Category: Christian Fiction

Where Dandelions Bloom

by Tara Johnson

“But whether I live or die is Gods decision. Not Yours.”

Where Dandelions Bloom brings the Civil War to life through several interesting characters. The reader gets to see the war through the eyes of a woman who chose to face war instead of the awful man she was goi g to be forced to marry, through the eyes of a photographer who wants to tell the story through pictures, and following a young lad who signs up as well.

The picture of war isn’t pretty, and it’s effect can be damaging. It is always life changing. The authors characters are based in history. Quite a few women did sign up and fight in the Civil War, and she uses her research to bring a realistic plot to readers. 

Really liked the faith theme in this story. Various verses come to mind for Cassie as she strives to get through the difficulties that she faces. They give her perspective and strength. They even give her strength to do something she thought impossible.

The characters are well done, the story well told, and a faith theme that flows smoothly through the story and gives the characters an anchor. War isn’t pretty, and this book did a tremendous job of bringing out some of the real horrors that were faced….and the waste of lives that occurred. If you like historical fiction or love Civil War era reads, this is definitely for you. Ultimately, it’s a story of forgiveness and triumph through Christ and the love and forgiveness he offers.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you…
A hot tear escaped her lashes, tracing a warm path down her cheek. Yes, her father had abused her over and over again. He’d sliced her apart with his words, his fists…Forgiving him didn’t excuse him. But it would free her.” 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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A Reluctant Belle

by Beth White

A terrific novel from this Author! It had just the right mixture of suspense, wit, humor, romance, and faith to produce an entertaining read that was at times incredibly funny and at others infuriating and tense.

Set during the very volatile time after the Civil War, the historical setting is incredibly well done and creates the suspenseful backdrop and circumstances surrounding a love triangle story where one angle clearly wasn’t IN the triangle. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre ( though some days I might tell you it’s suspense) , and the historical backdrop is done so well. I love the strong faith theme present in this book. I take a special interest in that at the moment as a book I read recently had none. This author did a great job of weaving the message of faith through dialogue and other natural elements in the story.

It’s a hard to put down a novel with all the wonderful necessary threads needed to create a good read. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. If you enjoy historical fiction, go grab a copy. It’s a story that begs to be read and savored.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Cross My Heart

by Robin Lee Hatcher

This is by far my favorite series by this author! A split time series with a family Bible that is the link between past and present is a terrific idea, and I love the stories that have been created.

This has a wonderful plot, a slow moving relationship, terrific characters and just a really sweet story…both of them so touching. The angst and horror of war with faith as an anchor; a sordid past with faith getting him through each day. Reading the notes written by the man who relied on his faith through the war and beyond.

This book will go on my forever shelves next to the first in the series.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky


This was a fascinating piece of history about which I knew nothing. Taking children that aren’t wanted or are living on the streets, to a new world with parents waiting for them. It sounds like a wonderful idea, but with some involved it became a scary time for children and parents.

This book follows several characters in this backdrop of history. The characters are well done, and I enjoyed getting to learn about this time in history through their eyes. I found myself wondering what choices I would make in certain situations. It wasn’t exactly black and white for those who so very much wanted to right the wrongs that had occurred. The faith theme in this book is present and a good one! I always enjoy when Christian elements are present in Christian Fiction.

So take yourself on a journey through an interesting time in history…think of why your emotions, feelings, and mind would have suffered.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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My Dearest Dietrich

by Amanda Barratt

MY REVIEW

I think every reader starts a book with certain expectations. I expected this book to be good because I knew about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Haven’t most? This book wasn’t just good, it was unforgettable.

I found it amazing how enthralled I was with the story, knowing the outcome. It takes a special kind of writing to want to enjoy and savor a book where there really aren’t any spoilers. I knew the ending ; yet I so enjoyed the journey, the blessed journey of this couple..so beautifully written.

The scenes are painted with intricate detail…as they tried to visit in prison with others looking on, the reader can feel the tension and the hesitancy of the actors, the characters. They are alive…so real and vibrant. I knew the happily ever after would never come, that darkness was abundant. However, it doesn’t overtake the beautiful love story, and the love God gave these two for each other. This book makes Mr. Bonhoeffer more a man than a minister…more human, and more relatable.

The book has prose as beautiful as poetry, and tells of a beautiful love story…but in a way that I’ve never quite read before.

This book finds its place on my forever shelves, and I definitely plan on visiting Maria and Dietrich again!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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All Manner of Things

by Susie Finkbeiner

MY REVIEW

A well written story with incredibly well developed characters. The timeline being that of Vietnam made it fascinating as that’s not a common backdrop for a fiction novel. For me, this story was definitely driven by its characters…by the end of the novel, you feel a part of the family…the depth of the characters so real, genuine, and engaging.

First of all, I know people who read my reviews will want to know that words such as “Golly,” “Gosh,” and similar words are used frequently throughout the story. I’m guessing these words were common during this time, but they aren’t words I use. I know some readers of my reviews don’t use them either so I wanted to make sure I mentioned that. No, there are no swear words or bad scenes…other than what is mentioned. It’s a completely clean novel with a minor faith thread that starts about half way through the story. It’s a natural progression of the story and done quite well.

The first words that comes to mind in regards to this story is it’s Americana. It’s the story of an American family and community. Their tragedies and triumphs, the difficulties of coming of age, the  burdensome problems of aging, the troubling ebb and flow of relationships…a well written drama full of life..real life. It reminds me much of Chris Fabry’s stories. Taking a piece of time, placing in it characters to love, and giving a tale of how lives are intertwined and how the dynamics of family play out. It’s a bittersweet story that could be similar to your neighbors. Nothing flashy, nothing suspenseful..life in all its beauty and heartbreak. 

It’s a winsome story that will touch your heart because of its veracity and endearing characters. 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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