The Curator’s Daughter

Author: Melanie Dobson

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: March 9, 2021

A great blend of historical and contemporary makes for a terrific read!

In 1940, archaeologist Hannah Tillich is searching for the Holy Grail for Himmler’s antiquities group. As a child who went through Germany’s defeat and humiliation in the great war, Hannah is proud of the Third Reich and their work to reunite Germans. But when she learns that she has been reassigned to work as a museum curator in her home of Nuremburg, she finds the façade begins to crumble. Soon she is forced to marry a SS officer, who has fully bought into Hitler’s vision. After being unable to conceive, her husband presents her with an adopted daughter, who she comes to love as her own. When she learns what is happening to Jews across the continent, she comes up with a plan to save their stories that just might cost her own.

In 2019, Ember Ellis is pursing her post doctorate on hatred of the Jewish people while working at a Holocaust museum. She is no stranger to the hatred of people as she was raised in a white supremacy convent and was able to escape when she was fifteen. When she reconnects with a former teacher whose mother was a friend to Jewish people in World War II, she sets off to Nuremberg to find out what information she can. But somebody is watching Ember and doesn’t seem to want her to discover the truth or expose any secrets best left forgotten.

When I first read the synopsis for this book, I thought maybe it would be an Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade type of adventure, mainly because of the holy grail search during World War II. Even though it wasn’t all action and adventure, it easily captivated me at the first page through the very last sentence. Dobson did a great job of paralleling not only the two main characters to each other, but also to the story of Saint Katharine. There are lots of hidden nuggets throughout this book that readers will love to find.

There are three main points of view throughout the book: Ember, Hannah, and Lilly. At times, Lilly’s POV can through you off early in the book, but it quickly pieces things together as it moves along. It also felt more like it was set in the future at times with the march against the Holocaust museum, but that could have easily happened in 2019. It’s sad that there is still so much hate in the world. Dobson did a great job of putting that on display and showing how love can help diffuse it. I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Facing the Dawn

Author: Cynthia Ruchti

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 2, 2021

One of the best contemporary fiction books I have read in a very long time. A story full of heart, faith, strength, and a longing to survive even during the hardest of circumstances.

Mara Jacobs has been struggling for years while her husband, Liam, has been off on humanitarian missions digging wells in Africa. It is admirable that Liam is off helping others while she stays and takes care of their children. She is exhausted working at a cheese factory and having a hard time keeping her kids out of trouble. When Liam doesn’t return home and one hardship leads to another, Mara struggles even more and the future looks darker than ever before. With her darkest days in front of her, Mara quickly realizes that no matter how dark things look she is never alone or unloved.

I don’t read a lot of contemporary books, suspense is more my thing, but occasionally it is nice to have a novel such as this. This book had me so captivated that I read it in one sitting. The story both touched my heart and ripped it in two at times. I loved the way Ruchti was able to make me feel such a connection to these characters. Mara has a beautiful character arc, as well as several other characters throughout the pages, exhibiting so much growth, reflection, and redemption. I did not see several of the twists coming that really pulled at my heart strings, which was such a nice surprise. With a book like this it is usually pretty easy for me to tell where the story is going but so many moments took me by surprise and had me grinning with how well it was written. This is the first book I have read by Cynthia Ruchti but I can guarantee it won’t be my last. I recommend this book to readers that want to sit down, put the troubles of the world behind them and dive into a story that will captivate them and move them to tears.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

‘Til I Want No More

Author: Robin W. Pearson

Publisher: Tyndale

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Great character development coupled with finding your self-worth makes this a must read for 2021!

Maxine has had her ups and downs in life, but she finally thinks that she has things in order. She writes a column for a faith publication and is engaged to a young headmaster that oversees a local school. Things seem to be going in the right direction. But when they begin their year of premarital classes, things from Maxine’s past she has tried to put behind her begin to work their way back. When the man that she fell in love with back in high school returns to town, even more skeletons emerge from the closet. She’s trying to convince everyone that she is fine, but no one close to her believes it. As they move closer to the wedding date, Maxine realizes that the secrets that she has been holding from everyone have to become known, which could alter her future. She must look and learn what it means to be truly known and loved by the one who wonderfully and fearfully made her.

To put this book in context, it is geared toward Maxine’s character development, which puts it at a little bit slower pace than reading for action or suspense. The focus is on her life and what she has gone through to get where she is and how she is not quite where she really needs to be with herself or with God. I love that Pearson used some of the same characters from her previous book to help Maxine in her progression. It’s always fun when a reader gets to visit characters from a previous novel to see how they are moving in their journey as well, almost like catching up with an old friend. It’s very easy to form an emotional connection with Maxine and even get pulled down when she finds herself in despair. As a reader, you just want the truth to come out for her so that she can finally begin to heal and stop spiraling downward. This book just goes to show that even people who appear like they have it all together can be just a depressed as anyone else.

I’m not going to give anything away in this book, but just when you think you have something figured out about Maxine, the truth comes out and it throws you for a loop. This happened multiple times. I also liked the twist at the end that showed the one person she tried to keep in the dark already knew and that was causing more of a strain than anything else. Great story to kick off the new year! I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Pudge and Prejudice

Author: A. K. Pittman

Publisher: Tyndale

Release Date: January 12, 2021

Set in fictitious Northfield, Texas during 1984, this story takes readers on a journey similar to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice!

Elyse Nebbitt and her family have just moved to Northfield, Texas and she is faced with finding her place in a new school. Elyse has always had trouble fitting in, being overweight hasn’t helped either. Her beautiful older sister Jayne quickly fits in and starts dating Charlie Bingley, one of the stars of the football team. While Elyse can’t help but being attracted to Charlie’s best friend, Billy Fitz, Elyse is too insecure in her own body to believe anything could develop in that relationship. Her new friend, Lottie, helps Elyse to accept herself for who she is and what she can become.

Pudge and Prejudice was just a fun read. I enjoyed the way the characters were laid out with different personalities. There is someone in this book for everyone to relate to in one way or the other. Pudge is bigger, a little insecure at times, but overall a fun character to read about. The rest of her family and friends she meets in her new town make for a well-rounded cast of characters that will leave readers smiling and nodding their heads at the different antics they get into. Her sisters are very different than her in size and attitude at times and the romance aspects of the book progress at a rate that is very relatable for teen angst and drama, although I will say that the end relationships did make me wonder if it was something that would really happen or just playing out well for the sake of the story.

Charlie and Billy are brought into the story to meet the girls by helping the family move in and one thing leads to another as our story progresses. The pace of the story was perfect for teens and anyone wanting a quick read that doesn’t require a lot of deep thought. Overall, this was a fun enjoyable read that I recommend to young readers, probably more suited for girls than boys, but the sports aspect of the story would appeal to male readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Check out our Q & A with the author!

All That We Carried

Author: Erin Bartels

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 5, 2021

Tension coupled with redemption makes this a stellar tale!

It’s been ten years since Olivia and Melanie’s parents died in a car accident while they were away on a hiking trip. Ten years since the sisters have really spoken to each other. With reconciliation on her mind, Melanie asks her sister to join her on a hiking trip in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Olivia reluctantly agrees but does so on her terms; she picks the place and plans out the whole adventure. While on the trail, the sisters face uncertainty, accidents, and disasters, which forces them to evaluate their lives, choices, and beliefs.

From the onset of the book, Olivia and Melanie could not be more polar opposite. Olivia is a prosecutor that is a driven, goal-oriented, planner who has mapped out her life for any possible contingency that could occur. Melanie is a free-spirited life coach with a YouTube following that believes the good in every belief system while trying to shut out the bad. Needless to say, tension starts on the first page and doesn’t slow down until the epilogue. These two women face all sorts of challenges in the wilderness that force them to rely on each other. I love that both had to reflect on their view of spirituality to truly discover the truth about themselves and each other. There are some twist and turns that will take readers for quite a bit of a ride, but those with siblings will likely find they have had some of the same arguments.

Bartels description of the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and that of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains State Park easily drew me in. I’ve not been to Michigan, but I’ve read a lot of stories set there and until now have really not had a desire to go. The descriptions of waterfalls and that of Lake Superior made me research the park while I was reading the book and have now added it to my bucket list! The pictures were so beautiful, and I never would have known about it!

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a great story and like to see relationships restored!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

2020 Top Contemporary Fiction

With Christmas in our review mirror, we are turning our attention to the start of a new year. Reflecting on this past year brought several great titles in contemporary fiction. It’s so hard to limit these our favorites, but here are our top recommendations!

Solid Ground Coffee Company by Carla Laureano

We’re not sure if it was the fact that we could smell the coffee beans roasting throughout this book, the mountain climbing adventure, or the sizzling romance that couldn’t be ignored between the two main characters. Whatever the reason, it found its way to the top of the list!

Read the full review.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

Martin’s tales are just plain great! If you’ve never read one, you need to pick up one today. This particular story does have a tie in with one of his previous novels that makes it even better when you’ve read both, but don’t let that stop you from picking up this book today. You’ll have action, adventure, and healing!

Read the full review.

Side Trip by Kerry Lonsdale

What happens on the road, stays on the road. And if you take a side trip, both parties have to agree! That’s the message in this insanely good, yet messy romance that occurs when two strangers inadvertently meet at a diner in California and agree to spontaneous road trip together following historic Route 66 to Chicago!

Read the full review.

Promised Land by Robert Whitlow

We couldn’t wait to get our hands on this sequel and we were not disappointed. The continuation of Hana and Daud’s journey was nourishment to our souls. Hana has become one of our favorite characters out of any book read. We only hope to see a future book!

Read the full review.

Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Each time we pick up a new Catherine Ryan Hyde story, we find ourselves amazed at how wonderfully she can write a novel. It doesn’t matter what the story is about, we are pulled in and fly through the pages each time. Each new book by Hyde explores themes that are relevant to today’s world and this is no exception, we see the problem of acceptance, love, homelessness and LGBTQ issues. There is nothing that gets graphic or too heavy into these topics, but it does bring to light problems that can be glossed over and easy to ignore.

Read the full review.

Fragments of Light

Author: Michele Phoenix

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 14, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This story will hit so many women with words that need to be heard.

Cancer can take more than your body; it can take your spirit. Ceelie understands that more than most. After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy treatment, and reconstructive survey, the day she is finally free of everything turns out to be worse than the initial diagnosis. Her husband wants out. He’s finished. This devastates Ceelie even worse than the cancer itself. The man who vowed to be by her side through sickness and health decides she isn’t worth it anymore. Shortly after this, her one friend and fellow cancer survivor, Darlene, finds out that her cancer has returned with a vengeance and after going through this twice, she is content to live out her days. But before she goes, she has a request of Ceelie. She wants her to help track down whatever happened to her father. He returned home from D-Day and only stayed a few weeks with her mom and her before he left them with no explanation. Darlene has harbored bitterness toward him her whole life but when some letters resurfaced, she decides she wants to know what really happened. Will Ceelie be able to help her find out before it’s too late?

This was a powerful read, as Michele Phoenix books tend to be. The raw emotion over the surgery and recovery could only be painted by someone who had experienced this herself. All that pain was poured into Ceelie’s character and each reader could feel it alongside her. There are definitely some dark moments throughout the book, but as the title states, fragments of light make their way through the darkness. I loved Darlene’s character. She was so spunky and energetic for a woman in her 70s that I hope to be her at that age, always encouraging others and living life to her fullest. I also enjoyed the time slip aspect of this story set during Normandy on D-Day and what happened to change the life of Darlene’s father forever. It takes all the way to the end to find out the truth, and when it comes, it is understandable but so sad at the same time. I hope that readers find enjoyment and enlightenment through this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Still the One

Authors: Susan May Warren & Rachel D. Russell

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: January 12, 2021

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Readers of Susan May Warren’s Deep Haven Series will not want to miss this new edition set in Deep Haven written with Rachel Russell that will give you all the feels!

When Cole Barrett returns to Deep Haven to deal with selling his grandfather’s house after he is sent to a nursing home with dementia, he only wants to get the house sold and leave. His memories of his grandfather and time in Deep Haven are not the best. The only good memory of his time there was a friend, Megan Carter. When he had to leave quickly as a teenager, he never even got to say goodbye to her and in the years that passed as he entered the army and served, he never forgot the kindness she showed him.

Megan is barely keeping her head above water. She and her nine-year-old son, Josh, live in the apartment above Cole’s grandfather’s garage and she works as a wedding planner to support her son by herself. His father has never been in the picture and since the rest of her family moved away, it has just been the two of them. When Cole shows back up in town trying to sell the house, she is furious that he left without saying goodbye, never kept in touch and is now trying to ruin her life by making her find another place to live. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the two of them, something neither are ready for. Will they be able to work out their differences and find some common ground or end up at each other’s throats?

Let me start off by making a confession. Before reading Still the One, I had not read any of the Deep Haven novels. I have read many other novels by Susan May Warren and was well assured that I would enjoy this one. I was curious how a new author would compare to Warren’s style. Having said that, I am pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Rachel Russell did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to light, making me have an immediate connection to them and letting the story progress at a perfect pace. With contemporary romance, if you read much in this genre, you know what you are going to get when you start the story, how it plays out depends on the skill of the author. I have come to expect a lot from the writing of Susan May Warren and loved the idea of her guiding a new author down this path. Even though I had yet to read any other novels in the Deep Haven series, I had no trouble following this one and enjoying the story. Cole and Megan had such a wonderful story and the way they had to intertwine their relationship with her son Josh being in the picture made me connect and root for them so much more. They are flawed, real, and emotional characters that made it more enjoyable for me, things didn’t work out picture perfect and nothing was rushed. This is one I highly recommend to readers that have loved the Deep Haven series and those new to it but are fans of Warren and Contemporary Romance writing.

I received an advance copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Sowing Season

Author: Katie Powner

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A delightful read that teaches readers about the need to slow down and care about others around them.

Gerrit Laninga has finally decided to sell his family’s farm. At sixty-three, he has put in almost all his years on the farm, sacrificing his family and health along the way. He carries the weight of his failures on his shoulders including the death of his brother, his estranged relationship with his wife and children, and now the farm. Once he got home from signing the papers, he found his wife with a suitcase ready to leave in case he backed out of the deal and chose the farm again. Can he begin to make amends in his retirement?

Rae Walters has grown up according to The Plan. She will gain enough volunteer hours, get a part time job, make National Honor Society, become the society president, set the three-point shooting record for basketball in her high school, get accepted to Columbia University, and then attend Columbia Law. But at fifteen years old, The Plan is starting to put a little bit of pressure on Rae as she begins drivers ed. She has always found solitude in an old barn, but when she is discovered, she meets a bitter old man. Is it possible that they could help each other?

This is the first book that I’ve read by Katie Powner, but I really connected with both main characters. Gerritt’s transformation was just fun to watch. I love how Hannie’s corgi, Daisy, decided to become his dog and how they became an inseparable pair, even when he acted like he didn’t want Daisy around. It took a long time for him to finally realize what he needed to do, but he finally found grace. Rae was your typical overachiever teenager. She was confident on the outside, but wildly insecure on the inside. She was scared to think of anything outside of The Plan because that is all she knew. I’m glad to see that she was able to overcome that fear as well.

I feel like there is much more of this story to be told. This is just a snippet into their lives, and I would love to find out what happens to them both in the future. I recommend this to people who just need a good read this year!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Until I Met You

Author: Tari Faris

Series: Restoring Heritage #2

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 8, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

As the town square is restored, more relationships are restored between members of the town.

Libby Kingsley decides to take the job of the town librarian in Heritage, Michigan, the town her brother Luke has settled in. Luke had been kidnapped from their family for many years and was just reunited with them. Libby has also had her share of tragedy after the bookstore that she worked at in England was robbed by her boyfriend and she was held at knifepoint for cash and a first edition of Moby Dick. Three years later, she decides to not let her fear control her life anymore and branch out. When she realizes that the library is in the basement of the town hall, she tried to find a suitable replacement, which becomes the abandoned schoolhouse. All she must do is convince the town council and a hot, but grumpy landscape contractor to agree to her plan.

Austin Williams wants to get his family business back on track. But to do so, he must complete the revitalization project in Heritage, which is also the town that his brother serves as a pastor at a church. To say that the two don’t get along is an understatement, so Austin wants to get this project over with as fast as possible. When the new librarian throws a wrench in his plans, Austin gets more frustrated by the day. But when he finds that she is not just book smart but can plan out ways to make his project stay within budget, he finds that he may need to reevaluate his life and his standards.

I enjoyed this book so much more than the first in the series! Maybe the first book was just setting things up, but this story pulled me in so much more. I loved Libby’s story, which may have been because she is such a book lover. She had to overcome agoraphobia and a traumatic event with her boyfriend at the time. Olivia was such a positive influence throughout the book and quite the opposite of Libby. I thought casting them as roommates really brought out the best in both of them. Austin and Nate’s relationship centered around stories that each had of the other. Nate lived with a dark past that tormented him even though he knew he’d been forgiven by God. He just couldn’t forgive himself. Austin didn’t want to forgive Nate for the past and used it as a crutch to forge ahead. All flawed characters in need of grace who pulled together when it was needed.

. I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.