Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

Run to read this book!

I absolutely loved Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin. This was a novel I could not put down. One of those books that you can’t wait to get back to you. Germany has invaded the Netherlands. Aleida, who is controlled by her abusing husband, Sebastian, is in fear for her life. Not only due to the Nazis overtaking the Netherlands but because of her husband. Aleida is also in her fear for her son, Theo. Sebastian is ashamed of Theo and will not allow him to be seen. In the desperate hours Aleida is planning desperately to save herself and Theo. But will her plan work? What will happen to Theo. Will Aleida ever find true love? 

I could not put this book down! I found myself wanting to read more books by Sarah Sundin. This is a fantastic historical fiction romance. I highly recommend Embers in the London Sky. So many great twists and turns and it really moved me. I will be looking for more books by this author. Great plot an characters.

The Juliet Code

The Juliet Code is part of the Freddie and Grace mystery series by Pepper Basham. This story tells the tale of missing paintings as part of a collection set in the historic city of Venice. Freddie and Grace have finally arrived on their honeymoon. They are looking forward to spending time together. However, they quickly learn of a mystery of several paintings that make up the Juliet series. Several of these paintings have been lost  with a very high risk, most significantly death. They run into their friend Jack, who is working on the mystery of the Juliet paintings. Of course, Freddie and Grace are eager to help. However, is it worth the risk? Should they stop their honeymoon and help out Jack? What type of adventures await them?

This is definitely a true fiction Christian romance mystery. There are lots of details to discover in the story. I have to say I was a bit confused at times, but in the end, the story did come together. I did find it an enjoyable read. I would recommend to those who definitely prefer mystery. 

Capturing Hope by Angela K. Couch

Capturing Hope is part of the Heroines of World War II series by Angela K Couch. This book was the fantastic amazing fictional story story of Nadia. The story opens with Nadia and her father and a mysterious American photographer, named David. This is just when Germany is invading Poland. Nadia‘s father gives David specific instructions to safely help Nadia out of Poland. David is on a mission to get her out, but it ends there. Or will it? Along the way David and Nadia have compassionate hearts to help and save others. 

Although this is a difficult and deep subject, the author also made it a great fictional read. Using a very heartbreaking topic, the author was able to make it a very a interesting story. The author did leave me with a few questions at the end, but I did enjoy the story. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. I couldn't wait to read to find out how the story ended. Nadia's compassionate heart is an inspiration. I would highly recommend Capturing Hope by Angela Couch.

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

The Warsaw sisters by Amanda Barrett shares the heavy and heartbreaking story of two women in Poland during the German invasion starting in 1939. This heavy tale weaves the story of these two sisters, their loss, loves, their hardship, their secrets, and their tragedy. This is a deep book to read. Helena and Antonia are twins. They share everything, but will the German invasion prevent that? What will happen to the closeness they once shared? How far will they go? What will they do to survive?

I will admit I had trouble getting started with the story because of the heaviness. I would say this is definitely historical fiction with a lot of facts. Once I was able to get into the story, I could not put it down. I was enthralled. The story of Antonia and Helena, the tragedies they endure, and the twist and turns of the story were amazing. It is a heavy book, but is definitely worth the read. This is part of the World War II Poland series. Lots of historical information but also a wonderful read. I would highly recommend. 

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder

 I absolutely loved Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder! This historical romance novel was super intriguing! William Kensley knows his mother passed when he was born. He knows that his father will have nothing to do with him. He knows that his aunt and cousin despise him. When his grandfather passes away he is left with an inheritance and many questions. Those he has spent his entire life with raise questions and concerns about his history. Is his father really a wealthy estate owner? Does he really have a sister? What is his true birth story and the circumstances of his birth? Can William trust anyone?

As I said, I loved this book. I could not put it down and had to keep reading. The story line kept twisting with the unexpected. The author wrote in a very enthralling manner. I was hooked! I throughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hannah Linder! 

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele

The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele is a refreshing new Amish Christian Fiction. Barbara never quite fit in with her family. Her love for the outdoors and flowers does not coincide with her family's traditions of quilting and staying indoors. As Barbara is getting older, her parents send her off to Indiana to help her grandparents, specifically her grandmother, at her quilting shop. Barbara quickly realizes, yet again, that quilting is not for her. She does also not appreciate the rude young man who nearly ran her over once she arrive in Indiana. All she wants to do is return to her family and Kentucky. Will Barbara ever find her calling? Will she be able to work with the flowers that bring her such joy?

I found The Flower Quilter a unique Amish novel. It honestly had a different twist the the usual Amish fiction romance. I was hooked and could not put it down. Mindy writes in a new and refreshing way. There is a glossary of Amish terms in the beginning, which initially intimidated me, however, I found that I was able to decipher the jargon from the context and didn't really need it. I absolutely enjoyed the Flower Quilter and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend. 

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot

Against the Wind by Amanda cabinet is part of the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. While this is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first, although it is very helpful. Louisa Vaughan has returned to Sweetwater Crossing, but only for a few days. Her dreams and ambition to be a midwife, and doctor are not met with the most receptive attitudes in her hometown. She has been rejected in the past and is rejected again. However, on her return trip home, she finds an injured man along the road. As is her calling, Louisa takes care of him. Although she soon finds herself doing more than just taking care of him. 

I could not put this book down. I was so into the storyline and thoroughly enjoyed it. Amanda writes with intrigue and mystery. Against the Wind is action packed  as well as unexpected. This is an excellent book. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I highly recommend.

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni is the wonderful story of Cora Matthews and her newly inherited home. Cora’s world has been tuned upside down. Having broken off an engagement, the death of her mother and her unreconciled childhood have left her wondering what Moonberry Lake has to offer. Cora remembers visiting Moonberry Lake as a child. But why did her mother leave suddenly years ago and no longer have contact with her grandparents? Why did her mother leave her the family lodge upon her passing? What can she learn from this inheritance?

I loved this book! The story line was absolutely enthralling! I simply could not put it down. I kept reading to find out exactly what had happened to Cora and how she ended up in Moonberry Lake. Trying to solve the mystery of her inheritance and wondering if she will ever find true love was intriguing. So may characters to fulfill the story. I absolutely enjoyed it and recommend. I could not put it down. 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a wonderful story. Adelaide is living her normal life, although struggling since her mom has passed away. She struggles with her grief and trying to stay focused on her goals. Her living the conditions are less than desirable but she is grateful. However, she is thankful for her life and her friend Maya. All of a sudden Adelaide receives a notification based on a DNA test she had taken at one point. Could she really be the daughter of a King? Could she really be a princess? What is this principality that she could possibly be royalty for? Is this even legitimate? Will Adelaide give up all of her life to go and find out? Is it worth it?

This is an awesome fairytale story. I thoroughly enjoyed A Royal Christmas. It was a quick read, but such a fun holiday delight. In usual Melody Carslon style, it is well written and an exciting romance. I was intrigued by the story and couldn’t put the book down. I would highly recommend. 

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox is the amazing story of two strong and confident women. Beckett is a beekeeper, learning all that she has from her father. Her mother left her and her father at a young age. Suddenly her father passes away. Beckett receives information about a trust. She has no idea what is happening or why she received this information. Callie is helping her mother recover from addiction yet again. Will her mother successfully complete treatment? How many more times can Callie go through this. Why did Callie receive information about a trust?

I have to admit when I first started the book I was rather confused. After a few chapters, however, I was intrigued. I could not put the book down. I couldn’t wait to continue and read on. This is an amazing story well crafted by the author. I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more book by Amanda Cox!