The Pretender Book Review

A Blackguard in Disguise

Caselli Family Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  South Dakota: 1975

     Eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beers in a bar and loaded guns were kept under the counter.  Frankie Valli sang My Eyes Adored You and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.

     It's within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again.  Their lives were mysteriously intertwined - and had been for many years - yet they had no idea.

     From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart – and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.​

REVIEW:  I've been thinking about this book and review for a while now.  It's one of those stories that stays with you a long time after reading.  There were some things I really liked and some that were just different - not bad, just different.
     I like the concept of the book and the characters.  Sometimes it felt like I was right there in the room with the characters.  Quite often I wanted to grab a few of them by the back of their neck and ask them what they thought they were doing, that they were being really stupid and presumptuous.   Other times, I cheered them on when they showed their mettle.  The story reminds me of the movie The Notebook in, after they were separated, how there were near misses and misunderstandings.  I liked how Tillie's life and Noah's life run parallel to each others in so many different ways and getting to see how each other lives without the other perosn in their life.
     The story line, and the possibilities of what could happen in future books, is intriguing.  I like how the author gives you a taste of events to come.  I also like how some people aren't always who you think they are, good or bad. 
     One thing that was different was how the story and characters flowed.  Okay, sometimes when I am reading, I wonder what the other characters are thinking during a particular scene.  For example, if the family is all in the room when a boy comes to pick up the daughter for a date, I have wondered what everyone (Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, boy, daughter) is thinking at the time.  This author shows you what everyone's thoughts and conversations are during scenes.  At first, I couldn't figure out why suddenly the parents are having a conversation with the brother when the scene had been focused on the daughter talking to her sister-in-law.  But after reading a while, I began to see what the author was trying to do and it became a little easier.
     Another thing that was different was how the author focused on other family members and their spouses, showing scenes of their lives that didn't seem related to the main characters' stories.  Yeah, it's interesting to hear their conversations about events in their lives but the book is not about them. 
     This was an intriguing book.  My interest has been piqued about the rest of the series.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Reata Publishing 

for review without compensation.

Ta'mara Hanscom lives with her husband Jim in Northwest Iowa where they enjoy watching the Detroit Tigers, BBQs and taking care of their rescues - two cats and one Pomeranian.  For more information about the author, visit www.tamarahanscombooks.com.

The Christmas Blessing Book Review

SUMMARY:  She's determined to give her baby a better life.  Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?
     Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope.  Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents.  The only problem is, they don't know that she - or their grandson - exists.
     When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son?  Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

REVIEW:  Amelia has not had an easy life, and early on, she faced her challenges head on.  When she receives news of her fiance's plane crash, I like how she faces her circumstances and does the best thing for her son.  Even though she is scared and faced with a VERY difficult choice, she still puts her son and his needs above her own.  I admire Amelia in that she is willing to do whatever it takes to give Jimmy the best in life, even if it means making major sacrifices.
     At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like Helene, James' mom.  She comes off as the stereotypical woman born into money with everything just right.  But, as the story unfolds, you see she hides her true feelings behind a mask, afraid to let the world she how she really feels.  I came to appreciate her love for her family, which eventually includes Amelia.
     The ending of the book is the best by far.  I loved how the author brought reconciliation not only between Amelia and James' parents but between Helene and her son-in-law and also with James' decision to become a pilot.  This is a great book to read, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It is a fairly quick read and enjoyable.  I really liked it and hope you do, too.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sale of more than six million.  She is the author of several Christmas books.  She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice.  She and her husband live in central Oregon.  Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

The Return Book Review

Amish Beginnings Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  In a wild country, the true cost of love may be more than they can bear.

     Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans - but then she never had to.  Not until the night she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid.  Facing brutality and hardship, Betsy finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the feelings she's developing for a native man who encourages her to see God in all circumstances.

     Greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity, Hans turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort.  She responds eagerly, overlooking troubling signs of Han's hunger for revenge.  But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far?

     Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

SUMMARY:  Sometimes God works in ways we don't understand to take us to places spiritually, physically and emotionally we would never go on our own.  Betsy soon finds out how God uses her time as an Indian captive to help bring her to an understanding of Himself and others around her that she wouldn't have otherwise had.  It also makes her stronger than she ever thought she could be and helps her when she needs to make difficult decisions.

     Tessa is like most of us; we want what we can't have.  When we finally get a taste of it, we want more, even if it isn't God's best.  Tessa makes decisions that come back to haunt her and influences others to make bad choices.  I like how she owns up to her mistakes and does what she can to make restitution.  

     The ending was different in that one character's story was left open ended while others were tied up neatly.  I liked how this novel closed with all kinds of possibilities that only God knows the ending.  This book is set about twenty-five years after the first and second ones.  Even though I read the first one but not the second, I was able to follow along without any trouble, especially since there was a Cast of Characters to help fill in any blanks.  This is a good book and a good series.

This book was provided by Revell for review without any compensation.

 

Susanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna's Crossing and The Newcomer in the Amish Beginnings series.  The Bishop's Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @susannewfisher.

A Name Unknown Book Review

Shadows Over England Series

 Book One

SUMMARY:  She's out to steal his name.  Will he steal her heart instead?

     Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins who helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets - instead they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary is beginning to question whether she can continue in this life when she's offered the challenge of a lifetime - determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany.  After all how does one steal a family's history, their very name?

     As Europe moves ever closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein.  Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence.  But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown - so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels.  When Rosemary arrives on his doorstep pretending to be a well-credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

     When danger and suspicion continue to mount, both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth - about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

REVIEW: The summary of this book drew my attention.  There were so many questions floating around  - how does someone prove they are a loyal citizen?  How does someone steal a name? Why did Peter keep his office locked up and why was no one allowed entry without his permission, not even his loyal housekeeper?  What did he do with the typewriter on his desk all day?  Where did Peter's father and grandfather put all the important paperwork about their immigration to England from Germany?  How was the Holstein family connected to the British royal family so that the men were advisors to the present and past rulers of England?  As I read, little by little these questions were answered, albeit, some quite slowly.  I liked the mysterious air attached to this story with the secretive Mr. V and the details Rosemary slowly discovers about the Holstein family.  Sometimes it was hard to keep the information together because each piece of the puzzle was very slowly revealed.  As I read, I wondered what Rosemary would do with the information she was gathering for Mr. V and about how was behind the attacks on Peter's house.  I like how the book ended because it was not what I expected and the way it sets up for another book in the series.
     This book was different from others I read in that it was slower in revealing the details need to absolve the problems Peter was facing but, not everything is answered quickly in real life either.  This is a good book and recommend it to someone wanting a little mystery.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without any compensation.

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her.  When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself.  Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her series set in Britain.  She makes her home in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia.  You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannawhite.com.

Gathering the Threads Book Review

The Amish of Summer Grove Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves, will Ariana's new perspectives draw her family closer together - or completely rip them apart?

     After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised.  Yet her excitement is mixed wit an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she's learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community.  Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana's Daed doesn't understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority.  Will she sow seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?

     Meanwhile, Skyler Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana's arrival threatens to unravel Skylar's new identity - and her sobriety.  Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities closer to His heart.  

     Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

REVIEW:  Cindy Woodsmall does a phenomenal job bringing an end to Ariana and Skylar's stories and all the intricacies involved with these families.  There were times when I wondered what choices Ariana would make and how it would play out.  When I thought I might have it figured out, the author would throw something else in play to change my thinking.  Skylar was a hard one to love all throughout the series.  Her animosity towards the parents that raised her, her biological parents and Ariana was exhausting.  But, I love how she grew as a woman, when she let God work in her heart and learned from those around her to become a better person.  Ariana also had some difficult choices to make.  The decisions she made were ones that causes her some pain but I love how they were perfect for her. 
     This is an amazing series. The books must be read in order as each one builds on the previous story.  The details that the author goes into were difficult to follow at times because there were so many moving parts but all were very important to the end game and makes for a fantastic read.  I highly recommend this series.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah for review without any compensation.

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of early twenty works of fiction and non-fiction with more than a million copies sold.  Her connection with the Amish community has been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's Nightline, the Wall Street Journal, and a National Geographic documentary on Amish life.  Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

A Season to Dance Book Review

SUMMARY:  Ana Brassfield has her path to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House all figured out until her first love, renowned German dancer Claus Gert, returns to Georgia to win her back.  Despite a promising start towards her ballet career and pending marriage to landscape architect, Peter Engberg, Ana wonders if her dreams of dancing at the Met are as impossible as her previous romantic relationship with Claus.
     Then, an on-stage kiss between Ana and Claus changes every thing.
     Convinced the kiss is more than a one-time mistake, Peter breaks off their engagement.  With an old dog crippled by arthritis and dreams deferred but not left behind, Ana moves to Germany to be with Claus.  But the ghost of his late wife, Ana's own feelings for Peter, and the pressure of earning a spot in a large ballet company are a high price for a shot at success.  Ana seems on the verge of having everything she ever dreamed of, but will it be enough?

REVIEW:  I'll be honest.  There were many times while reading this book that I thought about putting it down and not reading any more.  It was not the story line. I found it engaging and captivating.  The problem I had was the actions of Ana.  This is not your typical clean Christian fiction.  While it doesn't go into details, Ana makes some bad decisions, which in turn leads to more bad decisions, and on and on.  But, as I continued to read, I realized this novel is a story of Ana's faith journey.  It is not neat, clean or quick.  It is messy, complicated and takes a long time for her to realize her need for a personal savior, Jesus.  God doesn't forget Ana while she is in the midst of her mess but sends people, events, and "coincidences" to let her know she is not far from His thoughts.  Even when life is looking its bleakest, God reminds her that He is right there with her. 
     This is a book that should be read by anyone who wants to see how Jesus loves us even when we don't deserve it and those who just want to experience God's grace again.

This book was provided by the author for review without any compensation.

Patricia Beal has danced ballet since her childhood and has performed with pre-professional companies in South America, Europe, and the United States.  She graduated magna cum laude from the  University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in English literature and worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S.Army for seven years.  Her feature story on a day in the life of "Bad Luck Squad" in Iraq won a Keith L. Ware award in print journalism.  She's an army wife for life, an army editor, and forever a ballerina.  Patricia writes from El Paso, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two children.  A Season to Dance is her first novel.  Visit her website at www.patriciabeal.com.

The Legacy Book Review

Secrets of the Shetlands series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  The dramatic conclusion to the Secrets of the Shetlands.

     Loni Ford's unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate - not to mention a title - in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef.  How can life ever be the same with an outsider - and a woman at that - playing such a pivotal role in the life of this traditional community?  But it isn't just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation.  Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams and wonders whether she's cut out for it.

     Loni would hardly let herself acknowledge that she's falling in love - with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some.  Or has she merely been seduced by the simple, peaceful way of life that exists here?

     Yet life in Whales Reef is rarely without drama.  Deeps rifts exist between certain lifelong neighbors, and when a dead body is discovered, suspicion is cast in the direction of the Tulloch family.  How Loni and David face up to this challenge will profoundly shape their relationship, as well as the future of the island.

REVIEW:  This book was a satisfying conclusion to this Secrets of the Shetlands series.  I like how everything was wrapped up neatly, with quite a few surprises, by the end.  The author goes into great detail within Emily and Brogan's story, tying it together with Loni, David and their friends stories.  How he kept everything straight is amazing.  Now, I don't know if I would call it a dramatic conclusion to the series but this novel answered questions about Loni's family's past and solves a mystery.  Probably my favorite part is the change in Hardy.  I also like how each person's faith is subtly woven throughout their lives and actions.  Their faith is not flimsy but strong, vibrant, and growing.  You can see Christ and His teachings through the behaviors of the characters. 

     When you read this series, you need to read the books one after another.  Each book picks up where the one before left off and they refer to incidences and characters mentioned throughout the stories quite frequently.  A "Cast of Characters" was really needed since some characters are only mentioned a few times but become an important part the memories and saga.  

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction.  Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland but make their home near Sacramento, California.  Visit Michael's website at www.fatheroftheinklings.com.