The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Labuskes

Well, I was really anxious to get my hands on this book.  It was a title I had put on hold at the Library and was the 4th person in line to get it.  But as I started reading, I couldn't quite stay with the book.  The book goes back and forth in various time frames.  I kept waiting for the boxcar story to take off, but after 11 chapters it was a DNF.  I really wanted to love it...

The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

 This is one of my "go to" authors.  I have enjoyed all her books and this book just grabbed my attention.  I am a mystery lover and this book fit the bill!  I enjoy a clean romance and historical always catches my attention.  And this book did just that.  I loved the characters and want to continue reading everything from this author.  This book is a mix of all those things that I love in a book.

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Freedom's Promise: Path to Freedom Book 3 by Pegg Thomas

I am loving this series, and this book was really, really good.  It was so engaging that I had a really hard time stopping for the evening to get some sleep! Yes, it was captivating and a wonderful addition to this book series.  You won't want to miss this wonderful historical  taking place during the slave days and the Quakers in Ohio. The characters were so well developed and you felt that you were there watching the events unfold.  Zachary, a freed slave and a Quaker, finds an escaped slave and the storyline that follows is so engaging you will be completely enthralled.  I definitely was.  As he helps others, he is at risk to lose his freedom.  There is a second storyline in the book with Daniel looking for his grandson in the Quaker community.  This is a wonderful read.  I know others will enjoy this book, especially those who enjoy historical fiction.

I received an ARC copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabhart

I loved this book from the very start.  When that happens I read fast, wanting to see how things develop in the book.  I loved the Christian aspects in the book which is very heart-warming to me.  I love this type of book, so much!  It kind of reminds me of my husband's grandmother whose husband settled in Hawaii and sent for what was called a "picture bride" who he married after 3 days of their meeting.  Well Mira wants to be a wife and mother, but when she is surprised to be told by preacher Gordon Covington that he was called by God to preach and that he should marry Mira, she was not happy about this turn in her life.  She was a schoolteacher with a good job and a place to live.  But does God also have plans for her and causing a little redirection in her life?  

Such a good read.  I am so glad I was able to read this book and I wouldn't have wanted to miss it.  This author has definitely become a favorite of mine and I don't want to pass by any of her books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

When I first heard about this book, I knew that it was a must-read for me.  Having family heritage in Poland and Germany and a mother who experienced her youth in this exact environment, I knew it was a book I couldn't miss.  I have been to Poland many times and of course Warsaw.  I felt the author had really done some amazing research into this beautifully restored city.  This book showed the suffering  this war period caused and all that transpired.  The two sisters were in different situations, as Antonina's story with Marek, a Jewish man, brought out some drama and tragic history.  And Antonina helps shelter Jewish children.  Both sisters are very involved in the political upheaval of their country.  All the suffering was very similar to what my mother experienced.  It really reminded me of the tragic times of war. I was absolutely captivated by this book.  It was excellent and this coming from the daughter of someone who saw first hand.  Good Job!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are mine.
 

Accepted by Paula Peckham (San Antonio Series book 3)

This book covered some interesting topics as they dealt with the San Antonio area of Texas during the Civil War Era.  Quen and Jonathan's story wrapped around these topics and showed the hardships that occurred in this period both to African Americans and those that helped them.  Jonathan has difficulty with his bookkeeping skills for his farm and finds himself with an unexpected helper. This is a Christian read and enjoyable reading but shows the doubts that can hinder our trust in the love of God.  The storyline was realistic and engaging.  Although this is the first time I have read any of this author's works, I will be on the lookout for more of her writing. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Freedom's Price by Pegg Thomas (Path to Freedom Book 1)

This author has definitely become one of my favorite writers of historical fiction.  The story was very gripping and kept me reading and definitely not skimming pages.  I wanted to read about everything that was going on in the story.  And there was a lot.  The turmoil that Gwen had to hold in her heart as a secret that could ruin her life with the Quaker family that she loved made for a very good read. Thomas, a Quaker man was believable and his feelings were easy to understand to me as the reader.  It was a very good story and a fresh read for me with a great storyline.  I highly recommend this book.  It is a wonderful story!

I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review.  All opinions are my own. 

 

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner

I really enjoyed this book placed in the 50's, which I can totally relate to and love hearing about in books.  I enjoyed the family here and the tale was told by Bertha and her sister Flossie. As the book continues the everyday life of this family is terribly abrupted as a townsperson claims the father of Bertha and Flossie is a member of the Communist party.

Bertha is enthralled with baseball and playing with the neighbor boys.  She dreams of playing on a minor league women's baseball team.  But will she have the opportunity to make her dream come true?

This book was so true to this period of time in history and the fear people were experiencing.  Loved the book, the author's writing style and the history this reminded me about.  I will definitely be reading more from the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

 This book touched me in several ways.  It really, really moved me and it causes you to think.  Minerva is a 94 year old widow, lonely and heartbroken.  It really will grab you till the end.  As Minerva tells her story, your heart will feel her pain by what she knows about her late husband and things she doesn't know, as well.  As she tries to keep her late husband's secret she discovers things she never knew about. It's a story of love and forgiveness and hope.  The story touched me and I felt all the feelings that Minerva told about.  Very good read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

I am so glad I read this historical fiction book!  I absolutely loved it.  It was absolutely captivating to me.  I loved the plot, the characters and just everything!  The mystery and romance kept me feeling engaged. I enjoyed how they trusted in God's plan for them and so yes, it is a Christian read.  Lillian was appealing to me as the protagonist character and all the personalities she had to deal with, including her mother.  I found the book was hard for me to stop reading and finished it too quickly!  I will be looking out for more from this author!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

In The Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart

Jacci Reed has some rough beginnings and life leads her to be a part of a showboat group which becomes close to family for her. She enjoys the people that are on the boat and it becomes her entire life.  However, her past seems to follow her and life has it's changes which bring danger and fear.

This is a lovely story that was well developed and had very interesting characters, some definitely better than others, which makes for a good story. There is a bit of mystery, and romance and a sweet story that kept me engaged and reading.  I really liked it and it was a part of history that was very unique and new to me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts are my own.

After The Shadows by Amanda Cabot (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Book 1)

This was a most interesting book to me.  It was a historical fiction book as you can tell from the cover.  Emily, a widow of a very abusive man, returns home to Sweetwater Crossing.  There she finds herself trying to resolve the mysterious and unexpected death of her pastor father.  Craig Ferguson and his young son, Noah come to Sweetwater Crossing as the new schoolmaster.  Both of them are kindly people who look out for others.  The challenges and events that occur to both them and others causes them to work together to resolve the issues that surround them.

I loved the Texas Hill Country setting as I have a special love for this state and read everything I can that includes this state.  It was a good book and a very talented author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

The Escape Game By Marilyn Turk (Heroines of WWII

Another very moving book written by this author.  I loved this story and I am sure that most readers will agree that it is definitely a book you will want to read.

As Beryl cares for her mother and her brother fights in the War life totally changes. Her brother becomes a POW along with a former college friend, Kenneth.  They plan their escape but will they be successful?  The book has action, sadness and all the feels that a war brings to the soul.  I really liked this book and it goes along well with this series that I have enjoyed very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

I so enjoyed this book! I loved the setting.  I loved the characters.  And as I read the story and the strict rules and regulations, reminded me of my mom's experiences as a young student.  It is a beautiful story and Brianna lives a life of servitude at the Ballymacool house and school for girls.  The secrets will keep you guessing and so if you like a little mystery with your romance, you will love this book as well.  I loved the Christian feeling of this book and how the circumstances of her life show that there is importance to our lives - no matter our station in life.

I received a copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.  All thoughts are my own.

Remember Me by Tracie Peterson (Pictures of the Heart Book 1)

 

I  Just loved reading this story!  Overcoming what has happened in the past is not always easy.  Forgiving oneself, especially and trusting in God for things we can't control.  And that is what I felt had to happen for Addie to completely move past what she experienced in her life.  This Christian romance takes place in Seattle in the year 1909 at the time of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo.  Moving from the Yukon to Seattle, Addie starts a new life and wants to forget the past, but the past won't stay away.

A very interesting read and I finished it in two evenings.  It was hard for me to put the book down and it really captivated my interest and held it till the very end.  I am sure you will just love it!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

Honor's Mountain Promise By Misty M. Beller (Hearts of Montana)

This was another great book by this author.  I loved the action, the romance, and the trials of faith that the characters had to deal with.  The trials were difficult for both and required working together and faith in God to overcome.  The book was novella length but was perfect for this story. I really loved reading this book, so good!

I received a complimentary book.  All thoughts are my own.

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham

I haven't had the chance to read book 1 of this series, honestly I didn't feel lost because some information was given in the book to help the reader "catch-up".  So I was not confused in any way.  I enjoyed the action that kept coming throughout the book.  I loved the honeymoon trip to Egypt, the pyramids, the tombs and the interesting adventure depicted in this highly interesting story. What a setting!  It must have required quite a bit of research.

It was fun to meet Zahra and her role in the story.  It took quite a while to figure out who was behind all the crime and there were some very engaging moments!  Loved it!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

Passages of Hope by Terri J. Haynes (Doors to the Past Series)

 This is the type of book I have loved since a little girl who just started to read.  It's a book with mystery, history, and absolutely beautifully written.  It's a book that I enjoyed from the start to the finish.  The characters were wonderful and the historical parts were informative as well as interesting.  If you want a captivating book, this was it for me!  It's a book of courage and love for others.  I can't say more, it was so enjoyable to me.

I don't always care for dual timelines, but this was well done and not confusing as to which time period I was reading at the time. I loved the inter-generational connections in the storyline.  There was a trust in God there that is so heartwarming,  This is a definite recommendation!  Loved it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

Hope is Built by Davalynn Spencer (The Cañon City Chronicles book 5)

This is an enjoyable western historical taking place around the time of automobiles just coming into play.  Mary leaves home to escape her overbearing brother.  As she arrives at her aunt and uncle's place, she finds out things won't be easy as they have passed away and their property is facing the auction block.  And someone wants her "gone".  As she faces lots of obstacles to inheriting the property that was willed to her by her aunt and uncle, she has to work hard to find a way to prove her identity and stay safe!  As the attempts on her life continue she finds a friend in Hugh Hutton.  

It is a very good book and I highly recommend it and know that the author has written many excellent books that I have enjoyed in the past.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee

 A nice historical mystery that will keep you reading!  If you enjoy books about horses, this will interest you and hold your attention.  It is the first book I have read from this author.  I will be reading more!

Nora is working hard to keep things going for her horse farm.  As Silas comes to train her colt, he has another goal as well.  He is doing all he can to solve his father's death. And yes, there is romance.  I can recommend this book to you and am sure you will enjoy it as much as I have.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.