The Sky Beneath - Jason Warne

The memory of his Grandpa hauling a minivan away from a cliff-side, as if picking up a piece of paper, is revitalized in Adam’s memory when he visits him hospital.

A man who was his hero, is seemingly struggling to hold on to life.  But something isn’t right. And it’s highlighted when his grandfather asks him to pass him some pills when they’re alone.

Struggling with low blood sugar, Adam wonders whether he can talk to Dr. Bowie, but something holds him back. His Aunt Jessica and Uncle Deacon have always been there, ever since his parents died in that minivan, will they be there for him now?

All his life, Adam has wondered what was wrong. He knew something was going on, but he couldn’t define it. Flashes of his father asking him to run until he was lost, haunt him. What did all of that mean?

Events begin to unfold where Adam, finds a new strength that he was unaware of, a strength he was told to repress. When the love his life, Jaime, whom he has never actually told her how he felt, turns out to be the friend who always looked out for him. Together, with her boyfriend, Tim, the three escape the men chasing them.

Who are these men? What do they want? So many questions whirl around Adam’s young mind. The leader of the group, Jacob, is determined to find all Adam’s kind and destroy them, but to what end. Can Adam survive the fragility of this life?

It took me a while to get into this book. More than likely, because I am not a fan of science fiction, I didn’t take to this story straightaway. However, I felt the plot was good. It felt a little disjointed but Warne’s characters are all developed and the story has real depth and meaning. The overall theme of the story was love and friendship and family although it’s not immediately obvious. A recommended read for sci-fi fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Gathering the Threads (The Amish of Summer Grove, Bk 3) – Cindy Woodsmall

Returning to her Amish home, was a joyful event for Ariana Brenneman. And then, sitting at the family table, listening to her father dictate what was to be done, triggered an unease in the young woman.

Forced to live in the ‘Englisch’ world, when it was discovered, she was unintentionally swapped, at her birth, along with Skylar Nash, was an eye-opening situation. Relying on Quill Schlabach wasn’t an ideal, but he was her friend, despite the strained relationship, and he helped her out when she needed it.

Isaac, Ariana’s Amish father, is in disbelief that his daughter, would defy him, his authority. At least her relationship with Rudy (the man she plans to marry) is still going strong. His wife, Lovina, is worried that the two won’t see eye-to-eye. After all, Ariana now knows what it is to live in the Englisch world. Can they truly expect her to be the same?

Now that Ariana is back in the Amish world, will the fact that she wishes to keep the phone and occasionally contact Quill be condoned by the Bishop? And, how much more understanding will Rudy be about that aspect of her life?

Finding her feet, and her place, in the Brenneman family, as well as the Amish community, Skylar is on the road to recovery from drug addiction. Just as she feels that she has control back in her life, in walks Ariana. What happened to spending a whole year outside of this community? And how come her Englisch father, Nicholas, seems so much more understanding of Ariana’s woes than he ever was of hers?

Will the two ‘sisters’ find common ground? To be able to grow together in the Amish way? Whilst Ariana questions her belief in an (almost) oligarchical system, she knows her faith in God is unwavering. How can she be a part of two different worlds, when neither seem to want to understand the other?

In the last part of theSummer Grove series, the story is focused more on Ariana, rather than Skylar, but doesn’t fail to impress. Whilst it would be easy to tie up loose ends, Woodsmall, spins a thoughtful, absorbing story, that is far from predictable. I really enjoyed how she pushed Ariana's thinking, yet being respectful of the Amish culture. There were so many emotions for the characters in this final installment - frustration, anger, disbelief, love, hope,  happiness - that, as a reader, I was experiencing them along the way. As always, Woodsmall's characters have depth, personality and traits, that make them all endearing.

An excellent series and a highly recommended read for, not only, all fans of Amish and Christian fiction, but those who enjoy a really good story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from WaterBrookMultnomah as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 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.”

The Wish - Beverley Lewis

Leona Speicher and Gloria Gingerich became sister-friends as soon as Gloria and her family moved to Lancaster County.

Their arrival was just what Leona was looking for. Whilst she loved her family, she felt like a lonely child as her brother was older and married. Her parents were quiet, unassuming people. Unlike Gloria's parents, Jeannie and Joe, who seemed so much more alive and fun than her own.

When they unexpectedly leave Colerain, Leona is devastated and lost. How can they up and leave just like that? What happened and more importantly, would she ever see her sister again?

Tom Ebersol, the Deacons son, is certainly aware of one of the reasons for the Gingerich's sudden departure but it's not his place to say. And with Gloria's brother Adam out of the way, his deep affection for Leona can now be developed. But does her heart already belong to the other man. And what of  Orchard John, Leona's cousin? His heart was certainly captured by the pretty, freckled faced Gloria. 

Three years later and Leona doesn't think too much of her lost friendship and sister. Yet there are moments of sorrow when memories would flood back. Then suddenly she receives a letter from Gloria. The young woman has finally got in touch.

With sudden thought and action, Leona finds herself on her way to visit Gloria. She's turned 'fancy'. Will Leona find the same, sweet, girl in Arkansas? In the meantime, Tom is worried about this journey. What does it mean for them as a couple. Will her feelings for Adam resurface? In between their prayers to God for guidance there is the underlying wish for knowing what is best for those concerned.

This story of friendship, love, loyalty and ultimately faith has been beautifully told. Whilst I found the opening chapters stilted (in terms of flow of words, present day and memories), it soon became an engrossing novel. Lewis' characters are well rounded, thoughtful and real. It's an inspirational premise where it shows that someone's wish and faith for another person can allow them to do good. Leona's heart is true in helping her sister/friend return to the People but unbeknown to herself, it allowed her to see others, including her parents, in a different light. A recommended read for fans of Christian and Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House as part of their bloggers program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Quilted Heart : Three Novellas in One - Mona Hodgson

Elsa Brantenberg hosts a quilting circle in a riverside town on the outskirts of the town St. Charles, Missouri. The ladies that attend have experienced some form of heartache relating to the Civil War. Together they offer prayers and friendship as they each contemplate God's plan for them.

Dandelions on the Wind
Maren Johnson took a job on Mrs. Brantenberg's farm not expecting to call it home. Working on the farm and looking after both Elsa's granddaughter (Gabi) and the household, she is growing to love them both. As her love grows so her eyesight slowly fades. When Gabi's father returns, Rutherford 'Wooly' Wainwright, Maren sees it as an opportunity to get a paying job, save the money and return to Denmark to her family. But it seems that her plan isn't necessarily what God has in store for her. Should she accept His way or face an uncertain future?

Bending Towards the Sun
With unswerving loyalty to her father and her education, the last thing on Emilie's mind is love. But then a childhood friend returns from serving in the War. Unexpected feelings emerge and together with his charm and smile, the young woman's heart is captured. However, PaPa has other ideas and is not keen for his daughter to get involved with Quaid - even if he is hardworking and loyal to his family. How will Emilie choose between her beloved father and a future that includes a husband and a family?

Ripples Along the Shore
With all the talk of wagons going west and her husband dead Caroline has many options open to her. She could stay with her sister; but her husband with war injuries is bitter and bad tempered. If not for the sake of the children Caroline would have told him her exact thoughts. So when Garret Cowlishaw (a Confederate solider no less) turns up, the widow's reaction is hate. This Garret may not be the person solely responsible for her husbands death, but he fought on the side that killed him. Tempted to join the wagons there's little stopping her. But will God's love provide the answers she's looking for or will her fate be decided by a man, namely one Garret Cowlishaw.

This collection of three novella's is a gentle story that weaves together the lives of a small community that has been torn apart by war. Yet their faith and determination to carry on is heartwarming and inspiring. With Maren's conflicting emotions to stay or leave, Emilie's unwavering loyalty and dedication, and Caroline's concerns about perception. Each woman is facing their own trials but still very aware of others plight. Their bond is the quilting circle where the ever present, ever kind Mrs. Brantenberg with her deep faith manages to quell the fears of each woman.

This historical drama is so enjoyable it was difficult to put down. There's no high drama yet the author builds tension and apprehension to a happy satisfying conclusion. Each story has a strong lead character that appear true to life as well as being completely likable. It's a collection of heartwarming stories that remind us that despite the ravages of war, faith, loyalty and love always win out. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Blogging for Books program part of WaterBrookMultnomah publishing group. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Soy Sauce for Beginners - Kirstin Chen

Gretchen Lin, thirtysomething and drifting. She leaves San Francisco with a heavy, unsure heart. Her marriage has failed and heading back to Singapore is not what she wants either. At home is a mother with an alcohol problem and her father's soy sauce business.

The young woman has tried to avoid the messy situation but when she arrives, there are more things to consider, work out and resolve. Namely, where the Lin's handcrafted soy sauce company is heading, how to work alongside a money orientated uncle and cousin and how can she repair her marriage?

When her friend from America arrives to start a new job, tensions arise between them as well as her family and feeling even more unsure with her life, the brief affair she starts with the son of a client brings out a rebellious streak. Gretchen wonders if to return back to San Francisco to complete her studies or remain in Singapore to carry on the business of her grandfather.

With emotions in turmoil and childhood memories made clearer now she's an adult, can the Gretchen find a path that suits her and will she, once she's taken that route, find peace?

Chen's debut novel is a bag full of mixed emotions. She has a lot to consider - repair a broken marriage, finish school, become the new manager of a longstanding company - a lot; but until she is clear about what she wants to achieve is she any good to anyone? Her journey to reveal the answers is arduous but is that of her own making?

Whilst the characters met are certainly fascinating as is the process of making quality soy sauce, the plot itself seems a little lack lustre. It never seemed to really take off - a gentle flowing story. But perhaps that's intentional - Gretchen is herself drifting, trying to make one place her home, find contentment. The author's writing is unobtrusive and immediately draws you in. Descriptions are minimal but Gretchen's voice is strong and carries the story along nicely.

Overall it's an enjoyable story that embraces facing the harsh realities of life such as a frail mother and ebbing friendships. The main character is likable (although I didn't gel with her as such) and I'm sure many would be able to relate to someone in this tale. A recommended read.

An Ode for Orchids - James Fant

The four granddaughters of Ma Geneva were as precious to her as her orchids, if not more so. Karen, Cicley, Brooke and Dawn. They all converge at their grandmothers house each summer. As unruly as they want to be outside those four walls, inside they were attentive and did as they were told.

Each girl have their own personalities - Cicley always after a boy, twins Brook and Dawn the followers yet laid back; and Karen - introverted but still can speak her mind. Ma Geneva loves having them each summer and knows she needs to prepare them for the challenges that they will face in life.

After an incident that leaves Karen more dependent on prescription drugs, the girls drift apart. They meet again at Brooke's hen party only for Cicley to sever the friendship between her and Karen. Leading different lives - Dawn has a child from a known drug trafficker, Brooke is married and owns a successful barber shop, Cicley is promiscuous as ever but has wealth and status; while Karen still suffers from anxiety attacks and struggles to keep a boyfriend because she's made a pledge of virginity. Will Dawn be able to walk away from a bad relationship? Is Brooke's husband cheating and why does Cicley hate Karen with such passion?

From the opening pages, Fant's novel is filled with a vibrancy and charm that makes you continue reading. The four main characters are strong, mixed up girls who must each realize their own strengths to lead a happy life, but they have to go through a lot to reach that point. Written without ceremony, the author has captured four very different lives and portrayed a world where love, honesty and trust wins through.

This story has it all - addiction, hatred, attraction, love, excitement and spirit. A complex tale of failing relationships and budding love, I completely enjoyed this novel. There are a lot of names and I was a little confused in the beginning with what the relationships are e.g. whose mum was called Sue but it all slipped away as I became embroiled in the story. I found myself wanting to wake Dawn up, couldn't she see she was in a bad relationship? Cicley is not a likable at all but it dissipates when her reason for hating Karen is revealed. Overall a well written book. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.