“When the Flames Ravaged” by Rhonda Dragomir ~ Book Review

“When the Flames Ravaged” by Rhonda Dragomir

Historical Fiction, Part of the Day to Remember Series

Barbour Publishing

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?
Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.
 
Evelyn Halstead’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.
 
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.
 
On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.  

My Thoughts:

I wasn’t previously familiar with the tragedy that was The Hartford Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus tent fire of 1944, but oh how sad it was to read about in this fictional telling of the all too real event.
I very much enjoyed the experience of reading When the Flames Ravaged. I believe it is the author’s debut novel, and it was very well written. The grief leapt off the page in reality, and you could certainly empathize with what the characters were going through. It was sometimes hard to hope alongside them, but you wanted to do just that, even when their own hope was waning.
What I appreciated probably the most of the whole book was the faith element – it was so important to the entire story, and the author did a great job tackling one of the most asked questions in faith – if God is good, why does He allow bad things to happen?
The faith each character displayed and grew in was very realistically done, and I found it inspiring.
Evelyn Benson and Hank Webb both did a lot of growing throughout this novel, and I love how they wrestled with their faith in their own ways and came out with peace.
A very interesting historical romance with a sweet romance, and great faith.

I received a complimentary copy from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“A Noble Scheme” by Roseanna M White ~ Book Review

“A Noble Scheme” by Roseanna M White

The Imposters Book Two

Bethany House Publishers

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Gemma Parks is known throughout high society as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talent to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the elite firm’s members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren’t for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his soul in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma not only to restore the missing boy, but also to win back the only woman he’s ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham must devise a noble scheme to save the boy’s life and heal their hearts.

Christy Award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to Edwardian-era England in an exhilarating tale of glamor, intrigue, and romance set among high society’s most elite–and most dangerous–families

My Thoughts:

What a delight to be back among The Imposters! I loved the time spent with them in the first book, and revisiting them in A Noble Scheme was just as lovely.
This book is mainly Gemma and Graham’s story. I was very curious as to their history while reading the first one, so needless to say, it was great to get to know their story better.
But oh what grief they both held. The emotional depth in A Noble Scheme was richly done, and it leapt across the page with ease. My heart ached with them through every pain that unfolded. I knew their relationship was strained from the first book, but finding out exactly why in this book…it was a surprise. And only made me feel more keenly for both Gemma and Graham. I know, they’re fictional characters, but they represent real pain and grief, and I don’t think that should ever be overlooked, even in fiction.
Gemma dealt with her grief through anger, and while at times I cringed for the pain she caused in Graham, I also was…impressed isn’t the right word, but something along those lines – with how she still showed what she was feeling.
Same for Graham. They both displayed their pain in different ways, but I appreciated being able to see the realisticness and rawness of it all.
The Imposters team being together was a delight as always. I love how they each have their own strengths that complement each other, and how they work together is so clever.
The plot was well written, and that ending most certainly kept me turning those pages! Right to the end, with such a sweet reconciliation.
I love how integral the faith message was to the story. Graham in particular had to wrestle with a lot, and it translated to the page very well. Having to come to terms with trusting God again after pain is no small thing, and I think it was handled quite well.
All in all, A Noble Scheme was a beautiful story, and I cannot wait for Yate’s story next!!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author as a part of the launch team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“That Woman’s Girl” by L. R. Hay ~ Book Review

“That Woman’s Girl” by L. R. Hay

Biblical Fiction for Young Readers

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Exciting, adventurous, funny and deeply moving kids’-eye view of Jesus – aimed at preteens, openly enjoyed by adults!
Ten-year-old Kat’s vast criminal empire was running fine, thank you, until a weird guy turned up in a river, dunking people and shouting about snakes.
When things got even more random, with the rumoured ‘chosen one’ following a bird into the wilderness, Kat should have known to get out – but for a skilled pickpocket like her, the crowds this strange pair attracted were just… too… tempting…

THAT WOMAN’S GIRL is book three of The Young Testament: the Samaria and Decapolis viewpoint of the Jesus story – standalone, but overlapping with JOSEPH’S BOY and JAIRUS’S GIRL to form one big storyworld.

# Content Warning # This book deals with difficult issues, such as marriage break-up, death and bereavement.
In particular, of all the Young Testament books, this is the one where the main character is present at Jesus’s trial before Pilate and the Cross, possibly making it more suited to the older end of the series age band.
Not to say that a younger or more sensitive child couldn’t enjoy the book, but an adult might want to read those chapters with them. Alternatively, consider reading JAIRUS’S GIRL first, as that main character only hears about the trial and Crucifixion, making it a more gentle introduction to the subject.

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in L R Hay’s Young Testament Series, and I think it is a great addition.
I really enjoyed “That Woman’s Girl”, and thought that main character Kat was a genuinely fun girl to follow along with. She was a thief, and a clever one at that! Because of her life, she wasn’t very trusting, but that added a depth to her character and I enjoyed seeing how she grew and came to Jesus in the end. I personally became very invested in Kat, and loved her character.
This story would make a great read-aloud as a family, or to children/siblings, as it is told in such a way that you feel like you’re listening to a grand story being recited to you. It is a fun way to experience the story, and unique too.
I loved getting to view the different accounts of the New Testament through Kat’s eyes. It really is great Biblical Fiction for young readers, but can easily be enjoyed by any age! 
The only thing I paused on was that sometimes, when Jesus was talking, he came across as more harsh. And I think it was meant to be serious, which I understand and do think that Jesus is to be taken seriously, and the fear of the Lord is a real and important thing, but overall his character almost seemed…not entirely warm sometimes. Not always. It’s hard to explain. 
But that aside, I think That Woman’s Daughter was a great read, and depicted the times of Jesus very well.
I will certainly be hanging on to it to share with my own younger readers in my family!

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“The Divine Proverb of Streusel” by Sara Brunsvold

“The Divine Proverb of Streusel” by Sara Brunzvold

Review copy from Revell

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Shaken by her parents’ divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle’s farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She’ll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother’s belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town’s history, her ancestors–and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured–with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

My Thoughts:

What a beautifully written book. The author has a poetic tone that carries through the story beautifully, adding a poignancy to each page.

Main character Nikki Werner is running from a lot of hurt and pain. She finds solace at the farm that has been in her family for several generations, and as she finds comfort in the peace, she also discovers family treasures as well as the road to healing.

I think a lot of readers will be able to connect with both Nikki, as well as her story, and there are a lot of gems to be found throughout the pages.

That was my favorite part about The Divine Proverb of Streusel – how centered it was around Biblical truths and encouragement. 

Another favorite part was Wes’s Aunt Emma. Even though we technically never met her “in person”, I absolutely loved every scene she was in; her phone calls and emails and texts. She was a hoot. And full of wisdom herself.

All the recipes included were a fun touch too, and I enjoyed the family history shared.

There were a few times where I found the plot a little slow moving, but I think the content was still meaningful, and as I said, poetically written.

All in all, I think The Divine Proverb of Streusel was a delightful and touching book, and many readers will connect with it.

This book was provided courtesy of Revell. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“The All American” by Susie Finkbeiner ~ Book Review

“The All American” by Susie Finkbeiner

1950’s Fiction

Revell Publishing

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

It is 1952, and nearly all the girls 16-year-old Bertha Harding knows dream of getting married, keeping house, and raising children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. Bertha dreams of baseball. She reads every story in the sports section, she plays ball with the neighborhood boys–she even writes letters to the pitcher for the Workington Sweet Peas, part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

When Bertha’s father is accused of being part of the Communist Party by the House Un-American Activities Committee, life comes crashing down on them. Disgraced and shunned, the Hardings move to a small town to start over where the only one who knows them is shy Uncle Matthew. But dreams are hard to kill, and when Bertha gets a chance to try out for the Workington Sweet Peas, she packs her bags for an adventure she’ll never forget.

Join award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner for a summer of chasing down your dreams and discovering the place you truly belong

My Thoughts:

This was so good! I somehow forgot how thoroughly I enjoy Finkbeiner’s novels, though it didn’t take but a nano second to remember why as soon as I started the first page.
The All American immediately draws you in, and both Bertha and her sister Florence were fantastic characters that I loved from the get-go.
This book, as with each of the Finkbeiner books I’ve read before, gives off such a homey feel, if that makes sense. I always feel like I’ve been integrated right into the family I’m reading about, and nothing seems more natural. All outside thoughts are forgotten when I read one of her books, and I get completely swept away by the story that seems more real than fiction.
There was a twist in the book I was not expecting, and it wrenched at my heart, but it was also done in such a way that it…well, it seemed at once terrible and natural to the story. I don’t know how to explain.
But truly, The All American is a gripping story you won’t regret reading, and I loved every second of it.
The following quote made me snicker:

“Snowwhite had obviously never been in Sunday school to learn that a girl should always – always, always – say no whenever a stranger offers her an apple.”

A big thanks to the publishers for a copy of this book. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“Just a Friend” by Deb Goodman

“Just a Friend” by Deb Goodman

The Tate Brothers Series Book One

RomCom

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

If falling in love with my best friend is wrong, maybe I don’t want to be right.

Sophie
Oliver and I have this thing. It’s an annual, not-a-date thing where we meet up in my small town every August and he buys me a milkshake.
That’s all. Nothing else. Except maybe an innocent hug or two.
But that’s it! I can’t fall for this man. He’s always seen me as just a friend. And besides the fact that my grandparents hate him, we’re complete opposites. He’s busy touring the world, running the family resort company with his brothers. I’m busy with pajama day at the broke-down mobile library I’ve sunk my heart and soul into.
So, yeah. It’s time for me to, once and for all, move on from this silly crush that has claimed me for far too long.

Oliver
Seeing Sophie again has…changed things. She’s different. She’s always been interesting, beautiful, and funny. But suddenly, everything I thought I knew about the world and how it operates has been mixed up in a blender. I’m all shook up, but I don’t think she feels the same way.
The worst part? I can’t seem to quit her, no matter how hard I try.
Send help.

My Thoughts:

I am embarrassed by how long it has taken me to read this book! I know it was life that just kept “getting in the way” but I wish I would’ve somehow squeezed it in sooner, because Just a Friend was such a fun read! I read it over the course of two and a half days which I know is a long time to some readers, but with my reading schedule lately, this was fast for me. And it was easy to do because I enjoyed turning page after page, happy to follow along Sophie and Oliver’s life story. 

Add in the fact that Sophie is a librarian and overall book loving character – well, I guess I should’ve known I’d enjoy it. ;) 

Sophie and Oliver have been friends for a long time – just friends, of course. But unbeknownst to each other, they’ve kindled feelings for one another without voicing it for some time. I think they fought against themselves in their feelings more than anything. 

But there is definitely a spark between them. Which Oliver’s aunt Stella, and his brothers Alec and Sebastian can even see. Probably long before Oliver. ;) 

I enjoyed seeing how the friendship morphed into more serious feelings and eventually the define-the-relationship moment. 

There wasn’t too much angst or frustration which I appreciated because sometimes too much can just be….well, too much. But “Just a Friend” was a well balanced, delightfully amusing and sweet romcom which I am glad to have on my shelves! 

I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“The Warsaw Sisters” by Amanda Barratt ~ Book Review

“The Warsaw Sisters” by Amanda Barratt

WWII Fiction

Review copy from Revell Publishing

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those books that I think will linger in my mind for quite a while. I want to say it was beautiful, but that almost seems wrong because it dealt with so many heavy, serious, and heart wrenching topics. Heart wrenchingly beautiful? Is that an apt word description? As you can see, I’m struggling to get my thoughts together XD
But I can definitely say that reading The Warsaw Sisters was a very good experience. The writing style itself was poetic and flowed beautifully, and realistically too. The author did a wonderful job of depicting so many things and aspects of WWII and taught me new things as well, specifically on the war’s effect in Poland. I’ve read a great deal about/relating to the second World War, but this novel brought a whole new perspective to another area of it, which I definitely appreciated. So much of it was truly heart wrenching, honestly. So much horror, sadness, and grief. And the main characters helped to bring those realities to life, but also bring to life the strength of the Polish people, even among the atrocities that occurred. 
Warsaw Sisters, Antonina and Helena were both very different, but both very strong in their own ways. While I was able to relate more to Helena’s character, I equally appreciated their stories, and seeing how they changed over the course of the novel. 
I would have liked to see a bit stronger faith message throughout, though there was some mentions here and there. The Warsaw Sisters isn’t a book you rush through, as there really is so much to take in. If you enjoy World War Two novels with depth, realities, and strong characters, I definitely recommend this one then.



Thanks to the publishers for the opportunity to read this novel! I received a complimentary copy from the publishers for review. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

“He Should Have Told the Bees” by Amanda Cox Book Review

“He Should Have Told the Bees” by Amanda Cox

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business–one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she’s never heard of, she’s not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie’s financial situation rather . . . precarious. She’s sure she has no right to someone else’s farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she’s always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets–and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

My Thoughts:

First off, let me begin my review by saying I absolutely love the title of this novel. “He Should Have Told the Bees” is just so…poetic and attention grabbing. It has to be one of my all time favorite titles, honestly. Maybe that’s odd to have such a thing, but I just love when a title is so beautiful and perfect for the story it represents.

Now that I have that gushing out of the way…the inside of the novel is just as fantastic as both the title and cover (which is so beautiful and I love it). Author Amanda Cox has a way of writing stories that go straight to the heart, with real characters dealing with real issues.

 My heart went out to both Beck and Callie and the trauma they both endured, and how they dealt with it through the years. Both of these young women were strong and likeable characters, each having their flaws and faults which only gave them more depth and relatability. 

I also loved the bee aspect. I found all the information about the bees woven throughout truly fascinating, and so cool. While I don’t think it’d be wise for me to ever raise bees (we’d both suffer greatly from being stung XD), I love the concept of it and love reading or hearing about it. So that inclusion in the novel was really great to see.

I think the best words to describe He Should Have Told the Bees are heartfelt, real, and beautiful. The story is one that grabs your attention -and your emotions – from page one and doesn’t let go till the last page. Past that, even. I find I continue to think about the story and the characters even though I finished it several days ago.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this lovely book! And definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fiction with real depth. Oh a little smattering of innocent romance too. ^.^

I received a complimentary copy from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.

“A Beautiful Disguise” by Roseanna M White

“A Beautiful Disguise” by Roseanna M White

Book One of the Imposters Series

Review book

My rating: five out five stars

About the Book:

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.

My Thoughts:

Roseanna M White does it again! Of course, I rarely am surprised about that. Her writing is so good.
I loved A Beautiful Disguise very much. Lady Marigold Fairfax was an enchanting character with quirks and depth, and the hero, Sir Merritt was equally as charming and loveable. And we mustn’t forget the side characters, Yates, Lavinia, Xavier, the Ceasar’s, Graham, Gemma, etc. So likeable, all of them.
The plot was brilliantly executed, and it was one of those that kept you curious till the last page. And I can’t wait for the next book! The Imposters are such a delightful band of characters, and I am excited to spend more time with them.
The acrobat/circus theme and inclusion in this novel was such a fun touch too! And the animals! Leonidas was like a whole character to the story itself, in my opinion, and I was totally loving that.
There were just so many wonderful aspects of A Beautiful Disguise, and I am excited to be adding it to my shelves. A truly delightful read!

Some favorite quotes:

“Maybe we’d all be wiser, maybe fewer people would be hurt, if we questioned more. If we didm’t think that closing our eyes to darkness meant it didn’t exist. As if by closing them, we didn’t just create more darkness.”

“The truth isn’t always pretty. But I like to think it’s always beautiful.” 

“He wanted her. Her. Wanted to be with her. Knowing who she really was, who she pretended to be, who she couldn’t give up being. He knew it, and it hadn’t sent him running. It had brought him more firmly into her world.”

  Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed above are entirely my own.

“The Best Summer of Our Lives” by Rachel Hauck – Book Review

“The Best Summer of Our Lives” by Rachel Hauck

Bethany House Fiction

Review copy

My rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

My Thoughts:

“The Best Summer of Our Lives” – that was the plan for four friends, Summer, Autumn, Snow, and Spring in the year of 1977. But it didn’t exactly go according to their plans. Life rarely does, right?

This book is a coming of age story of each of the four girls. They did a lot of growing, all of them. Their bond was stretched and tested a great deal, and even when they fought as teenagers, I liked seeing how they could work it out. Yes, things definitely changed for them, and they went through desert seasons, each of them. But you really could tell how it shaped and changed all of them.

To be honest, I did have a bit of a hard time connecting or relating to Summer. She wasn’t my favorite character, but at the same time, I could appreciate seeing how life and all its events affected and altered her. Her story is the focal point of this book, and she probably did have the biggest transformation testimony at the end.

I really liked Spring and her story particularly. And I related more to Snow and Autumn. They each complimented each other in great and necessary ways, and I did really like the Four Season’s unique friendship. They experienced a lot of ups and downs, but I really enjoyed seeing them together. And that includes Baby Season, Greta’s part in it too.

I’d call this an “Experience-book”. You know, one of those novels that you really experience more than just read. Where you live inside the pages, not just for a visit but as if you reside among the characters, their stories.

The summer of 1977 was a full and crazy one for the Seasons, but it was also really good and brought them each to the place they needed, I think.

I really like the author’s writing style so it was a pleasure to read another of her books!

I received a complimentary copy from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.