I enjoy historical fiction, and the idea of a story told entirely in letters was intriguing. From the outset, I expected a story with some dramatic tension. The prologue inserts the reader into a story already in progress, before going back to add in the historical details through letters over time. The use of letters provided a more familiar way to learn about the characters, their struggles, and their feelings. However, the the lack of consistent correspondence between characters sometimes left gaps in the narrative or relationship. At times, letters referenced other letters that had been exchanged, but that were not included in the story. The passage of time was also inconsistent throughout the story; some years had numerous letters, while others had only one or two. Without carefully checking the dates, it was sometimes hard to know how much time had passed or what to expect in the characters lives. The story itself, however, does an excellent job of exploring different perspectives, cultures, and experiences. The emotion of the characters shines in each letter. While each has their own challenges, the overarching themes of family, sisterhood, and triumph over adversity carry through the story. It was fascinating to see the historical details that framed the story and provided more context. Overall, an enjoyable read.

I have always enjoyed historical stories as well as historical fiction. I must also say that I knew just the surface facts regarding the American Revolution going into this story. To be honest, I must say that books where you switch between character perspectives have never been a favorite style of mine. Because of this, I have to give high marks to Mr. Coyle in his storytelling and writing abilities. His story is so full of details and development that he has somehow managed to give voice to several different storylines at once while still keeping the reader's attention. From chapter to chapter, from revolutionaries to the King's army, you were able to put yourself into the story and see and feel how each side experienced the war. This story is a testimony to the struggles of a young nation coming into being and just how much sacrifice, determination, and grit it took to start our country. Mr. Coyle is an excellent storyteller and this story is a great read.

This book is an enlightening look into one person's grief and journey back to a new normal after the loss of a child. While I cannot imagine the death of a child, I have had experience with loss. The story is a good exploration into the still unanswered questions of who really saves whom when you rescue a dog, but there is definitely no doubt that the benefits/rewards are on both sides. The author explores how we never really forget those who have died, whether person or pet, but how through a slow and painful process we can come out the other side back to a different normal. If we are lucky, we gain some new insights and a lot of good memories. The story gives hope that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, eventually if you are lucky you will find the light and good in the world again.

While I was initially surprised to get a novella (clearly I didn't preview the title in as much detail as I thought), the story is a very interesting read as it is written from Buster's point of view. Throughout, it felt like the author was in tune with his doggy persona, and either is or perhaps was a pet owner himself. Buster's experiences feel authentic to how a dog might feel given the different circumstances of the story. The author also adds excellent color to the story of the neighborhoods, with different smells and sounds that take you deeper into the story. Throughout, you feel as if you are experiencing and feeling what Buster did. While I know nothing of life in D.C., the story felt believable knowing how the different neighborhoods in my city feel. It is also authentic to my own experiences that while a dog may love the whole family, it does choose a person that it belongs to. All together, a good read for any animal person.

I will admit I have never read anything by Jennifer Deibel, and after reading her other titles listed in the book, I'm guessing her preferred setting is Ireland. Having said that, I found story intriguing and the thought that if not the practice of matchmaking itself, at least the festival still continues today. That is some great historical significance as well as a great historical fiction background! However, I found reading the book to be somewhat of a chore. I enjoy many different genre-based authors but have never found them to be so hard to follow or understand the basic language concepts. While to someone who is Irish or familiar with Ireland the terms might make sense or be slightly familiar, for me they were not. It took away from the story to continually refer back to the terms listed in the front of the book. It broke the rhythm and flow of the story to stop and flip back and forth to understand the conversations. A few terms appeared often enough that I became familiar with them, but most were so unfamiliar that i had to keep double checking the meaning. The characters were believable and the story was as well. Always needing to make sure there was undivided time without interruptions to read made the book seem somewhat of a slog. I would hope that, given what I felt was a well written story, if I were to devote some time to reading her other novels and becoming familiar with the terms I would enjoy them as well. As it stands, I just cannot say it is a book I show more would pick up to read on the go or in a need a book now situation. show less

I have thought about the community of Pinecraft much this fall as the hurricane was making a beeline for the Sarasota area and news coverage spoke of Pinecraft by name. I know the citizens with whom I have invested my time are fictional, but I also know that for some the storm had very real consequences. This installment is a fitting end to the series. The three "future challenged" young ladies and one special innkeeper have found a way to embrace not only change, but the uncertainty of it. I found Lilly's character to be very realistic, and it was easy as the reader to put myself in her place. It is a hard lesson to learn that sometimes we are our own worst critics and enemies. The story illustrates the gift you can receive from another in how they see you. The story deftly explores the idea of adoption, and the valuable perspective of seeing the courage of the birth parents and the blessing given in giving a child a new opportunity. The author shows the courage on both sides to embrace honesty and find answers to prayer.

This story is another great installment from Stoney Ridge. The book offers an interesting read about the effects on and on a family in dealing with mental illness. The stigma of having someone "different" is hard no matter your faith or background, which is clearly conveyed in this story. The character shine in how human they are written, capturing the idea that if we just pretend or ignore the elephants in the room, everything will be okay, when in reality the problems just get bigger. From Shelley's personality disorder to the bishop's mother to Trudy and Micah, nothing gets better or is resolved until it is brought into the open and faced head on. It is always thought provoking to visit Stoney Ridge, and Fisher weaves a believable story that readers can relate to and embrace. The story beautifully shows that no matter the hat, faith, or color we wear, as humans we all face the same struggles that bind us all together in the journey down life's highway.

This book is the first installment in another fast-paced series by Hannon. Her stories draw the reader in from the first paragraph, and keep you thinking, guessing, and second guessing your answer for the entire story. Hannon's attention to details only adds depth and layers to both story and character development. A story about fire seemed especially fitting with current events, as many have been experiencing out of control fires and their effects. The real life struggle with forgiveness that Hannon illustrates in the story is something that everyone has or does experience at some point in their lives. Giving grace to others as well as yourself is a hard task for us to achieve, and Hannon's story beautifully explores those themes. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.

I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction, and understand that fiction is the key word in the genre. However, I do think it is important to distinguish between those works drawn on historical events and those merely set in historical time periods. While this story was engaging and interesting, it was just that - a story. The publicity for the work advertised it as a story of Bonnie and Clyde. In truth, while Bonnie and Clyde may have inspired this story, there is no historical bearing to the tale. Comparing these characters to Bonnie and Clyde feels akin to rewriting history. The story adeptly explores the fine line between sinner and saint, emphasizing the chance at redemption until your last breath. In and of itself, the story was interesting and well written. I did, however, take umbrage with the idea of changing the story of Bonnie and Clyde. History cannot be made to be more or less than it is. While the author does make that stipulation in the author note, the distinction should have been much more apparent from the writing through to the publicity.

This story is another cute installment from the community of Pinecraft. I really enjoyed the concept of a life list instead of a bucket list, putting into action every day your dream of doing things, if only one small step at a time. It was fun to have characters who were less than perfect in untraditional but still relatable ways. There was also the variety of ages in our characters and how they interacted with each other, which was representative of our daily lives and how we encounter people of all ages, abilities, faiths, and journeys. The message of love resonated, with each character learning that love is not only the butterflies of attraction but also the day to day of being there in good and bad times. The beautiful theme of loving people where they are (even if it isn't where you would like them or need them to be) was woven throughout the book. I look forward to Lilly's adventure in Pinecraft!

This title is another great installment from fan-favorite Hope Harbor. It features all the usual characters, as well as some new, inspiring characters who offer unique trials and tribulations, rather than the usual. I found the story to be very compellingly told. It definitely makes you think about how your unconscious reactions and behaviors can have consequences. The three main characters all deal not only with the outward appearances of trauma, but inward ones as well. I loved the correlation between the main character being an landscaper and offering a nurturing environment for plants that could be shared with people, too. The story includes a strong message in how looking beyond the outward can help us reap a bounty beyond what we might have imagined. The characters show how given the opportunity to do a good deed, most folks will exceed our expectations. The characters have to drown out the voices we all have telling us how terrible life is, and learn to let the actions and words of other surprise them in the best gift of all. The story inspires us to do better in our own day to day interactions. I cannot wait to see where the citizens of Hope Harbor go in the next installment.

Another cute if predictable story by Mary Connealy. I enjoyed the new book about the Wyoming frontier, though it was a little too similar to some of her other works. It felt like within the first few chapters you knew not only the outcome of this book, but who the probable characters of the remaining books in the series will be. The only small mystery to the story is the "who" behind the Deadeye Gang. While this could prove not to be, where the clues are currently leading, it isn't enough to make the story stand out from some of her other works. The setting is new and so the descriptions of Wyoming lend some differences to the book. Overall, though, it does read a lot like her other stories - the Lumber Baron's Daughters books come readily to mind.

This story is a very good read and it holds that truth can be stranger than fiction. I enjoyed how the author took the real facts and wove them into a great story without disparaging or misrepresenting the original people where she did not have access to historical or factual accounts. I had heard and read of the Harvey Girls in other historical works, but I enjoyed the more detailed picture I got from this book. I also enjoyed her detailed descriptions of the Grand Canyon as well as what life was like living on the "edge." I did find some parts a little too intense with all the Bible quotations, which might discourage a newer reader of Christian fiction by being overly preachy. I enjoyed the strong and somewhat nontraditional character of Ruth, who had to be very strong, brave, and intelligent to do the things she did. It shows that no matter how many times we think we have learned a lesson, people continue to make the same mistakes, hence our need for a very forgiving God.

I found this to be a very cute story with a slightly different take on the boy meets girl, falls in love, and gets married romance. The story was well played on how everyone has certain things about themselves that they see as flaws, and how we often think others see them that way and are judging them. In truth, some of the very things we think of as negatives others can view as positives. The story handles issues of bullying with thoughtful and inspired reactions from the characters. It brings how how words not only have value, but weight. The story deftly handles how someone's most embarrassing moment can haunt them well after the event has faded from memory of most everyone. It also reminds the reader that our best laid plans are just that, belonging to us alone. When we make choices and decisions for others, we are in fact taking away their power to choose and be the person they are meant to be.

This story is a great end to the Sky King Ranch series. The story brings how we all do stupid things, say things that hurt others, and make stupid mistakes, because we are all human and flawed. Warren's story illustrates how the power of a repentant heart, a true desire to do better, and a sincere apology can and do move mountains. Warren weaves a great story where from chapter one you are rooting for and believing in in the good that can come from the trials her characters face. As a reader, you hope that if you apply the same principles to your own life, you too will have the happily ever after the characters receive. Her books are always page turning and hard to put down, and keep you guessing as to exactly who and how the bad guys will be triumphed in the end.

It was such fun to be back in Stoney Ridge with the cast of characters we have come to love. This story was a different take on the usual romance and perils of maintaining a relationship. The concept of how an adult handles ADHD was informative and insightful. I found the descriptions of how the mind "feels" when you have this condition very enlightening. I think we can all relate to some extent to how it feels to have your mind whirling and going in a million different directions, but most of us are fortunate enough to not have this be our way of life constantly. Having known and worked with children with ADHD, it helped create a whole picture of how the struggles of dealing with this condition doesn't go away just because they are promoted to the next grade, school, or activity. It reinforced that those coping skills we can and should teach them are lifelong tools. The story also teaches that where God might give someone difficulties, He may also bless them with gifts in other areas. We all have gifts and faults that make us unique. We also must learnt to adapt to our own special gifts and embrace those of others as well. The book contains useful information on ways you might apply the tools Dok was using with Lydie to help her.

I am sorry to say that I did not find this storyline particularly engaging or believable. Overall, I thought the story was too preachy, and not one of Peterson's better novels. It was also not as good of a read as the first story in the series. I cannot believe that anyone would be so totally clueless or self-centered as the daughter is portrayed in this work. While I believe in the storyline of second chances and redemption, I found the story itself hard to swallow. As a whole, this book is not up to Peterson's usual page turning characters and imagery. The believability of the hardships and drama of the firs book were just not present in the second installment in the series. The overdone metaphors and biblical references kept the story from developing effectively.

This story is another good installment in the Natchez Trace series. The thing I enjoy most about Bradley's stories is they pretty much drag you in from the start. Her use of short chapters makes each story a "can't put down" read. By developing the characters and plot quickly, you are invested in the book without realizing it. It also makes each story a great take along read, because if you only have a minute or two you can complete a portion of the story and not feel like you have been shortchanged because life got in the way of reading. This story did feel a little preachy and overbearing in the Christian message. If someone who doesn't normally read Christian fiction picked it up, they might be turned off by the heaviness of that aspect of the story. While the story is enjoyable, the plot is a little over the top in that in a small town community setting as portrayed seems unlikely to have escaped suspicion so long. It was also extremely convenient to have an ending in which justice was not really played out for the victims.

This title is another nail-biting installment from Warren. I enjoy her suspenseful writing style very much - it always keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering who or what is around the next corner. Warren keeps readers on their toes trying to guess where the story might go. This story was very engaging, as I didn't know much about Nigeria. I enjoy all the colors and details Warren weaves into her story. Readers get a little bit of history and knowledge about the locations as well as a great story. This installment features two very strong-willed main characters working through conflict and compromises to find happily ever after. Warren makes the sparks fly between her characters without the story being a typical boy meets girl, fall in love, and get married scenario. The story also includes a tiny teaser into what comes next for the remaining brother from Alaska. I look forward to reading the next installment as well.

I found this book incredibly hard to put down and an unusual plot twist. I found the characters to be very relatable, and the story to be very believable for its timeframe. Life was hard in the 1920s and not as forgiving as today's standards. Folks had to work long and hard, and very rarely traveled further than a short distance from home. Folks did tend to think in very black and white terms and were not very adaptable to anyone who did not hold the same beliefs and values. I have not experienced TB, but have experienced the fear of folks thinking someone had it, and how they kept a great distance from and around because of the fear of transmission. I also think this time period was especially hard because of the great divide between the haves and the have notes and how hard it was to make progress. I can only image the hardship of trying to hold a family together as well with a spouse who was always looking for the easy route to make a buck and truly happy in their heart. I could relate to growing up without a parent as well, because I walked the same road. The questions Lincoln battled resonated with my own experience, even with knowing the little I did that it was a medical issue that caused the loss. I think we all have at least one item in our past that we wonder "what if" about and the author captures that universal experience. I admire Rose's strength of character to always try to do the right and best thing, not always the easy thing, and her determination to show more keep her family together no matter what. show less

Another great addition to the Hope Harbor series. Much like Hannon's other titles, this one comes with a "clear my calendar so I can read" appeal. The reader starts out by just waiting to "see" Charlie and sea gulls, and "hear" what life changing events are about to happen. Nearly everyone can relate to the loss and regret is this tory. Whether you have lost a spouse, child, or parent, most everyone has gone through this and been affected by it. No one has lived a life either without some form or regret for things done or undone, so the two main story lines are very relatable and authentic. From the start, the reader roots for the characters, willing them to be victorious in their quests for reconciliation and happiness. Hannon writes a beautiful story and gives her readers thoughtful insights without overkilling the message.

This story is a great take on the prodigal son returning home. It addresses the universal fear of not measuring up to a certain standard, regardless of whether what we are thinking is true or accurate. I once read that no matter how old we get, within five minutes of returning home we once again become our parents' children. That truth makes Dodge's story relatable to most readers. Anyone who is a parent can relate to the frustration of not being able to make your child understand unconditional, whole-hearted love. Warren's writing style allows the reader to immediately become immersed in the story, and find yourself in a character or experience. Even as the first title in a series, you start right in feeling you know the characters. I have had the privilege of seeing Alaska, and Warren's descriptions immediately bring back all of the beauty I saw and experienced. I look forward to the next visit to Sky King Ranch.

This story is another good installment in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. The story takes off from the first chapter and is fast-paced and intriguing until the very end. Bradley has a certain writing style that draws you into the story quickly and makes you want to find another 5 minutes to read. She leaves just enough bread crumbs for the reader to get to the climax of the story without revealing the "whodunit" fully. The story is a slow burn of all the clues coming together from bits and pieces you have read until the end. A satisfying conclusion where the bad guy gets caught and the romantic interests live happily ever after. Strong biblical references are woven throughout the story without being overdone. The only drawback to this particular book was that, even though some errors are anticipated in an advanced reader copy, there were a few major ones that had you going back into the story to double check what you read.

Another good installment by Hannon, full of twists, turns, and rabbit holes that keep you turning pages thinking you have it all figured out. She weaves clues into her story to encourage the reader to deduct who the "bad guy" is. Hannon also has the ability to weave her message of faith into her novels, encouraging the reader to dig deeper and believe without coming off as overly preaching. She also drafts her characters such that there is at least one quality the reader can relate to - a situation, relationship, or hardship the reader can identify with or has experienced in their own life. Her close familial ties between characters is something I think everyone wishes were true with their own family members. Hannon leaves the reader eagerly awaiting the next installment (i.e. sibling's hardship) to see how they will handle it.

Historical fiction is a favorite of mine - add into it a real person and I'm extra excited! I found this to be not only an interesting but extremely timely story with all the current cultural issues we are facing. It was interesting how Natalie took her own personal traumas and turned them into good for others. The very fact that she brooked convention and went off and did things a "good woman" would not have normally done in her lifetime speak volumes for her character and determination. We are still struggling mightily with these issues today. I cannot imagine the prejudices and hate she must have faced trying to preserve a culture from the status quo. The fact the she herself found healing through doing so is a double bonus. She was truly ahead of her time in her thinking. I have visited the area a little and have seen and felt the past that Kirkpatrick so richly describes in her book.

I enjoy this author's writing style - straight and to the point. There is just enough character development to get you hooked in the story, but not so much that you wonder if you'll ever reach the point. The two main characters' battle/struggle with loss was very well written and relatable by anyone who has experienced a loss themselves. At the same time, it was engageable so that if it was not something you had experienced, you were not lost in translation and totally turned off. It reminded me of the idea that loss is like the AA 12-step program: You have to go through all 12 steps to get to the other side, but you don't always do them in order, there's no set time to accomplish them, and there's no guarantee that you won' find yourself repeating a step until healing begins. While our characters haven't achieved that healing yet, they are working toward that goal together and you are left with the hope that someday there will be a happily ever after for them even if you don't know the what or the how.

This book is a great conclusion to the trilogy. I can definitely relate to Blain and being the youngest of three sisters. It is definitely a challenge to always be thought of as the "baby" and in need of guidance, even after you have reached adulthood. I loved the author's theme of "God's time, not our time" woven throughout the story. It's such a very HARD thing for us to accept, and the author captures it beautifully. The story also brought to mind the reference of "Be still and know that I am God." Reconciliation is also something that comes about only with a lot of work and struggle from all involved. The multi-generational storyline also allows for the reader to put herself in others' places and see what she hasn't before. I loved the idea that maybe your parent (or you as a parent) are the sum of many different parts and sometimes you can only do the best you can with the ingredients you are working with. The author does an excellent job capturing the idea that we are all God's creation in progress, never complete, and always needing work to be better and more like God's own image.

This book is another fun installment about the town of Hope Harbor - a place that we all enjoy going to and believing exists. Hope Harbor is exactly the place we need after the past year of nothing but depressing headlines and current events. This book in particular arrived with perfect timing, as we were hit with a severe winter storm that not only kept us inside but in need of some hope!

Hannon's characters are like old friends. It just takes a few paragraphs to be back with your "old friends" and rooting for love and happily ever after. This storyline was a different perspective on life in the fast lane and how it takes a whole lot of determination and courage to step away from or change your life course, especially when those closest to you keep telling you that you are doing the wrong thing and will come to regret it. This story reinforces to all of us that it isn't just the young who have a difficult time with faith; it can be a challenge even for those who are older and more settled. It takes a lot of courage and faith to let something go and hope it comes back to you in your own life. Faith is and always will be a hard thing to define and put into a context our human nature can get comfortable with, but this story is a beautiful look at what that journey can look like.

Mother Nature helped with the background effects of this suspense novel by my having high winds and rain on the evening I took up reading the latest installment of the Natchez Trace series. It made for a great background for the creepy feelings our heroine was having in the opening scenes of the book. It was another great page-turning read, with the focus being on forgiveness and how much easier the words are than putting them in practice. Ms. Bradley writes a great story that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat leading to the "whodunit" without giving it away, but also leading you to look deeper into your own strengths and weaknesses without being overdone. I liked her analogy of "faking it till you make it" in regards to making forgiveness happen. Several characters had issues with giving forgiveness. I think this is something we all struggle with and can relate to.

Overall, I found this book to be a very interesting read. It was a little slow going at time because of the voice in which the characters spoke. While I feel it was true to the time period, it was very foreign to my brain. There were a few times when I stopped and consulted the dictionary for the exact definition of something for my own clarification. I can honestly say I have only read a few books on the colonial timeframe and my knowledge is probably severely lacking as to Pocahontas herself and her history. I even went so far as a to do a little online research to see if any of the plot lines showed up in historical data. I understand that this is a work of fiction taking up after her death, but would have found it exceedingly helpful to know exactly how much of the story was the author's and how much she drew from history itself. She acknowledged it to be a "happily ever after" of her widower husband, and used actual words/lines attributed to him and what he wrote about their relationship. The timeline was accurate to what did occur in regards to his meeting his second wife and such.