Book Review: Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

This was such an engaging read. Sundin knows how to pull a reader into the story very quickly and take them on an emotional roller coaster ride using her characters.

Aleida’s situation is fraught with all manner of difficulty; having escaped war torn Holland, she lands in London desperately seeking to locate her son who has been abandoned by his father, and Aleida’s husband. It’s incredible that parents did this during the war, literally passing their children through car windows to escape likely death or imprisonment if they stay.

Aleida gets a job in the Health Ministry helping London parents who have sent their children to the country for safety. It works well for her as she can use it as means of potentially finding her son, Theo.

Hugh Collingwood is a radio broadcaster, much to the disappointment of her wealthy parents. Hugh loves reporting on the war. He figures if he’s unable to be on the frontlines holding a gun, he can serve as well holding a microphone. He does his job very well and is well liked by his BBC audience.

Aleida and Hugh meet accidentally through his work. He’s looking to interview people who have suffered through the war. The attraction is immediate but Aleida is recently widowed and doesn’t want to make a poor decision like she did first time. Aleida hardly meets the profile of the privileged society ladies which his parents would prefer him to meet.

Sundin keeps us turning pages as our characters evade falling bombs, chase scoops, run from murderers, and search for Aleida’s boy in what seems a lost cause from the outset. I loved Aleida’s never-say-die attitude in the pursuit of her son.

It’s clear significant research has gone into the preparation of this story which adds to the authenticity of it and makes one wonder what is indeed fact and what is fiction at some key moments. The descriptions of war-torn London are brilliantly captured for our imaginations and the emotional highs and lows we go on with both Aleida and Hugh’s stories keep our hearts pumping.

I feel very fortunate to have received an early ebook copy from Revell as part of their Revell Readers program via Net Galley. However, this has had no bearing on my review.

Book Review: ‘The All-American’ by Susie Finkbeiner

This is an absorbing story of 2 sisters, Bertha and Florence (or Flossie) growing up in 1952 small town America. Bertha, the 16 year old, is level headed but from an early age has a dream of one day playing professional baseball in the all girls American league that has been operating for almost a decade. She’s very good and matches it with the boys she plays with.

Flossie is a precocious 11 year old. At times, she acts a little younger than her age, but she is blunt and in your face in such a charming way that she’s hard not to fall in love. Flossie has a lovely relationship with her dad, William Harding. Dad happens to be a very well known author with a number of bestselling books under his name. He spends most of his time writing in the shack in the backyard, inspired each day by a bust of Shakespeare watching over him. Dad is very restrained, mild-mannered and devoted to his daughters and their mother, Mam.

The Harding family’s stable life is uprooted as a vengeful neighbour publicly accuses William of being a Communist. This makes the news and the family are effectively run out of their Bonaventure Park home. Fortunately, for them William’s brother, Matthew lives alone in a big house about an hour’s drive away and is happy to accommodate them.

Finkbeiner has a wonderful way of writing an engrossing story when not a lot happens. It’s very much character-driven and the manner in which the various characters interact with each other keeps you turning pages. These are tremendously drawn characters, all very realistic in their portrayals.

I enjoyed the baseball scenes, not just the games, but pre-and post-game interactions between the various players. Once again, very realistic and absorbing.

But it’s Flossie who will linger long in the memory. She’s such a character, playful, loves hard and has a fun sense of humour. Her willingness to learn, to sit with her Dad and listen to his restrained wisdom and insight is beautiful to behold. I especially enjoyed how Flossie closed the story with a snippet of her in the future.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the story from Revell via NetGalley. This had no bearing on my review.

Book Review: “The Long March Home” by Marcus Brotherton & Tosca Lee

I hope the authors receive interest from producers to make this powerful story into either a movie or 8-part drama series. It’s simply riveting and the authors bring this extraordinary story alive in its visual intensity which makes it simply breathtaking.

I didn’t know about the Bataan Death March in the Philippines and how the Japanese invaded the country immediately after bombing Pearl Harbour. But now I feel sufficiently informed having read Jimmy, Hank and Billy’s firsthand account of the sheer horror of the war. The three men, all still teens, enlist and are immediately sent to the Philippines where they train and wait for the war to reach them, having no appreciation of what they’ve signed up for. They’re mates, great mates, and they are committed to staying together, surviving the unimaginable atrocities, and returning to Mobile Alabama which they call home.

The story for the most part has a dual timeline as Jimmy, whose eyes the story is told, takes us back to life before the war in Mobile as well as being in the trenches with them in the Philippines. Three boys who’ve known each other pretty much all of their lives as well as Billy’s sister, Claire. Jimmy, Billy and Claire spend much of their early years together as best buddies while Hank, the eldest, comes and goes. He’s Jimmy’s hero and mate. We’re given an insight into Jimmy’s character, his struggles with his faith and his preacher dad who sounds like a ‘fire and brimstone’ man behind the pulpit as well as at home. His father wants him to follow in his footsteps as a preacher and is dumbfounded when Jimmy enlists.

I loved the friendship between Jimmy and Claire. It’s rare and very special. And even though there’s a lot of heartache between them, it’s their friendship that Jimmy holds onto so tightly when he’s in his worst moments as a POW.

This story isn’t for everyone. It’s at times very grim reading as the authors show us the brutality of war. I was often brought to tears by both the horror but also the incredible bravery of these 3 young men who loved each other dearly. But they’re also young men who don’t know how to communicate with each other the hurts that they have inflicted on one another from time to time through life. Until it’s almost too late.

Jimmy’s a complex character. The authors reveal a young man learning how to be an adult, how to express himself, to be confused with what he wants to do with his life, and how to be friends with the girl of his dreams. And then there’s the bond he shares with Claire that undergirds the entire story. It’s so rare to read of such a deep love that began when playing as kiddies in their respective backyards. It’s beautiful and often heartbreaking for them both and we the reader.

Bravo Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy as part of the Revell Readers Program via NetGalley. This has had no bearing on my review. I expect I will purchase my own copy so I can treasure it on my bookshelves.

Book Review: “The Sound of Light” by Sarah Sundin

Sundin is outstanding at her craft. The attention to the historical detail, much of it factual, and the weaving of such strong themes of self-discovery, self-sacrifice and forgiveness through the lives of two tremendous characters was excellent. I looked forward to picking this story up each time and really didn’t want it to end.

Henrik (or Henning or Hemming) and Else are wonderfully crafted. Henrik, the rich playboy, who is challenged by his best friend to be more than he’s been and realise his potential, is developed brilliantly through the story. He joins the resistance using his rowing talent to transfer secrets across countries. This forces him to go undercover, so to speak, and assume a different persona which makes his transformation through the story even more significant.

Else is a Doctor of Physics and suffers from misogyny in her laboratory. To her immense credit she courageously challenges it and fortunately, we see some men who acknowledge her scientific talents irrespective of her gender.

The love story between these is beautiful to read. Full of tension and longing, our two lovers are drawn to each, even though Henrik carries a huge secret.

I loved the fact this story was set in Denmark. A first for me. Sundin demonstrates her significant research in sharing details of the German occupation and Danish resistance. I am now a little wiser on the impact WWII had on the Danish. We also get to see the uniqueness of the Danish coast and Copenhagen through the eyes of Sundin’s characters.

I feel very blessed having received an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

Book Review: “Everything is Just Beginning” by Erin Bartels

I found I was quickly turning pages in this latest release from Erin Bartels. I’ve found all of Bartels stories convicting and fascinating realistic portrayals of people. “Everything” is set in the late 1980s, I period I’m especially fond of, a time that seemed less complicated than the present. And it’s a story with a background centering on the music scene which I’ve always enjoyed.

Michael is an angry young man. He’s grown up without a father, a mother who has struggled to settle and he’s missed out on a lot. He carries a lot of hurt, bitterness and anger, struggling to get out of the victim mindset that traps us all at times. He’s now living with his uncle, Mike, who happens to look just like his father who is similarly angry, deeply hurt and struggling to make ends meet.

Michael wants to be a rock star and he plays in a deadbeat band with others who don’t really want him in the band. There’s not a lot going for Michael when we first meet him. He attends a New Year’s party across the road at the Wheeler’s house, having taken his uncle’s invitation. The Wheeler’s happen to be extremely wealthy as a result of Deb, mother and wife, being a famous singer and Dusty, her husband, a well-regarded producer in the music industry. They know who’s who of the industry.

And their daughter is 20-something, Natalie, who is also extremely talented musically. And blind from birth.

There’s something about this family that is especially wonderful. And I loved how Bartels portrays them. They seem to have this endless supply of love, compassion and the ability to forgive. I just wanted to hang out at their place as I turned the pages as their love is simply captivating. It is what has stayed with me since finishing the book. It challenges me to be seek more of this myself, from God, as it really can be the greatest force to heal and transform. Bartels shows us how.

Deb Wheeler is dying of lung cancer. She can’t wait to get to heaven to hang out with Jesus. She retired prematurely from releasing music because she struggled with the ‘me-focus’ it brought with it. Having spent some time in rehab herself in the 1960s, she devoted herself to visiting rehabs and helping people. She realised she could be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. She took her young daughter, Natalie, with her. This had a huge impact on Natalie, who being blind, never appeared to suffer from ‘woe is me’ syndrome as a result of her disability. Unlike Michael, who can’t seem to get over himself.

Michael was often hard to like. Once again, Bartels helps us see that that’s not what’s so important. Love goes beyond ‘like’; it gives and accepts and forbears and forgives. And Michael gradually heals.

It’s always hard in fictionalised settings as healing and transformation is fast-tracked when in fact it usually takes years and years for it to bear fruit. But I liked how Bartels dealt with Michael and Natalie’s friendship: could it be something more, was music really their only connection? Could Michael really allow Natalie to love him? Could Natalie love Michael, this angry young man? We’re reminded that we all are works-in-progress and we’ll take steps forward and steps backward. Forgiveness is hard and it’s an everyday thing, not a once-off one. I appreciated how Bartels leaves the situation between Michael and his dad, Steve.

And then there’s the music. Bartels shares many lyrics that I’m guessing her husband may have written, per the Author Note at the end. We see the wonder and beauty of simply listening to music. The Wheeler’s “Listening Room” was a very special place for just that. The Saint Andrews Hall gig is great and I felt I was there in the front row cheering “Intersection” on, getting irritated with Michael as he tried to satisfy the crowd rather than playing the songs their way.

This is a special book for me and one that will linger long. Well, especially Deb Wheeler. I want to be more like her when I grow up.

I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy of this marvellous story from Revell via NetGalley. This had no bearing on my review.

Book Review: ‘Critical Alliance’ by Elizabeth Goddard

I’ve enjoyed this series and Goddard leaves the best one til last. Mackenzie Hanson, a cybersecurity expert with a criminal past, makes for a tremendous protagonist. She’s arrived at her family’s estate in Montana on a tip from an old colleague on a mission to save the family business, Hanstech.

Hanstech specialises in drone technology and is now run by Mackenzie’s older siblings, Rowan and Nora. Something shocking happens on her arrival which throws Mackenzie deeper into discovering what’s going on behind the scenes in the business.

Alex Knight, a DSS supervisor, is holidaying in Montana at the ranch run by childhood friends. Alex and Mackenzie have a history (a very short one) but neither has forgotten the day they spent together in DC three years prior.

Goddard sets up the suspense with a shocking death, Mackenzie being shot at while being chased by a drone while going on a trail ride. Alex takes it upon himself to be her protector before he realises the magnitude and security implications of what Mackenzie has gotten herself caught up in.

The pace is good, the cybercrime detail is sufficient to make it interesting without being an unwanted distraction, and the threats on Hanstech and Mackenzie ratchet up. As does the heat between Mackenzie and Alex.

It’s a fun read that keeps you on your toes, the resolution perhaps ends a little too easily and stretches believability, but overall I enjoyed Critical Alliance and would recommend it for romantic suspense readers.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley as part of Revell’s early reader’s program. This had no bearing on my review.

Book Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kip by Sara Brunsvold

It’s rare that a story leaves me speechless or unable to draft a review that reflects the absolute quality of it but this is one of those times. Brunsvold has given us a stunning story, her first, with a character, Mrs Clara Kip who shall live long in one’s memory.

What most captured my heart was that we have a story categorised as Christian fiction that gives us a character in Mrs Kip who demonstrates Christ-likeness in how she lives on these pages of Brunsvold’s story. It’s a rare thing in my experience simply because it can be very hard to bring to the page a believer who is visibly overflowing with the love of Jesus. Mrs Kip is such a wonderful role model, not just for Christian novelists but also for those of us who seek to live a life to the glory of Jesus.

Interestingly and quite incredibly, this is a story of Mrs Kip’s last week of life. Even though she’s ready for her next adventure in the next life, we see Mrs Kip be very intentional in making each one of her final hours count. Whether it’s loving Mr Slesher in his final days or more particularly in apprenticing Aidyn Kelley as the latter writes Mrs Kip’s obit and life story.

Brunsvold’s story is also a wonderful demonstration of how the love of an individual can profoundly impact another. Aidyn, only spends a few days with Mrs Kip, but in that time her life is completely transformed. Because of the love of Jesus pouring out of Mrs Kip. It’s quite breathtaking to behold.

There is also a fascinating insight into how the Laotian refugee program got started in Kansas post-American’s withdrawal from Vietnam plus the workings of a busy newspaper.

Congratulations, Sara Brunsvold and thank you. I can’t wait to see what you have instore for your next story.

I am so pleased I was able to receive an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley as part of their bloggers program with no expectation of a positive review. I expect I’ll be purchasing my own copy so I can have it for future reading pleasure.

Book Review: The Songs that Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

Wen’s debut was a surprising delight and I was eager to read her follow-up. This one can be read stand alone, however, don’t miss the first one as it’s fabulous. This story revolves around Lauren Anderson and her Grandma Rosie and the loves of their lives. Lauren is early 30s and Grandma Rosie is 85 and living with dementia.

Rosie’s story really grabbed my heart. She fell in love with a black man, Ephraim James, in the last year of school. It was the mid-1950s and in Wichita, Kansas a mixed relationship was unheard of and in fact frowned upon on both sides. Wen’s powerful story telling combined with her empathy and grace plus some great research really shone when we saw Rosie’s world back then. I also loved how Wen gave us an insight into Rosie’s 85 year old dementia-muddled mind. It was brilliant and eye-opening giving the reader a much better insight into the mind of one who has dementia.

Lauren’s love was local weatherman, Carter Douglas. They’d had a crazy 10 week courtship when they were late teens both starring in a local production of Fiddler on the Roof. Their breakup left some deep wounds for both of them. But Wen also explores other wounds and how addiction can manifest itself as a consequence. She also explores identity and God’s grace in helping us heal and recover.

Lauren and Carter’s romance didn’t grab me like Rosie and Ephraim’s did. It felt a bit immature and a little forced for the purposes of story. Certainly, Wen’s portrayal of brokenness, of acceptance and loving wisdom from others (take a bow Garrett and Jim Ford) were well presented.

There is heartbreak, some great questions asked about love and reflections on God’s grace and His ability to help us with our brokenness. Once again, Wen delivers a beautiful story that will linger for days after finishing it.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Kregel via Audra’s Jennings PR with no expectation of a favourable review.

Book Review: Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

I so enjoyed Elysium Tide. It was clever how Hannibal used an overworked English neurosurgeon who lands in Maui at a medical conference only to become an amateur sleuth in investigating a murder. This one criminal episode morphs into something much bigger involving wealthy businessmen and gang leaders.

Dr Peter Chesterfield is the classic super smart and egocentric neurosurgeon. When it comes to solving problems and healing patients he’s best of breed. You want this Dr to be the one who is going to open up your head. But he’s become too self-absorbed and rude to members of his operating team. He needs a break, to recharge and self-examine his bedside manner.

Lisa Kealoha has recently relocated from the mainland to head up the Gang Unit in Maui. She;’s a good detective. She’s got lots of history in Maui as it was her home until she left for the mainland to train to be a cop. She knows the people, the customs and the families. She also ran with a bad crowd as a teenager and knows how criminals think.

Lisa and Peter become a oddball team. She doesn’t want him interfering but he can’t help himself, especially when he becomes the key witness in a murder at the hotel he’s staying in.

With many twists and turns, Hannibal constructs a tremendous crime story where it’s not always easy to see who are the bad guys and who committed what crime. We’re kept on our toes as Lisa and Peter go deeper into the heartland of Maui chasing the activities of two nefarious characters new to the island.

Lisa and Peter are strong characters. There’s professional chemistry between them which I appreciated. They worked well together. Peter is also given much to think about as he’s faced with some extremely dangerous situations. I liked Hannibal’s gentle reflections through Lisa and her family on faith and how God works in one’s life.

I wonder if there’s another story for the two of them. Perhaps separately or together. It would be fun.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley as part of their Readers Program. This had no influence on my review.

Book Review: “Shadows in the Mind’s Eye” by Janyre Tromp

Tromp’s debut was a pleasant surprise and I especially enjoyed the Southern voice she adopted. It’s the 1940s in the small town of Hot Springs and Sam Mattas has just returned from war suffering with combat fatigue (which we now know as PTSD). He arrives unexpectedly to an empty house which sets the scene for much of the early tension of the story.

Annie, his wife, returns from town to find Sam asleep in the barn and even though warmly welcomed it’s clear not all is as it should be. Annie has been well supported in Sam’s absence by his brother, Peter, and best friend, Doc and immediately he senses he’s the misfit. Sam also returns to his daughter, Rosie, who he hasn’t met, she being born soon after his departure for war.

The first half of the story focuses on the tension between Annie and Sam as they seek to settle into their new lives together. But his combat fatigue keeps getting in the way making both of them question his sanity and her safety. Doc’s strong friendship with Annie also adds cause for unease.

In parallel, there’s this undercurrent of corruption that is rife within the town and how Sam, at one point, was involved in it to some extent being employed by Annie’s father, The Judge, who happens to be up to his eyeballs in no good working for the Mayor who encourages it. Or is he?

A lot can happen in 3 years; people change, towns change.

A story that starts as a relatively sleepy small town tale of a marriage reunion suddenly takes off in the second half to a thrilling suspenseful one that makes the reader keep turning the pages. It’s tremendous writing as the twists and turns keep on coming. Who are the good guys and who can you trust?

The characters are rich in their portrayal and Tromp demonstrates her story telling skills with the deftness in which we are kept guessing.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook version of the story from Kregel via NetGalley as a result of being part of Audra Jennings PR Blogging tour. This had no impact on my review.