Book Review – Page 3

Category: Book Review

Man of Shadow and Mist

By Michelle Griep

MY REVIEW

Loved it! It was a rare five star read for me. I had two main reasons for that. This was incredibly well researched, and I learned quite a bit from this story. That is always a goal when reading. It also had a wonderful faith theme that really resonated with me.

The characters are incredibly well done as this author is known for doing. Rosa is wonderful and so accepting and compassionate. James grows throughout the book which I thoroughly enjoy following.

The mystery/suspense held a surprise for me. The storyline was intriguing…so much so that I could not put the book down. I read all but the first fifty pages in one sitting. It is such an incredibly well written book.

This author always impresses me with her stories, and this book didn’t fail to disappoint. Highly recommend.

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

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In the Shadow of the River

By Ann Gabhart

MY REVIEW

I do not recall having ever read a book with the setting on a showboat. That made this story quite unique. The author makes the setting come alive. I am a homebody and love “nesting”, but I could feel the draw of the setting as I read the book. The boat and the entertainment was fascinating.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. There is quite a bit of character growth in Jacci and Gabe. They both face difficulties, and those are used to test their faith.The faith and hope theme are well done and woven well into the story. Yes, the story is predictable, but it’s interesting and enjoyable getting to the conclusion.

I wasn’t surprised by much of the mystery/suspense in the novel, but there were one or two interesting twist and turns.
This author writes such interesting stories, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint.

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

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Murmur in the Mudcaves

By Kathleen Denly

MY REVIEW

This was my first book by this author, but I don’t expect it to be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. This was fourth in the series, but the book held up well on its own.

The characters are well done and were fun to get to know. Bridget and Gideon are fleshed out well, and the secondary characters add much to the storyline. The main characters have growth throughout the book which I always like to see.

The storyline is interesting, and I’d never heard anything about mud caves. Learning things from a book is always fascinating. It was a bit predictable but enjoyable.

This book had a good faith and forgiveness theme that I’m always looking for in my choices of a novel. The faith theme tied in very well with the characters and story.

Adoption is an element in the book, and that is a subject very dear to my heart. We adopted our daughter, and she keeps in touch with birth family so much of this was believable and touching.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend. It reminded me of some of Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings novels.

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

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The Swindler’s Daughter

By Stephenia H. McGee

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this novel. The story was interesting, and I enjoyed the character growth shown in the book. The main character has a lot of character growth throughout the book. Much of that character growth is the result of an older woman who is so helpful as a mentor.

The main male character also experiences character growth throughout the book. He realizes how blessed he is, and what is really important in life. This is kind of a coming-of-age story.

I liked the setting. It was well done. The storyline itself was interesting, and the secondary characters were wonderful. The mystery adds even more interest to the story. If you like a lot of romance it isn’t found here, but I prefer other strong elements in my stories.

The story itself increased in stars because of the well done faith theme. In inspirational fiction, a good faith theme isn’t as common as it use to be. The author did a good job of making it intrinsic to the story and the characters.

With wonderful characters, an interesting storyline, and a good faith theme this was better than I expected. I definitely recommend.

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

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Under Fire

By Lynn H. Blackburn

MY REVIEW

I have absolutely loved the team in this series of books. I like the camaraderie, the witty banter, and the faith shared in the group. I have really enjoyed the characters most of all. In an unusual statement, I don’t think I have a favorite book in this series.

You can read each book as a stand-alone, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The reader gets much more from the books by getting to know the group one book at a time.

Both characters Zane and Tess get their story told from their perspective. I really felt like both were necessary and both gave much to the story. I would have preferred more action less romance-that’s always my opinion. I read for the suspense. You will note I’m in the minority on this one, but the budding of the relationship between the two characters seems to take precedent much of the time. There is nothing beyond kissing, but the romantic tension/dialogue felt a bit much for me.

With fantastic characters, wonderful faith theme, well paced suspense this read will make suspense fans happy. The character group themselves really pulled me through the book. I really enjoyed how well they work together and support each other.

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

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Remember Me

By Tracie Peterson

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this book. My favorite thing was the incredibly strong faith and forgiveness theme. Christian fiction doesn’t always have such a strong and open faith theme. This one was incredibly well written, and it is intrinsic to the story so it flows very well.

I liked the history of the expo as well…there is some very interesting historical facts in the book that made it a wonderful read that I didn’t want to put down.

The main characters are well done in the book. They grow in their faith and towards each other throughput the book. The secondary characters are wonderful, and they really help complete the story.

This was an enjoyable read with strong characters, well written story, and a heartfelt faith theme.

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

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Match in the Making

By Jen Turano

MY REVIEW

What an absolutely fun story!! I honestly think this is the best novel I have read by this author. That is really saying something since I have read all her books, and I own them all.

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley is a wonderfully fun character. I really enjoyed her interactions with the kids. Kids in books is a favorite of mine, and these kids were so fun. Her interactions with people is wonderful…including Walter of course. Several scenes in the church were so fun, and children really do make everything so much more lively.

Walter grows so much throughout the book, and it is wonderful to see him bond with his three lively and heartwarming children.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue, wit, antics, and characters in another terrific book by this author. A fun read is a must from time to time, and Ms. Turano is definitely an author that serves up lots of that to her readers.

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

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The Cold Light of Day

By Elizabeth Goddard

MY REVIEW

MY DAUGHTER READ AND REVIEWED. THIS IS ONE OF HER FAVORITE AUTHORS.

4.5 stars
One of the best Elizabeth Goddard books I have read- wonderful characters, and plot lines.
Autumn and Grier’s story has plenty of romance, up and downs and all around fun times! The romance was not overdone, and it had a little more depth than some.

I really enjoyed all the water scenes and the suspense of what was going to happen next. There were a few twists and turns that were surprising, ( very unusual for me to say), and some of the more intense scenes were written so that I felt like I was the one in danger not the hero/heroine!

The faith theme was fabulously done and woven in to the story really well. Loved the verses and the amount of praying in the book. It is hard to weave in a faith thread in a suspense story, so I found this one really good!

The characters themselves were flawed, but God helped them be better. A sweet reunion makes the ending even better. The last quarter of the book was my favorite, as it was entirely fast paced, and the kind of suspense I love.

It would have gotten five stars if it hadn’t dragged just a bit at the beginning. I love the ending so much and the book was so well written it almost deserved it. I’m looking forward to the next book!

I received this book from the author , all opinions are my own.

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The Maid of Ballymacool

By Jennifer Deibel

MY REVIEW

I have enjoyed every book by this author. This one, however, is my favorite. It has great story elements, unseen twist and turns, faith, and well done characters.

The mystery in this book is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I got caught by surprise at an interesting twist in it. The pace and way it was written really kept me turning the pages.

The character development was so good in this book. I really enjoyed watching Brianna grow throughout the story. She has several friends as secondary characters that really round out the cast well. Michael Wray is a fantastic hero with his kindness and concern when others do not even seem to notice Brianna and her load of work.

So grab the book and follow Brianna’s story. You will not be sorry that you did. This author has become a must buy for me. Her setting is always fascinating and very well done. It’s a book that took me on a journey. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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

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Last Chance Cowboy

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

The last of the siblings gets his story. I always love a good redemption story, and a marriage of convenience plot. The characters are well done, and the witty banter between siblings is fun. I have four siblings of my own.

I enjoyed the action and the forgiveness/ redemption topic. I do wish the redemption part had taken place during the story. I did enjoy the action in the story and the wonderful midwifery stories.

I’m not much into overly romantic stories…I prefer more the historical side of a book. I would have preferred it to be more like her previous series where I learned so many interesting historical facts. I am in the minority on this subject, though. Jody Hedlund fans and fans of cowboy romance will be sure to love the final story in the Colorado Cowboy series- characters, action, forgiveness, and a marriage of convenience story.

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

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