Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke

Captivating!
In Paris, American Claire and her boyfriend, who belongs to the French Resistance, are smuggling French Jewish children out of the country before they are invaded. She is all caught up in the romance of their life and hopes to become a great writer. She is sent alone with the children to the checkpoint, but her boyfriend and her contact don’t show up, so she is forced to get on the boat with the children. A harrowing story in itself, once ashore and again without a contact, she is practically abandoned when she remembers that she once heard that she had an Aunt in England. She knew little beyond the address and is finally taken there. It turns out to be a huge estate in the Lake District and a beautiful place for them to stay, except that her Aunt isn’t thrilled to see them and has been depressed by grief after the loss of her son and husband. Claire doesn’t know anything about children and find it difficult to be moved by them now that the romance of the situation is worn off. She finally gives up on the idea of going back to France. Of course the kids are scared, missing their families and need to be loved as well as cared for. The Americans aren’t received much better than the Jewish children by the community, which makes everything that much harder. Everyone is scared and wanting to protect themselves and their families. It’s a long process for Claire and her Aunt, with struggles and adventure they all learn to live together. David, another American, comes to stay with them for awhile and brings a fresh perspective to them all as well as a new love interest for Claire.  The story is beautifully told with lots of depth, danger, intrigue, love and life lessons in faith and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Tyndale Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

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Publisher's Description
For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the story lines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores, with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.

With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees . . . if Claire will stay to help. Though desperate to return to France and the man she loves, Claire has few options. But her tumultuous upbringing—spent in the refuge of novels with fictional friends—has ill-prepared her for the daily dramas of raising children, or for the way David Campbell, a fellow American boarder, challenges her notions of love. Nor could she foresee how the tentacles of war will invade their quiet haven, threatening all who have come to call Bluebell Wood home and risking the only family she’s ever known.

Set in England’s lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings

Sweet Christian Historical Romance that leaves you waiting for the next book. Endearing characters. I loved Louisa, who excelled as a singer but was not working in the best of places. When she hears that her brother is in trouble, she heads out to help him, stumbling on an opportunity that goes from misunderstanding to wonderful. Set at Historic Fort Reno, where an actual Cheyenne uprising did happen. Major Daniel Adams is known for having a stiff collar, but he soon finds himself grateful that Louisa is the governess to his two girls, although he can’t quite put his finger on what isn’t right about her. The girls begin to love and learn from Louisa, making it less likely that his mother-in-law will be able to take them away from him. For Louisa it’s a fabulous place to live where she can keep an eye on her brother and it opens a possibility for a new – more respectable – profession. Skillfully written and entertaining (as usual from Regina Jennings), leaving you holding your breath and cheering for Louisa all the way through.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From the Publisher:
Jennings Winningly Combines Humor, History, and Romance

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out.

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

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The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

Impossible to put down!

Another excellent story from Sarah Sundin. I just love all of the WW2 stories that Sarah has written and I consider myself blessed to receive a copy for review. This one takes place in England just before and during D-day, the invasion at Normandy. Dorothy and Wyatt are both working at headquarters to plan for the invasion, and later Wyatt is on one of the Destroyers. What a great insight into this time and place! So much went on that we would never know except for Sarah, and there is so much detail here. Then of course the characters are anything but boring. Both families are a bit of a mess, but the story is intricately woven and you get to love them all, British and American. Another great hit for Christian Historical fiction! Can’t wait for the next in the series!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Revell/Baker Publishing Group - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

From The Publisher:

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series.

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Target Israel Caught in the Crosshairs of the End Times by Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson

I read and loved the Left Behind books, where I first read Tim LaHaye’s work. This is a great factual book that breaks down Revelation and current events and makes things easier to understand.  It explains a lot about the Muslim faith and their goal. We need to know that Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Fact.

Quotes from the book:
“God’s promises to Abraham and Israel are unconditional and guaranteed through various covenants. A definite pattern for Israel’s future history was prophesied in Deuteronomy before the Jews set even one foot in the Promised Land.”

“There is no question that when Russia and her allies come down against Israel to wipe her out, that God will rescue her supernaturally and also prove that He is Lord of the Universe…He singles out four groups – mainly atheists and those who forget or reject God.”

We as believers should make every effort to tell people the Gospel of God’s grace so that as many people as possible will also become believers and escape the horrors of the Tribulation. This is an excellent book to show believers and non-believers what will happen – possibly very soon. There isn’t time to wait. The Rapture of the Church could happen any time, any day. We are told to keep looking up and waiting for Jesus to tell us “Come up here!”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

Description from the Publisher

As the conflicts in the Middle East grow in intensity, we cannot help but wonder what lies ahead for the nation of Israel and whether any of it means we are drawing closer to the last days.

In their exciting new book Target Israel, prophecy experts Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson explain why Israel is at the center of God’s prophetic plan for the future. As you carefully review the Scriptures with them, you’ll learn about…
the miracle of Israel’s modern-day existence, Israel’s unique purpose in the world, the ways in which
Israel serves as a super sign of the end times, the coming alliance of nations that will attempt to annihilate Israel, Christ’s return to Jerusalem to rule the world.

You’ll be inspired as you see how God will bring all His prophetic promises to pass, and be encouraged to share your faith with greater urgency in light of Christ’s second coming.

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The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Reminiscent of Jayne Eyre, Christian Historical fiction that you won’t want to end. Would make an excellent PBS movie with similarities to other English series. It’s great to be back to Ivy Hill, although I believe that you would enjoy the book without reading the previous books. The story involves more than one lady and their lives. They are ladies who were part of Society but for various reasons are no longer able to live that life and had to earn the means to support themselves. Many of us can identify with having a difficult path to walk, perhaps one that we did not expect, but with God’s Grace we find that He has provided for us and it’s not a bad life after all, in fact it was meant for us.

Rachel is able to stay with her friend Mercy in her family’s home after her parents move away. The ever helpful Ladies Tea and Knitting Society in Ivy Hill is a great help to the girls. They are business women as well and understand the struggles involved with having to support one’s self. Following their advice, Mercy is able to let Rachel start a circulating library in a couple of the rooms, which gives Rachel a way to support herself. But Mercy doesn’t realize that her mother has other plans for her. Rachel had thought she was going to marry Sir Timothy, but when her father ran into financial ruin, his family would no longer allow an affiliation with her. Since they are still living in the same area he does see and talk with her, and helps her in ways that he can. A donation of some books to her library opens up a whole new area for them, and ends up uncovering a secret they never would have dreamed of.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From the Publisher
New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance

Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

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