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The Long March Home

By Marcus Brotherton, Tosca Lee

MY REVIEW

I was glad to read about the March of Bataan. I hadn’t learned of it previously. My conundrum in reviewing is that it was published by Revell, a Christian publishing company. This book was gritty, crass, swearing, and other elements not expected in a book published by Revell. In doing the review a content warning was given to us as readers. Much of the content I expected as it is a war novel. All the elements in this novel are typical of a regular war fiction book or even a non fiction traditionally published book. I expected a much stronger faith theme and no cussing. The fact it came nowhere close to those expectations was very surprising to me.

It is a heart wrenching and highly disturbing war novel. The authors did a good job of bringing the horror of war to the pages of the book. I wouldn’t recommend this book for just anyone as it is a bit tough to read. I read their purpose for writing it, I believe they accomplished it.

If you are looking for a clean book, I don’t recommend it based on some content. I only expected better than that because it was published by Revell. This book needed to be in the traditional publishing world. The authors brought to the reader the story of the March to Bataan. It is a subject more people need to know. The Pacific part of WWII isn’t as well known. My grandfather fought in the Aleutian Islands. He was a medic, but he was involved in hand to hand combat as well. I probably would not know as much about that part of the world war if it hadn’t been part of our family’s history.

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

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

KATHLEEN DENLY

BIOGRAPHY
Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. She enjoys finding the lesser known pockets of history and bringing them to life through the joys and struggles of her characters.

California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories.

When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, she spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

Kathleen is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the award-winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?

Many different things inspire my stories. The initial idea can come from anywhere, but often it comes from something I stumbled across in my historical research. For example, I was reading about mail delivery in California during the gold rush when I wondered what it would be like to have a loved one so far away (many men left their families behind when they went to hunt gold) and not receive correspondence from them for extended periods of time. What if their letters stopped altogether? That led to my debut novel, Waltz in the Wilderness. With Sing in the Sunlight, the inspiration came from my discovery that San Diego had once been struck by a hurricane. That event just begged to be included in a novel. Harmony on the Horizon, book three in the Chaparral Hearts series, was inspired by a true story often told by docents during tours of the old schoolhouse in Old Town San Diego.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

Well, we’re a homeschooling family, so much of my non-writing time is taken up by teaching my four children. However, I’m a very crafty person, so when I have time, I enjoy several mediums of art. Some of my favorites are Bible journaling, junk journaling, sewing, knitting, and diy projects. In fact, if you look closely at my office in my YouTube videos, you can spot several of my diy projects in the background. These include a custom marker holder, a phone holder, and my latest junk journal. More recently I’ve begun teaching myself digital drawing. I’m always working on new projects to include in my Kathleen’s Readers’ Club Freebie Library. If your readers would like access to my KRC Freebie Library, they can sign up at http://bit.ly/KRCMemberSignUp .

What authors/books have influenced your writing?

Wow. That’s a tough question. There are so many books that have influenced and inspired me, I couldn’t possibly list and explain them all here, so I’ll focus on the first two that come to mind. One is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen simply because it’s the book I’ve read the most often. I learned a lot about the rhythm of a novel, the power of humor, and the beauty of romance from that novel. The second would be Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers because it opened my eyes to what Christian romance could be. Christian fiction has the power to tell hard stories through the lens of God’s redeeming love.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I think I fall somewhere in the middle, actually. If I were writing for myself, I would probably just pants it and make corrections in rewrites. However, with deadlines to meet, I’ve taught myself to do more plotting and outlining in advance. That said, I have learned the hard way that if I go too far in my outlining, I kill the creative flow in myself. So I’ve learned to only plot enough that I know where I’m going but not every tiny detail of every scene.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Definitely the research and brainstorming stage. Because that’s the fun part where I’m just continually asking myself, “What if…?” and uncovering new little facts of history. For me, historical research is a lot like treasure hunting or thrift store shopping. I never know when I’m going to uncover a wonderful surprise.

Have you always wanted to be a writer / know you were going to be a writer?

Not really, no. I did know there was something odd about myself somewhat early on when I learned that not everyone silently added dialogue tags to things that were said in everyday life. Nor do others mentally rewrite everything they say until it just “feels right.” However, writing was just an occasional hobby until one night during my freshman year of high school when I awoke in the wee hours of the morning with the plot for a novel running through my mind. Until that moment, I’d never even considered writing anything more than super short stories and poetry for fun. Even then, I considered it something to do in my spare time, but that’s when I started dreaming of being published. It wasn’t until college that I started taking my writing seriously. My attempt to crash a creative writing course at my local community college was unsuccessful, but the assignment given that first day inspired my first historical Christian romance novel.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading your books?

First and foremost, I hope that readers will come away with a better understanding of who they are in God’s eyes and how much He loves them. Secondly, I hope they’ll have just a bit more compassion for those who’ve lived a life different than their own. I think that’s one of the best things about novels. We get a chance to “live” someone else’s life and see into their hearts and minds. What better way to learn to love them as God asks us to? Of course, I always hope that my readers are entertained by my stories, and if that gives them a moment to step back from life and take a relaxing breath, well, that’s an important blessing as well.

What book do you have coming out next?

Murmur in the Mud Caves, Book 4 in my Chaparral Hearts series is currently on preorder and will release May 16, 2023. Each book in the Chaparral Hearts series can be read as a stand alone, but characters from previous books do make appearances in later books, so I recommend reading the series in order for the fullest experience.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Weight of Air

By Kimberly Duffy

MY REVIEW

The Weight of Air covers some difficult topics. Most of these were not ones to which I could personally relate. I was never able to give birth ( different emotional difficulties there), and I had a utopian type childhood. I do, however, have some close relationships where postpartum depression was such a struggle, known those who committed suicide, and those who were abandoned by parents. So I understood to some extent the struggles these characters face.

Mabel was by far my favorite because she seemed to really grow throughout the book. She had a heart to forgive and love. The characters were very well done as is common for this author. I really enjoy her writing style, and I have read and own her other books.

I really felt this book had a great opportunity to have a better faith theme. “I can do all things” was mentioned, but in relation to circus tricks-nothing spiritual. There was faith and hope, but it wasn’t tied to the faith and hope we have through Jesus Christ. A very slight faith theme comes in at the end, but it doesn’t really affect the lives of the characters at all. There is also a relationship that a woman puts herself in to keep her job. There isn’t a big forgiveness or redemption story tied to that at all either. The idea of using the beauty of a woman was portrayed as wrong, but the characters, especially Mabel, did nothing when pictures were used of her that should not have been. She didn’t like it, but she made no complaints to the boss. That just seemed strange to me.

The story itself was well written as all of this authors books are. I felt the characters were real and intriguing as we learn the circumstances that shaped them, and the scenes were so vivid. I’ve never been to a circus so the author did a good job of making me “see it.”

It’s a book with flawed and broken people making their way through the life and circumstances that occurred that were beyond their control. One of my favorite tropes is used and done so well, but no spoilers so I won’t go there. A terrific set of characters, a wonderful story, it just needed more Christian faith elements for me to truly love it. I have to say it was refreshing to read a book where men were not terrible, abusive to women…but tried to support the women in their lives! That has been a common theme in many CF books. I have a husband who sometimes carries me literally and figuratively. I’m not saying they were perfect as none are, but they grew in their relationships and supported the women in their lives whether wife or daughter. Loved that.

If you enjoyed this book and author Kristy Cambron, Lynn Austin, and perhaps Jody Hedlund are some authors you might want to consider reading. If you want more historical circus stories Joanne Bischof and Kristy Cambron have some out there that are quite good.

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

Yesterday’s Tides

By Roseanna M. White

MY REVIEW

I really liked the characters in this book, and I liked both timeline stories which is rare. Both plots are well done, and I do not have a favorite. That is pretty much next to impossible.

The storyline with its mystery really keeps the reader engaged. The family history is another mystery for the reader to solve. The WWI and WWII history adds so much to the book! The book has action, mystery, history, and beautiful relationships. Anything else one could possibly want?

The entire group of characters is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the secondary characters as well. With the dual timeline, the reader gets the viewpoint of the US as well as some viewpoint from overseas.

My favorite part of this story is all the people that we meet that are in previous stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the Codebreaker series so I was thrilled that some of the characters show up in this story. It made a wonderful way of bringing the story more to life because I had already met some of the cast of characters. I think the only thing I did not like about it was mentioning rosary beads and Catholics. I did not feel that it was necessary to point out which people believed differently than others. Those parts of the story did not seem to fit, and they could easily have been left out.

The incredibly well done characters , a very engaging plot line in both stories, special pieces of previous series by this author, and as always fascinating history all combine to make a wonderful novel.

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