I have long been a fan of Susan Meissner’s lyrical writing. I also love her stories that marry a historical story with a contemporary plot. She has a knack for finding varied stories that beautifully fit. A Fall of Marigolds is a perfect example of that skill. This story invites us into the stories of two women who experienced tragedy …
Parenting 101: Secrets of Happy Families Review
What makes a family work? It’s a question I think about frequently. While each family is different, I love to find principles that I can apply to our unique dynamic. The Secrets of Happy Families is a fresh approach — taking business principles and transforming them for families in a dynamic way that has me eager to try adapting some …
Monuments Men: History Wrapped in an Engaging Story
Last night, Eric and I got a chance to watch Monuments Men on opening night. This is a movie I have anticipated since learning George Clooney was in production in the fall of 2012. That’s a long time to anticipate the movie! I wasn’t disappointed. This movie captures the tone of the Monuments Men. It grasps what this small group …
Headmistress of Rosemere & Giveaways!
I was a slow convert to books set in Regency England, but authors like Julie Klassen and now Sarah Ladd have shown me how truly delightful this time period can be. In this novel Patience Creighton is the headmistress of a school her father started almost by default. Her mother is overcome by grief, her brother has disappeared, and she …
The Dancing Master Review
Julie Klassen is a fantastic writer who creates characters and plots that I love. This book was no exception. I was quickly pulled into Regency England and the lives of two characters with lives shadowed by pain. A delightful read for those who love historicals filled with great characters, a strong faith thread, and a hint of mystery. Finding himself …
History Comes to Life in Rebellious Heart
As a history lover, I love the rare author who gives me a sweeping historical novel yet demonstrates a great love and appreciation for history and getting it right. Jody Hedlund is such an author and her latest novel Rebellious Heart is such a book. The love story of John and Abigail Adams, so I was thrilled to discover after …
Tempest’s Course Review
A Quilts of Love book. Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner’s Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain’s home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of …
A Sweet Amish Story with Christmas Overtones
I loved Vannetta Chapman’s Amish mystery series set in Shipshewana, so was eager to give this book a try. Set in the Quilts of Love series, the sewing of a quilt plays a large role throughout the book. I quickly realized the characters have starred in other books, yet I could fully enjoy this one without needing to know everything …
Snow On the Tulips Review and Giveaway information
Liz Tolsma’s Snow on the Tulips is a haunting WWII story set in the Netherlands that reminded me of Bodie Thoene’s early books. A young woman is pushed outside of what she knows she should do in order to do the right thing. In the process she pulls those she loves deeper into the web of deception and danger as …
To Know You: Gripping Women’s Fiction
This book was something of an unknown to me when it arrived. I knew that Shannon Etheridge had written some nonfiction books related to sexual issues and women. And I knew that Kathryn Mackel is a talented novelist. Thus I was willing to give this novel a try. What I didn’t expect was to be sucked in by the lyrical …