Category: Book Reviews

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where the ROAD BENDS, by Rachel Fordham, 2022, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Follow where the Road Bends

"...follow where the road bends. You can have a different life."
where the ROAD BENDS

Follow where the road bends. You can have a different life. That’s the advice Norah gave Quincy, but could she do that herself? Here she was, engaged to someone she wasn’t in love with, in order to save her farm. It was all she knew, and she loved it there. It held happy memories of her parents. But alone, she found it impossible to maintain.

This is the first book by Rachel Fordham that I’ve read, and I’ll definitely read more. The characters are well defined; the main characters are refreshingly human and likeable, the villains despicable. The plot twists and turns and bends like the road in the title.

The characters, plot, and setting would lend themselves to a series. I wonder what happens next in the lives of secondary characters, and in the growing establishments in the setting of the book.

Thought-provoking

As I read, I found myself rehashing the choices I’ve made at the twists and turns in my own life. As the characters struggle between secrecy and honesty, holding back and being forthright, I wonder how my own life might have been different had I shared from my heart rather than putting up fences. The path of life is very tricky, isn’t it?

At the end of the book there’s a list of questions for readers that would make an interesting discussion for a book club. Even just by myself, I found them thought-provoking. Could I be brave enough to change my life by following where the road bends?

Thank you to Revell for sending me this beautiful book to give my honest review. I’m so glad I chose it. Be the first to hear about new books from Revell. Sign up at RevellBooks.com/SignUp.

Meet author Rachel Fordham at RachelFordham.com.

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The Associate, by John Grisham, 2009, Dell (Random House)

An Associate in a prestigious New York law firm.
The Associate, by John Grisham

An Associate in a prestigious New York law firm, Kyle isn’t where he wants to be. He followed in his father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. But his father practices in a small town and chose the career because he had a heart for helping ordinary people. He’s generous with his time and charges only what his clients can afford.

Kyle wants to even take a low-paying position with a charitable organization for a year or two.

But past mistakes now have him caught in a trap. Basically just too much ‘partying’ as a college student. Suddenly he’s being accused of rape. Not only him, but several of his college room mates as well. It’s not the young woman herself holding threats over him, but a group of thugs who seem to be FBI. The intrigue starts there, but I won’t spoil it for you by telling you any more.

An associate position in a prestigious New York law firm may make Kyle rich, but what about his soul?

John Grisham’s books are always interesting and full of intrigue. Plus readers learn a lot about the workings of the American legal system. Possibly a lot you’d rather not know. Hidden failures and corruption. Learn, be aware, and use caution! Grisham writes from the standpoint of being a former lawyer himself. His books are an entertaining education for the general public.

Check out his website at www.jgrisham.com

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A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman, 2014, Sceptre

A Man Called Ove
A Man Called Ove

Deep inside of the grumpy old man called Ove is a very sad heart. Bit by bit, over a lifetime of disappointments, he’s grown a thick crust. He’s not up for any more hurts–all he wants is to die in peace.

Yet it seems he cannot even do that. Because the people around him can’t do anything right and he must help them. Sonja would want him to. And that’s the kind of people he and his father before him are.

And his neighbours, including a stray cat, expect his help. Begrudgingly he starts by doing the least he can, accompanied by swearing and complaining. You’ll have to read the book to find out how that works out.

I found this book in the little give-one-take-one library in our complex. It was originally written in Swedish, and was translated to English. But the sentiments of the man called Ove could likely be found in any country. I know I could relate to him myself. Yes, I can easily get quite grumpy. After many disappointments in life, a person can grow a crusty exterior to insulate themselves, and use word-swords to strike out at the stupid people all around. I’m sure many people would sometimes just rather die in peace than deal with any more ****.

But magic happens. It happens in this story and it happens in life. Even opening your heart a tiny crack to help someone just a little, whether they deserve it or not, changes you deep down inside.

This Contemporary Fiction, written from the Point Of View of Ove, mostly, except for some Omniscient comments from the author, is not racy or romantic, but somber and darkly humorous. I’m not sure younger adults could relate much to Ove, but as I come from his generation, I definitely could. The first line, “Ove is fifty-nine,” immediately tips off potential readers as to the age category of the Main Character. In the first paragraph we find out that the type of car he drives is important to him, and that he’s uncomfortable and grumpy in a store that sells iPads because he doesn’t even know how to talk to the sales clerk about what he wants. Haha, I’ve certainly had that experience! A Man Called Ove was a bestseller, so perhaps I’m not the only reader that relates.

Find out more about the author at www.fredrikbackman.com.

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Abi of Cyrene; The Girl Who Loved Simon, by Mary Lou Cheatham, 2015

Who Were Abi and Simon of Cyrene?

Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Christ. Who was he? Mary Lou Cheatham weaves a tale of his life as seen through the eyes of his wife, another obscure Bible character.

Abi of Cyrene

A beautiful woman from Nubia, Abi accompanies Simon, her betrothed, on a long journey via camel and boat to Cyrene, her new home in North Africa. Both are descendants of King David and Solomon. Abi is also a descendant of the Queen of Sheba. They proudly follow their Jewish traditions.

Simon is a trader, and travels far and wide. Abi stays home with his family, managing the estate and raising their sons, until the day comes when Simon takes them to celebrate Passover at the temple in Jerusalem.

The Passover Lamb

Abi hopes to sacrifice a Passover lamb for the forgiveness of her sins. But what is all the commotion going on when they arrive? Some sort of horrible rebellion, with people shouting for the King of the Jews to be crucified. Who is this man, and what has he done?

From the beginning of Abi’s tale, I was drawn in. What would become of her? Her experiences and thoughts became mine as I read.

Mary Lou Cheatham gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people at the time, personalized through the eyes of Abi. We learn how it may have been that Simon of Cyrene came to be the one to carry the cross of Christ, and the dynamic effect of the crucifixion and resurrection on this little family. What will it mean to them?

Visit Mary’s author page on Amazon.com to find this and other books by Mary Lou Cheatham.

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The Spark of Love, by Amanda Cabot, 2022, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

1957 Small Town Texas

1857 small town Texas with a mix of charming and nefarious characters. Alexandra arrives from New York and must keep her wits on alert. Having escaped from a threatening suitor, she has come to be with her father. Sadly, she is not welcomed by him.

The Spark of Love

However, Mesquite Springs is a very friendly community. As is the guardian angel, in the form of Gabe, who feels compelled to protect her. He takes her under his wing, but all isn’t as it seems.

Who Can She Trust?

He happened to travel on the same coach, and both were surprised to find the hotel still under construction. The townspeople immediately find them lodging and befriend them. But they aren’t the only newcomers, and some are not to be trusted.

My Favourite Kind of Story

This is the third in the Mesquite Springs series. I read the first book, Out of the Embers, but missed the second one. It was nice to run into some of the characters again. I wish the series could carry on.

Amanda Cabot has a very likable writing style. I love her use of words. The characters are charming and the plot intriguing. The setting makes me wish to live in a place like that.

Visit AmandaCabot.com to learn more about the author, sign up for her newsletter, and see what other books she is writing.

Thanks to Revell for sending me this beautiful paperback to review. I’m so glad I chose it–it’s my favourite kind of story.

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The Spark of Love, by Amanda Cabot, 2022, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

1957 Small Town Texas

1857 small town Texas with a mix of charming and nefarious characters. Alexandra arrives from New York and must keep her wits on alert. Having escaped from a threatening suitor, she has come to be with her father. Sadly, she is not welcomed by him.

The Spark of Love

However, Mesquite Springs is a very friendly community. As is the guardian angel, in the form of Gabe, who feels compelled to protect her. He takes her under his wing, but all isn’t as it seems.

Who Can She Trust?

He happened to travel on the same coach, and both were surprised to find the hotel still under construction. The townspeople immediately find them lodging and befriend them. But they aren’t the only newcomers, and some are not to be trusted.

My Favourite Kind of Story

This is the third in the Mesquite Springs series. I read the first book, Out of the Embers, but missed the second one. It was nice to run into some of the characters again. I wish the series could carry on.

Amanda Cabot has a very likable writing style. I love her use of words. The characters are charming and the plot intriguing. The setting makes me wish to live in a place like that.

Visit AmandaCabot.com to learn more about the author, sign up for her newsletter, and see what other books she is writing.

Thanks to Revell for sending me this beautiful paperback to review. I’m so glad I chose it–it’s my favourite kind of story.

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the Lady of Galway Manor, by Jennifer Deibel, 2022, Revell (Baker Publishing Group

the Lady of Galway ManorAn English lady falls in love with an Irish man in 1920 Galway.

Forbidden Love

Her father has been assigned the position of landlord and moved the family to dwell in the Irish manor. Lady Annabeth has lived the life of a titled daughter in England, and all that was entailed for her. That was actually quite a restricted life. She was expected to dress well, eat only the best foods, and do only those activities appropriate for one of her class. The expectations even went so far as who she could marry. So far, she’d received one proposal, from an older man who was also titled. He could give her a posh lifestyle, but could she learn to love him? He’d given her a year to answer.

As long as the family lived in England and their lives revolved in this society, it was normal to Annabeth. But here in Galway there were no other families like themselves to associate with. Seclusion in the manor was stifling. Her father, seeing her restlessness, took pity on her and arranged an apprenticeship with a jewelry maker.

The son of the jewelry maker was disillusioned with love. Selling rings to lovers only sickened him. He wanted out of the business. But then, along came Annabeth… You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens between them.

History

War between the Irish and the English has gone on for centuries. The Irish want independence; the British want to rule them. Annabeth had been taught quite a different view of the Irish from what she found out when she worked amongst them.

Deibel captures a bit of the history of the era in Galway, bringing it alive through this tale of forbidden love. I wonder if the story is anything like that of some of my own English and Irish mix of ancestors. By 1920 my father’s parents lived in Canada. Both of them were from a mix of English and Irish descent, so the history would go back pretty far. Could one of my own great great grandmothers have been an English lady who fell in love with an Irish man?

To find out more about the author, go to JENNIFERDEIBEL.COM. You can sign up for her newsletter and see what her plans are for future books.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me this beautiful paperback to read and review. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is my unbiased review. See more books published by Revell at www.RevellBooks.com.

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Sisters, by Danielle Steel, 2008, Bantam Dell (Random House)

Sisterly Love

This book is about sisters, their mom, and their dogs. Very, very special relationships. A strong love like no other. Supporting and rooting for each other above all else.

Sisters

As you can see, this particular paperback has been well-loved. It was given to me by my son. He walked 10 kilometers to one of those little free libraries to find it for me, so he was glad to see me happily reading it.

As with the four sisters in this novel, my own sister is the closest person to me, and our mother was very dear to us. As did these sisters, we aspire to honor our mother and the love she had for us and our family.

Though each of these four sisters is very different, their strong, sacrificial love for each other is compelling. They are there for one another through thick and thin. Especially throughout this year of crises that they go through in this story.

The sisters actively support one another through death, blindness, fame, boyfriends, false relationships, rape, romance and dogs.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, in case you wish to read it. I recommend it for you if you can relate to sisterly love, or any type of family love. In the mix of the story are themes of death, blindness, fame, boyfriends, false relationships, rape, romance, and dogs.

Although it deals with heavy topics, I found it a light read, and read the 400 pages within a week. LOL incidents are sprinkled in for flavor. A particularly amusing bit for me, was when one of the sisters, who in her mid thirties has given up hope of finding a good man, meets a born-again Christian. He’s been divorced four times and has seven children. The caps on his teeth are the size of chicklets and he has a woven-in hairpiece. He keeps asking her if she’s found Jesus, and she wonders where he went, thinking ‘Hasn’t he been here all along?’. Hehe. Other amusing scenes center around other character descriptions and incidents, especially to do with the dogs.

Thanks, Nathaniel. I look forward to reading the other books you found for me too. As the mother in the story loved her four daughters, I love you and your brother. As this mother said, that their sisters were the best gift she could give her daughters, the best gift I could give you and Paul was each other.

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Sunrise, by Susan May Warren, 2022, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Cold, wild, stunning Alaska

Cold wild stunning Alaska is the setting for this Romantic Suspense.

Susan May Warren is a master of ‘Deep Point of View’, a writing skill that puts readers directly into the minds of characters. You feel the constant suspense that each character feels, whether physical danger or struggles of the heart.

I chose this book from several that Revell offered me to review because the cold wild stunning setting of Alaska drew me, and I wanted to learn more about this Deep POV that Warren is so well-known for.

Zoom, zoom, zoom, speeding from one scene to the next, on dog-sled, ski-doo, small planes, helicopter and skates. That’s what you experience. Glancing up at shades of purple and gold on snow-covered mountains. Night time aurora and stars. Grizzly bears, wolves, foxes and chickens. Broken families and long-gone love. The slow thaw of forgiveness.

At the end of this first book in the Sky King Ranch series, while there is some resolution, Warren leaves us with untied threads. Enticement to read the next book and find out who this unconscious, nearly frozen woman is, that they found in the wilderness. News of a brother needing urgent rescue in another continent. Wondering if the resolution between characters will stick. The constant suspense never really ends. It just goes from one thing to another.

Learn more about Susan May Warren and her books at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Find out more about Revell books at www.revellbooks.com.

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Deadly Target, by Elizabeth Goddard, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Cold case podcaster brings on danger
Deadly Target

A cold case podcaster brings danger to her loved ones. She inadvertently walks into a hornets’ nest, attracting trouble.

Something has always bothered her about her past, but she doesn’t know the truth. Where do her ongoing panic attacks stem from?

She’s a criminal psychologist, but why this fascination? What holds her back from falling in love and living a normal life away from the edge of danger and fear?

With hopes that her podcast can bring answers and cast light on unsolved crime, she bravely publishes a story series. But who is watching the podcast and why? The comments she gets are interesting, to say the least.

It seems all her loved ones are magnets for target practice. But why? Is her cold case podcast inadvertently bringing danger to them? We don’t find out till near the end of the story how all these potentially deadly incidents dovetail.

Elizabeth Goddard weaves an intricate plot of danger and suspense, with romance in the recipe. What holds back the main characters from allowing themselves to fall in love? Goddard makes readers care about the characters.

Book Two of the Rocky Mountain Courage Series, Deadly Target reads well as a stand-alone.

Elizabeth Goddard is a best-selling author of more than fifty novels. Find out more at Elizabeth Goddard.com.

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A View Most Glorious, by Regina Scott, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

A woman of the 1890s victoriously fights her way to the top of treacherous Mount Rainier, overcoming personal challenges as well as physical.

Earning freedom for women.
A Most Glorious View

Earning women’s rights is the theme of this historical fiction, based on real history. Mount Rainier, 58 miles northwest of Tacoma, Washington, rises to 14,411 feet. The views, both of it and from it, are stunning. The setting of this story takes place from Tacoma to the top of the mountain, and we get a taste of life and circumstances in the 1890s.

The Suffragettes fought for women’s rights in an era when they couldn’t vote, or do many other things they were capable of. As a woman, I appreciate these women who took a stand in spite of adversity, contributing to the freedoms I live in now. They were hard won.

Ever relevant themes depicted in personal characters.

The author depicts well the expectations and virtual prisons that bound people of the time. But Cora, the main character, refuses to settle for all that. And she finds a match in her mountain guide, Nathan, also a person who despises the falsity and confinement of high society.

Not only the Suffragettes revolted against the status quo. Uprisings of angry men who were either out of work or were not paid fairly caused panic in the city. They also demonstrated for rights.

The author cleverly weaves all these threads into a personal story of family, conflicts, a treacherous suitor, and a mountain romance. She brings out the sense of propriety of the upper class, contrasted by the raw nitty gritty of the lower class. Her writing style is pleasant to read, exemplifying the English of the day.

Characters are distinctly portrayed. Coraline is strong and determined, a fighter for justice. Nathan undergoes change of heart as he reconsiders the life he has run away to. Coraline’s would-be fiancé is truly creepy. Her mother is conniving, and her step-father an angel. There is a good balance between description, inner thoughts, and conversation.

I’m glad I chose A View Most Glorious. I will happily choose Regina Scott’s books again. Thank you, Revell, for sending me the paperback copy to review. A real pleasure.

Connect with the author at www.reginascott.com. Choose more books from this publisher at RevellBooks.com.

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On Cue, by Bettie Boswell, 2020, Mt Zion Ridge Press

Romance with drama and dogs. If you like those elements, you’ll be sure to like On Cue, by Bettie Boswell. Romance with drama and dogsIn the mood for a light humorous read? It’s perfect. Do you love dogs? Even better. Because dogs are on every page.

My thanks to the publisher, Mt Zion Ridge Press, for sending me a copy in order to write a review. I read it on Glose–easy to download onto and read from.

No hair-raising suspense here, which is fine by me. In my life there’s usually enough going on to set my nerves on edge, so it’s nice to read something where things mostly go right, except for a few humorous incidents.

The main characters are homey, hard-working, and likeable–both teachers. The tension between them carries throughout the novel. Secondary characters root for them. A dark cloud looms with the antagonist, but I won’t spoil it for you by telling how that goes.

I learned quite a bit about putting on a large-scale musical drama–all the work, funding, talents, and side-line supporters that are necessary. The drama is about the historical underground railway, with a theme of redemption that also applies on other levels to spiritual redemption and acts of present-day redemption.

The author draws from her own life experience as a dog-loving teacher involved in drama productions.

This website is an Indigo/Chapters affiliate. If you click on the above link and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you I may receive a small kickback to help me pay for this website. Have fun browsing on Indigo.ca, and look under Books for my reviews.

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A Christmas in the Alps, by Melody Carlson, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps

A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps. Simone Sophia bears the name of her great grandmother, and apparently has inherited a treasure from her.A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps.

Could this be true? It seems highly unlikely, but Simone’s best friend urges her to find out. Simone, still single in her thirties, started out in an uninspiring career as a dental assistant, then for the last several years has been her grandmother’s caregiver. Now her grandmother has passed away, and Simone, basically bored with her life in California, wonders what’s next in store.

Her pushy best friend books a flight for Simone to go meet her estranged relatives in France. The thought of a snowy Christmas in the alps sounds appealing, but she’s terrified of flying. Also not too interested in these relatives who have never been in contact with her. However, she reluctantly allows her friend to make the arrangements.

Can she overcome her fears?

Will the change of scene turn out to be what she needs? Or will she succumb to full-blown panic mid-air over the Atlantic ocean? On the plane she meets a kind clockmaker, and the story goes on from there. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens, and whether she finds the treasure.

A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps. Beautifully written. Makes me want to spend a winter there, maybe have a tour of the old-fashioned hand-made clock factory. Take a train-ride through the Alps. See Paris lit up for Christmas. Sounds dreamy and romantic to me. Thanks for the lovely virtual trip, Melody. And for the deeper themes too, of family, forgiveness, and making amends.

Thanks to Revell for sending me a lovely hard cover copy of this novella in order that I might read it and write my honest review. I’m glad I chose A Christmas in the Alps.

Learn more about Melody Carlson and her books at MelodyCarlson.com.

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The Forgiving Hour, by Robin Lee Hatcher, ebook edition 2016, Robinsong Inc.

Forgiveness–a theme of humanity

Forgiveness has always been a human theme. From the story of Adam and Eve on, the need of forgiveness has been central. The moment we err, that little elf called ‘conscience’ whispers in our ear. When we ban him from our presence, we suffer consequences. So does everyone around.

As humans, we crave to be forgiven, but we also have to learn to forgive. It’s a two-way street. Hanging onto resentment makes a person miserable, and also affects everyone around.

Can she find freedom from the stranglehold of bitterness?

Forgiveness is a human theme.Robin Lee Hatcher expertly plays out the theme of forgiveness in this novel of the lives of a woman and her son. They have been betrayed. They suffer years of resulting consequences and misery. Have they been permanently trapped in bitterness, or will they rise above it?

What do you feel about forgiveness?

What would be the hardest thing for you to forgive? How would you be able to forgive? The Forgiving Hour reflects some of the author’s own path to forgiveness. Not at all easy to forgive some things, but so emancipating.

Why I chose this book.

I received a free copy of this book via a one-day promotional Kindle e-book offer that the author gave her Facebook friends. Thank you, Robin! I loved it. Not only is the theme universal and vital to changing lives, the writing is beautiful. Emotions are felt and settings are seen through the views of characters. I love your writing style.

The plotline begins with the inciting incident when the main character is an adult, then goes back to where it all began years before in her teens. At the end we see the final result of the storyline. Readers see through the points of view of several characters, each of whom have subplots. It works very well. There is a prologue, seven parts, and an epilogue, totaling a little over 300 pages.

The author had previously referred me to this book to show me an example of the plotline of one of her most successful books. The reason she told me about it is because the novel I’ve been working on myself has a similar plotline. So glad to see how well it played out in The Forgiving Hour. Now to emulate her vivid writing style! Thank you for this bit of mentoring. It means a lot to me as a greenhorn novelist.

To learn more about the author and her books, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.

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Under the Bayou Moon, by Valerie Fraser Luesse, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Discover Fascinating Acadian Louisiana

Discover Fascinating Acadian LouisianaDiscover Fascinating Acadian Louisiana through the eyes of a teacher arriving there in 1949. Miss Ellie Fields takes up a position here, away from her home and family. With trepidation, she bravely ventures forth, stopping on her way to discover New Orleans and experience its famed party life. Here she meets a budding photographer who becomes a lifelong friend.

When Ellie arrives at her destination, she enters a steep learning curve. This position entails much more than she bargained for. The odds are stacked against her. However, it’s already too late. She has fallen in love immediately with the place and its people. For her there is no other choice than to embrace the challenges.

Teaching English to French-speaking Acadians

Ellie finds that the Acadian (shortened to Cajun) children and their families speak French at home. She must teach them English. Previous teachers have alienated the children by never allowing them to speak a word of their mother tongue at school. Furthermore, the Creole (black) children who live in the area are not even allowed to attend school. Her heart goes out to them.

A Cabin in the Bayou

Ellie is given a cabin in the Bayou to live in. No electricity or running water. She paddles to school on a little boat–careful not to tip it and be eaten by alligators. Sound rustic? She totally loves all of it–especially the night sounds of birds and frogs and other bayou wildlife. I love Luesse’s descriptions of the scenery–the sunset, the moon, the trees and water–and a mysterious white alligator.

Adventure, Romance, Suspense, Mystery

This story features all of these threads. Just when it seems Ellie has overcome major hurdles, disaster strikes. I won’t give away any spoilers though. You’ll have to read it for yourself. Suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Luesse spent a year researching the Bayou area and its history. She puts in lots of interesting details, all incorporated into the story. I totally love her writing style, and look forward to reading more books by her. It was a pleasure to discover Acadian Louisiana through the eyes of Ellie Fields.

Thank you, Revell, for sending me a paperback copy to review. I love holding a paper book in my hands, looking at the beautiful cover art, and reading words printed in ink. This is my honest review, and I totally recommend Under the Bayou Moon to other readers.

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