Category: Book Reviews

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American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins, 2019, Flatiron Books

American Dirt cover image
American Dirthttps://www.amazon.ca/American-Dirt-Oprahs-Book-Club/dp/1250754089/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EVF69A3VN73L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8KYUZ8vA2sRLdaMOL3_aw1k-CFyfWgXhBaLHSI1ak_dg-_WCljlGM6PAyi6Hd-OiccTnwGcmIdnWn8r-892qHGDxJOxsgWG9TDwV0nVrOhWzeOA2qaJbGzJYaX8FZkpfy1rMQu9KLBoAQLF0jBIF0RYxXktsY7hvjpeZ1LIa6lP3EQIFii9O0WxmDHZk37T5sX1_dTOsM22vtBsjk8-uZmEy4_h-WXe5Zbixn6SGyVjgCYyOET8T7ckA5vfVtcjt9fkER49ncki2zpku9czECaNp7Rhf8zsnKIW6adP9ZJQLVmzo3Iy-qVHhn-CKuk4ZYufeAJmy_dFl8LK0gIZqspjOjzDF7K_6_NiItpxqBRL9crpORREbDgQbb9vSJjPHgB8QepA7MqnNMPS4SOAVuJyw1PWigMCEgiKlO36HgcHhcw3QMGSMfG02zZ7fxBZ4.aQquLMUOvBJgvETxA0gm4GR1ltF6UbEeNJaLA5vW2Kg&dib_tag=se&keywords=american+dirt+paperback&qid=1740600930&sprefix=American+Dirt%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

American Dirt is a novel that tells a story about migrants attempting to get to safety across the southern border of the United States. In 2019 when the novel was written, the danger for them was already dire, but rapidly increasing.

The migrants in the book were in danger of their lives from cartels and gangs. Some were Mexican and some from the smaller countries south of Mexico. Some had already lived in the United States for years but recently been expelled ruthlessly. They needed to return to their children in the States. Some regularly crossed the border to work.

In American Dirt, Jeanine Cummins covers many different scenarios of what types of dangers and injustices migrants are faced with. First, in their own countries, then in the country where they hoped to be safe. All these people wanted was to make a life for themselves and their families. May compassion increase.

It’s about the ongoing evil that has always existed in the world. But it’s also about people helping one another at their own risk. Praying for God’s protection, keeping courage and hope for the sake of each other, and giving sacrificially for one another. Defending against the evil when necessary.

Thank you, Jeanine Cummins for this eye-opening, inspirational story.

Click on the picture above to get more information or to order from Amazon.

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Light on Snow, by Anita Shreve, 2004, Little, Brown and Company (Hachette Book Group USA)

Light on Snow
A baby found in the snow

Light on Snow sheds light on the heartbreaking reasons why a baby could be left abandoned. The baby isn’t the only victim of this crime.

Light on Snow is sobering and thought-provoking. Where has society gone wrong? When did compassion take leave? One might immediately blame the mother. But what about the father? What about the college rules? What about the parents of the mother? The church?

In Light on Snow, Anita Shreve skillfully pulls on a reader’s heartstrings through the characters. Written through the Point of View of a twelve-year-old girl who has lost her own baby sister and their mother in an accident. She falls in love with the baby and wishes her father would agree to keep her. But the story goes deeper, and I won’t spoil it on you.

I found Light on Snow in a little book exchange library. Thank you to whoever left it there to share with me. The book may be eleven years old but sadly, babies have been abandoned throughout history. Thank you, Anita Shreve, for bringing this societal issue to light through this touching story.

Click on the link below to see more reviews on Goodreads.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14965.Light_on_Snow

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Something Old and Something New, Pearl Ada Pridham, 2025, Winged Publications

Cover--Something Old and Something New
Something Old and Something New

Something Old and Something New. Life keeps going around and around again. What’s new to a young person now was once new to generations before. Sort of.

Jennifer suddenly learns that she is about to become a great grandmother. Already. At fifty-five. Concern for her young granddaughter fills her heart. How can she reach out to her and help her?

With plans in place to travel through the mountains for a visit with her daughter’s family, she hopes and prays for a connection with her granddaughter.

Knitting gives her a way to pour love from her heart to her granddaughter and coming grandchild. As she knits, she reminisces back to her own teen years.

Her husband also prepares a gift. But will their son-in-law allow the gifts to be kept? He’s been furious at his daughter for getting pregnant. Not wanting to raise another child. Jennifer and her husband hope to intervene and try to soften his heart.

Jennifer’s thoughts keep returning to the sixties when she and her friends were growing up. She’s always had a caring heart and done her best to help people as God gave her opportunity.

I wrote Something Old and Something New as a sequel to Something I Haven’t Told You. It’s the third book in the Love Shines Through series.

You can get more information about these books, order them, and leave a review on Amazon. They are available on Kindle and paperback. The link is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D126BM7V?ref_=dbs_p_pwh_rwt_anx_b_lnk&storeType=ebooks

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CALM Before THE STORM, by Janice L. Dick, Herald Press, 2002

Calm Before the Storm, by Janice L. Dick
Historical Fiction of Mennonites in the Ukraine

As a Canadian of Mennonite descent through my mother, I am drawn to books such as CALM Before THE STORM, about the history of events that caused this people group to disperse around the world.

This summer, when we visited relatives in Saskatchewan, my stepson handed me this historical novel and its sequel in a thrift store.

CALM Before THE STORM takes place in the Ukraine, which in 1914, was the Mennonite settlement area that had been granted by Catherine the Great, to farmers from Germany and Holland. She allowed them special privileges in turn for developing the land.

By this time, my own ancestors had already fled from Russia. It was interesting to me to learn how the situation gradually worsened. The special privileges Mennonites had been granted allowed them to prosper, while the Russian citizens remained oppressed.

I’m grateful that my own ancestors foresaw the dangers and came to Canada early on. Unrest brews in this story. Yet I can see why many were reluctant to leave, with ties to family members who were unable to travel.

Mennonites, as a whole, took a stance of non-violence. So, while most of them didn’t take up arms, they participated in the war as medics.

I particularly liked the last chapters, in which one of the main characters invites weary soldiers into her home and feeds them.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Learn more about this book and others by Janice L. Dick at:

https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Calm_Before_the_Storm

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44 Charles Street, by Danielle Steel, 2012, Dell (Random House)

44 Charles Street
44 Charles Street

44 Charles Street is set in an artsy district of New York. Francesca, the main character, loves art and is living out her dream as co-owner of a gallery in which she helps new artists get a start. However, her business and life partner wants out. He helped her get the gallery going for five years, and now, seeing that it still isn’t making money, he wants to return to his law career. He wants to sell the house and gallery and start a family.

Francesca lets him go and finds a way to keep her life in the home she loves. The tenants she rents rooms to turn out to be quite a variety of people. They learn to love each other as family, through thick and thin.

I like how the author portrays a variety of personalities in the story, and how they interact. Their backgrounds, desires, and expectations. The ways they care for one another.

This book is written in an older style, from the point of view of the author as she tells the story. We as readers catch glimpses into the feelings of characters as told by Steele. This is different from recent writing styles in which authors write only from the point of view of one character in each scene.

Personally, I don’t mind this older writing style. It’s easy to follow, and the settings, characters and story line are interesting. Steele portrays well the life, values, belief systems and cultures of the time. 44 Charles Street could lead to a great discussion for a book club.

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The River Queen, by Stephenia H. McGee, 2023, The Vine Press, Ebook

The River Queen plunges readers into the scenario of American rivers a hundred years ago, when travelling theatres on luxurious boats brought entertainment to cities and towns along their routes. It sounds so fun!

The story features pirates, smuggling, and amusing and dastardly characters of all sorts. Marijuana, then called muggles, was starting to come to the States from Mexico.

Stephenia McGee keeps it light, amusing, and mysterious, with romance in the forefront. Click here to view my comments on other books by her: https://pearladapridham.com/?s=Stephenia+McGee

I read The River Queen as an E-book, but I must admit I much prefer paperbacks. To hold a book in my hands, smell the paper, and look again and again at the beautiful cover really contributes to my enjoyment. So, here is the Amazon link to the paperback: https://www.amazon.com/River-Queen-Christian-Historical-Romances/dp/1635640687/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PDFURGZMTS7W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D66bsqaE7tOf1MlDhdD61wlwibee7pcRMnb4uwrpaL0UO4ZsSEhnzZ0ehZXxQZKlTokhxF8Lm7k9K-b3GlHwzXmd8DRq479WgdQlxunsKAo.1442iwEo4iUQQnn5jGwnjyzVvUgFscVko8sh-bki9wE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+river+queen+stephanie+mcgee&qid=1713464899&sprefix=The+River+Queen%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1#detailBullets_feature_div.

Or, download the E-book and read from your cell phone whenever you have a few minutes of down time. Though it may not be as satisfying, it’s definitely more convenient. Personally, I find it not as easy to keep track of characters that way. With a paperback in hand, it’s easy to flip back to where they first came on the scene and refresh your memory. Pros and cons…

I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did.

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Ed’s Hopeful Journey, by Pearl Ada Pridham, 2024, Winged Publications

Ed’s Hopeful Journey, Book One of the Love Shines Through series. Prequel to Something I Haven’t Told You.https://www.amazon.ca/Hopeful-Journey-Love-Shines-Through-ebook/dp/B0CW1H26G6/ref=sr_1_1?

Ed’s Hopeful Journey is a short novel, prequel to Something I Haven’t Told You, and takes place five years earlier.

Do you like a grumpy man trope? Like in A Man Called Ove? If so, you might like this.

If you read Something I Haven’t Told You, you probably noticed the self-centered, sour nature of Alison’s father, Ed. Especially at the beginning of the story. But underneath, deep in his heart, there’s another side to him.

In this story, he receives an emergency call that sends him on a journey, hoping to restore lost relations. But Canada is a big country, mostly rural. Travel can present crazy inconveniences. Frustrations come in many forms. Will Ed find grace to overcome?

Ed’s Hopeful Journey works as a stand-alone, but also has connections to Something I Haven’t Told You. The two books don’t have to be read in order. It’s only 34 pages on Kindle. Unfortunately that means it will not be published in paperback. I hope you’ll enjoy it! Spoiler Alert: It can be a tear-jerker. There is tragedy. But “Love Shines Through”, hence the name of the series.

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All Her Dreams of Love, by Mary Lou Cheatham, 2023, Amazon Plus Publishing

All Her Dreams of Love


All Her Dreams of Love

Nancy’s dreams of love are threatened as she wonders day after day what has become of her husband. It’s rural Mississippi after the civil war. The virgin woods hold dangers of outlaws and wild animals. Days stretch into weeks and months. Without him there, her only protection is her gun. What will become of her and their young son, and the child inside her growing belly? How can she harvest their crops and care for their animals alone?

Some people appear to be friendly and helpful, but who can she trust? Surely someone must have some idea what happened to her husband.

Mary Lou Cheatham grew up in Mississippi and draws from the experiences of her great grandmother for this story.

Although dangers and threats were real and scary, neighbors and church people pitched in to help one another.

I recommend this heartwarming story by an author I met online through American Christian Fiction Writers. Mary Lou Cheatham was one of my critique partners. We continue to keep in touch through our newsletters, and encourage one another. I appreciate her historical fiction and Biblical fiction stories, which are based on real events. Readers can experience life in other times and places.

Download the book on your Kindle at All Her Dreams of Love eBook : Cheatham, Mary Lou: Amazon.ca: Books, or buy the paperback at All Her Dreams of Love: Cheatham, Mary Lou: 9798858411437: Books – Amazon.cahttps://www.amazon.ca/All-Dreams-Love-Mary-Cheatham/dp/B0CG82CZZG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CX697NJFJGPJ&keywords=Mary+Lou+Cheatham+All+Her+Dreams+of+Love&qid=1704927059&s=books&sprefix=mary+lou+cheatham+all+her+dreams+of+love%2Cstripbooks%2C128&sr=1-1.

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Something I Haven’t Told You, by Pearl Ada Pridham, October 12, 2023, Winged Publications

Something I Haven’t Told You

Something I Haven’t Told You is a repeated theme in Alison’s story.

As an adult, she looks back over her teen years, from the time she falls in love for the first time and finds herself pregnant at the age of fourteen. She faces shame, her father’s rage, and life-altering decisions. But she finds support in her sister, mother, and others. Despite being jerked into adulthood, life is good.

I started writing this novel nine years ago, after some years of volunteering at a pregnancy centre. Alison is a purely fictional character. My aim was to show the various repercussions that affect not only the young girl but also her family and entire community. The reactions of family members, counselors, school, doctors, the church. What can be supportive, and what is the opposite of supportive. God’s grace and forgiveness.

I hope readers will not only enjoy the story but also learn how to best support someone in a similar situation.

Many thanks to Cynthia Hickey of Winged Publications and Diane Tatum, editor. Also, to my many supporters who have encouraged me on this writing journey.

Available now on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca to download. Free to Kindle subscribers. Click here to download the book or order in paperback.

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New Books Published

Here’s a list of new books published by American Christian Fiction Writers authors.

October 2023 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

 

Children’s:


Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille — After spotting a photo of her lost dog, twelve-year-old Kimmy embarks on a wild road trip to bring him home with her pink-haired, adventure-hungry aunt who makes some unexpected detours. (Children’s/Middle Grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

Contemporary Romance:



A Christmas Romance by Annette M. Irby — A wannabe novelist with writer’s block. A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story. And the romance they brainstorm together. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance? (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)

A Country Christmas by Lisa Carter — The rancher and the city girl have nothing in common…except the wedding that brings them together (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

A Deeper Love by Heidi Gray McGill — There’s no such thing as going “too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes to relationships. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

A Horseman’s Mission by Sandra Ardoin — A guilt-ridden horseman works to establish an equine therapy center for veterans with PTSD while attempting to ease the fears of an overprotective widow whose son suffers panic attacks. (Contemporary Romance from Corner Room Books)

Fields of Glass by Alyssa Schwarz — A rancher facing bankruptcy and a corporate sales rep who wants to buy his family land. Sparks fly when they are forced to work together toward a common goal, and discover what they’re willing to sacrifice to save those they care for most. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Mama Dated Santa by Amy R. Anguish — Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa. Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivening’s Press)

Their Holiday Secret by Betsy St Amant — Preston Green will do anything for a fake girlfriend—even bid on one at a charity auction. Sweet and quirky baker Lulu Boyd is the perfect choice to stop his mother’s constant matchmaking. And it’s just for one holiday family dinner—until his father’s failing health makes ending their ruse impossible. Soon it feels all too real…but another secret might make this their last Christmas together. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

General Contemporary:


Secret Mercy by Lynn Waite Chapman — Talk to Liberty Cassell and you will hear her extoll all the advantages of living in her hometown of Twin Fawn. Little traffic. Easy parking. However, in this little town, when Harley Ottenweller failed to show up for dinner one day, most residents failed to notice. Those who did take note seemed grateful not to meet up with him on the street. His wife Willow and son Johnnie went on with life. No questions. No search. Does the tiny woman with wispy white hair and wild imagination know more about her husband’s disappearance than she’s telling? (General Contemporary from Winged Publications)

General Historical:


Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee — A young pregnant woman bonds with the midwives who take her into their Appalachian home. Decades later, a famous country singer heads to the Appalachian Mountains to search for the midwife who holds the truth about his past. (General Historical from Tyndale House)

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis — Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own. (General Historical, Tea Tin Press)

Historical Romance:


Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot — When a female doctor-in-training saves a handsome stranger’s life, little does she know that he’ll bring both love and danger into her life. (Historical Romance from Revell)

Angelina’s Resolve by Cindy Ervin Huff — Architect Angelina DuBois isn’t looking for love as she builds a town run by businesswomen. Carpenter and Civil War veteran Edward Pritchard’s dream of building homes for Chicago’s elite must be put on hold until he gains references. Serving as a contractor under Angelina’s well-known DuBois name provides that opportunity. But can Angelina trust her handsome new carpenter to respect her as his boss? Will the project take Edward one step closer to his goals, or will it make him a laughingstock? Can these two strong-willed people find love amid such an unconventional experiment? (Historical Romance from Iron Stream Media)

Chiseled on the Heart by Kelly Goshorn, Elaine Marie Cooper, Cynthia Roemer, and Candace West — Four generations carve out a journey of faith. The Gift of a Lamb by Elaine Cooper; A Lasting Legacy by Cynthia Roemer; Healing within the Pieces by Candace West; The Christmas Carving by Kelly Goshorn (Historical Romance from Revell)
The Case of the Missing Detective by Rebecca Hemlock — A spin off series of The Granton House Mysteries. We follow sixteen-year-old Dorothy Corbin as the family secrets are passed to her. She’s ready to discover her grandfather’s past, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find there. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)

Military Suspense:


Havoc by Ronie Kendig — Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin is putting his life back together after a career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. When he takes a job and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc, it’s too good to be true. Their first assignment is to work as a K-9 team for a TV drama. Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. (Military Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch — A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do. (Romantic Suspense from Loved Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)


Christmas in the Crosshairs by Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood, Sami A. Abrams — Christmas is about to get dangerous! Get ready for three brand new Elite Guardians romantic suspense stories from Sunrise Publishing in this exciting anthology. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Grave Secrets by Elle E. Kay — In the historic city of Philadelphia, a mystery begins to unfold that will lead to the tranquil beauty of Ricketts Glen State Park and the dark secrets hidden just beyond the park’s borders. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Holiday Menace by Jerusha Agen, Mary Alford, Lori Altebaumer, Danielle Grandinetti, Sarah Hamaker, Kendall Hoxsey, Karen Kirst, Pat O’Brien, Hope Welborn, and Terri Weldon — Will Christmas be merry and bright? Lives are in danger when menacing pressures threaten to derail Christmas in this heart-pounding suspense—plus a little romance—collection of 10 brand-new novellas from some of the genre’s most popular Christian romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Running to You by Robin Patchen — She dumped him, ghosted him for five years…and then showed up on his doorstep with bruises and a head injury she can’t explain. She has no memory of the years since she left him–or their breakup. She also has no idea why men are chasing her. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard — A missing person. A murder victim. And two hurting people seeking justice, connected in ways they could never imagine. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Skye Fall by Paige Edwards — The dirty cop who left her for dead now lies in wait to silence her once and for all. (Romantic Suspense from Covenant Communications)

Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink — After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Western:


Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis — Beryl’s father is badly injured, and the wagon train leaves her and her little brother behind and at the trading post. They are at the mercy of the trading post manager, his wife, and their adult son, James. Grieving after her father’s death, Beryl sees that James loves her young brother. Soon she comes to care for James too. Come spring, Beryl will have to decide whether she and her brother will continue on to Oregon or go back East. (Western from Tea Tin Press)

Young Adult:


Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer — When a lightning strike transports a high school senior from modern-day America to 1600s Scotland, she must learn the ways of the Scots before a battle between England and Scotland decimates the land her true love is destined to rule. (Young Adult from Chrism Press/WhiteFire Publishing)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

April’s Promise by Terrie Todd — As a world war wages across the globe, the Kimball family faces a different kind of conflict at home. Will their personal battles drag them down and tear their family apart? (General Historical)

Center Point by Nancy J. Farrier — Her husband is married to someone else — or is he? (Contemporary Romance)
 
Heart Restoration by Regina Rudd Merrick — A renovations expert and a contractor come across a corpse on the job site, along with a series of tunnels beneath the property. (Romantic Suspense)
 
Malia’s Courage by Pamela Harstad , A Native Hawaiian interior designer and her architect co-worker encounter murder and threats after a company plans to build illegally on Hawaiian sacred land. How will they uphold their relationship and others’ rights, while trying to survive? (Romantic Suspense)
 
Speaking Through the Silence by Linda Sammaritan , Will Debbie continue to keep quiet under the Mean Queen’s snarky abuse, or will she screw up the courage to speak through her self-imposed silence? (Young Adult)
 
Tipsy in Love by Anne Greene, A hilarious tale of love almost lost. (Contemporary Romance)
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The All American, by Susie Finkbeiner, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

The All American
The All American

The All American features two sisters growing up in the 1950s. I love this story, as I can relate to a lot of it, having also grown up in that era. The home economics classes for girls. The etiquette and expectations around ladylike dress and behavior. The books we read. The dread of encroaching communism like it was the devil himself. The ultimate enemy.

This is the second book I’ve read by Susie Finkbeiner. The other one was The Nature of Small Birds. Both are post WWII historical fiction. They encapsulate glimpses into that period, exposing its blind innocence and charm. Zealous Christian Americans staving off the evil commies. Finkbeiner uses fiction to bring to light the blunders that caused hurt and sadness. The hypocrisy of the scared self-righteous. Which, in the end, is not different or better than the opposite political pole of Communism carried too far.

Because it’s not about whether you adhere to right or left-wing politics. It’s about adhering to God our Creator, who made and loves us all, and loving our neighbors, including our enemies. And trusting God as we endure and learn from tragedy. Quote from page 322: “I can’t change the pain, but I can fight to remember the good in everything.

Thanks to Revell for sending me this book at my request. This is my honest review.

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Her Only Wish, by Shelley Shepard Gray, 2023, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Her Only Wish
Her Only Wish

Her Only Wish is a slightly confusing title to me, as Betsy actually has a list of wishes–her ‘Life List‘. Not to mention she wishes to experience the things on her Life List during one summer month while she is visiting a friend in Pinecraft, Florida.

Betsy’s health condition (asthma) has held her back until now. Her parents have sheltered her and prevented her from doing normal childhood activities like riding a bike and swimming. While she’s away from her parents for this month, she seizes the opportunity to experience this list of things she’s always wanted to do.

She starts by enrolling in golf lessons, where she meets August Troyer. August has also been emerging from controlling parents. He wrestles with life decisions. Should he become a missionary, following in the footsteps of his parents, or continue to manage the golf course for his aunt and uncle? To tell you the result would be a spoiler, but I can say that, like August, missions was a ‘calling’ that I also struggled with in my younger years. This story would have been helpful to me back then.

The story also features two sisters who offer swimming lessons to Betsy. Betsy and her Life List are an inspiration to them and to everyone she meets.

This is the second in the series, ‘A Season in Pinecraft‘. I haven’t read the first book, ‘Her Heart’s Desire‘. Her Only Wish stood alone fine without it. There is enough backstory for me to know that in the first book Betsy met the friend she’s staying with.

Her Only Wish is a sweet story, paced a bit on the slow side. As an older reader I like that, but it seemed to take me a long time to finish. Perhaps because I had distractions this month with company from out of town.

To learn more about the author and her other books, go to shelleyshepardgray.com.

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Back on Blossom Street, by Debbie Macomber, 2007, MIRA (Harlequin)

Back on Blossom Street
Back on Blossom Street

Another heart-warming story about Lydia and the friends she makes in her knitting classes. This time they are knitting prayer shawls. Each person is participating for a different reason and plans to use the shawl for a different purpose.

As they knit together, bonds form between them. Gradually their stories emerge and develop. They support one another in their struggles.

Chapters alternate between three Points of View: Lydia, Alix, and Colette. I met Lydia and Alix in the first book of the series. Although I haven’t read books 2 and 3, I didn’t notice anything missing as I picked up on their lives. This may be partly because of Macomber’s writing style. She ensures each story stands alone by subtly filling in bits of backstory. Colette is going through a complex period in her life, lending some intrigue to the story.

Macomber expertly integrates spiritual life lessons into the raw events of life like they happen, without glossing over actions, thoughts, feelings, and words. This is what I love about her writing. Plus, Blossom Street is in Seattle, not too far south of Western Canada where I live, so I can relate to the west-coast climate and culture she describes. Women of all ages are included among the characters, as well as the men in their lives. Themes are secrets, pregnancy, weddings, accidents, forgiving, bonding, death, and trust, interspersed with joys of life such as tea, seafood, and ocean breezes.

To learn more about Debbie Macomber and her novels, visit www.DebbieMacomber.com.

To learn more about the book or to order, tap on this link: https://amzn.to/3pa8F8D. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

To read other reviews on Goodreads, click here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5630440775.

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Dancing in the Rain; Stories to Shelter the Soul, 2023. ISBN: 978-1-7361780-6-5

Dancing in the Rain is an anthology of five stories.

Dancing in the Rain
Dancing in the Rain

Each story in Dancing in the Rain features an experience of cleansing rain that renews the soul. Candace West writes ‘McDonald’s Farm’. Eleanor Bertin writes ‘Who Sends the Rain?’. Angela D. Meyer writes ‘Rekindling Her Dream’. Deb Elkink writes ‘Clanging Symbols’, and Sara Davison writes ‘The Poppy’.

Each of the stories in Dancing in the Rain could be a separate book, and the e-book took me longer than expected to read through. I had been expecting shorter novellas. The authors are a group of writers who have published several anthologies together in the past.

Five writers, Five unique styles

Each author has her own distinct writing style. Although all the stories feature rain as a cleansing, renewing experience, there isn’t a lot of further commonality. Settings range from Vancouver Canada to places in the States, to Japan. Writing styles range from light and easy to follow to relatively heavy and more serious. Forgiveness, hope, and second chances are threads that link the stories.

As a Canadian writer myself, I was interested in the fact that there are Canadian authors and settings included in the anthology. I was already Facebook friends with Deb Elkink. Her story particularly stood out to me because it is based in Japan in the 1970s and is centered around cross-cultural experiences. As a traveler, ESL instructor and international homestay host, I could relate to the interesting differences in cultural thinking and symbolism. Whereas that story occurs in Japan, the others are all in North America.

Anthologies provide an opportunity to get to know new authors. I found each story appealing in its own unique way.

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