The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a poignant, moving story, one that will forever live in my memory. After reading Catherine Marshall's Christy aThe Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a poignant, moving story, one that will forever live in my memory. After reading Catherine Marshall's Christy as a teenager, I've always been drawn to Appalachian settings. This atmospheric story has it all - emotional storyline, complex characters, evocative writing, fascinating historical detail. Serious issues play an integral part in the story - poverty, hunger, mine safety, hatred, prejudice, bigotry, racism. It's gritty and raw at times, heartbreakingly real, yet heartwarming and hopeful at the same time.
Cussy Carter, an employee of the government's Pack Horse Library Project, is a strong, relatable leading lady. But instead of on horseback, Cussy traverses the mountainous terrain of eastern Kentucky on the back of her intuitive mule, Junia, who saves her from harm more than once. Cussy has a heart for books and a heart for the people on her weekly book route. We are privileged to get a glimpse into their lives, a glimpse that tugs at the heartstrings.
But Cussy's life wasn't easy due to a genetic condition that made her skin blue. The prejudice and fear of these blue-skinned people was strong and they were treated like all people of color in 1936. "Forever I'd let the darkness and brokenness live inside - let others keep it there.... accepting for so long what other folks thought of me" (Cussy). The author's words at the end give insight into this condition, as well as other historical detail in the book.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek goes on my favorites shelf. Highly recommended.
Note: There's a little mild profanity, but not much....more
I loved everything about Star Rising, as is the case with all that Janet Ferguson writes. This story is the whole package – entertaining storyline, weI loved everything about Star Rising, as is the case with all that Janet Ferguson writes. This story is the whole package – entertaining storyline, well-drawn characters, struggles and temptations that readers can relate to, and faith themes applicable to daily life. Star Rising is Christian fiction at its best. A book rarely brings me to tears, but I had my moments in this story, especially in a moving scene toward the end.
Star, who was introduced in the previous Coastal Hearts novel, literally stole my heart. Driven to addictive behaviors as a result of experiences no child should have to go through, Star has come out on the other side with a new Christian faith. Star is smart, spunky, and I loved her so much. Walking beside her on her new faith journey was refreshing. And then there’s Paul. Paul is not at all likeable in the beginning, his one shining spot being that he loves his mother – not so much Star’s employer, but close friend and spiritual mentor. Then we learn that he has a mission field past that resulted in disillusionment and anger toward God – which makes him a compelling character for me.
Star and Paul have a beginning that’s so rough that it can only improve. There’s some hilarious scenes, such as the flight to Ireland, a trip that was on Mrs. Kelly’s bucket list. For Paul, it was a flight from… well, you know where. But best of all is the spiritual theme skillfully woven throughout. Star Rising is a heartwarming story of grace and redemption. I hope to see Paul and Star in future books.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ...more
Heather Norman Smith is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. Her stories are well writteReviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/3bxCqDO
Heather Norman Smith is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. Her stories are well written, rich in character depth, filled with gentle romance and spiritual themes applicable to daily living, and always entertaining.
Smith’s newest release, Shenanigans, is pure delight. The lead characters may be 80 years old, but the story will appeal to readers of all ages. The first sentence in the book’s description – You’re never too old for fun, faith or love – couldn’t be more relevant.
Lavinia is one of my favorite fictional characters – caring of family, a genteel southern lady to the core, and loves to have good-hearted fun. Although beloved by many in her North Carolina retirement community, not all appreciate her pranks. Like a very funny dear friend in real life, Lavinia had been “relying on things she could control, namely the jokes. The jokes distracted her from things she couldn’t change.”
Neville, a lawyer who doesn’t want to retire and agrees to represent Lavinia when one of her supposed jokes goes horribly wrong, is a complete contrast to her and the chemistry between them works beautifully. I loved this gentle man and enjoyed things about him that were revealed as the story progressed, such as the reason behind his coldness toward God.
Lavinia comes to realize that she has distanced herself from God over the years, which leads to one of my favorite scenes as she and her family visit a church recommended by Neville’s secretary. The church service, filled with people of varied ages and cultures “reminded her of flowers, picked from all over the garden, bunched together, and placed in a crystal vase to make a gorgeous bouquet.”
Shenanigans is a heartwarming story to which every reader can relate and goes on my favorites list. I look forward to many more stories from the talented hand of Heather Norman Smith. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own....more
Reviewed at The Power of Words: I am excited to have discovered the Bible studies written by Shadia Hrichi and highly recommend her work. Hrichi is veReviewed at The Power of Words: I am excited to have discovered the Bible studies written by Shadia Hrichi and highly recommend her work. Hrichi is very knowledgeable about Scripture and biblical culture, personable, and a clear communicator. And best of all, she covers unusual topics – people and subjects that wouldn’t normally pop into your mind when you think of doing a Bible study – but with life-changing messages that speak to the heart.
Legion: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me focuses on the Gospel of Mark’s account of Jesus healing the demoniac. I’ve been a student of the Bible almost all my life and am familiar with this story, yet am amazed at the freshness and so many eye-opening moments and I worked my way through this study. The demoniac’s story doesn’t actually begin and end in Mark, but rather goes back all the way to the days of Creation and why God allowed sin to enter the His perfect world. I loved Hrichi’s quote from commentator Victor Hamilton:
There are only four chapters in the Bible where Satan is not present, the first two and the last two. The Bible begins and ends with him out of existence. But between Genesis 3 and Revelation 20 he is a factor to be reckoned with.
Legion is spread out over six weeks, but can be done at any pace. It works well for either personal or group study, for new believer, seeker, or the seasoned Christian. Hrichi suggests varying levels of commitment, going from 15 minutes to 60 minutes a day. I suspect those starting out “light” at 15 minutes will quickly desire to spend more time delving into these lessons, for they are that good!
Legion begins in Genesis 1 and addresses the age-old question that causes so many to stumble … How could a loving God allow so much evil in the world? The three main sections are entitled The Bondage, The Battle, and The Blessing, ending with powerful teaching from Revelation. I really can’t say enough good things about this study, so I’ll just encourage you to try it for yourself – personally or in a small group.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Leafwood Publishers. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ...more
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a moving story that goes on my “best of the beReviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/39hQLmG
The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a moving story that goes on my “best of the best” list. The bookstore setting is atmospheric and charming, the characters rich and endearing, and every word of the prose is to be treasured. It’s a story of friendship, renewal and second chances, with a few heartwarming moments that moved me to tears.
The anonymous story society invitation goes out to five characters from various backgrounds and social status, all anchored to something in their pasts that kept them from moving on and living life to the fullest. The story is like a piece of fabric, with threads of each character’s past, present and future woven together and interconnected.
As with any good book, it’s easy to care about the characters. This story, however, took me to a new level of caring. Hauck not only knows people, but she is able to project their innermost hearts and desires through her characters, desires that are common to all of us. I came to know Lexa, Jett, Chuck, Coral and Ed well through their raw honesty and humanness – their fears, insecurities, needs, and hopes. There’s a little mystery and supernatural element, but the real story is in what happens through these Monday night meetings. The librarian, Gilda, is an interesting character and I’d love to see what’s on the other side of her door that’s marked “private.”
The spiritual thread is gentle and subtle, culminating in a beautiful way toward the end. The image of Christ knocking at the door instantly came to mind and these closing words speak to all … "The invitation is always waiting. All you have to do is say yes."
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own....more
I have been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s writing since discovering her earlier Culpepper Ring seReviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/35tpZ8W
I have been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s writing since discovering her earlier Culpepper Ring series and she never disappoints. Her writing is lyrical, characterization deep, storylines complex and unique. A gifted author from the beginning, White just keeps getting better and better. There are tie-ins to characters from previous series in this second Codebreakers book, but it totally works as a standalone. If this is your initial introduction to White’s writing, however, I can almost guarantee you will be hurrying to obtain more.
On Wings of Devotion is an epic story, exquisitely blending history, romance, courage and faith in ways that touched this reader on every page. It’s like stepping into the pages of history. Small liberties are taken here and there for the sake of story, but the historical framework is firm and accurate, inspired by hero and villain alike. Spies, espionage, treachery and deceit are contrasted with honor, integrity and compassion.
This series shines the light on an incredible group of people who worked with skill and dedication as codebreakers in London’s Room 40, thwarting numerous attempts of the enemy to kill and destroy. Hell … It’s name was War, and it existed right here on earth. And when the demons of hell roamed freely, even men who never saw direct action, like the codebreakers he now served with, experienced their horrors in one way or another. These men and women are an inspiration to us all.
Phillip Camden and Arabelle Denler leap off the page and are two of the most memorable characters I’ve ever encountered. Phillip is a wounded hero – complex, deep, loyal and heroic – but flawed from the years he lived for self and carrying the weight of guilt from a horrible tragedy in which he was the lone survivor. A man who “wears his pain like a uniform.” I loved that Arabelle is not the typical beautiful leading lady, but rather tall and plain, and we are shown what true beauty is through her caring, compassion and faithful witness.
When the story opens, Arabelle is engaged to marry Braxton, caught up in a loveless relationship designed to provide mutual benefit … the home and family she craved while providing the means to keep his ancestral home from ruin. There’s some delightful humor and witty dialogue throughout. The scene surrounding the initial meeting between Arabelle and Phillip is pure genius.
I loved Phillip’s gradual maturing and transformation. On Wings of Devotion is about gently growing romantic devotion on a human level, but the overall theme reflects life’s true romance with God. We see God as the patient pursuer and faith lived out in daily life as the gospel message is presented in a realistic way.
The narrative moves at a steady pace, keeping me eager to turn pages, yet allowing time to savor every word and nuance. On Wings of Devotion goes on my favorites list.
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ...more
Loading...
