I've followed the buzz about Joanne Bischof's debut novel and was also intrigued by the plot. Once I picked it up, her writing pulled me into the stor...moreI've followed the buzz about Joanne Bischof's debut novel and was also intrigued by the plot. Once I picked it up, her writing pulled me into the story and I finished Be Still My Soul in two days. I appreciated Bischof's fresh word pictures and how they fit with the setting of her novel, while revealing the personalities of her characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!(less)
I am a die-hard Susan May Warren fan -- and she keeps upping her game with every book. You Don't Know Me packed a strong emotional punch, as I turned...moreI am a die-hard Susan May Warren fan -- and she keeps upping her game with every book. You Don't Know Me packed a strong emotional punch, as I turned pages, wondering what I would do if I was Annalise Decker, the heroine of the book. What would I do if my life was turned upside down when it was revealed that it wasn't the truth? Would I stay with my family -- or leave to protect them from the dangers of my past? Of course, there's a lot more to this story, but that's one of Warren's trademarks: multi-layered stories that keep your turning the pages late into the night. And then you re-read your favorite scenes over and over again after you reach the end.(less)
There was so much to like about Cynthia Ruchti's debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing voice and that she tackle...moreThere was so much to like about Cynthia Ruchti's debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing voice and that she tackled the challenging 1st Person point of view (POV) -- and did it well. She also took on a tough topic -- a marriage unraveling -- without falling into stereotypes and cliches. And she set the entire story against an unusual backdrop: the Canadian wilderness. As I read, I wondered, "How is she going to end this story?" because I really couldn't figure it out. And the ending Ruchti penned was no where in my "Oh, this might happen" scenarios. I'm eager for more from this author! (less)
I fell in love with Cathy West's writing while reading her first novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow. She follows that up with another compelling story. Hidde...moreI fell in love with Cathy West's writing while reading her first novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow. She follows that up with another compelling story. Hidden in the Heart is true-to-life and the characters West paints are vivid -- the kind that stay with you long after you've closed the book. What I appreciate most about West's writing is how she crafts a story with gut-wrenching honesty and yet a tenderness that kept me turning pages late into the night.(less)
Second Time Around is a sweet falling-in-love again romance. I especially love the theme of friendship woven within Second Time Around -- how friends...moreSecond Time Around is a sweet falling-in-love again romance. I especially love the theme of friendship woven within Second Time Around -- how friends are there in times of need to help in both practical and emotionally and spiritually supportive ways. Falling in love again isn't easy for Marc and Natalie, the novel's main characters, because retrograde amnesia has stolen all of Natalie's memories of Marc, her husband of just a few months. Their journey back to trusting each other again is at times heartbreaking and humorous.(less)
This is one of my all-time favorite books -- ever. I've given it as gifts. I first read an excerpt of it and went and purchased the book -- and wasn't...moreThis is one of my all-time favorite books -- ever. I've given it as gifts. I first read an excerpt of it and went and purchased the book -- and wasn't disappointed. I found the story compelling and the characters' lives -- their joys and sorrows -- gripped me. I especially enjoyed that the novel is based on the author's family history.(less)
My adult children still talk about me reading this book to them -- and doing Grover's voice. It's one of their favorite memories. When I had a late-in...moreMy adult children still talk about me reading this book to them -- and doing Grover's voice. It's one of their favorite memories. When I had a late-in-life child, I went looking for a new copy of The Monster at the End of This Book to recreate some fun memories with her.(less)
While the second of Jody Hedlund's books, I have to admit I enjoyed The Doctor's Lady even more than her first (The Preacher's Bride.) Mind you, I'm n...moreWhile the second of Jody Hedlund's books, I have to admit I enjoyed The Doctor's Lady even more than her first (The Preacher's Bride.) Mind you, I'm not saying anything against Jody's first book! But I just found the story of Priscilla and Eli's cross-country adventure and their romance more compelling. The tension is high, the story is fast-paced, and there are a few unexpected plot twists. I'm looking forward to Jody's next novel.(less)
Truth be told, I read this book over and over when I was in middle school -- and I cried every time Beth died. I know the writing is outdated now, but...moreTruth be told, I read this book over and over when I was in middle school -- and I cried every time Beth died. I know the writing is outdated now, but there's something about the study of relationships that is timeless. (less)
Lisa Jordan knows how to write a debut novel: like a seasoned author! Lakeside Reunion is a lovely blend of regrets transformed by forgiveness. Jordan...moreLisa Jordan knows how to write a debut novel: like a seasoned author! Lakeside Reunion is a lovely blend of regrets transformed by forgiveness. Jordan's characters are true-to-life and her writing skill alternately brought tears to my eyes or caused me to laugh out loud. Can't wait to read Jordan's next novel. (less)
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