The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 The Songbird of Hope Hill

Book Summary

Driven by survival to a life at a house of ill repute, Birdie Clarkson now longs only for escape. So when Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, appear and offer a better life, she jumps at the chance. Ignoring the furious raging of the madam, Birdie climbs into the back of the preacher’s wagon. 

 

The men take her to Hope Hill, the haven the reverend and his wife, Ophelia, founded so women like Birdie can be taught skills to help them rise above their pasts. Soon a resistant Birdie finds herself singing in the choir Ephraim leads at revival meetings, even though she’s certain she’s the last person who should be representing God. 

 

Reverend Overly teaches that no one is irredeemable, but even as Ephraim is falling in love with her, Birdie remains convinced that she’s past saving. After all she’s been through, can she ever believe that God’s redemption wipes every soul clean? And can Ephraim convince her that God loves her more than she can grasp—and that he does, too?

My Thoughts

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a touching, hopeful tale. The characters’ backgrounds are complex and some of them took the whole book to unfold.  I enjoyed watching the relationships develop between the characters.  Faith is woven into the story, but I did feel it was a little heavy handed (very preachy).  The story is told from different characters’ perspectives including Birdie.  While it did allow me to understand the characters better along with their struggles, it was also confusing, and it kept me from becoming immersed in the story.  Besides trying to keep track of the characters, I was trying to remember the various subplots.  The pacing is leisurely. 

I liked that romance was not the focus of the book.  The romance was sweet, and I like that it began (and is based on) as a friendship.  The ending was hurried and tied up a little too neatly (of course, a happy ending is expected).  While there were things that I did not like, The Songbird of Hope Hill is a beautiful story.  I love that we get to see Reverend Overly and his wife, Ophelia as well as their son, Ephraim go out of their way to offer women of the evening a way out of that life.  The Overly’s treated everyone with kindness and respect.  I liked the message that none of us are without sin and that we should not judge others (especially when they are bettering themselves and putting their past behind them).  The Songbird of Hope Hill is a poignant tale with a resolute reverend, a prayed for liberation, angelic vocals, perturbing dissenters, newfound friends, and a joyful future.

The Songbird of Hope Hill is available from Amazon*.  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope I have helped you to find a new book to read (or add a book to your large TBR stack).  Tomorrow I am featuring The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton.  It is the ninth A Scottish Bookshop Mystery.  I am off to do some housework.  The house will not dust itself.  I tried to get the cats to use their tails to dust the furniture, but they did not cooperate. Dickens and Bucky (short for  Buckeye--she is a toirtoise and has the colors of a buckeye in her fur) have just turned fourteen (born at Easter).  They are sisters (Dickens is an orange tabby and lives up to her name).   I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis

 Between You and Us

Book Summary

Two possible lives to live. One impossible choice to make.

When Leona Warlon heads across the city to meet her husband, David, for a rare dinner out, she hopes they can share a moment of relief after their year of loss. But Leona quickly realizes this is no ordinary date night. She hasn’t just stepped into an upscale ristorante; she’s stepped into a different version of her life. One in which her marriage is no longer tender, in which her days are pressured by her powerful in-laws, and in which her precious baby girl lived.

Now Leona must weigh the bitter and sweet of both trajectories, facing an unimaginable choice: Stay in a world where tragedy hasn’t struck but where the meaningful life she built with David is gone? Or return to a reality that’s filled with struggle and sorrow but also deep and enduring love?

My Thoughts

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis is an interesting story about grief, motherhood, and marriage.  I thought it was a touching tale.  It is told in alternating chapters between the past and present.  The reverse timeline was confusing at times.  We are immediately plunged into the alternate life at the beginning of Between You and Us.   We join Leona to learn about the past and how she ended up in the alternate world.  Leona will need to make a choice at the end of her self-discovery journey.  Of course, Leona needs to learn how she ended in this unfamiliar life and, if she desires, how to get back to her own life.  Leona faces difficult challenges in both worlds plus she learns some valuable lessons. We do not know what choice Leona will make until it is revealed. I do wish the pacing had been a little livelier.  I liked Leona’s husband, David (in both worlds), but I was unable to connect with Leona.  The chapters on grief are moving (have a box of tissues nearby).  Between You and Us is a complex, thought provoking story.

Between You and Us is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Kendra Broekhuis on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, March 19 with Kilned at the Ceramic Shop by Donna Clancy.  It is the first A Braddock Mystery.  I have a plumber arriving tomorrow who will hopefully take care of my water leak problem.  I am not sure where it is, but my water bill tells me that I have one.  The last time I tried to take care of the plumbing problem on my own, it ending up being a fiasco (and I ended up drenched). I am hoping that it is a simple fix (fingers crossed).  I am currently reading Unforgiven by Shelley Shepard Gray. I hope you have a cheerful week.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 The Tapestry of Grace

Book Summary

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events—from the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song.

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol’s schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town’s benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn’t want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn’t want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

Mennonite Heritage Village

For her part, the charity’s founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol’s residents prevent them from receiving God’s help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect—in one another?

My Thoughts

The Tapestry of Grace by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming historical novel.  The author takes readers back to 1897 in Alexandertol, Kansas.  I thought Tapestry of Grace was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I like that the characters were realistic with flaws.  I enjoyed getting to know Augusta Dyck and her daughter as well as Konrad Rempel and his mischievous twin boys.  Martina Krahn is a character that grows on you.  I like that we get to see how friends and children make a difference in Martina and Gerhard’s life.  The story is told from three points-of-view (Martina, Augusta, and Konrad).  The chapter headings with the character’s name were helpful. The alternating point-of-view allowed me to get to know the characters and understand them.  I like how the character’s stories were woven together.   I enjoyed learning about this group of people and their community.  We get to learn about their heritage and the reason the townspeople immigrated to the United States.  I can tell that the author did her research for this book.  Faith is at the center of the character’s lives.  I like that they pray before making a big life decision. There are German words scattered throughout the story.  It would have been helpful if there was a list at the end of the book with the translations.  Faith, friendship, forgiveness, and family are the main themes in this touching story.  My favorite line from The Tapestry of Grace is, “Because together, bonded through God’s amazing grace, we are going to weave a life tapestry of joy and commitment.”  The Tapestry of Grace is an inspirational tale with a widowed educator, busy brothers, a bushed blacksmith, a scheme gone askew, beloved books, and a caring community. 

The Tapestry of Grace is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  The photos featured today are from the Mennonite Heritage Village.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on Dread and Buried by Angie Fox.  It is the twelfth book in A Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  Verity has her patience tested in this amusing paranormal mystery.  I am off to work on my closet.  It is a mess.  I can barely step inside to get my clothes.  I am not sure how it went from organized to chaos.  Spring is a good time for cleaning and organizing.  I hope that you have a heavenly day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle: Review and First Chapter!

 What Remains  True

Book Summary

An uplifting novel about three months that may change three lives—and lead to love—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek? 

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care. 

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

My Thoughts

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is a sweet story.  I thought it contained good writing with realistic characters.  It did, though, take me a little while to get invested in the story.  I liked Merry Anna Foster who is discovering hidden talents.  I like how she tried new things such as planting a garden, fixing up old items, and painting a barn quilt for her home.  I felt bad for her with regard to her parents and her ex-husband.  Her parents should have supported her decisions.  Of course, it would have helped if Merry Anna had told them the truth about her ex-husband.  Merry Anna was passing through Antler Creek and fell in love with the town.  Merry Anna takes a break from her job at the family office supply company which has consumed her life.  Merry Anna gets a job at a local store and rents an old bunkhouse.  She falls in love with the town and soon finds hidden talents.  Merry Anna’s neighbor is bull rider, Adam Locklear.  He also owns the local feed and seed.  Adam has invested everything in obtaining the top title this year in the rodeo circuit.  He does not have time for romance.  He did not count on meeting Merry Anna.  Adam gets a surprise when he learns he has a daughter, and he is now responsible for her care.  This certainly puts a kink in Adam’s plans.  

What Remains True is a charming story.  I like reading this type of book during the summer.   There is a great cast of supporting characters that includes Tara, Merry Anna’s new neighbor and Krissy, Merry Anna’s boss.  I love the descriptions of the items at Krissy’s shop.  There were many things I wanted to purchase including the barn quilt ornaments.  Little Zan stole the show.  She is a sweet little girl who is smart and happy.  The Christian element is light (the characters attend church).  I did feel the ending was a little rushed.  One of the themes in the story is how not being truthful complicates relationships.  It can lead to misunderstandings, the loss of trust, and even the loss of a friend.  I liked the community of Antler Creek.  The residents are friendly and welcome newcomers.  The author really captured the sense of community and the small-town feel.  There were fun events for people to attend.  The residents are quick to help each other out and gossip flows faster than maple syrup on a hot stack of pancakes.  It was interesting learning more about bull riding.  It is certainly a dangerous profession.  I had never heard of mutton busting (I do not know if I would let my child try it).  I like how the title is tied into the story.  I believe Tara needs a story of her own so we can find out what happens to her home.  What Remains True is a great book to read while laying by the pool or in front of a roaring fire in the winter.  What Remains True is a charming tale with a comfortable bunkhouse, beautiful barn quilts, a rodeo rider, a cheerful child, an incessant ex-husband, unsupportive parents, and new ventures. 

What Remains True is available from Amazon*.  You can read the first chapter of What Remains True here.  Nancy Naigle has provided some barn quilt coloring pages.   If you follow Nancy Naigle on Amazon, you will be notified when she has a new book release.  Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay.  It is the 14th A Cupcake Bakery Mystery.  I just love book release days (I wake up to new books on my kindle--yes, I am a book geek).  Some of the new books are:  Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller, When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer, The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher (I will feature on May 27 as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour), Summer Love by Nancy Thayer, The Change by Kirsten Miller, and Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay (Mel and Angie are back with delicious cupcakes and a new mystery).  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Freedom's Song

Book Summary

Indentured servant Fanny Beck has been forced to sing for riverboat passengers since she was a girl. All she wants is to live a quiet, humble life with her family as soon as her seven-year contract is over. However, when she discovers that the captain has no intention of releasing her, she seizes a sudden opportunity to escape--an impulse that leads Fanny to a group of enslaved people who are on their own dangerous quest for liberty. . . .

Widower Walter Kuhn is overwhelmed by his responsibilities to his farm and young daughter, and now his mail-order bride hasn't arrived. Could a beautiful stranger seeking work be the answer to his prayers? . . .

After the star performer of the River Peacock is presumed drowned, Sloan Kirkpatrick, the riverboat's captain, sets off to find her replacement. However, his journey will bring him face to face with his own past--and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be free. . . .

Uplifting, inspiring, and grounded in biblical truth, Freedom's Song is a story for every reader who has longed for physical, emotional, or spiritual delivery.

My Thoughts

Fanny Beck is an indentured servant for Sloan Kirkpatrick, a riverboat captain.  Fanny’s father indentured her in exchange for passage for the rest of his family to America.  Unfortunately, Fanny’s father did not realize the fine print indentured Fanny for seven years for each family member which is 35 years instead of the seven Fanny believes.  When a fire on the ship gives Fanny a chance to escape, she grabs it.  It sends her on a journey where she encounters people in need including Walter Kuhn, a widower with a young daughter.  Walter needs someone to watch his daughter until his mail order bride arrives.  Fanny wants to get to New York to reunite with her family, but she needs to earn more funds for the train ride.  In the meantime, Sloan is scouring the Midwest looking for a singer for his riverboat.  What is God’s plan for Fanny?  

Freedom’s Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming historical novel.  I thought it was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  Sloan is an opportunistic riverboat captain who takes advantage of a man’s inability to read or write.  Fanny is a sweet woman who has led a hard life.  She just wants to rejoin her family whom she has not seen in seven years.  Fanny is a woman of great faith.  She relies on God to direct her journey.  The romance element is sweet.  I like that it happened slowly and was not rushed.  I enjoyed the “embarrassing” moments between Fanny and Walter.  This is a clean story which I appreciated (no intimate situations or foul language).  The theme of freedom (physical, emotional, and spiritual) was woven throughout the story.  It was well-done.  I wish there had been an update on Enoch and his family.  They were such wonderful characters and I wanted to know how their journey ended.  I liked that the story had emotion, suspense, romance, drama, and faith.  There is some predictability to the story, but that did not diminish my reading pleasure.  I can tell the author did her research for this story.  She captured the time period and included good details that enhance the story (the difficulties of traveling by stagecoach for example).  Freedom’s Song is an inspiring, emotional story that was a joy to read.  

Freedom's Song is available from Amazon*.  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  I appreciate you joining me today and reading my thoughts on Freedom's Song. Here are some of the other novels that were published today:  In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace, Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber, A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepard Gray, and Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout.   I will be back tomorrow with Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

 The Shell Collector

Book Summary

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle has Amanda Whittier still grieving the loss of her Marine husband after two years.  She feels that her two kids, herself, and their dog, Denali need a fresh start.  Amanda buys a fixer-upper at the beach on Whelk’s Island in North Carolina.  She has dreamed of opening her own business making herb-infused salts, but Amanda has had to temporarily put the idea on the back burner.  When the summer is over, Amanda will begin teaching at the local elementary school that her daughter will attend.  Amanda and her children are on the beach when they meet Maeve Lindsay.  Maeve walks the beach each day collecting treasures.  Maeve is a lively woman who knows everyone on the island and takes an active role in community affairs.  She is a widow herself who understands Amanda’s grief.  Paul Grant is also a newcomer to Whelk’s Island who has opened Paws Town Square.  He does remarkable work with military dogs.  Paul has loved and lost.  He does not feel that love is in his future.  Paul pours himself into his work and helping the community.  Paul, Amanda, and Maeve become friends who help encourage each other to find joy in each day.  With His help, Paul, Amanda, and Maeve can move forward into fulfilling futures.

My Thoughts

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, inspiring story.  It is one of those novels that makes you feel good.  It is the perfect type of book to read while relaxing by the pool or while on vacation.  We get to meet Amanda Whittier and her children along with Paul Grant and Maeve Lindsay.  I just loved Maeve who is a free-spirited woman who enjoys life to the fullest.  The friendship between Maeve and Amanda was touching.  The point-of-view switches between Maeve, Amanda, and Paul.  This allows readers to see things from each of their perspectives.  The Shell Collector is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings.  I thought The Shell Collector was well-written with developed characters and a beautiful setting.  I just loved the sound of Whelk’s Island.  I liked the small-town community as well as the beautiful beach.  The shell descriptions allowed me to imagine what they looked like.  I thought it was creative for someone to write inspirational messages inside shells and leave them where they can be found. It seemed the right shell was found by the person who needed it at that time.  One of my favorite quotes from The Shell Collector is, “Unfortunately no life is free of sadness, be it from pain, loss, ill, or…, well, you get the idea.  It’s all a necessary part of a life well lived.”  In life we need both the good and the bad so that we have balance.   The other is, “When the tide goes out, we get to appreciate the treasures it reveals. And when it comes in, new life is washed ashore.  There’s beauty in both.”  Faith is at the forefront of The Shell Collector.  Our three main characters are Christians who knows God is there for them.  They pray for his guidance and know that all things happen in His timing.  This is a story about wisdom, friendship, a second chance at love, and finding joy in nature’s beauty.  The Shell Collector is a touching tale with cute kids, a playful pooch, special seashells, a mournful mother, a free-spirited friend, superannuated soldier, and a gracious God.

The Shell Collector can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find Nancy Naigle's other novels here.  There will be a virtual launch party tonight with Nancy Naigle for The Shell Collector at 7 p.m. EST.  Click here to get your ticket. If you enjoy crossword puzzles, check out this one made for The Shell Collector.   Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review. Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  It is the 3rd novel in Three Sisters Island series.  I hope that you will join me.  May you have a carefree day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

Book Summary

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer has Jase Edgar relocating to Bradleyville, Kansas after the death of his fiancé.  Jase is the new youth minister at Beech Street Bible Fellowship where he works with Brother Martin Kraft and his wife Sister Leah Kraft.  At his welcoming party, Jase meets Lori Fowler who helped with the food.  He loves the brownies she brought that were made by her friend, Kenzie. Lori has a whole in her heart from the loss of her mother.  She can understand Jason’s feelings.  When her hours are cut back at the quilt shop where she works, Lori takes the position as custodian at the church.  This gives her an opportunity to interact with Jase.  Kenzie Stetler grew up Amish, but she did not become baptized in the faith.  She uses her grandmother’s loom to make rugs that help support missions. She receives a large box of clothing from Texas that will be cut up to make the rugs.  Inside a pocket, Kenzie finds a diamond and gold engagement ring with an inscription.  Kenzie wants to return it to its rightful owner.  Lori, Jase, and Kenzie each have issues they need to work through with help from their friend’s, fellow church members, and God’s assistance if they are to have fulfilling and happy lives.

Youth Group and their Youth Pastor

My Thoughts 

From This Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartwarming and emotional novel.  It is well-written with developed characters.  The point-of-view switches between our main characters:  Pastor Kraft, Jase, Kenzie, and Lori.  We get to know each of them along with other members of the congregation.  It gives us a chance to learn about their issues and struggles.  From This Moment is an emotional novel.  Jase is struggling with his faith after the loss of his fiancé, Rachel.  Lori is a bubbly, friendly woman who still misses her mother.  She deals with her problems by indulging in food.  Lori is smitten with Jase from the moment she saw him.  Kenzie may have left her Amish community behind, but she cannot give up everything she learned.  When she finds a ring in donated clothing, Kenzie is determined to find the ring’s owner.  Kenzie has not seen her family in years, and she misses them.  I enjoyed getting to know each character as they worked through their struggles.  From This Moment deals with love, acceptance, friendship, faith, humility, hope, and loss.  We get to see God at work and what happens when we follow the path He has set out for us.  We see that God truly does work in mysterious ways.  I enjoyed reading this touching story.  I especially liked the descriptions of Kenzie’s loom, the process of making the rugs, and how it made Kenzie feel.  Kenzie’s brownie recipe is included.  Kim Vogel Sawyer has given us a compelling story with From This Moment that you will not want to put down. 

From This Moment can be purchased from Amazon*.  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Next time I am featuring Furbidden Fatality by Deborah Blake.  It is the first book in A Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery series.  I hope that you have a lively day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Summary

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer transports readers back to 1936.  Addie Cowherd is completing her junior year at the University of Kentucky.  Then she learns that she cannot finish the semester because her tuition has not been paid in three months.  Addie discovers that her father lost his job at the bank and has been unable to locate another position.  Addie is determined to help her parents who are currently living in one room at a boarding house.  She is fortunate to get a job as a horseback librarian in Boone’s Hollow as part of Kentucky Pack Horse Project created by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.  This small community is wary of outsiders.  Superstitions and grudges go back centuries.  Addie encounters unexpected difficulties because she is boarding with the kindly Nanny Fay.  Addie becomes determined to overcome the locals’ animosity and prejudice.

Emmett Tharp is the first person in Boone’s Hollow to attend and graduate from college.  He is surprised at the difficulty in finding employment and is forced to seek work in the coal mines.  When the director of the library project is forced to relocate, Emmett is fortunate to get the position.  When Addie is unable to deliver any books, Emmett worries that he will have to let her go.  He wonders how they can overcome the residents’ attitude.  Then things begin disappearing from the library and one librarian seems determined to cause difficulty.  Emmett and Addie work together and pray that with God’s help, they will succeed.

My Thoughts

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a beautifully written historical novel.  The author captured the time-period and locale.  I felt that the author transported me into the hills of Kentucky where working in the coal mines was the main occupation.  There are some great characters in this story.  Addie Cowherd was fortunate when she was adopted by Fern and Penrose Cowherd.  They raised her to be resilient and to rely on God.  Emmett Tharp is proud to have completed high school and college.  He is a hard worker and a gentleman.  Nanny Fay was my favorite character.  She had such a cheery attitude despite how she is treated and the hardships she endures.  Nanny Fay was a woman of strong faith.  It was fascinating learning about the Kentucky Pack Horse Project.  Eleanor Roosevelt wanted to feed people minds.  Women worked long hours transporting reading materials by horseback or mule to remote farms.  The point-of-view switches between Addie, Emmett, and Bettina (a horseback librarian from Boone’s Hollow).  The author captured the mountain vernacular spoken by Bettina and the other mountain folk.  I like how the Christian message was present through the whole book.  It is wonderful that we are reminded to be kind to others and despite how one may be treated to “kill them with kindness” (a phrase my mother used with me when I was growing up).  I also liked the Scripture passages used in the book that supported the various messages.  The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow was a joy to read.  There are references to physical abuse in the story which, unfortunately, was common.  I like that the romance was not at the forefront.  Some wonderful classic books are mentioned in the story.  My favorite phrase came from Addie who loved books and said, “nothing more magical or as satisfying as a book.”  If you like to read Christian historical novels, then you should read The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.  The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is a special Christian tale with beloved books, a stubborn steed, a persistent person, a missing manuscript, surprising superstitions, and a gracious God.

The Librarian of Boone's Hollow can be obtained from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Waterstone's, Chapter's, Powell's).  You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer's other novels here.  The photos I included today are of actual horseback librarians. To learn more about the Pack Horse Librarians, click here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson.  Today is my birthday!  I am off to enjoy dinner out with my mother.  I hope that you have a very special day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Happy Book Release Day!  Some of the new books out today are:  Read or Alive by Nora Page, A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette (I will feature on May 15), A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison, To Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid, Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and A Study in Murder by Callie Hutton.  Which one do you wish to read first?

Little Rock, Arkansas

Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer has Detective Meghan DeFord-Eagle with the Arkansas Cold Case Investigations Department working on a case that hits a little close to home.  Sheila Menke’s father, Anson never arrived home from work back in 2002, and then was found guilty of embezzling funds from the bank where he worked.   Sheila took care of her sick mother while raising her two brothers.  Her mother did not want to find out the truth while she was alive, but, since she has passed away, Sheila wants answers.  Meghan was raised by a single mother and never knew the identity of her father until recently.  She wants to find her birth father in the hopes of learning more about herself.  Meghan feels she cannot start a family with her husband, Sean until then.  Can Meghan get the resolution she needs while helping Sheila?  Unveiling the Past is a story of forgiveness, redemption and second chances.  I like that we get to see three generations of Meghan’s family.  I liked Meghan’s mother, Diane who teaches Honors English in Las Vegas and lives with her mother, Hazel.  I just loved Hazel and enjoyed the humor she added to the story.   Sean Eagle is Meghan’s husband and a detective with the Arkansas Cold Case Investigations Department as well.  They have been married three years and Sean is ready to start a family.  The thought of having a child fills Meghan with fear.  The couple has a few issues they must deal with which will test their marriage.  I thought Unveiling the Past contained good writing and it moved along at a nice pace.  I did, though, have trouble with the switching point-of-view.  It took me a while to get into the story with the POV going between Diane, Meghan, Sean, and Kevin.  Christian elements were nicely incorporated into the story, but I did feel it was a little heavy handed (felt preachy at times).  Forgiveness and having a relationship with God were two of the prevalent themes.  I like how Unveiling the Past ended.  I did wonder, though, if there was a previous book featuring these characters.  There is mention of a previous case involving Meghan and Sean when they searched for Hazel’s sister. Update:  I have learned that Bringing Maggie Home is the book that involves Hazel's sister and where we first meet the characters in Unveiling the Past. It is said that they can be read on their own, but I believe I would have benefited from reading Bringing Maggie Home first. Unveiling the Past is an uplifting story about acquiring forgiveness, a missing father, family, new beginnings and forging new paths.  

Unveiling the Past can be purchased from Amazon*.  For other retail options, click here.  You can find other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be featuring Secrets of the Treasure King by Terry Ambrose.  It is the 4th novel in A Seaside Cove Bed & Breakfast Mystery series.  I hope that you have a cheery day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Welcome!  There are a couple of new books out today.  They include:  Six Cloves Under by Gin Jones, Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson, Secret Investigation by Elizabeth Heiter, The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall, and Shredding the Evidence by Daryl Wood Gerber.  Which one do you want to read first?  

The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall has Jemima Graber in a tailspin when she learns that her husband has been hiding a secret that could devastate their family.  Jemima is shocked when Roy tells her that he has depleted their savings account which means the end of her food truck dream and that he has a daughter with an Englisch woman.  Jemima must care for the infant while dealing with her raging emotions.  Abigail Graber, Roy’s sister, is shocked by her brother’s actions, but she does not have time to dwell on it when one of the horses becomes sick.  Worried that it is a deadly disease that could wipe out their entire line of horses, Abigail works with the new hired hand, Chris Fisher.  Abigail has not been able to give her heart to another.  She does find herself attracted to Chris who has secrets of his own.  The Englisch Daughter is a complex Amish story with realistic characters and situations.  This is an intense book with strong emotions.  I found The Englisch Daughter to be different from other Amish novels I have read.  Very unique for the genre.  I was surprised that the Amish in this community used cell phones and called for Uber rides.  I was not familiar with the EHV1 disease that horses can get before this novel.  It could quickly kill off every horse if the owner was not vigilant and quickly took the proper precautions.  I liked that Jemima and Abigail had a dream of opening their own food truck selling authentic Amish food.  This is something I have not encountered in any other Amish novel that I have read.   I especially enjoyed the ending of The Englisch Daughter.  The Englisch Daughter is a story about assumptions, misconceptions, betrayal, dreams, faith and forgiveness.  My favorite line from The Englisch Daughter is “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.” Fans of Cindy Woodsmall will be delighted with this book.  The Englisch Daughter is a well-written, one-of-a-kind Amish novel.  

The Englisch Daughter is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Check out Cindy Woodsmall's other Amish novels here and Erin Woodsmall's here.  Thank you for stopping by to read my review.  I will be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on Old Friends and New, Another Murder by Christa Nardi.  It is the 3rd book in A Sheridan Hendley Mystery series.  I hope you have a secure day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.