Band of Sisters By Cathy Gohlke

I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers for no charge for my honest review of this book. The opinion expressed here are my own! 


Book Description: 

New York City, 1910
Driven by a shameful past and a perilous future, Maureen O’Reilly and her sister flee Ireland in search of safety, liberty, and opportunity. But after surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their benefactor has died, and his family—refusing to own his debt—casts her out. Impoverished and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to find employment in a prominent Manhattan department store, only to discover the elegant facade hides a dangerous secret.

Despite her family’s disapproval, Olivia Wakefield vows to honor her father’s promise but can’t find Maureen, the woman her brother-in-law so rudely turned away. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, who Olivia dares hope will become more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he’s hiding.

As women begin disappearing from the department store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But will they be too late? And in the midst of a world gone mad, can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might bring? 


My Thoughts:

As a huge fan of Cathy Gohlke I was so excited that Tyndale House Publishers offered her latest book, Band of Sisters for us bloggers. I love Cathy Gohlke's style of writing and the topics she has written about so far.  Band of Sisters takes place mainly in New York 1910 where two sisters come to America from Ireland to find a man, Wakefield, who promised their father a place to live, money, and work should he and his family come. When they show up to this man's home, they find out he is deceased and his heirs have no idea of his arrangement.  Maureen, finds a job at a department store and quickly finds out that things are not what they seem.  Girls that Maureen works with are stating to go missing after their "promotion" to the next floor in the department store. While there Maureen also observes Olivia Wakefield's brother in law heading to the upper floor. Maureen soon finds out that people are selling these girls to the highest bidder, human trafficking.

I absolutely loved this book. Cathy Gohlke gives us a look at a horrible crime, human trafficking, that has been going on for years. Cathy Gohlke writes with authority on immigration of 1912, United States and Ireland in 1912, human trafficking, and the history of this time frame.  I found myself drawn into this book right away and held me until the end.  Band of Sisters takes many twists and turns that keeps you guessing.  I loved the characters in this book, they are well developed and well written.  The descriptions of the surroundings and time period really made me feel like I was there watching it all unfolding.  I truly enjoyed this book and Cathy Gohlke as a writer.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see what else Cathy Gohlke writes, I know it will be fabulous.

The Girl in the Glass By Susan Meissner

I received this book from WaterBrook Press through their Blogging for Books Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.



Book Description:

Renaissance is a word with hope infused in every letter.

Since she was a child, Meg has dreamed of taking a promised trip to Florence, Italy, and being able to finally step into the place captured in a picture at her grandmother’s house. But after her grandmother passes away and it falls to her less-than-reliable father to take her instead, Meg’s long-anticipated travel plans seem permanently on hold.

When her dad finally tells Meg to book the trip, she prays that the experience will heal the fissures left on her life by her parents’ divorce. But when Meg arrives in Florence, her father is nowhere to be found, leaving aspiring memoir-writer Sophia Borelli to introduce Meg to the rich beauty of the ancient city. Sofia claims to be one of the last surviving members of the Medici family and that a long-ago Medici princess, Nora Orsini, communicates with her from within the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.

When Sophia, Meg, and Nora’s stories intersect, their lives will be indelibly changed as they each answer the question: What if renaissance isn’t just a word? What if that’s what happens when you dare to believe that what is isn’t what has to be?

Show More

Show Less

My Thoughts:

The Girl in the Glass is the second novel by Susan Meissner I have had the privilege to read. The first story I read by Susan Meissner is A Sound Among the Trees and from the start I was hooked on Susan Meissner's style of writing. I find her writing style unique. In The Girl in the Glass her unique style really made this novel very deep. The prologue introduces Nora Orsini from Florence, Italy in October of 1592. As you enter the first chapter, it is now in San Diego California where Meg is imagining Florence Italy, a place she has never been but is waiting for her Father to take her. Meg's Nonna (Grandma) wanted to take her but she died before she and Meg could go but Meg imagines the Florence, Italy that Nonna describes. In between each chapter we learn more about Nora Orsini's life, family, and Florence in 1500's. Nora is a descendant of the Medici Family. A very wealthy, influential family that had been part of great artists like Michelangelo and DaVinci.

Susan Meissner tells a few stories in this one book: Nora's, Meg's, and Sophia's. The stories are beautifully haunting and in some cases heartbreaking. I was drawn into this story from the beginning and completely enjoyed it. Susan Meissner writes with authority about Italy now and going all the way back to the 1500's, Italian Artist and their art, writing books, and publishing books. I loved all of the characters in this story, felt a kinship with Meg and Sophia. These two women really left a lasting impression. The story lines are wonderful and the descriptions of Florence Italy Susan Meissner writes makes me want to visit Italy even more. I truly felt like I was seeing Italy and the art through Meg and Sophia's eyes. I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy historical fiction, it will not disappoint! I look forward to reading more from Susan Meissner.

River's End The Inn at Shining Waters Series Book 3 By Melody Carlson

I received this e-book from Abingdon Press through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book. The opinions expressed here are mine.


Book Description:

In the final story of The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna Larson's granddaughter Sarah is beginning to find her independence. But her relationship with her parents suffer as a result and she travels away from all that is familiar.

While the solace of the river calls Sarah back, surprises await upon her return. Three generations of family heartbreak and disappointments converge at Shining Waters as Sarah finds God right in the center of it all.



My Thoughts:

River's End is the third and last book in The Inn at Shining Waters Series by Melody Carlson. Melody Carlson does a wonderful job to bring everything to a close. I am sad to see the series end because I have truly enjoyed this journey with Anna Larson and her family but very happy with the way Melody Carlson brought it to an end.  I had the privilege of reading all of this series and from the first book, it had me.  River's End picks up where River's Call left off. The Inn at Shining Waters trilogy follows the story of three generations of women: Anna Larson, daughter Lauren, and granddaughter Sarah, through the decades of the 1950s-1970s. In River's End, their story comes to a conclusion with the primary focus on Sarah, and her two year journey from the familial inn to a religious cult and back to her family. In the first book we meet Anna Larson, in the second book we meet Lauren, Anna's daughter and throughout the book follow the healing between mother and daughter.  In River's End the focus is on Sarah, Lauren's daughter, Anna's granddaughter. Again we watch mother and daughter work to heal wounds of the past. 

The cast of characters Melody Carlson put together in this trilogy are very well written and very real people. These characters are not perfect and they have to work through ghosts of their past to move on with the future. I truly loved the characters in this story and really felt like I knew them.  Melody Carlson writes with authority about running an inn, life on the Siuslaw river, and the Siuslaw Indians. This series focuses on family, disappointments, reconciliation, and truly relying on God for all things no matter what.  I really lost myself in these books.  If you are a fan of Historical Christian Fiction, you should give this series a try.  You won't be disappointed. I look forward to seeing what is next from Melody Carlson.

The Haven (Stoney Ridge Seasons Book 2) By Suzanne Woods Fisher

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


Book Description:

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.
Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.
College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.
The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.


My Thoughts:


The Haven is the second book in The Stoney Ridge Seasons series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Those that know me I am a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction and Suzanne Woods Fisher and The Haven did NOT disappoint!  I enjoyed the first book from this series so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read the next one.  In The Haven we get to come back to spend time with the Lapp family again.  Suzanne Woods Fisher writes a beautiful story full of love,laughter, and family. The character in her story are captivating and so real that they truly feel like friends. I found myself laughing and crying with the Lapp Family again in this book.   Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority about the ways of the Amish, Ohio, bird watching, and the ins and outs of protecting endangered birds.  I found myself pulled into this story from the start. This story has so much to offer and leaves you wanting more.  She writes of the importance of prayer, faith and hope in God's Plan. She focuses on self esteem in one's self, forgiveness and repentance. Then there is the big issue of gossiping and the the damage and pain it has on everyone. I truly enjoyed this latest book in this series and look forward to the rest. If you are a fan of Amish Fiction, I highly recommend this book and this series.

A Plain Death: An Appleseed Creek Mystery By Amanda Flower

I received this e-book from B & H Publishing Group through NetGalley.Com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.  The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.

While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.

While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.

Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.


My Thoughts:

A Plain Death is the first book in The Appleseed Creek Mystery series by Amanda Flower. This is the first book by Amanda Flower I have had the pleasure of reading.  When I saw this book that had my two favorite genres: Amish Fiction and Mysteries I had to read it. In the first couple pages of this book the action starts and continues to the end.  A Plain Death is a fast paced book that grabs hold all the way to the end.  Amanda Flower writes with authority on the Amish, Mennonites, and Ohio's Amish country.  Amanda Flower's passion for the Amish genre shines through in her writing.  The characters are great. a myriad of true characters that find strength and peace in their faith.  The dialogue between the characters was fantastic. I found myself laughing out loud in quite a few parts especially parts of the story that include Grandpa Zook.  The writing in this book truly made you feel like you are there watching everything unfold. So I have another author to add to my list of must read.  If you are a fan of Amish Fiction you should check out this book, you will not be disappointed.

The Forgiven Duke: A Forgotten Castles Novel Book 2 By Jamie Carie

I received this e-book from  B & H Publishing Group through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book. The opinions expressed here are my own!



Book Description:

 Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon - the path of least resistance - Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton - the path less traveled by - on Dublin's shore still haunts her.

Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: "Faith for Duty," the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: "Willing and Able," beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.

The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward's name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God's plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.


My Thoughts: 

The Forgiven Duke is the second book of Jamie Carie's series The Forgotten Castles. I had the privilege of reading the first book in this series The Guardian Duke and it was wonderful.  The Forgiven Duke does not disappoint.  The Forgiven Duke starts off right where The Guardian Duke left me hanging.  This story grabbed me from the beginning and held on to me until the end.  Jamie Carie writes with such elegance about Ireland, Iceland, and England that makes you feel like you are right there seeing all of these places right along with the characters.  The characters in The Forgiven Duke are old and new.  The characters are well written and are wonderful. I truly enjoyed Alexandria, The Duke of Easton and Montague. I found myself laughing out loud at parts of the dialogue.  I truly enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of Christian Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this book and this series. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! 

Relentless Pursuit (Secrets of Roux River Bayou Book 3) By Kathy Herman

I received this e-book from David C. Cook Publishers through NetGalley.Com for no charge in exchanged for my honest review of this e-book.  The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Rich with the Cajun flavors of south Louisiana, this final book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series is a story of what it means to find true peace in an uncertain world.
  
Sax Landry left home at seventeen to escape his father's abuse, leaving his mother and sister to fend for themselves. Now, twenty-eight years later, both parents are dead, and guilt compels him to find his sister and make peace. His search leads to Les Barbes, Louisiana, where authorities fear a bio-terrorist has injected cyanide into juice cartons and fresh produce at the grocery store. People are dead. It's not safe. Sax stays, fearing death less than living another day without peace. A divine appointment is about to change all that forever.


My Thoughts:

Relentless Pursuit is the third and final book in Kathy Herman's Secrets of Roux River Bayou and it does not disappoint. As with the other two books in this series a common theme is forgiveness.  Each story has had an underlying story and the theme was forgiveness.  This book could be read on its own, Kathy Herman does a great job of detailing from the other books without it turning off readers who have read the series.  Relentless Pursuit held my attention until the end and kept me guessing.  The characters are wonderfully written and are real people dealing with real life in imperfect ways.  A lot of the characters have been in all 3 books so it was nice to see how their stories ended. Kathy Herman writes with authority on police work, restaurant services, Les Barbes Louisiana, and all things Cajun. This book is a definite winner.  If you enjoy Christian Suspense Fiction with Southern flair this book is for you!