Review of "Tattler's Branch" by Jan Watson

We return to Skip Rock in the early 1900's, where we find Lily Corbett Still has grown up, married Tern, and is practicing medicine in her small town. Although she is brilliant, she sometimes possesses more passion and good intentions than sense! And so, she eventually finds herself entangled in a mystery that includes a bad guy, a baby, and mental illness. I especially enjoyed the strong characters and medical references of the time - thanks to the author for her research!

Jan Watson is a wonderful storyteller, and I am so glad she decided to continue Lily's story. I also appreciate that although she has numerous other books that include these characters, they all can essentially be stand alone titles. However, if you have yet to read any I would recommend starting at the beginning, because it will give you a greater perspective and depth! They are all still great on their own - you decide. Enjoy!

Review of "The Sentinels of Andersonville" by Tracy Groot

I am so glad I read this book. It took me quite a while to "settle in" and really enjoy it, but I am thankful I stuck it through!  A story heavily based in the reality of Andersonville Prison in Georgia, which (especially towards the end of the Civil War), was literally hell on earth. Housing close to a total of 50,000 (in and out) prisoners, the number of men who died there are so high that they are almost unfathomable. Most died of starvation or exposure to the outside elements. Disease ran rampant and at Andersonville, the conditions are not something that anyone would describe as livable - war or no.

The author posts a "note to the reader" at the beginning of the book that is a warning of sorts - and truly, the descriptions of what happened there are hard to read. However, they happened. And may we all take a note to ourselves that this should not ever be repeated. For that reason alone I would suggest you read this book. However, her sense of humor is wickedly depicted, and her characters are real and interesting. Please read this book. You, as I, will be glad you did.

Review of "The Midwife" by Jolina Petersheim

Several time periods, lives, and mysteries are woven together masterfully in Jolina Petersheim's second novel, "The Midwife."  This beautifully complex story bounces back and forth between 1996 and present day as we learn about Beth Winslow's deep heartache that stems from her mothers' abandonment. A graduate student hoping to pursue a PhD in bioethics, she agrees to be a surrogate for her professor-and so begins a long and winding path she never expected to take.

I could say so much more about the story and its characters but hesitate to even accidentally give anything away. Please, run to your bookstore or favorite ebook app and get this book (along with "The Outcast", please) right away!

Review of "Born of Persuasion" by Jessica Dotta

A great beginning to the "Price of Privilege" series by a favorite new author, Jessica Dotta's period piece about London society, its rules, and the life of a young woman in the mid- 1800's is rich in description, characterization, and depth of story. I was engaged from page one and she did not disappoint throughout. 

Set in the Regency era, our heroine, Julia, is the daughter of renowned atheist William Elliston. As such she too has (shockingly for the time) scorned God. Both he and now her mother are deceased, so Julia's unknown and untrusted guardian has come into the picture. Julia knows action must be taken to secure her future but does not know whom she can truly trust. Full of suspense and intrigue (they were tricky back then, the English! -everything has more than one meaning), she must discover for herself which course to follow. Can Mr Macy be trusted? Does Edward truly love her? Why did no one tell her William Elliston is not who she thought? Just who is her mysterious guardian?

I can't say enough how much I loved this book. I am eager to get my hands on the next one and anything else by this author, for that matter!

Review of "All For a Story" by Allison Pittman

Monica Bisbaine is a flapper girl and newspaper columnist who wants so much more for her life, yet she continues to settle. Personally, she is scandalously dating a married man (to her credit, she didn't know he was married when he first pursued her; however now that she knows she is unwilling to break it off). Professionally, she skates on the edge of danger with the gossip column she writes anonymously for a local paper, "Monkey Business" -telling all the social hotspots (including speakeasies).

When the paper's owner dies unexpectedly, his distant nephew Maximilian Moore inherits the estate, such as it is, including the newspaper. He moves to DC from California and begins to make some changes. Although Monica is not happy with all of his decisions, she is drawn to him for reasons she struggles to understand.

As always, Ms. Pittman provides great characters and a rich in history story that you will enjoy. Check out her other titles as well; you won't be disappointed!

Review of "What Did Jesus Really Mean When He Said To Follow Me?" by David Platt

'Follow Me' is a quick read that is jam packed with both truth and encouragement. Mr. Platt has a clear and concise way of communicating that will speak to all learning types. This booklet could easily be used as a way to share your faith, or simply as an encouragement to you teaching some basic principles so central to following Christ, yet they are easily ignored or set aside for many. It is convicting in the best way possible. I can easily recommend it - you'll likely want/need more than just one!!

Review of "Heart of the Country" by Rene Gutteridge

Although I was fully prepared to love this book and be engaged, as I really enjoy Ms. Gutteridge's writing and sense of humor, I had such a hard time not only getting in to this book, but truly liking it as we went along.

Luke and Faith are madly in love; he from a wealthy family, she, a small town girl. It seems to be a match none the less, and for a while their lives are idyllic. However, Luke is busted for what seems to be his part in a Ponzi scheme, and when Faith finds out she literally hits the road to go back "home"  - not really even listening to his explanation. Her problems are compounded when she arrives, as she finds out her father is very sick and her sister is not terribly interested in having a relationship with her.

A contemporary take on the story of the prodigal, this book was readable but not fully engaging or even especially memorable for me personally.