Home at Last Book Review

A Chicory Inn Novel

Book Five

SUMMARY:  When the world just sees mistakes, God sees beautiful opportunities for love and grace.

     Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to.  Now he's stuck in a dead-end job, and as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing.  The pressure from his sister's efforts to play matchmaker is heavy as he helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.
      All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds.  Her mother's white family rejected her African American father without even knowing him.  Her father's family also disapproved, but they eventually embraced Shayla as their own.  After her mother's death and her brother Jerry's incarceration, life has left Shayla's father bitter; her niece, Portia, an orphan; and Shayla responsible for them all.
     Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup.  Soon he is falling hard for the little girl's aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee's On, the bakery in Langhorne.  Can Shayla and Link overcome society's view of their differences and find true love?  Is there hope of changing the ugly perspective of the world around them into something better for them all?

REVIEW:  This is the fifth and final book of the Chicory Inn series.  Since I had not read any of the others, I was worried I would get lost.  The author does a fantastic job keeping the focus on the two principal players, Shayla and Link, with the characters of the other books taking minor roles.
     With that said, this book was very enjoyable.  It makes you think about how you view others who may be different from you outwardly, whether socioeconomic, job status, housing, or marital status, but who are just like you on the inside, where it counts.  Once you get past their outer facade, you begin to see people made in God's image.  Shayla struggles with how people see her.  She has a difficult time understanding why Link would be interested in dating her.  Link only sees her beautiful soul, not the color of her skin.  He has a hard time understanding the extent of the problems Shayla experiences as a woman of mixed race.  I like how the author shows the reader both character's viewpoints and experiences and helps him or her understand it a little better.
     The story line moves at a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.  My favorite part isn't the ending but happens at almost the end.  Can't tell you what it is; you'll just have to read it for yourself. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press

for review without any compensation.

Deborah Raney's books have won numerous awards including the RITA, National Readers' Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists.  She and her husband, Ken recently traded small-town life in Kansas - the setting of many of Deb's novels - for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita.  Visit Deb on the web at DeborahRaney.com.

Home to Paradise Book Review

The Coming Home Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  When dream collide, will true love be enough?

     Rose Anna Zook has watched her two older sisters marry two Stoltzfus men and has always thought she and John, the third Stoltzfus brother, would marry, make a home together, and have children.  But John has other ideas.  He's enjoying his Rumschpringe in the Englisch world a little too much and isn't interested in returning to the Amish community - especially to marry.

     In this highly anticipated final book of the Coming Home series, Rose Anna is determined to bring her man back into the Amish fold.  John is equally determined to live his life free and unencumbered.  Who will win this battle of wills?  Will love prevail?

 

REVIEW:  How can two people so intent on staying in their own separate world break down the walls to, hopefully, find common ground?   John is determined to never go back to the Amish life style, even though it is harder than he thought and not as much fun.  Rose Anna is determined to never leave the Amish community and to do what she can to bring John back.  

    I like how Rose Anna realizes she is being manipulative and decided to let John come back on his own, if he ever does, even if it is without her help.  She does what she can to show him Christ's love but is there for him if and when he needs it.  Rose Anna's work with the abused women's shelter is very admirable.  She uses something she is good at (making quilts) to help those at the shelter gain confidence in themselves and their own abilities.  

     John is having a difficult time making ends meet so he works three jobs or more just to stay afloat.  I like how he finally finds a job he loves when he let's God work in his life.  Neil helps John repair a very difficult relationship, and in the end, helps John find where he truly belongs.

     My favorite part is how everything works out in the end.  God can bring happiness through sorry.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press 

for review without any compensation.

 

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish.  She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.  Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from RWA's Faith, Hope and Love chapter.   Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

Through the Shadows Book Review

The Golden Gate Chronicles

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Brokenness.  Rubble.  Healing.  Rebuilding.  God grows life out of ashes; how will He redeem Elizabeth's past mistakes?

     Two years ago, the building of San Francisco were shaken off their foundations and burned to the round in the devastating earthquake and fire.  As the city rebuilds brick by brick, new hope is rising.  But Elizabeth King is also trying to rectify the rubble in her own life - and she's not sure anything will be able to erase her past.  But she doesn't anticipate finding new love.

     Helping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth commits herself to helping young girls escape brothels in Chinatown, one of the darkest sections of San Francisco. 

     When she meets rising attorney Charles McKinley, who desires to save the city from corruption, and has dashing good looks to boot, she can't help feeling hopeful.  However, she soon realizes while many loved ones may not turn away after discovering her secret, the man she loves will have no choice:  Elizabeth's past bears great consequences for both their futures.

REVIEW:  Trying to make up for her past wrongs, Elizabeth moves to San Francisco to help Donaldina Cameron by teaching her rescued girls how to sew and to play the piano.  She also goes with Donaldina into the heart of Chinatown to rescue those girls who want to escape the brothels and opium dens where they are held.  I like how Elizabeth leaves her comfortable life to help those who are coming from horrible situations to minister to them.  As she does, she sees the grace of God working in her own life.  As she faces her painful past and when all is revealed, I like how Donaldina stands beside Elizabeth when her job is in jeopardy. I also like how Charles does not bow to corruption but fights against it, even though it puts him and his future in a precarious position with powerful people. 
     This is a wonderful novel and a great end to this series.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press 

for review without compensation.

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken.  Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids.  Visit her website at KarenBarnettBooks.com. 

Miracle Drug Book Review

SUMMARY:  Overcoming these odds would take more than a miracle drug - it would take a miracle.
     The infection wasn't supposed to happen, but it did.  The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn't.  Dr. Josh Pearson believes an experimental drug not yet approved by the FDA may be the antidote.  But there's only one dose available for two patients:  the former president of the United States . . . and Josh's girlfriend.
     With the nation's eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

REVIEW:  The summary of this book really intrigued me and the book lives up to most of the hype.  Trying to figure out who was behind the attack on David Madison, the former president, and Rachel Moore, the nurse who was accompanying him on a scouting trip in South America, was difficult.  About the time I thought I had narrowed down the suspects, new information would come out that threw a wrench in my thinking.  The attempts on Madison's life seemed to get lost in the other parts of the story at times, though. 
      It was interesting and eye-opening to read about experimental and new drugs and how the CDC operates in regards to these medicines.  It got me to wondering if there are any new medicines that have been developed that aren't being examined more thoroughly due to limited funds or limited usages.
     I liked the way the author weaved faith in throughout the novel and how prayer was very beneficial to all the characters.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press 

for review without compensation.

Richard L. Mabry, M.D., is a retired physician who writes "medical suspense with heart."  His novels have won multiple awards.  He and his wife life in northern Texas.  You can follow Richard online at RMabry.com, as well as on Twitter (@RichardMabry) and on Facebook at RMabryBooks.

Beyond the Ashes Book Review

The Golden Gate Chronicles Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  The man flashed a disarming smile, his Bristol-blue eyes causing Ruby's breath to leak from her chest.  Fine lines around his mouth spoke of a life filled with either worry or laughter, Ruby glanced down.  She wasn't going to swoon over a man . . . 

     Young widow Ruby Marshall is certain she'll discover new purpose assisting her brother, Robert, with his cancer research.  And where better to rebuild than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes?  Ruby arrives in the city with great hope and determination for a new beginning.

      But she doesn't anticipate finding new love.

      Dr. Gerald Larkspur has dreamed of filling his empty home, but he'd always hoped it would be with a wife and children.  In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with family and friends left homeless by the disaster.  As he attends to every need of his patients and friends, Gerald doubts he will ever find true love, especially when he develops symptoms of the very disease he's striving to cure.

     She's had her love and lost it.  He is still missing his heart's desire.  Is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

REVIEW:  Ruby is an interesting character.  I like how she was very compassionate towards Robert and Gerald's patients who were getting treatments for and dying from cancer.  She comes off as standoffish towards Robert's fiance' Abby at first but steps out of her comfort zone to get to know Abby better, then makes her wedding dress.  She encourages Abby to continue a friendship that Robert disapproves of and encourages Robert to get to know Abby's friends better.  Her work with the families living in the tent cities helps her overcome the grief of her husband's death and helps encourage her feelings for Gerald.

     I love how Gerald grieves when he loses a patient and will stand up and fight hospital administration to keep funding for his research.  He struggles with the idea that maybe his research using x-rays to cure cancer is for naught but feels he and Robert and on the cusp of discovery.  I like how Gerald goes into the tent cities to help the families that are sick, even risking his life when an outbreak of diphtheria occurs.

     This is a good book, a wonderful continuation of the first story.  Even though the ideas and themes are intertwined, this book lays out everything in an easy to understand format so you don't have to read the first novel.  This is a great series.  I'm looking forward to the next one.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for review without compensation.

 

Karen Barnett is the author of Out of the Ruin and Mistaken, and she was named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers.  Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and their two children.  When she's not writing novels, Karen loves speaking at women's events, libraries, and book clubs.  You can learn more about her at KarenBarnettBooks.com.

Swept Away Book Review

Quilts of Love

Every Quilt Has A Story

SUMMARY:  School's out for summer, but one young teacher is about to get a lesson in romance.

     Sara Jane Morgan can outwit a roomful of students, but she's no match for her matchmaking grandmother.  Grandma's plans to teach Sara Jane to quilt are actually plans to introduce her to the shy handyman Drew Stevenson, whose fix-it chores make him a frequent visitor to Grandma's house.

     Creative as well as handy, Drew makes artisan brooms - a talent that surpasses Sara Jane's awkward attempts at quilting.  But what is he hiding behind his long hair and scraggly beard?

     Attracted to this mysterious man of secrets, Sara Jane uncovers pages from his old journal online, entries Drew wrote while hiking the Appalachian Trail.  As she secretly delves into the pages of Drew's past, Sara Jane discovers a tale rife with both pain and perseverance.  Just when her heart is about to break under the weight of all she has read, an accident threatens to separate her from this man she now loves - maybe forever.

REVIEW:  This story and it's main characters are a little different from others I've read.  Drew is not your typical good-looking, chiseled heart throb you normally read about.  He looks like a mountain man, with his long hair, scraggly beard and his ability to make brooms the old-fashioned way.  But underneath all that hair is a man who lost someone he loved but who found peace along the journey in the Prince of Peace.  Sara Jane still grieves the loss of her parents who died ten years earlier in an accident after they had fought and struggles with her faith.  Grandma, in the early stages of Alzheimer's, is busy trying to match Sara Jane and Drew together every chance she gets, much to their dismay.

     The timeline was a little off towards the end.  It was like the authors were trying to hurry up and finish the story and realized they still had a lot of ground to cover.  I was pleased that the main characters did not fall in love with each other and get engaged within a month of meeting, as happens in quite a few of the stories I read.  All in all, this was an enjoyable book.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for review without compensation.

 

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author and a professional book reviewer.  A stay-at-home mom and home school teacher, Laura lives with her family in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.

Cindy Loven is active in the church and writes from her home in Conway, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and their son.

Quilted by Christmas Book Review

Quilts of Love

Every Quilt Has A Story

SUMMARY:  Taryn is keeping a secret she never should have kept.

     You're needy.  Manipulative.  You used me.  In Taryn McKenna's last conversation with high school sweetheart Justin Callahan, his angry words rooted themselves deeply into her heart.  After Justin abandons her to join the army, Taryn vows to never love again.  And she decides to keep a closely guarded secret from him - forever.

     Focused on being completely independent, Taryn pours herself into teaching high school in Hollings, North Carolina, and helping her spunky Grandma Jemma.  But when Jemma's health takes a turn for the worse and Justin reappears, Taryn's emotions get more tangled than a knotted piece of thread.

     A hand-stitched Irish chain quilt holds the message of healing Taryn needs.  But will she realize the depth of God's unconditional love for her?

REVIEW:  This novel drew me in from the very beginning.  I think we all can relate to feelings of inadequacy and loss, and Taryn's story could help you find some comfort.  Taryn is a strong woman who is determined to never be considered needy again.  I think she takes after her Grandma Jemma who is determined to do things on her own terms and not let anything get her down or stop her from doing what she wants.  One of my favorite parts is when Justin helps Taryn work on a family quilt for Taryn's cousin.  I also like the healing that takes place in Taryn's life and how Taryn and Justin's relationship was not rushed after they start admitting they were attracted to each other.

     If you are looking for a fun Christmas book to read, this is the one for you.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for review without compensation.

 

Jodie Bailey is a middle school teacher, the author of the military suspense novels Freefall and Crossfire, and a contributor to Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home, a devotional for military families.  You can find her on the web at JodieBailey.com.

Hidden in the Stars Book Review

Quilts of Love

SUMMARY:  Could a quilt hold the secret to a serial killer?

     Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept help from her estranged grandmother.  Once an Olympic hopeful, Sophia's future is now uncertain, and her inability to share her eyewitness account frustrates police detectives looking for answers.  What were the criminals after?  Why did they attack Sophia and her mother?

     Detective Julian Frazier is determined to solve the case.  Distracted by the pull Sophia has on his heart and his own questions about why God could allow this senseless violence, Julian doesn't realize that an important clue could be right in front of him.  As he gets closer to solving the case, Julian wonders of his efforts will be enough to save Sophia.  Or will the murderer be back to silence her forever?

REVIEW:  I really liked everything about this book.  My heart went out to Sophia as she realizes her dreams of becoming an Olympian are over and that her mother lied to her about her past and her grandmother.  The idea of crime victim being unable to speak is original.  I loved how the author used it and how she uses a lip-reader to help both the police and victim.  The centerpiece of the quilt was a little disturbing to me when you understand its role and how it furthers the investigation but quite ingenious.  This is a great story that captured my attention from the very beginning and held it to the end.  This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for review without compensation.

 

Robin Caroll is an award-winning author of more than twenty novels and writes to entertain.  Her books have been recognized by several award contests, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, and more.  She gives back to the writing community by serving as Executive Director for ACFW.  Find out more online at RobinCaroll.com.

Forever Amish Book Review

Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy

Book Three

SUMMARY:  It's the Last Thing She Expects to Find

     Sally Bingham needs some time away to sort through the changes in her life and to rethink her upcoming marriage.  Despite her ailing father's hesitations, she drives to Lancaster County for a weekend away.  But her best-laid plans leave her in a near collision with a bishop's buggy and in the home of a mysterious Amish woman named Lizzie.  Lizzie introduces her to a different perspective on life, a charming farmhand named Armin - and opens a Pandora's box that will forever change Sally's life.

     The last book in the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living.  This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.

REVIEW: This book was not the typical Amish romance story.  Where most heroines has some idea of their Amish background or connections, in this one, Sally has no idea.  She headed to Lancaster County to meet a mysterious Lizzie and to think about her upcoming marriage.  This is about the time I wondered what was going on and where was the plot line headed.  Most of the time, I was wondering what was going on with Lizzie and her family.  They were so secretive about everything.  So was Lizzie's dad, Honest Ed.  He kept a bunch of secrets about his life growing up, Lizzie's mom and afterwards.  To me, my favorite part was the end.  I like how Lizzie and Armin worked things out and that all the secrets everyone kept were revealed.
     This was an okay book.  Unfortunately, not one of my favorites.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

A native of Baltimore, Kate Lloyd spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the inspiration for the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy.  She is a member of the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and has done extensive research on the Amish.  Kate and her husband live in Seattle.  Learn more about Kate at katelloyd.net and facebook.com/katelloydbooks and on Twitter @KateLloydAuthor.

Out of the Ruins Book Review

 

The Golden Gate Chronicles

Book One

SUMMARY:  "God, save her. I'll do anything.  Just make her better.  And You'd better be listening, God, because if You dare take her away . . . I'll never speak to You again."

     Abby Fischer doesn't know if God will answer her prayer for her dying sister.  She doesn't know if miracles really happen.  And she certainly doesn't know if the handsome Dr. Robert King, with his risky experimental treatment, is the one to remedy her doubts.  When tragedy strikes and the mighty San Francisco earthquake shatters what is left of her heart, Abby wonders if God will hear her as she flees alone through burning streets.  What will it take to show her that the One she doesn't want to love is the One whose love will save her?

     A shaky prayer.  A shattered faith.  A city in ruins.  What - or who - will bring Abby back to God?

REVIEW:  This was a really good book.  Most of the time, I felt like I was there, running through the streets of San Francisco, trying to navigate the chaos of a city whose streets are torn up and buildings are on fire.  The author also does a great job describing the medical advancements of the early 20th century, especially in the treatment of leukemia and the effects on the patients.  I also like how the author explained the difficulty Abby and Robert had finding each other and their loved ones in the earthquake and fire aftermath and how some did whatever could to help others, even those who were considered outsiders, like the Chinese.  Abby's turn of faith was inspiring and brought a smile to my face.

     This was a great book.  I look forward to reading others in this series and other books by this author.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Karen Barnett is the acclaimed author of Mistaken and has also been published in Guideposts magazine.  She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and a dachshund named Mystery.  Find out more at KarenBarnettBooks.com.

A Season of Change Book Review

 Seasons in Pinecraft Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  Can a past filled with loss lead to a new season of life?

     Stranded at a Sarasota hospital at the bedside of his ailing daughter, Amish widower Jacob Miller is wary of his unfamiliar surroundings - including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.  Natalie, an aerial silks artist whose career in the circus ended before it began, has just uncovered a secret her mother kept hidden for years.  Her mom - or rather, mamm - was one Amish.

     A hundred questions suddenly surface.  Why did Natalie's mother keep this secret for so long?  Does Natalie still have Amish relatives?  How can she learn more about her heritage?  Can Jacob trust Natalie's piqued interest in his family and their simple ways, or will their clashing cultures thwart their hopes for finding the love of a family?

REVIEW:  This book is set in Pinecraft, Florida - a real community of Amish and Mennonite families - which gives the story a different feel from other Amish novels and makes this story interesting.  My interest was piqued when Natalie searches for her mother's family.  With her mother and her dad's parents deceased and her father remarried and living across the country with his new family, Natalie feels all alone in the world.  I like how the author dealt with differences in the Englisch and Amish cultures and how they mix in this little hamlet very well.  The situation of falling in love with someone whose life and lifestyle COMPLETELY different from yours is handled delicately with surprising results. It was interesting that even though Jacob and Natalie worshipped God in very different ways, their desire to live for and follow Him completely were very similar.

     If you are looking for a book that is a little different from the rest, check this one out.  I think you might like it.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of ten novels and eight novellas.  She makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband.

All My Belongings Book Review

SUMMARY:  A new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.
     Where do you turn to when changing your name doesn't give you the anonymity you want?  When running hundreds of miles away isn't far enough?  When your search for a place to belong lands you right back where you began?
     One phone call destroys all the hope Becca Morrow has for a life beyond the shame of her past.  Further discredited by the death of her elderly, ailing patient - the mother of the influential businessman, Isaac Hughes - Becca's new life is shattered and her longing for love slips away.  Working to clear her name, Becca must learn to see the beauty in the ugliness of dying, to accept the tenderness in forgiveness, and - at last - discover that where she belongs isn't as much about her family history as it is about her faith in the One to whom she'll always belong.

REVIEW:  The idea behind this story - trying to live your life anonymously after a family member becomes known across the nation for being a serial killer - is interesting.  My heart went out to Becca as she tried to move past her past and start a new life.  When her father's actions come back to haunt her, I LOVED how Isaac, Geneva, and Becca's new friends stand behind her and fight to clear her name.  While I found the idea to be interesting and loved the characters and their interactions, the story was missing something.  The author had some great ideas but I missed the edge that would have kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning the page. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Cynthia Ruchti is an acclaimed author and speaker with more than 30 years of broadcast experience.  The Professional Relations Liaison for American Christians Fiction Writers, Cynthia has also written articles for numerous magazines and industry publications.  Visit her online at cynthiaruchti.com.