The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma

Anna has one chance for survival--and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

   It's 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist.Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she'll do anything to keep her safe--a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

   Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

   Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever...

MY THOUGHTS:

I love books set during World War II and if Liz Tolsma's name is on the cover, I love it even more. Ms. Tolsma's newest novel is The Melody of the Soul which is the first book in her "Music of Hope" series. Based on this book, the series will be fantastic..

The heroine is Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and a violinist left behind to take care of her grandmother after her family was deported to Terezin. Playing the violin is forbidden but Anna continues to play even when a Nazi officer, Horst Engel moves into the flat below them. When Horst encourages her to play she is a little leary and not sure whether she should trust him. Anna's grandmother tells her she needs to trust him for his heart not his uniform. I loved these characters.

This novel, because of the subject matter, is heartbreaking to read but then that time in history was heartbreaking. Ms. Tolsma has proven that she has a gift for writing novels set during this time period and I look forward to future books in this series. It is an emotional novel that pulled at my heart throughout. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves novels set during Worl War II.or just a good historical romance novel. 

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

When I am looking for a book to read, I am usually drawn first to the cover even before looking at the book title or author's name. Looking at the cover of Victoria Bylin's newest book, Someone Like You won me over at first glance. Isn't the cover absolutely beautiful?

Someone Like You is a story of second chances between Julia Dare and Zeke Monroe. It is a story that shows what can happen when we let go of our past and problems and allow God to come in and take full control of all areas of our lives.

This is a story of love, forgiveness, family and faith. The characters were well developed and they handle their life issues in a realistic manner. I must say some of the characters were more enjoyable than others, especially the character of Ladybug, who just happened to be a goat. I must say she was quite entertaining.

Ms. Bylin took us on an emotional journey through the lives of Julia and Zeke as they faced love, forgiveness and fighting their self-doubt. Her characters played their parts well and had this reader believing they were real.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this wonderful book, especially if you enjoy a good romantic read regarding second chances or if you are like me and just love the cover. 

On a 5 Star Scale - 4.5 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for my copy of Someone Like You. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

When I saw the cover of Robin Lee Hatcher's newest book, Keeper of the Stars, I couldn't help but want to read it. First, the cover art is enticing and second, the title is the same as one of my favorites songs by country singer Tracy Byrd. Once I started reading I realized the song and book title were not a coincidence.

Keeper of the Stars is the third book in Ms. Hatcher's "Kings Meadow Romance" series, but while it is the third book it can be read as a standalone book. I must admit I haven't read the first two books in the series yet but didn't feel like I was missing anything.

This book is a story that deals with grief, remembrance, forgiveness and healing. It is the story of a young woman and her father who live in Kings Meadow, Idaho and for the most part are just moving through life carrying their grief baggage with them. You see, twelve years prior to where the story begins, Penny Cartwright, her brother Brad and her father Rodney, lost their mother and wife to pneumonia. All three had a hard time dealing with the loss but somehow pulled through. It is now twelve years later and Penny and her father are now trying to get over the loss of Brad who has died in a tragic car accident. Unfortunately, Penny blames Brad's boss, country singer wannabe, Trevor Reynolds for Brad''s death. Afterall, if Trevor hadn't hired Brad as his drummer, Brad might still be alive.

What I truly enjoyed about this book is the way Ms. Hatcher did flashback chapters from Brad's point of view so the reader was able to see him for who he was and how God had chosen him to be used to touch the lives of so many people.  She also allowed each character to show their grief and anger in such a realistic way that the reader can't help but feel it too.

Trevor comes to Kings Meadow at the request of Brad and is met with anger and contempt from Penny but is met with a caring warmth from Penny's dad. In time, God's hand is seen in the reason Brad requested Trevor to go to his home in Kings Meadow. This was a beautifully told story that showed how grief can be healed and forgiveness can be a gift.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good family love story. On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my copy of Keeper of the Stars. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Anyone who knows me, is well aware of my love for Colleen Coble's books so when I had a chance to read her newest book I jumped at the chance. Her newest book, Mermaid Moon, is the second book in her "Sunset Cove" series.

Mermaid Moon is the story of Mallory Davis, a single mother who finds herself returning to her hometown after fifteen years of being away.  After receiving a mysterious call from her father, she contacts her old boyfriend, Game Warden Kevin O'Connor and asks him to go check on her father. Kevin finds her father dead and lets Mallory know, prompting her to return to her hometown. The question is, did her father die by accident, or was it murder?

Mallory wants to find out what really happened to her father against Kevin's suggestion that she leaves the investigation alone. Kevin, i part s trying to protect his heart from the pain Mallory inflicted upon it fifteen years before.

Ms. Coble takes the reader on an emotional ride filled with twists and turns keeping the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book. Just when I thought I might have things figured out something happened and I would have to change my mind.

The one thing I really enjoy about Colleen Coble's books is her characterizations. Not only do the people appear very real, her setting is a character in itself. I found myself feeling like I was right there amidst the characters and by the time the book was over, I wished I didn't have to leave. This is definitely a book for my keeper shelf.

I would highly recommend Mermaid Moon to anyone who enjoys a clean story filled with non-stop suspense.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of Mermaid Moon. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Miracle Drug by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

I love a good Medical Thriller and when Dr. Richard Mabry's name is on the cover I know I will be in for a wonderful edge-of-my-seat read. Dr. Mabry's newest book, Miracle Drug, kept me turning pages long into the night and I wasn't disappointed.

What would you do if you had a mysterious event happen and found yourself doused with an unknown substance? Then days later you start showing systems of diphtheria only to find out later there is an underlying disease and possibly no cure. That is the basis of Miracle Drug.

While in South America, two people are infected with a deadly disease, the former president of the United States, David Madison, and nurse Rachel Moore. Upon arriving home, Dr. Josh Pearson, finds himself the newly appointed physician to the former president. When he learns there is an experimental drug that may save the life of the former president and Ms. Moore he finds himself in a quandary as there may only be enough of the 'miracle drug' to save one life. Should he give all the drug to the former president or give it to Ms. Moore who happens to be his girlfriend?

Dr. Mabry has created one of his best books yet. The twists and turns he spread throughout the book caused me to keep guessing until the very end. It is definitely a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I would highly recommend Miracle Drug to anyone who enjoys a good medical thriller or any suspenseful novel. 

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for my copy of Miracle Drug. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble

For those of you who follow my blog, then you know I have been reading books in Colleen Coble's six book series, "Journey of the Heart". These short books are a reprint of Ms. Cobles' first two novels, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series but alas I have reached the end. The final book in the series, A Heart's Home, is the sixth and final book in the series.

In this book, we continue to follow the story of Emmie Croftner and Lieutenant Isaac Liddle at Fort Phil Kearny in the Wyoming Territory. When things look bleak for the two, things tend to get even worse. 

This book touched my heart more than any of the other's. I was saddened at one point and happy during another. I love it when a story can stir up my emotions.

One thing I have always enjoyed about Ms. Coble's writing is her believable character's. In this series, there was actually one character I would have loved to see a little more of and that person showed up in the fifth book, A Heart's Promise. Her name was Maggie O'Donnell, a laundress, who was no more than 16 years old and had been raising her two year old sister since she was just six days old. This character captured my heart and I had hoped to see more of her in A Heart's Home but she didn't appear.

I would highly recommend the "Journey of the Heart" series to anyone who enjoys reading clean historical novels set during the settling of the old west.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of A Heart's Home. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.


Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart's Promise by Colleen Coble

For those of you who follow my blog, then you know I am currently reading books in Colleen Coble's six book series, "Journey of the Heart". These short books are a reprint of Ms. Cobles' first two novels, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise. If I had to guess, A Heart's Danger is the end of her book Where Leads the Heart as everything seemed to tie up nicely. The fourth book in this series, A Heart's Betrayal is actually the first part of her original book Plains of Promise. This month's release is the fifth book, A Heart's Promise.

This book continues the story of Emmie Croftner and Lieutenant Isaac Liddle. They now are at Fort Phil Kearny in the Wyoming territory where the Sioux Indian nation is at war with the white man.

I love Colleen Coble's work and while the "Journey of the Heart" series isn't as detailed as her current books today, her talent was apparent even in her early days of publishing.

I am really enjoying this series. The characters are believable and Ms. Coble paints a picture of life in the old west that the reader can visualize and have a sense of being there. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read a sweet historical set in the old west.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of A Heart's Promise. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.


Smiles & Blessings,

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

I have often wanted to pick up a book by Melanie Dobson but for whatever reason, up until now, I haven't. That was a big mistake on my part as Ms. Dobson is an absolutely talented storyteller. Her newest book, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a book that tells two stories in one. One story in the past and one in the present. The past is the story of Maggie and Walter and "their" daughter LIbby, who loves butterflies. In the present we meet Heather and her adult daughter Ella. Their stories are woven together quite nicely. 

All the characters were well developed and pulled me into their story of secrets, forbidden love, lies, sins of the family and murder. Moving in between the past and present helped to propel the story forward keeping me turning the pages quicker than I expected. 

Ms. Dobson has painted such a wonderful picture of the English countryside that I felt as if I was right there looking over the characters shoulders as the story unfolded. 

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a story filled with mystery and murder, romance and family issues, redemption and forgiveness and many plot twists and turns. What the characters went through pulled at my heartstrings and I loved how the stories evolved.

It reminds me a lot of a Susan Meissner's novels moving so smoothly between periods. Not every author can move so effortlessly between the past and present but I honestly believe Ms. Dobson has mastered that talent.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars.

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my copy of  Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, which I received for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Four Weddings and a Kiss by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher

If you like reading anthologys or short novellas, then Four Weddings & a Kiss is a book you will want to pick up and devour. The authors offer up wonderful stories that will put a smile on any reader's face. 

The book begins with a prologue introducing Reverend Gregory Miller. He is a pastor in love and the woman he loves is someone that he feels isn't right to be a pastor's wife. When the book begins, he is at a revival meeting in Ft. Worth, Texas and the following day he will be getting on a train to head home. While he is praying to God he speaks out loud asking God how is he going to live without Elizabeth in his life. Four other pastors hear his cry and they begin to share stories of 'miss-matched' couples that found their happy endings.

The first story offered is Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy.  Maizy MacGregor was raised by her father since the age of five and she can ride and work a ranch along with the best of men. However, she has a problem of getting herself in trouble. Rylan Cartens owns the neighboring ranch to the MacGregors and he has made it clear that Maizy is to stay off his property. A black angus bull and one crazy grizzly bear set the tempo of what ensues next.  This was probably my favorite story in the entire anthology. 

                                         

The second story is A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher. This is the story of Molly Everton and Jack Ludgrove. Molly's father owns the local newspaper and decides it is time to hire someone as managing editor. When Molly finds out that her father has hired Jack instead of offering her the position she is outraged. While Molly is trying hard to deter Jack from staying at the newspaper, her heart is telling her something else. This was a cute story that I truly enjoyed.

A Cowboy for Katie, by Debra Clopton, is the third story. It is the story of Katie Pearl and Treb Rayburn. When the story begins, Katie has just suffered a devastating loss three weeks prior. Her father was killed when a tornado hit their ranch. She was pinned under debris for several days and now the people of the town thinks she's crazy because she acts different. What they don't know is she suffered a concussion and is slowing recovering from the affects of it. Treb is suffering himself, with a case of wanderlust. Three days before arriving Midway, Texas his horse dies right out from under him. When he arrives in town, he decides to get a job in order to make enough money to buy another horse. Katie overhears him asking the proprietor of the general store if he knew of any place he could get hired on. Katie proceeds to offer Treb a job with pay and the promise of a horse when the job is done. She wants him to rebuild her house that was destroyed. This was another fun story, that kept me engaged until the end. 

The last story offered is Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley.  This is the story of Grace Davenport and Brock Daniels.  Grace is a young widow raising her son alone. The story begins with her son, Jesse Morris, asking Brock, a local lawyer, to help his mother who is currently in jail. According to Jesse, the sheriff said she killed her husband. Jesse wants Brock because the lawyer the court appointed for her has lost most of his cases and his clients have been hung. She is found innocent but only because the judge sided with her and needed to leave town. Through a discussion that Brock has with Jesse they come up with an idea on how to find out who really killed Grace's husband. This was another fun story and I loved the suspense thread.

The book concludes with an epilogue in which Reverend Gregory Miller arrives home to his Elizabeth and he tells her he wants to share with her the stories the other pastors shared with him. Stories about two people in love just like them. And yes, after reading the four stories, the epilogue ends with the kiss.

I would highly recommend Four Weddings & a Kiss to anyone who enjoys light-hearted reading. You can easily read each novella in one sitting. If I were to say anything negative about the book it is that I would love to learn more about all of these characters. All the women had spunk and the men had the willingness to tame them. An enjoyable read.

On a 5-Star Scale = 4 1/2 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my review copy. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,