Archives | Daysong Reflections

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

by admin | 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 admin | 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 admin | 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.

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

by admin | Feb 26, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mississippi, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

As a lifetime Southerner I love that Patricia Bradley’s books have southern settings. Aside from that it was her skill at grabbing me and pulling me right into the middle of her stories that won my loyalty. Obsession continued the tradition by combining an absorbing plot, strong characters, plenty of action along with mystery, growing suspense, a few twists and surprises as well as a red herring or two. A second chance romance and a strong faith message were the icing on the cake.

The second book in the author’s Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Obsession held me captive from beginning to end. After all, who could resist a mystery about a female park ranger whose life has been threatened and who also seems to have a stalker? When a former romantic interest becomes involved in the case and seems determined to protect her, a few sparks began to fly.

As you have probably begun to realize, I definitely loved this book. Emma and Sam were both natural and believable characters who I would love to know in real life. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

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:

This one’s personal

Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she’s forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation.

To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed. Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past, and he doesn’t intend to let her down again. Especially now that her life is on the line.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff and Obsession, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

Vanished in the Mountains by Tanya Stowe

by admin | Feb 19, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

As the plague of human trafficking has become more and more visible in the news recently, I appreciate the fact that several Christian fiction authors have taken the initiative to include this subject in their novels to bring it to the attention of a larger audience. In my opinion Tanya Stowe has done a superb job by tastefully yet realistically describing the horrors of this evil and at the same time managing to introduce a ray of hope for the victims.

Her story features a young domestic violence counselor, a former victim herself, who discovers an alarming number of missing girls from the nearby reservation. Motivated to get to the bottom of it, Dulcie Parker soon finds her efforts blocked at every turn and realizes that there is no one she can trust except for Deputy Austin Turner. Working together the pair finds themselves besieged by danger even as they get closer to unearthing the truth. The problem is, will Dulcie’s dedication to stopping the traffickers lead to her becoming another victim.

I enjoyed Vanished in the Mountains with it’s riveting plot, strong characters, escalating suspense, endearing romance, and strong message of faith. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more books by this author.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Vanished in the Mountains

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 3, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

A search for missing women leads to a deadly pursuit.

When domestic violence counselor Dulcie Parker uncovers evidence of a human trafficking ring in the Four Corners area, she’s determined to stop it or die trying. With corruption all around her and killers on her trail, Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner’s the only one she can trust. But can they work together to expose the crime ring before she becomes the next victim?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

MORE FROM TANYA:

When my children were very young, my husband and I took a trip to Colorado for a family reunion. After the reunion we traveled through Colorado to see the sights. We stopped in Silverton and my sister and I took my young son and daughter down the narrow-gauge railroad to Durango. Riding the swaying train down slopes covered in pine trees with the rushing white water of the Animas River below, I knew I’d write about the area someday. Many years later my husband and I took our first “kid-less” vacation in our motorhome. We stayed in a campground on the Navajo Nation next to Canyon de Chelly. We had no running water or electricity and that night, a storm blew in from the west. We watched the sky change to hues of purple and pink and then sat mesmerized as lightning strikes crossed the magnificent valley. Once again, I planted the scenes in my mind, determined to write about them one day. Little did I know both vacations would combine into one story. I hope you find my memories of the Four Corners area as unforgettable as I did! Blessings!