The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin

Excitement. Riveting. Drama. Christian Historical Fiction.
I read at night to get to sleep, and again when I wake up during the night for the same reason. This book didn't work so well for that. This edge of your seat, just can't put it down story is pretty intense. Sarah's miniscule detail of WW2 brings it like watching a movie. Maybe because this isn't the first she's written or because of Sarah's daily Facebook posts about the War, this one particularly came to life for me. 

The Paxton brothers are good looking, strong, and competitive. When tragedy happens, it shakes up all three of them, their whole family, with actions that will rip them apart and forever shape their futures. This is the story of Adler, the middle son and the center of it all.

Violet dedicated her life to become a missionary overseas like her aunt, but circumstances after she signed up for the red cross twisted in a way that took her away from that dream.

Both young people have a lot to learn about themselves. Both are grounded in strong Christian faith and have to learn to give it all over to God. Adler has to allow himself to be forgiven, by God and others, and to take a backseat to his determination in order to learn to lead. You can't go wrong with any of Sarah's books. This one is fabulous. I can't give it a higher recommendation!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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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A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

 

This goes in the Love it! category.
In 1896 it was decided that New York City needed a bigger water supply,  so a reservoir was planned. Where they put it displaced 7 towns. They had to move - their towns were destroyed, leveled, with either a buy-out or eminent domain. This us a fictional compilation of what one of those towns might have gone through. A very close-knit town, one where everybody knew everybody else's business. And they never forgot. But they took care of one another too.

Eloise is from a wealthy family whose home overlooks this small town. She is from a very dysfunctional family and longs for a normal life like those who live in town. She gets to know Alex, a little too well for her guardian, and because of this they're both forced to leave the area and each other. Alex comes back first and eventually becomes Mayor. He's a bit of a dreamer. Eloise becomes an Accountant/CPA for the State and has to be involved with the takeover of the town as the reservoir is being planned. She's even more straight laced than ever, so the attraction that is still there with Alex is contrasted with their different personalities and being on opposite sides where the reservoir is concerned. It's all pretty much a hot mess for all the people involved, but there are lessons of faith and of getting along throughout. You'll be fully drawn into the characters' hearts, minds and struggles. I loved this book and highly recommend it. It's a really deep story with interesting twists and turns, some you'd never begin to guess. Be prepared, especially towards the end, to not be able to put it down. Plan for the time!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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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Someday people would probably even take this reservoir for granted and never realize the sacrifices made by thousands of people to make this engineering miracle possible.

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Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano

Oh to see this on the silver screen! Movies today aren't what they used to be, so this would be an excellent comeback. A full, rich story about poised Isadora, a society girl who ran away to be a housekeeper when her life was put in danger. Since it was the most unexpected thing for her to do, she should have been safe. But then she was expecting a Manor to run, not a farm, and of course she didn't really seem at first to fit in. I love the tomboy skills she has that are allowed to shine. Ian is a social climber looking to increase his fortune after being raised at Glory Manor. He was not expecting quite the disruptions that kept him in the country running the farm and out of the city where his best connections would be. In typical Jen Turano style, it's filled to the top with hilarious, rolling misevents and tender loving moments. Deeply satisfying to the end, which you won't want to happen. Don't you just love the cover? Honestly I think they need to allow 10 stars for some books.
I've said it before: Cheer up! Read a Jen Turano book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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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The Best of Intentions by Susan Anne Mason

An excellent story, when 3/4 through I couldn't put it down! Just after WWII was over, Grace had travelled from England to Toronto Canada. Once there she found that she had lost her sister, so she posed as a nanny to her nephew in order to be close to him. As a servant she was disdained by some of the family, yet her personality, faith and kindness drew her to others  - though they didn't know her secret or real social standing. You're brought into the depth of the hearts of this family and it doesn't disappoint. Grab the tissues towards the end though!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - 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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The MISSadventure Brides Collection

7 Daring Damsels Don’t Let the Norms of Their Eras Hold Them Back 
by Mary Davis, Cynthia Hickey, Kathleen E. Kovach, Debby Lee, Donna Schlachter, Marjorie Vawter, Kimberley Woodhouse 

What a different collection! All completely different stories, quite unique and very entertaining with a message of Christian faith within.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - 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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