The Lost Girls of Paris

The Lost Girls of Paris is a fictional story about strong women, filled with conflict, yet tied together with a cause so important, they overcome many obstacles. This well-researched historical novel is set in a dual timeline fashion. 

It begins in 1946, with Grace, a woman working with European refugees, and trying to deal with the grief of losing her husband to the war. While going through an abandoned suitcase, her curiosity draws her, and me as a reader, into wanting to figure out what the strange contents mean and who is the mysterious owner of the luggage. 

The contents inside is full of mysterious photographs, a pair of baby shoes, and other seemingly unrelated things. Grace digs deeper, and learns about the life of a female secret agent and how she headed a group of women like herself in clandestine operations during WWII. Though it’s a fictional story, these types of brave female agents existed, though sadly, were left out of most history books.

 The story constantly drew me in, with no lags in the storyline. Both timelines are stitched together seamlessly.  I admire the strength and bravery of all the women, including Grace and Trig, my two favorites.  For any fan of historical fiction, this is a must read! 

5 stars

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Christmas Company

I love everything about the holiday season, and Christmas stories that warm my heart are near the top of the list.

The Christmas Company is such a story. Just like the Hallmark holiday movies, this stirring story gave me all kinds of winter chills. I'm so glad to be introduced to Alys Murray's writing. I enjoy her writer's voice and the delightful characters she's created for Miller’s Point, Texas.

Kate and Clark are not a likely pair, which makes their journey all the more enjoyable. And the Christmassy Texas town is an integral part of their relationship as their chemistry is. If you enjoy the classic Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, you’ll love this one too! 

4 stars

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets

The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets is filled with angst, love, trauma, and newfound secrets. Ultimately, redeemed love, and redemption of a broken family is the main focus.It’s told through the views of Meredith, the mother, and three sisters, two grown with lives of their own, and one a teenager.

The sisters are estranged at the beginning, and harbor a lot of hurt and anger. The family resentment is palpable when they are all brought together due to the need to care of their ill mother. Though this family is imperfect, as most families are, the effort of forgiveness and eventual open communication, brings hope for this broken family. This book is not an easy read at times, however, there are some sweet and light moments. But, there’s also some very disturbing parts of this story that may be a trigger for some readers, such as rape, and dementia issues. 

All in all, The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets is a well written, and fulfilling read. 

4 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Becoming Mrs. Lewis is unlike any story I’ve read before. Although it’s a long read, (416 pages) I plunged into the highly researched world of Joy Davidman, and C.S. Lewis. Sometimes I found it hard to sympathize fully with Joy, but I loved how her trials were portrayed realistically, and how they each may have strayed from their Christian beliefs without abandoning them.

Previous to this book I had little knowledge of C.S. Lewis’s life or his writing, but the author did a wonderful job of presenting the ups and downs of their unconventional relationship. Not only was I entertained, but I learned a lot about the literary and personal world of Mrs. Lewis. 

This is the first book I've read by Pattie Callahan, and her writing style is amazing. 

Her novel is enchanting, as well as providing an in-depth view into the life between a couple of authors embracing life through prose, and self-discovery.
5 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Ellie Claire Journals

Faith & Lettering Journal

The Illustrated Word ~ An Illuminated Bible Journal

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Faith & Lettering Journal folds flat for writing ease and has 160 pages filled with ways to incorporate devotional time while writing your thoughts. The added perk of basic hand-lettering instructions, and bible journaling prompts, are a beautiful addition to this journal. The cover is embossed and colorful. There is a thick elastic band on the binding to hold a pen. I love the quality of this beautiful journal, and the pages within are inspiring. I highly recommend this creation by Ellie Claire.

The Illustrated Word~ An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal has an embossed, detailed cover. the thick pages won't bleed through when coloring the beautiful historical drawings. Though there is a plethora of coloring pages throughout the journal, there's still plenty of lined pages for your thoughts. The scripture quotations are from many versions of The Bible, such as New International, New King James, English Standard, New Revised Standard, so no matter what version you like, it's included here. Ellie Claire created a fun way to reflect and relax with this journal.

Illuminate Your Story Journal has an embossed cover, an elastic band to hold your pen on the binding, and an elastic band to hold the journal closed. The 160 pages are a combination of lined pages and those which have graphed, step by step instructions to create your artistic lettering. The first few pages introduce the history of illuminated manuscripts from hundreds of years ago. Detailed explanations of each type of illuminated letters, Insular, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque, Gothic, and  Renaissance. The list of supplies needed to try your hand at this type of lettering is a nice addition. The lined pages are headed with quotes, an attached bookmark ribbon, and a paper pocket on the inside back cover to hold keepsakes are nice additions to this journal. I believe this is my favorite journal by Ellie Claire.

5 stars

I received these complimentary copies from Elle Claire Gift and Paper Expressions

Shelter of the Most High

Connilyn Cossette's book, Shelter of the Most High, is second in Cities of Refuge series, however it stands well on its own. I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read the whole series now.

Shelter of the Most High brings biblical times alive in my mind. I connected immediately to Sofea. The romance she has with Eitan is only one part of this historical story. It tells of times fraught with danger and fears, as well as perseverance, bravery, hard times, and blessings just to name a few. All of these times are described with vivid storytelling and played out like a movie in my head. 

This wonderfully written book is one I will come back to from time to time just to relive it all over again. The cover art is absolutely eye-catching and drew me in, hungry for more. I believe it is one of the most gorgeous covers I've seen in quite a while. The writing is superb, editing thorough, descriptions vivid and I am hard pressed to find a single flaw to this book. I highly recommend this read. 

5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Once Upon a River

The storytelling element of Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield sparked my imagination. Instead of snuggling in my bed reading, I was transported along the riverside, sitting by a bonfire, the chill permeating through my bones, yet leaning forward to catch every word of the storyteller’s voice. 

Oh, how the author spun this story into a web of intrigue! The characters were REAL, the scenery tangible, the mystery, heartache, love, life, death all twisted into the river somehow. 

A little girl, seemingly drowned and quite dead, regained consciousness … or is it some sort of magical intervention? The parentage of this mute child becomes the focus of the story, two families claiming her. The other villagers are enthralling, and add a lot to this story.

I closed this book with a sigh of regret, because I wanted the story to continue.

I highly recommend this wonderful read. 

5 stars

I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

House of Gold

House of Gold is about The Goldbaum dynasty, loosely based on the real-world Rothschild family, depicts what life was like for the privileged family during pre-WW1. Both male heirs and female family members have pre-destined lives. The men are expected to be bankers, and women must marry suitable men, sometimes marrying first cousins to keep everything within the family.  Other than arranged marriages, the women are expected to produce heirs to carry on the family name.

The main character, Greta begrudgingly marries her cousin, Albert. At first I felt sorry for her, but then came to realize Albert wasn’t so keen on marrying her either. Somehow, they grow to tolerate each other, and eventually a tender love begins to emerge. I was beginning to like this book at this point.

I adored the secondary character, Greta’s brother, Otto. His dedication and love for his sister is lovely. My heart broke when he went to war. I also grew to love Albert, and actually started to dislike Greta for the way she treated him. Later in the story, she redeems herself (in my eyes) by helping less fortunate woman, and showing more of her innermost thoughts with her husband.

Then I started considering not finishing the book, but wanted to give it a chance ... I continued. 

I was bored: The Goldbaum men deal with anti-Semitism, and all the banking issues involved with the brewing war. This part of the book dragged on for me. I felt there was way too much info-dumping. I really didn’t anticipate a history lesson, and found myself skimming through these dull parts. There was simply way too much telling and not enough showing in this aspect of the story. 

Then I felt cheated: At times this story line jumped ahead and yanked me out of the story, and left me wondering if I missed something. (I did skim over boring financial discussions after all.) 

But after turning back the pages, I realized I didn’t miss anything to do with Greta’s self-growth. The story simply skipped an integral part of her life.  Did her ambivalence simply evaporate? When did they consummate the marriage? When was this child born? How did she feel about being pregnant? How did they reach that point in their relationship? Suddenly she was a loving mother and wife, without an inkling that she was pregnant. When did this take place? 

As I mentioned above, I wanted to like this book, but I feel cheated. I am left with many questions and a slew of disappointment. It was if a chapter or two was omitted. The character growth was suddenly plopped in my lap. My interest began to wane… and it never sparked again. Sadly, it affects my opinion of this book.

2 stars

Copy of book compliments of NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Love Letter

I really enjoy when a story includes two time eras. It’s like a buy one get one sale, and I love a bargain.

It was a little more difficult for me to connect with Esther and Hamilton (the Revolutionary War era) and I kept finding myself wanting to skip to the contemporary era with Jesse and Chloe’s story. Their stories involve the movie industry and overcoming upsets of the past, which carried more depth for me. 

The theme of forgiveness weighs heavy and reveals a powerful and freeing conclusion to both stories. 

I wanted a faster pace with the Historical side of the story, but overall, I enjoyed the book as a whole. 

3 Stars. 

Book courtesy of Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

The Myth of Perpetual Summer

I was captured by every aspect of The Myth of Perpetual Summer. This novel spans from the Civil Rights Era, to the 1970s, and beyond. 

Tallulah James, is a child of constant emotional upheaval due to a Bi-Polar father and emotionally absent mother.  She somehow finds a way to navigate through this turbulent time in her life. 

The close relationship with her older brother, Griff, is sweet and trusting, and her motherly ways with her younger siblings is heartbreaking.  Tallulah’s childhood is lost as she takes over her mother’s role while she’s on one of her many “protest marches.” She later learns it’s simply an escape from home and the family life her mother seems to despise.

Even when her mother is home, she’s negligent. Tallulah never loses hope that someday her mother would “see” her. She longs for typical parents like her friends have. Ones who are there when they come home from school, attend their games, take an interest in their goals, and lavishes love and attention on their children.

This dual time period novel seamlessly depicts Tallulah’s life from childhood to adult, from heartbreak to recovery, from pulling away from one life and creating another. Then being pulled right back into what she ran away from the moment she was old enough to do so. 

I empathized with her through every choice she made, both good and bad. She learned from mistakes, and carried on. The lives of her siblings, and how each were affected by their upbringing are vastly varied. This shows how one can make their own future despite their past. 

5 stars

ARC copy received from Net Galley. All opinions are my own.