Patriot Duty

Looking for a historical fiction novel filled with suspense, romance, intrigue, and mystery? A fast-paced, page-turner? Then, “Saving Mrs. Roosevelt,” by Candice Sue Patterson is the perfect fit. During WWII, the US Coast Guard opens a branch of service for single women called SPARs. Shirley Davenport wants to do her part in helping to serve her country during this time just as her four brothers are doing. So, when the announcement comes to Shirley’s hometown about SPARs, she and her friend join. Throughout her training, Captain Webber has several brief encounters with Shirley to know that she intrigues him. Enough intrigue that he and his follow officers feel Shirley is just the person for an undercover assignment in her hometown to discover who is out to harm First Lady Roosevelt. Find out on this adventurous read who is a patriot and who is a traitor. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Finding Freedom in Rest

Jami Amerine's latest book, "Rest, Girl," reads more like a diary as she grows and gains insight into this thing all humans crave - rest. As a follower of Christ, Jami offers her insights with humor and backed up with scripture. At first I will admit I had a difficult time getting into reading this book. However, with God's grace and mercy I started to see the bigger picture in what the author was trying to tell me, her audience. I loved her statement, "What will you choose, love or fear?" Followed by "You can not give to others what you do not possess (p.142)." My job is to love and not judge. Wow!! This book surely came to me at a perfect time with all the topsy -turvy occurring in our world day. So take the challenge: pick up this book and read it with an open heart. Maybe, just maybe, you will be transformed, finding rest! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Good and Evil

A page-turning storyline makes this latest novel from Michelle Griep a must read. Lost in Darkness does not disappoint with strong characters, powerful story, and engaging dialog. Amelia Balfour is a travel writer preparing for her latest trip when she receives notification her father has died. One of her father’s last wishes is for her to oversee a surgery scheduled for her brother, Colin. What the reader soon discovers is that Colin suffers from acromegaly making him feel like a monster. But his heart is generous and loving towards his family and God. The problem lies with the treatment that needs to occur as prep work for the surgery by renown surgeon Peckwood and his new assistant, Graham Lambert. Peckwood is not who the public thinks he is. Graham is on to Peckwood but can he stop him in time. Put this on your must read list. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Healing Power of a Prayer Shawl Ministry

Take four ladies, some knitting needles, scans of yarn and the result is the prayer shawl ministry that meets weekly at the Community Church. However, the new pastor has an idea of how to increase attendance: send the prayer shawl ministry out into the public foray. What happens during the next several weeks is beyond what anyone could have imagined when the prayer shawl group sets up their knitting at the local mall. Sharon Mondragon’s novel, “The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady,” will capture readers as they learn more about the prayer shawl ministry’s members and its impact on people in the community. When we step out in faith into the unknown, God does the unimaginable! Take a step of faith and read this yarn of a tale. I received this complementary copy from Audra Jennings PR and was not required to post a review. a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Quaint Life

Reading a novel whose setting is known to you makes the story so much more realistic – at least I think it does! Wanda E. Brunstetter’s newest novel, "Walnut Creek Wish", takes the reader to Walnut Creek, Ohio. Meet Rhonda and Jeff who feel a change of scenery may help their rocky marriage. Both have demanding jobs and Jeff likes to collect antiques much to Rhonda’s dislike. Rhonda feels they should be more frugal after purchasing a new house and she is dealing with the emotions of infertility. During one of his antique forays, Jeff meets Orley and Lois Troyer, owners of Memory Keepers. Can moving to Walnut Creek be the answer to Rhonda and Jeff’s strained marriage? Can the chance meeting with Orley and Lois lead to more than friendship? Readers will enjoy this novel for a lighthearted summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

Healthy Cooking

Wanda E. Brunstetter's newest cookbook, "Amish Friends Healthy Options Cookbook," focuses on healthier recipes that many Amish and Plain people have shared using the vegetables, fruit, and herbs from their gardens. There are beautiful pictures of many of the recipes featured in the book along with scriptures that focus on food and health. Also, it was nice to have the recipes tagged as gluen-free, sugar-free, low-carb and so forth in each category. The categories include breads, breakfast, main dishes, desserts, and homemade remedies along with many more. The cookbook is spiral bound thus allowing it to lay flat while preparing a recipe which is a blessing. I am looking forward to preparing several of the recipes I have selected (Triple Chocolate Biscotti, Graham Cracker Crust, and Slow-Cooker Chicken Stir -Fry) as healthier versions to what I usually prepare. I am trying to prepare more healthier meals for my family and myself and this cookbook was the boost I needed. I think others will find it of benefit in picking healthier options for meal preparations. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Historical Crime

Historical crime becomes more real in this fictionalized story, "The Silver Shadow," from the True Colors series. Liz Tolsma takes the reader back to the early 1900's in Denver, Colorado when someone began a rash of attacks on women. Building upon sparse information the author provides a tale centered on Polly Blythe, a young woman determined to make her mark in the world by being a journalist, and Edwin Price, a Denver police officer. Together they try to solve the crime spree by finding who is behind the attacks. Do they find a suspect? Does anyone get convicted of the crimes? In the process, Polly and Edwin begin to see each other differently. This dramatized fiction has a nice a pace to it but at times it felt forced, particular the dialogue. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to others who like historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Haunted

In the early twentieth century, Hedda Krause, a young widow, comes to San Antonio, Texas and checks into the Menger Hotel. She has little to her name except the jewels her husband gave her prior to his death. While staying at the Menger, Hedda learns about the ghost, Sallie, then believes Sallie is haunting her. Her fear becomes real when her jewelry is taken from her room after being visited by the ghost of Sallie. This part of the story is told by Hedda from a book she wrote of her life. Fast forward to the present and Dini Blackstone is besotted with the tale of Hedda Krause. She meets a young man visiting San Antonio who is a descendent of the detective who originally investigated Hedda's robbery. Together they unravel what really happened to Hedda Krause and that particular night that altered her life. "The Lady in Residence," by Allison Pittman, is a must read for fans of mystery, drama, and romance. Once you get into the story, it is hard to put it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book to give my honest opinion from Barbour Publishing.

Leaving a Legacy

As a researcher of my own family history, I was drawn into this story, "Roots of Wood and Stone," created by Amanda Wen. Sloane Kelly was adapted at birth but as an adult has always wondered about who she is, what her birth mother was like. So when she is handed an old satchel in which she discovers a century old diary written by a nine year old girl she is intrigued. Garrett Anderson is the stranger who dropped off the old satchel at the historical museum. He is glad to just be able to cross one more item off his never ending list as he helps his sister clean out the aged family farmhouse in preparation to sell it since his grandmother has dementia. Their lives become intertwined as Sloane searches for more information about the pioneer girl named Annabelle and Garrett offers his assistance in searching the farmhouse for more information. What they discover is a life changing legacy for both of them. For a first time novel this story did not read as such. It had depth and strong characters that I could relate to so much so I was sad to read the last page. It is a modern day romance and a romance from days bygone brought to life. I look forward to reading more from Amanda Wen. I received a complimentary copy to review from Audra Jennings PR. https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/02/win-copy-of-roots-of-wood-and-stone-by.html