, amateur sleuth Morgan Iverson digs into gemstone prospecting to solve a Stone Cold Case.

My Thoughts:

Stone Cold Case is the second book in Catherine Dilts Rock Shop Mystery Series and it is fantastic. From the time I can remember I have enjoyed mystery books so this book was definitely for me! I have not read books by Catherine Dilts but now that I have, I definitely have another author to add to my must read list. I don't usually read a book that is part of a series unless I have read the previous books but Stone Cold Case sounded too good to pass up and I am glad I didn't pass it up. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone. Catherine Dilts does a great job making sure new readers have the details needed not to feel lost. I did not feel that the details were overdone to the point that it would bore someone who read the first book. This book had the perfect balance.  This book starts a few months after the last one started with Morgan Iverson making a go of her rock shop and learning what she needs to about rocks and geology. While with a class in the forest Morgan falls into human remains and a "Bigfoot" type mountain man on the loose. Morgan dives in with her amateur sleuthing skills she finds herself getting herself into something bigger than she could imagined.

Stone Cold Case is a great book! Catherine Dilts writes with authority about Colorado, geology, gems, rocks, running a business, and solving mysteries. This book grabbed a hold of me and made it very hard to put it down! I really felt like I was there as the story unfolded.  Catherine Dilts kept readers guessing until the end and leaving me wanting to read more. As I stated, I did not read Catherine's debut novel but that did not detract from my enjoyment of her book. I enjoyed the characters including Morgan's elderly donkeys that escaped all the time. I enjoyed both the seriousness and the silliness in this novel.....I found myself laughing in lots of parts at the hi jinx Morgan found herself in. I really enjoyed this book and I think that anyone who enjoys Mystery/Suspense Fiction, you will enjoy it too! I have the first book in this series, Stone Cold Death, on my TBR pile. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series too! I give this book 5 STARS.

I want to thank Catherine Dilts and Samantha Lien from Roger Charlie for this opportunity to read and review this book!