Kimberley Woodhouse

From the moment I started reading, I felt a connection to this story. Like Anna, I left a dire situation, having to leave the person I loved due to being in an unsafe environment and not wanting my children to witness nor endure what I had. I could feel her fear so vividly that it took me back to that moment in my life. Very powerful writing in a fairly short moment. What I can’t wrap my head around is running away to unknown territory, constantly looking over your shoulder, and having show more that sense of dread follow you wherever you go, and running all alone. I was lucky to have family that supported me and helped me and my children through such a difficult time, and after reading this harrowing tale, it makes me all the more thankful for their love and support.

Jackie is such a strong heroine, and my admiration grew for her the further I read. When I think about her strength, not only in what she’d lived through but also in the time period in which she lived, it made that feeling grow stronger. It is women pioneers like these that helped fight for the freedoms that we enjoy today, and while this character is fictitious, I know there were women who lived that were like her and possessed this strength and heroism.

There are some very powerful moments that felt so raw and beautifully written that I felt all the emotions. Yes, the love story between Jackie and Elijah was sweet, but the love story between father and daughter was what really shined brightly to me. Redemption always does.

While this really is a wonderful story of redemption and the power of grace, this novel was a bit of a struggle for me to get through. I do feel like the subplot was a bit muddled and wasn’t given as much depth as Jackie and Elijah’s story, but maybe it was more overshadowed. Still, it has such a wonderful message that I couldn’t quit it, and I’m so glad I stuck it out.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

What a great start to a new series! Terrorists sabotaging our electrical grid is a very real fear that Kimberley Woodhouse skillfully tackles in 26 Below. As the temperatures plunge, a seemingly crazy old lady starts making national news by warning about catastrophic events taking place in Alaska when the temperature reaches 26 degrees below zero. Emergency Operations Center director Darcie Phillips and cybersecurity specialist Jason Myers at first dismiss the woman as unwanted publicity. show more But, when Jason’s troubled brother and his ecoterrorist friends pose a viable threat and bodies start to appear, they begin taking the woman’s predictions seriously.

What made this book so chilling, literally, was the setting. Having the story take place in the winter in Alaska really made the risks associated with the energy grid going down frightening. Along with the event occurring at 26 degrees below, there are other terrifying events that cause mass chaos and fear. That the author consulted with cybersecurity experts to deliver a plausible, scary story is definitely evident.

I enjoyed the characters and hint of romance bubbling under the surface. Because of a troubled past, Darcie struggles with faith and trusting others. Jason wants to help her, but she keeps her problems and emotions well hidden. Jason is frustrated by his arrogant, crazy younger brother who follows him to Alaska causing all sorts of problems. He and Darcie experience and have to work through some highly suspenseful, challenging situations which draw them closer together.

The fast-paced setting and reminder at the head of each chapter of the temperature slowly climbing downward add to the the suspense. It’s a faith-filled, intense, romantic read fans of Lynette Easton or Patricia Bradley would enjoy. Looking forward to the next book in the series! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

CW: brief mentions of suicide, mental illness, school shootings. show less

WOW! What a way to begin the Treasures Of The Earth series. It is so much deeper than the history of the Bone Wars, which I found fascinating and the research was impeccable. You will find as you dig deeper the secrets uncovered are much more than bones, but are how a human mind adapts to survive what it endured. There are many surprises contained within the pages that keep you engrossed from the beginning. I loved the sayings that began each chapter such as, “Our lives are books. Each day show more is a page written good or evil.” Earl Douglas. This book contains pages of lives some good and some evil and it becomes a mysterious and intriguing puzzle to figure out. I must say this is my new favorite by this author as it was deeper and made me think to figure it out. The characters are rich and faith and family are paramount to make the story exceptionally interesting. I would definitely recommend adding to the top of your must read pile, but be aware you just might be up all night reading as you won’t be able to lay it aside to sleep. My husband asked me the other day if I would rather sleep or read and I said read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. show less

“For such a time as this…”

“Together we can be a song in the dark. Together we can fight against the evil in this world. Together we can shine the light of truth.”

The horrors of eugenics married with the rising of Germany’s Third Reich set the backdrop for this heartfelt, new WWII historical romance. A Song in the Dark is an absolute masterpiece & one of my new favorites from Kimberley Woodhouse. It’s a story that’ll stay with me long after reading.

Brilliant pianist Chaisley show more Frappeir embarks on a world tour that’ll put her in the crosshairs of a terrible enemy. Forced to perform for the Fuhrer, this blind musical genius stages her own personal triumph over the perfectionist demands of a rising German threat. As she discovers what is being done to children & adults who are deemed unfit, she vows to help rescue them.

Rick Zimmerman‘s a British Secret Intelligence agent whose latest assignment has him posing as a chauffeur for famed pianist Chaisley Frappeir. As he gets to know the brave, talented woman, his admiration grows. But just as he’s hiding secrets, so is she. As they tentatively dance around their separate missions, they begin to see that their goals are one & the same. Risking danger & discovery, they put their lives on the line as they work to thwart the plans of the Germans.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Chaisley’s story was so inspirational & I loved the unique way the author used her blindness to demonstrate that disabilities don’t define a person. I loved the ironic incongruence of the eugenic views of the Germans contrasted with their love for a blind pianist. The friends to more romance between Chaisley & Rick was a slow burn delight. Both have secrets & I enjoyed the tension between keeping their life endangering secrets & learning to trust each other. I also loved Mallory, Chaisley’s assistant. She’s as brave & resilient as Chaisley is.

Chaisley’s fame puts her in so many precarious situations. I was on pins & needles with every suspenseful event. As she & Rick try to save Jewish people who’re in danger, the suspense ratchets up especially when an unexpected German soldier seems to be tracking Chaisley's every move. I loved the secret braille code Chaisley uses to communicate with her grandmother.

This is a must read for WWII romance fans! It’s a unique story paying tribute to those who risked their lives to save the disabled & downtrodden with an inspiring faith thread woven throughout. Highest of recommendations! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily. show less