The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

 

     BOOK REVIEW:   Present day, Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home, determined to finally follow her dream of running the family business alongside her mother and grandmother. So when her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that Old Depot Grocery is closing, Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a plan to save the store. But Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons -- but she'll certainly never reveal the real one. 

     1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she's pregnant with her deceased fiance's baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve her family's reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined. 

     This dual-time story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth. 

     MY REVIEW:   This is Amanda Cox's second book and I enjoyed it as much as her first one, The Edge of Belonging. It travels fast through three generations, and I can't decide if it feels too fast and disconnected. It seems like it should, but is actually done well. While there could easily be a separate book for each woman, you get the essential glimpse of each of them, and they often overlap so you get two at once. But I would say Sarah's present is the most in depth glance we get. 

     The biggest take-away I got from this book is the power of secrets. There are certainly things that don't need to be said, but often we keep in things that hurt us, and sometimes our view of others. Rosemary carries years of hurt because of something she found of her mother's, but since she never brought it to her mother she has lived with a very wrong impression of her and it hindered their relationship drastically. In a roundabout way, this same secret was responsible for more of Rosemary's hurts, including a misjudgment of some of her mother's reactions to her over the years. She felt unloved and insufficient, but Glory Ann was only responding to the reminders of who she had lost. Both sides would have been so much better off if they'd been open and honest about it all. In the present, they all three have various degrees of secrets that keep them on different pages regarding the store's future. Finally, when everything comes to a head, they realize that: "You, me, Sarah--we've worked so hard to fix our brokenness ourselves and then hide the cracks we've left behind......It's high time all three of us come out of hiding and let the light come in." pg 309

     Another big take away is the hurtfulness of unforgiveness. Glory Ann's parents did not approve of her pregnancy, and they did what they could to hide it, and distance themselves from it--to the point of refusing to ever visit and even discouraging Glory Ann to come to them. So while they may have kept up their social image,  they had this dragging them down throughout their entire lives, not to mention having sacrificed their daughter and grand-daughter. On another side, we often suffer from refusing to forgive ourselves for things that aren't our fault at all. Again, years of hurt came because of undeserved self-accusation. 

     One last thing that I enjoyed about the book, is the devotion to community. Glory Ann's husband loves running Old Depot Grocery for the way it ministers to the community and brings them together. And now Sarah loves it just as much, and does what she can to somehow keep its legacy of ministry alive. The simple, generous, serving lifestyle that is portrayed is one that we need more of today. 

      I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes fiction with substance. 

 I received a copy of this book from REVELL and was not required to write a positive review. 

Under the Bayou Moon

 

     BOOK REVIEW:   When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change--but she could never imagine just how dramatically. 

     Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic school teacher, and she's soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives. Yet it's the lessons Ellie herself will learn--from new friends, a captivating Cajun fisherman, and even a legendary white alligator haunting the bayou--that will make all the difference. 

  

     MY REVIEW:   I have thoroughly enjoyed each of Valerie Fraser Luesse's books (this is her fourth), and I think this is one of her best. She did an amazing job of setting the scene in the lovely moss-covered bayou town deep in Louisiana. The place sounds utterly breathtaking! A review from the back cover says there is "atmosphere dripping from every page like moss on a cypress tree." And her characters have the same feel to them as the atmosphere. They feel very real and relatable, with so much more to them than what may meet the eye. The town cares deeply for each other--Acadian, Indian, and white alike. 

     Ellie has accepted a teaching position in this tiny town in hopes of finding her place, where she can be free of other's expectations and society's pull. She falls in love with the town instantly, and finds the freedom to pursue her desire to help others. Her heart for the children is tremendous. The story also follows Heywood, an aspiring photographer who is constantly on the move. His restlessness does well to show Ellie's contentedness. I liked that both personalities were portrayed as a good thing. It is certainly a story of finding one's place in life, and accepting it. One character was asked if he was happy here, and he replied "Not happy, but I'm home." When you read the book you'll see how well that describes the tone of the story. Each person has suffered loss, yet they are finding peace in the place they are set. Still feeling a loss, but being comforted by their little part of the world that touches them. I think a beautifully gloomy bayou is the perfect setting for such characters. 

     This book is beautifully written, and while I might not classify it as particularly Christian, there is quite a bit that can be taken from it. I quite enjoyed it. 

I received a copy of this book from REVELL and was not required to write a positive review. 

     

The Nature of Small Birds

      BOOK REVIEW:   In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When one of those children announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adopted family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival in their lives. 

     Mindy's father grapples with the tension between holding on too tightly and letting his daughter spread her wings. Her mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy and her sister struggle to find the strength to accept each other as they both discover who they truly are. 

     Told through three distinct voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small Birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond genetic code. 

     MY REVIEW:   This story is about Mindy Matthews, who came to America from Vietnam in the Babylift operation when she was 4 years old. The book is written from three different points in her life, and none of them are from her perspective. 1975 is read from her mother's eye when she joins the family. 1988 centers on her sister Sonny while they're in high school. And 2013 is set on her father, and read as current day, with Mindy being 42 years old. It is an interesting way to tell a story about a person without having that person be the main character. I think I would have preferred if there was less jumping between the years, or if the chapters had been longer. It was  little difficult to get accustomed to the characters with short bursts of time. But it did keep the story moving. I wish there had been more about Mindy's life when she was first adopted, or even more about searching for her Vietnamese family. In the current setting, she is newly divorced (which was pretty disappointing to find in a Christian book), and this seems like a distraction from that.  Her family is having a harder time being ok with it than they thought they would. This book has a theme of letting go, but also of letting in. Mindy was accepted as an adopted daughter, and now she is encouraged to pursue her birth family. There are a few other instances of people letting others in or letting them go, and some that don't learn. 

     My favorite parts of the story are when Mindy was 4 and learning English, the eccentric lady the girls worked for in high school, and Mindy's grandfather as he sneaks sugar past his domineering wife who insists that coffee must be drunk black or not at all. I would say that there was less of God's involvement in their lives than I wished; it didn't seem like they turned to Him much for guidance in their lives, even really in the big things they faced.  

I received a copy of this book from REVELL and was not required to write a positive review. 

Jewel of the Nile

 

   BOOK REVIEW:   Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.
     Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.
     In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters― including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.

     MY REVIEW:    Jewel of the Nile continues the story of Theo, who is found in Thief of Corinth, and Daughter of Rome. It also introduces Chariline, a young Cushite orphan who is seeking information about her father. The main theme throughout the book is releasing the lies that bind you and accepting your worth as a child of God. Theo, we know, feels unworthy and betrayed after learning his father's identity and mother's circumstances. And Chariline feels guilt for being alive while her mother died birthing her: a lie expounded by her aunt and grandfather's dislike of her. As the story goes on, both learn to realize they have been believing lies, and that they can be complete and guiltless before God. They also learn to trust their friends with the parts of their lives that feel inferior. Charline says when sharing her life's story with Priscilla and Aquilla: "All my life, my grandparents lied to me. They hid the truth because, from their limited perspective, they were doing me a service. If I have learned one thing from their example, it is this: hiding the truth gains nothing but an invitation for the powers of darkness to multiply. I have nothing to hide. The Lord knows it all. You are welcome to my story." This can also be taken as a reminder to tell the truth, and not play judge and jury with another's life. 

     As Chariline becomes more and more intent on discovering who her father is, she is reminded that it cannot be her most important goal; neither can it take importance over wise, and safe decisions. Priscilla tells her; "It's not the nature of your longing that is at issue. It is the fact that God does not reign over it. Finding your father has become the jewel you refuse to part with. Not even if God asks it. In that part of your heart, at least, your flesh still rules. The problem is that when you are flesh-driven, you cannot be Spirit-led." 

     I really liked that these themes were so obvious throughout the book. The other obvious themes were the budding romance between Theo and Chariline, and whomever is after her. All in all I enjoyed the book and was glad to have the opportunity to read it. 

    I received a copy of this book from NETGALLEY and was not required to write a positive review. 

Miriam's Song

 

     BOOK REVIEW:   From the very beginning, Miriam has lived in her younger brother's shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family's secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation. 

     In her mind, she knows that she is serving both God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privilege Moses has---to talk with God face to face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects. 

     With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic novel to fill in the gaps in Miriam's story, following her from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfilment as she learns that what God promises He provides---in His own perfect timing. 

     BOOK REVIEW:   I was rather disappointed in this book. It spans nearly the entire lifetime of Miriam and Moses---close to 100 years. I enjoyed the first several chapters, and a few others throughout that ran steadily, but much of the story made drastic jumps, often of several years. I found it difficult to stay interested, and it felt like I got a general overview instead of an actual story. I think the book would be better if split into two books, with a steadier timeline applied.

     I like how Jill gets us thinking about Moses' perspective of being raised with Pharoah's daughter. She suggests that his family taught him well of God while he was very young, and he remained true to that teaching while living with the Pharaoh's family. Therefore his time in the palace may have been quite restless and unpleasant as he waited to be reunited with the Israelites. 

     Miriam is called a prophetess in the Bible after the Red Sea crossing, when she leads the women in songs of praise. Of course we don't know how exactly she was a prophetess, but it is imagined that she may have received visions. It is also possible that she felt jealous of Moses' connection with God. Jill did a fabulous job of keeping Moses humble throughout these encounters. He explained to Miriam that no person is worthy of seeing God, including those whom He reveals Himself to. There are several other illustrations of humility in this story--when Miriam and Aaron complain about Moses' Cushite wife, when Aaron creates the golden calf, and an instance with Aaron and his family feeling inferior to Moses and Miriam. 

     While we may not have all the details about Moses and Miriam’s lives, we know enough about the exodus to be sobered by the many times Israel failed to trust in God. They often complained and cast blame instead of remembering that God had delivered them from harsh slavery. Jill shows through Miriam’s possible experiences that to trust is always the right response. Even when God seems to be taking His time or doing strange things, His way is always best. 

     This book is interesting if you are looking for an easy account of the Bible narrative, but as a story about Miriam herself I found it to be lacking. The story simply isn't steady enough to be drawn to the characters or feel them grow through the book. With the right expectations though, it can certainly be a good read. There are several marriages in this story, and while most of them are background characters, there are a few that may not be for very young readers.  

   I received a copy of this book from REVELL PUBLISHERS and was not required to give a positive review. 

     

     

     

When Twilight Breaks

     BOOK REVIEW:   Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country---or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home. 

     Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party---to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind. 

     As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny. 

     MY REVIEW:   This is the first book I've read by Sarah Sundin. I have had the impression that her writing can be fairly shallow, but this book sounded like it could have more to it, so I gave it a try. I was impressed to see that she managed to find a fresh way to bring the characters together, and I was truly glad to see how she illustrated that relying on God and accepting help from others does not make you weaker---rather it strengthens you. I often have to think to find a good theme to learn from when reading fiction, but this book really portrayed its theme well. Evelyn realizes that she can accept help from others, "not because she wasn't capable, but because he was capable". In her male-dominated career she has learned to be strong and independent---to a fault. She is convicted of turning to God only when she can't see a way out, instead of asking for His guidance on the way in, and seeks to change her approach.

     This book is full of suspense and anticipation. It is set in Germany a year before WWII broke out, when the government's methods look nice from a distance, but those who have felt the effects know better. The Jewish race feels persecution, and the Hitler Youth program is strongly enforced. Additional stress mounts when Evelyn discovers that her American blood is more Jewish than she realized, and Peter finds himself on the very opposite side of his initial approval of the government's tactics. As they find themselves trusting fewer and fewer of their friends, they of course draw closer to each other, and the last third of the book strives industriously to develop the romance that formed casually in the beginning of the story. 

      As far as this book goes, fiction is fiction. But it has character of its own that distances it from the familiar mush that abounds. It is well-written and engaging, with good lessons to learn throughout. 

     I received a copy of this book from REVELL PUBLISHERS and was not required to write a positive review. 

     

 

All That We Carried

     BOOK REVIEW:   Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. They haven't seen each other since the funeral. Olivia coped with the loss by plunging herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world---what you see is what you get, and that's all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life coaching business around her DIY spirituality---a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.  

     Now, at Melanie's insistence (and against Olivia's better judgement), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered. 

     MY REVIEW:   This book follows two sisters as they hike and work to regain a relationship. Both struggle with knowing what to believe, or whether to believe at all. From Melanie who tries a little of everything in hopes to have the right one, to Olivia who believes only in what she can see and rationalize. This hike pushes them to their limits, and one hiker in particular makes them question what really to believe. Neither sister can connect with how the other looks at life, nor offer much grace. Beyond repairing their relationship, Melanie wants Olivia to forgive the man who was involved in their parents accident---and Olivia will have none of it. 

     I'm not sure quite how to rate this book. I enjoyed the story. Not a lot really happens, as not much time is covered throughout the whole book, but it didn't seem dragging or overly-detailed. The end does throw in some surprises. I did like that there are flashbacks included with memories of their parents and a little of what the girls felt after the accident. They are kept distinct and don't at all confuse with the current storyline. The book is labeled as contemporary fiction, which I'd say is accurate, but marketed as Christian fiction. There is a Christian theme in the last half of the book, but it's not very strong. Basically, it's an interesting, clean story, but carries little by way of lessons to learn. There is a theme of forgiveness that's good, but it's "the right thing to do" more than "through Christ we can forgive". 

I recieved a copy of this book from REVELL and was not required to write a positive review. 

 

Pearl in the Sand > 10th Anniversary Edition

 

     BOOK REVIEW:   This 10th Anniversary Edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the intriguing  story of Rahab's journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. 

     Can a Canaanite zonah who made her living by enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? 

     Rahab's house is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the city of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too--walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness. Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab's heart. She wonders whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true. 

     A woman with a wrecked past. A man of success, of faith . . . . of pride. A union only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmon learn the true source of each other's worth and find healing in God. 

     MY REVIEW:   Tessa Afshar is one of my favorite authors. She takes ordinary or uncommon bible stories and brings them to life. This story is no exception. Anyone who is familiar with the Bible will know Rahab, the fallen woman who hid Israel's spies and let them down the city walls by a rope. In this book, Tessa lets us imagine what Rahab's life may have been like, and how she came to protect these men. And possibly what may have happened to her after her family was saved from the destruction of Jericho. Since we cannot know the details of her life, this is a fictional story beyond the basic storyline. 

     This book was released several years ago, and is now coming out in an updated edition. The writing has been streamlined, and a few of the Scripture messages improved. It has a been a while since I read the original edition, but I did not see many differences between the two. They are both excellent. 

     The message of redemption and worth in this story is overwhelming. It is assumed that Rahab was forced into her role as a harlot, and with the emptiness in her life and soul, felt the pull of Israel's merciful God. After her rescue from Jericho's demise, she and her family seek to join Israel's ranks. But Rahab struggles to feel worthy of God's love, and of the love of Salmon, the man tasked with instructing her family in the laws of the Lord. The scene Tessa composes of Rahab finally recognizing her worth is fabulously done. The picture of the love God has for every person is very well made.

     I received a copy of this book from MOODY PRESS and was not required to write a positive review.