JUST LET GO by Courtney Walsh, Review by Winnie Thomas

From the setting in a small town in Michigan, to the realistically flawed, but engaging characters, this book drew me in quickly and wouldn’t let go. Author Courtney Walsh has penned a sweet story of determination, redemption, forgiveness, and trust that is brimming with hope. 

Although Grady took a while to grow on me, I was drawn to Quinn easily and was rooting for her to heal and be successful. Walsh is talented at bringing her characters to life, and I enjoyed seeing Grady and Quinn deal with their individual pasts and let go of the hurts and pain. I loved the cast of secondary characters and their small-town friendliness. The cover of this book alone would have made me grab it and read, but the story within the pages is even more charming and refreshing. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean contemporary romance.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

BACK COVER BLURB:

 For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help.

Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press.

Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.

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THE HOPE OF AZURE SPRINGS by Rachel Fordham, review by Trixi Oberembt

The setting is Azure Springs, Iowa circa 1881. The circumstance is an injured young woman named Em with an unknown background. She’s taken in by the kindhearted Howell family and under the protection of Caleb Reynolds, town sheriff. Learning of bandits who killed and robbed her guardian, he vows to bring them to justice while making sure she’s in safe hands. What he didn’t count on was the more time he spent with Em, the more his heart becomes entangled with hers. Perhaps God brought these two together for love and healing!

My heart ached learning all the things Em’s been through in her young life. Losing both parents when a fever raged through her hometown and her sister when they were separated on the Orphan train. Then to top it off, she was attacked by three men who left her for dead and killed George, her guardian. She’s shown the kindness of strangers when the Howell’s take her in to recover. That’s one family I wished was my own! The two youngest sisters Milly and Mae bring her much happiness and helps fill the ache inside her for her own sister. These two are bright sunshine in a world of darkness; their laughter and fun will have them wrapped around your finger! The whole town takes her under their wings and shows her love and kindness, something she hasn’t felt for a long time since losing her parents as a child. Caleb was a hero in every form you’d imagine. He not only looked out for Em’s safety but befriended her without judgment. He’s kindhearted, a good listener and brings humor and laughter to Em’s world. Mae and Milly even call him the prince of Azure Springs! He’s the epitome of every woman’s dream.

I have to be honest and fair in my review, so here are a few things I didn’t care for: Em struggles throughout the book with feeling insecure. She was surrounded by people who showed her kindness and tried to help her see the potential she had inside of her.  Understandably she has been through the wringer in life, but I really wanted to see more character growth. That’s an important aspect in a story for me, seeing the character growth as it helps me see areas in my life that I can work on too. Eliza, for instance, had character growth; she wasn’t the same person at the end of the book as she was in the beginning.  Secondly, this being labeled as Christian or inspirational fiction, I didn’t see a lot of aspects you’d come to expect from a Christian fiction book. There was very little mention of God or how the characters relied on Him throughout the story. It’s a reason I stick with this genre because I need to see faith play a role in a book. I had a hard time really connecting with the story as good as it was; I really wanted to like it more than I did!

Conclusion: it’s a wonderful story, lots of emotions, well-written, good characters, a great town that helps each other, and the eventual happily-ever-after I love about romance. Just because it didn’t engage me as much as I wanted it to, doesn’t mean it won’t for other readers. I’d encourage you to come to your own conclusion after reading it for yourself! 3.5 stars.

BACK COVER BLURB:
 
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

*I received this story from the publisher with no obligation for a positive review. This review is my honest opinion.

Available in paperback, digital ebook, hardover and audiobook
BUY The Hope of Azure Springs at Amazon 
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A RECKONING ON GOSSAMER POND by Jaime Jo Wright, Review by Paula Shreckhise

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright is a phenomenal book! 

Jaime is a wordsmith indeed. She has deftly woven a tale through two time periods. Her insight into the human condition is a wonder to behold. Her descriptions are pure poetry. From page ten: “ The shaft of sunlight seemed to lead a path straight to the carriage house doors where it collided with a darkness that could only be described as evil.” And from page 168: “The breeze rustled the new leaves on the oak and maple trees. Glowing almost emerald green with vegetation, the forest was beautiful. Like life should be if one could only look ahead and forget the ruins they’d left in the past.”

Jaime uses a bit of history to build her suspenseful, dual-time tale. The twin revivalists were based on real people as were some of the accounts of them. Jaime weaves a fascinating story around this history.

The story connects two heroines who lived a century apart. Libby is recounted in the spring of 1907 and Annalise’s tale is told in present day. Each of them is looking for real faith and forgiveness. But each also encounter evil. Where do these two lives converge? Annalise is striving to uncover old mysteries. Will her search endanger her own life? A myriad of old secrets is revealed about the inhabitants of their home town- but will the answers to the questions they raise be worth it? Annalise ponders: “The well-mapped world she lived in had exploded into shrapnel that spanned centuries. It had created a puzzle that was missing many, many pieces.” Jaime peels back the layers of the secrets masterfully.

The Gospel message of Grace, Hope and Forgiveness rings true in the words of Jacobus, one of the twin revivalists, as he is quietly leading Libby along in her faith.

Romance comes from an unlikely direction. And an almost kiss is as good as the real thing!

If you enjoy riveting mystery with a gothic twist, grab this book! But beware! It will hook you and not let go.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing on behalf of the author. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

BACK COVER BLURB:
 
For over a century, the town of Gossamer Grove has thrived on its charm and midwestern values, but Annalise Forsythe knows painful secrets, including her own, hover just beneath the pleasant facade. When a man is found dead in his run-down trailer home, Annalise inherits the trailer, along with the pictures, vintage obituaries, and old revival posters covering its walls. As she sorts through the collection, she's wholly unprepared for the ramifications of the dark and deadly secrets she'll uncover.

A century earlier, Gossamer Grove has been stirred into chaos by the arrival of controversial and charismatic twin revivalists. The chaos takes a murderous turn when Libby Sheffield, working at her father's newspaper, receives an obituary for a reputable church deacon hours before his death. As she works with the deacon's son to unravel the mystery behind the crime, it becomes undeniably clear that a reckoning has come to town--but it isn't until another obituary arrives that they realize the true depths of the danger they've waded into.

Two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their own town before it's too late and they lose their future--or their very souls.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
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READ DEB'S INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JAIME JO WRIGHT!

DEAD DRIFT by Dani Pettrey, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Guess we are going to see how well trained you actually are in not letting attachments come into play."

Being near Kate Maxwell again was just as terrifying as his mission; as a highly trained CIA operative Luke Gallagher's seven year absence from the woman he loved had changed him forever; the things he had seen, the places he had gone, the decisions he had made. Now he was being called in from the field as a consultant; assisting local and federal law enforcement agencies in their quest to thwart a highly orchestrated chemical warfare attack on the United States. Had "crushing her heart" built an impenetrable wall or could they live to see new dreams come true?

"Barn. Leader. Agent. Handcuffed. Glock. Wrists. Message."

Griffin McCray's sister had been murdered as a teenager; now Griffin and his wife Finley were on personal leave from their perspective agencies to see if they could unravel any new clues about the person they believed to be a serial killer. The detective who left the mystifying seven words in his file was now dead, and no one else seemed inclined to consider the accumulation of cold cases as the work of one very demented individual.

Using the many details of both scenarios to her advantage, the author deftly plays the story lines in perfect harmony; keeping her readers on their edge of their seat in just the right places, while warming their hearts with tender moments between beloved characters, managing to close out this series on a very high note. 

BACK COVER BLURB:
Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

Available in paperback, digital ebook, hardcover and audiobook:
 
BUY Dead Drift at Amazon
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Meet Book Blogger Sarah Barnhart of The Barefoot Reader

This month's interview is with Sarah, a book blogger I recently 'met' (online) and thought you'd all like to do so as well!

Deb asks: how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?  

Sarah answers: I’ve been seriously reviewing for about a year and a half now, but didn’t start my blog until March of this year. Before that, I was just posting my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and my #bookstagram. I noticed as I continued to review and grow on social media, I started to get more opportunities to work with authors and publishers. I figured if I wanted to continue on this journey and grow even more as a reviewer, then I should start a blog. And now I have and couldn’t be happier! I love absolutely love it! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootreader

As far as themes go, I’ve always loved the warmer and cozy types, so I knew that’s what I wanted for mine. I wanted my blog to feel cozy and I guess in a way, intimate: like sitting with a friend and enjoying a cup of coffee. J

Deb: Definitely! Some blogs just come across as more relaxing. But there's so much a blogger wants to put on that page! Hard choice!
What’s the best part of being a reviewer?  

Sarah: I’d have to say the best part of being a reviewer is that I get to read and share incredible stories that I really enjoyed or that have touched me in some way with fellow book lovers like me. I also get to help promote the author’s work and help spread the word. And you know, the fact that I usually get a free book doesn’t hurt either. ;) 

Deb: Free is good (until the TBR pile tumbles!) 
What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?  

Sarah: For me, it’s reading the book and getting the review up in time if the publisher or author has given me a specific date. I’m pretty busy with classes, my day job, and volunteer work, so trying to manage all that plus writing reviews is kind of tough. I’ve had to say ‘no’ to quite a few different opportunities because of it. It just wouldn’t be fair to the author/publisher or myself if I said I could do something and then not follow through with it. Not only would I disappoint myself, but I would be letting them down, too.

D: Saying no can be difficult! Writing that review can't always be a fifteen minute effort. Sometimes the words just don't want to come "on demand"! 
What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

S: The Life After series by Julie Hall! It’s a Young Adult Christian fantasy series and it’s amazing! I loved it so much that I binge read the whole series within a week! (Here's a link!)

D: Excellent Word of Mouth! What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)? 

S: Hmmm…good question! My family definitely keeps me entertained! I usually go hiking with my sisters and my mom when I can. It’s something we’ve been doing for years now.

I also like to listen to music, watch my favorite musicals or Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn movies, hang out with friends, go shopping at used bookstores, and snuggling my cat, Rascal. 

Deb's favorite!

D: And you didn't send along  a photo of Rascal! Oh dear!

What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?  

S: Don’t make me choose! There’s so many! This is a tough one. I’ll give you my top three genres: 1) Fantasy-Chronicles of Narnia type stuff. 2) Biblical Fiction-I love reading about the Kings of Israel and the disciples. 3) Contemporary Suspense/Mystery- Terri Blackstock and Irene Hannon are my go-to’s.

D: That's a great mix of genres! Wow! When I discovered Christian fiction, the suspense stories were my favorite, so I've definitely read my share of these.
What person from history would you most like to text with?  

S: Text with? Besides Jesus? I’d have to say King David, Katherine Hepburn, or George Washington.

Unlisted Number!

D: If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!  

S: You’re paying? Well, okay then! Okay, so if it’s a rainy afternoon, then I’ll most likely be watching Pride and Prejudice (2005 Version) or some sort of musical (usually a classic or Disney-related). And then I’d order some Japanese curry! That stuff is delicious!   

Worth the time on so many levels. One of the best film scores ever!

D: If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?  

S: My dream career is to become an author, own my own orphanage (kind of like Tim Tebow) or have an organization where I can help orphans, and own my very own library. The author part is still in progress along with my non-profit organization, but as for the library…we’ll see. ;)

D: What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?  

S: Become better acquainted with social media and social media marketing. I love seeing authors on social media share what’s going on with their writing, sharing behind the scenes, updating readers on their books, sharing exclusives, interacting with their followers, and just being themselves! It helps us as readers to get to know you on a more personal level. And learning social media marketing will really boost your exposure and books, which is something you want!

D: (Deb makes face at those three words: social media marketing). Sighs. (and smiles!)
But ignore me and tell me what you'd say to new reviewers— 

S: Write honest and considerate reviews, even if you didn’t necessarily like the book. Don’t bad mouth the author, simply share what you didn’t like about the book and why. And if you have multiple books you have to review by a certain date, schedule your reading time. I’m speaking from personal experience. I was SUPER behind last year on reviews because I wasn’t being intentional about it, and because of that, a lot of my reviews were late. And learn to say no. If you’re like me, then you want to say yes to review as many books as you can! But the reality is, you can only do so much, so choose the books you KNOW you can review. The ones you want to review the most. Be honest with yourself and be considerate of other people’s time. 

D: Thanks so much for being my guest, Sarah. I wish you continued success and hope more readers head on over and follow your blog!

Blog: https://www.thebarefootreader.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/TheBarefootReader96

A DARING VENTURE by Elizabeth Camden, review by Trixi Oberembt

Rosalind Werner and Nickolas Drake have the same goal in mind, providing clean water for Jersey City in 1908 to stave off thousands from dying from cholera. But they heavily clash when it comes to the method for accomplishing that goal! Nick crusades for extra filtration in the waterways while Rosalind, who is also a biochemist, crusades for chlorination to kill the bacteria causing the deaths.

I admire Rosalind for going against convention to become probably the only female biochemists in a time period when it was frowned upon for women to be anything but keepers of the home. Her motivation drove her after watching both her mother and father die from the dreaded disease and nearly killing her younger brother. Having also fled from scandal at the university she attended in Germany, she's overcome a lot in her young life. Starting over in a new country, fighting against a powerful man in Nick all while proving herself capable in a man's world. It seems she'll let nothing deter her! Nick has risen from being a plumber learning at his grandfather's feet, to New York City Water Commissioner. Water has always been in his blood and working to make sure it is clean & safe for the residents is the same goal as Rosalind. He's willing to do what it takes to make sure that goal is met, even if it means butting heads with the beautiful biochemist!

What I loved the most about this story, is learning the history! I never knew that the simple act of adding the right amount of chloride to water eradicates harmful bacteria that caused one of America's deadliest diseases, cholera. I learned so much more about the methods of providing clean water then I ever knew. I appreciate Camden's massive amounts of research to make sure the story is true to form all while entertaining this reader and keeping me turning pages. I almost felt like I was in the middle of what was happening all around me! Watching history unfold in front of my eyes was thrilling and fascinating. If you love history, romance, a bit of scandal, family dynamics and action to keep the story moving, then I recommend this to you! This is only my second book I've read by Camden, and I'm certainly adding her to my must-read authors.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. * 

BACK COVER BLURB:
 As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city--but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York, Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, the odds stacked against these two rivals swiftly grow more insurmountable with every passing day.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
BUY A Daring Venture at Amazon
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A VAST AND GRACIOUS TIDE by Lisa Carter reviewed by Kim

This is my first read by Lisa Carter. I really like her writing style. It flows smoothly and you want to just keep reading. She also writes secondary characters that you actually care about! 

Caden is struggling. He has lost his friends and part of his leg to war. Then, his girlfriend dumps him. He’s not sure if he wants to live or not. Enter McKenna. In my opinion, she is a bit pushy and can be too outspoken. Normally, not the kind of personality I like to read. But, in this story, it works, because that is the only way to get through to Caden and help him heal both physically and mentally. 

I liked Caden immediately. He was struggling at first, but once he got focused, he was a strong character and a great help to McKenna and her family. Due to his past, he was also struggling with God. I  loved how the quilt tied into God’s plan for both McKenna and Caden. 

What drug this story down a bit for me was sometimes McKenna acted based solely on her emotions, which led to some bad decisions. She also frustrated me with her reaction, or lack there of, when it came to Bryce. 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

4 stars! 

BACK COVER BLURB:
A murder on the tranquil beaches of the Outer Banks puts two strangers on a path to uncover the truth

Caden Wallis has suffered several devastating blows that have left him reeling. He’s lost friends and now his girlfriend to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks for one final mission—to thank the woman who sent him a quilt while he was recuperating from his wounds at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

McKenna Dockery knows all about loss. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father has never been the same since he came home from his own war. She juggles the family business, her ailing father, and an aging grandmother. Much to Caden’s surprise, she is the quilter—not some elderly lady. The quilt was something she’d begun for her future husband but shipped to the military hospital after the tragic death of her fiancé.

When a man is found snared in a net and murdered on McKenna’s property, she and Caden must work together to bring the killer to justice. Each must learn to trust the other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks. A nor’easter, a sea turtle named Cecil, and a surf-crazy hound named Ginger conspire to bring these two searching hearts together through the vast and gracious tide of God’s love.

BUY A Vast and Gracious Tide at Amazon
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A REBEL HEART by Beth White, Review by Rebecca Maney

 "The mission. Orders. Blow up the bridge, keep the Yanks from crossing. They mustn't cross into Mississippi." 

Unfortunately for some, the "Yanks" did cross into Mississippi and when a renegade band goes on a murdering rampage, Selah Daughtry's life is indelibly scarred. Finding herself on a train to meet with an Oxford banker, desperate to save her beloved plantation home from bankruptcy, Selah becomes a victim once more; a bizarre train wreck endangering her life, after which a handsome Yankee gentleman comes to her rescue. "Look at my eyes, Selah. I promise I won't let you fall."

Pinkerton agent and former Yankee military officer Levi Riggins mounts a rescue operation when the train upon which he is a passenger suddenly plunges over the side of a bridge. The lovely young woman seated across the aisle manages to help others before she helps herself, eventually trusting Levi to lower her to safety. Providentially, Levi's ongoing investigative assignment allows their paths to cross again, granting Levi the opportunity to broker an ingenious business arrangement that offers Selah's family the kind of restoration that they so desperately need. But the pieces aren't fitting together, and Levi begins to suspect that residents, both past and present, of Ithaca Plantation have been involved in criminal activity. His heart can only hope that it isn't Selah.

"Could she ever do enough good to right the wrong? . . . . . The only answer . . . .was a verse that went something like, 'He hath shown thee what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.'"

"A Rebel Heart" is an outstanding story; its roots entangled within the past, present, and future of a generation that fought bravely and forgave courageously.


BACK COVER BLURB:
Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he'll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to "supervise" while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she'd do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review it. 

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
BUY A Rebel Heart at Amazon
BUY A Rebel Heart at Christianbook.com

 

THE SOLACE OF WATER by Elizabeth Byler Younts, Reviewed by Kim

Have you ever read a book where you just want to jump into the pages and give someone a hug? This is how I felt the entire time I was reading The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts.

This story is told from three points of view - Delilah, her daughter Sparrow, and their neighbor Emma. All three stories, for differing reasons, made my heart ache. I was so invested in these characters, and their families, I could hardly put the book down.

Delilah - I either wanted to cry for her or give her a piece of my mind. Some of the things she said and did made me so mad. But, I also understood that she was lashing out because she did not know how to deal with her pain. 

Sparrow- her story really touched me. I cannot even imagine how she felt after what she went through or how she was supposed to deal with those feelings at her tender age.  She was so well written and so believable. 

Emma- I just wanted to take her back to the past and talk her out of some of the life altering decisions she made. Her reasoning was understandable, but she really changed her life, and that of her family, with those decisions. 

While this book had a lot of heartache, the ending left you with a feeling of hope. I was sad to see this story end.  My only complaint was that I really wanted an epilogue! 

5 stars! 

BACK COVER BLURB:
In a time of grief and heartache, an unlikely friendship provides strength and solace.
After leaving her son’s grave behind in Montgomery, Alabama, Delilah Evans has little faith that moving to her husband’s hometown in Pennsylvania will bring a fresh start. Enveloped by grief and doubt, the last thing Delilah imagines is becoming friends with her reclusive Amish neighbor, Emma Mullet—yet the secrets that keep Emma isolated from her own community bond her to Delilah in delicate and unexpected ways.

Delilah’s eldest daughter, Sparrow, bears the brunt of her mother’s pain, never allowed for a moment to forget she is responsible for her brother’s death. When tensions at home become unbearable for her, she seeks peace at Emma’s house and becomes the daughter Emma has always wanted. Sparrow, however, is hiding secrets of her own—secrets that could devastate them all.

With the white, black, and Amish communities of Sinking Creek at their most divided, there seems to be little hope for reconciliation. But long-buried hurts have their way of surfacing, and Delilah and Emma find themselves facing their own self-deceptions. Together they must learn how to face the future through the healing power of forgiveness.

Eminently relevant to the beauty and struggle in America today, The Solace of Water offers a glimpse into the turbulent 1950s and reminds us that friendship rises above religion, race, and custom—and has the power to transform a broken heart.

BUY The Solace of Water at Amazon 
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