Review of The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

The Joy of Falling takes you on a journey with two women who have both lost their husbands in the same accident. The two sisters-in-law share the loss, but their grief and lives are very different. They, along with their husbands’ friend, decide to do an ultra-marathon that their husbands had signed up for in New Zealand. Neither are prepared for the challenges that this trip and marathon will present them with. Not only do the physical challenges of a multi-day 155-mile race hit them, but they must face fears, lost dreams, an unknown future, anger, and grief. Both ladies have hurts and memories, and must reconcile their past and present before they can face whatever the future brings. Their stories stir emotions and give a face to the pain that is lived out in the midst of loss. The New Zealand setting is vivid and realistic. (You may wish to travel there!) The story will touch your heart, and even as you feel their pain, you sense the hope found in faith and move forward with the characters in to a new and fuller life.

Review of The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

I had a hard time starting this because it tackles some hard issues. But as I read, I got immersed in the stories and in the characters’ lives. The details in this story deepen the story and make it real. This book is exquisite in taking 2 timelines and making them both go full circle to totally relate to each other. I had never heard about the lost friends published in a newspaper so past slaves could find family and others. This is a slice of history that is sad, but also showed people of incredible fortitude and strength who never gave up. It also shows people who truly care about others, both in the past and in more recent times. I can’t stop thinking about the story and all the characters in it. They have become real to me. It is a must read.

Review of A Mother's Secret by Gabrielle Meyer

A Mother’s Secret by Gabrielle Meyer

A Mother’s Secret has all the right elements for a good story. It has a beautiful setting (in my hometown!), a dilemma to solve, a jilted romance that begs for rekindling, and the sweetest children. I love that Gabe includes children in her stories! I also love how she uses the places she loves in her stories. I can envision all the scenes and can put myself into it. Her main character, Joy, is a mom and foster mom who has the privilege of living in a historical mansion to raise her family until her benefactor dies. Will she have to move? Her former boyfriend is charged with making sure the house is sold. How will they reconcile their past relationship when in a situation that sets them at odds? How do the children figure into all of it? It is a sweet story that makes you realize the value of relationships and home. It is an enjoyable read that gives you all the good feelings!

Review of The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze

The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze
Abby had waited long enough to find the man who was responsible for her father’s death, and by default, her mother’s as well. She would help to find him no matter what. If taking a job as a school teacher in Nebraska was how she could help catch him, she would do it. She enjoyed teaching, and even if it was different than she expected, she could handle it. She was unprepared though for her contact to be a past beau, one that had hurt her mightily. Life in the small town was a challenge. Relationships were strained at times. There were different expectations and rules than what she was used to. Yet the people were what made up the town and the children are what touched her heart. The story involves mystery, counterfeit money, intrigue and romance in a historical setting. Of course, weather plays a part in the story as evidenced by the title. The blizzard is based on a real life historical event. It is an enjoyable read with lots of historical tidbits in there to enjoy. I love the Mayflower Bride series and this is another story on the series that does not disappoint!