Historical Fiction Review: The Warrior and Lady Rebel (Warrior Bride book 1) By Teresa Smyser

Book Description:
Lightning and thunder crash around her as Elizabeth runs from her pursuer. She rests for only a moment ... or so she thinks. Castles ... swords ... men of war ... Elizabeth is stunned! How did she arrive in England? Who brought her here? As she struggles to uncover the events that landed her at Fairwick Castle, nothing is as it should be. Danger surrounds her. Forced to put her trust in the arrogant Lord Nicolas Fairwick, Elizabeth prays for God’s intervention.

My Thoughts:
I enjoy reading stories set in the Middle Ages. Elizabeth, even though she has amnesia, pulls herself together to be a spunky, honest woman, determined to do what is right. Lord Nicolas Fairwick is a medieval overseer of the castle who sometimes lets his power get in the way of his intentions. They are two people who need each other. They just have to figure it out. This book is filled with adventure. At times I cringed because of the stories of the characters who caused heartache for the pair, while other times I cheered for the bravery and fearlessness of Lady Elizabeth and the kindness and caring of Lord Fairwick. There are some difficult circumstances in the story, but they make Lord Fairwick fight to be a kindhearted man. I enjoyed the comradery of the three brothers and their sister as well as the relationship between the staff and the royals. If you enjoy medieval historical novels with a bit more bite to them, you'll like The Warrior and the Lady Rebel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: Nothing Short of Wondrous (American Wonders Collection Book #2) by Regina Scott

Book Description:
It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

My Review:
Nothing Short of Wondrous is a delight to read. The Yellowstone Park setting drew me to this story. Regina Scott's writing made me feel like I was hiking through the park and seeing all the amazing geysers and paint pots. I love Kate Tremaine's spunk and determination as she fights to protect her home and the park. Her son, Danny, is a sweet boy ready to defend his beloved buffalo. I adored the lieutenant and his story, as well as the quirky men in his troop. The guests and staff at the hotel are interesting and add humor to the story. As I read I craved a piece of Alberta's pie! If you enjoy historical fiction and nature this is a perfect combination. Regina Scott is such a good author. She presents the history with accuracy and leaves the reader satisfied. I've enjoyed both of the American Wonders books, A Distance too Grand and Nothing Short of Wondrous. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Suspense Review: Two Reasons to Run (The Pelican Harbor Series Book 2) by Colleen Coble

Book Description:
A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol. 

A crisis looms. 

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged. 

A killer targets her son. 

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good. 

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays? 

My Review:
Colleen Coble has written another satisfying page-turner. I love her character, Jane Hardy. The woman has overcome so many obstacles but still moves forward with a heart for justice, even as problems mount up. On top of that, there's something evil going down at the oil platform in the Gulf. As the Police Chief, Jane must put others before herself and go down a rocky road to find the truth. I enjoyed the role her son, Will, and his father, Reid, played, and the thread of faith that runs through this suspense-filled story. If you haven't read Colleen's books, this a great series to start with. If you are a regular Coble fan, you won't be disappointed. Start with book one, One Little Lie. Watch for book three, Three Buried Secrets coming in the fall. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: Carolina Breeze (A Bluebell Inn Romance Book 2) by Denise Hunter

Book Description:A jilted bride. A struggling innkeeper. And a romantic mountain getaway that changes everything.

Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking for a safe place to land in the wake of a public breakup and scandal, and she finds it in the lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina—the location of her canceled honeymoon. She wants nothing more than to hide and wait for the tabloids to die down.

Soon after her arrival at the Bluebell Inn, Mia meets Levi Bennett, who runs the inn along with his two younger sisters. Drawn to one another from the start, Mia trusts Levi to keep her location from the press, and Levi confides in Mia about the financial state of the inn—a secret he’s been keeping from his sisters.

When Mia and Levi discover an old journal that hints at a rare diamond necklace hidden in the inn, they set off on a treasure hunt to find the long-lost heirloom. What they don’t expect to surface are feelings they thought were safely locked away. Mia and Levi must decide if falling in love again is too big a risk—or if it will uncover a treasure of its own instead.

My Review:
Denise Hunter knows how to write romance. Her first book in the Bluebell Inn series satisfied readers with her sweet romance between Molly and Adam. Now Molly's brother finds himself smitten with the romance bug. Mia Emerson has hunkered down at the inn. Along with her, an entourage of excitement and craziness follows. Levi has always been the family member with the calm, cool, no-nonsense demeanor. Now he needs to figure out how all the emotions he experiences fit into his well-laid plan. I especially enjoyed watching Levi grow into himself and re-discover emotions he'd buried. I also liked Mia's determination to be herself in the midst of accusations by tabloids. Hunter created a sweet story that shines light on trust, support, and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: On a Coastal Breeze (Three Sisters Island book 2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:

For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can't wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island--they're all too young, too old, or too weird--Maddie feels like she's finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.

And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.

Time to panic.

My Review:
The Three Sisters Island series continues. In book two, Maddie is finding her footing and setting up her counseling practice. She loves God and her family and wants balance to her days. But, Ricky O'Shea, a boy she had a love/hate relationship with, for years, drops back into her life. Maddie's not perfect, she's made mistakes and those memories, just might take her over the edge. But has Ricky changed? I enjoyed visiting Three Sisters Island again, Suzanne Woods Fisher catches us up on what's going on with the rest of the family and how Camp Kicking Moose has improved. This is a great series, set on an island off the coast of Maine. Maddie's story is one of doubts and pain, forgiveness and fresh starts. Kick your feet up and visit the island for a few days of relaxation. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Reviews: Liar's Winter & Mercy's Rain by Cindy Sproles

Liar's Winter Book Description:

Liar's Winter

Lochiel Ogle was born with a red-wine birthmark--and it put her life in jeopardy from the moment she entered the world. Mountain folks called it "the mark of the devil," and for all the evil that has plagued her nineteen-year existence, Lochiel is ready to believe that is true. And the evil surely took control of the mind of the boy who stole her as an infant, bringing her home for his mother to raise.

Abused and abandoned by the only people she knows as family, Lochiel is rescued by a peddler and given the first glimpse of love she has ever known. The truth of her past is gradually revealed as is the fact that she is still hunted by a brother driven to see her dead. Unsure if there's anyone she can truly trust, Lochiel is faced with a series of choices: Will she continue to run for escape or will she face her past and accept the heartbreaking secrets it reveals? Which will truly free her?

Set in the wild and beautiful Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee, Liar's Winter is an unflinching yet inspirational exploration of prejudice and choice.

Mercy's Rain Book Description:
When your life is built around a father's wrath, how can you trust in the love of Father God?

Mercy Roller knows her name is a lie: there has never been any mercy in her young life. Raised by a twisted and abusive father who called himself the Pastor, she was abandoned by the church community that should have stood together to protect her from his evil. Her mother, consumed by her own fear and hate, won't stand her ground to save Mercy either.

Mercy's Rain

The Pastor has robbed Mercy of innocence and love, a husband and her child. Not a single person seems capable of standing up to the Pastor's unrestrained evil. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands.

Her heart was hardened to love long before she took on the role of judge, jury, and executioner of the Pastor. She just didn't realize the retribution she thought would save her, might turn her into the very thing she hated most.

Sent away by her angry and grieving mother, Mercy's path is unclear until she meets a young preacher headed to counsel a pregnant couple. Sure that her calling is to protect the family, Mercy is drawn into a different life on the other side of the mountain where she slowly discovers true righteousness has nothing evil about it--and that there might be room for her own stained and shattered soul to find shelter. . . and even love.

Mercy's Rain is a remarkable historical novel set in 19th century Appalachia that traces the thorny path from bitterness to forgiveness and reveals the victory and strength that comes from simple faith.

My Review:I love Cindy Sprole's writing about mountain folk. Her description and dialect drew me into the beautiful Appalachian setting and into the heart of the people. The women portrayed in the stories endure difficult circumstances, sometimes hard to digest. But I love how they drew on their deepest emotions and found the courage to move forward. Lochiel and Mercy's stories are difficult, they struggle, but they also endure. Cindy has captured the essence of what life is like in the mountains and how God's love overcomes evil. She writes about the hard stuff, pain and sorrow with the essence of hope. Years ago, I fell in love with literature written about the Appalachian Mountains when I read Christy by Catherine Marshall. I am thrilled to visit the mountains once again in Sprole's books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cindy has a new book coming out in June, 

What Momma Left Behind. 

Nonfiction Book Review: Losing My Voice to Find It: How a Rockstar Discovered His Greatest Purpose by Mark Stuart, Tim Tebow (Foreword), Roger W. Thompson (Contributor)

Book Description:

The incredible story of a lead singer's rise to fame and his crushing fall when he lost his singing voice, his career, and his marriage--and then found a new calling more in tune with God than he ever thought possible. 

Mark Stuart was the front man of popular Christian rock band, Audio Adrenaline, at a time when the Christian music scene exploded. Advancing from garage band to global success, the group sold out stadiums all over the world, won Grammy Awards, and even celebrated an album going certified Gold. But after almost twenty years, Mark's voice began to give out. When doctors diagnosed him with a debilitating disease, the career with the band he'd founded and dedicated his life to building was gone. Then to his shock, his wife ended their marriage, and Mark believed he'd lost everything.

Unsure of his future, Mark traveled to Haiti to help with the band's ministry, the Hands and Feet Project. When the devastating 2010 earthquake hit, media learned he was present and sought him out for interviews. Ironically, Mark became the scratchy voice for the struggling Haitians, drawing the world's attention to their dire circumstances. In the process, Mark found a greater purpose than he'd ever known before. In this gripping, compelling new book, Mark Stuart overlays his story with passages from the gospel of John, urging his readers to listen for God's voice and to embrace his big love that calls us into a big life.

My Review:
Mark Stuart's story is heart-wrenching and beautiful. If you listened to Audio Adrenaline or not, this book is worth the read. Mark is honest and open about the heartaches of his life and the way God worked. I love stories that show the truth and grace of God, and Mark's does. I enjoyed reading about the influence the band's music had on so many. As Mark ends the book and talks about his ministry in Haiti, I am once again reminded that God has purpose for us. This is an excellent book, written from the heart. I chose to review Mark's book because my daughters and I listened to their music, Kentucky Christian College/University is my alma mater and I grew up with band member, Bob Herdman. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Lake Season by Denise Hunter

Book Description:

A lost letter, a new love, and old secrets beckon this summer at the Bluebell Inn.

When their parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents’ dream: turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina home back into an inn. The situation would just be temporary—three years at the most—then they would sell the inn and Molly could get back to chasing her own dreams.

Adam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathanial Grey) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer’s block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There he immediately meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter ego.

Molly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn she embarks on a mission with Adam to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets of his own. Past and present collide as truths are revealed, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.

My Review:
Lake Season is such a wonderful story. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the siblings as they attempt to fulfill their parents' dream of opening the inn. When their first customer stops in to book a room the scene is so funny. Molly's vulnerability is revealed and Adam's sweet side shines. I love how Molly fancies herself in love with a famous author and the joy she finds in reading his novels. But when Molly finds the old letter in the wall the story really takes off. As they work to solve an old mystery, a beautiful story unfolds. Denise Hunter has written another lovely story filled with delightful characters. If you are looking for a great read, check out Lake Season. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Book Description:

Colman Harpe works for the C&O in the Appalachian rail town of Thurmond, West Virginia, but he'd rather be a preacher and lead his own congregation. When a member of the rival McLean clan guns down his cousin and the clan matriarch, Serepta McLean, taunts the Harpes by coming to a tent revival in their territory, Colman chooses peace over seeking revenge with the rest of his family.

Colman, known for an unnaturally keen sense of hearing, is shocked when he hears God tell him to preach to the McLeans. A failed attempt to run away leaves Colman sick and suffering in the last place he wanted to be--McLean territory. Nursed by herbalist Ivy Gordon--a woman whose birthmark has made her an outcast--he's hindered in his calling by Serepta's iron grip on the region and his uncle's desire to break that grip. But appearances can be deceiving, and he soon learns that the face of evil doesn't look like he expected.

My Review:
I requested to review When Silence Sings because I enjoy historical fiction set in the Appalachian Mountains. I'm so glad I did. Sarah Loudin Thomas has written a stunning story that encompasses so much of what life looks like when we listen to God. In the time of feuding families, Colman Harpe hears God's call. He wants to run away. As a matter of fact he tries. But after wrestling with angels, a beautiful story unfolds. I loved the journey of Coleman's character. Then there is Ivy. She's just lovely. A sweet woman with a huge heart. I can't forget Serepta. What an interesting character. She brings a dose of apprehension to the story. But in the midst of all the feuding, fear, and family there is faith. Sprinkled with mountain folktales and anecdotes, When Silence Sings is an excellent novel. Cozy up by the fire and soak in this hopeful tale. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty Beller

Book Description:

Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, she's hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.

Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.  

My Review:
This story will sweep you into the mountains where a strong woman is determined to complete the task she and her father set out to do. Ingrid may be small in stature, but she's larger than life when it comes to compassion. I liked the evolution of Micah's character as he realizes nothing will stop Ingrid. He's the perfect hero for this story. The book moves along at a clip, as unfathomable circumstances surround the characters. Folks in that time period survived things we can't even ponder as Misty Beller gives readers a glimpse into the days of the smallpox epidemic. If you enjoy historical fiction that challenges the characters, you'll love Hope's Highest Mountain. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Board Book Review: Snuggle Time Fall Blessings by Glenys Nellist , Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

Book Description:

Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy all the best parts of autumn together—pumpkin picking, colored leaves, hayrides, and more—with this adorable padded-cover board book. Get ready for repeated readings and lots of hugs!

Carving pumpkins. Fresh baked apple pie. Leaf piles. Jack-o'-lanterns. Featuring Glenys Nellist’s whimsical read-aloud rhymes and Cee Biscoe’s cuddly illustrations, the Snuggle Time Fall Blessings board book will become part of your new autumn reading tradition.

My Review:
I love everything Glenys Nellist writes for children. Her sweet poems are paired well with the adorable, whimsical illustrations of Cee Biscoe. Fall is the perfect time to tuck into the house and snuggle with a child or grandchild and this delightful little book. I know my five-year-old granddaughter will enjoy the poems and pictures with me. This is also a perfect way to share the change of seasons with little ones. Grab some hot chocolate and cuddle up and read Snuggle Time Fall Blessings with your favorite child. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble

Description:

Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own. 

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name? 

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future. 

My Review:
Colleen Coble delivers another take-your-breath-away romantic suspense. With so many people checking into their heritage through DNA, Colleen has taken it a step further. What happens when the DNA reveals terrible secrets? Strands of Truth is a fast paced story that kept me reading past my bedtime. One of the things I enjoyed, aside from the mystery, was learning about byssus, silk thread made from a clam's filament. I'd never heard of it. But it played into the story in an interesting way. If you love suspense mixed with romance, you'll enjoy reading Strands of Truth. With the Floridian ocean setting, it's the perfect book to read at the end of the summer season. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: You Belong with Me (Restoring Heritage) by Tari Faris

Book Description:

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.

My Review:
Tari Feris's debut is a winner. I enjoyed reading this sweet story filled with honesty and doubt. Tari created flawed characters who live in a town that's losing hope. I love the quirkiness of the town folk, especially Hannah. She's a mess, but she has a big heart. And Luke is that guy you'd fall for...just because. I look forward to more from Feris, especially in the Restoring Heritage series. If you love small town stories, you'll love You Belong with Me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different by Linsey Davis, illustrated by Lucy Fleming

Book Description:

Linsey Davis, Emmy-winning correspondent for ABC News and author of The World Is Awake, brings us One Big Heart, A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different, a beautiful picture book that celebrates diversity as well as the things we all have in common.

From skin, hair, and eyes in a multitude of colors to different personalities and interests, God gave us all special traits and characteristics that make us uniquely ourselves. And we all have things in common too: like sharing fun and laughter on the playground, a sense of curiosity, big feelings, and so many other things that show how we are all more alike than we are different.

My Review:
The whimsical illustrations along with the beautiful rhyme create an easy to read aloud story that celebrates all children. Linsey Davis uses her words to teach children that they may be different, but God created them to be alike with a big heart to love each other. I love the colorful illustrations and the well-chosen words that encourage children to see the best in each other. This is a perfect read for preschool and Kindergarten. Or share this sweet story at home. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suspense Fiction Review: Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Book Description:
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Review:
Deadly Intentions is a tangle of good intention and deadly risk. Well written with great tension, I second guessed myself as I read and tried to decide who was good and who was evil. I like the character Caitlyn, she's brave even when she shouldn't be, and Josh is the perfect partner in this fast-paced, nail-biter. The romantic element in the story is perfectly paced. If you enjoy great suspense, you'll find it in Lisa Harris's books. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Review: Thimbles and Threads: 4 Love Stories Are Quilted into Broken Lives by Mary Davis, Grace Hitchcock, Suzanne Norquist, Liz Tolsma

Book Description:

Enjoy four historical romances that celebrate the arts of sewing and quilting. When four women put needle and thread to fabric, will their talents lead to love?

Bygones by Mary Davis Texas, 1884
Can Tilly figure out how to truly forgive the one who made her childhood unbearable? 

The Bridal Shop by Grace Hitchcock
Charleston, South Carolina, June 1886
Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time.  Will the handsome groomsman be able to convince her to open her heart again and finish the quilt once intended for her father?

Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist
Rockledge, Colorado, 1884
Sarah doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?

Binding Up Wounds by Liz Tolsma
Regent, Wisconsin, 1865
Melissa Bainbridge is a quirky designer of rag dolls who raises raccoons and never really fit into the small farming town. When Lance Witherspoon arrives in town to thank her for the Sanitary Commission quilt she made that saved his life, she is shocked to learn Lance is a Confederate. Can she and Lance confront the town’s prejudices – along with their own?

My Review:
I enjoyed these gentle stories set in the late 1800s. I'm fascinated with the art of sewing, and love that the women in the stories own businesses. Each author writes a beautiful story, giving the heroin strong faith and determination. The novellas are threaded together by stitches, yet each one is unique. I especially enjoyed Binding Up Wounds. Liz Tolsma did a beautiful job writing about the prejudice that remained after the Civil War and the hurt caused by people who judge. If you enjoy historical fiction, pick up a copy of Thimbles and Threads. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Book Review: The One & Only Wolfgang: From Pet Rescue to One Big Happy Family by Steve Greig & Mary Rand Hess; Illustrated by Nadja Sarell

Book Description:

What makes a family? Is it sharing favorite foods, cuddling up for snuggle time, loving each other no matter what you look like in the morning?

For Steve Greig’s oddly wonderful, real-life family of senior dogs, chickens, rabbits, and a pig named Bikini, family is all those things and then some! And this lovable bunch is now starring in their very first children’s book that showcases the importance of family.

Meet the Wolfgang, a loveable bunch of animals belonging to Steve and each other. Greig looked for the most “unadoptable” animals and gave them a home … his home! Strange and unique, The One and Only Wolfgang will remind readers that no matter how old or how odd, everyone has a place where they belong.

My Review:
The One & Only Wolfgang is a delightful story based on a real-life family. I checked out Steve Greig's Instagram and looked through the fun pictures of his menagerie. His book encourages kids and adults to consider how much each person or in this case pet brings to the family. I like the colorful illustrations mixed with the photos of all the animals. Steve's animals are also seniors. I find this a wonderful way to show kids that seniors, whether animals or people, should be valued and respected. This would be a great gift for anyone who loves animals. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson

Book Description:

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

My Review:
I've read most of Liz Johnson's books, this one is my favorite. The character Anne is plucky and real, a pixie of a girl. She's paving her way after a terrible experience in her past. Carter is a sweetheart. Imagine cute guy, a bit of a nerd with black glasses. He's not your typical hero. The setting is gorgeous and the history of the lost ship is fascinating. In the story, Anne and Carter share a diary from a young woman who risked everything for her brother. I found the diary excerpts as wonderful as Anne's story. If you want to sink yourself into an enjoyable story filled with mystery and adventure, pick up A Glitter of Gold. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Description:
When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?

My Review:
I enjoyed delving into and learning more about the Shaker community in The Refuge. Ann H. Gabhart's research into the lifestyle and beliefs of the Shakers is beautifully woven into the plot. Darcy and Flynn's stories are entertaining, and I love the stories of the children. Ann added some twists I wasn't expecting, which always makes for a good read. This is well crafted historical fiction; written with great detail and based in the reality of the times. If you enjoy well-written historical fiction, you'll love The Refuge. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Picture Book Review: A Kite for Moon by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Book Description:

Dedicated to astronaut Neil Armstrong, A Kite for Moon is the perfect children’s book to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United States moon landing.

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

The story begins when a little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut. Until … he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail!

A Kite for Moon, written by New York Times bestselling author of How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? Jane Yolen and her daughter, Heidi Stemple, is a heartfelt story about a young boy’s fascination and unlikely friendship with the moon.

My Review:

A Kite for Moon is the perfect conversation starter about space exploration, the moon, or a summer night of star gazing. Share this poetic tribute with an elementary school class or your own children. This sweet story will inspire children to dream about what they'd like to do when they grow up. Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, the story follows a little boy and his desire to help the moon find happiness. I like that the point of view comes from the moon's perspective. At the age of 12, I remember watching Armstrong's moon landing; as will many grandparents who will want to read this to their grandchildren. This gorgeous book, filled with beautiful illustrations, is a perfect salute to Armstrong and all the boys and girls who dream of bigger things. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.