Tag Archives: Historical fiction

The Number of Love

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White, Roseanna M. The Number of Love: The Codebreakers-Book 1. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Margot De Wilde spends much of her time in Room 40 deciphering codes of German telegraphs during the Great War. Taking place in Great Britain, The Number of Love shares the mysteries and secrets associated with such an activity. Seeing her world through numbers which portrays Margot as quirky, intellectual, winsome and perhaps a bit eccentric, Margot prefers digits to people. That is until Drake Elton appears and tries to change her mind…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Drawn to the book by the cover as well as the riddle of the title, though not an author I read regularly, I was a bit uncertain of the book within the first few pages. Thinking perhaps I had missed something, I did restart the book and was able to follow along a bit better. I did find the history of the codebreakers to be quite interesting and allowed the story to revolve around those events for me which made the struggle in the beginning worth finishing the book. Not having read the previous novel in which Margot was introduced, I do not think I necessarily missed anything except her earlier childhood. Intrigued enough to watch for the next book in The Codebreakers series, I hope to learn even more of the activity that took place in Room 40 during World War I.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Number of Love from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

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Eubeltic Descent

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Keels, Nadine C. Eubeltic Descent: Eubeltic Realm Series- Book 1. CreateSpace Publishing. 2018.

SUMMARY:
Proud of her ancestry though she has never seen the land, Abigaia’s hope is to one day visit. As a young girl who blossoms into a young woman, her inner strength becomes visible as she grows. As she continues to mature and follow her plan, catastrophe strikes which changes everything. Perhaps now needed by her people, Abigaia must make a hard decision. Part history, part fantasy, part inspiration, totally engaging…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As one of my favorite authors and as a continuation of the Movement of Crowns trilogy, there was no doubt I was going to read Nadine Keels’ newest book, Eubeltic Descent. I absolutely loved this one, especially watching Abigaia grow- I actually found myself cheering for her. While fantasy is not a preferred genre of mine, this author has changed my mind with her writings. Able to be read as a stand-alone book, the background from the previous stories would only enhance the experience even more. Well written and sharing her mastery of language, Nadine Keels hits the high mark yet again. Glad to see this is Book 1 of new series, I hope she takes my advice to continue writing as I so savor her skilled talent.  I am confident readers of all ages will enjoy this book as much as I did. (As always, a gorgeous cover, too!)

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Eubeltic Descent from the author for my honest review*

The Lacemaker

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Frantz, Laura. The Lacemaker. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2017.

SUMMARY:
As the “bride” of historic Williamsburg, circa 1775, Lady Elizabeth “Liberty” Lawson, does most everything her father, the British Lieutenant governor of the Virginia colony, demands of her…including a prearranged, high-society marriage. Spending her time continuing the generational task of making lace, Liberty soon finds herself accused of being a spy, saved only by Noble Rynallt, the cousin of her ex-intended. Treason, betrayal, trust, honesty and suspense all entwine together to create a novel not soon forgotten.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
With detail, language, customs and characters specific to the timeframe, author Laura Frantz obviously researched the time period carefully. Though it took a moment to become embedded in the language which slowed the start of the book down some, once familiar with the verse, my reading did quicken. Drawn to the gorgeous cover, held by the historical story within, and disappointed when it actually ended, I thoroughly enjoyed The Lacemaker. Already a fan of this author, I must admit, I am even more so now. Beautifully written with charming names of characters, I can only hope this might be a continuing series. (I appreciated the recipes at the end- quite interesting!)

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Lacemaker from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

With You Always

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Hedlund, Jody. With You Always: Orphan Train Series- Book 1. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Having lived on the streets previously with her younger siblings, immigrant Elise Neumann must find a way to support them. Boarding a train from New York to Illinois in the hopes of finding a job, Elise makes an acquaintance with Thornton Quincy, a member of New York’s elite society trying to build a new town along the Illinois Central Railroad and in the process of hiring skilled workers. When an attraction sparks but threatens progress, Elise and Thornton must make choices which may affect more than just their own futures…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Reading anything author Jody Hedlund writes, of course I knew I would read her newest novel, With You Always. In her true style, she writes a heartfelt, moving, compassionate story which ends way too soon but thankfully, is only Book 1 in the new Orphan Train series. Appreciating the research into the time periods as well as the Author’s Note at the end of the story where she explains the history, I applaud her for telling the story from the different perspective of women during the time. A strong introduction to a new and interesting series!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

Redeeming Grace

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Smith, Jill Eileen. Redeeming Grace: Ruth’s Story- Daughters of the Promised Land series- Book 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Following the Old Testament story of Ruth, Boaz and Naomi, Redeeming Grace beautifully depicts the loss, grief, longing and hardship associated with Ruth’s story yet also the redemption, love and fulfillment ultimately experienced. Filling in fictionally the missing parts of the Biblical story, author Jill Eileen Smith, through apparent research, stays true to the story’s time in history. As the story unravels, redeeming grace identifies Ruth through her actions while she also receives it…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
So timely for me to read Redeeming Grace; I had recently heard a sermon regarding relationships with Ruth and Naomi as examples. Already knowing the story, it was interesting to have the pieces filled in even if only fictionally. Staying true to the time period of culture, customs and ways of life, this story seemed to flow smoothly. My favorite of the series thus far, I look forward to more in the series as well as by this author. Perfect for a women’s Bible study, group ministry or sermon series, I will return to this story again while sharing it with others, too.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Redeeming Grace from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

The Illusionist’s Apprentice

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Cambron, Kristy. The Illusionist’s Apprentice. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2017.

theillusionistsapprentice

SUMMARY:
Wren Lockhart, an apprentice not a magician, is independent, confident and sad. Trying to cover her past, she is drawn into a crime investigation for the apparent re-death of a man. Set in the early 1900’s, all the jazz, vaudeville, secrets and culture of the era make appearances in this new novel by author Kristy Cambron. With strong characters, unforeseen surprises, and an intriguing storyline blended with the master of illusion, Harry Houdini, The Illusionist’s Apprentice is a captivating novel from start to finish.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As one of my all-time favorite authors, I couldn’t wait for this book to become available. Reading the entire book in just a few short nights, it was alluring and gripping. Not a huge fan of illusion, I did find it interesting to read though about such acts as well as the era. Well-written, fascinating and compelling, I still enjoy Kristy Cambron’s previous Hidden Masterpiece novels better, The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin (which I found hauntingly beautiful yet heartbreakingly sorrowful). Definitely worth the read; absolutely an author I will always read.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Illusionist’s Apprentice from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

The Captain Takes A Wife

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Durbin, Doris. The Captain Takes A Wife- The Captain Chronicles. USA: Crossbooks. 2013.

thecaptaintakesawife

SUMMARY:
On his way to Georgia via train, Captain Harry Richardson is most surprised when a young lady, Sarah Franklin, literally throws herself into his arms begging for his help. Harry soon realizes Sarah may need protection from more than the arranged marriage her Uncle prepared for her. With a new plan in mind, Harry and Sarah soon realize their plan may involve more than expected…outlaws, suspense, mystery, surprises and perhaps even a change of heart.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a new author, Doris Durbin certainly is familiar with writing since she retired from her career as a librarian recently and uses her husband as her consult, a history teacher for many years. Intrigued by the cover, title, and book summary, I took the chance to give an emerging author a try. Though it took me just a bit to become comfortable with her style, her writing did eventually flow for me, providing an interesting storyline, strong characters, and well researched items. As her debut novel, The Captain Takes A Wife, I look forward to more of her writing since a continuing series is certainly plausible and encouraged. An added bonus was definitely the discussion questions, recipes and pattern.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Captain Takes A Wife from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Honor Redeemed

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Johnson, Christine. Honor Redeemed: Keys of Promise- Book 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2016.

honorredeemed

SUMMARY:
After losing her beloved mother, Prosperity Jones decides to take the chance and travel to Key West to find her fiancé, Lt. David Latham. Upon arriving, Prosperity realizes she must have missed the latest correspondence from David pertaining to the change in circumstance. Penniless, heartbroken, wary and stunned, she must make plans for her future, while deciding whether to follow her heart or her head. With lots to consider, Prosperity strains to find forgiveness, honesty, faithfulness and hope in her current situation.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
With book 1 in the Keys of Promise series, Love’s Rescue, being my favorite book of 2015, it was hard to wait for the next book, Honor Redeemed.  Set against such high standards as book 1, this was again a novel I thoroughly enjoyed. Putting it aside until I had the time to read it non-stop, I did just that. With writing that drew me in, characters involved in intertwining manners, and interesting word choices, the author’s familiarity of the location within the story only led to further enjoyment. (Christine Johnson, please hurry with the next book in the series, I am already waiting!)

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Honor Redeemed from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Land of Silence

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Afshar, Tessa. Land of Silence. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 2016.

landofsilence

SUMMARY:
With a name meaning “My God has favored me” given to her by her father, Elianna lives a life consumed with guilt over the death of her younger brother. As trial after trial burdens her life, Elianna continues to live with shame, guilt and the heaviness of her circumstances. Making decisions which are both devastating yet heart-felt, she learns of the man whose garment can heal through touch; thus, sharing the story of the woman was lived unclean for 12 years yet found healing in so many ways…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a Christy award-winning author, author of several Biblical-fictional works, and a highly recommended author, it is hard to believe this is the first book by author Tessa Afshar that I have read. With a previous book of hers on my to-be-read stack, I am now sorry it slipped towards the bottom of the pile. As a fictional account of a woman from the Bible, I believe it was done with respect, emotion, knowledge and substance. With Bible verses beginning each chapter with a hint of what was to follow, I became emotionally involved with the lead character, Elianna, and felt each crushing event along with her. Definitely a well-written novel from an author I will now search out, moving her previous book upward in my TBR collection.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Land of Silence from Tyndale House Publishing for my honest review*

Love’s Sure Dawn

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Rawlings, Naomi. Love’s Sure Dawn: An Eagle Harbor Novel. Cedar Lake Press.  2015.

SUMMARY:
lovessuredawnWith the price of fish dropping, Rebekah Cummings knows she must find work to help support her family. Leaving her home in Eagle Harbor, Michigan, she accepts a position upon a ship owned by Gilbert Sinclair, son of a wealthy shipping family. Knowing Gilbert since she was young, Rebekah is surprised at the feelings within her heart for Gilbert, especially as he searches for an heiress to wed due to his crane sinking to the bottom of the lake. Growing romance, strong faith, unexpected surprises, and the lure of the rugged Lake Superior coast all combine in the newest installment of the Eagle Harbor series…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Yet again, Naomi Rawlings amazes me, stirs my emotions and convinces why she is such an accomplished author. Left pondering how I can enjoy this novel even more than the previous one which I thoroughly loved, I am also deciding how I will wait for the fourth book in the series. Very familiar with Eagle Harbor, Michigan, I am astounded at the exactness with which Love’s Sure Dawn exemplifies the landscape, characters and town. Piquing my interest with her novels, I visited and researched the lifesaving station across from the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and really learned quite a bit. As one of my favorite authors, this particular novel may be my most treasured one this year.

RATING:
5+ (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Love’s Sure Dawn from the author for my honest review*