Spiritual Legacy of L'Engle

I had heard of the author Madeleine L'Engle but had never read any of her works. So when the opportunity presented itself to read the biography of her entitled "A Light So Lovely" by Sarah Arthur I seized it. I am glad I did so. It was fascinating to learn more about Madeleine and her life as a writer and as a Christian. Sarah Arthur does a fine job of interviewing friends and family to obtain insight and shed light on the complex nature of Madeleine's character. The world has been blessed by the writings of Madeleine L'Engle. Now the world is blessed to learn more of the spiritual legacy Madeleine has left behind for all in this biography. I received complementary copy of this book from Harbringer Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Charming

"The Hope Jar" by Wanda E. Brunstetter is a charming book built upon the theme of deception. The book begins with an assumption made by the Lapp family that Michelle Taylor is their new found granddaughter Sara, and Michelle seizing the moment to assume that identity. Michelle comes from a broken family, foster homes, and bad relationships. She yearns to find a family, to find acceptance and love. With the Lapp family, she finds these things and more with the discovery of a jar filled with prayers and scriptures. However, the lies continue to build so Michelle abruptly leaves the Lapp family knowing their true granddaughter is about to make her presence known. I found that Brunstetter gave character Michelle depth along with secondary characters in the story: Ezekiel and Brad. With a second book in the future these characters maybe allowed to grow even more along with granddaughter Sara. I look forward to learning more about the Lapp family and Michelle. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

More Than a Chemical Reaction

Dr. R. L. Werner has a meeting with Nicholas Drake to discuss her newest technology in making water safe to drink in cities. Nicholas Drake is more than ready to talk with the beautiful lady until he discovers she is the Dr. Rosalind Werner who is his opponent in court. What both don't realize is the chemistry between them is strong. Both can not deny it, but the battle of safe drinking water does come between them. Who is right? Roselind Werner, who has worked her entire life to develop a technique to ensure safe water for the public. Or Nicholas Drake, who does not want the chemical chlorine used thinking it is toxic to humans. "A Daring Venture," by Elizabeth Camden, is based loosely on the historical litigation of the efficacy of chlorine for disinfecting water safely. I found this historical read to have a dash of romance and subterfuge along with believable, well-developed characters. A definite must for your reading to-do-list! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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.