Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Blue Skies Tomorrow: A Novel by Sarah Sundin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In the Wings of Glory series you will feel as if you have stepped back in time to the WWII era as the deep characters bring to life both the joys and sorrows of one of our counties most trying times. In this third book we read the story of yet another Novak boy while wrapping up more details in the stories of the other two brothers.

I really enjoy Sarah's wholesome writing while still dealing with some very deep and challenging topics. The theme of this book surprised me to say the least, especially after reading the past two books. However, it was a good surprise and I enjoyed the book as my emotions went from sad to happy and back again several times until reaching a happy ending.

This is a book, and a series, that I both enjoyed and would recommend for and adult woman wanting a dose of fiction to read. However, due to the theme in this book - abuse - I would not recommend it for young readers or those already sensitive to this topic.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return? Filled with daring and romance, Blue Skies Tomorrow will capture readers' hearts.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Litfuse but the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

Pirate of My Heart: A Novel by Jamie Carie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

Jamie is a relatively new author who brings to life the English gentry. Lady Kendra, after losing her father, is at the mercy of her money-hungry uncle who wishes to marry her off. Kendra goes for the alternative...boarding a ship for America and unknown relatives.

What stands out in this fictional tale of castles, pirates, and colonial life is Kendra's faith in God. He has a plan for her and can be trusted with her life. As Kendra goes from the top of the social ladder to the bottom, her faith does not waver.

Pirate of My Heart is a good read and a great lesson in early American history.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing but the opinion expressed is my own.

The River Queen by Gilbert Morris

The River Queen: A Novel by Gilbert Morris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

Book One in Gilbert Morris' new Water Wheel Series takes place in the mid 1800's along the Mississippi River during the river boat era. Julienne Ashby has been raised in a wealthy lifestyle, but when her father dies, the family is left with nothing but a run-down river boat. She finds a man to restore the boat and hopes to also restore the family fortune. When they face losing the boat to the mortgage holder, they take desperate measures to win a race and the prize money.

The gospel shines through in this story of restoration; and I enjoyed the setting of the story as they traveled between St. Louis and New Orleans on the river. However, the storyline is predictable as usual in his books. But the history that he brings alive is worth the read.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishers but the opinion expressed was in now way influenced.

Petra: City of Stone by T.L. Higley

Petra: City of Stone by T.L. Higley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

Higley builds a suspenseful novel, based on history, that brings the New Testament to life. It shares the persecution of Christians in a vivid way and makes one question the strength of his/her own faith. As you follow the believers in their struggles against real principalities and powers of the air, you become more aware of the evils in your world today and how you can fight them through the power of Jesus Christ. I recommend this book to believers and non-believers alike. It would make a great gift.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of B&H Publishing but the opinions expressed our strictly our own.

View all my reviews

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Sarah Sundin has once again given us a wonderful WWII novel!

I enjoyed reading this 2nd book in the Wings Of Glory series that takes you back to the early 1940's. The storyline is thick and rich and the characters are raw with real-life emotion. You walk away with not only entertainment, but with new friends!

I greatly appreciate how A Memory Between Us is more than a relaxing read but also a spiritual challenge and encouragement with it's strong message of forgiveness and God's grace. Even if you don't identify with any of the character's exact positions and problems in life you will be encouraged by the message of hope.

While I really did like this book I do need to give a word of caution due to some of the content dealing with the rape of a young woman. I think Sarah handles the scenes well considering all, but in my opinion this is not for a teen to be reading. And depending on your own history and life you may want to take this into consideration before reading it yourself. This story shows God's faithfulness even in our darkest moments and how God can heal even the worst of our wounds.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

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This review copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity but the opinions expressed are my own.

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You may also want to read about the first book in the series by clicking here.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Catherine Marshall whisks you back in time to a secluded place in the Smokey Mountains where you see life through the eyes of Christy. She is a spunky and courageous young teacher who wants her life to be about more than just who she knows and what parties she attends. As you find yourself walking the rugged hills and viewing the majestic sights in your own imagination, you will also find yourself learning wholesome life lessons.

The characters come to life through this audio version of the book and you finish this story feeling like you have new friends. Kellie Martin - who played Christy on the CBS dramatized version of this book - reads the book with passion and depth.

I not only enjoyed hearing the whole and original version of Christy, but was captivated by the tale. I couldn't wait to get up and get to work around the house so that I could continue listening to this amazing journey of Christy and the many other people woven into her story. I would highly recommend this book for older children to adults. It would make a great resource to entertain the family on a long road trip or over a longer period of time in commuting to school or around town.

There were parts that may be slightly scary - such as shootings, burials, and some of the folklore - but overall I think that it would still be appropriate for the average person, child, or family.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christy Huddleston left home at 19 to teach school in the Smokey Mountains. There she came to know and love the wild mountain people with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, their yearning for beauty and truth. Christy found her faith severely challenged in these primitive surroundings; and, confronted with two young men of unique strength and needs, she found her own growing yearnings challenged by love.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.

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This book is awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Homecoming by Dan Walsh {Giveaway!}

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

The Homecoming: A Novel by Dan Walsh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The Homecoming is the wonderful sequel to the book The Unfinished Gift. Dan Walsh picks up where the first book left off and continues to delight readers with a story that expertly weaves together the harsh reality of war with the tender love of a family.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one as details are revealed and characters deepened. The balance between the action of war and a budding romance is perfect and well suited for listening to the audio format as a family.

The story takes a few predictable turns but holds enough suspense to keep you turning the page or listening to the next CD. I really enjoyed this audio book and the superb narration of Roger Mueller who added greater life and depth to the entire book.

While this book is listed under General Christian Fiction, I think it would make a great audio book to entertain a family with older children - 12 & up - on a long road trip. It's mix of action and love will appeal to both guys and gals alike and make a long ride seem like an adventure in World War II history!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

A reluctant war hero returns home and encounters a new chance at love. No sooner has Shawn Collins returned home from the fighting in Europe than he is called upon to serve his country in another way—as a speaker on the war bond tour. While other men might jump at the chance to travel around the country with attractive Hollywood starlets, Shawn just wants to stay home with his son Patrick and his aging father, and grieve the loss of his wife in private. When Shawn asks Katherine Townsend to be Patrick’s nanny while he’s on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life. Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start? Dan Walsh does not disappoint in this tender story of family ties and the healing of a broken heart.

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You can read about the prequel to The Homecoming by click here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

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This week I have a huge giveaway package for one very lucky winner!

This package is worth more than $90 and includes the following:

3 audio books, 2 children’s books, 2 youth reads, & 1 book for mom!

To enter this giveaway – going on al this week! – please leave a comment on this post or any of the Resources For The Road posts!  You can comment up to once a day!  And becoming a follower of this blog will get you 2 extra entries – just leave a comment saying that you just became a follower through google friends or facebook.

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I can't even begin to understand what it must have been like to be a young teen girl during the Civil War. The fear, the challenge, the work, the hope...it's a time period that seems longer ago than it really was.

In this book - My Vicksburg - Ann Rinaldi creates a fictional story based on history that will keep you glued to the radio (or MP3 player) until the last CD is over. It's fascinating to hear history in a personal view rather than just text book information.

This book is listed as Juvenile fiction, yet I would recommend it for older children, say ages 10 and up. Unfortunately there are 2 or 3 times where I noticed a bit of language that I did not appreciate.

However, as a whole, this audio book is a good way to entertain the family on a road trip. The narration is enjoyable as she brings depth to the characters with various voices. It's a story that will hold the attention of the whole family and since it's only 4 CDs long, it's the perfect length for any road trip.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Claire Louise Corbett and her Confederate family flee their home as Union soldiers shell their town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. They venture out from the safety of a cave only three times a day, when the Union army takes their meals at eight in the morning, noon, and eight at night. Although many of the townspeople suffer from a lack of food, the Corbetts receive extra rations from Claire Louise's brother, Landon, a doctor with the Union army. When Claire Louise discovers her brother tending to a Confederate soldier who is responsible for Robert E. Lee's "lost order" (causing the South to lose the Battle of Antietam), she is forced to make a difficult choice between family and friends. Award-winning historical novelist Ann Rinaldi paints a story of family, courage and secrets during the 47-day siege of Vicksburg, a battle that has sometimes been ignored in history because it ended the same day as the Battle of Gettysburg.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

Morning for Dove Book Review

Morning for Dove by Martha Rogers


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Set in a time when Oklahoma was only a territory, Morning for Dove by Martha Rogers is a compelling novel depicting the nature of love and the racism and intolerance which defined this time period. Falling in love with a Native American is looked down upon in Barton Creek, even if it is only a Native American heritage the object of one's affection possesses. That does stop Luke Anderson. As he falls deeper in love with Dove, he can only hope that his parents can learn to see past Dove's skin color to the beauty that lies beneath. Unfortunately Luke's parents' judgement stops short at the telltale color of Dove's skin and hair. Does their relationship even stand a chance? Will Luke's family change their mind or will Luke have to choose between Dove and the people whose blood courses through his veins? In the face of fire, Luke will decide....who will it be?

Morning for Dove is an enthralling novel that I could barely put down. It also brings to the forefront an often forgotten prejudice against Native Americans that at one point was unfortunately quite prevalent. Mrs. Rogers weaves a tale that will make you wish you could jump ahead to read the ending, but I challenge you to wait it out and savor the details. The beauty of this tale is contained in the details between the artistic covers. This novel was clearly written and easy to follow. I also appreciate that Mrs. Rogers dives directly into the story line in the beginning. She is to be commended for her skill of depicting the setting while hooking the reader into the story all within the first few pages of the novel. Well done!

A copy of Morning for Dove was provided by Glass Road PR for review purposes. This has in no way altered the content of this review.

View all my reviews >>

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stephanie Grace Whitson makes you feel like you are back in the year of 1871 with this post civil war novel. The book takes you for a ride with 16 women who are moving west for various reasons only to find out that the men out west may have other plans for them.

At first I found this book to be very confusing hard to follow with the immediate introduction of 16 women plus other main characters. However, for various reasons the story soon slows down with only 6 women to follow. The tale is engaging and fun with a wide range of emotions and situations. You get a good long story for the cost of the book!

It is a good story, some wonderful history woven in, and some great biblical truth sprinkled through out - primarily from one of my favorite characters, Jeb Cooper. There are a few situations that are intense and may not be appropriate for a teen girl to read.

Sixteen Brides is full of twists, turns, and tender friendship, but can be a challenge to keep up with!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishing.

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

MY REVIEW:

A Distant Melody is one of the best fiction books I have read recently. It is a beautiful love story with several spiritual lessons sweetly woven in the tender and twisting storyline.

I enjoyed the historical setting with a glimpse into the life of a fly-boy and the depiction of the time period without compromising the quality of the book. The characters were portrayed with believable emotion and interaction and I quickly found myself relating to them and feeling like I knew them.

This sweet story is 415 pages of friendship, love, failure, and forgiveness. Anyone, adult to middle teen, would enjoy this first book in a new series by Sarah Sundin.

AUTHOR BIO:

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of LitFuse Publicity.

The Unfinished Gift

The Unfinished Gift: A Novel by Dan Walsh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little, seven-year-old Patrick Collins is on the verge of becoming an orphan with a newly deceased mother and his father now missing in action. His fate rests in the hands of a tenderhearted social worker and a cranky, old grandfather he has never met.

Dan Walsh takes you back in time for a heart-wrenching Christmas story set in the early 1940's during World War Two. It's the story of a brave boy, a grumpy old man, a caring neighbor, and an unfinished gift.

Will the last wish of a a wife, mother, and grandmother actually be realized? Will the untimely death of a beautiful, young mother bring over due reconciliation or create a greater family divide? And will a hand-carved, wooden soldier become a cherished keepsake or continue as a symbol of conflict?

This book mixes a little bit of history with sad a tale of father-son conflict, and adds Christmas cheer to make it a story you won't soon forget. I enjoyed reading this book with it's honest characters and tear-jerking story line. Walsh has written a story that both young and old, male and female, will enjoy.

A sequel is scheduled to be published in June of 2010.

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Thank you to Donna Hausler and Revell for the review copy.  These books are available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.