Review: The Melody of the Soul

The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a refreshing and different take to WW2.

The author still embraced and showed the evil and darkness of the war, but also how music can heal the soul even in the most difficult of times.

The author also showed German characters who did not agree with what was happening, and who even tried to help the Jews.

*I read this on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

By 1943, Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost everything, including her career as a concert violinist and almost her entire family. The only person she has left is her beloved grandmother, and she's determined to keep her safe. But protecting Grandmother won't be easy--not with a Nazi officer billeted below them.

Anna must keep a low profile. There's one thing she refuses to give up, though. Despite instruments being declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to practice her violin. She has to believe that the war will end someday and her career will be waiting. Fortunately for Anna, the officer, Horst Engel, enjoys her soothing music. It distracts him from his dissatisfaction with Nazi ideology and reminds him that beauty still exists in an increasingly ugly world.

When his neighbors face deportation, Horst is moved to risk everything to hide them. Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals to her might break her trust and stop the music forever. . . .

About the author:

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her

husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Please visit her blog at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@LizTolsma). She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

Review: Meet Me at The Grand: A Jonathon Island Novel

Meet Me at The Grand: A Jonathon Island Novel by Lindsay Harrel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

“God’s love for us is the anchor in the storm. And He will never abandon us.”

This was a great start to a series which promises to bring readers a small cozy location where everyone knows everyone, where people can come to for second chances and new beginnings.

Both Liam and Dani experienced loss and breakage of their family when they were young and are still dealing with long-lasting effects on their lives.

In their quest to bring the Grand Hotel back to life, they discovered a connection deeper than friendship, a path to allowing and trusting God for their healing and future and how meeting each other halfway could bring more joy and a promising future.

I enjoyed the spiritual messages throughout the story as well.


“God has never walked away from you. People are sinners, and God lets them walk their path. But He does promise to stay with us, even when we feel alone. The Bible says God is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. He’s been waiting for you all this time, Dani, aching to heal you. You’ve just been turning to other places for that healing instead.”

“The good thing about screwing up is it gives the rest of us the chance to practice forgiveness.”

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart?

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid.

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for.

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart?

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart?

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

About the author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Review: The Other Sister: A Dark and Suspenseful Thriller of Sisters, Secrets and a Deadly Switched Identity

The Other Sister: A Dark and Suspenseful Thriller of Sisters, Secrets and a Deadly Switched Identity by Jessica R. Patch
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

Truth hidden in darkness always comes to light, and secrets with it. Sins always find you out.

The first person POV created a dark, thrilling atmosphere throughout the story and linked in to the third person POV in a way that made this reader think she had it all figured out, until the author revealed she had some few unexpected revelations up her writing sleeve.

Charlotte’s longing for a family was easy to understand and I found that I was rooting for her to fit into her sister’s life and use this opportunity to make better choices. The darkness and secrets involved in this life made me hope that she will just survive!

I really thought I had the ending figured out, but was glad to be proven totally wrong. Not a lot of authors manage to blindside me mainly because I read so many mystery/suspense stories.

There was an open-ended twist, so not sure yet if I want a sequel to get closure, or am happy being left to make up my own ending.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

About the author:

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether

she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Review: Rescued Faith

Rescued Faith by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

This story was suspenseful and action packed from the first page right till the end!

Penny was strong, courageous and fierce, but also struggled with some doubts and insecurities which kept her back from happiness and a full life.

Bryce is part of a family of heroes. But he struggles with living up to expectations. He finds himself in dangerous situations trying to keep others safe. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Bryce and see how he tried to get himself and Penny out of these situations.

The plot kept me engaged and guessing and took me on paths I did not expect.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

When private detective Penny Mitchell’s latest case takes her right back to the last place on earth she wants to go, she must make a choice—continue running from her past, leaving Last Chance County for good, or stay and ensure that her sister and her kids are safe. Even if that means running into her ex.

Rescue firefighter and notorious playboy Bryce Crawford is supposed to be a different guy now that he’s come to faith, but he isn’t exactly sure how to do that—especially when the woman who broke his heart comes back to town. As if seeing Penny isn’t dangerous enough, they have to work together on a new task force to find the criminals responsible for the recent string of explosions and epidemic of dangerous new weapons on the streets.

Together, Penny and Bryce must set aside their past and race against time to uncover the criminals’ end game…and stop them before it's too late.

Dive into this heart-pounding romantic suspense where danger lurks around every corner and second chances come at a price. Rescued Faith is a thrilling tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family in the face of adversity.

Review: The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House:

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House: by Joanna Davidson Politano
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

The author will take readers to a dark, mysterious house filled with twisty characters and a house breathing and speaking when not expected.

This one kept my head spinning and thoughts twisted as more and more information was revealed about the inheritance and how Sydney Forrester fits into everything.

Sydney was full of life and intrigue and care for others. I enjoyed her outlook on life and how she approached life and other people. Even when circumstances were against her, she was a light shining brightly.

Her quest to find out what happened to her deceased relative took her on dangerous adventures.

Another great gothic mystery from the author.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she's never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions--and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will.

About the author:

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning

tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Review: The Accused

The Accused by Cara C. Putman
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This legal thriller had an interesting murder to solve, suspects who could be guilty, a defendant who might or might not be innocent and intriguing evidence to follow. I doubted the suspect till the end and it didn’t really end as expected. It felt like there was some open ended questions for me with regards to some revelations but the overall mystery was solved and concluded.

I enjoyed the dynamics between Chase and Margeaux and the history between them involving a previous student who Chase defended added to some boiling moments.

Due to the focus more on the legal aspects of a murder defense than art theft in the previous book, I enjoyed this one more than the previous book in the series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Review book 1: The Vanished 

View all my reviews

About the book:

When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?

About the author:

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical assistant professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 41st book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.

Book Spotlight Friday! Rescued Faith and The Accused

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by My Head is Full of Books and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

Two books again this week.

Rescued Faith

About the book:

When private detective Penny Mitchell’s latest case takes her right back to the last place on earth she wants to go, she must make a choice—continue running from her past, leaving Last Chance County for good, or stay and ensure that her sister and her kids are safe. Even if that means running into her ex.

Rescue firefighter and notorious playboy Bryce Crawford is supposed to be a different guy now that he’s come to faith, but he isn’t exactly sure how to do that—especially when the woman who broke his heart comes back to town. As if seeing Penny isn’t dangerous enough, they have to work together on a new task force to find the criminals responsible for the recent string of explosions and epidemic of dangerous new weapons on the streets.

Together, Penny and Bryce must set aside their past and race against time to uncover the criminals’ end game…and stop them before it's too late.

Dive into this heart-pounding romantic suspense where danger lurks around every corner and second chances come at a price. Rescued Faith is a thrilling tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family in the face of adversity.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Favors were a dangerous currency to deal in.

Friday 56

But she was trapped.

My thoughts so far

This had a lot of action.

   ************************************************************* 

The Accused

About the book:

When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Margeaux Robbins sprinted from her parked Sonata towards the Loudoun County Courthouse, miles from her comfortable office on the Monroe College campus in Kedgewick, Virginia.

Friday 56

I don't trust him.

My thoughts so far

I have my suspicions of what is going on. We'll see if I am right.

   ************************************************************* 

 

Review: Dreams of Savannah

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

The audiobook of this story was enjoyable and engaging. I enjoyed the voices of all the characters and the build up to the action at the end.

Through Luther and Phineas, the author threw out some questions to her readers to make you think what your own beliefs and thoughts were about the troubling time of slavery.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Cordelia Owens can weave a hopeful dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.

But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him. Matters of black and white don't seem so simple anymore to Phin, and despite her best efforts, Delia's smiles can't erase all the complications in his life. And when Fort Pulaski falls and the future wavers, they both must decide where the dreams of a new America will take them, and if they will go together.

About the author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are

the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
see also Roseanna White

Also see:  Author Discovery: Roseanna M White

Review: Just Once

Just Once by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I have read so many of the author’s books, and especially loved The Baxters, but it was refreshing to read a book not about the Baxters (even though there was a small glimpse at the end).

This book was an emotional read (not so surprising when you know the author), but so captivating jumping between the past periods and giving the author more and more information about the relationship between Irvel and Hank.

The war scenes also added some action and suspense, with some heartbreaking moments.

I enjoyed my time in Irvel and Hank’s world.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author “known for her deeply heartfelt novels” (Woman’s World) writes a sweeping and unforgettable World War II love story about a young woman torn between two brothers.

In 1941, beautiful Irvel Ellis is too focused on her secret to take much notice in the war raging overseas. She’s dating Sam but in love with his brother, Hank, and Irvel has no idea how to break the news when the unthinkable happens—Pearl Harbor is attacked. With their lives turned upside down overnight, Sam is drafted, and Hank wants to enlist. But Sam insists Hank stay home, where he and Irvel take up the battle on the home front.

While Sam fights in Europe, an undeniable chemistry builds between Irvel and Hank but neither would dare cross that line. Then a telegram comes, and the news is devastating. Hank enlists the next day and has just two weeks until he ships out. Will either brother make it home alive? Or will Irvel lose everything?

And can love find a way, even from the ashes of the greatest heartbreak?

About the author:

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller,

with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Meet Me at The Grand: A Jonathon Island Novel

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This series looks cute!

About the book: Meet Me at The Grand: A Jonathon Island Novel

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart?

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid.

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for.

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart?

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart?

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.

Jonathon Island
Book 1: Meet Me at The Grand
Book 2: Meet Me on Lilac Lane
Book 3: Meet Me at the Fudge Shop
Book 4: Meet Me on Blueberry Hill
Book 5: Meet Me at Sunset Cove
Book 6: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage

What are you waiting on this week?

Weekend Wrap-Up: April 6th

 

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

We had a bit more social events this week.

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

Next up:

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? 

Two ARCs this week.

Bought: None

Freebies: None

Monthly Recap: March

 

 I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

March got busy for some reason, which meant I got a bit behind with reviews and feedback which I hope to catch up on in April.

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

Still in progress

What I would like to read in April:

Read:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

Did I buy any new books?

Bought: One

Freebies: One

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over

January:

March:

ARC/Netgalley update:

ARC/Netgalley books downloaded this month:

A bit better this month with the ARCs:

ARC/Netgalley books read and reviewed:

Send feedback on the following

How was your month?