Standing Fearless Against Warring Ideologies

Scandals. Shootings. Political attacks. Verbal back-biting. Terrorist bombing. The world-wide turmoil leaves one wondering what is next, how can it be stopped. Particularly as an American, how did we as a nation get so far off track from what our fore-fathers created? John Dickerson, writes “Hope of Nations,” as an answer to this question and many others. He writes the book in three parts: current happenings and ideologies, possible scenarios of what could/could not happen, and emerging cultural trends in the United States. Dickerson very clearly explains the warring ideologies taking place in America currently: Post-Truth versus Truth-Based. I found this book to be eye-opening: providing a plausible explanation for what is happening in American society. It also offered how we can stand fearless during these trying times. It offered hope. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Grand Ruse

Historical fiction and romance meets the reader in "My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search" by Kathleen Y'Barbo. Madeline Latour has been hired by Madame Smith to write her memoirs and help Pinkerton agent, Jonah Cahill, find Smith's missing granddaughter. As the investigation plods along the danger that surrounds the pair seems to increase. Nothing is adding up or is all a ruse? Is their mutual attraction a ruse or is it genuine? A light mystery for a summer read. I found the plot to be of interest but the dialogue and characters were lacking depth at times. Madame Smith is a pivotal character but the reader is not presented with much substance. Still enjoyable! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Follow Your Dreams

The theme of following ones dreams is apparent in Nancy Moser's "The Fashion Designer" as well as keeping your faith no matter the obstacles. Annie Culver and her two friends are going into the fashion business by establishing a store selling ready made dresses for the working class woman. They receive backing from a wealthy couple (The Sampsons) who believe in their vision that is until Mrs. Sampson starts to want her own vision. This puts a strain on the partnership and the future of the new business. Many obstacles are thrown in the way of achieving their goal but the friends continue to put their trust and faith in God. Of particular interest is the information that Moser provides at the end of the novel on the history of fashion in American during the early 1900s. So if you are interested in fashion and history and romance, then this is the book for you! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Aloha Summer Adventure

Dreaming of a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, but financially it is not possible? Try a staycation reading Wanda E. Brunstetter's new novel "The Hawaiian Discovery." Journey to Hawaii with Mandy and her husband, Ken, when they receive a call that Ken's dad has had a heart attack. Mandy's young Amish friend, Ellen Lambright, is left in charge of running their B&B until Mandy and Ken decide to stay in Hawaii helping his mom. Then, tragedy strikes Mandy and Ken again. Ellen still trying to figure out what to do with her life volunteers to go to Hawaii once she receives the Amish leaders permission. Her life is forever changed. So grab a lemonade, a comfy chair, and start enjoying this adventure to Hawaii. It could be life changing journey for you as well! I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Trust and Believe

Genealogical saga of the Lytton family continues with the adventures of Mercy Lytton, who is part Mohawk and English in "The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep. Mercy, independent and strong-willed, is a scout for the American army. Her assignment, along with Captain Prinn, is to transport a load of captured gold to Fort Edward but there is a hitch. The gold will be buried among boxes of home goods and she is to be married to one of the prisoners, Elias Dubois, at Fort Wilderness so that it looks like homesteaders are returning east. The general's son will make the fourth person to go on the trip. Many unforeseen dangers plaque this trip, one of which is her heart being captured by a condemned man. A second danger is admitting her trust in God. A gripping story-line for historical fiction fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Hope for New Beginnings

"A Breath of Hope" continues the Carlson family saga in Minnesota. In this second installment, the reader finds Nilda Carlson wanting to come to America and Uncle Einar has agreed to send her the funds in return for working for him on the farm. But, before she can leave the family works to save enough money for her brother, Ivar, to accompany her on the trip to America. Meanwhile, Rune and Signe continue to help Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd on the farm. Uncle Einar does not let anything stop him from working even after suffering a fall. Nevertheless, his ambition and independent nature maybe his downfall. I found this second book in the series to be more interesting to read than the first. I look forward to the next book to see what happens with the Carlson family. I received a complimentary copy of his book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.

Forgiveness

Melissa Jagears captures the reader in this third volume of the Teaville Moral Society series, "A Chance at Forever." Mercy McClain, along with her brother and sister-in-law, have been put in charge of the local orphanage. There she spends her days helping to take care of the children. She also is on the school board and it is here that she encounters someone from her past - her tormentor - George Aaron Firebrook. Better known in her childhood as the class bully. Now he was applying for a teacher's position. Would this be her chance to get even or would she live up to her name granting mercy? George Aaron Firebrook returns to Teaville, Kansas a changed man. However, he has his work cut out to show everyone, particular Mercy, that he is a new person. While waiting for the school board to decide on who the new teacher will be he is offered a job at the orphanage as the grounds keeper. This is a chance to prove himself and gain Mercy's forgiveness and friendship. Jagears does a great job exploring forgiveness and second chances in this latest novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BethanyHouse and was under no obligation to post a review.