I don’t usually read books with Amish storylines but The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. It was a goodI don’t usually read books with Amish storylines but The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. It was a good choice on my part because I really enjoyed it. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Lauren Berst. The Amish Matchmakers was the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Beth Wiseman. It was part of a series but I found that it could be easily read as a standalone book. At some point, I may go back and read the preceding books in the series just to get a more complete understanding of the characters and how they got to where they were in this book. I will look for books in the future by Beth Wiseman since I enjoyed her writing and the themes she wrote about.
There were two widowed Amish sisters who were as close as sisters could be. However, Esther and Lizzie were also as different from one another as they could be. The two things the sisters shared in common were their unconditional love and respect for each other and the love of matchmaking. The sisters, Esther and Lizzie, also ran the Peony Inn together since their husbands died. They had recently rented out their guest cottage for six months to a retired dentist by the name of Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus. Unbeknownst to the sisters, their matchmaking skills were about to take a different path. Each sister thought that the other sister would be a good match for Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus. Even though Stoltzfus was an Amish name, their renter insisted that he was not Amish. Could either Esther or Lizzie be a match for the handsome and intriguing dentist that was renting their cottage?
In the meantime, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus had a granddaughter who he recently got reacquainted with. She purposely sought out a house to purchase in Amish country so she could be closer to her grandfather. Shortly after her grandfather’s arrival at the cottage, Mindy had come to visit him to see how he was doing. Her grandfather was showing Mindy around his cottage when she heard a loud noise. When Mindy looked out the front window, to her astonishment, Mindy saw that her little car had been struck by a lawnmower. Gabriel, a local Amish young man who had been hired by Esther and Lizzie to take care of the grounds that surrounded the Peony Inn, had hit Mindy’s car with the lawnmower he was using. Gabriel felt terrible but he was also very attracted to Mindy. There was an instant attraction between both Mindy and Gabriel. Could there be two budding romances? Usually the Amish frowned upon mingling with the English. Would Gabriel have enough willpower to resist his feelings for Mindy? Did their romance stand a chance?
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman. It would be nice if this series continued. The characters were engaging and likable. It was about family, friendship, trust, matchmaking, sisterly love, community, faith, romantic love, second chances and following one’s heart. I enjoyed The Amish Matchmakers very much and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins Christian Publishers/Zondervan for allowing me to listen to The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
I don’t usually read books with Amish storylines but The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. It was a good choice on my part because I really enjoyed it. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Lauren Berst. The Amish Matchmakers was the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Beth Wiseman. It was part of a series but I found that it could be easily read as a standalone book. At some point, I may go back and read the preceding books in the series just to get a more complete understanding of the characters and how they got to where they were in this book. I will look for books in the future by Beth Wiseman since I enjoyed her writing and the themes she wrote about.
There were two widowed Amish sisters who were as close as sisters could be. However, Esther and Lizzie were also as different from one another as they could be. The two things the sisters shared in common were their unconditional love and respect for each other and the love of matchmaking. The sisters, Esther and Lizzie, also ran the Peony Inn together since their husbands died. They had recently rented out their guest cottage for six months to a retired dentist by the name of Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus. Unbeknownst to the sisters, their matchmaking skills were about to take a different path. Each sister thought that the other sister would be a good match for Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus. Even though Stoltzfus was an Amish name, their renter insisted that he was not Amish. Could either Esther or Lizzie be a match for the handsome and intriguing dentist that was renting their cottage?
In the meantime, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus had a granddaughter who he recently got reacquainted with. She purposely sought out a house to purchase in Amish country so she could be closer to her grandfather. Shortly after her grandfather’s arrival at the cottage, Mindy had come to visit him to see how he was doing. Her grandfather was showing Mindy around his cottage when she heard a loud noise. When Mindy looked out the front window, to her astonishment, Mindy saw that her little car had been struck by a lawnmower. Gabriel, a local Amish young man who had been hired by Esther and Lizzie to take care of the grounds that surrounded the Peony Inn, had hit Mindy’s car with the lawnmower he was using. Gabriel felt terrible but he was also very attracted to Mindy. There was an instant attraction between both Mindy and Gabriel. Could there be two budding romances? Usually the Amish frowned upon mingling with the English. Would Gabriel have enough willpower to resist his feelings for Mindy? Did their romance stand a chance?
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman. It would be nice if this series continued. The characters were engaging and likable. It was about family, friendship, trust, matchmaking, sisterly love, community, faith, romantic love, second chances and following one’s heart. I enjoyed The Amish Matchmakers very much and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins Christian Publishers/Zondervan for allowing me to listen to The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Luck (Eventing #4) was everything I had hoped it would be and even more. I was excited to read the fourth installment in The Eventing series by NataliLuck (Eventing #4) was everything I had hoped it would be and even more. I was excited to read the fourth installment in The Eventing series by Natalie Keller Reinert. In Luck, after lots of unsuccessful attempts, Pete and Jules were forced to abandon Pete’s grandfather’s farm, Briar Hill farm. They were now living in a minuscule horse trailer. At least, they were still together but their relationship was being tested with each hardship Pete and Jules experienced. They had built temporary horse stables and had to rely on neighboring farms to allow them to use their land to train their horses. Pete was having a hard time with these arrangements. Their hard luck was definitely making it harder for Pete to accept the challenges that they faced. Once again, Jules took the reins in her own hands and started doing something she never thought she would do. Jules began teaching and not only was she good at it but she was enjoying it as well. Could luck be around the corner for Jules and Pete?
Luck was about friendship, trust, social media, influencing others and belief in one’s own ability. I really enjoyed witnessing how Jules’s character evolved and grew throughout this series of books. This is such a great series! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I recommend this series if you have a passion for horses or you enjoy watching people succeed in what they are passionate about.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Luck by Natalie Keller Reinert through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Courage: A Novel (The Eventing Series Book 3) by Natalie Keller Reinert did not disappoint. Each book in this series has brought me to understand and Courage: A Novel (The Eventing Series Book 3) by Natalie Keller Reinert did not disappoint. Each book in this series has brought me to understand and appreciate everything that Jules Thornton and Pete Morrison have worked towards, stumbled across and have found the courage to continue chasing their dreams, together and separately. I am not a horse person but these books have helped me understand how much hard work, discipline and commitment goes into taking care of and preparing horses for eventing. Even though Jules and Pete are struggling personally, financially and together in their relationship, I am still rooting for them. It became evident that it was going to be harder than ever to hold on to Briar Hill Farm but maybe Pete and Jules can find a way. In trying to find a way, Jules discovered race horses and made the acquaintance of Alex, who becomes a trusted and loyal friend. I am really enjoying this series and highly recommend it. I can’t wait to listen to the next book. This audiobook was narrated by Barrie Kreinik. She can make any book enjoyable to listen to but she did an excellent job with this one.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Courage by Natalie Keller Reinert through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Ava and Shalom: A Sensational WWII Story About Jewish Twins Who Believe Thay Are German Until Sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau by Kate Birkin and Mark BornzAva and Shalom: A Sensational WWII Story About Jewish Twins Who Believe Thay Are German Until Sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau by Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz was one of the most moving Holocaust books I have read in a long time. It was written in a dual time line of 1997 and then from 1920 through World War II and the Holocaust. Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz wrote their story from the perspective of ordinary German citizens that lived in Germany during the years that Hitler and the SS were in power. They were able to demonstrate how the brutality the Nazis inflicted upon neighbors and friends impacted the lives and feelings of those who lived amongst them. The characters were so strong and likable with the exemption of a select few. Both authors were able to portray the kindness and compassion of some despite what was being dictated by the Nazis at the time. The setting took place on a grain farm located right outside of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Hanz Wolff and his wife Maria owned the farm. They also raised animals there as well. The farm had been in Hanz Wolff’s family for generations. Even though Hanz had aspired to become an artist he settled on the farm after serving in the military and marrying Maria. Hanz was very talented. He painted, made violins and played them with percission and feeling and had reluctantly learned burial preparation from his father as a young boy and now served the people in his town in that capacity. Hanz and Maria were well liked and were happy and very much in love until a tragedy occurred in their lives. Maria had been pregnant with their first child, a boy. She lost the baby and was told that she could never have any more children.
In 1997, a twenty-five year old man left behind his very promising career in journalism and traveled to Berlin. The man had always dreamed of becoming an author. He aspired to write a book that would touch the lives and hearts of those that read his book. He himself was half Jewish and had grown up listening to his grandfather’s stories about the Holocaust. Berlin was the perfect place to make his desires become a reality. Shortly after he arrived in Berlin, he befriended a woman named Gretchen. The two grew very close and eventually the man moved in with her in her two bedroom flat in an old Victorian home. When Gretchen learned that she was pregnant with the man’s baby they decided that they would get married. Gretchen and the man wanted to get the second bedroom ready for their baby so they asked Gretchen’s landlady, Mrs. Kuchen, if they could remove the wallpaper in the room so that they could paint it. After the wallpaper was stripped from the wall the man noticed that four names and the date 1939 were carved into the wall. This discovery intrigued the man immensely. He questioned Mrs. Kuchen about it. Mrs. Kuchen invited the man to dinner that night in her apartment. She proceeded to tell the man the story about the people’s lives whose names were carved on that wall. That was how the man learned about Ava, Shalom, Luke and Christian- BestFriends Forever, 1939. Mrs. Kuchen began her tale and the man knew he was listening to the inspiration that would shape his book.
Not long after Maria and Hanz had buried their infant son and had learned that Maria could not have any more children, a miraculous thing occurred. One morning, nine months after their infant son had died, Hanz entered the barn to feed his animals and milk the cow, when he discovered a wicker basket sitting on the floor of the barn. Inside the basket were two infant twin girls, each covered with blankets that were adorned with matching Jewish stars. Inside the basket was a note from the young Jewish mother who had been forced to give them up. The young mother had known that Maria was barren and could never have any more babies. She implored the farmer and his wife to raise her daughters as their own and to love them with all their heart. The young mother knew in her heart that her daughters would be safe and loved by the farmer and his wife. When Hanz went to Maria with the babies, he hid the note and incriminating blankets from her. Maria was overjoyed and persuaded Hanz that they would tell everyone that she had birthed the twins herself. After all, she had not seen anyone for more than nine months. It was feasible. They could convince their neighbors that Maria had given birth to the twin girls. Their neighbors and friends were skeptical of Maria’s tale. In their mind they did not believe that she had given birth to these beautiful babies but no one had the nerve to disagree with her. Hanz and Maria raised Ava and Shalom as their own. They changed Shalom’s name to Shaylee so no one would ever suspect that the twin’s biological mother had been Jewish. Hanz and Maria loved the girls unconditionally and brought them up as good German Catholic girls. Ava and Shaylee grew up to be beautiful, striking and intelligent young women. Even though they were identical twins, they were as different as could be in their interests and personalities. Ava was outgoing where Shaylee was quieter and more reserved. Shaylee always had her head in a book or was busy sketching in a notebook whereas Ava wanted to be an actress and go to America to make her dreams come true. Ava had also always been taller than Shaylee. Life was good for the Wolff’s until Hitler orchestrated the beginning of World War II and the decree to annihilate all Jews. Ava and Shaylee had nothing to fear. The only people who knew their true origins were Hanz and Abigail, the twin’s biological mother. Ava and Shaylee were safe from any repercussions from Hitler and the SS, or were they?
The research that went into writing Ava and Shalom was extensive and impeccable. Authors Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz based the story of Ava and Shalom on the true story of a young fourteen year old Polish girl who was sent to Auschwitz with her mother and were murdered by the Nazis just three months apart from one another. The atrocities that both Ava and Shaylee experienced were horrific and heartbreaking. Hanz witnessed too many heartless and cruel acts that were committed against his neighbors by the Nazis. The writing in Ava and Shalom was exquisite. It portrayed the themes of family, hope, survival, resilience, antisemitism, love and sisterly love. Many lessons were learned, as hard as they were. This was a hard book to read at times. One must never forget all that perished as a result of the Holocaust. I recommend Ava and Shalom very highly.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read Ava and Shalom by Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
3.5 stars rounded up. I don’t tend to read romance books but there was something in the blurb for Somebody’s Husband by Robbi Renee that made me want 3.5 stars rounded up. I don’t tend to read romance books but there was something in the blurb for Somebody’s Husband by Robbi Renee that made me want to read this one. It was my first book that I have read by Robbi Renee. I like the way she addressed some very difficult subjects. The characters that she created were flawed yet quite likable. I listened to the audiobook of Somebody’s Husband that was very well narrated by Dylan Ford. I wasn’t prepared for the explicit language that was used to describe some sexual desires or acts of intimacy that the main characters experienced throughout the book. I don’t consider myself a prude or anything close to that but I found some of the language offensive and crude. It took away from my total enjoyment of the book. That factored into my rating of this book as well because the overall plot rated higher in my opinion.
Dr. Dresden Xavier had the perfect life until he didn’t. He had married the love of his life, had a beautiful home, twin daughters and very successful career as a doctor. Then his Rosie was diagnosed with a terminal disease. Nothing could save her, not even all his knowledge as a doctor, his passionate love for her, his endless prayers nor his desire for her to live. When Rosie died, Dresden made the decision to move to Monroe City. Living in Monroe City would give Dresden and his twin daughters the family support they all needed. This was where Dresden had grown up and his parents and sister still lived there. He found a position at the local hospital. They were beginning a clinical trial for colon cancer patients and asked Dresden to head the medical research project. Dresden gladly accepted the position and challenge. He felt that by submerging himself in his work completely he would be able to handle his grief and loss better, at least temporarily. His twin daughters would begin college soon so he hoped that everything that he had put in place would help him to cope the best that he could.
Professor Harper Kingsley was a professor of nursing at Monroe University. She had worked very hard to get where she was. Harper’s life had not always been easy. She had been met with several challenges throughout her life. While Harper attended college, she worked as a waitress at a diner in order to help her pay for education. During this time, Harper discovered that she was pregnant and totally on her own. A young truck driver who often ate at the diner took a liking to Harper. Every time he ate at the diner he made sure that he ate in the section Harper was serving. They formed a friendship over time. Eventually the two married but it did not last. They had grown their family to include two sons but they divorced yet remained best friends. When Harper’s ex-husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, Harper became his caregiver. Her ex-husband moved back into Harper’s house and she and their two sons took care of him. It was a sad yet trying time for all of them.
Professor Harper Kingsley was asked to join the medical research project that Dr. Dresden Xavier was heading. She was seeking tenure in her position at the University where she taught and this project would definitely help with her pursuit of that. Harper was not prepared though for the instant attraction she had for Dr. Xavier. How could he make her feel this way? She hadn’t had feelings like she was feeling ever before. Was Dr. Xavier attracted to Harper as well? Would his grief and guilt affect his feelings? The more they found themselves together the harder it was to deny what was happening between them and what they were both feeling. The question was what they were going to do about it. Somebody’s Husband did a great job of exploring grief, loss, parenting issues, family and second chances. Be prepared to cry and laugh. The ending of this book was very emotional, touching and satisfying. I recommend this book for those of you who believe in second chances.
Thank you to RB Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Somebody’s Husband by Robbi Renee through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
4.5 stars rounded up! The Storyteller’s Daughter was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Victoria Scott. I was quite impresse4.5 stars rounded up! The Storyteller’s Daughter was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Victoria Scott. I was quite impressed by how well written it was and how much research went into it. It was written in a duel timeline and told from the POV of two strong yet hampered women who had a lot in common with each other despite the fact that they lived almost 70 years apart. Nita Bineham’s story took place from 1940 to 1941 and Beth Bineham’s story took place in 2008 and 2009. The Storyteller’s Daughter took place in Surrey, England and London, England.
When Beth was a young girl, she, her older sister and her parents, often visited Great Aunt Nita at her home in Surrey. The estate was called Melham Manor and it sat on hundreds of acres of land. Beth recalled the time she spent with her Aunt Nita as some of the happiest times in her life. She remembered venturing into the woods and swinging on a handmade swing that hung from a tree branch. Beth’s mother did not particularly like Aunt Nita. She found her to be quite odd and strange. Those trips to Melham Manor and Aunt Nita ended abruptly. One year they ceased to visit and that was the end of spending time with Aunt Nita. Beth was never offered any explanation for why they no longer visited her aunt nor did Beth ever ask how come.
Nita Bineham was still living under her parent’s roof at Melham Manor when she was twenty-one years old. Her parents were over protective and very domineering. Nita’s mother always commented about Nita’s choices of clothes she chose to wear and more often than not insisted Nita wear an outfit that her mother had selected for her. Nita was a tall woman and her mother always commented on her weight. Her mother’s most important and time consuming task was finding an eligible and appropriate husband for her only daughter. Nita wanted no part in this and longed to be able pursue a career instead. One night, Nita’s dream came true. Her parents had invited the owner of the local newspaper, The Bugle, to dinner. He was looking for someone to take over the position of assistant that was being vacated because the person who had been in that position was being promoted. Nita loved to write. This was everything she hoped for. Finally, she could leave her parent’s house for hours at a time. Even though the position was a glorified gopher position, Nita didn’t care. The man whose position she was replacing took Nita under his wing and helped her learn what was expected of her. The two easily formed a fast friendship. Then when Nita had been at the newspaper for a short time, she learned that there was a possibility that a Nazi spy was living somewhere in Melham Village. Nita was determined to find this spy. She became consumed with her need to discover who the spy was and make sure he/she got what was coming to him/her. Was Nita able to get to the bottom of this story and find the spy?
In 2008-2009, Beth returned to Melham Manor. She had learned that her aunt was dying and Beth wanted to see her great-aunt Nita one more time before she died. When Beth arrived At Melham Manor, she was taken to her aunt’s room by a woman Beth assumed was her aunt’s nurse. Her aunt did not have a lot of time left but she opened her eyes as Beth entered her room. She recognized Beth right away and was so glad to see her. Aunt Nita knew that Beth would come. In her last words that Aunt Nita spoke to Beth she told Beth about a box that contained secrets. Later that night, the nurse came to inform Beth that her aunt had died. Beth was sad but she herself was going through some tough times. Her marriage to her college sweetheart was ending. One day, her husband informed Beth that he wanted a divorce. Beth had not seen this coming. She was sad and angry. Beth had to think about her two children, Raphie and Ella. Their wellbeing came first and utmost. Then there was also the embarrassing incident at work. Beth worked in her family’s business but after the comment she made she was told to lie low for a while. Since she wasn’t working, Beth offered to help clear out some of her aunt’s things from the house. Melham Manor had been in Beth’s family for over two hundred years. Beth’s life was in a shambles so why not just loose herself in all that needed to be done at the Manor. At some point, Beth remembered about the box that her aunt had mentioned. When Beth finally found it she discovered that not only had her aunt been a reporter for The Bugle but she had been hunting for a Nazi spy. Beth went to the building that The Bugle had occupied when her aunt was a young woman during the early 1940’s and she discovered that The Bugle was still in circulation, but barely. The owner convinced Beth to write some stories for the paper. In exchange, the owner allowed Beth to access archived material that she felt might explain what her aunt had found out. What would Beth learn about her aunt? Had there really been a Nazi spy living in Melham Village back then?
I really enjoyed reading The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott. In the future, I hope to read more books by her. The Storyteller’s Daughter explored the roles of parents in their children’s lives and how they could positively or negatively impact their lives. It focused on how women’s choices, rights and decisions during the 1940’s were dictated by their male counterparts. It feels like women are still striving for equality and opportunity. I really enjoyed Nita’s and Beth’s characters. Both women ended up being so much stronger than they thought they were. I also enjoyed the way Victoria Scott brought the rituals of Wicca and their knowledge of plants and love for the land into the story. Without any hesitation, I recommend this book very highly.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for allowing me to read The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer was both captivating and magical. What could possibly be any better than a book about witches, a bookstore andThe Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer was both captivating and magical. What could possibly be any better than a book about witches, a bookstore and a setting of Salem, Massachusetts during the infamous witch trials? The Vanishing Bookstore was written in a dual timeline. Part of it took place in 1692 in Salem when the witch trials occurred. The alternate timeline represented present day in both London, England and later in Salem. Many of the characters were well established and were very much influenced by their circumstances. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated very well by Stephanie Cannon. I enjoyed her presentation of the various characters.
Back in the days of the Salem witch trials, there were three sisters and a young girl who exhibited the powers of healing. A devious and discontented man had accused them of practicing witchcraft and had alerted the authorities. Many were hunting to find them. The young girl knew that she had the responsibility to hide the journal she had been entrusted with if they ever found themselves in these circumstances. She had to protect the journal and keep it out of the wrong hands. The last thing the young woman did before she attempted to escape from those that were hunting her down was to hide the very old and important journal in a bookstore covered with vines. She hid the journal under a loose floorboard and ran for her life.
In present day London, Dora English was the proud owner of a florist shop. Dora was barely making ends meet. She lived with her Aunt Lenny, an accomplished doctor, in her flat. Dora was concerned with the financial difficulties the florist shop was facing. Then one day a man came into her shop in need of floral arrangements for his recently deceased fiancé’s funeral. The man introduced himself as George. Dora thought that there something very familiar about the man but she couldn’t figure out why he looked familiar to her. There was also something alarming about the man as well. His story just didn’t add up. Dora had her defenses up.
Still in present day, Dora’s Aunt Lenny convinced Dora to take a much needed vacation with her to America. They were headed to Salem, Massachusetts. Dora was introduced to an aunt who she had never met and two other people who were very important people in her life. During this trip, Dora was told about a curse that plagued her family for centuries. The only way to end it was to find the journal that had been hidden back in 1692. Would Dora be able to find the bookstore and the journal in time? Could she end the curse on her family?
I don’t read fantasy books that often but I was glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook of The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer. It was about family, friendship, secrets, witches, trust, sisterly relationships, loss, discovery, teaching lessons and important things needed for survival, memories, happiness and a romance that was waiting to be rediscovered. I was impressed with the way this book was written. It drew me in from the beginning. The last third of the book was quite suspenseful. I found myself holding my breath and rooting for Dora to succeed. This was the first book I had the pleasure of reading by this author. She will be on my radar for future books that she writes. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading about witches and enjoy a good mystery with some magical elements.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Three very talented authors, Peggy Erhart, Liz Ireland and Carlene O’Conner, collaborated together to write three cozy murder mystery novellas in the Three very talented authors, Peggy Erhart, Liz Ireland and Carlene O’Conner, collaborated together to write three cozy murder mystery novellas in the book, Irish Soda Bread Murder. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated extremely well by Carlotta Brentan. She clearly distinguished between the voices of each character in the three cozy mysteries. As the title indicates, all three cozy mysteries revolved around an incident that involved Irish Soda Bread and St. Patrick’s Day.
The first Cozy mystery was written by Carlene O’Conner and was called Irish Soda Bread Murder. It took place in Galway, Ireland. Someone died after eating some Irish Soda Bread. Who was responsible? It was not who I suspected. Wait until you read how the mystery was solved!
The second cozy mystery, entitled An Irish Recipe for Murder by Peggy Ehrhart, was my least favorite of the three cozy mysteries. There were just too many characters to keep track of.
The last cozy mystery, Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread by Liz Ireland was my overall favorite of the three. It took place in Oregon and believe it or not a few of the characters were elves pretending not to be elves. It worked!
Overall this was an entertaining series. Each cozy mystery could be read on its own as stand alone books. Thank you to Carlene O’Conner, Peggy Ehrhart and Liz Ireland for working together to bring these fun and delightful cozy mysteries to your readers. The timing was perfect. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Irish Soda Bread by Carlene O’Conner, Peggy Ehrhart and Liz Ireland through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Ambition: A Novel by Natalie Keller Reinert was the first book in The Eventing Series. I was originally drawn to this book because of its attractive cAmbition: A Novel by Natalie Keller Reinert was the first book in The Eventing Series. I was originally drawn to this book because of its attractive cover. Horses have never been a passion of mine but Ambition piqued my curiosity. It took place in Ocala, Florida which according to this book is considered “horse country “. I have never been to that part of Florida, nor knew anyone that was intent on training and riding horses for competition and shows. It seemed like a difficult yet rewarding experience. Ambition explored the paths, lives and challenges of two horse farm owners, Jules (Juliet) Thornton and Peter Morrison. Although from two completely different walks of life, they had more in common than they realized. Their love for horses, a devastating hurricane and an undeniable magnetism to each other was too much for them to resist. Ambition was the perfect driving force that described the journey both Jules and Peter were following. Will Jules allow herself to listen to her heart or will her mind, ambition and dreams interfere? If you have a love for horses or even if you don’t, I recommend Ambition by Natalie Keller Reinert highly.
I listened to the audiobook of Ambition that was narrated extremely well by one of my favorite narrators, Barrie Kreinik. She did a fabulous job narrating this audiobook. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Ambition by Natalie Keller Reinert through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review....more
The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin was both a heartbreaking and moving book that took place in Berlin, Germany during the late 1930’s, thThe Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin was both a heartbreaking and moving book that took place in Berlin, Germany during the late 1930’s, through World War II and the Holocaust and then after the defeat of the Nazis. It was well written and impeccably researched. The Train That Took You Away portrayed two incredibly strong women, one whose entire family lived and worked in Berlin and one who was a British citizen and had decided to return to Berlin against the wishes of her family. Both women had a strong passion for art but were not acquainted with each other. What circumstances brought them together?
Esther Spielmann had lived in Berlin her entire life. She grew up in an affluent Jewish family and was afforded the opportunities that came with her family’s status. Esther had always had a passion for art and therefore owned and operated a successful and well known art gallery in Berlin. She had married for love and had had a son with her husband. Sascha, their eight year old son, was bright, inquisitive and the apple of his mother’s eye. One afternoon while attempting to attend one of the Olympics events in Berlin, Esther, her husband and Sascha got their first real exposure at antisemitism that was directed towards them and their close friends. They were denied entry despite the fact that they had valid tickets. Shortly after that incident, Kristallnacht occurred. Both Esther’s husband and father were killed during Kristallnacht. The life for the Jews that resided in Berlin was getting worse and more and more restrictions were being imposed on them. Esther was forced to close her gallery but not before the Nazis took the paintings that they declared went against the Nazi’s acceptable artists and subjects. Esther wished she could protect Sascha from all the evil that the Nazis were committing. When Esther heard about the Kindertransport that could take Sascha safely out of Germany to live with a family in England, she was tortured by the decision she was forced to make. How could she send her precious son far away from her to live with complete strangers? On the other hand, how could Esther subject Sascha to the wrath of the Nazis? In the end, Esther did what she thought was best for Sascha. With a heavy heart, she sent a crying eight year old Sascha on the train that would take him to England, promising to find him after the war was over. The next thing Esther knew, she was forced on a train that was heading to a concentration camp. She knew that she had to survive if she wanted to be able to find Sascha again.
Amalie, a British woman, traveled to Berlin in 1938, against the wishes of her parents. She had been hired to work at Berlin’s National Gallery. As a child, Amalie spent a lot of time in Berlin with her family. She loved those days! Berlin was quite different now. The Nazis presence was everywhere and quite intimidating. Amalie loved what she was doing at Berlin’s National Gallery but things in Berlin were getting more and more chaotic and dangerous. To Amalie’s great regret, she was forced to return to England. As soon as the war ended, Amalie was determined to return to Berlin. It was during that time that Esther’s and Amalie’s paths crossed.
The Train That Took You Away focused on the extensive looting and stealing of valuable paintings that the Nazis sold to profit the party. I have read other books about how the Nazis stole valuable paintings but Catherine Hokin went into much greater details on this subject. It also included the terrible choices too many Jewish mothers had to make concerning the safety of their children. As a mother and grandmother, I don’t know how Esther and other mothers like her made that impossible decision to send their children away. That really tugged at my heart. The Train That Took You Away was about the unconditional love that existed between mother and son, hope, survival, friendship, patience, trust and forgiveness. I listened to the audiobook of The Train That Took You Away that was narrated by Sarah Durham. She did an excellent job of differentiating between the voices of the various characters. I really recommend this book if you enjoy reading historical fiction that focuses on aspects of World War II and the Holocaust.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Pride, the second book in The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert was equally as compelling as Ambition, the first book in this series. It pickePride, the second book in The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert was equally as compelling as Ambition, the first book in this series. It picked up right where Ambition left off. I was surprised at how much I was enjoying this series. Jules’ character had begun to grow on me and I felt myself rooting for her. I admired how patient and understanding Pete was with Jules. I listened to the audiobook of Pride. It was narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Barrie Kreinik, who did a fabulous job distinguishing between the voices of the characters in Pride.
After living through and surviving the devastating hurricane and coming to grips with the reality of loosing her farm, Jules Thornton and Pete Morrison had settled into a nice and comfortable routine at Briar Hill Farm. Even though Jules swore she would never get involved romantically with another horse person, she had fallen hard for Pete Morrison and he for her. The hurricane had caused insurmountable damage to the farm she skimped and saved to buy but Pete had saved her in more ways than she could have imagined. Pete had opened his heart, home and farm to Jules. Everything was going along just fine until Pete received a phone call that offed him a sponsorship in England that he could not pass up. As a condition to accepting the sponsorship, Pete requested that Jules be offered a sponsorship as well. Jules quickly learned that her sponsorship would be up near Orlando. She was to remain in Florida. Even though Jules was feeling a little sorry for herself and a little jealous of Pete’s sponsorship, she accepted the lesser sponsorship for herself. Of course, Jules arrived at her own sponsorship with a chip on her shoulder and a know it all attitude. Will Jules’ and Pete’s relationship survive the distance that separates them in their respective sponsorships? Will Jules allow herself to be open to advice from her mentor, possible criticism and the possibility of learning new and better ways to train her horses? I am looking forward to listening to the next audiobook in this series. I recommend reading or listening to Pride. This series should be read in order to enjoy it fully.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Pride (The Eventing Series) by Natalie Keller Reinert through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall was both riveting and thought provoking. It was well written and well plotted. The characters balanced eacAll the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall was both riveting and thought provoking. It was well written and well plotted. The characters balanced each other and yet maintained their own identities. All the Water in the World began in New York City’s Museum of Natural History on its roof. Before that, for a short period of time, it revolved around a family who had lived on Tenth Street, a family that consisted of a mother, father and two little girls. The first born daughter was named Beatrice but everyone called her Bix and the younger daughter was named Norah but everyone called her Nonie. That family had made their home on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History when storm after storm, some far worse than one before it, struck and made their home on Tenth Street unsafe, dangerous and uninhabitable. Nonie had been told that before she was even born, storms had already begun to affect “coastlines, glaciers, reefs, whole islands and cities”. It was a slow process but it had begun. The night the storm tide flooded the city was the night this family managed to get to the AMNH, the safest place that would become their home. Their plan to meet Aunt Clare and get to her farm was abandoned for then.
Nonie loved the water, much like her mother, but Bix was terrified of it ever since they escaped from Tenth Street. Bix and Nonie’s mother was dying. She had an inherited kidney disease with no cure. Things at AMNH had gone as well as they could have hoped for a number of years. Of course there was the Mosquito Borne that took many lives, hurricanes, tornadoes and N’oreasters. Sadly, their mother died. Then there was the hypercane, “the biggest kind of hurricane there could be.” This occurred when Bix was sixteen and Nonie was thirteen. With a canoe taken from AMNH, Bix, Nonie, their father and Keller, another researcher that had lived at AMNH with them, made their way to their Mother’s and Aunt Clare’s farm, Tyringham, their safe place if AMNH was ever compromised, north along the uncharted waters of the Hudson River. The only thing that they saved from AMNH was a logbook that documented their “records of lost collections”. What would they encounter as they maneuvered north along the Hudson River? Would they be able to reach the farm where their mother lived as a young girl? Could it become their new “safe place”?
All the Water in the World was an eye opening look at what the remnants of climate change, like melted glaciers, extensive flooding, more and more strong hurricanes and wildfires, could do to life as we knew it if left untouched. We are all guilty of feeling bad when natural disasters occur, but things are cleaned up, mended and replaced and life goes on without any real change. Not that the things that happened in All the Water in the World were an exact match to what we could expect someday but what if they were? More serious attention and action must be allocated to climate change and now!
All the Water in the World was told from Nonie’s POV. The chapters were short and therefore encouraged me to read more than I might have. It was hard to put this book down. I really enjoyed the characters in this book especially Nonie. How sad that this was the only world that she could remember. She had no recollection of how the world was before. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Eunice Wong and also read along in the book that I won in a goodreads giveaway.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall through Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
The Stolen Sisters (The World War Two Orphanage, #2) by Ann Bennett was a hard book to read. I actually listened to the audiobook that was narrated byThe Stolen Sisters (The World War Two Orphanage, #2) by Ann Bennett was a hard book to read. I actually listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Daphne Kouma. The narration was done quite well. Despite being the second book in this series, The Stolen Sisters, can easily be read as a standalone book. Ann Bennett’s focus for this series was on The Lebensborn program that was established by the Nazis near the beginning of World War II. Most books that I had previously read about the Lebensborn program focused on the birth of pure Aryan infants. The Stolen Sisters took the Lebensborn program to whole new depths.
In a small village in Poland two sisters, Marta aged 12 and Joanna aged 1en lived with their parents in a modest home. The two sisters were very close. Joanna looked up to her big sister and admired and loved her very much. Their mother was often sickly. On one such morning, Marta discovered that her mother was not feeling well again so she and her younger sister Joanna went to get the food they needed in the town for their mother. Little had Marta or Joanna realized that that would be the last time they would see their mother. Both girls were kidnapped by the Nazis for the sole purpose of entering the Lebensborn program. Marta and Joanna were both terrified and confused. They clung to each other but thought that as long as they were together they would be alright. Then they were each put through a series of tests to determine whether they actually possessed enough pure Aryan qualities to become part of the Lebensborn program. That was when the Nazis discovered that Marta and Johanna were half sisters. With that discovery, Marta and Joanna were assigned different fates. What would happen to each of the sisters? Would anyone come to their rescue?
The Stolen Sisters presented another horrific injustice that the Nazis inflicted upon young innocent children during World War II. Imagine the fear those children felt when they realized that they would never see their parents again. It was hard enough to comprehend and understand the cruel act of kidnapping innocent children but to learn that the kidnapped children were then subjected to a rigorous, strict and unforgiving indoctrination into becoming Aryan despite the children’s unwillingness was unbearable. Even worse was the fate of the rejected children who the Nazis deemed flawed. What were the Nazi’s plans for these children? The atrocities the Nazis inflicted upon these children were so heinous and cruel. It is so hard to imagine the lasting effects that these acts had on the children years later. Although this was a hard book to listen to, I highly recommend it because we cannot ever let ourselves forget.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to The Stolen Sisters by Ann Bennett through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Murder at the Foundling Hospital was the third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series. I am enjoying this series so much. The characters of DI SebasMurder at the Foundling Hospital was the third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series. I am enjoying this series so much. The characters of DI Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate have come to feel like old friends. I have come to expect Gemma’s involvement in the cases that Sebastian has been assigned despite Sebastian’s efforts to keep her out of them for her safety. Murder at Foundling Hospital was perhaps my favorite book in this series so far. I really enjoyed the setting of the hospital and some of the new characters that were introduced in this book and I really like the time period of the late 1800’s when it takes place. Although the Matron of the Foundling Hospital ground on my nerves, she left a lasting impression. Irina Shapiro once again kept the pace just right and threw in just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. Murder at the Foundling Hospital can be read as stand-alone book but I suggest reading the books in order. It has been nice to observe the progression the characters have made from the beginning of this series to now and how their relationships have evolved over the course of the series. I highly recommend Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro if you enjoy a good mystery.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read the digital version of Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review....more
The Midnight Hour was the sequel to The Last Stars in the Sky by Kate Hewitt. It picked up right where the first one ended. The world was no longer asThe Midnight Hour was the sequel to The Last Stars in the Sky by Kate Hewitt. It picked up right where the first one ended. The world was no longer as it once had been. People had turned greedy, scared and sometimes quite violent. Fear lurked among those that had survived. What would they find or not find? Were they in danger of radiation poisoning? No one knew for sure. Alex and Daniel Walker knew one thing. They needed to find a safe place for Sam, Mattie and Ruby, their biological children and for Phoebe and Kyle who were their responsibilities now as well. What would this new world be like for them? Could they survive? All of their resolves would be tested.
The Midnight Hour was fast paced, well written and gripping. Family relationships were tested and explored. Survival skills were everyone’s main focus and concern. It was hard to trust anyone that was not familiar or known. Choices had to be made and they didn’t always result in the right decision. The Midnight Hour explored the themes of family, survival, hope, fear, losses and uncertainty. Once again, Kate Hewitt left us with another cliff hanger. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Lost Lake series to discover what will happen next. Kate Hewitt once again showed off her talent as a masterful storyteller. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read The Midnight Hour (Lost Lake #2) by Kate Hewitt through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
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