Tag: small town America

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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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Out of the Embers, by Amanda Cabot, 2020, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review, and I chose this one because I like historical fiction with some romance to give it spice. Speaking of which, the main character in this novel is a cook, so you can pick up a few cooking tips from her!

Out of the Embers

Although it is Book One of a series, it reads well as a stand-alone too, as all the strings are tied up at the end. The author tells you what Book Two will be about and includes the first chapter. The focus will shift onto different characters in the same town.

Out of the Embers starts with Evelyn, a young woman who works in an orphanage in 1855, with Polly, a recently orphaned little girl. They are returning to the orphanage with the horse and wagon when they discover that the orphanage has been burned to the ground and there are no survivors.

Fleeing to get away from whoever did this, they end up in a pretty ranch town at the foot of a mountain. A handsome cowboy finds them caught in a thunderstorm and invites them to his home where his mother and sister insist that they stay.

Evelyn and Polly settle in happily to Mesquite Springs but there is always this underlying fear that somebody is after them. Indeed it’s true! More than one person is after them! But I’m not giving away any spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it yourself to find out!

https://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com/2020/04/evelyns-oatmeal-pecan-pie.html?m=1 Check out this link to the recipe for Evelyn’s oatmeal pie.

https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9212800-14380659
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