“Never Leave Me” by Jody Hedlund, book review

“Never Leave Me” The Waters of Time seriew #2, bu Jody Hedlund, book review

Ellen has a genetic disease that is slowly depriving her of life. She is now quite dependent on others and is living on the estate of her long time friend Harrison. Harrison is determined to find the water of life that will cure her, but time is running out.

In a rare stoke of luck, he finds 2 doses of the miracle water, but Ellen refuses to take it. In stead, she wants to save a young girl who is desperately ill. Harrison makes the decision that Ellen will take the water and she is quickly healed. But also transported back in time to where/ when her sister is living. This is a miracle too, as her sister is in labor and it is not going well. Ellen’s medical training is invaluable and she is able to save baby and mother.

Thus begins a race against time to find more miracle water for herself and Harrison, and save themselves too.

This is book #2 in the series. In my opinion, it does not stand alone, as there is so much in book #1 that the reader needs to understand to make this book enjoyable. I did enjoy the book, and I had read #1.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Sunrise” by Susan May Warren, book review

“Sunrise” by Susan May Warren, Sky King Ranch #1

Echo grew up in Alaska and knows all the wonders and dangers of the place. As a child, she remembers her father being attacked by a bear. This event and others shaped her into the woman she is today. But she also knows the dangers of living in the frozen north. She works now as a guide to others exploring and researching in Alaska.

Dodge grew up on Sky King Ranch and growing up imagined running the place himself when he grew up. With his 2 brothers, growing up on the ranch had been great. But a hasty decision after a misunderstanding between the boys led to all leaving the ranch. When his father had an accident, Dodge returned home to help out. Now he needs to decide if he is going to stay.

When Echo sends a distress message after an accident, Dodge knows he has to go help her. This begins a new relationship after a 10 year lapse. Can they work through the hurt and make a go of it?

I enjoyed this book. It is the first in the Sky King Ranch series and I look forward to reading the next books. I am guessing that each book will star another of the triplet brothers as the main character. We will see.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Alaskan Calibration” and “Alaskan Calling” book review

“Alaskan Calibration” and “Alaskan Calling” by MaryAnn Landers, book review

Lou and her husband, along with their 2 small children set out for a vacation in between jobs. His dream vacation has always been Alaska, so with the truck and camper, they set out. The trip is full of ups and downs, break downs and incredible views. While there, the family feels called to stay and make Alaska their home.

As a new Christian, Lou longs for a womanly mentor and direction. She is searching for so many things, and Alaska proves to be quite the challenge.

These two book, #1 and #2 in the series, chronicle the family journey in ministry and live, while learning to live and thrive in the Alaskan wilderness, and to love the Alaskan people.

The story is full of lots of personal details of her feelings, struggles and issues. She most often expressed doubt in herself and her ability to care for her family, especially her small children when her husband is away doing ministry in more extreme locations. At points, the story bogged down, at least for me, in the details of daily issues and chores. But at the same time, this also shows that these mundane details of life often overwhelm us and bring us down, no matter where we live and serve.

The books build on the foundation of book #1, so I feel book #2 cannot stand alone. It will be more enjoyable to read them in order and follow this sweet family on their Alaskan adventure.

Disclaimer: I received books #1 and #2 from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Deadly Target” Rocky Mountain Courage #2

“Deadly Target” Rocky Mountain Courage #2, By Elizabeth Goddard, book review

Erin finally has her dream job, but she must put her whole life on hold when her mother attempts suicide. She moves to Montana and back into her childhood bedroom. But nothing is the same. The only thing she can salvage from her former life is to continue to produce her podcasts on cold cases including a missing child.

Nathan’s father is investigating a case when he is shot while the two of them are fishing in the Montana mountains. His father had been about to share something significant, but the shot cut his words short. Now he is in a coma in the hospital, and Nathan is left to figure it all out on his own.

But he is not completely on his own, as he and Erin begin working together, just like they used to do.

This is an interesting story of crime, love and forgiveness. Sometime the story seemed a bit too much- like blowing up a dam just to kill 2 people who may or may not be in the water’s path. But overall, the story held my attention and I was hoping all would be solved in the end.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Crosshairs” Natchez Trace Park Rangers #3, book review

“Crosshairs” by Patricia Bradley, Natchez Trace Park Rangers #3, book review

Ainsley arrives on assignment to her home town to investigate the murder of a local teenage girl. This is the type of case she has trained for and she is ready to prove to the town and her supervisor she is up to the task. But this case is not like any she has been on before, with twists and turns at every corner. It soon becomes apparent that she is now the target of the killer.

Former FBI sniper, Lincoln, is now an agent without at gun. He feels he cannot trust himself to even handle a gun after an incident when he almost shot a child. But as he is assigned to assist Ainsley with the murder investigation, he feels he cannot protect her. Is it time to carry a gun again?

This is the continuation of the Natchez Trace Park Ranger series, so we see some of the same characters. But I feel that this book can stand on its own too. I liked the book and felt the pace was good- it kept going without bogging down. It does contain details of murder, abuse, drug use and war memories.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

“A View Most Glorious” by Regina Scott, book review

“A View Most Glorious” by Regina Scott, America Wonders Collection #3, book review

Coraline want to see all women receive the right to vote. And as the contest for the right continues, she tries to figure out a way to gain momentum and awareness. When she is challenged to climb Mt. Rainer, she takes it. And to sweeten the deal, she makes a pledge to her mother, if she makes it to the top, her mother will not force her to marry, however, if she fails, her mother can select the groom.

Both of these become the agenda for the climb. Coraline and her step-father hire well known trail guide, Nathan to lead the expedition. Nathan takes the job seriously and wants to see her make the climb, but has his doubts. He knows the dangers that await climbers who are unprepared or inexperienced.

This is an interesting story about the early days of climbing in Washington state, as well as the suffrage movement. The author conveys the differences in social classes and how it impacted people for their whole lives and how often unforgiving people are.

I did appreciate the strong female characters and how they were able to care for themselves and not be put down by men or society. This was an enjoyable book to read. I have read the others in the series. All the story lines stand alone. The common theme is the early days of the national park system and the places that are preserved now as national parks.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Tacos for Two” by Betsy St. Amant, book review

“Tacos for Two” by Betsy St. Amant, book review

When Rory’s beloved Aunt died, she inherited the food truck. While Rory feels she cannot cook, she has kept the town’s Mexican food truck business going with the help of her faithful employees. But it is hard! Finances are a constant issue, and Rory has other concerns too, including making sure her cousin can still live in the home where she receives care designed for adults with special needs including Down’s Syndrome.

When the food truck contest is announced, Rory knows this is the way she can ensure the food truck’s success and with it financial stability. She needs to win.

Jude is almost an attorney. All he needs to do is pass the bar and join the family law firm. While this should make him happy, it does not. He does not like the way his father and brother run the law firm and is often embarrassed by the way clients and staff are treated. He just wants out. But out to where?

When growing up, Jude’s happy place was in the kitchen with the cook/ house keeper who was like a mother figure to him. Maybe he can make tacos like she did. When he learns of the food truck contest, he sees this as his way out of the law firm and from under his father’s rule. But he does not know the first thing about running a food truck.

This is a sweet story of two learning to care for others while also caring for themselves. It is a little sappy in places, the story of love winning out comes through. I enjoyed the book. So much taking of Mexican food made me want to have tacos and guac!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

“The Healing of Natalie Curtis” book review

Natalie has not sung or played the piano is five years. Not since she froze and could not perform at the New York Philharmonic following the terrible break up with her “supposed” partner. He cast her away and she was devastated. But now, 1902, her brother returns from working in the west and invited her to come along on an adventure. Somewhere, Natalie finds the strength to make the journey. And it is the beginning of a whole new life for her.

At a party, she is exposed to indigenous peoples’ music and cannot get enough of it. But then she learns of the law that prevents these people, who have recently been displaced from their homes and land, from singing or speaking their first language. This is an attempt to force the embrace of American culture. Now Natalie has a cause that brings her joy and strength.

For the next several years, she travels the south and west gathering recordings and first hand accounts of the songs, dances and traditions from the various people groups and nations. She befriends many and brings hope. She compiles a book that brings attention to the people and their plight.

This a very detailed book of the travels of Natalie. While I did enjoy the story, from time to time, I did get bogged down in all the detail of the specific people group and location she traveled to. There was a lot of specific detail and while this gave honor to the people groups represented, it did bog down the story. I was quite pleased that in the end, she finished her book and brought positive attention to the plight of these people.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano, book review

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano, book review

Ella Blythe has longed for the theater as long as she could remember. But at all turns, her mother had discouraged and forbidden her to enter that world. But still, the theater drew her in. She took her mother’s red ballet shoes and started dancing. Those red shoes would be her ticket in, but also made her a target for unsavory characters.

Written from the perspective of a want to be dancer, this is a book full of twists and turns. Ella is a good dancer, but lacks the backing of a wealthy patron. She tries to break in to the world of dance by sheer talent and hard work. And she almost makes it.

This is a very interesting and though provoking story of one young woman’s determination to chase a dream when all odds seem against it. She is determined and single minded in her quest to be a dancer.

I enjoyed the story and recommend it to others.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Beyond the Tides” book review

“Beyond the Tides” by Liz Johnson

Prince Edward Island Shores #1

Meg’s father has finally decided to sell the family lobster fishing business. While she never wanted to be a lobster fisherman, now that he is selling she wants to keep the business in the family, which means her. But she gets SO sea sick, just thinking about stepping on a boat. How can she go out on one day after day? And what about her job? She is the high school teacher. She cannot expect the school to just find a sub until lobster season is over.

Oliver has been the boy that most adults see as one who will never amount to anything. But he really wanted to be good and successful. He just never had a caring adult to help him along the way. Until Mr. Whitaker gave him a job on the lobster boat. And now he has the chance to make something of himself. He has been offered the lobster boat and all that goes with it.

This is a story of long held grievances and how they can really damage a person’s feelings about himself and others. I enjoyed the story and how Med and Oliver are able to talk about the past, forgive and move forward as a team.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.,