Category: Christian Fiction Review

BONUS REVIEW: To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

BONUS REVIEW: To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]

Summary

Gabriella Goodhue grew up a thief on the streets. She used to work with a partner – Nicholas Quinn – but when she was caught at age 12, her street “family” abandoned her. She spent her teen years in an orphanage.

Gabriella is pulling her thieving skills out as an adult to help a friend. Miss Jennette Moore has been accused of stealing her fiancé’s family fortune in jewels. But Gabriella knows that’s not Jennette’s character at all. She’s obviously been framed. When Gabriella’s prime suspect hosts a party, Gabriella uses the opportunity to sneak in and check the woman’s safe.

Instead of finding jewels, though, Gabriella finds Nicholas breaking into the same room. Gabriella is angry and bitter that Nicholas never came after her when she was caught as a child. But Nicholas has his own version of what happened.

The ladies at Gabriella’s boarding house, calling themselves the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, are determined to use every skill, secret, and connection they possess to clear Jennette’s name. While Nicholas says he is working toward the same end, he has changed so much, Gabriella is not sure she should trust him ever again.

Review

Another excellent book from Jen Turano. I thoroughly enjoyed this “found family” story that kicks off a new Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Hopefully, each one of the Bleeker Street ladies gets a book. I am here for every single one of them!

There’s a TON going on here, and I was captivated by all of it. Jennette’s case launches the Inquiry Agency, and also pulls Gabriella and Nicholas back into one another’s orbits. From there the author adds in several other cases for the ladies and their growing ensemble of helpers. The story also includes more information on what happened in the years since Gabriella and Nicholas have seen each other – as well as some secrets neither knew before. It felt like easily three books’ worth of story, in only the best ways. The pacing never dragged, and I never felt like the author didn’t have her various story threads firmly in hand. The faith pieces of the book are subtle and felt natural, something I am a stickler for when I read Christian fiction.

I was invested in every single part of this book. The ending was fantastic and supremely satisfying. I truly can’t wait to read book 2, To Write a Wrong, which is scheduled to release late in the summer of 2021.

Fans of the author should not miss this one. I love finding a terrific series right from the first book. And while you wait for book 2, you can check out the author’s extensive backlist.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: Ashton's Dancing Dream by the Pitts sisters

BONUS REVIEW: Ashton’s Dancing Dream by the Pitts sisters

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Zonderkidz in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Ashton’s friend, Rani, announces that her dad’s been offered a promotion that would move the family to London, Ashton starts looking for a way to help her friend stay. Ashton, Rani, and their friend, June, decide to be in their elementary school spring talent show. The show, and the preparation, can be their reason for why Rani can’t move yet. The girls will use moves from a dance they performed at Christmas for their dance school to help simplify the preparation.

But when their full group – five girls in total – gets together, they can’t agree on anything. They bicker over music, dance moves, and the showcase dancer. Ashton’s perfect idea gets more and more complicated. And while her dad supports the idea of the talent show, he asks Ashton to consider that God’s plans aren’t always in line with our preferences. But Ashton hopes God wants Rani to stay too.

Review

This is a solid story with a lot of friendship pieces and a focus on taking your problems and burdens to God. Ashton experiences a power struggle with one of the other girls in the dancing group. There are times when they all forget it’s about having this experience with Rani, too. But there are good examples of sincere prayers and interpersonal effort to make peace, apologize, etc..

Another factor to the story that I didn’t mention in the summary is the arrival of a new student at the girls’ Christian school. Jasmyn is in a wheelchair, and Ashton is asked to be her school “buddy” and help her get acclimated. I loved Jasmyn’s part in the story. Ashton is a great friend and helper both at school and at church.

I appreciated Ashton’s efforts to stand up for Jasmyn. Rani makes some poor choices out of jealousy of Ashton’s new friendship. But I wish Ashton’s response had been stronger. Ashton does address the issue without prompting from anyone else. And Rani does apologize in part. But I felt like the most heinous choice on Rani’s part was to run off to a second floor of the house deliberately because she knows Jasmyn can’t go with them. It’s a blatant act of exclusion.  Yet when Rani apologizes, it’s more for what she said (saying the crocheting they are about to do is dumb) than what she did which was far worse. I’m concerned some readers will be hurt that this issue wasn’t addressed more directly.

I enjoyed the story, but there were moments when the writing pulled me out of the flow. This is a first person point of view book. But occasionally Ashton would look at someone and “know” what they were thinking either about themselves or even one time about a third character. First person can’t pull off all of that. I am hopeful that these moments were addressed in final edits.

This is book two in the series after Ansley’s Big Bake Off which focuses on Ashton’s older sister. Book 3, Amber’s Song, releasing in April 2021, will focus on Ashton’s twin sister. The characters have an older sister, Lena, who had her own series, Lena in the Spotlight (which was written by the authors’ older sister and their late mother, Wynter Pitts).

If you are looking for books for your middle grade reader with a blatant spiritual message, be sure to check out both series by the Pitts sisters. (CW: Unkindness to a person with a disability)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥=Good/solid/fine

BONUS REVIEW: Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

BONUS REVIEW: Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Norman was on the train because he was returning home to Chicago after presenting on his scientific research in New York.

Beatrix was on the train because she was going to Chicago to live with her Aunt Gladys after being arrested – twice – in New York at marches for Women’s Suffrage. That, along with some other issues, led her mother to advise Beatrix to get away from the city for awhile.

The thieves were on the train because they were trying to get Norman’s research as well as whatever money and trinkets they could take from the passengers. When they tried to steal Beatrix’s purse, she stood up to them. She and Norman ended up fleeing on horseback – well, Beatrix was on horseback – and reporting the thieves when they got to the next train station.

That should have been the last Norman and Beatrix saw of each other. They had growled and bickered at each other for most of their flight from the robbers. But Norman could not stop thinking about Beatrix. He took runs through her aunt’s neighborhood hoping to see her. He tracked her down at her department store job. And while his social skills generally left something to be desired, he was starting to grow on Beatrix.

Then the thieves found Norman and Beatrix in Chicago. They were not out of danger yet.

Review

This was a delight from the very first page. I adored the entire cast of characters, from Beatrix and Norman to Norman’s family and friends to the women Aunt Gladys was housing and helping. I would happily spend several more hours with these characters!

This book was hilarious! I laughed, out loud, so many times. The bickering was fantastically funny. The writing here is so sharp – not only in the humor but also in the character development and the emotional descriptions.

I loved that both Beatrix and Norman got to tell their parts of the story. That let me in on their thinking and growth as Beatrix saw working conditions for women and as Norman saw himself and his relationships honestly and clearly for the first time. Norman has a Sheldon-esque quality at first (Sheldon, from The Big Bang Theory). He’s brilliant and awkward. My favorite part of the book, aside from the laughter, was Norman’s growth over time.

This is book three of the American Heiresses series, but it’s the first one I have read. I have wanted to read these since the first book released early in 2019. They are now at the top of my TBR list, along with everything else the author has written. I don’t feel like I missed anything in reading this story first. There are some references to the characters in the other books, but this story stands well on its own.

The faith pieces in the book are light, but felt a little clunky and forced to me. The last one especially felt out of rhythm with the rest of the story. But I refuse to let anything distract me from the delightful experience of reading this novel. This is one I will immediately buy so that I have my own copy to re-read as often as I want. This was immensely enjoyable, and I highly recommend it!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

REVIEW: Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this from Netgalley and Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Hadley was one of the last two contestants on America’s Fiercest Chef. She was going head-to-head against Max Cavanagh into the final round. And that’s when Max fell apart. He was drinking heavily, and he treated Hadley poorly. By the time the show was over and the winner was announced, one of the judges was wearing Hadley’s final dish.

It’s no surprise then that Max disappears for a few months, and his TV show on the Culinary Channel is put on hiatus.

It’s a huge surprise, though, when Max shows up at Hadley’s house to apologize.

Max seems sincere. He’s been in rehab. He’s sober. And he’s embarrassed by his behavior towards Hadley. Could the change be real? Or is this just a ploy to get her to agree to being on Renowned with him.? The show has never highlighted two chefs at once before. But putting Hadley and  the old Max together in a kitchen would be ratings gold! It’s less clear what new and reformed Max might be like, if he can even hold on to the changes he is trying to make in his life.

Review

I became a Bethany Turner fan after reading the spectacular The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. But she has solidified that status with this book’s story and characters as well as a West Wing reference and a shout out to Aaron Rodgers in the acknowledgements. I have her second book, Wooing Cady McCaffrey, on my TBR shelves.

I enjoyed Hadley and Max’s story. The cooking scenes were so well written – fun and engaging without being technical or dry. And the cooking was a great backdrop for exploring the characters and their dynamic together. I was a little sad there were no recipes in my review copy. The foods sounded scrumptious.

I read this in one sitting. I was captivated by Max’s efforts to be a better version of himself. It was realistic because it wasn’t easy. His first instinct after all these years was to be critical and argumentative and demeaning. I loved watching how his relationship with Hadley helped him grow and learn a different way to be.

The Christian elements are subtle. I was thrilled that the faith pieces weren’t overwrought or wedged awkwardly in. But I would have liked more from the faith angle. For me this is more “clean” romance (meaning no sex scenes) than a blatantly Christian romance.

Fans of contemporary romance and romcoms – especially those who enjoy enemies-to-“lovers” stories – should check this one out. The faith pieces are light enough I don’t believe they will push away any reader who might be disinclined to read a faith-based story.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

REVIEW: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

“You are cordially invited to the Fifth Avenue Story Society.”

Jett receives his invitation after a night in jail for a drunken brawl where he tried to defend a bridesmaid from a groomsman who refused to hear the word “no.”

Lexa receives her invitation at work where she’s been the executive assistant to a rising star for years. She could be running the company, but she’s afraid of what would happen if she applied to be CEO and her boss said no.

Chuck was in jail with Jett because he waded into the fight. It was a huge mistake to get involved. It could have cost him the most important people in his life. He found his invitation in his car – the one he drove for Uber after his life fell apart.

Ed and Coral round out the group. All five of them received invitations. None of them know who sent them. But in time they all start to see their Monday nights together as one of the most important parts of their week. They process life together and encourage one another. And they wait to discover who called them together – and why.

Review

This was great! There was a connection to the author’s previous work The Writing Desk (which I loved!) that I didn’t expect, but thoroughly enjoyed.

This breaks with the pattern of an historical story alongside a contemporary one that the author used in the last couple books of hers I have read. I loved that this one is set entirely in the present. The set up of five mostly-strangers coming together gave the author so much to explore. Everyone was holding something back – from the group and in some ways from themselves. There’s a strong element of “the truth will set you free” in this.

The stories of the two women in the group were probably my favorites – although Ed’s story had the biggest emotional punch for me. But I enjoyed how all five stories wove together and built on one another. I also enjoyed the thread about writing that worked through the stories of the three men in the group.

There was plenty of tension in this – several spots where I thought the group might fracture beyond repair. But one character’s new relationship with God led her to be the example for the group, sharing her story and waiting to see if the others would be brave enough to share theirs. I completely enjoyed the journey of watching it all play out.

Fans of Rachel Hauck’s work – as well as fans of contemporary Christian fiction – should check this one out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

BONUS REVIEW: One Thing I Know by Kara Isaac

BONUS REVIEW: One Thing I Know by Kara Isaac

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Howard Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Lucas Grant has a sports radio show in Madison , Wisconsin. And while he’d love to spend the show talking Badgers, Brewers and Packers, his listeners have other plans. Lucas is single and straight-talking. And he is plagued by women calling his show to ask for relationship advice.

Rachel Somers is the personal assistant to relationship guru, Dr. Donna Somerville, at least on paper. In reality, though, Rachel writes the best-selling books, and her aunt Donna is the face of “Dr. Donna.” Most of the time. But every once in a while, if there’s a scheduling issue, Rachel will fill in for Donna on radio programs. Like Lucas’.

When Lucas joins Dr. Donna for a book tour titled Feelings and Football, it’s a chance for his career to grow. In fact, he gets a job offer that would really help out Lucas’ whole family. But the catch is that he has to dig into Dr. Donna’s history and expose any secrets he finds. Lucas has no patience for lies and deception, so he’s okay with the idea of digging for the truth. Plus everything with Donna seems on the up and up. But Rachel is growing more uncomfortable with all the deception about her role in the brand. And she’s not sure how people will feel when the truth finally comes out, especially how Lucas will feel.

Review

The plot for this book reads like a typical Hallmark movie. The reader knows going in that it’s all going to fall apart about ¾ of the way through. It’s just a matter of how it falls apart and what pieces are irreparably damaged in the end.

One Thing I Know delivered everything I expected and one thing I didn’t. The main characters were terrific. I completely understood how each of them got to where they did in the whole Dr. Donna situation.  The romance built up at just the right pace, and then it all came crashing down about the time I was expecting as well. I was not expecting the faith elements to the story, but they were handled so nicely. I struggle sometimes with books that try to wedge faith into places where it doesn’t fit or where the “message” might as well have neon lights around it. But this has a nice, light touch. It fits. It raises real questions. Characters who initially aren’t interested give faith a try when they’ve run out of options. And there’s no fake, miraculous resolution or conversion. It all just fits the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and highly recommend it to romance fans as well as fans of “women’s fiction” or Christian fiction.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Christmas Remedy: An Amish Christmas Romance by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

REVIEW: The Christmas Remedy: An Amish Christmas Romance by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and WaterBrook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Lyle Greene’s pharmacy serves Raysburg and the Amish community in their region. It’s not a typical community when it comes to medical care. But Lyle knows and understands the Amish and works hard to help them.

When Holly’s dad passed away when she was a teen, it might have been prevented if her father – and the Amish community –  had a better understanding of medical care. That prompted Holly’s passion to educate her people and encourage them to show the same care to themselves that they do to their livestock. She gets permission from her bishop to go to school so she can work at the pharmacy. Sadly, her passion for her calling means she can’t ever marry an Amish man. She would have to give up her work and focus on a home and family instead. And she feels too strongly that God has given her this work to do to give it up.

Brandon Greene couldn’t wait to leave Raysburg as a young man. His relationship with his dad has been strained since his mom died, if not before.  And while Brandon’s road to becoming a pharmacist has hit some detours and roadblocks, he knows when he’s licensed, he’ll have his own store and run it the way his father has always discounted.

When Lyle has a health emergency, the future of Greene’s Pharmacy is in jeopardy. And Holly and Brandon may not be able to save it.

Review

This was a great book! The story takes place from October to Christmas, so it’s not quite the Christmas story I was expecting from the cover and the title. But there are some nice Christmas-related moments, and that is when everything finally comes together. If you are looking for a Christmas story to read as the season approaches, now is a perfect time to start this one because this is the time of year when the story kicks off. But really, you could read this at any time of year.

Lyle, Holly, Brandon, and Joshua (Holly’s potential love interest in the book) are delightful! I enjoyed watching Lyle and Holly together in almost a father-daughter relationship – and then watching Brandon’s reaction to that in light of his strained relationship with Lyle. Holly’s passion for her calling was inspiring. And she is willing to give up a lot personally to fill this role for her community. Joshua is a good sport, really hearing and understanding Holly even if it means he can’t pursue the relationship with her he wants.

This is a little bit mystery, and a little bit romance with a lot of solid Amish fiction at the center. And it’s terrific. I don’t usually read a lot of Amish fiction, but there have been some great books released this year in the genre. I highly recommend all of the ones I’ve reviewed this year, including this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Sadie: An Amish Retelling of Snow White by Sarah Price

REVIEW: Sadie: An Amish Retelling of Snow White by Sarah Price

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy from Netgalley and Zebra in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The forest is Sadie’s favorite place to be. She loves being in God’s creation, listening to the birds and watching the wildlife. It’s her happy place.

Her home used to be a happy place, when it was just her and her parents. Even after they lost her mother, Sadie and her daed were close, making the best of their life. And the early days with Rachel as Sadie’s step-mother were good. But as the years went by without Rachel getting pregnant, her personality changed. She became bitter and resentful. And a lot of her anger was directed at Sadie.

So the forest is Sadie’s refuge from Rachel’s hatefulness. The forest is also where Sadie meets Frederick, an Amish man from a nearby community. He loves teasing Sadie and goes out of his way to spend time with her. But Rachel has her own plans for Sadie. When Sadie feels trapped by her own family and their expectations, she flees to the forest in search of a safe place to hide.

Review

While Ella remains my favorite book in this series, Belle and Sadie are terrific! The author does a masterful job of weaving the classic story – Snow White in this case – into a believable Amish context. I zoom through chapter after chapter to see what elements she’s going to use and how she is going to fit them in.

I enjoyed the character of Sadie. I appreciated her wrestling between generosity and obedience regarding her neighbor and her strong boundaries where she stands up for herself with her family and others. The situation with Sadie’s step-mother built slowly and intentionally to the point where I was holding my breath to see how far Rachel’s manipulation would go. I was completely invested in what might happen to Sadie.

I hope there will be more stories in this series. I have adored each book so far. I cannot recommend this series highly enough!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

REVIEW: The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Chloe Daschle is tired of playing characters who die. But death scenes have sort of become her bread and butter – all anyone wants her to do, it seems. But not this time. Chloe has read an amazing new script, and she is determined to be the lead. Bound by Love takes place during the American Revolution. It’s based on a letter from the screen writer, Jesse Gates’, ancestor. In the letter, Hamilton asks an old flame if their love might have a second chance after both of their beloved spouses have passed away. Chloe, a big believer in True Love, longs to play the role of Esther in this fictionalized version of the love story represented by the letter.

Hamilton and Esther were very real people in 1781. While Esther was part of British society, she and her father lived in South Carolina where her father managed the land and assets of a wealthy British businessman. Hamilton lived on a nearby farm with the aunt and uncle who raised him after he lost his family. While the two young people are in love, circumstances put them on opposites sides of the growing hostilities in the colonies.

Hundreds of years apart, the stories of Hamilton and Esther and Jesse and Chloe are tied together in ways they can’t begin to fathom.

Review

This is a lovely story of family, forgiveness and faith. This formula of connecting stories in different time periods has been used to great success by this author before, and it works again this time.

The historic pieces from the Revolutionary War are solid. The events of that time period really work against the characters of Hamilton and Esther. The reader gets to see how things develop in the community and threaten to pull the young people apart.

I enjoyed the contemporary story more than the historical one for this book (whereas I enjoyed the historical part more in The Writing Desk.) This isn’t an especially deep or tortured love story, but each character has baggage to overcome. I really enjoyed Chloe and Jesse, and I was cheering for them from the start.

The faith pieces were okay. There are some slightly “mystical” moments that felt out of place to me with the rest of the story. But I loved the conversion stories that explored faith and surrender and unconditional love for some of the characters.

I found a book by this author on my TBR shelves and another on my e-reader. Both are now on my summer reading wish list. I really enjoy Ms. Hauck’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Belle AND Ella by Sarah Price

REVIEW: Belle AND Ella by Sarah Price

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of Ella from Netgalley and the publisher, Zebra. All opinions are my own. ]

Belle: An Amish Retelling of Beauty and the Beast – Summary

Belle’s father wasn’t really cut out to be a farmer. In his heart and his mind he is an inventor. Unfortunately, inventing doesn’t bring in any money if no one will buy his designs. As the youngest of three daughters still at home, Belle knows the best she can do is be sure the house is cared for, complete her chores, and hope maybe one of her sisters will get married. A husband could help with the things her father doesn’t do on the farm.

But an accident puts their whole family in jeopardy. Her father is woefully behind on the mortgage, his latest invention was destroyed in the accident before he could sell it, and in desperation he sold the family’s home and farm to the reclusive Adam Hershberger.

Belle knows the townspeople sometimes call Adam a “beast” because of his scars from a fire years ago. His gruff manner doesn’t help that reputation. But Belle is desperate to help her family. So she agrees to marry Adam if he will let her family stay at the farm.

Review

This was delightful! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite of the Disney princess stories. This Amish twist on the story was terrific. Early on, the parallels to the Disney version were almost too on point. But after the wedding, the story developed its own flavor and details that were original and perfect for the context.

I loved Belle and Adam. The Beast-ish moments – the growling, the secrecy, the anger and bitterness – were frustrating. Why wouldn’t he just TALK to her? I loved how Belle stood up to the people in the community for her husband even when she wasn’t sure where she stood with him. The only disappointment for me was the lack of a library scene!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

 

Ella: An Amish Retelling of Cinderella – Summary

Ella Troyer was a teenager when her father told her he was getting married again. Her mother had been gone for awhile and Ella needed a woman in the house to teach her all she would need to know as an adult in the Amish community. His new bride was a widow from another town who had two girls around Ella’s age. Even though her father had never met the woman before, they were to become a  family.

Six years later, Ella is a virtual servant in her family home. After her father’s death, Ella’s step-mother took over his business – the town’s general store – and Ella became the sole caretaker of the home She did all the chores around the house, tended the garden and the livestock, and did all the cooking.  If her step-sisters didn’t want to work their shifts at the store, she also did that. Between her fear of her step-mother and the promise she made to her dying mother, Ella felt she had to take the high road and suffer through all of the abuse without complaint, hoping God would eventually set things right.

When the store starts having money trouble, Ella’s step-mother starts looking into taking on a partner for the business. The family considering the deal sends one of their sons to check out the Troyer family and the business. Hannes is smart and funny. He makes Ella feel special and important. But Ella’s step-mother is determined to drive Hannes away – or claim him for one of her own daughters instead.

Review

This was fantastic! Even better than book one. I don’t read a lot of Amish fiction, but this series is so incredibly good I want to read it again and again.

The author does an excellent job adapting the original fairy tale to an Amish setting. I loved the nods to the classic – mice, a pumpkin, etc. – even though the magical elements are left out. And the way the author works in the “fairy godmother” and the “glass slipper” parts literally made me sit up and cheer. I could see the pieces start to come together, and when they finally did, it was perfect!

Ella’s situation through most of the story was infuriating. Her Amish step-mother used all the Amish traditions about hard work and peace and obedience to manipulate Ella, but didn’t apply them to her own daughters. I longed for them to be put in their places, and when it happened, I was supremely satisfied.

I highly recommend this for fans of romance novels, Amish fiction, Christian fiction and readers who enjoy re-fashioned fairy tales. This was a delight from start to finish. Book three – Sadie – which focuses on the story of Snow White is scheduled for Fall 2018. A new character mentioned in this book could be a hint at a fourth book in the series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥