Historical | Daysong Reflections

Now That I Know You by Olivia Newport

by admin | Jan 10, 2022 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Geneaology, Historical, Romance, Split Time

MY REVIEW:

Oh how I hate to see this series end! I have thoroughly spending time in the mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado with Jillian Parisi and her opera loving (and singing) father as well as their delightful friends and neighbors. I loved the homey small town atmosphere where everyone knew their neighbors and were all prepared to support their needs.

In this final installment of the series, Jillian has found a cousin from her late mother’s mostly unknown relatives. As excited as she is to have a cousin near her age, Jillian is afraid that Cate may want more from her than she is prepared to give. Nevertheless, in her true style, Jillian finds herself in the middle of Cate’s problems and as they research Cate’s project, they find family history no one knew and also some unexpected connections between them and others in their lives.

Now That I Know You was a joy to read and I especially enjoyed learning a few interesting yet tragic historical facts from Colorado history. I find the genealogical aspect of this series to be of special interest and would love to read more books of this type.

Characters are quite realistic and I would love to know most of them. The romantic element is perfect and occupies just the right amount of the story. Faith is an important factor that also blends into the plot unobtrusively.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the entire series. It could be read on its on but I suggest reading each book in order to get the most from the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Now That I Know You

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Split-Time Contemporary/Historical

Release date: Fall, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Cate Butler is the distant cousin genealogist Jillian was so certain she wanted to find—and the only connection she has to her deceased mother’s Parisi family tree. So why does she wish Cate would stop pestering her? And why can’t Jillian find a paper trail proving Cate is who she says she is?

Cate wants something for her own career that Jillian can’t give, but she also holds the key to family history Jillian can’t bring herself to walk away from. Nolan, Jillian’s father, steps in when Cate’s chronic career chaos requires legal rescue. Drew, the man who holds Jillian’s heart, has a surprising past with Cate. The truths Jillian, Cate, and Drew find while untangling these knotted threads tie them back together in remarkable ways none of them ever would have imagined.

Now That I Know You is Book 5 in the Tree of Life series, exploring and celebrating unforgettable family stories in Canyon Mines, the mountain town that invites you back again and again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Olivia Newport’s novels blend the truth of how our pasts carry us into where we find ourselves now. Curiosity about history seems to creep into everything she does. Her books include Amish, historical, and contemporary stories that span the centuries from before the Revolutionary War right up to the present moment.

She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak. Visit www.olivianewport.com.

MORE FROM OLIVIA:

I’ve wanted to write Now That I Know You for nearly 20 years—at least the historical story part of this split-time novel.

When my son was a freshman in high school, he joined the mock trial team, and my husband and I entered the league of parents who watched versions of the same competition over and over. he state bar association selects a case and provides every team with the same documents to study as the basis of preparing both prosecution and defense. Team members play roles of attorneys and witnesses.

That first year, the case was trying a particular individual in connection with his role in events that culminated in the 1914 “Ludlow Massacre,” which is featured in Now That I Know You. My son played a witness for the prosecution. My proudest moment was when one of the scoring judges—who are actual court judges—singled him out for his skill in recognizing and dodging the opposing counsel’s interrogation strategy. Somebody hold me in my chair, because you really are not supposed to jump and cheer at mock trial!

Since I heard the case several times, the history wormed its way into my heart and mind. The injustice and tragedy of the story weighed heavy, but so did the legacy of the events and their eventual impact on history that affects us even today. People often ask where book ideas come from. Sometimes they germinate inside me for a long time before the moment is ripe to put them on the page in the lives of characters who have grown around them. This is one of those stories.

—Olivia Newport

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 10

Bigreadersite, January 10

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Daysong Reflections, January 11

All-of-kind Mom, January 11

The Write Escape, January 12

Lots of Helpers, January 12

The Sacred Line, January 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13

Betti Mace, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14

Texas Book-aholic, January 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 16

Splashes of Joy, January 16

deb’s Book Review, January 17

Through the Fire Blogs, January 17

Sodbuster Living, January 18

For Him and My Family, January 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 19

For the Love of Literature, January 20

The Book Club Network, January 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 21 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, January 21

Mary Hake, January 21

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 22

Inklings and notions, January 23

Connect in Fiction, January 23

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of a signed set of all 5 books in the Tree of Life series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/193c0/now-that-i-know-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

by admin | Dec 23, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

So, how does one go about writing a review for a fabulous book without spoilers? I’m not certain that I can but I’ll give it my best shot.

To Treasure an Heiress is Roseanna M. White’s second installment of her The Secrets of the Isles series. The story takes up pretty much where The Nature of a Lady left off as Beth Tremayne and her friends and relatives continue their search for the legendary pirate’s treasure that has been the subject of island legend for many generations. Familiar characters are abundant and new ones add even more interest to the tale.

This may be the most humorous novel that I’ve read by this author, especially the endearing hero Lord Sheridan who has a bad habit of speaking aloud what he is thinking. He and Beth are at odds for a good many chapters, mostly because she holds it against him that he is in possession of her own treasured trinket box. But how can she resist such a charming man who obviously seems to have fallen head over heels for her (and I mean that almost literally). Needless to say, readers should be most pleased at the resolution of their differences even as they discover another budding romance or two to root for.

As always, White has written a beautifully entertaining novel that is laced with adventure, mystery, romance, and a believable journey to faith that takes place in a gorgeous setting. What more could one ask? Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of To Treasure an Heiress as well as The Nature of a Lady. Either can be enjoyed on its own but read in the proper sequence they will be even better.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Secrets of the Isles, 2
Releases January 4, 2022

1906

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. As an adolescent, she dreamed of love in London’s ballrooms. Now, stumbling across an old map on her family’s property, she’s found more adventure than she ever dreamed in the hunt for pirate treasure. Unfortunately, Beth can’t escape the attentions of her family’s guest, Lord Sheridan.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interest caught his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth’s search connects with one of his favorite pirates of history, he can’t help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But the true surprise is the treasure they discover in one another.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (signed)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green

by admin | Dec 9, 2021 | Books, Historical, WWII

MY REVIEW:

When I opened The Lines Between Us I expected to find a WW2 story. What I found was so much more. Instead of battles in Europe or other expected scenarios, I found conscientious objectors whose assignments as smoke jumpers placed them in frequent danger yet were considered cowards by the community. I also found mystery and danger and deception and even unexplained death.

The Lines Between Us is so well written and obviously well researched. The story itself moves along at a steady pace and the reader is as much in the dark as the characters for most of the book. Emotional and often heart-breaking, the narrative allows readers to experience the depths of the characters’ feelings.

While there is a limited amount of action, conflict and tension between characters is palpable. I did enjoy witnessing changes of attitude among several of them. One thing I gained from reading this book is that true heroes are not always who we expect. They might be hiding right next to us.

A wonderful book, The Lines Between Us would be an excellent gift for those who enjoy WW2 novels and might just be a welcome surprise. Don’t hesitate to add it to your own library!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A WWII novel of courage and conviction, based on the true experience of the men who fought fires as conscientious objectors and the women who fought prejudice to serve in the Women’s Army Corps.

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have stuck to their values as conscientious objectors. Much to their families’ and country’s chagrin, they volunteer as smokejumpers rather than enlisting, parachuting into and extinguishing raging wildfires in Oregon. But the number of winter blazes they’re called to seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don’t add up.

A member of the Women’s Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother’s pacifism, but she’s shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report . . . and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it’s wrong to lie; she’s willing to do whatever it takes for justice to be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the troubling secrets they discover.

Read an excerpt here.

Purchase a copy here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amy Lynn Green (www.amygreenbooks.com) is a publicist by day and a novelist on nights and weekends. History has always been one of her passions, and she loves speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country. Her debut novel, Things We Didn’t Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her husband make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep

by admin | Dec 1, 2021 | Books, Gothic Romance, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Lost in Darkness took me by the hand and led me on yet another journey through the brilliant imaginings of one of my favorite authors. Not only does Michelle Griep write an absorbing tale that grips my imagination but manages to sneak in a number of life lessons that leaves me with deep thoughts to ponder about how they might apply to my own life.

In this gothic styled novel, readers meet Amelia, a travel writer whose lifelong dream of traveling to Cairo has just been answered only be interrupted by the death of her father and his final request to see that her brother Colin has the experimental surgery that could change his life.

Readers are faced with questions about who is truly a monster. Is it gentle and loving Colin whose genetic defects and a childhood accident have rendered his appearance so grotesque that he frightens almost everyone who sees him? Or is it the doctor whose ego and greed encourage him into taking advantage of poor and mentally ill patients with outrageous experiments as he works toward his own fame?

I always enjoy a book by this author and Lost in Darkness was no exception. Even as I cringed at some of the evil doctor’s methods and knew without a doubt that Colin would not be healed, I still held out hope for him. This was a novel that illustrated both the best and worst of human nature but managed to leave me with hope.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Lost in Darkness

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: FICTION/ Christian/Romance

Release date: November 1, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

England, 1815

Amelia Balfour has one dream. . .to tour Egypt as a travel writer. But when her wish is finally within reach, her father dies, and her malformed brother Colin depends upon her to arrange for a revolutionary surgery. Amelia returns home, hoping he’ll recover before the ship sails for Cairo.
Former Navy surgeon Graham Lambert is sick—of travelling, loneliness, and especially the injustice of the world. Leaving behind the military, he partners with a renowned surgeon, the man who promises new life to Amelia’s brother.
But just as the operation begins, Graham suspects the surgeon is a fraud. After a botched procedure, Colin goes mad and escapes, terrorizing their neighbor, author Mary Godwin—planting the seed for her greatest creation, Frankenstein.
Can Amelia and Graham stop Colin before he destroys everyone in his path and find the tender soul still trapped inside…or will they be too late?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

MORE FROM MICHELLE:

Are You a Monster Too?

“Look at that! The fattest girl in the class is the first one to get in line for a cupcake.”

Those words, spoken to me in junior high by a clueless boy, are forever seared into my memory. Just because I wasn’t a willowy stick-figure who didn’t match up to magazine covers, I was singled out. Made to feel ashamed. Made to feel like a monster.

Have you ever felt that way?

Chances are you have. We are all poked and prodded at some point in our lives…which brings up a few questions. How do you deal with the sometimes ugly perceptions with which others view you? How do you stop trying to prove your worth to others, when in their eyes you are somehow worthless? Why does God allow such hurtful things to happen anyway?

These are the questions I attempt to tackle in my new release, Lost in Darkness. And surprisingly enough, those are the very same issues contemplated in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Now hold on. Don’t go rolling your eyeballs quite yet—which is the usual response whenever Frankenstein is mentioned.

Most people’s conception of this great piece of literature has been forever ruined by Hollywood’s green creature. You know the one, the giant with bolts sticking out of his neck and a stiff-legged walk. So not true. The essence of Shelley’s “horror” story is instead about a creature who struggles with heartfelt needs that can only be met by his creator. In this story, Shelley respectfully handles the subject of what we owe our creator and what our creator’s responsibility is toward us as the created…the very same questions we all struggle with.

As does Colin Balfour, a man with a heart of gold and a face that causes children to scream. In Lost in Darkness, he hopes to undergo a life-changing surgery that will end his self-imposed isolation. But what really happens is a life change for his sister Amelia and the surgeon who tries to prevent it all from happening. For indeed, even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man’s own heart.

BLOG STOPS:

Life of Literature, November 29

Genesis 5020, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 29

The Write Escape, November 30

Betti Mace, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, November 30

Remembrancy, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 1

Blossoms and Blessings, December 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

Daysong Reflections, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 3

Bigreadersite, December 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 4

For the Love of Literature, December 4

SodbusterLiving, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 5

Splashes of Joy, December 5

Back Porch Reads, December 5

Connie’s History Classroom, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 7

Through the fire blogs, December 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 8

Pause for Tales, December 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 9

Labor Not in Vain, December 9

To Everything There Is A Season, December 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 10

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 10

Truth and Grace HomeschoolAcademy, December 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 11

Rachael’s Inkwell, December 12

Blogging With Carol, December 12

Connect in Fiction, December 12

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/13cfd/lost-in-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott

by admin | Nov 6, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I enjoyed the first two books in Regina Scott’s American Wonders Collection so it was a given that I must read the final book of the series. I did enjoy A View Most Glorious also but probably would have enjoyed it more if I had not been trying to beat a deadline and found myself nearly unable to keep my eyes open long enough to read it. I’m afraid I may have over committed on review books recently and a few health issues have slowed down my reading pace.

It is always fun to visit other places alongside the characters in a story, especially when it is told through the eyes of history. A View Most Glorious allowed me to accompany Coraline Baxter on her journey to reach the summit of Mt. Ranier in order to prove that if she could do it, any woman was also capable. As a member of Tacoma, Washington society, Cora had many expectations placed on her by her mother but Cora had greater ambitions than to be a useless society woman. When her mother offered her to allow her to attempt to climb the mountain if she would marry a certain man if she failed, Cora was determined to succeed with the help of Nathan, her guide.

Populated with multiple multifaceted characters, both admirable and manipulative, this story moved along at a steady pace as it mostly documented the details involved in reaching the peak of the mountain. Personally, I found Cora’s mother to be quite tiresome in her attempts to run Cora’s life, even if her intentions were for Cora’s benefit. I enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of scenery encountered as they ventured up the mountain as well as the people they encountered along the way.

A View Most Glorious was a very satisfying read and I look forward to future books by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues an ultimatum–that Cora marry the man of her mother’s choosing if she fails–Cora must do it. But she can’t do it alone.

Noted mountain guide Nathan Hardee initially refuses to help Cora but has a change of heart when he sees what is at stake. He knows enough about the man Cora’s mother has chosen to know that the headstrong young woman should have nothing to do with him, much less marry him.

These unlikely partners may just discover that only together is the view most glorious.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Regina Scott is the author of more than fifty works of warm, witty historical romance, including A Distance Too Grand–named one of the top ten romances of 2020 by Booklist–and Nothing Short of Wondrous. She was twice awarded the prestigious RT Book Reviews best book of the year in her category. A devotee of history, she has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research. She and her husband of thirty years live south of Tacoma, Washington, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma

by admin | Nov 3, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII

MY REVIEW:

A Picture of Hope is such a well-written novel that a reader may well feel as if she is with heroine Nellie Wilkerson as she experiences first-hand the horrors of World War 2. From the city streets of London to Normandy Beach to a burned out church in a small town in France, Nellie Wilkerson, a photo journalist witnesses atrocities most people do not even care to imagine.

Although Nellie feels that her calling is to document the war so that the people back home in the U.S. will know the truth about the brutality of Hitler’s Nazi Party, she is always ready to help wherever she is needed at the time. When she and Jean-Paul Breslau of the French Underground work together to protect and find a place for an orphaned special needs child, she discovers that following God’s plans for one’s life can sometimes mean laying down their life so that another may live.

A Picture of Hope is brilliant yet at times it is difficult to read about men’s cruelty to others. I enjoyed Nellie’s interactions with the nuns as well as Jean-Paul. I loved the brutal honesty of one of the nuns whose wisdom encouraged Nellie along the way. Nellie herself was impulsive and often came close to endangering not only herself but the others in her group of travelers. Yet always, the author stressed the hope that we find in the Lord, even when life seems darkest.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: A Picture of Hope

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

A Photojournalist Risks Her Life to Save Children

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing pilots taking off and landing—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. She enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they come upon an orphanage where nuns shelter children with disabilities. Can they help save them before the Nazis come to liquidate it?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

MORE FROM LIZ:

Why Another WWII Novel Set in France

You may well read the back cover of my latest release, A Picture of Hope, and wonder why on earth we need another WWII novel set in France. After all, Kristy Cambron just had one. Melanie Dobson and Sarah Sundin will be coming out with theirs in 2022. So why did I feel the need to write my novel with the same setting?

First of all, I’m a Francophile. I love all things French. It started when I took French in high school. Everyone else was learning Spanish, but I wasn’t into being part of the crowd. There were only a few of us in the class, and it was great fun. We had a wonderful teacher. Being able to pull out some of that French, refine it a bit, and use it in the book was a blast. But I also love French food (who doesn’t?) and everything else.

Secondly, I hadn’t written about France before. When I wrote this proposal at least five or six years ago, I didn’t know France would be so hot. God did, and the book came about in His perfect timing. I’d explored the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the Philippines. Such a shame that I was leaving out France, so I set about to write a novel located in that country.

Thirdly, there was so much good material to pull from. The French resistance, while small, did good work and sacrificed a great deal to get Jews out of the country and into Switzerland or Spain. The books that Kristy, Melanie, Sarah, and I write are all so different. Only the setting is the same. And when I found out that the famous mime Marcel Marceau was part of the resistance, I couldn’t help but giving him a cameo. Be on the lookout!

Along the way, I discovered some truly heartrending incidents that took place in France. They also compelled me to write this book. I long for the world to remember what happened so that we will never forget. And so that the atrocities committed there will never be repeated.

Fourthly, this was originally the third book in a series. Don’t worry – it’s a stand-alone. Maybe someday I’ll get to publish the other two. The women in the series are all American journalists in Europe. One is a reporter, the other is a broadcaster, and so I decided to make Nellie, the heroine in A Picture of Hope, a photojournalist. And where better to take pictures than on Omaha Beach soon after D-day. How she gets there is based on a very interesting true story, so be sure to read to the end for that one.

There are so many stories about WWII to be told and so many countries that participated in the conflict in one way or the other. The ground is so rich that we aren’t plowing the same parcel. You’ll find all of these books to be very different from each other, each with its own message, its own voice, and its own plot.

The focus in my book is on children with Down syndrome. I have a background in special education, and my husband and I adopted a child from the Philippines with an intellectual disability, so I’ve always had a heart for people with special needs. My daughter brings us so much joy that I wanted to share a glimpse into what these remarkable people are truly capable of.

So that is why I wrote a WWII novel set in France. Make yourself a cup of café au lait, butter up a croissant, and enjoy A Picture of Hope!