The Rose and the Thistle

by Laura Frantz

Rating: 5 out of 5.

“You made a formidable prisoner even though you were half in love with me from the first.”

The Rose and the Thistle

Whether it be the blood within my veins from generations gone by or the simple, wild beauty and mystery of the island… I am drawn to any book set in picturesque Scotland. Now, a book written by one of my favorite authors AND set in my dream travel destination is an instant YES for me!

If you have followed me for any sort of time period… or have had a conversation with me for longer than 5 minutes, you will know my love of Laura Frantz’s novels. While pure and sweet romances, they always contain a human quality to them.

Heartbreak, loss, fear, relationship strains, danger, intrigue… 

The Rose and the Thistle reminds me of the Beauty and Beast trope. Which is honestly a favorite of mine. Don’t get me wrong, “love at first sight” is a real-life dream of mine, but reading about a change of dislike (or at least irrelevant regard) to deep and passionate love (especially in a romance novel when you know that their hearts will soon long for the other). Hm Hm Hm! Swoon-worthy! 

Socks say: “Go Away… I’m Reading!” OR “I’m Reading… Go Away!”

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies–and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

To those first opening the book, I will admit that it does take a while for the two characters to meet and then a little while after that till they begin to interact regularly so hold on because Frantz does a beautiful job of setting the stage. The wait simply heightened the depth of how much their lives change throughout the story. 

Lady Blythe is lonely and aimless. Her father is on the run. She is now hiding out in a tower in the lowlands of Scotland with strangers. No marriage prospects. No future plans. Don’t get me wrong, she is a very accomplished woman. She uses her time to the fullest. Learns multiple languages, reads avidly and is incredibly brilliant. BUT alone in the world. 

Lord Everard is rather much the same. Although rather busy and has a lot of weight on his shoulders in terms of the earldom and family matters, he is alone and in sore need of companionship and love.

The story does progress well and as with any novel by Laura Frantz, there are many more twists and turns that move the story in a very different direction than the reader assumes. 

I’d recommend curling up by the fireplace with a cup of coffee and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra playlist (specifically the Mary Queen of Scots song), and journey back to 1715 Scotland… you’ll thank me later!

I had this song on repeat throughout MOST of the book. For the rest, I listened to the soundtrack to Poldark.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

For more reviews and recommendations, check out christianbooklover.com or @christianbooklover | The Red Review on Instagram!

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

***5 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to ReRead

Shadows of Swanford Abbey

by Julie Klassen

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

“The part of the abbey you inhabit is undoubtedly haunted.”

Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

Murder. Mystery. Love. Haunted Abbey.

Personally, I have never been one to read murder mystery novels. Although I do love intrigue, I just didn’t enjoy the stress of trying to figure out “whodunit” in the length of a book. BUT after reading this novel, I am changing my tune!

Instead of feeling stressed, I rather felt drawn into the story. Constantly picking apart every scene, every spoken word, every flashback. It drew me in until I couldn’t read due to the lateness of the hour.

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother’s desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey’s cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past–including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick–magistrate, widower, and former neighbor–who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . .

The backdrop of the old and ancient abbey made this story even more intriguing. I was constantly waiting for a ghost to jump out of the painted portraits or something to that effect. Furthermore, as a medieval fanatic, I found myself fascinated with its history. I am curious if the abbess and the abbey were based on true events? 

Rebecca Lane was a character I rather liked. She made the best of every situation, even when tasked with a rather challenging mission. Her battle between truth and honesty and that of a family and obligation kept me arguing with myself on what path she should take. I won’t say more in an effort to not give anything away! But what would you do?

Sir Fredrick is methodical and calculating, which works well when you are the magistrate. Although he does seek justice, I appreciated his balance of both duty and protection. His love for Rebecca is very evident to the reader, even when it’s not known to him.

Outside of the overarching murder mystery, there is such depth to this story. It is not until well into the book that the murder takes place. I say this now not because I want to spoil the story for you, but rather because I feel you will be able to relax more than I did. In order for the story to have such mystery, you need a variety of characters with all of their own backstories and ties to the victim. Simply use this time to glean as much as you can, and start questioning all of them from the beginning. 

Writing this story now makes me want to reread just to see if I would catch anything different this time, knowing what I know now!

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️💔

***4.5 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to ReRead (.5)

A Heart Adrift

by Laura Frantz

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“Did she realize she held his heart? Not just a piece of it. The entire whole of it.”

A Heart Adrift

Four years ago, I came across an audiobook that I honestly could not stop. I was finishing my senior year of college. I had classes all day except for a short lunch break. I was so engrossed in my book that during my lunch break, I rushed to the friend’s house I was staying with and listened during every moment, all the way until my professor started lecturing. 

This book was Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz. 

Needless to say, I am quite a fan of Laura Frantz’s writing. Although I definitely have my favorites, there is not one of her books that I wouldn’t put in my top favorite books. Her writing style, depth of characters, sense of inner turmoil, heart-stopping romance, and the true twists and turns that leave you eager for more, are just a few of the reasons why she is one of the greats. Her stories never progress the way I think they will, but always end leaving me satisfied and full of hope. I apologize to all of your families now as it’ll be a while till they see you again! 

The same can be said of Frantz’s latest release, A Heart Adrift. 

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she’s never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril–on the sea and in the heart–in this redemptive, romantic story.

Loss. Death. Broken Expectations. Love. Danger. 

Old warship sailing the sea and struggling in a heavy storm.

Anyone who has ever experienced the pain of broken expectations and love will not only relate to Esmée and Henri, but will find hope in their story. Life does not progress in the way that we think it would, nor would choose. But God is a God of redemption and restoration. Both characters experienced years of heartbreak and unfulfillment, but instead of becoming bitter and hardened by the passing of years, they grow in their faith and maintain their compassion. 

I will admit, the first portion of the book is slow going. But I think it was honestly due to my desire for the characters to become reacquainted. When they began to move towards each other, geographically, I started speed reading to get to that moment where their eyes lock after 10 years apart. 

The story does progress well and as with any novel by Laura Frantz, there are many more twists and turns that move the story in a very different direction than the reader assumes. 

I read this new release during a winter storm in the warmth and comfort of a bubble bath. My book definitely demonstrates my journey through its pages with its many watermarks and warped pages, which simply endears this book further with me. Does anybody else have books that have seen such love as well? It’s always a joke with my father (a fellow book fanatic) that the more clearly used a book is the more valuable it becomes!

I’d recommend curling up by the fireplace with a cup of coffee and your favorite chocolate, and journey back to 1755 Virginia… you’ll thank me later!

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

For more reviews and recommendations, check out christianbooklover.com or @christianbooklover | The Red Review on Instagram!

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

***4 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop (.5), Desire to ReRead (.5)

Never Leave Me (Waters of Time Book 2)

by Jody Hedlund

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“Whatever might lie ahead, they wouldn’t walk around the hardships and aim only for the wellsprings. Instead, they’d walk hand in hand through the difficulties, growing stronger together.”

Never Leave Me

I have long revered the writings of Jody Hedlund for years and have devoured every book of hers that I could get my greedy hands on. Ranging from fairytale retellings, historical fiction, biographies, and now time-travel romances, Hedlund’s books contain interest for every type of reader. 

With the second installment in the Waters of Time series, Hedlund has once again written a masterpiece. If you read Come Back To Me, the first book, then just like me, you were delighted to learn that Hedlund would continue the story of Ellen and Harrison.

So when I found out one of my favorite authors was writing a book about a

Ellen Creighton has suffered a terminal disease for years. Knowing that she would not live long, she has decided to live every day to its fullest, but never allowing her relationships to grow beyond friendship. 

Harrison has plans of his own, and it does not involve losing the love of his life, but rather gifting her with holy water so that she would heal. 

But what if that healing leads to even more danger? 

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he’s never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he’s desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug–including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Both Ellen and Harrison were characters to adore. Harrison’s undying love and devotion to Ellen was classic Hedlund. His love is one that every woman prays and longs for. Frustrating to the reader though, Ellen is completely oblivious to the greater depth of his feelings for her and also that which she is willing to admit of her own. 

Due to this, there were a few points that made it a little harder to enjoy the story. Unaccustomed to one of the characters already in love with another, their relationship seemed really off-balance. Unknowingly, Ellen misuses Harrison and it was very frustrating as the reader.

However, it was rather more realistic, and many will relate to both characters, having had similar relationships in real life. Not everyone falls at the same time, and often we let our fear hold us back from speaking truth. It can be much easier to keep our cards close to our chest, rather than it all on the table. Fearful of rejection, the unknown, loneliness, etc. 

Jody Hedlund, you have done it again. Another masterpiece! 

Recommendation: I would read the first book, Come Back to Me, before reading Never Leave Me. Although not impossible to track with the story, you would be much better served.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

*** 4 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop

There are several other great books by Jody Hedlund!

A Lady in Attendance

by Rachel Fordham

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“I believe if you love him, and I know you do, then you choose not to worry. You wake up each day and embrace your own story. And whatever the day holds, you make it wonderful. And the bad days you laugh about and put behind you. Besides, if you only ever dream, you’ll always wonder, and I can’t imagine that is a better way to live. Love the life you’re given. There will be long days and hard days and days when you both wonder how you’ll ever come together and be one. But those day will only make the other days more magical.”

A Lady in Attendance

Rachel Fordham has quickly become a favorite of mine. After reading A Life Once Dreamed, I knew that any book written by her would be an instant buy. No thought required. A Lady in Attendance only solidified her in my mind as a must read author.

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.

The best way to describe her books is unique.

The depth of characters, the secretive way she unfolds information, and a profound level of hope are distinct and a complete pleasure. It is only halfway through the story that you begin to glimpse the protagonist’s history. I always find myself saying just one more page because I hungrily await each new detail of her past.

To that effect, Hazel is no exception. We know that she spent 5 years in a reformatory, but do not know the reason until at least halfway through the book, but trust me that it is worth the wait. I almost appreciate not knowing at first, because I get to know her as who she is now, rather than who she used to be. It also helped bond the reader to Gilbert as he doesn’t know the real reason she holds back either. 

Furthermore, the story takes place in a dentist office in 1898, a time in which I honestly didn’t even think about dentist work, even though a good portion of the books I read take place during this era. I never considered what happened to those that had cavities, lost teeth, or broke a tooth. I really appreciated learning more about the science of the job, but also the beauty and the hope it brings.

Also, true to what I have experienced with Rachel’s previous writings, not only did I love the main characters, but also the secondary characters. I found much hope and excitement about the blooming love between other characters that I almost felt like this wasn’t just a story about Hazel and Gilbert but also of Ina and Duncan. 

Lastly, even though the characters have experienced great pain and heartache, the story leaves you full of joy and hope. A smile on my face up even though I had finished reading (which is always a sad moment for me!). 

Not only is Rachel a wonderful writer, but also woman. Go check out her instagram and feel inspired! 

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

***4 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline (.5), Unable to Stop (.5)

Come Back to Me (Waters of Time Book 1)

by Jody Hedlund

Rating: 5 out of 5.

“Come back to me.” The soft words floated in Marian’s consciousness. “I have loved you, Marian, as I have loved no other.”

Come Back to Me

Growing up, I hated reading. Truly being forced to read a particular book for school was my least favorite thing. Really being forced to do anything, but reading especially. When I was given Twilight for Christmas in 6th grade, it opened my eyes to a world beyond the natural, to the world of the imagination. A world in which I could be anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

After years of searching, and often stumbling upon the wrong types of books accidentally or books that were full of drama rather than great content, my world changed again. When I was about to graduate High School, I stumbled upon The River of Time Series by Lisa T Bergren. I was no longer bound to the modern era, but anytime I so wished. 

Instantly, time travel became my favorite trope. I felt more connected to a character who was ripped from the modern era and placed in history. I found myself dreaming about it happening to myself and creating various situations in which my attempts to blend in would be successful or disastrous. 

So when I found out one of my favorite authors was writing a book about a redhead time traveler who is taken to medieval England, I became ecstatic. Released in June 2021, this book was instantly read the moment I received it. Sadly, life became hectic over the past few months and I haven’t been able to sit down and review this wonderful new addition to the literary world.

However, good news for you. If you haven’t yet read Come Back to Me, now is the time because the second book in the series, Never Leave Me, will be coming out January 2022. 

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That’s exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father’s quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He’s left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he’s crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian’s rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Now, onto my thoughts on this book in particular. 

Time Travel Sequence:

I have made it my mission to read as many time travel stories as I can. Whenever I stumble upon one, I HAVE to buy it. It’s like the children’s book If You Give A Mouse a Cookie. Well for me, if I found a time travel book, I would have to buy it. And if I buy it, I have to read it. 

I have to say, I found Jody Hedlund’s take on how the character time travels realistic, unique, and refreshing. Sometimes authors never truly explain how it happens, or they say that God caused it to occur. This can be fine if the story focuses on the character rather than the plot. But Jody beautifully ties in true historical and biblical occurrences to explain why and how the characters are able to transcend linear time. I found myself googling a lot while reading the story to see what was factual and what was the author’s interpretation. What I found was a greater appreciation for Hedlund’s attention to detail and ability to tie in even the smallest detail to make the story even more realistic and enjoyable.

Characters:

Marian Creighton is a character you can pull for. She is smart, loving, compassionate, and strong. Her deep and unbending love for her sister makes her even more lovable. Especially when she has put her life on hold so much, that really she has no life. When faced with adversity, she stands strong and confident, even when faced with her own death.

William Durham is everything you’d want in a love interest. Despite his own hurt and regrets, he still leads with wisdom and grace. He is a wonderful match for Marian.

Their love story is everything you want and more. 

Attention to Detail:

From the historical detail and reasoning behind Marian’s ability to time travel, this story is packed full of vivid imagery that plays like a movie in your head. 

When I finished the book, I found myself researching the release of the second book. I am greatly looking forward to January when I will go back in time once more, and will hopefully meet Marian and Will once more.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

*** 5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to Reread

There are several other great books by Jody Hedlund!

Miriam’s Song

by Jill Eileen Smith

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

One of my favorite genres that I have recently discovered over this year of reviewing books is Biblical Fiction. Prior to reading my first Connilyn Cossette novel, I would have said I would not have enjoyed a book written during Biblical times as I would have worried over an author’s differing view of a bible character. For example, what if the writer wrote one of my favorites as wanting in some area, would I not connect with him/her as well? However, I have discovered a deep and wonderful beauty to reading biblical fiction. I feel as if a veil has been lifted and my understanding of not only the Bible character having have deepened, but also my love of God’s written word. I don’t know about you, but it can be easy to skim over various sections of the Bible (sorry Numbers, but it’s true…). But by reading an author’s well-researched interpretation of that time, traditions, culture, storyline, and characters, my appreciation for who they are and their walk with the Lord grows tenfold.

From the very beginning, Miriam has liven in her younger brother’s shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family’s secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation.

In her mind, she knows that she is serving both her God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privilege Moses has – to talk with God face-to-face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic novel to fill in the gaps in Miriam’s story, following her from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises He provides – in His own perfect timing.

If nothing else, by reading Miriam’s Song, I have a deeper and richer understanding of the Israelite’s time in Egypt as slaves. Smith could have gone into even greater detail of the depravity, harshness, and devastation of the time, but the simplicity in which she wrote about it was enough to give me a greater picture. It can be easy to view this time of slavery as a blip in history, but the amount of years in which the Israelites were in bondage is the same amount of time from the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth to this exact moment in time. This blows me away! 

ver the last few months, I have had an odd desire to read more about Miriam. I have seen various books about her such as the one by Mesu Andrews, but have yet to actually pick up such a book. When I heard about this new release, I was excited to begin my journey through the pages. I was quickly captured by Smith’s writing as well as the way in which she told the well-known story through the eyes of Moses’ sister.

I will be honest however to say that it was not my favorite. Although, for every argument in which I say why not, is another argument for the book. 

For example, instead of choosing a moment in time for the story to be told, it spans over a century. Now, this is a really unique concept for a book as most end the moment the guy gets the girl, but in Miriam’s Song, you get to see her entire life unfold starting at the age of 5. The downside however is that the chapters can quickly advance months, years, even multiple decades. I understand why the story had to be written this way as it would take forever to actually write out every detail of her life, but it did make it hard to connect to the characters. I was constantly changing who I knew the characters to be as they aged.

Furthermore, the story consistently changed point of view. Again, this is both a pro and a con. By writing in various points of view, we are able to see the story unfold in many ways. The reader is given the chance to better understand why the princess adopted the Hebrew boy, why Moses killed the Egyptian, and so forth. But, as the story was supposed to be from Miriam’s perspective, she rather felt like just another character, not the heroine. 

Lastly, I did not connect well with Miriam herself. I did at first, but because of the change of time and perspectives, I found her rather dull. She was always thinking about Moses, her family, the Israelites, etc. I never truly got to know her. She simply felt like just another character. 

I say all this in the hope that you will read the book yourself. That is my personal take on the story. You may view it differently and I love that! Books connect differently with each person. What I may love, you may not. What I may find fault with, you may appreciate. Miriam’s Song is well-written and capture’s the raw beauty of life. I feel inspired to learn more about this time in history and am excited to open my Bible to Exodus to learn more. 

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️💔

***3.5 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop (.5)

A Dance in Donegal

by Jennifer Deibel

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

I know you want what’s best for the lass, but I think y’er confusin’ the idea of best with the idea of safe.

A Dance in Donegal

One of my favorite aspects of reviewing novels is being apart of someone’s dream. If my review somehow inspires someone to read a book they would not have otherwise or even heard of, brings me such unspeakable joy. Reading Jennifer Deibel’s author note at the end made me appreciate her debut novel even more after hearing about her journey of getting A Dance in Donegal published. Jennifer, all I can say is the journey was worth it!

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother’s descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends–and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced–as she seeks to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

If you couldn’t tell, I am of Irish-descent 😉, so anytime I can get my hands on an Ireland-based book, I jump at the opportunity. Full of Irish culture, Gaelic, and superstitions, this new release is an interesting read. I often found myself daydreaming about a trip to Ireland and providing myself with countless reasons to just up and go. Someday I will find myself traversing the wild beauty of my red-headed descendants. 

Full of suspense and strange customs, A Dance in Donegal will keep you turning pages late into the night. While reading, I sometimes find myself knowing exactly what is going to happen next, but with this book, I was often wrong. When I would have gone right, Moira went left. When I would have said no, she said yes. She was real and raw. No perfection here, especially as her story progressed.

There were times I wish the story would have allowed Moira to experience more joy and acceptance, her existence in the town was quite sad. However, this only made her journey all that sweeter. Especially when it came to a kind and funny thatcher 😉 

The story progresses rather slow for the first half of the book, but trust me, the story picks up and will leave you hungry for more! Jennifer Deibel, I look forward to reading more wonderful tales from you in the future.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️💔

***3.5 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop (.5)

When Twilight Breaks

by Sarah Sundin

Rating: 5 out of 5.

“But there’s a mob. A violent mob.” His expression managed to be gentle and firm at the same time. “Yes, you can handle yourself. But you don’t have to handle it alone.”

When Twilight Breaks

About a year ago, I discovered Sarah Sundin when I came across The Land Beneath Us and I am so glad I did. The Queen of World War II is back at it again with another adventure-filled novel set at the beginning of the war in none other than the heart of it all – Germany! 

1938, World War II

Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country–or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she’ll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed–and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his Ph.D. in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party–to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can’t get off his mind.

Lately, I have been fascinated with World War II. My most recent book acquisitions have taken place in various locations and times of the war, but none quite as dangerous as a Semitic-descendent living in Germany as a brave journalist seeking to bring light to the darkness of the Nazi party. There are many reasons to love this latest release from best-selling author, Sarah Sundin. 

First of all, I loved all the historical detail Sarah Sundin has woven into the story. Specific names, laws, and events were both fascinating and horrifying! Through education and entertainment, we learn, in portion, the terror, inhumanity, and injustice of the socialist regime of the Nazi Party. Prior to reading, I would have said, I was pretty knowledgeable on the subject. However, I learned so much by reading this book. I knew more about when the United States joined the war, but very little about life in Germany before the war even began. When the future was unknown and the danger and hate seemed only a passing phase. I found myself wanting to journey through the words on the page and tell all those that I could of the horrors of the future. For the Jews to hurriedly seek a way out of the country, that not only were they losing employment, but everything.

Furthermore, while I read this book, I not only felt righteous anger as any reader would, I felt pulled into the story as if it were I who was running for my life. My palms began to sweat and my heart raced. I was so engrossed in the story that any sound I heard in real life, made me jump.

I really enjoyed Peter and Evelyn’s story. They made so many mistakes, but they remained strong and brave. There were times that I would have cowered in fear, but they continued to persevere. I really appreciated Peter’s persistence and patience. His pursuit of Evelyn reminded me of Jesus. Despite being rejected over and over, he continued to pursue her, even when he felt all hope was lost.

Sarah Sundin is such a gifted writer. I love how she seamlessly transitions between events in the story. She doesn’t write how I think she would at times. A chapter will end in one person’s POV and then switch to the next with a large gap of information, but instead of relaying all the details in chronological order, she beautifully writes all the missing details in such a way that feels more like the narrator’s reflections than “catching the reader up”. It continuously kept me on my toes and wonderfully built suspense. 

Lastly, I appreciated the added detail of the location and dates at the beginning of each chapter. It would have been difficult keeping track of all those details, but it sure came in handy as a reader. I often found myself scrolling back a few pages to figure out how much time had passed and where they were then. A nice addition.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

***5 Hearts: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to Re-read

A Castaway in Cornwall

by Julie Klassen

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“The news of the wreck it soon spread along shore, And women and men ran for gain; Thus numbers they harden each other the more, That love of curst money may reign.”

Religious tract by an anonymous clergyman, A Castaway in Cornwall

Back at it again with another instant favorite, Julie Klassen’s latest release will leave you hungry to the very end. 

Food for Thought: The most page-turning books not only have one overarching point of tension but also include a bunch of minor struggles and triumphs. I have been thinking about this while debating why one book is more engaging than another. This book is one such book. The overarching tension being the war and Laura’s desire for closer, with a multitude of obstacles to overcome. Originally read at the end of December, I had forgotten how many shifts to the story there were. The summary only touches the surface of the beginning of the story.

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast–known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors–Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents’ fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

Lonely and abandoned, Laura is a character that many readers will bond and empathize with. After the death of her parents, she is given into the care of an uncle through marriage whose second wife dislikes and disapproves of the girl. Just like the items she finds washed ashore, she too longs to feel as if she belongs and matters to someone. Despite the hardships in her life, Laura is caring, compassionate, and strong. Given the opportunity to trade places, I am not sure if I would be able to handle her life with such grace and fortitude. 

Heart wrenching and tragic, Alexander’s past both saddened me and endeared him as a character worth empathizing with. I don’t want to say too much in order to keep the mystery alive, but if you are so blessed as to read this new release, you will discover a character full of strength, devotion, and determination despite life’s unfair way of unfolding. 

If you don’t know this yet, then you should know… I love history. Whether it be ancient, medieval, or World War I, I love learning about other cultures, contrasting views of famous historical events, or even about a time in our history that I know little to nothing about. Despite having read many books set during the regency era, I do not know much about the Napoleonic War. Having studied it in school, I know the basic gist, but beyond that, I am at a loss. A Castaway in Cornwall not only provides insights into this time in history but tells the story from a unique angle. You’ll just have to read the story to figure out what angle to which I am referring 😉 

Furthermore, I do not know much about Cornwall so it was a nice addition to have the language and customs incorporated into the story. 

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

***4 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop