Books You Can Feel Good About: February 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022

Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green

Note from the author: More passengers died on the SS Eastland than on the Titanic, although when counting crew, the Titanic did have a greater loss of life. Yet this shocking Chicago disaster seems to have largely faded from public memory.

Chicago 1915. Loved the others in the series, this third one is quite tense as well as endearing, doesn't disappoint. A twisted story of tragedy, trauma and mistaken identities, this is very much like an Elliott Ness or Dragnet story. Detailed sleuthing and entwined people. You have to love the truly good people in this book. And admire Olive's tenacity and courage. And melt a little over Erik and admire him too. Shows how people can do things for good reason, but they're still wrong. Brings to life the horrific sinking of the SS Eastland, while still tied to the dock, with thousands on board and no way off or out. Olive works as a life insurance agent but wants to move up into an investigator position. Mysteries and conflict appear in some of the most unlikely places and people in Olive's life. Thoroughly engaging, excellent read.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#DrawnbytheCurrent #NetGalley #JocelynGreen #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma

I found this story gripping right from the start. A Princess who had escaped from Russia when her husband was killed in front of her ran to Paris, where her husband had previously set things up for them to flee to. She gave birth to twin girls right after she got to Paris. She was pretty much still in shock 6 years later. She always been taken care of, had not been brought up to do anything, including take care of her girls. It wasn't done in Nobility. To feel more secure, she spent her days at the Louvre where a painting from her country hung, just looking at it. It was the only peace that she had in her life. Even though they lived in the same building, Georges got to know her there when he took over the job as janitor at the Louvre. He was a wounded war Vet on crutches, this a better job than he was able to find before. When her children are kidnapped, they become closer as they look for clues. Through it all she is brought to reality and begins to learn and change. She also brought him strength. Great story straight through.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#LisTolsma #SlashedCanvas #ChristianHistoricalFiction

My Reviews

The Oregon Trail Romance Collection

1800s Christian Historical Romance

Excellent choice for a book to get thoroughly lost in. It's hard to out down. Unique stories of the struggles involved with wagon trains and with relationships. Amazing creativity that brings the journey West alive.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheOregonTrailRomanceCollection #NetGalley

My reviews

ChristianBook

The Homestead Brides Collection 9 Pioneering Couples Risk All for Love and Land

Christian Historical Romance. Wow. What unique stories. A book of substance. The only thing in common between the stories was women who left home to make a new start. Interesting information contained in them, like what it took to make a soddy. Different areas of the country, each with pluses and minuses, each with beauty and danger. Nothing simple about any of the situations. It's easy to become completely immersed in each tale. Special people involved in quite individual lives, using their skills and adapting as needed, each with special people to love. Excellent, deep read.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheHomesteadBridesCollection #NetGalley

My reads

Sunday, February 6, 2022

A Joyful Christmas by Cynthia Hickey; Liz Johnson; Vickie McDonough; Liz Tolsma; Carrie Turansky; Erica Vetsch

Six very different Christian Historical Romance stories to keep you entertained and intrigued. Deep stories that don't seem short in the least. Fabulous authors do not disappoint. Great Christmas reading, or just to put you in a Christmassy mood.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AJoyfulChristmas #NetGalley

My reviews

ChristianBook

Saturday, February 5, 2022

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

1920 Galway Ireland. Lady Annabeth comes with her family from England, as new Landlords of Galway Manor. It's a time of Irish Revolutionary actions. Anna is bored with society things, has been given a year to decide whether to accept betrothal to the older man her father has set up for her. Her father is quite indulgent with her and arranges for her to apprentice at Claddagh Jeweller's shop. Their family had the ancestor who first designed the claddagh, handed down, with the legend, through the years. Steven has his own reasons to want the British out of their town. Having his father agree for him to teach Anna went against him. As they spend time together, they each learn about the other and the many untruths on each side. As Anna interacts unselfishly with the townspeople, they get to know her and like her. Throughout the story you see the give and take, the acceptance of each other and beauty of the Irish way of life. A true love story encompassing the legend of the claddagh, and God's way for us. As the author says, all are created in the image of God, therefore, all are valuable and hold purpose. Many examples of Irish culture are illustrated within the story. People on both sides give of themselves for the other. Christian Historical Romance.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheLadyofGalwayManor #NetGalley

My Reviews

ChristianBook

A Single Spark by Judith Miller

This story is set during the Civil war in Washington, Union territory. With men gone to fight, women went to work at jobs to support them. In this case, at an armory, making ammunition. It's interesting to learn how bullets were made, and the process. Clara is a young girl who works in the armory and is befriended by another girl and her brother. Clara and her mother live at a nearby boardinghouse. Her father was killed in battle, her brother hasn't been heard from. I've read other stories of war time; this has an interesting perspective. Christian values are a part of Clara and Joseph's lives, and their strength is built upon it. People you would be glad to call friends. Well told and twisting story, unfolding historical events as though you're there

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ASingleSpark #NetGalley

My reviews