Book: Hope Beyond the Waves

Author: Heidi Chiavaroli

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Hope Creek

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Wow, wow, wowza!! First of all this is my first ever book by Heidi Chiavaroli and holy cow she blew me out of the water. This story truly captivated me from beginning to end. Definitely one of those stories that I could not put down. This is a dual time storyline which is one of my favorites and honestly I was captivated by both timelines. This dual timeline was like none other that  I have ever read as it was told by Emily's grandmother as a story of her past. 

 I have never read a fiction book based on leprosy so this was my first and I was just intrigued at the fact that this was in existence here in America. When you think of leprosy, at least for me, I think of the Bible or India. Both timelines have amazing and relatable characters that grew throughout the story and both timelines are filled with lessons learned by those characters. 

In the present timeline Emily is considered an outcast by her political parents and gets sent to her grandmother so she is not an embarrassment to their career. She is not only hurt but looking for answers on what to do with her life. She lacks hope. In the past timeline we meet Atta who gets diagnosed with leprosy and gets sent to an island to be quarantined permanently. She tries to maintain her faith but loses hope various times. 

There is a very strong presence of faith throughout the entire story and characters get closer to God and learn about his grace at different times and at their own pace which I really enjoyed because it made the story and the characters seem more realistic. Let's not forget the romance because there was some and it was lovely, wholesome and what true love (selfless) is all about.  You definitely have to read this in order to understand what I am talking about. 

The author did a phenomenal job and I for one will be looking for her all books so I can read them all. If you enjoy historical fiction that completely touches your soul go grab this book!!

My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!!

Book: Among the Innocent

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: Christian Amish Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 7, 2022

Let's start by saying that this is not your typical Amish story! This story keeps you intrigued, captivated and at the edge of your seat from the very beginning. The author does a great job at keeping you reading. I mean this story is full of twists and turns and I have to say I didn't quite figure out the connections between the villain and certain characters until about 90 % of the book. 

The main characters Dalton and Leah are two people with a very similar connection. They both have endured death and in a very tragic way. I felt like at the beginning their relationship felt a bit fast but I think it worked well. They both worked well together and although I wasn't swept off my feet that was not the focus of this plot line. The whole focus was figuring out who dunnit. 

The mystery was on point and like I said it definitely keeps you in your toes. I feel like the ending almost left us in a cliffhanger despite there being an epilogue. I think there could be more. I don't want to say why I feel this way because then I would give a part of the story away. So when you read it let me know your thoughts!

Overall I thought this was a great book. Mary Alford definitely has a knack for this kind of storyline. There is a huge creep factor and you should not read this when no one is home or in the middle of the night like I did! It reminded me of that show Criminal Minds so if you like that you will like this book.

My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it

Book: Where the Road Bends

Author: Rachel Fordham

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 7, 2022

I have read a few books by Rachel Fordham and really enjoyed them but I have to say this by far was my favorite. This book had all the elements and made you feel all the emotions. This story is all about redemption, faith and coming to realize that sometimes what we hope for and dream of may be not be in the same path that God has for us. Our characters definitely realize this especially Norah. I absolutely loved her. She was so innocent and coy. I loved that happiness to her is being on her land, wading in her creek and reading a stack of books. Her faith in God is strong and she portrays that as she takes in Quincy who is in her land and injured. 

Oh goodness Quincy... be still my heart he is SO swoon-worthy!! From the very beginning as he lets her babble on he is just the sweetest. I loved how his life turned around and the way it happened. I will not divulge more because then I would give the story away and I don't want to do that. But let's just say you the love story aspect of this story was on point and Rachel Fordham did an excellent job with it. 

I can't stop writing about characters until I mention Mrs. Dover, she was a delight and definitely one of those characters that every story needs in order to put things to right. She was like the glue of the plot line. I know you will love her as much as I did!

The story does deal with a rather tough issue of abuse and prostitution but the author does a great job at handling it. It reminded me a bit of the story Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It was well handled and definitely added a whole new emotion to the story. One that I wasn't expecting but welcomed. 

If you are looking for a new Christian Historical Romance I definitely suggest you grab this one. It was a beautiful story and I know you will enjoy it.

My Rating: 5 Stars/ Loved it!

Book: Elysium Tide

Author: James R. Hannibal

Genre: Christian Mystery / Suspense

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 7, 2022

I have never read anything from this author but I am glad I discovered him. He definitely captivated me right from the beginning and had me reading until I found out what was going to happen. You can tell the author took a lot of time to research multiple subjects. From medical to gangs to police to Hawaii, I mean everything was perfect and so very detailed. I felt like I was reading a Clive Cussler book, which my father in law loves! 

We meet Dr. Peter Chesterfield who I must admit I found him rather pompous and Lisa was such a perfectionist it drove me batty but I loved her for it. I don't want to give the story away because there are so many twists and turns. Lots of surprises are in store as you are reading. Some things I truly did not see coming. Definitely keeps you reading late into the night. I absolutely loved the character of Tuna he was definitely needed in the story. 

One of the things that bugged me was the faith element. Don't get me wrong, it is there but it could've developed a bit more. I did enjoy that Peter sees Lisa and Tuna's faith lived out right in front of him but I feel like there were so many missed opportunities to really speak some faith into Peter but maybe the author wrote it this way because there will be more stories involving Lisa and Peter in which we see his faith grow?! One could hope!

Overall I thought the book was great. Definitely kept you reading and it was very well developed and had amazing characters. If you enjoy suspense and mystery you will definitely enjoy this one!

My Rating: 3 Stars/Liked it

Book: Songs that Could Have Been

Author: Amanda Wen

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: June 21, 2022

This is definitely one of those stories that captures you from the first line. Not because the first line is life changing mind you but because its rather comical and intriguing at the same time. I mean it's literally " Carter Douglas hated running out of makeup." I mean if that doesn't make you stop and want to figure out what is going on I don't know what will! I definitely had to read the story and boy am I glad I did. 

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style. I know this is part of a series and I am sure I would've met some of these characters in the previous books and gotten to know more about some of them but honestly reading this story I did not feel like I was missing anything. This is a dual time line but I would not consider it a true dual time line like I am used to reading as it didn't really go back and forth but rather gave us glimpses into the past rather than a true full storyline. But the transitions between the glimpses and the present were done very smoothly. 

I really, really enjoyed this story. The are strong themes of faith throughout. The author tackles some heavy topics such as alcoholism, bulimia and dementia/Alzheimers and she does it in a matter that truly captures your heart and tugs at the heart strings. She makes it relatable and true. I personally have encountered these with people in my life and personally and so the story for me definitely more personal. The way she portrays the grandmother, Rosie, had me in tears. I mean I like to think that a person with Alzheimers has that thought process within themselves when encountering family members they cannot recall. 

The love story between both Carter and Lauren and Rosie and Ephraim were spectacular. Rosie and Ephraim was unheard of in those days. I mean we all know in the 1950's it was extremely rare and looked down upon for a white and black person to integrate much less fall in love. Their love story was beautiful and heartbreaking. Carter and Lauren's story was equally as emotional. There was some serious baggage between these two. They moved a bit too quick in their relationship but I am glad that it was a wake-up call to them as well and it truly made them see who they were supposed to be in God, in themselves and as a couple. 

Overall I thought this story was not only well written but captivating. I can't believe it was my first time reading anything by this author and it certainly wont be my last time! 

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really enjoyed it!

Book: Heirlooms

Author: Sandra Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Publisher: Tyndale Publishing

Release Date: July 5, 2022

This was my first time reading a book by this author and I'm so glad that I was able to be part of her release team! This is a beautiful story that revolves around the lives and relationships of four women. We meet Helen and Choi Eunhee which are Army widows in the 1950's and despite their differences they form a lifelong friendship. In the present day, we meet their grandaughters who also become best friends. I really enjoyed the full circle of the plot. 

The women in the story are definitely well written. Helen is very likable and relatable. Despite her loss and hurts she is willing to help someone that others may see as different and truly develops a kinship that she did not expect to happen. Euhnee was so sweet and I really enjoyed how the author portrayed her and taught me about the Korean culture that she came from. 

I really enjoy dual timelines especially when they are written well and Sandra definitely does. She had me engaged in both timelines and I was never lost. I am not a gardening person at all, in fact despite my love for flowers my kids tell me I have a black thumb. I definitely try planting though every year and don't give up! Euhnee brings the Victory garden to life and in the process makes the friendship stronger between them. 

The storylines almost mirror each other from the past and the present timeline. So very much like what happens in our life as some of the things we go through are the things that our ancestors have as well. I thought that was a very relatable part of the plot line. There is a lot to the story to love. A lot of themes that the author tackles may be sensitive to some like autism, down syndrome, etc... but she did it with ease. 

The faith element is there and was done so great. I loved Helen's neighbor whom always showed Christ in the way she talked and lived but never was pushy or overwhelming with it. She definitely lived out her faith and I think that's more of what we need to see in our walk with the Lord. Let people see God in you. 

I definitely recommend you pick this one up especially if you enjoy stories about friendships and community! 

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!

Book: The Heart of the Mountains

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Romance

Release Date: July 1, 2022

Every time I pick up a Pepper Basham book I know I'm in for a treat. This book was no exception. It had all the right elements plus so much more. I loved the setting of this story. Set in the Appalachian Mountains it seemed so rustic and secluded but honestly I found it quite peaceful despite all that was happening. Basham does such a great job at describing the setting and gives you all the details to put you right in the midst of it all. Not only does she do that with the setting but also with her characters. Each and every one of them had something to bring to the story. They were so believable and you could connect with them wether in a positive or negative way. 

Cora and Jeb... (insert sigh). They were the perfect leading characters. Each had to learn something throughout the story about themselves and their journey with God. When they meet, you know there is going to be a slow burn romance happening and goodness you keep waiting for that first kiss scene that no one but Pepper can write! (I promise you it happens and totally worth the wait!)

Yes, the romance part of the book was amazing but what drew me in the most were the hard topics that Basham tackled in this story. I mean there was prostitution, alcoholism and abuse. She really writes about these in a tasteful manner but at the same time tugging at your soul and making you stop and think of God's redemptive grace while you read the words on this book regarding what these characters are going through. I love how this author doesn't shy away from her faith in her writing but rather holds on to it, breathes it, lives it and you can definitely see that in her writing and also in her life (which you can see if you follow her on social media). 

I feel like there is more to this story that can be told! I would like to know about Jeb's sister and her whereabouts but as always I am just a greedy reader wanting more! If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you go grab this one! Oh, and although this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I did and had no problem following the story but that doesn't mean I will not be reading the first one!! 

My Rating: 5 Stars/Absolutely loved it!!