Be warned: The Glass Shadow, once started, is nearly impossible to put down. This book packs a lot into not very many pages—besides being a fast-pacedBe warned: The Glass Shadow, once started, is nearly impossible to put down. This book packs a lot into not very many pages—besides being a fast-paced murder mystery where everyone, including the murderer, is confined to a yacht in the open sea, the story includes poignant flashbacks about protagonist Connor Alekseev’s unique young adulthood. Complex themes and questions are explored from a Christian perspective, such as differing worldviews, abortion, pornography, guilt, and forgiveness. Also, the characters are distinct and well developed, so you feel like you’re getting a deeper, more thought-provoking read than a typical mystery. The book is haunting in the best way.
So many twists and turns in both the present and the past story lines kept the ending a complete surprise; I could hardly ever guess what would happen next. I also really enjoyed the setting on a yacht, which added to the suspense and created a memorable atmosphere.
Disclaimer: I was an editor for this book, but even so this is my honest review as a reader!...more
This was even better than I was expecting! A complex mystery set in 1930s Wyoming, with all the flavors of the Golden Age mystA Mystery Full of Twists
This was even better than I was expecting! A complex mystery set in 1930s Wyoming, with all the flavors of the Golden Age mysteries and westerns, complete with a great cast of characters, vivid writing, and an absorbing and suspenseful plot that was completely unpredictable.
It started out with a more relaxed pace, setting the scene and establishing the characters and the mystery, but the second half was breathless and utterly gripping as things heated up and took all those wild twists. I was always reluctant to put it down and only did so because I had to.
FYI, if you like to be aware of these things, the d-word and h-word were used very sparingly by a few characters.
I hope Ms. Foley writes more of these intense, lengthy mysteries! ...more
I enjoy a good Western, but they aren’t usually this good.
I really enjoyed all the characters, especially Jesse Carrigan That was a great adventure!
I enjoy a good Western, but they aren’t usually this good.
I really enjoyed all the characters, especially Jesse Carrigan and Ira Burke. The suspense hardly lets up, yet there is ample character development that helps you connect with them. I appreciated the meaningful Christian content that makes a suspenseful story like this one uplifting instead of just adrenaline-pumping. And as someone who loves creative word choice and descriptive action, I was fully satisfied with Kristina Hall’s immersive writing style.
The only thing I would have liked more of was description of the setting, but that’s just me because setting is one of my favorite elements of a book. For many readers, that might take away focus from the story and suspense. So I think Ms. Hall definitely struck the right balance here overall.
I loved all of these well-written and heart-warming novellas. They were all relatively light on the romance angle but with a focus on what a real relaI loved all of these well-written and heart-warming novellas. They were all relatively light on the romance angle but with a focus on what a real relationship should be. They had a cozy feel, mostly set in late winter when the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over and everyone is settling into normal life. (Though a couple of the stories had a longer time frame that included other holidays.)
-Daisy's Heart. I was so curious to see how Charlotte's Web would be used since it's a children's classic and the main characters in that book are animals. It was so loveable! Daisy's little brother, Will, adores that book. Daisy is such a good big sister, and her plight with the family farm had my full sympathy. That's one of my favorite story lines, trying to save the place you love. The other characters in this story are well crafted, too, and the nods to Templeton the rat in one certain person made me grin in satisfaction. I enjoyed seeing characters from Abigayle Claire's story in A Very Bookish Easter and realizing how her three stories for this series tie together.
-A String of Paper Hearts. All the Pride and Prejudice tie-ins were a delight to behold, especially since the characters themselves were so conscious of them. I was amazed at how Sarah Holman made the lead characters, Jeremiah and Pace, so likeable and sympathetic once we understand them, since when these characters appeared in an earlier Bookish Holiday story, they weren't so likeable and aren't typically the kind of characters I enjoy being around much. Bravo, Ms. Holman! The spiritual lessons, as always in her stories, are very impactful.
-Southeaster Lodge. We get two Jane Austen retellings in this collection! Northanger Abbey is one of the more neglected Austen novels when it comes to retellings, so I'm glad this fun novel got its spotlight here. It translated perfectly into this modern-day story. Katy is an endearing young woman with a few lessons yet to learn, and I think it was a genius twist how she went to work at a fancy lodge that contains a hallway that's been mysteriously "under construction" for years. I'm familiar with the area where Southeaster Lodge is fictionally located, so I really enjoyed that aspect as well.
-The Artist of Hearthstone Cottage. I can always expect great historical fiction from Kellyn Roth, and this novella, set in WW2 England, is no exception. I enjoyed how June's story enfolded bit by bit, almost like a mystery; she was definitely a mystery to those around her, like the heroine in her favorite book, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, though we as readers had a few more insights into her. Speaking of her favorite book, I was thrilled that this comparatively lesser-known classic was used in this collection. It worked really well!
-Lore in Love. This story was so sweet! Little Town on the Prairie is my favorite Little House book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tie-ins. The story is full of family love, toddlers, delicious food, and inviting traditions. Lore and Mish are relatable and loveable characters, and watching their friendship develop was so much fun. ...more
I felt as though I were reading Mary Stewart if she had written a story set in the American West...well, I've read only two of Stewart's books so far,I felt as though I were reading Mary Stewart if she had written a story set in the American West...well, I've read only two of Stewart's books so far, but I was delighted with how the voice and style of Bridge to Trouble echoed what I know of hers. The rich descriptiveness of setting, the tongue-in-cheek banter between the lead characters, and of course the intrigue and suspense make this into exactly the kind of mystery I enjoy reading most. I loved the setting on a mountain in Montana. While there may be a bit more description and scene setting than some readers like at the beginning, I enjoyed it. I also liked the character development and how each character was so well drawn in such a short book. The vintage storytelling style felt so authentic that you'd hardly guess it was written nowadays.
This is my favorite story by Elisabeth Grace Foley so far!
I enjoyed every bit of Dead Air. It’s an intriguing, suspenseful mystery that doesn’t neglect the deeper themes of family, tragedy, justice, and faithI enjoyed every bit of Dead Air. It’s an intriguing, suspenseful mystery that doesn’t neglect the deeper themes of family, tragedy, justice, and faith. Although Kit, the main character, isn’t perfect, she captures your sympathy as she deals with the aftermath of her husband’s death and tries to uncover the truth. The plot twists kept me guessing about what would happen all the way to the satisfying conclusion.
I appreciated how realistic everything was … everything from Kit’s, Bryce’s, and Maddie’s grieving emotions, to their involvement with solving the crime, to the local flavor of the Waco area. It was also interesting to have two different point-of-view characters, Kit and her son, Bryce. It takes a special touch to depict teenage boys realistically, and I feel Mary Hamilton nailed it with Bryce.
If you enjoy a character-driven mystery thriller, I think you’ll love Dead Air!
I liked this one even better than the first book in the series! It's such a unique and heart-tugging story. I appreciated the fresh look into areas noI liked this one even better than the first book in the series! It's such a unique and heart-tugging story. I appreciated the fresh look into areas not often explored in my favorite time period (the Victorian era), such as mental health and emotional abuse. It was also nice to see everyone growing as a family, especially with the focus being on Ivy and Nora, two family members who had small roles in the first book. Ivy's and Nora's growth was beautiful to watch. I also loved the heartfelt Christianity displayed. The research seemed well done, and the characters possessed historically accurate viewpoints, as far as I could tell, which I always appreciate in historical fiction. :) Looking forward to the next in the series!...more
The rawness and honesty in this book, but ultimately pointing to God, His love, and our hope in Him, is something that really resonates with me right The rawness and honesty in this book, but ultimately pointing to God, His love, and our hope in Him, is something that really resonates with me right now. Though I’m not going through exactly what the characters experience, I—and probably a lot of other Christians—need this message....more
Yes! I knew it! Jane Austen and fairy tales make an excellent mashup!
I love all of Jane Austen's novels, but Sense and Sensibility is my favorite becYes! I knew it! Jane Austen and fairy tales make an excellent mashup!
I love all of Jane Austen's novels, but Sense and Sensibility is my favorite because of Elinor Dashwood, and also because of its focus on sisterhood. Elinor and Marianne's relationship is the classic tale of opposite sisters who would do anything for each other. (I do understand the critics when they say S&S isn't Austen's best; it was her first published novel and she had more to learn. But still.)
Kendra's retelling beautifully portrayed all the elements that make S&S a great story: the deep love and the contrasting personalities of the sisters, the unassuming heroes, the secrets and misunderstandings that drive the plot, even the humor. She made the story mesh wonderfully with the fairy tale "Snow White and Rose Red" inside a fascinating magical world. I really enjoyed how certain characters and twists of the plot from S&S found a new fairy-tale interpretation. For two examples, Mrs. Ferrars is the villainous Mistress of the Forest, and Elinrose, Snowmari, their mother, and their niece, Mayblossom (the equivalent of Margaret Dashwood) are spirited to another place away from home due to enchantment. There are countless twists like those that I can't share without giving away the plot. In fact, the reinterpretations fit so well it shows how Jane Austen's stories are fairy tales at heart, dealing with timeless tropes and universal themes.
The characters were excellent. Everyone felt individual and interesting. Elinrose and Snowmari both had great arcs that made this a character-driven story, not just an adventure. The world-building is satisfying, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the Forest with its mysterious life-force. The Rose Cabin sounds sooo lovely.
Even though I know the story well, there were enough differences between S&S and Rose Petals and Snowflakes to keep me guessing about what would happen next. And as I said, the fairy-tale twists were a constant delight. I can't wait to see what Kendra does with the next book in the series....more
Such a satisfying conclusion to the Moretti Trilogy! We revisited a lot of characters from the previous books, got to know others better, and were intSuch a satisfying conclusion to the Moretti Trilogy! We revisited a lot of characters from the previous books, got to know others better, and were introduced to several wonderful and memorable characters like Carla Belardi and Ethel Carpenter. I really liked how everything turned out ... the ending was just right, full of promise but not unrealistically perfect for each character and each situation.
When I finished reading this book, I had to sit and absorb it for a minute ... and then I felt like telling anyone who would listen, "This is an increWhen I finished reading this book, I had to sit and absorb it for a minute ... and then I felt like telling anyone who would listen, "This is an incredible story! You have to read it!" The fast pace made this fairly long novel feel short. Even with the tension and suspense, however, there was enough deep, realistic character development in Moretti and Lillian to satisfy me. I loved how their stories came together. Moretti, especially, was amazing; the author did a phenomenal job showing him as a new Christian who didn't unbelievably transform into a perfect person as soon as he accepted Christ. His growth in the midst of his trials occasionally brought tears to my eyes when I considered where he had come from in book one, Promises Unbroken.
If you've read the first book of this trilogy, you have to read the second one.
(I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a review, but I was under no obligation to give a positive review. My gushing is my own opinion. :) )...more
Talk about page-turning! But even though Promises Unbroken was a suspenseful read, it possessed a lot of heart. The novel traded point of view among tTalk about page-turning! But even though Promises Unbroken was a suspenseful read, it possessed a lot of heart. The novel traded point of view among three characters, Mae Ashton, Davis Everleigh, and Alberto Moretti, and all three were compelling to read about and relate to as they found themselves in life-threatening situations and questioning God's hand in their lives. My favorite character, however, was John Scranton. He had the best of both worlds and was full of surprises. :)
I felt immersed in 1920s New York. The story's conclusion kept me guessing until the very end... and the whole climax and resolution was breathtaking. The only thing that brought me out of the story a bit was some repetition where it seemed less would be more---such as several scenes depicting Moretti's alcoholism, and Mae and Davis going back and forth so many times about how they wanted the other one to go back home to Georgia and be safe. But anyway, that's pretty minor in the grand scheme of the story. If you like historical suspense with a strong Christian message that tugs at your heart, read this book!...more
Another great cozy mystery! This had all the elements I loved from the first book---fun and realistic characters, literary quotes and references, an iAnother great cozy mystery! This had all the elements I loved from the first book---fun and realistic characters, literary quotes and references, an intriguing mystery, foster parenting, and faith lived out. I really wish Katrina was a real person so I could get to know her. :)
I especially liked how Katrina used Paradise Lost as a way to present the gospel to a colleague; what a perfect demonstration of how to use opportunities to talk to people about God ... and how cool that literature was the way to do it in this case!
My new favorite cozy mystery! Katrina Peters feels like a friend; she and I share so many interests, especially the love of literature and editing. I My new favorite cozy mystery! Katrina Peters feels like a friend; she and I share so many interests, especially the love of literature and editing. I love that her faith and seeking after God is real and deep, an aspect that is often submerged by other issues in books like these. The mystery kept me guessing, but I also like that there was plenty of room to develop the characters' personalities. I'm looking forward to reading book 2!...more
I've come to expect rich and meaningful stories from Alicia Ruggieri, and I wasn't disappointed here! After reading the other three Librarians of WillI've come to expect rich and meaningful stories from Alicia Ruggieri, and I wasn't disappointed here! After reading the other three Librarians of Willow Hollow stories and wondering why Edna Sue acted the way she did, I couldn't wait to read The Secret Place of Thunder. It's surprising to me how likable I found Edna once I read her story from her perspective: I appreciated her no-nonsense, independent ways, her organization, her strength and determination. Of course, she carried bitterness as well, and that bitterness needed to be dealt with. This story tells how that happened while gently reminding you of the times you've been disappointed and given into bitterness (or at least were tempted to) and needed your relationship with God restored.
Just like the other Willow Hollow books, this one contains a host of appealing characters and descriptions of life in the Appalachians of the '30s that make you feel as if you're there....more
I really enjoyed this! All the characters have so much personality and individuality, and the budding romance between two of them made me laugh out loI really enjoyed this! All the characters have so much personality and individuality, and the budding romance between two of them made me laugh out loud on several occasions. I like how this book ties together the other books in the Librarians of Willow Hollow series, as Ivory's story was only hinted at before and had me very curious. I appreciate how this story is more than a romance, containing some really meaningful life lessons as well as some very exciting bits. Ivory Bledsoe and Ben Thrasher were my favorite characters, though of course Gerrit, Lillian, and Lena also hold a place in my heart. This was the first book I read of A. M. Heath's, and I'd certainly like to read more by her!...more
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