The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Books, Graphics & Web Design, Historical

MY REVIEW:

The Prince of Spies is exactly the kind of book I love to spend a few hours with. The author has a masterful touch when it comes to weaving sometimes obscure historical facts into an engrossing tale that comes to life on the pages. Both this book and the first book of the Hope and Glory series, The Spice King, contained a multitude of facts about safety (or the lack of) in the food industry as well as efforts that were made to ensure its safety. I found the details about the Poison Squad to be of particular interest.

It was fun getting to know Luke Delacroix even better as he was an intriguing character in the previous novels. His determination to do his part in making food safer for customers was only overshadowed by his love of family and his new devotion to Marianne McGruder, daughter of the Delacroix family’s greatest rival.

The bad blood between the two families and the romance between Luke and Marianne had a slight resemblance to the story of Romeo and Juliet but thankfully did not go in the same direction. I thought Luke was the perfect hero and mostly liked Marianne as well. Her devotion to her family was admirable despite their unscrupulous actions – after all they were family. I did admire how her eyes were gradually opened to the truth and managed to make the proper decisions.  

I do so hate to see this series end but I am confident that the author has even more delightful books in store for her readers. Loved, loved, loved The Prince of Spies as well as the other two books and I encourage everyone to pick up copies of all three books.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings with Luke’s driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

by | Mar 4, 2021 | Books, Chicago World's Fair, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Shadows of the White City was another lovely tale from author Jocelyn Green. Her vivid descriptions of the Chicago World’s Fair made me wish I had been there to see it for myself. It still baffles me how such a huge undertaking could mostly disappear with no trace to be seen today. Green’s characters come to life within the pages and began to feel like good friends by the end.

Featuring sister Sylvie Townsend who first made her appearance in book one of the Windy City Saga, Veiled in Smoke, this book can easily stand on its own merits but is oh, so much better after having read the first one. I loved Sylvie’s character who had so much love to give and poured her life into taking care of her father and Rose, an orphaned child she had taken in as her own. Sylvie’s tenant Kristof Bartok was a long-time friend who had quietly made it his goal to help and protect Sylvie as much as possible while he hoped and waited for her to recognize his love for her. I was not so fond of Rose who came across as spoiled and ungrateful for the sacrifices Sylvie had made for her.

A story of love, sacrifice, and family loyalty, Shadows of the White City had its share of drama and mystery as Sylvie frantically searched for Rose after her disappearance. It was a touching tale filled with myriad emotions from grief to hope to joy. I would recommend it to everyone.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She promised a dying father she would keep his daughter safe.
She can’t fail now.

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she would never have–a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears–until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World’s Fair, and Sylvie’s life unravels.

With nowhere else to turn, Sylvie seeks help from her boarder and Rose’s violin instructor, Kristof Bartok. Fluent in several languages, his skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant and international communities where their investigation leads.

From the glittering architecture of the Fair to the dark houses of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, they’re taken on a search that points to Rose’s long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

Read an excerpt Here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green (www.jocelyngreen.com) inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a BA in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Books, Germany, Historical, Romance, WWII

MY REVIEW:

While I have read and enjoyed several books by Sarah Sundin, I believe that When Twilight Breaks must be my very favorite. Set in Munich, Germany during the days leading up to World War 2, the story features U.S. news correspondent Evelyn Brand aka the Firebrand. Feisty and courageous, Evelyn is determined to earn her place in the news agency despite the fact that she is a woman in a man’s domain. Most of all, Evelyn wants the truth to be known about her observations in Germany and is frustrated because her articles have been edited at every turn. Peter Lang, an American graduate student working on his thesis in German and teaching at the university, only sees the positive aspects of German life until his friendship with Evelyn begins to open his eyes.

While I enjoyed every minute of reading When Twilight Breaks, there were a few times when I wanted to put it down because I feared what might happen next. Not only that but there were a few scenes that were so disturbingly similar to what I see happening in my own nation now. Oh, if only we could open our eyes and hearts and learn from the past!

When Twilight Breaks touched me deeply and the story will stay with me for awhile. It is well worth reading with its simple message of faith and courage.

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:

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country–or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she’ll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party–to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can’t get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. The Sky Above Us received the Carol Award, her bestselling The Sea Before Us received the FHL Reader’s Choice Award, and both Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named on Booklist‘s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Books, Historical, Ireland, Romance

MY REVIEW:

If talented new authors like Jennifer Deibel continue to be published I will never get all the books read that I would like. Another exemplary writer, Deibel’s first novel, A Dance in Donegal, caught my interest quickly and held it until the very last page.

Through the author’s powerful imagery, I walked down the paths along the shores of Ireland and saw it through the eyes of Moira for the first time. I could almost smell the peat fires and the briny air. It was easy to imagine each character as Moira interacted with them. Even the most vile of them played an important role as the story played out.

And what a story it was! It didn’t take very long to discover that the townsfolk had their own opinions about Moira’s mother yet were unwilling to share their secrets except through overheard whispers and veiled threats. Yet Moira’s gentle demeanor and kindness to others won her staunch supporters in a few friends who stood beside her, especially Sean, Brid, Colm, and Peg.

I found it encouraging to witness Moira’s journey as she discovered exactly why the Lord had brought her to Ballymann and the plans He had for her life there. Filled with both joy and sorrow, A Dance in Donegal was a beautiful illustration of how following the lead of the Holy Spirit and showing mercy and care to an enemy can bring true redemption into a life.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful book except that you just have to read it for yourself. I will be waiting impatiently for another one by this author.

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:

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother’s descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends–and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced–as she seeks to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

Jennifer Deibel’s debut novel delights the senses, bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells, and language of a lush country and a colorful people. Historical romance fans will embrace her with open arms.

Read an excerpt HERE.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

 

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

by | Feb 26, 2021 | Appalachia, Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

As an avid reader I cannot begin to imagine going through life unable to read. It was a foreign concept to Lucy Wilson also until she traveled to Rowan County, Kentucky to work for her father’s cousin Cora Wilson Stewart, the first woman superintendent of education in that area. As a city girl who had been provided with everything she needed, Lucy’s first encounter with the impoverished mountain people was a rude awakening. Everything and everyone she encountered was alien to her previous experience.

With the eager help of Finn, the more reluctant help of Angie, and the quiet wisdom of Brother Wyatt, Lucy gradually became adjusted to the area and even grew comfortable with the horse she rode to visit the scattered inhabitants of the mountain. She grew to love many of the mountain people and felt increasingly burdened to help them.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the customs of the mountain people and particularly found interesting the mention of using shaped notes to teach music to those who could not read. One of my own ancestors, Mennonite Bishop Joseph Funk was instrumental in the use of shaped notes and wrote an extensive book about their use that is still in use today. How I wish I could have been in Lucy’s shoes the first time she experienced a singing.

The Moonlight School is a beautiful story with vivid descriptions of the land and people of early 1900 hill country of Kentucky. While based on the true story of Cora Wilson Stewart, this book is a fictional account that features Lucy and Wyatt. A bit of mystery and a sweet romance round the story out to make a thoroughly satisfying read. There is much more to discover than I have described so I would recommend picking up a copy for yourself as soon as possible. I don’t think you will regret it.

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:

Haunted by personal tragedy, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to assist her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of schools. A fish out of water, Lucy is appalled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters.

Born in those very hills, Cora knows the twin plagues of illiteracy and poverty. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing school master who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose, along with something else she hadn’t expected: love.

Inspired by true events, this novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Moonlight School and the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

by | Feb 6, 2021 | Books, Historical

MY REVIEW:

As a lover of historical fiction I have been a fan of the novels by Laura Frantz from her very first offering. I love the opportunity to learn something new about the early years of our nation through the eyes of someone who experienced it firsthand, albeit in a fictional account. Tidewater Bride stayed true to my expectations and I enjoyed the book very much.

There is a lot going on within the pages of Tidewater Bride including interaction between the hero and heroine, although not in a romantic manner for much of their story. Without the interference of an early romance, I felt that I got to know both characters a bit better as I walked through their daily lives with them. Multiple other characters including the tobacco brides, a couple of endearing children, the Naturals, and household slaves as well as a villain or two, helped flesh out the tale even more. A strong but non-obtrusive thread of faith was woven throughout the narrative and it was obvious that the faith of the main characters influenced the way they lived their lives.

Tidewater Bride has it all, interesting historical facts, vivid imagery, a bit of action, danger, and mystery, plus a lovely romance and a satisfying ending. History lovers would do well to pick up a copy soon. Be sure to check out other books by this most excellent author.

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:

They’re both too busy for love . . . but love is not too busy for them

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in Virginia Colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family’s shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they’ve been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including An Uncommon Woman, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.