What Follows After by Dan Walsh

by admin | Apr 12, 2014 | 1960's, Books, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Many people are able to remember defining moments in their lives. In “What Follows After” Dan Walsh tells the story of the Harrison family and the traumatic event that would change their family forever. The fact that it took place during the Cuban Missile Crisis just made it that much more memorable.

A visit to an inherited house in Florida brings back those memories to an adult Colt as he contemplates whether to keep or sell the property that played such a pivotal role in the life of his family. His memories serve to relate the story within a story that is common in some of Walsh’s books. Once again I found myself viewing events through the eyes of a child – events powerful enough to shape the future of his family.

Walsh’s characters are marvelous. I loved Colt and Timmy and the two ladies who were so instrumental in helping rescue Timmy. Although the story was told through several points of view, I had no problem following it. With plenty of action, suspense and emotional scenes, “What Follows After” shares several important lessons for us all including the importance of truth, forgiveness, and some excellent pointers on how to keep trust in a marriage.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will continue to view Dan Walsh as one of my respected authors.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 1962, life was simple, the world made sense, and all families were happy.
And when they weren’t, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend.

For the past year, Scott and Gina Harrison have been living a lie. While they show up at family get-togethers in the same car, they’ve actually been separated for over a year. To keep up the charade, they’ve even instructed their sons, Colt and Timmy, to lie–to their grandparents, their teachers, and their friends.

Colt, for one, has had enough, so he hatches a plan. He and his little brother will run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt’s house in Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents get back together. But when things go terribly, terribly wrong, Scott and Gina must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their marriage.

In this emotional story, bestselling author Dan Walsh takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life–love, truth, and family. With profound insight into the heart of a hurting child, he reminds us that a time will come to look back on hard times and smile, because we’ll know that what follows after . . . is not what we expected at all.

“Dan is an artist and his canvas is the novel, where he uses different colors and hues of words to create a masterpiece. What Follows After is a story that will surely touch your heart and soul.”–John M. Wills, New York Journal of Books

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion, as well as The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year (2011-2013). Dan lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more.

Summer of Joy by Ann Gabhart

by admin | Mar 30, 2014 | 1960's, Books, Historical

MY REVIEW:

“Summer of Joy” was quite the nostalgic read for me because during the summer of 1964 I was very close to the same age as the book’s main character Jocie and also grew up in a rural/small town atmosphere. It was so easy for me to identify with Jocie’s life although thankfully, my own was fairly boring by comparison. Just when I thought Jocie and her family would get back on an even keel after all the events in the previous books in the Hollyhill Series, it seemed like more excitement and even some danger were in store for the Brooke family and friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Hollyhill once again and spending time with many of the familiar faces from the earlier books. From smart and spunky Jocie, to her wise and caring father, to wacky but beloved Wes, I love all Gabhart’s wonderful characters. This story has a little something for everyone – a bit of romance, plenty of humor, some danger and suspense, and woven through it all, a wealth of faith and forgiveness.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As summer draws to a close Jocie’s world seems serene–but is it just the calm before a storm?

Unbeknownst to Jocie Brooke and her family, two people are making their way to the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky. One everyone thought was gone for good and the other no one’s ever heard of. Still, one thing is sure–they promise trouble. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy strong relationships that everyone has simply taken for granted.

The summer of 1964 may be winding down, but the controversy in this little community where nothing ever seems to change is just heating up.

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you to Hollyhill for a story both exciting and enduring that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Scent of Lilacs, and Orchard of Hope. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Scent of Lilacs by Ann Gabhart

by admin | Mar 22, 2013 | 1960's, Books, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Like Josie, I was thirteen years old in 1964 and lived in a small rural neighborhood so it was easy for me to identify with the characters in “Scent of Lilacs”. In some ways, this novel relates Josie’s departure from childhood as she learns one after another family secret, many of which affect her life. She often responds with a maturity that belies her age but at times her emotional reactions lead to trouble.

The plot moved at a steady pace and its characters and setting quickly drew me deeply into the story. I loved the way it brought back memories of times gone by but the story itself was the real attraction. The quirky characters and surprising twists and humorous scenes added an extra dimension to the narrative. Interwoven with wisdom and faith, “Scent of Lilacs” manages to communicate a truth about family that goes beyond blood ties.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Scent of Lilacs” and would recommend it to most everyone. For a taste of life in Holly Hill, check Hollyhill Book of the Strange HERE.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After the summer of 1964, life for Jocie Brooke will never be the same.

Life-changing events rarely happen in quiet Hollyhill, Kentucky, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for young Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once during the humid summer of 1964. Though on the surface things are just fine, it seems like everyone in Jocie’s life has something they’re not saying, something they’re hiding from her-and from themselves. As Jocie digs into her family’s past, she stirs up a whirlwind of discoveries. Will she find the answers everyone so desperately needs? Or will her questions lead to truths better left hidden?

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story from bestselling author Ann Gabhart explores the very essence of new life and love.

“Gabhart’s compelling characterization serves up a juicy slice of life in a small town where little is as it seems. Jocie’s conversational voice and quirky sense of humor are a delight.”-RT Book Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.