Mint of a Mystery

A heart-gripping, emotional story that covers three generations of DeFord women and a mystery dating back to when matriarch, Hazel DeFord, was a ten-year-old girl. Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves a story throughout the book surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Hazel's younger sister, Maggie, while picking blackberries. Hazel has never told her daughter or her granddaughter about Maggie that is until her granddaughter stumbles upon some old photographs while putting together a scrapbook for Hazel. Through the journey of trying to find Maggie each of the DeFord women are on a journey of self discovery. So true of how an event can affect future generations. I found "Bringing Maggie Home" to be powerful, heart-breaking, and healing all in one. Don't miss reading this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse and was under no obligation to post a review.

Captivated by a Rapscallion

Captain McAlister Albright is leaving his seafairing days behind and building a new life in the Shenandoah Valley in the early 1800s after purchasing land near the town of Middletown. What he didn't expect was meeting Lilyanna Laughlin, his neighbor, and whose family owned the land purchased by Albright from her gaurdian, Mr. Silas Everett. Although their first meeting gets off to a rocky start, a friendship developes between the two of the them. Captain Albright is bound and determined not to be enticed by Lily's charm and beauty and bantering. His priority is establishing his farm and showing his family he is worthy and honorable after what happened in his past. Lily has her problems as well with her two brothers and her gaurdian. So begins this historical romantic fiction by Andrea Boeshaar entitled "My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma." A warm and enchanting read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to opost a review.

American Saga

Lauraine Snelling introduces the reader to Rune and Signe Carlson in book one, "The Promise of Dawn," of the series Under Northern Skies. Rune's uncle Einar Strand lives in American and sends a letter to the family in Norway asking for help. Rune and his wife decide to accept the chance of going to American, helping a family member, and starting a new life for them and their family of three boys and unborn child with land Uncle Einar promises as compensation once their passage to America is paid off. What they don't expect is the harshness and demanding nature of Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd or how deplorable the living conditions are in the house. Using kindness and persistence, Signe begins to chip away at Gerd's demeanor. But the cost to Rune and Signe maybe more than they bargained for in Minnesota. I received this complementary copy from Bethany House to review and give my honest opinion.