Books You Can Feel Good About

Saturday, March 12, 2022

The Spark of Love by Amanda Cabot

1857

Alexandra had been raised by her Aunt, only seeing her father 2 weeks at a time when he visited. A would be suitor scares her, obviously after her inheritance money. She runs away, deliberately misleading everyone, and goes to where her father is in Texas. Gabe is a detective, hired to find her father, for personal reasons. Excellent story of people in Mesquite Springs Texas who befriend them both. This is the third in the series. It's not necessary to read then others first, but it adds to the feeling of warmth for this town and the people in it. Alexandra was right and is in more danger than she realizes, more than Gabe realizes. Excellent read of strength, tenacity, love and Christian faith.

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.

#TheSparkofLove #NetGalley

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Saturday, March 5, 2022

Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls by Lizzie Lane

Pretty much a slice of time for the girls who started out together as tobacco girls, close to the end of WW2. I hadn't read the previous books, but things were well explained, and it didn't hurt the story. It's nice to read of such close friendships, through everything that happens to them. With multiple characters in the book, there are several lives being lived, several lines to follow. Each has their own complicated story, as the point of view shifts from one to another. Nothing boring for sure. Keeps you wanting to pick it up again to see what's going to happen. Life is interesting in England during this part of the war, especially as so many men were stationed there, hailing from all over. Discrimination and racial inequality of the era is also touched on briefly, mainly coming from American citizens. An emotional roller coaster at times. Excellent read with just a few brief spots that would make someone who wants a clean read feel uncomfortable. A bit frustrating though as it cuts off somewhat abruptly, leaving you hanging until the next book to find out what happens.

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.

@BookandTonic #HeavenandHellfortheTobaccoGirls #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Friday, March 4, 2022

THE DARTMOOR GIRL by Tania Crosse

1952 Lily is 15 years old and on a small train going to live with a father she had never known about, who lives in a remote area. She had lived in London with her mother, but she just died. As she was dying, her mother left Lily a letter telling her who she really was. Quite a shock for a young girl alone. Even though she had quit school and had a job, the authorities wouldn't let her stay by herself. When she gets there, her father treats her as if he hates her. As time goes on Lily adjusts, meeting new people and learning very little at a time about her family. Her life is full of both tragedy and loving people who help her. She is resilient and a good, hard-working girl. Very interesting story as the people in her life are uncovered as she grows up in the after-war era of World War 2 then Korea. Very well told and hard to put down. Clean read until one or so page near the end, which was easy to flip over. Mystery, danger, heartache and love.
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.
#THEDARTMOORGIRL #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Tuesday, March 1, 2022

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

Searching for treasure on the Scillies islands. 1906 Christian Historical. Beth has been searching for the treasure that was part of her family's heritage, at first alone then joined by others. It's a pleasure getting to know so many characters from the previous book that carried over to this book and learn more about them. And their legends. Beth and Sheridan both have a need for adventure and seeking things buried. They, and others in the group, need to learn things about themselves, and to anchor themselves in faith and wisdom. These relationships, all kinds, are what make the stories so interesting. At first, I had trouble getting into the story, but about halfway through it started picking up pace and was difficult to put down all through the rest. Lots to think about. A pirate Prince and Island ladies romance has a telling.

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. #ToTreasureanHeiress #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My Reviews

THE GIRL AT HOLLY COTTAGE by Tania Crosse

1955 Anna is a young girl who overcame every hardship that she was forced into, and found wonderful, loving people along the way. She started out with an abusive father, a result of an accident he had had, her mother was killed, and she had to run away. She found a job where she excelled, working at an aristocrat's manor, until the heir changed that for her. But she found wonderful elderly Queenie who helped her during one of the most difficult times of her life. Brought down many times, she perseveres and makes it through. Excellent read, hard to put down.

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.

#THEGIRLATHOLLYCOTTAGE #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews

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

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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