SOMETHING BORROWED by Rachel McDaniel, Susie Finkbeiner, Allison Pittman - REVIEWED by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A delightful trio of stories with significant lessons of hope, love and faith, all tied together with an unforgettable wedding dress.
 

A HEART IN DISGUISE- Rachel Scott McDaniel. April 1918
Building on real events, this story was interesting, informative, exciting and a joy to read. The characters were realistic, serving their country and relying on their faith in God. It is fascinating to learn new things about our country and its history. The story flowed effortlessly and old friends to romance was very well done.
 

A LETTER TO ELI- Allison Pittman. April 1942
Heartache and Hope during WWII tells of two friends in NYC. The life on the home front was excellently portrayed with a sort id Cyrano element. With a flawed hero, an unsure heroine and friendship that survived many hardships.
 

A DAFFODIL IN THE DRESS- Susie Finkbeiner. Spring 1969
A quiet, kind, respectful hero and a grieving widow connect in a bookshop. This was nostalgic for me because I married in 1969. Lots of references were memorable. The family of Kate was bad at matchmaking but good at loving and accepting. The young child, Eloise was charming. Another faith filled excellent story.
I loved all three stories and they fit together perfectly.
*I received an ARC from Kregel on behalf of the authors. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

"A Heart in Disguise" by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US "Camouflage Corps," sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home--except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.

"A Letter to Eli" by Allison Pittman
Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It's never far away from their thoughts--not with Alice's fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That's a worry Bette doesn't envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?

"A Daffodil in the Dress" by Susie Finkbeiner
Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family's bookstore since Kate's husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

Kregel Publications, August 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook

Buy SOMETHING BORROWED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

BEYOND IVY WALLS By Rachel Fordham, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A charming story with a nod to Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast that challenges us to look beyond the outward appearance into the heart on the inside. 
 

Otis Taylor comes to Monticello, Iowa in 1903 in order to settle his brother’s estate and sell off his inherited properties with the objective of leaving his past behind. Sadie Westlake has taken a job in a feather duster factory and sends home money since her father is laid up by an accident. After losing her lodging, she squats in an abandoned factory owned by Otis. 
 

The letter writing between them as Jane Squatter and Mr. Rochester was the start of a great relationship. I liked the way Otis and Sadie finally accepted one another and tried to bring out the best in each other. 
 

Moral of the story: Do not hide behind Ivy Walls but venture out and serve others. Do not impose your right on someone if that is not the best option. Find your true worth. 
 

There was a faint but solid faith element underlying this brilliantly told story. 
Recommended for fans of historical fiction with good life lessons. 
*I received a complimentary copy of thes book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and an underlying faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.

Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece.

At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, August 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy BEYOND IVY WALLS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

WHERE TREES TOUCH THE SKY by Karen Barnett, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

"We're all one bad step from being on our face in the dirt. But how many of us have the courage to get back up and try again?"

Polio survivor June Turner may seem like an unlikely candidate for a park service ranger, but she is determined to push past the inevitable trips and falls in order to carry on her aunt and uncle's legacy, not to mention fulfilling her brother's dream. ("If anything happens to me over there, I hope you'll go back to the redwoods and think of me.") Something had happened, leaving June with a renewed vigor to seek employment at the newly established Redwood National Park.

Nearly five decades earlier another young woman feels like the giant redwoods are her calling. Marion Baker is broadly known as a staunch supporter of the Save the Redwoods League; goodness, she practically claims a lush grove of the majestic trees as her own, which in turn leads her to make a life-altering decision. Was it the right one? She may never know . . . or will she?

It is impossible to read this story without feeling compelled to visit Redwood National Park, its fascinating history and inspiring visions of a woodland cathedral practically beg to be admired by a multitude of adoring fans. Tucked between the branches are valuable life lessons, one of which being "they (the trees) work together, holding tight to the roots of their neighbors". 

Teamwork, romance, accomplishment; June and Marion wrestle with all three between the pages of this lovely novel.

I am loving this national park series!

*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

BackCover Blurb:

Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall.

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side?

Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?

When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams.

Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday.

Kregel Publishing, August, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

Buy WHERE TREES TOUCH THE SKY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE ITALIAN MUSICIAN'S SANCTUARY by Danielle Grandinetti, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 Romance, history and intrigue at Our House on Sycamore Street

This is part of a series of books about the Ferryman family by various authors but it is also part of the books written by Danielle Grandinetti that fits with her characters of Italian descent.  

Luke Ferryman has a quandry to solve. He is expected to take over the ferry business from his grandfather. But he is also slated to inherit the bakery from his grandmother. He is only one person and is torn between the two but favors baking over rowing. Another expectation is to marry sooner rather than later.
Another dilemma presents itself when Margherita is smuggled into England from Italy when her life is in jeopardy. This is the beginning of the Brown Shirt persecution of unfit people. One of the few things she is able to bring with her is her mandolin.

This well thought out story combines a spiritual struggle of obeying man or obeying God with the real danger looming before WWII. I was pleased by the unity and friendship of the Anglican minister from England and the Catholic priest from Italy. They both strove to do what Jesus would do. The author showed how family and community supported each other. The romance was sweet and the characters were guided by God. 

The writing was interesting, informative and well researched.
*I received a complimentary e book from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Hunted by one man, can she open her heart to another?
If you love historical romance with intrigue, you’ll love The Italian Musician's Sanctuary.

Eden Cove, England, 1931—Margherita Vicienzo flees Italy pursued by her former fiancé, a member of Mussolini's Blackshirt. Smuggled illegally into England, Margherita is a foreigner at the mercy of strangers. Her limp from an improperly healed broken leg means she has nothing to offer the Ferryman family, who offer her sanctuary, and nothing to appease their son who resents her presence.

Luke Ferryman needs a wife. He wants to marry for love, but carries the weight of his family’s generations-old expectations on his shoulders. Though he inherited the role of both baker and ferryman, he knows he can’t fulfill both needs once his aging grandparents retire. A wife would help, but not an illegal one like the refugee his matchmaking grandmother is harboring.

As opposite as night and day, Luke and Margherita forge a tentative friendship that grows despite the constant threat of Margherita's discovery. But when strangers appear in the close-knit seaside town, threatening Luke's livelihood and Margherita’s safety, the choice between justice and mercy becomes harder. And sacrifice proves the only answer.

Our House on Sycamore Street
Our House on Sycamore Street is a new multi-author, multi-genre series set in quaint and quirky Eden Cove, an English seaside town with plenty of spirit. With stories of redemption and salvation behind every door, you’re sure to find a new tale of romance, intrigue, humor or heart. All you have to do is knock!

The Ferryman's Light by Anna Jensen
The Italian Musician's Sanctuary by Danielle Grandinetti
The Outsider's Welcome by Vida Li Sik
The Daughter's Truth by Claire Lagerwell
The Light Keeper's Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan
The Key Collector's Promise by Donna Jo Stone
The Maestro's Missing Melody by Amy Walsh
The Niece's Aussie Patient by Meredith Resce
The Runaway's Redemption by Allyson Koekhoven
The Bookbinder's Daughter by Lynn Dean
The Widow's Request by Ashley Winter
The Lost Daughter’s Irishman by Carolyn Miller
The Mother's Song by Caroline Johnston
The Wedding Planner's Predicament by Dianne J. Wilson

Hearth Spot Press, August, 2024

Available in digital ebook at Amazon