Rachel Book Review

Wives of the Patriarchs

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal?

     Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household.  Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone.  Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

     But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery.  The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband.  In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . .  or will she?

     Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

REVIEW:  After reading this book, I wondered if the title should have been Rachel and Leah.  While it did cover Rachel and her frustrations of having to share her husband with her sister and having difficulties getting pregnant, the thoughts and frustrations of Leah were also a main feature.  But, if you are familiar with their story in Genesis, their lives are forever intertwined together as sisters and as the wives of Jacob.  Now, the liberties (for lack of a better word) the author took with their stories gave me something to think about.  She chose to have the women share a father but have different mothers, creating a rift in their relationship early on.  Jacob isn't quite the trickster we think him to be when it comes to Laban and his dealings with his uncle.  We see the difficulties of a polygamous marriage, especially when the wives are hated rivals. 
     At times, I didn't like Rachel because she acted like a spoiled child.  My heart went out to Leah because of her unrequited love for Jacob.  The difficulties of having to share a husband and his wanting to stay away from the bickering and fighting just added to the problem.  I liked how Jacob came to appreciate Leah more towards the end of the book and how his love, while his heart still went to Rachel, grew more as time went on.  I also liked how the author had Rachel and Leah develop a friendship and closeness, eventually accepting each others role as mother and wife.  Lastly, sometimes the story seemed to drag.
     This was a good book and gives an interesting look at these three pivotal characters in the biblical story.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Wives of King David series and of Sarai and Rebekah in the Wives of the Patriarchs series.  Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.  Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.  Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

Love's Sweet Beginning Book Review

Sisters at Heart Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  What will it take for a once-privileged woman to make her way in the world?

     It isn't Cassie Haddon's fault that she has reached the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills.  Until the War Between the States, she always had servants.  Since then, she and her mother have been forced to rely on family to care for them.  But now the well of human kindness has run dry - and Cassie must find work to support them.

     Unfortunately, leaving the past behind is easier said than done, and Cassie must summon all of her courage and wits to convince local restauranteur and grocer Jacob West that she's exactly what his business needs.

     With her signature sweet romance, Ann Shorey weaves a tale of two people from different backgrounds finding common ground and the hope of a bright future together.

REVIEW:  This being the last book in the Sisters at Heart series, and having read the first two, I was very interested in reading this one.  Like the others, I was not disappointed.  I really liked Cassie.  Even though she grew up privileged, she was not afraid to get her hands dirty and did not give up when she felt overwhelmed or unappreciated.  There were a few times that I wondered if Callie could keep doing everything she had to do without just collapsing from pure exhaustion.  While working in the restaurant all day then trying to make a place for her mother and herself to live, Callie had to cater to her mother's whims while Eliza Bingham sent letter after letter looking for her brother.  She also was not afraid to speak up and loved to help others in need.  Callie is one heroine we all can learn from and model.

     I also liked how Callie and Jacob's feelings for each other and their relationship grew over time and didn't all happen all at once.  Some stories rush the love story too quickly. As Jacob saw Callie work and grow in her job, his feelings for her (and hers for him) had time to develop into something meaningful.

     This is a great book and a wonderful end to the series.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Where Wildflowers Bloom, and When the Heart Heals.  She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul.  Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.  Learn more at www.annshorey.com.

A Miracle of Hope Book Review

An Amish Wonders Novel

SUMMARY: She's heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God's mercy truly reach?

     Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child.  Josiah Plank is certain he'll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah.  The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined.  After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building - and the love that is growing between them.  Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

REVIEW:  This book was good but, while reading it, I got frustrated with the main characters a few times.  But, as I read on, realizing what Lindie and Josiah each had gone through, my frustration eased and I became more sympathetic and understanding.  I liked how Lindie jumped right in and tried to help Hannah and Josiah, learning sign language and trying to make their house a home.  When she discovers Hannah love and talent for drawing, Lindie encourages Hannah to express herself through her art. I like how Lindie, after being hurt and shunned in her former community, accepts the love and friendships of her new community. 

     This was a good book, one I wouldn't mind reading again and may keep in my permanent collection.

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

 

Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children.  When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms.  Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

The Headmistress of Rosemere Book Review

Whispers on the Moors

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father's boarding school.  But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood - and her heart - in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

     At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster.  The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away ... but that man never came.  And since her father's death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

     William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger.  When he is assaulted by his creditors' henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies.  After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn - but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.

     As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience.  But that will not deter William's creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy.  But it may also cost him his happiness.

REVIEW:  This is a good book.  My heart went out to Patience and her situation.  Considered a spinster with no marriage prospects, running her father's school with no help from her brother or mother but without recognition, trying to keep her mother from falling completely into depression, all with a tight budget and limited resources.  When her brother returns to Rosemere after spending an extended time in London with little contact, Patience is forced to give up control and is deemed to be unimportant.   But, she does not let this stop her from caring for her charges and does everything she can to keep everything as normal as possible.  Patience doesn't let her situation get her down but rises above and does her best with what she has. 

     There are a few twists, turns and some unexpected events that make the story very interesting and a page turner.  I highly recommend this book.

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

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood.  She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience.  Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Shadows of the Past Book Review

Logan Point

Book One

SUMMARY:  While she's stalking the truth ... someone is stalking her.
     Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve - the disappearance of her father twenty years ago.  When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate.  But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.
     Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife - a tragedy he believes he could have prevented.  Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him.  But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
     Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present - and moving into a future they never imagined.

REVIEW:  When I got the notice about this book, I was drawn to the Mississippi connection and looked forward to reading it.  Once I got it and started reading, I was thrilled to see there were also connections to the Seattle area and Memphis.  This book held my attention from the beginning and had it to the end.  As the story progressed, I tried to figure out all the connections, twists and turns which kept me on my toes.  About the time I thought I had everything figured out, the author would through a curve ball.  This was a great book, one I thoroughly enjoyed, especially with the connections to home.  I can't wait to read more from this author.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Patricia Bradley is the winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award and a 2012 Touched by Love award, and was also a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Corinth, Mississippi.  Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

With Autumn's Return Book Review

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Westward Winds Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  She's planning on instant success.  She didn't plan on love.

     When Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne to open her medical practice, she is confident that the future is as bright as the warm Wyoming sun.  Certain she'll have a line of patients eager for her services, she soon discovers the town may not welcome a new physician - especially a lady doctor.  Even Jason Nordling, the handsome young attorney next door, seems to disapprove of her chosen profession.

     When a web of deceit among Cheyenne's wealthiest residents threatens to catch Elizabeth and Jason in its snare, they must risk working together to save one of Elizabeth's patients - even if it means falling in love.

 

REVIEW:  This book about the last Harding sister is good but frustrating, but not in a bad way.  For a modern day woman with so many freedoms, I get aggravated when I read about the prejudices many people had about women, especially becoming doctors, the social restraints in place during the late 1800s, and the bad medicine that was rampant.  But, I love how Elizabeth rises above those biased against her to show them that a woman can be a doctor, and a darned good one.  She has a big heart and doesn't turn her back on anyone in need, even Phoebe, the madam of the local high-priced brothel, when she falls and breaks her ankle and Sheila, the pregnant prostitute who wanted to keep her baby.  Elizabeth fights against the liberal use of bad patent medicines that are used to help cure patients but, instead, makes them worse off than before.

     This is a good book with some suspense mixed in and a wonderful ending.  A great way to send off this series.  

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, as well as Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring.  Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best.  She lives in Wyoming.  Find out more at www.amandacabot.com.

The Calling Book Review

The Inn at Eagle Hill Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Bethany's restless heart is searching for answers - in life and in love.

     Bethany Schrock's love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending hot summer days wading through a lifetime of accumulation at the home of five elderly Amish sisters.  She's not sure what she wants out of life, but she knows that she's not finding in Stoney Ridge.

     Then a new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill ropes her into volunteering in a community project for down-and-outers.  Reluctant at first, Bethany starts to feel a bit of joy and satisfaction again.  But not so much that Jimmy Fisher, adorable and impossible, can woo her affections with his winks and tricks.  Well, maybe a little.

     When a figure from her past reenters her life, Bethany must decide:  What does the past mean to her future?

     Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the quiet community of Stoney Ridge.

REVIEW:  Having read and loved Suzanne's Stoney Ridge Seasons series, I wanted to see what this book was about.  There were a lot of things I liked but quite a few I had trouble with.  First, the good.  I love the five elderly sisters who were between the ages of 80 and 90.  They could not take care of their house but they loved to help take care of those who were in need by providing food and other things for anyone who needed it, whether they were Amish or not.  The youth minister, Geena, who stayed at the bed and breakfast run by Bethany's step-mom, had a huge heart for kids, especially troubled teens.  I like how she jumped right in helping the Sisters make meals and got involved in the community garden and eventually a home for wayward teens.  I love how the Quilting Circle helped out a former member, even though it has been about twenty years since she had participated.  They looked out for her and raised money for her quietly to help meet her needs.

     Now, some of the difficulties I had.  It seemed like there were too many stories going on at one time:  Bethany helping the Sisters; Mim secretly writing for the local newspaper; Jimmy's decisions on what to do about his desire to raise horses or run the family hatchery business; the goings-on in the past with Bethany's dad, brother and Jake that affect the present; Geena's job loss and trying to figure out where God wants her next; and the events surrounding Bethany finding her mother, who had disappeared about twenty years earlier.  Also, quite a few of the characters in her previous series, Stoney Ridge, showed up in this book.  Trying to remember what happened in the previous books and how their stories affected the characters in this book hurt my head sometimes.  It would be nice to have had a Cast of Characters to help place each person from the other series, especially since it has been a few years since I read the books.

     I love Suzanne Woods Fisher's books and will continue to read any future ones she writes.  This one, unfortunately, was not one of my favorites, though I might read it again later to see if I get a different feel for it.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist, a Carol Award winner, and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.