"The Tinderbox," by Beverly Lewis

"The Tinderbox," by Beverly Lewis

With her parents' twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller finds her father's cherished brass tinderbox left unlocked. Against her better judgment, Sylvia opens the heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will splinter apart her happy life and alter everything for her close-knit Old Order Amish family. As the long-kept secret emerges into the light of day, can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness?

If you enjoy reading about the Amish way of life you will enjoy this book.  Beverly Lewis takes us into the lives of the Miller's and how an event from the past can rear it's head unexpectedly and cause a multitude of problems.  The tinderbox should be called "Pandora's Box" as when it is opened a whole lot of issues escape.

This book is part of a two book series, with the second book "The Timepiece," being released in September of 2019.  You have to read that book also to find out what happens as this book's ending is very open ended.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 A very solid book; easy to read and not over taxing on your brain.  If you like Beverly Lewis' books you'll enjoy this one.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"When You Are Near," by Tracie Peterson

"When You Are Near," by Tracie Peterson

After her father's death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family's ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch's foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the troupe's new manager fears that Lizzy's departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.

Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she's eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show's wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.

This book moved along at a great pace and it kept you interested in what was going on.  The descriptions and details of the trick riding were interesting, as it's something I know nothing about.  As this book is the first in the Brookstone Brides Series what I thought would happen and what actually happened were two different things.  However the ending does pave the way for the next book in the series so that's good.

Tracie's books are always good and not overly taxing on the brain I find.  I would like to read the other two books in the series; they come out later in the year.

Stars out of 5 : 4 A good book to read over a couple of afternoons.  You'll enjoy the characters and the overall message in the book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Justice Delivered, by Patricia Bradley"

"Justice Delivered, by Patricia Bradley"

Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. She's been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can't even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn't bring herself to report to the police is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.

When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has. But if that proves to be too little, too late--she'll have to go after the perpetrators herself.

Another action packed book that makes you want to turn the next page to see what's going to happen next.  You get sucked into the book right away and the lead character Carly is a one you won't forget soon.  I did guess who the main bad guy was pretty early on in the book, so you will have no trouble doing that either.  That did not spoil the story for me, as it's not actually revealed who the bad guy is until the end.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This book is a lot of action, with a bit of mystery and a pinch of romance dropped in to make it a great book well worth reading.  This is the 4th book in "A Memphis Cold Case Series."

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Border Son, by Samuel Parker"

"Border Son, by Samuel Parker"

It's been years since Edward Kazmierski has seen his wayward son, or even allowed thoughts of him to enter his mind. The last place he knew Tyler to be was in an El Paso jail six years ago. Then, in one day, he receives a cryptic phone call from a woman that his son needs him, another from a federal agent searching for Tyler, and a terrifying visit from the Mexican cartel. The chain of events set into motion by one impulsive act will almost certainly lead to death--for Tyler and for those who try to help him. But before Ed can recover his son, he will have to tear down the wall that has been built up between them. 

The dangerous streets of a Mexican border town come into sharp focus in a suspenseful retelling of the Prodigal Son story like you have never heard before.

From the very start of this book you are taken on a roller coaster ride.  The one thing about this book that I liked/scared me was this could be a true story.  The fact that the dad lived in the middle of no where and had an unassuming life, and then was dragged into an unbelievable few days/weeks because of his son whom he had, had no contact in years is something that is out of a story book, but could happen in real life.

This book shows how blood is thicker than water when it comes to parents and their children.  A parent will do whatever it takes to protect their children and this is what happens in this book.  The story is a true page turner and you need to know what will happen next.

One thing I found disturbing/interesting is what happened to the priest.  However I don't doubt that will/would have happened in real life.

Stars out of 5 : 5  I thought this book may be a bit blood thirsty for me, but it wasn't.  You get the gist of what has happened without the author being too graphic.  This book is well worth reading.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Outbreak, by Davis Bunn"

"Outbreak, by Davis Bunn"

Something sinister is happening in the waters off the coast of West Africa, trailing death in its wake. Local insurgencies are no longer the only imminent danger--and the panic mounts. But before a global alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, and the outbreak evaporates. Coastal populations are relieved when life returns to normal, and the region's governments are all too happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under the rug.

Theo Bishop and Avery Madison saw the devastation with their own eyes, and they know the danger hasn't passed--it's just changed locations. But everywhere they turn, powerful interests are determined to silence all credible evidence of the impending biological disaster--by any means necessary. They will have to stay out of the crosshairs long enough to convince the powers that be of the toxic destruction about to be unleashed on American soil. . . .

First let me say this book will have you on the edge of your seat at each and every page turn.  That's what I like about this author's book's.  That and the interesting subjects and story lines he comes up with.  Every time I read one of his books, I always think; "how on earth did he come up with this idea."

However; the ending of this book was a bit of an anti-climax.  It felt as though he had put all his effort into writing the book and just ran out of steam and just quickly jotted something/anything down as the ending, which was a shame, as so much thought and detail was put into the rest of the book.  I didn't hate the book because of that; it just felt as though the ending was an after thought.

Stars out of 5 : 4 I really enjoyed the book, right until the last few pages; but it was the last few pages that let the book down.  I truly thought until close to the end that we were going to have to read another book and this was a series of books.  I even checked the front of the book to see if this was book one in a series.  Regardless I would recommend you read this book, as it is super interesting, just don't expect fireworks at the end!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The New Farm, by Brent Preston"

"The New Farm, by Brent Preston"

The inspiring and sometimes hilarious story of a family that quit the rat race and left the city to live out their ideals on an organic farm, and ended up building a model for a new kind of agriculture.

You know those books where the city folks move to the country and have all kinds of crazy misadventures? Where the barnyard is a place of bucolic harmony and each passing season brings the author closer to understanding his proper place in the natural order? You know those books where the primary objective is not so much farming, but writing about farming?

This isn’t that kind of book.

It’s true that Brent Preston and Gillian Flies did leave the city and move to the country, and they did make a lot of stupid mistakes, some of which are pretty funny in hindsight. But their goal from the beginning was to build a real farm, one that would sustain their family, heal their environment, and nourish their community. It was a goal that was achieved not through bucolic self-reflection, but through a decade of grinding toil and perseverance.

Told with humour and heart in Preston’s unflinchingly honest voice, The New Farm is the story of one family’s transition from die-hard urbanites to bona fide farmers and passionate advocates for a more just and sustainable food system. It’s the story of how a couple of young professionals learned not just how to grow food, but how to succeed at the business of farming. And it’s the story of how a small, sustainable, organic farm ended up providing not just a livelihood, but a happy, meaningful and fulfilling way of life.

I don't remember how it came about that I ordered this book from the library, but must say I am glad I did.  I mean the Prologue of the book is titled: Euthanasia for Dummies.  You just have to read that part if nothing else.  I mean, despite the fact there is a loss of life, it is a funny chapter.

I was a bit misty eyed about this whole book as when we lived in the farmhouse we lived quite close to this farm.  Although I don't know any of the people in the book personally there were a couple of people mentioned who I knew about.  Places mentioned, events mentioned all brought back good memories of living in the area.  

Brent and Gillian were ahead of their time with their farming practices.  What they did then, is not as unusual now.  Their devotion to being organic should be applauded; as lesser people would have thrown in the towel.

Stars out of 5 : 5 A solid five as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It reminded me of the stupid things we did when we moved to the farmhouse...................boy I regret selling that house........{{{SIGH}}}

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly"

"Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly"

New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.
 
An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.
 
For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.
 
The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.
 
This is not my normal book I would read as I don't want to have nightmares about what was done to those poor people interned in the concentration camps; however I thought I would give it a go and I am glad I did.  This book is inspired by actual events and real people and is set in World War Two.  

You'll understand the character's of Herta and Kasia right away, but will be probably left wondering why Caroline is involved in all of this when she is in America; but the more you get into the book the clearer it will become.  I didn't figure out why the title of the book was "Lilac Girls," until very close to the end when I picked up the connection.

This book has a lot of depth and detail in it that makes it a book that I couldn't read for long periods of time.  I read this book over a few days, to let the story sink in.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 Glad I read it, I learned a number of things I didn't know about.  As always read the author's notes at the end; very interesting.  I have requested Martha's other book "Lost Roses" which is set in World War One and involves Caroline's mother.  Looking forward to reading that as well.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"A Good Wife, Escaping the Life I Never Chose," by Samra Zafar

"A Good Wife, Escaping the Life I Never Chose," by Samra Zafar

At 15, Samra Zafar had big dreams for herself. She was going to go to university, and forge her own path. Then with almost no warning, those dreams were pulled away from her when she was suddenly married to a stranger at 17 and had to leave behind her family in Pakistan to move to Canada. Her new husband and his family promised that the marriage and the move would be a fulfillment of her dream, not a betrayal of it. But as the walls of their home slowly became a prison, Samra realized the promises were empty ones.

Desperate to get out, and refusing to give up, she hatched an escape plan for herself and her two daughters. Somehow she found the strength to not only build a new future, but to walk away from her past, ignoring the pleas of her family and risking cultural isolation by divorcing her husband.

A Good Wife tells her harrowing and inspiring story, following her from a young girl with big dreams, through finding strength in the face of oppression and then finally battling through to empowerment.

I read this book in one sitting as it was such a good book.  It will stay with you a long time after you have read it.  This book is a memoir and most of what happens in Canada is close to where we used to live in Brampton, Ontario.  So what was mentioned in this book does not surprise me.  However I must say this sort of abuse could and does happen in other nationalities.  

The cruelties and abuse she had to deal with from her in-laws was awful, how she put up with it is terrible.  However after talking to someone; she said the mother-in-law rules the roost in the home, and what she says go.  I thought that when the mother-in-law told Samra how she was treated as a new bride, it would have made the mother-in-law want to treat Samra better and not put her through the same pain and misery?

You have to admire Samra's courage and perseverance; as to achieve what she did was nothing short of a miracle.  I now wonder though what her inlaws think of this now she has written a book about what they did?  To my mind also this book portrays her ex-husband as a bully (which he was), but also a very weak man.  

Stars out of 5 : 5 A must read, it is interesting to see what happens in the South Asian (Pakistani & Indian) communities and what is classed as acceptable.  Women are treat in some cases no better than animals.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

Bleaker House by Nell Stevens

"Bleaker House", by Nell Stevens

Twenty-seven-year-old Nell Stevens was determined to write a novel, but somehow life kept getting in the way. Then came an irresistible opportunity: she won a fellowship to spend three months, all expenses paid, anywhere in the world to research and write a book. Did she choose a glittering metropolis, a romantic village, an exotic paradise? Um, no. Nell chose Bleaker Island, a snowy, windswept pile of rock off the Falklands. There, in a guesthouse where she would be the only guest, she imagined she could finally rid herself of distractions and write her 2,500 words a day. In three months, surely she'd have a novel, right?

     It's true that there aren't many distractions on Bleaker, other than sheep, penguins, paranoia and the weather. But as Nell gets to work on her novel--a delightful Dickensian fiction she calls Bleaker House--she discovers that an excruciatingly erratic Internet connection and 1100 calories a day (as much food as she could carry in her suitcase, budgeted to the raisin) are far from ideal conditions for literary production. With deft humour, this memoir traces Nell's island days and slowly reveals details of the life and people she has left behind in pursuit of her art. They pop up in her novel, as well, as memoir and novel start to reflect one another. It seems that there is nowhere Nell can run--neither a remote island nor the pages of her notebook--to escape herself.

Have to say it was no surprise as to how this book will end.  However the journey along the way with Nell made it interesting.  I would have liked to have read more about life on the Falkland Islands.  Although I had heard of the Falkland Islands I had never heard of Bleaker Island prior to reading this book.  I had to look it up, and you can read more about it here.

Despite what Nell went through, I am very interested in the Falkland Islands and would love to visit there.  I think everyone should try the whole spending time to find themselves thing.   

Stars out of 5 : 3  Read better books, but didn't mind it.  Learned something new, so that is always a positive.  I will never been a writer, but I am guessing if you want to write a book, this book would benefit you with the thought process.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"Transcription, by Kate Atkinson"

"Transcription, by Kate Atkinson"

In 1940, eighteen-year-old Juliet Armstrong is reluctantly recruited into the world of espionage. Sent to an obscure department of MI5 tasked with monitoring the comings and goings of British Fascist sympathizers, she discovers the work to be by turns tedious and terrifying. But after the war has ended, she presumes the events of those years have been relegated to the past forever.

Ten years later, now a radio producer at the BBC, Juliet is unexpectedly confronted by figures from her past. A different war is being fought now, on a different battleground, but Juliet finds herself once more under threat. A bill of reckoning is due, and she finally begins to realize that there is no action without consequence.

Transcription is a work of rare depth and texture, a bravura modern novel of extraordinary power, wit, and empathy. It is a triumphant work of fiction from one of the best writers of our time.

This is one of those books that I think would benefit from being read twice.  As I found it a confusing book.  A lot of it didn't make sense to me, until I got close to the end, and then I had, "oh I get it," moment.  Make sure you read the author's notes at the end, as that also helps.

Stars out of 5 : 3 It's a short review as I honestly have no idea what to say about it.  I think if I read it again, I might get more from it.  However I am in no rush to read it..........

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"The Bride of Ivy Green," by Julie Klassen

"The Bride of Ivy Green," by Julie Klassen

Spring is in the air . . . and change is too. Mercy Grove has lost her girls' school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires is out of reach. She contemplates leaving Ivy Cottage to become a governess--a decision with consequences she never imagined.

Meanwhile, her friend Jane Bell is facing a difficult decision of her own. Should she accept Gabriel Locke even if it means giving up her inn and destining another man to a childless marriage?

When a secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, Mercy, Jane, and the other ladies of Ivy Hill attempt to befriend her, but they soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be.

Together, the women of Ivy Hill look forward to one wedding, but surprises lie in store and dearly held dreams may yet come true.

This is the third and final book in the "Tales From Ivy Hill," series.  I read the first book in the series which I reviewed here, but did not read the second one. It would have been better to have read the second one; but this book works as a standalone book as well.  I will say it took me a few chapters to get immersed into the book, but once I did, I enjoyed the book.

It's one of those books that doesn't tax the brain, it's full of tales around a charming English village and the descriptions of the village and people take you back to a quieter, more gentle time in England.  That's not to say there are no twists and turns to go through when reading this book; it's just not a very "deep" book to my mind.

The way this book left off was quite good though, as it leaves things open for more books down the road.  It will be interesting to see if the author will bring all these characters back to life again at some point?

Stars out of 5 : 4 After a slow start I got quite caught up in the story.  I would advise though reading the whole series in order.  A great series for some quiet afternoon's reading.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Murder at the Mansion," by Sheila Connolly

"Murder at the Mansion," by Sheila Connolly

Katherine Hamilton's goal in high school was to escape from her dead-end hometown of Asheboro, Maryland. Fifteen years later she's got a degree in hospitality management and a great job at a high-end boutique hotel in Baltimore. Until, that is, the hotel is acquired by a chain, and she's laid off. When Kate's high school best friend calls with a mysterious invitation to come talk with the town leaders of Asheboro, she agrees to make the trip, curious about where this new opportunity might lead.

Once Kate arrives, the town council members reveal that their town is on the verge of going bankrupt, and they've decided that Kate's skills and knowledge make her the perfect person to cure all their ills. The town has used its last available funds to buy the huge Victorian mansion just outside of town, hoping to use it to attract some of the tourists who travel to visit the nearby Civil War battle sites. Kate has less-than-fond memories of the mansion, for personal reasons, but to make matters worse, the only person who has presented a possible alternate plan is Cordelia Walker—Kate's high school nemesis.

But a few days later, while touring the mansion, Kate stumbles over a body—and it's none other than Cordelia. Kate finds herself juggling the murder investigation and her growing fascination with the old house, which itself is full of long-hidden mysteries.

Where to start with this review.  There are so many facets to this story and each one is as interesting as the other that it makes it a book that you don't want to put down.  I was sad when I finished the book, as although one part of the story is completed; the murder and "who-did-it;" there is still a lot more to be told about the characters and the town.

I think if I had to ask the author a question, it would be "where did you come up with the idea for this book?"  I had the large print version of this book and there were no authors notes in the back.  It does include a character who is actually a real life person and touches on what she did during the American Civil War.  I found that part of the book really interesting and will look into that person further.

This book is the first in the "Victorian Village Mystery," and have to say I will be looking out for the second book.  In fact I have emailed the author to see when it is due out (will update this review accordingly".  The characters in this book all made sense too the story .  I will say I did guess before it was revealed who committed the murder.  However there were a couple of twists and turns in the book that I didn't expect.

Stars out of 5 : 5 well worth reading and as I am not familiar with this author I can see me reading many more of her books in the future.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"Mending Fences," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"Mending Fences," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

I'll start by saying there is more to this book than meets the eye.  You think that is quite a light hearted book but there is a depth and a strength in the message it is being told.  The way Luke's true self unfolds in the book is so good, and believable.  The lengths he goes too, to make amends has you rooting for him all the way. Will say some of the things he does can be quite funny.  I can't say anymore without spoiling the story.  I do believe we all probably know a "Hank" in our lives though!!

I'll say if this is the first book you have read by Suzanne, the shock at the end won't be quite as shocking as if you have read prior books in my opinion.  Regardless this is a stand alone book you will enjoy either way. 

This book is the first book in the "Deacon's Family," series can't wait for the next one to be published in the Fall. 

Stars out of 5 : 5  I read this book in a few hours.  The underlying message alone made it a good read.  It was a good book filled with a lot of lovely characters who you could relate too. You also learned a little about the Amish way of living.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Light Over London," by Julia Kelly

"The Light Over London," by Julia Kelly

It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.

In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning.

Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.

This is a lovely story about two you women who have to make some pretty big decisions in their lives.  Their stories are intertwined when Cara finds Louise's diary.  I will say I was surprised at some of the things that transpired in the story.  It was a case of "I didn't see that coming!"  Also I would have sworn the outcome of one of the plot lines was totally different that what I imagined it would be.  I can't say much more about that without giving away the story.  

I always recommend that you read the Author's notes in books and this one is no exception, as it explains a few things regarding the story.  I knew nothing about the Gunner Girls, which is sad as they are part of our history.  It was interesting to read that although they could do everything that the men did, because they were women they were not allowed to fire the actual guns.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 If you like historical fiction with a bit of romance in it, then this book will be for you.  I enjoyed the book and would recommend this one to you.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"The Curse of Misty Wayfair," Jaime Jo Wright

"The Curse of Misty Wayfair," Jaime Jo Wright

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to turn-of-the-century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. When the clues she finds lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a postmortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman haunting the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, they must overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined.

This is the third book I have read by Jaime Jo Wright.  She writes her books in a particular way that can be confusing, as she usually has two stories that are intertwined in one way or another and this one was no exception.

I had a hard time getting immersed into this story, but once I had read a few chapters I found it got more and more interesting.  The who-dun-it part of the story I never guessed, which too my mind makes this a book too read.  As your mind is constantly working overtime trying to figure out who and why.  

I enjoyed the relationship with Heidi and Rhett and would have loved to see where that went.  Thea's career as a postmortem photographer was something I had never heard of before reading this book.  I personally found that quite a disturbing occupation.  

Stars out of 5 : 4  I do find this author's books a hard read as you really have to have your wits about you.  You must concentrate to keep up with where the story is going.  I do though find them interesting with the subject matter though.  Well worth reading if you want a book to challenge your mind.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Educated," by Tara Westover

"Educated," by Tara Westover

Tara Westover was seventeen when she first set foot in a classroom. Instead of traditional lessons, she grew up learning how to stew herbs into medicine, scavenging in the family scrap yard and helping her family prepare for the apocalypse. She had no birth certificate and no medical records and had never been enrolled in school.

Westover’s mother proved a marvel at concocting folk remedies for many ailments. As Tara developed her own coping mechanisms, little by little, she started to realize that what her family was offering didn’t have to be her only education. Her first day of university was her first day in school—ever—and she would eventually win an esteemed fellowship from Cambridge and graduate with a PhD in intellectual history and political thought.

I had seen this book advertised and read all the hype regarding this, so thought I would like to read it.  I found Part 1 of the book hard going.  It seemed to drag along and not go anywhere fast.  However Part's 2 & 3 made up for it and I found it a book I didn't want to put down as I had to know what was going to happen next.

What happened in the author's life and what she found "normal," beggars belief.  The way her dad controlled the family made no sense at all too me.  However he was such an extremist that there was no way he was ever going to change. The accidents that happened in the family and how they coped/dealt with them made me shake my head.

How the author managed to do what she did with her life is a miracle in itself.  You want to blame religion for this way of life but that wasn't the problem here.  It had a hand in it, but there were many other factors to blame.  It reminded me of a cult environment in the way they functioned.

Stars out of 5 : 4 I sat here shaking my head many times throughout this book while reading it.  When you are brainwashed from a very young age, you just don't know anything different.  So having three of the siblings go onto higher education from this family is an achievement in itself.  This book was an eye opener and it's one to read; if only to realize how lucky we are.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.

"We Hope for Better Things," by Erin Bartels

"We Hope for Better Things," by Erin Bartels

When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn't know she had, the strange request seems like it isn't worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt's farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding.

Take an emotional journey through time--from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to Michigan's Underground Railroad during the Civil War--to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.

This book was so, so good.  It is three people's stories all intertwined into one and while that sounds complicated, the way it is written makes it a lovely read.  All three stories involve some sort of racism, hardship and all three stories involve love one way or another.  

I am normally not a fan of stories bouncing from one period or another but the author made this work.  It is her debut novel and what a good one it was.  The details that she incorporated made the book come alive, especially all the historical ones.  Some of the details made you wonder where she had found out about that and how creative she was to add that detail.  One that stands out too me was the window panes in the attic; look out for that.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I couldn't put it down.  I had to know what happened next.  I found that the strength each of the three women had from the different generations made the story.  Well worth reading.  I look forward to reading her next book The Words Between Us, which is published in September of 2019.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".