Author: Wanda

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caroline Fletcher lives in the city of Richmond, Virginia with wealthy parents. Her father owns slaves and as Caroline begins to question the morality of owning them her mother dies after yet another still birth. Her aunt from Philadelphia takes her back home with her and Caroline stays with her for two years. While in the north, she meets Robert who is quickly taken with Caroline. He takes her to abolitionist lectures which increase her desire to do something for the slaves.

After returning to Richmond she meets Charles, they fall in love and plan their wedding. Three weeks before their wedding the Civil War begins. She is torn between her belief that owning slaves is immoral and her home in the south. She and Charles don’t see the war the same way. Five years after her engagement, the war ends. Charles cannot accept the things she has done throughout the war, even though she has nursed him back to health. His family and he dismiss her from their lives leaving Caroline alone with only her slaves who have only ever showed her love.

This is a story about love and hate, slavery and freedom, faith in God and the choices that must be made during this terrible time in our history. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

Out of a Dream by Rosemary Hines

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Sandy Cove series by Rosemary Hines. Michelle and Steve have moved into their first home in Portland. Steve is working many hours at the law office he is a junior partner in. Michelle feels alone and isolated having left her family and friends in Southern California. She meets Monica at yoga, and they become friends. The yoga instructor introduces them to tarot cards and then to an owner of a bookstore. Michelle and Monica sign up for a class taught by the very handsome and charismatic Trevor who sets his sights on Michelle. She attends a seminar with him deluding herself that they are just friends. She definitely feels this attraction to him. She is lonely with Steve working so hard, but she loves her husband. Trevor makes his move and kisses Michelle. Michelle pulls away and from that point it is never spoken about again.

Michelle’s father has attempted suicide. He is unsuccessful, and winds up in the ICU with multiple brain injuries. Michelle goes to the hospital with the rest of the family and it is there that she sees that the New Age spirituality that she has been studying does not give her the strength she gets from God. I enjoyed this book very much.

Butterfly Garden by Annette Blair

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sara is a midwife in and Ohio Amish community. She is called to her friend Abby’s home to deliver her fourth baby. When she arrives Adam, Abby’s husband is waiting for her on the front porch. He gives her a hard time when she tells him he is killing his wife having babies so close together. He finally lets her in to go to Abby, and discovers Abby is dead and the baby is wrapped up and in the cradle by the bed. Sara lifts the sheets and discovers that Abby had bled to death.

Adam is filled with demons from his abusive childhood and tells Sara she must take his children. She fights him on this, but relents. She falls in love with the girls. The time for her to return the girls to their father is pushed back until the time when Adam falls from a tree and injures himself. Sara moves into his house to nurse him back to health. Adam begins to fall in love with Sara, but he denies what he is feeling. The Bishop gets involved and the outcome of their hearing is that they must marry. They fall madly in love with each other and Adam learns that he can love without being abusive like his father.

I enjoyed this book, however, there are some scenes which are more adult that most of the book.

Life in the Iron Mills by Rebecca Harding Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story about one man’s life in the iron mill town in Virginia. It’s a little difficult to read, but I found it interesting and it gives the reader much to think about.

15th Affair by James Patterson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lindsay, Cindy, Claire and Yuki, the Women’s Murder Club,  find themselves involved in solving the murder of four people at the Four Seasons Hotel. Lindsay’s husband Joe disappears. While doing surveillance on one of the murdered man’s house, Lindsay sees her husband go past the same house and is caught on the video recording. A 777 was hit by a missile when approaching the airport and it exploded killing everyone in the plane and two people on the ground and traumatizing all the kids in the schools in the explosion site.

This is not just about the murders at the Four Seasons, it’s bigger. CIA is involved and Lindsay discovers that Joe has been working for the CIA since the time their daughter was born. Lindsay is devastated that Joe has been lying to her. The spies are from the Chinese government and one of the CIA agents is changing sides. In the end she is caught and dealt with. Joe sends Lindsay home and he goes back to the CIA headquarters. When he goes home to see Lindsay and Julie, he is not asked to stay.

I really liked the book, but there isn’t much that James Patterson writes that I don’t like. I give it 4.5 stars.

Red Fox

This is the red fox.  We have had one living on our property for a few years.  Although, we haven’t seen him in a while.  They are hard to spot as they like to do most of their foraging at night.  That’s why we were so surprised that our little red fox walked right passes us one afternoon.  He just ignored us.  And he often would wonder into the front of our property on his way to the other side of the woods.  I love living in the country, I get to see a lot of  critters.  🙂

Well I have almost met my reading challenge of 100 books for the year.  I have completed 89 books and I am actually on my 90th now.  I think that it’s safe to say I’ll get to my goal.  I haven’t been doing much of anything but reading.  I told hubby today that I have to get my but in gear.  I have quilts to make for Christmas for my grandchildren.  And it’s already August!  Then there is my challenge quilt due in November.  Think I’ll get it all done?

Have a good day and keep your eye out for a red fox.

The Witnesses by James Patterson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love James Patterson’s books. This doesn’t disappoint. A family in hiding. A suspicious man keeping them together. A neighbor who keeps watch expecting the worst. All this leading to a surprise ending.

The Designer Bag at the Garbage Dump by Jackie Macgirvin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This is a wonderful book for anyone who has questions about their faith in God. Julie finds herself on a train to New York having something to eat with Jesus. He tells her that she has been chosen by him to do some work for him. Jesus gives her a bible and tells her. When she gets off the train she finds herself in India instead of New York.

She doesn’t speak the language, loses her suitcase and is completely sickened by the smells and noise of the city. Every time her cab stops, beggars appear with their hands grabbing at her. She is dropped off and left by herself.

Julie meets orphaned children living on a garbage heap. They are digging through the garbage to find something to eat. Jesus tells her to feed his sheep. Julie’s designer dress is turned into rags and is filthy. She is sleeping on the ground in the dirt. Her hair is matted and dirty. She is exhausted. But she begins to buy food for the children. They begin to depend on her feeding them. She loses her heart to them. Her story continues with her learning to trust Jesus and learn obedience to his plan for her and the orphans.

As Jesus’ plan unfolds, other people become involved with the orphans. A church rents a house for the children and Julie assumes responsibility of the monthly rent. She gets all of the children new clothing. She sees them happy in their new home.

It’s time for Julie to go home. She has a newborn little girl and a 10 year old boy that are going home with her. She can’t wait for her husband and son to meet the rest of their family. As she walks off the train, Michael and Logan are there to greet her. She introduces them to the baby and little boy. They are welcomed into the family with open arms.

I really loved this story. I thought it was well written with a great perspective of what it means to know the Lord.

Play Dead by Leslie O’Kane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about the murder of a wealthy eccentric woman, named Hannah Jones, who has a dog names Sage. Hannah is very enthusiastic about the no animal product life style. She teaches vegetarian cooking classes and comes in contact with Beth Gleason one of her students. Beth has become embroiled in Hannah’s life and has been taken by Sage.

When Hannah is found dead, her death is ruled a suicide. She has had cancer and the idea is not out of the real of possibilities. Her neighbors take the dog in, but decide they cant keep him. They take the dog to the animal shelter. Beth Gleason has left her name at the shelter asking to be notified if a collie turns up. Beth is ecstatic when they call her to come get Sage.

Allie Babcock has just moved to Boulder and has opened a dog psychologist office. She is a guest on a radio program and gets a call in from Beth Gleason stating her dog is not eating and he has reacted terribly when a man has come near him. The host of the show tells everyone that the dog can identify the murder of Hannah Jones. Allie tells Beth to meet her at her office so that she can tell if the dog has any issues. Beth Gleason is found stabbed to death by Allie after Sage shows up at her office alone and his leash has blood on it. The story continues with many twists and turns with so many suspects in the murders.

I enjoyed the book very much.

My Father’s House: a novel by Rose Chandler Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lily Rose Cates is a woman trying to find herself. Her father had died when she was sixteen and she never got over her loss. Her mother withdrew into herself after his death. Thankfully Lily Rose had Annie Ruth who became like a mother to her.

Lily Rose went to college and became close friends with Julie. She was her best friend. They planned to go to France after school and visit all the great museums. However, Julie falls in love with her French professor and they elope. Lily Rose is despondent because of all the plans to travel have fallen apart.

After graduation, Lily Rose stays in the little house that she has shared with her two roommates and gets a job for the paper. She also works at a flower shop part time. She has no social life and is lonely. She flies to New York to spend time with her cousin. They have a wonderful time and Julie meets Manuel, their handsome waiter at dinner. He asks for her phone number and she gives it to him.
A whirlwind romance ensues and they marry. The honeymoon is barely over when she discovers that her handsome, considerate husband is abusive. She loses a baby. Lily Rose stays for 2 1/2 years then realizes that she must leave for her own safety.  Her friend Julie who lives in Canada helps her get away.

Lily Rose has the house her daddy grew up in and Manuel knows nothing about the house. She travels to Georgia where she begins the process of healing. She meets her neighbors and they all had known her as a little girl from when she and her daddy had come to visit with her Aunt. While walking to the town from the highway, a little dog joins her journey. She falls in love with the dog.

She meets Sam when her dog eats a bag of Hershey Kisses.  A friendship develops and they begin to spend a lot of time together. Unfortunately Manuel finds Lily Rose and forces himself on her. Sam shows up the next morning after her husband had left. She is beside herself. She tells Sam her husband was there. He walks away from her. Lily Rose is pregnant. And feels alone again,

This is a story of fear, loss, grief, strength, growth, love and a relationship with God. Sam finds his way back to Lily Rose and they find the happiness they both had been searching for. Lily Rose gets her forever after.

From the Heart by Rosemary Hines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 5 of the Sandy Cove Series, but it is a great standalone book too. I didn’t realize that it was part of a series until after I had read it.

Joan is grieving over the loss of her husband. She feels alone and lost. Not wanting to live with her daughter in Portland, she insists she is staying in the home she shared with her husband. She has wonderful friends and a neighbor who check in on her. After injuring her back, her daughter Sheila begins to look for a place for Joan near her. Joan is slowly coming to terms with the fact that she really needs to be closer to family. As she is going through things, she finds a box with a letter attached to it from her husband. It’s marked do not open until Christmas. Joan falls and fractures her arm. Her move to Portland comes much sooner that she had expected. Joan has spent her life as a minister’s wife and her relationship with God helps her to make this change. I really liked the book. I had never read any of Rosemary Hines’ work before. I plan to read the other books in the series.

This weeks wildlife specimen is the Wild Turkey.  They roam around on the ground foraging for nuts, berries, insects, small reptiles, frogs, toads and many other things.  Many people attract these birds by throwing corn on the ground or by planting berry or nut trees.  They usually stay on the ground until it turns to dusk that’s when the fly to the tree tops to roost for the night.  They are fun to watch.

Take a look around when you are out and about in the morning to see if you have some turkeys mulling around in your yard or along a road near some woods.

Have a good day!

Sharpe Mind by Lisa B. Thomas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another cozy mystery. I do love these books, especially when I can’t sleep at night. I’m tired so I don’t want anything heavy to read. These are fun and easy.

Deena is working for the local paper. Her job has been changed at the paper temporarily. She now has to write the feature, instead of actually being a reporter. She is trying to find out why one of the council members in the town is trying to get a rezoning approved. She and her husband Gary drive through the neighborhood at night and she sees that there are several people living in the neighborhood. She decides to investigate the next day and discovers the owner one of the houses is dead. She calls 911 and then she becomes a suspect. She begins to help the news reporter from her paper and winds up losing her job. This is just the beginning of many twists and turns in the book. I really enjoyed it.

Amish by Accident by J.E.B. Spredemann

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love books that have an Amish theme, especially when they are set in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. My husband was born there. He still has so much family there that we used to spend time with his relatives up there. His grandmother lived right across the street from an Amish farm.

This is the story of two young women. One Amish, the other not. The women could be twins they looks so much alike. One leaves the Amish life, the other is thrown into it because of an accident. There is some mystery and romance. An easy read.

Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Woods

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heather Donovan has left Connor O’Brien and moved with their son to Chesapeake Shores. She has opened a quilt shop and is getting settled. The O’Brien clan welcome her into the family. Connor finds out she is living in his home town and begins to try to get Heather back. She is refusing since he still has no faith in marriage because of his parents history and because of the high volume of divorces he litigates. But she wants it all.

The O’Brien clan, a meddling group if there ever was one, go to work on Heather and Connor. While Connor is working hard to convince Heather that they belong together, he begins to see his job as a divorce lawyer in a high powered firm as distasteful. Nell, his grandmother, puts a bug in the only attorney in Chesapeake Shores ear that her grandson might be interested in taking over his practice. Connor makes the change.

Heather is in a serious accident and is hurt badly. Connor is beside himself with fear of losing her. He begins proposing to her almost daily. Heather keeps refusing. He takes her on a picnic and they discover her dream house. He buys it for them and has it redone. She refuses until he finally gets through to her that he wants to marry her and live in their home together.

I liked the book. I am trying to get this series finished because it will be on Hallmark Channel beginning the middle of the month.

Choice of Weapon by C. Marten-Zerf

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Garrett has spent most of his life as a soldier fighting in wars for other countries. He has given up fighting and has settled in the Highlands of Scotland. He gets a call from Sister Manon telling him that children are missing from the orphanage and no one will listen to her. Garrett goes to Africa to protect the children. C. Marten-Zerf has written an action packed thriller comparable to the kind James Patterson writes. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the good versus evil theme in the book.

Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a series, however, it is a standalone book as well. It starts when the characters are young. It’s the story of friendships, death, loss, and faith; along with the struggles that go along with them. I had a hard time putting it down.

Day-Day by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the sequel to Chop Chop. It is as good as the first book. Now living in Mexico, David and Laci are newlyweds. Laci volunteers in the Orphanage she had volunteered at when she was in school. David, an engineer, can work from anywhere. Laci unable to become pregnant again, they adopt a little boy, Dorito and a baby girl Lily who is deaf.

Pon, Pon by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues with Laci and David moving back to Cavendish.

The Other Brother by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

David is faced with the news that Charlotte, Greg’s little sister, has a half brother. He battles with feelings of jealousy since he has been like her brother since Greg’s death. He finally realizes that his place with Charlotte is secure and he is not being replaced.

Charlotte is Jordan’s girlfriend. Jordan is Tanners little brother. Chase is in the middle. Chase has been living in Chicago. Tanner finds out that he has Huntington’s Disease. Tanner gets tested and does not have it. This is kept from Charlotte and Jordan.

While volunteering at his son’s school. David meets a little girl who doesn’t talk. She has been treated like she is not very smart by her class mates and her teacher. David is helping the kids with their reading and writing skills using the computer. Amber shows David she is smart and can read. He finds out she is in foster care. She comes to school with her hair matted and she smells. Something is not right. David’s lifetime friend, Tanner and he begin to investigate on their own.

The Other Mothers by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

David has to deal with Charlotte becoming pregnant. She was dating Jordan, but the baby was not his. It was her ex-boyfriend’s baby. She planned to give the baby up for adoption. Jordan was crushed that she was pregnant and didn’t say anything to him.

Tanner and Jordan’s dad was found in his car in the lake. He had been missing for a few years.
The authorities suspected murder.

Gone by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book takes place twenty years after returning to Mexico. Laci and David are faced with sad news. As David deteriorates, Tanner retires from the high school and moves in with them to help care for David. David then develops cancer and continues to disappear in front of Laci and Tanner’s eyes. They have to say goodbye to David.

Alone by L.N. Cronk

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the last book in the series. There are however, companion books that go along with it. Here all the answers that were not given in the previous stories are found. Tanner tells this story. He continues to help Laci. He’s been in love with her since high school.

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I am anxious to read the companion books. This series has made me a fan of L.N. Cronk.

On A Night Like This by Barbara Freethy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of two people who grew up as next door neighbors. Sara and Aiden. She had had a crush on him since she was fourteen years old. At one point, when she was a senior, she had a chance with Aiden, but after a very hot kiss, he walked away. Sara was humiliated. Aiden continued on his path of a different girl every week into adulthood.

Sara returned to her childhood home for her father’s 65th birthday. He was so upset over her visit that he forgot he was cooking and the kitchen caught on fire. He ran through the house into the basement where he fell and broke his leg. She had not been home for years. She never heard from her father.

While the house was burning, Aiden ran in and rescued Sara and er father. She was surprised to see him. He was home, recovering from an injury he sustained while fighting a forest fire. In that same fire his best friend Kyle was killed. He was being blamed that he had done something wrong and Kyle’s death was his fault. Having fallen down a cliff and suffering a concussion, he had no memory of what happened.

Sara finds a box of pictures at her father’s house. While she looks through them, she discovers a little boy with her parents. She doesn’t recognize the house that’s in the picture. She sees the handsome smile of her father with the little boy. Finally she sees his name on the back of one of the pictures and it’s dated eight years before she was born. This shatters everything she thought she knew about her family and her life.

Sara and Aiden discover each other and they help each other through the pain of discovering the secrets Kyle and her father had.

I loved it.

As you can see I read a lot this week. With hubby under the weather I wasn’t really able to do much else. Have a good day and find something good to read.