Monday, May 15, 2023
Coming June 1
Sunday, February 6, 2022
Historical Fiction: Ever Constant (The Treasure of Nome series, book 3) by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse
Book Description:
She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment
may destroy her.
On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and
welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an
upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged
father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the
strong sister, and she can't give that up now.
When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter
Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and
they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long
recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she
keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than
his heart can take.
As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and
Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find
strength.
My Thoughts:
When I chose to read Ever Constant, I didn't realize it was book three
of a series. It didn't matter, as I read, I learned enough about the other two
books to understand this beautifully written story. Whitney is an amazing and strong
woman, who raises sled dogs. She had taken care of her family for years and
tried her best to always be strong. Dr. Peter Cameron is the perfect hero,
flaws, fears and all. The two of them try so hard to make up for past mistakes
while heading into difficult situations. I read the story during a winter
snowstorm here in Ohio. While I can't imagine living in Alaska in the early
1900s, tromping out in the snow with my dog brought a better picture of what
life might have been like for them. Peterson and Woodhouse have created
memorable, strong characters, addressed an addiction, showed family love, and
amazing faith in this wonderful story of perseverance. If you enjoy historical
fiction with heart, you'll like Ever Constant. I received a complimentary copy
of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Monday, August 9, 2021
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Fiction Book Review: Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble
A young lighthouse keeper must navigate the dangerous waters of revolution and one man’s obsession with her to find safe harbor with the sea captain she loves.
I was drawn to the book because I am huge fan of lighthouses. The story of Hannah taking care of the lighthouse by herself was fascinating. She worked so hard to do the right thing and be the person God wanted her to be. But tough situations kept pounding on her door. This made for a constant test of her faith. Colleen's book portrays the realities of the Revolutionary War times. An extremely trying time for so many reasons. The history of the times caused me to make a reality check and realize life now is filled with difficulty, but not the kind poor Hannah had to face. Birch Meredith adds a whole other dimension to the story. I'm pretty sure he'd be swoon worthy in person. This story has several layers that all intertwine perfectly. I learned that this is a book Colleen wrote years ago. How exciting that it's finally published. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Young Adult Fiction: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Book & Movie)
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
- The author promotes kindness
- Auggie's parents love him and his sister unconditionally
- Auggie's parents take the responsibility they are given and make the best situation possible for their family
- The fifth graders are portrayed realistically, quirks and all
- Anyone running a school could take some cues from Mr. Tushman
- The various points of view add depth to the book
- This book/movie has no hidden agenda...just be kind