Book Review: A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson

About the Book:

Cuddle up with this cozy story of giving and forgiving--with a little bit of romance.

Christmas should be celebrated with family, but for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help.

With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's aid, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all. And she may even find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Read an excerpt from A Quilt for Christmas on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson showcases the joy of giving and offers a beautiful story of intergenerational friendship. Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, the narrative is peppered with feel-good Christmas activities that charmed me. I sometimes avoid novellas because the shorter length can hinder story and character development. However, because this story focuses on a condensed time period, the story expands within the pages and feels very well-rounded. 

My favorite aspect of A Quilt for Christmas was the intergenerational relationships between the women. From Fiona (age 4) to Tasha (mid-30s) to Vera (late 60s), the story demonstrates how all can benefit from having friends of different generations. I loved that it was Fiona who drew all these women together and instigated one character’s change of heart. The story reminded me of the older women in my life whose company I treasure.

I read A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson with my local book club, and it was a perfect Christmas selection for our gathering of ladies. Four stars.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry

About the Book: 

An inspiring southern fiction story from the bestselling author of War Room.

When eccentric millionaire Gideon Quidley receives a divine revelation to hide his earthly treasure somewhere in the hills, he sets out to find a fitting hiding spot, choosing only a few Bible verses as clues leading to untold riches of gold, silver, cash . . . and one very unexpected—and very costly—item.

Treasure hunters descend upon the hills of West Virginia, including those surrounding the small town of Emmaus, where TD Lovett and Waite Evers provide the latest updates and the beating heart of the community on radio station Country 16. Neither man is much interested in a wild-goose chase for Quidley’s treasure, though. Waite is busy keeping the station afloat and caring for the bruised souls who have landed there. Meanwhile, TD’s more intent on winning over local junkyard owner Pidge Bledsoe, who has taken in a shy, wounded boy to raise.

But after an estranged friend goes missing searching for the treasure, TD is unexpectedly drawn into the hunt. As TD joins the race to find Quidley’s wealth, he discovers where his own real treasure lies, and he begins to suspect there’s a hidden piece to Gideon Quidley’s treasure that no one could’ve expected.

Read an excerpt from A Piece of the Moon on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

I finished A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry with a grin on my face. This historical fiction novel felt refreshing and unique, a different flavor of Christian fiction than what I normally read. While the story had serious situations, the humor, the treasure hunt, and the 80’s country radio added fun. I enjoyed references to the old country songs and observing how broadcast radio operated back then.

A Piece of the Moon hosts a large cast of characters and most everyone had a troubled past. Each one felt human and unique. I think Waite was my favorite, but I also loved The Kid’s part of the story. As the characters interact and grow, spiritual truths are discovered. I appreciated the recurring theme about God sending the good harvest when we stop straining or trying to do things our own way.

I read A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry with my local book club, and we had plenty to discuss. I enjoyed most everything about this book and plan to read more of Fabry’s fiction novels. Readers who have an affinity for early 80s country music, small-town culture, or just enjoy a good treasure hunt will likely appreciate this novel. 4.5 Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke

About the Book:

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt from The Medallion or to purchase your own copy.

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My Thoughts:

I have such mixed feelings about The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke. The well-written narrative oozed with historical research that created a very authentic atmosphere. Plot twists and sympathetic characters held my attention night after night as I read this.

Unfortunately, the atrocities depicted in the novel are deeply disturbing.  The Medallion was a heavy read that felt so very dark and sad. In spite of the good actions of some characters and a hopeful ending, I wasn’t able push past the darkness of the tragedies. Sadly, it was the darkness, not the hope, that lingered in my mind for days after reading The Medallion.

First Line Fridays: The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings:

"The sense of dread that began with Becky's email pressed Gillian Short deep into her seat as passengers filed past her down the aisle, a line of eye-rubbing yawns and bounding impatience."

Have you read this book? I just read it this past Sunday for my local book club's July meeting. If you follow me on social media, you might know it made me do the ugly cry! It's a small book with a powerful message that was especially potent for me because of my personal issues. Highly recommend for anyone.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!

About the Book:

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever. 

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.

And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

Book Review: Catching The Wind by Melanie Dobson

About The Book:

What happened to Brigitte Berthold?

That question has haunted Daniel Knight since he was thirteen, when he and ten-year-old Brigitte escaped the Gestapo agents who arrested both their parents. They survived a harrowing journey from Germany to England, only to be separated upon their arrival. Daniel vowed to find Brigitte after the war, a promise he has fought to fulfill for more than seventy years.

Now a wealthy old man, Daniel’s final hope in finding Brigitte rests with Quenby Vaughn, an American journalist working in London. He believes Quenby’s tenacity to find missing people and her personal investment in a related WWII espionage story will help her succeed where previous investigators have failed. Though Quenby is wrestling her own demons—and wary at the idea of teaming up with Daniel’s lawyer, Lucas Hough—the lure of Brigitte’s story is too much to resist. Together, Quenby and Lucas delve deep into the past, following a trail of deception, sacrifice, and healing that could change all of their futures.

A 2018 Christy Award finalist!

My Thoughts:

Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson is a well-written time-slip novel. Unlike other time-slips I have read, I had no confusion as to the time period or how much time had passed. The time was clearly noted as needed and the narrative explained event progression in both time periods. The novel captured my attention from the beginning. A natural coupling of mystery, mild suspense, and a few plot twists carried my interest until the end.

I loved the theme of redemption that is woven into this story. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that Quenby must dig up the past (in more than one aspect), search for and learn the truth, decide to make healthy choices, and step boldly into God-given opportunities. Quenby, Daniel, Brigette, and Hannah all experience a degree of redemption of their personal pasts. As Quenby says on page 370: “It's not about exhuming [the past]. It's about redeeming what has been lost.” I also appreciated the subtle messages about the power of friendship and the necessity of forgiveness, both of which support the magnificent theme of redemption.

Catching the Wind is the first novel I've read by Melanie Dobson. I probably would not have chosen to read it on my own, but the local book club I attend picked it for our March reading. It made an excellent selection as we discussed it's themes, the character's perspectives, and modern-day heroes. I liked it much more than I expected and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with an engaging mystery, modest suspense, and gentle romance. Five stars!

Read an excerpt from Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson on the publisher's website!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy through the My Reader Rewards Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

First Line Fridays: Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first line from Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson:

"Maple leaves draped over the tree house window, the silvery fronds linked together like rings of chain mail to protect the boy and girl playing inside."

The local book club I attend chose this book for our March reading. The leader told us she loved it and read through it quickly. I'm looking forward to reading this one in a few weeks.

Have you read this book? What are you reading this weekend? Share your first line in the comments below.

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

What happened to Brigitte Berthold?

That question has haunted Daniel Knight since he was thirteen, when he and ten-year-old Brigitte escaped the Gestapo agents who arrested both their parents. They survived a harrowing journey from Germany to England, only to be separated upon their arrival. Daniel vowed to find Brigitte after the war, a promise he has fought to fulfill for more than seventy years.

Now a wealthy old man, Daniel’s final hope in finding Brigitte rests with Quenby Vaughn, an American journalist working in London. He believes Quenby’s tenacity to find missing people and her personal investment in a related WWII espionage story will help her succeed where previous investigators have failed. Though Quenby is wrestling her own demons―and wary at the idea of teaming up with Daniel’s lawyer, Lucas Hough―the lure of Brigitte’s story is too much to resist. Together, Quenby and Lucas delve deep into the past, following a trail of deception, sacrifice, and healing that could change all of their futures.

My TBR Stack... An Update.

Between review books, book club books, and the bargains I find at my library's used book store, my TBR stack is never completely empty, but lately it has really filled up! Take a look!

So, let's discuss this stack:

1. Searching For You by Jody Hedlund: This is my book to read this weekend! I loved the first two novels in the series and I'm expecting a fabulous conclusion.

2. A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz: Laura Frantz is one of my favorites, so this is another book that I'm expecting to be a great read.

3. In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson: I don't read many mysteries, but this one sounds intriguing!

4. The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin: This book was quite a surprise! I thought the publisher had sent me a wrong book until I found a card tucked inside saying I had won a LibraryThing giveaway!

5. Chosen People by Robert Whitlow: This book is the January pick for my local book club. My husband has already read it and says it's good.

6. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof: Another book club pick, this one for February. I loved The Lady and the Lionheart, so I'm hoping this one will be just as good!

7. The Lady of Tarpon Springs by Judith Miller: Um... this one was the book club's pick for last October.  Clearly, I am behind and somehow I just end up reading other books ahead of it.  Maybe by next October....

How about you? What books are on your TBR stack?

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate

Just when Tandi Jo Reese has found a safe place for herself and her children, her landlord, Iola Anne Poole, passes away. Desperate to find income and stay in the rental cottage, Tandi agrees to clean out Iola's home. To Tandi's surprise, she finds beautifully decorated prayer boxes that contain prayers and a life story. She finds unexpected connection with the author of the prayers and healing begins to take root. Read more in The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate.

Once again, my book club has introduced me to an amazing book that wasn't even on my radar. It's one of the best books I've read this year. The novel held my attention from the beginning, was well-written, and progressed at the perfect pace. I was intrigued by the prayer boxes and the characters pulled me in, making me wish they were real. Tandi's character development was phenomenal. I loved watching her grow, change, and open her heart to the right people. Prayer is a prominent theme in the novel, but there were other secondary themes about grace, empowerment, and helping others.

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is the first full-length novel in the Carolina Heirlooms series. It has a prequel novella, The Sea Glass Sisters, and a postlude novella, The Tidewater Sisters, which appears to continue Tandi's story. Neither of these are required to understand and enjoy The Prayer Box. I highly recommend The Prayer Box to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction.

Read an excerpt from The Prayer Box on the publisher's website.