I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
ISBN-13:9780800746025 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:03/04/2025 Pages:304
When life feels like it’s closing in around you, sometimes the solution is to open the doors wide and invite others in . . .
Jewel McKerry is on the brink of unraveling as she heads home to Oregon to help care for her father who has early-onset dementia. Her thirteen-year-old daughter is upset about the move. Her beekeeper dad is a humorous handful. Her mom is overworked and overwhelmed. Finances are stretched tight. And, according to her father, the neighbors are nothing but trouble.
Despite all of these challenges, Jewel takes on one more when she convinces her parents to turn their decrepit farmhouse into a B&B in order to make some needed money. Her old high school flame turned contractor steps in to help, but Jewel isn’t sure she can really trust him. And those “troublesome” neighbors? The handsome widower and his teenage daughter just might be the key to making all this work.
My Thoughts
This is a somewhat humorous and totally empathetic look at a family dealing with the dad having dementia and all of the problems that result from his illness. Jewell returns home to help out her mom with her dad and decides that changes have to be made and quickly in order to keep him safer. The two-story house that her parents have lived in for years will not work any longer for a man who continues to stumble and fall, so she resolves to turn the old house into a B & B and install her parents on a new manufactured home on the property nearby. The determination of Jewel to help her parents is heartwarming, even if she does seem to move faster than they can keep up with. I really enjoyed the multi-layered plot, with a teen daughter not wanting to move and having to establish new friendships, a mom with her own health problems, a neighbor who is helpful and kind but whom her dad does not like and a former classmate who is trying to strike up a new romance. Jewell manages to keep her eyes on her goal, get the help she needs and awakens to new insight into the lives of her parents and some self-discovery truths, too. I liked the dynamics between the realistic characters and the way they each had their own individual strengths that made the well-paced story work so well. I liked Jewell’s ability to think outside of the box and to be willing to make sacrifices for herself and Cooper in order to help out her parents. This is a wonderful story, with a hint of romance and a lot of love for family on every well-written page. Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own honest ones.
Rated G, Christian Fiction
About the Author
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, hosted byJustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Watch Your Back Series: Crossroads Suspense #3 Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink Release Date: March 5, 2025 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
You can’t watch your own back.
Private Investigator Avery Reynolds leads the charge to expose Tampa’s supposedly “extinct” mob. The crime boss responsible for her foster brother’s death is within her grasp—until she hits a wall in the form of Ethan Bridger, a Coast Guard veteran who unknowingly derails her sting operation. When the elusive “Big Eddie” comes out of hiding, he targets their mutual friends about to tie the knot.
Avery sets aside her angst toward Ethan to focus on ending the crime boss’s reign of terror. But working together exposes her trust issues and his PTSD stemming from a comrade’s tragedy. When Avery goes solo into a prisoner exchange operation, she discovers her vulnerability too late—and must lean on Ethan and the God she thought had abandoned her. But will that help reach her in time?
This faith-filled and compellingly suspense-filled novel had me on the edge of my seat and kept me totally engrossed in the story. The basic plot had lots of elements that made it entertaining and realistic, including a kidnapped child, a powerful crime boss, and a team of private investigators who are doggedly determined to carry out their responsibilities. Avery Reynolds is on the trail of “Big Eddie” but cannot quite catch him when he turns the tables on her by kidnapping her godchild. All bets are off when Ethan Bridger, a security specialist, finds out what is happening and makes it his personal mission to keep Avery safe and to help her capture the crime king. The characters were perfectly portrayed, especially Avery and her reluctance to accept the Lord as her Savior. Ethan and Avery are both on the same road, seeking salvation, kind of, but mostly just wanting to live their lives without interference. The action is non-stop with a quick pace and an amazing attention to details in the main plot as well as the sub-plots. I enjoyed the wedding scenes at the beginning that introduced the characters and allowed me to get to know them again. So, even if I had not read the previous books in the series, this one could have been enjoyed as a standalone. I like the way faith is included in the book and all of the loose ends are tied up, including bringing refugees from Cuba. There were a lot of twists and some really surprising developments as the story progressed. This is Christian romantic suspense at its best. Disclaimer I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Christian Fiction with intense suspense
About the Author
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. A former English teacher, she now designs curriculum for a Christian academy and spends most of her time at her favorite assignment to date: being a mom to her toddler. Her books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. She lives in the Tampa, Florida area with her husband and son.
Connect with Kristen by visitingkristenhogrefeparnell.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Watch Your Back & a $25 Amazon e-gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Paradise Alden’s childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then, life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered in the foster care system, her first love’s betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust—in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.
After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She’s hoping the wildlife refuge where she’s accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future, but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn’t responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father’s death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.
Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town’s moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.
My Thoughts
This novel is a wild ride in a wild animal sanctuary where the owner is being threatened and is in constant danger of being killed. That’s the scenario when Paradise comes back to Alabama to accept a job as a vet at the sanctuary and finds more than she bargained for. The layers in this book are numerous and all are equally memorable. Paradise is dealing with trauma in her childhood, betrayal by her best friend Blake (who happens to be the son of the sanctuary’s owner), and new trauma from being mauled by a big cat. Blake has his own issues to deal with as he takes seriously his commitment to his mom Jenna and his two half-brothers. All of the characters popped off the page and right into my imagination. I could picture Paradise with her “mane” of hair and the two precocious little boys who loved adventure. The mystery is in who is targeting the sanctuary and why. There are many twists and red herrings before the culprit is ultimately revealed, making the book absorbing and totally captivating. I enjoyed the themes of forgiveness, restoration, seeking truth, sacrifice, and family issues. I especially enjoyed seeing characters from a previous book who live in Tupelo Grove, from another series by Coble and Acker. The truth is I really enjoyed my journey through this fascinating book in which I learned a lot about wild animals and even more about human nature and how to make wiser choices. The faith foundation is obvious but not overwhelming to the storyline, but rather adding to the overall tale. I cannot wait for more in this series and to discover who will be featured next from the sanctuary or its environs! Disclaimer I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
Christian Fiction with Suspense, Rated PG
About the Author
Best-selling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 5 million books in print and her books have been on the USAToday bestseller list, the ECPA, CBA, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon bestseller lists. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel. But instead of ascending to the throne in a blaze of glory, he spent years running from Israel’s current king (his father-in-law) who repeatedly tried to kill him.
During this time, David laments to God: he has honest conversations about his situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore him. Psalm 59 is the result of one of those conversations.
David’s laments allowed him to express his grief, cry out for justice, and remember God’s faithfulness. Focusing on God’s faithfulness reminded David of God’s character, and knowing God’s character helped him hold onto hope. That’s why he could say, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)
Talking honestly with God helped David recognize that even though his current situation wasn’t good, God was still good, and still worthy of being worshiped. David believed that God was still in control, and that he would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises.
And one day, God’s promises did come to pass. But God didn’t waste the years David spent as a fugitive: instead, He used them to help David become the leader and warrior Israel needed. The setbacks David endured actually strengthened his character and prepared him for his future purpose. Although his circumstances were painful, God was faithful.
And God can—and will—be faithful with your life.
When you place your hope in Jesus, you never grieve in vain because the God who is now is also the God who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That’s why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory.
God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God.
So today, continue to draw closer to Him, and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him like David did.
My Thoughts
I have never liked the idea of turning lemon into lemonade or making the best of a bad situation. That seems like a lack of faith to me. I am not sure that there are any bad situations. Rather, I believe that bad things that happen are an opportunity to look for ways to praise God in it. Yes, I said look for them! Sometimes it is hard to see good things in the middle of an overwhelming situation, but He is always there. I emboldened the print of the lines that stood out to me in today’s devotional. God is forever and Jesus can take our setbacks and use them for His glory.
I recently had yet another health scare. I am not sure why these things have started happening when I am out of town, away from home and my regular doctors. But this is twice now in as many months, so God definitely has my attention. First of all, with my sister, I tried to remain calm and faith-filled. Yes, I had to go to the ER and was there all night alone. But I was praying and reciting scripture verses and received good care. I was honest with God, telling Him I was frustrated that this was happening and I had no idea how I was going to get back to my sister’s or what the real problem was. The doctor had told me that they were doing tests to make sure my single kidney was okay since I had an E Coli bacterial infection in my bladder. Well, I told God that was more than a little concerning, but I also told Him that He made me and I was sure that He could take care of me. So I was able to tell my sister when the hospital “taxi” took me back to her apartment that the hospital was efficient and all the people were kind. She is terrified of hospitals and as this is likely the one she would go to if something happens to her, I helped to reassure her that it is a safe space.
In Maryland, my blood pressure kept climbing and reached alarming highs, accompanied by a severe headache. So, on the eve of our granddaughter’s birthday, we headed to the ER (again). My specific prayer as I lay there waiting for tests to be completed and then for meds to work, I prayed to be able to be back at our son’s house for Penny’s birthday. I was honest, and told God how upset I was to once again be in the hospital, helpless about my condition. God answered as I was discharged just after midnight. Once again, I could assure the kids that I was okay and tell them that God had taken care of me. In a household where the only time God’s name seems to be mentioned is in the epithet of OMG, that was a big deal. The kids were happy I was there and amazed that I gave God the glory for it. So, is it a great experience to go to the ER with health issues? Of course not! It’s frightening and uncomfortable and not part of the plan for the out-of-town visit. But if one good thing comes from these unexpected interruptions in my plans for the week, then I am okay with that. I was able to share my mantra with my sister and my grandchildren: “Nothing is going to happen today that God and I cannot handle together.” I am not sure what they thought about it, but I hope I fed them enough to whet their appetites to know more. When it was time to leave, we gathered in a circle and prayed and the little ones who were there (home sick with strep), joined in enthusiastically. Baby steps, but steps nonetheless and I will take them. I am certain God did not put me on earth to be a Debbie Downer. I am here to spread His positive light regardless of my circumstances and I am doing my best to do so. So, you can call it lemons and lemonades. I will call it God’s giving me an opportunity to show others that I belong to Him and they can, too!
Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember—the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she must focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.
When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life—more than once—Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode.
But they’re not alone at the lodge. Someone doesn’t want Remi to remember what happened—and they will stop at nothing to see her dead.
MY THOUGHTS
The setting of a stormy coast in Washington state is perfect for the suspense that ramps up constantly in this book, even as the intensity of the storm increases. Remi Grant has lost a significant part of her memory and has sought refuge in a lodge on the coast, helping to manage the lodge while she tries to recover from amnesia. When she realizes that someone wants her to remember what happened on that army helicopter, she also starts to face danger from an unknown assailant. Hawk Beckett is staying at the lodge while he recovers from his own mishap in a helicopter and becomes Remi’s rescuer from several life-threatening situations. Together, the two of them set out to determine what has made Remi a threat to unknown powers and how they can neutralize that threat. The pace of this book is as fast as the powerful storm in the story and the characters are realistically portrayed and dynamic. I particularly enjoyed the research that the author included about the possible source of the villains and why they were coming after Remi. These details enriched the story with authenticity and added to the immersive drama. There are so many head-spinning twists and well-placed red herrings that I was thrilled to read a book that I could not guess what would happen next. The author is known for her riveting suspense and this heart-in-your-throat book did not disappoint. The romance is woven well into the story, but the main thrust of the book is the gripping suspense and the escalating tension that kept me completely engrossed by the story from beginning to end. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG-Intense Suspense
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and two-time Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at http://elizabethgoddard.com
“A charming cast of characters, a twisty mystery, and a diabolical killer make Nothing Ever Happens Here impossible to put down. A riveting page-turner with a sly sense of humor.” —Robyn Harding, internationally bestselling author of The Haters
Nothing ever happens in small towns…
When Shelby Dawson survives a harrowing attack that should have left her dead, she tries to move past it—for herself, and for her family. Fifteen months later, with the help of her best friend, Mackenzie, she finally feels safe again in the snowy Minnesota town she calls home. But when an anonymous note appears on her windshield bearing the same threats her attacker made, Shelby realizes that her nightmare has only just begun.
As new evidence surfaces, and a group of well-meaning senior citizens accidentally makes the case go viral online, the situation quickly goes from bad to worse. And with suspicious accidents targeting those closest to her happening all over town, Shelby can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched. Fighting to stay one step ahead of disaster, she finds herself asking the question on everyone’s lips: Who attacked her that night?
But Shelby isn’t the only one with questions. Mackenzie’s husband, Leo, vanished without a trace on that terrible night, and over a year later, no one knows why. Until a deep dive into his finances reveals a history of debts, mismanaged funds, and hidden accounts—one of which is still active. Their suspicion that Leo is still alive only complicates things further, though, and when another person connected to Shelby goes missing, she’s caught in a race against time before her attacker becomes a killer.
My Thoughts
This novel is like a roller coaster ride going around curves and downhill the entire time. The twists just keep coming and kept me guessing as a small town is faced with disappearances, money laundering and even a possible murder. Two friends, Mackenzie and Shelby, both face unimaginable crises. Mack’s husband is missing and Shelby is attacked the same night that Leo disappears. There are so many creative and original page-turning and head-spinning twists that I cannot explain without giving away too much of the plot, but suffice it to say that the story was engaging, fast-moving and written with an edge that kept me reading. There is also the comic relief provided by the elderly residents of Oleander, a residence operated by Shelby. These residents are smart and protective of Shelby and want to help solve the crimes going on around town but end up getting themselves in trouble for their efforts. I really enjoyed the characterization because it was spot on fascinating and totally realistic. The elderly were quirky, Shelby was terrified and Mack was understandably frantic about her missing husband and her financial situation. Even the secondary characters like the Shelby’s children and husband Clay were believable and authentically portrayed. I enjoyed the story with its intense suspense sprinkled into the drama of the friends. With a complex plot and a mystery to try to solve, the author did a fantastic job of pulling me into the story and not letting to until the satisfying ending. This would be a great book to discuss in a book group since the characters are so varied and the plot is so memorable. Disclaimer I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Contemporary Fiction, General Fiction, Rated PG-16
About the Author
Seraphina Nova Glass is an assistant professor of instruction and playwright in residence at the University of Texas, Arlington, where she teaches film studies and playwriting. Her novel On A Quiet Street was nominated for an Edgar Award, was a New York Times Summer Read, an Amazon Bestseller and Editor’s Pick, and also featured in the Boston Globe and Bustle. Publishers Weekly has named her “a writer to watch.” She’s also an award-winning playwright and holds an MFA degree in dramatic writing from Smith College and a second MFA in directing from the University of Idaho. She is a proud dog mom and loves to travel the world with her husband. She resides in Dallas, Texas.
“A fast-paced and vibrant wartime tale of holding on to love against the odds and learning to fight for the truth.” –Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
A Parisian department store, a mysterious necklace and a woman’s quest to unlock a decade-old mystery are at the center of this riveting novel of love and survival, from New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff
London, 1953. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is certain she has seen the necklace before worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe —and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war.
Following the trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boss Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Lévitan—a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison, and Helaine, a woman who was imprisoned there, torn apart from her husband when the Germans invaded France.
Louise races to find the connection between the necklace, the department store and Franny’s death. But nothing is as it seems, and there are forces determined to keep the truth buried forever. Inspired by the true story of Lévitan, Last Twilight in Paris is both a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours.
My Thoughts
This historical fiction novel includes a multi-layered plot, mesmerizing and realistic characters, dual timelines and two different points of view. The timelines are close together, in the 40’s during the war and in the 50’s following the war and I found this a unique perspective from most historical fiction. One narrator is Helaine, a Jew in Paris who is captured and forced to work in a former upscale department store. There she has to sort and sell things that the Nazis have confiscated from the Jewish people they have sent to prison camps. The second narrator is Louise, a housewife in London who finds a necklace that she saw on the day a good friend died during the war. Louise is determined to go on a quest to find the other half of the necklace and to find out what really happened the night that Franny died. There are a lot of characters, a great deal of history and a completely absorbing plot as Louise follows the clues to a resolution and Helaine’s story of forced labor and being away from her beloved husband are told. I enjoyed the details of the story, especially the way the layers dovetailed together seamlessly at the conclusion. I also liked meeting the characters who were realistically flawed, with love lives that were not perfect and their dreams that they tried to fulfill. This is a timeless story of persistence, friendship, loyalty and tragedy that is memorable and a great book for discussion. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. (Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”)
Historical Fiction with content about treatment of war prisoners, Rated PG
About the Author
Pam Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the NYT bestseller The Orphan’s Tale. She holds a degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her JD from UPenn. Her novels are inspired by her experiences working at the Pentagon and as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland. She lives with her husband and 3 children near Philadelphia, where she teaches law.
Helaine stumbled forward, unable to see through the black void that surrounded her. She could feel the shoulders of the others jostling on either side. The smell of unwashed bodies rose, mingling with Helaine’s own. Her hand brushed against a rough wall, scraping her knuckles. Someone ahead tripped and yelped.
Hours earlier, when Helaine had been brought from her underground cell at the police station into the adjacent holding area, she was surprised to see other women waiting. She had not encountered anyone since her arrest. She had studied the women, who looked to be from all walks of life, trying to discern some commonality among their varied ages and classes that had caused them to be here. There was only one: they were Jews. The yellow star they wore, whether soiled and crudely sewn onto a worn, secondhand dress or pressed crisply against the latest Parisian finery, was identical—and it made them all the same.
They had stood in the bare holding area, not daring to speak. Helaine was certain that her arrest had been some sort of mis take. She had done nothing wrong. They had to free her. But even as she thought this, she knew that the old world of being a French citizen with rights was long gone.
An hour passed, then two. There was nowhere to sit, and a few people dropped to the floor. An elderly woman dozed against the wall, mouth agape. But for the slight rise and fall of her chest, she might have been dead. Hunger gnawed at Helaine and she wished that she still had the baked goods she purchased at the market just before she was taken. The meager breads, which had seemed so pathetic days earlier, now would have been a feast. But her belongings had been confiscated at arrest.
Helaine looked upward through the thin slit of window near the ceiling. They were still in Paris. The sour smell from the city street and the sounds of cars and footsteps despite the curfew were familiar, if not comforting. How long they would stay here, she did not know. Helaine was torn. She did not want to remain in this empty room forever. Yet she also dreaded leaving, for wherever they were going would surely be worse.
Finally, the door had opened. “Sortir!” a voice ordered them out in native French, reminding Helaine that the policemen, who had brought them here and who were keeping them captive, were not Germans, but their own people.
Helaine had filed into the dimly lit corridor with the others. They exited the police station and stepped outside onto the pavement. At the sight of the familiar buildings and the street leading away from the station, Helaine momentarily considered fleeing. She had no idea, though, where she would go. She imagined running to her childhood home, debated whether her estranged mother would take her in or turn her away. But the women were heavily guarded and there was no real possibility of escape. Instead, Helaine breathed the fresh air in great gulps, sensing that she might not be in the open again for quite some time.
The women were herded up a ramp toward an awaiting truck. Helaine recoiled. They were being placed in the back part of the vehicle where goods should have been carried, not people. Helaine wanted to protest but did not dare. Smells of stale grain and rotting meat, the truck’s previous cargo, assaulted her nose, mixing with her own stench in the warm air. It had been three days since she had bathed or changed and her dress was wrinkled and filthy, her once-luminous black curls dull and matted against her head.
When the women were all inside the truck, the back hatch shut with an ominous click. “Where are they taking us?” someone whispered. Silence. No one knew and they were all too afraid to venture a guess. They had heard the stories of the trains headed east to awful places from which no one ever returned. Helaine wondered how long the journey would be.
As they bumped along the Paris streets, Helaine’s bones, already sore from sleeping on the hard prison cell floor, cried out in pain. Her mouth was dry and her stomach empty. She wanted water and a meal, a hot bath. She wanted home.
If home was a place that even existed anymore. Helaine’s husband, Gabriel, was missing in Germany, his fate unknown. She had scarcely spoken with her parents since before the war. And Helaine herself had been taken without notice. Nobody knew that she had been arrested or had any idea where she had gone. It was as if she simply no longer existed.
To distract herself, Helaine tried to picture the route they were taking outside the windowless truck, down the boulevards she had just days earlier walked freely, past the cafés and shops. The familiar locations should have been some small comfort. But this might well be the last time she ever came this way, Helaine realized, and the thought only worsened her despair.
Several minutes later, the truck stopped with a screech. They were at a train station, Helaine guessed. The back hatch to the truck opened and the women peered out into pitch blackness. “Raus!” a voice commanded. That they were under the watch of Germans now seemed to confirm Helaine’s worst fears about where they were headed. “Schnell!” Someone let out a cry, a mix of the anguish and uncertainty they all felt.
The women clambered from the truck and Helaine stumbled, banging her knee and yelping. “Quiet,” a woman’s voice beside her cautioned fearfully. A hand reached out and helped her down the ramp with an unexpectedly gentle touch.
Outside the truck it was the tiniest bit lighter, and Helaine was just able to make out some sort of loading dock. The group moved forward into a large building.
Now Helaine found herself in complete darkness once more. This was how she had come to be in an unfamiliar building, shuffling forward blindly with a group of women she did not know, uncertain of where they were going or the fate that might befall them. She could see nothing, only feel the fear and confusion in the air around her. They seemed to be in some sort of corridor, pressed even more closely together than they had been. Helaine put her hand on the shoulder of the woman in front of her, trying hard not to fall again.
They were herded roughly through a doorway, into a room that was also unlit. No one moved or spoke. Helaine had heard rumors of mass executions, groups of people gassed or simply shot. The Germans might do that to them now. Her skin prickled. She thought of those she loved most, Gabriel and, despite everything that had happened, her parents. Helaine wanted their faces, not fear, to be her final thought.
Bright lights turned on suddenly, illuminating the space around them. “Mon Dieu!” someone behind her exclaimed softly. Helaine blinked her eyes, scarcely daring to believe what she saw. They were not in a camp or a prison at all. Instead, they were standing in the main showroom of what had once been one of the grandest department stores in Paris.
To escape the Nazis, she must become a spy. To save the Allied cause, must he betray his heart?
The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable–become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.
But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy–a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?
My Thoughts
The latest historical fiction novel by Sarah Sundin takes the readers to the Scottish shore during WWII. The story is fascinating, with meticulous details about the part Scotland played in the war as well as about several actual historical figures written into the plot. Cilla Van der Zee is a citizen from the Netherlands who plans to escape the Nazi oppression there by pretending to be a spy for them and by taking a U-boat to the Scottish shore. Unfortunately, she is apprehended by Lachlan, a young naval officer there, and then Cilla is forced to become a double agent instead of going to live with her aunt as was her original plan. The legend of the selkie which is woven into the story was completely engrossing. This novel was addictive and unputdownable, keeping me up late into the night since I was engrossed by the nail-biting suspense and the escalating tension as Cilla faces prison time or worse. The developing romance between Lachlan and Cilla is warm and believable, told with humorous banter between the two who start out as enemies and slowly become friends. The plot is deeply immersive, with historical details that enrich the story with their authenticity and made me want to know more, which the author nicely provided in an afterword that added to my enjoyment of the story. The author infuses the entire story with spiritual truths that include forgiveness, mercy, grace and compassion. I really liked the sibling rivalry between Neil and Lachlan that formed an intriguing sub-plot as well as the cameo appearances of characters from a previous book. This book is a compelling read that was brilliantly written with a strong message of fortitude, clever plot twists and a remarkable attention to realism. I learned a lot about Scotland as I read and grew to appreciate the landscape, the use of lighthouses and the heroism of local people who just wanted to protect their homeland. Disclaimer I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. (Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”)
Historical Fiction, Christian novel, Rated PG due to war scenes
Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of Embers in the London Sky, The Sound of Light, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, and When Twilight Breaks, as well as the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information.
Imagine a community where honest people work together to fix brokenness. Every person you meet loves you authentically, and you love them in the same way. How would living in such a community change the way you think, feel, and act?
Jesus invites us into that kind of community. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
The Greek word for “hill” can also mean “mountain,” and in the ancient imagination, mountains were places where Heaven and Earth intersected—where people could encounter the gods. The ancient Hebrews understood mountains as unique spaces where God meets with humanity and where both dwell together as partners.
Abraham experiences divine testing and blessing on a mountain. God invites Moses up a mountain to receive instruction. And the prophet Isaiah uses mountain imagery to dream of a day when the Heaven-on-Earth space will expand beyond the mountain, filling the world with God’s Kingdom and vanquishing the darkness of evil.
This makes Jesus’ teaching truly wild! He’s saying that Heaven and Earth reunite through people—through us. When Jesus calls his followers a “city on a mountain,” he’s saying they will bring the mountaintop experience to the world. He’s inviting us to become mobile mountains, creating pockets of Heaven on Earth wherever we go.
We do this by letting go of the old ways of fighting our enemies and picking up the practices of Jesus—feeding the hungry, living justly, and loving people patiently. When this happens, the light of God’s way that leads to true life shines through us, piercing the darkness. So let’s find ways to be mobile mountain communities and participate in making God’s Kingdom shine brightly on Earth as it is in Heaven.
My Two Cents
The imagery in this devotional made me think about mountains in the Bible. Moses received the Ten Commandments on a Mountain and Jesus prayed on a hillside garden and then died on a hill, Golgotha. A mountain seems to be a place to meet God, to get direction from Him or to carry out His instructions to us. Instead, I think many of us, including me, have become immovable mountains. We have God’s truth inside us but we don’t go out to share it. We wait for people to come to us. Jesus didn’t stay on the mountainside praying. He left and went out among the people, ministering to their needs wherever He found them. Note that He found them; that means He was always looking, eyes open and heart ready to reach out and help others. I think we Christians are waiting for the sinful world to recognize their sin and come to us. I just don’t see that ever happening. People need to be told the truth before they can believe the truth. People need to know that there is a place to get closer to God before they can even attempt to do so. I like the line above that says we are to be “mobile mountains.” We bring God to people instead of expecting them to come to us and then we will tell them about God. Not many unchurched, unsaved people get up early on Sunday morning and head to church to hear God’s Word. Thus we need to lose our concept that if we make the church inviting enough, with enough programs and appealing worship, that they will come. It won’t happen…they don’t know what they are missing, and even worse, they don’t care. We need to take the gospel to them! Jesus didn’t say, “Sit in the church and wait for them to come.” Rather, He told us to go. We are to be the ones to carry His message to the world, not sit complacently and wait for a dying world to come to us. Tell your mountain to move…and get going with sharing His love and His sacrifice with everyone that God puts in your path. We can make a difference in the world if we will only realize that we are God’s testimony to the lost people; we are the conduit from them to God, until they come to know God personally themselves.
What do you think? Do you agree that we need to be a mobile mountain?
Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their New Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith . . .
When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Kramer, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time?
A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . .
Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.
My Thoughts
Jonny Shrock is not sure that he wants to be Amish, but he is sure that he enjoys coffee, so every day he goes to Treva Hershberger’s coffee shop before he goes to the bicycle shop where he works. The attraction between the two is predictable, but so much fun to read. I was completely absorbed in the drama surrounding them, especially Treva’s former relationship that left her feeling unlovable and Jonny’s health issues that made him wonder how long a future he would have. I fell in love with the characters and the setting, but the plot kept me reading to find out how they would work out all of their problems together. My favorite character was a secondary one, Matt Schrock, Jonny’s dad, who is a man seeking his own second chance at love as well as reconciliation with his children and parents. I admired his determination and humility as well as his deep love for family. This story is heartwarming and a lovely romance that is a fast and enjoyable read. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley as a member of the author’s advanced review team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G, General Christian Fiction
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.
Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.”
Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 