The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter – Enjoyable Read and Likeable Characters

I enjoy reading Wanda E Brunstetter’s Amish novels and looked forward to reading her newest book The Beginner’s Quilt.  This book is actually a prequel to the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club book.

 

Emma is an outdoorsy young lady and she hasn’t picked up abilities of cooking, sewing, and quilting that are valued in the Amish community that would make her a suitable wife.  Her parents decided to send Emma to live with her grandparents over the summer to learn those skills.  While staying with her grandparents she meets a young man, Ivan.  While Ivan works in his in his father’s business, his interests are working on clocks.  While many men might overlook Emma, Ivan appreciates their shared interests in the outdoors.  Will Emma be able learn to cook and sew under the guidance of her grandmother?  Will Ivan be able to pursue the work he longs to do? 

 

I really enjoyed reading The Beginner’s Quilt.  I liked both Emma and Ivan’s characters.  It took a little while to get used to the “inner thoughts” of the characters.  I appreciated how I could see the characters growth and change over time.  I especially appreciated the grandparents and their fondness for their granddaughter.  I enjoyed the growing relationship between Emma and Ivan and was thrown for a loop when an unexpected obstacle arose that might derail their future together. 

 

When reading how Ivan and his family responded to the accusations made against him, it made me realize how different the non-Amish would handle the situation, especially today.  Will the truth be revealed?  Or will Ivan do what is considered right, even when his heart lies elsewhere?

 

I enjoyed reading The Beginner’s Quilt, both the story and the characters.  I was challenged to think how I would have responded in their situation.  Makes me want to read the other books in Wanda E Brunstetter’s quilt series.  If you enjoy Amish fiction, I encourage you to read The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter. 

 

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Beginner’s Quilt by Wanda E Brunstetter.  I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson – Mixed Emotions – Interesting but Challenging

After reading the synopsis of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson I wanted to read her newest book. 

The Lost Story of Via Belle has two timelines, 1940’s and 2006, and three heroines.  Olivia is a writer in the 1940’s.  Her pen name is Via Belle, and she is much beloved by her readers.  Izzy is a young college student at a university where Olivia was invited to speak about her writing.  Fast forward to 2006 and meet Harper who currently working as a housekeeper for a Hollywood producer.  Harper has ambitions to be a screenwriter and is hoping to get a break, if only someone will give her a chance.  But when her plan falls apart, she packs up and goes to Pennsylvania to stay at her aunt’s home.  Harper is hoping to find the right story that she can pore herself into and prove herself as a successful screenwriter.

The lives of these three women will intersect.  The lives of both Olivia, an older, wise and mature woman, and Izzy, a young and naïve woman, are impacted by Simon Farrow.  A man who may not be who he represents himself to be.  As Simon’s life starts to unravel and he loses control, their lives will be upended.  Sixty years later Harper starts digging into the mystery of what happened to Via Belle, hoping to find a story.  What she finds may be a whole lot closer to home than she could ever imagine.

When I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the characters and wondering how the story would turn out.  The dual timeline in this book took a little time to get used to.  My affinity for the various characters changed as the story progressed.  The character I struggled with the most was Harper, perhaps because of her immaturity and self-focus.  I was very surprised by the changes in Simon.  I struggled to understand why Oliva and Izzy were so slow to wake up to the truth that was staring them in the face. 

The story was interesting and there were some twists and turns I didn’t expect.  The book seemed to drag at the beginning and the end.  But in between I was drawn in by the story.

While there were aspects of faith in the story, it was not deep.  I found that surprising since Olivia had been married to a pastor.  At one point in the story, Oliva, “wanted to hear God’s whisper in the breeze.  Words that spoke to her heart.  Why had He stopped speaking to her?”  Reading that concerned me because doctrinally that is not sound theology.  Today, God has spoken to us through in the Bible, the word of God.  If Oliva wanted to hear God speak, she should have opened the Bible and read it out loud. 

There were aspects of the book that I liked and characters were interesting.  Yet, I didn’t fully understand the characters Olivia and Izzy and even Harper.  I would have liked to have seen the Christian faith better developed in the characters and storyline.

If you like mystery, intrigue, historical fiction, or are a fan of Melanie Dobson’s books, you may want to read The Lost Story of Via Belle.  This book will be published on April 14, 2026.

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart - Mixed Emotion – Action Packed, Suspenseful, But Struggled with the Moral Ambiguity

 

Riptide is the first book I’ve read by author Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  It’s the second book in the Silent Horizons series. 

 

Readers are introduced to Foster Quinn who is recruited by Texas billionaire Sterling Beaumont to investigate who killed his son.  What started out as an investigation becomes a quest for justice and revenge.  There may be many people who have benefitted financially by wars our Nation has engaged in.  There are some who have likely betrayed our Country and may have colluded with the enemy.

 

But where does defending our Nation and vowing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; cross over to one man’s revenge?  Someone who thinks he can render justice, but in reality, he is executing revenge.  That’s what I struggled with in this book.  That’s why we have a justice system.  Does it fail us?  Yes.  Will some escape justice this side of eternity?  Yes.  But when a person takes revenge based on their personal assessment of what’s right and wrong, that’s where we cross a line.

 

I found the character, Sterling Beaumont, very interesting and liked him as well as some of the other characters.  I struggled with Foster, mostly because of his moral ambiguity.  He turned his back on his family for reasons he justified.  The novel is marketed as a Christian book.  There not a lot that make me believe it was written from a Christian perspective.  Thankfully there was no profanity.

 

Mixed feelings on Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  It was a fast-paced novel with lots of twists and turns and suspense.  Some of the transitions in the storyline were abrupt.  The author was very detailed in his descriptions of scenes and actions, and it was a long book as a result.  Perhaps someone with a military background might like that aspect of this novel. 

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Riptide by Chad Robichaux with Jack Stewart.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Edge of Truth – by Janice Cantore – Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense

 
If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, you may want to read Janice Cantore’s newest book Edge of Truth. 

 

Lainie Jensen works for the Long Beach Police Department.  She’s a hardworking detective and committed to her work.  In recent years, Lainie has pull back in her relationship with her sister Evie, mostly because of Evie’s husband Stan.  But when news comes from Hawaii that she sister may have been kill in a shark attack, Lainie is going to investigate for herself.  Something is off and Stan’s story doesn’t make sense.  FBI Agent Ben Isaacs is also investigating Stan about his involvement in a money laundering operation.  Lainie and Ben’s investigations will overlap.  Will they be able to combine forces and get to the truth?  Will justice be delivered?

When Lainie started with the police force fifteen years earlier she had a difficult case in which the person escaped justice.  While she had to move forward, that case left a scar and it took a toll on her faith.  With her sister still missing, Lainie realizes that she needs to return to God.  Ben Isaacs is in the right place at the right time.  Not only to help with their interconnected investigations, but also to encourage Lainie’s faith in this time of trouble.  Will Lainie take a closer look at Ben, a man who is determined, committed, kind and caring.

 

Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore is filled with suspense, mystery, and intrigue and I especially enjoyed the setting in Long Beach.  I liked the growing relationship between Lainie and Ben and the professional relationships Lainie had with colleagues she had over the course of her career.  Also, Lainie’s love and care for her family.  Appreciated that this novel did not have profanity. 

 

Writer Janice Cantore is a former police officer from the Long Beach Police Department.  So, she brings realism to the story from a police perspective.  Edge of Truth will be released on February 17, 2026, and will be available online and at various retailers.  You can learn more about Janice and her books on her website: janicecantore.com. 

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin – Compelling and Fascinating

Sarah Sundin is one of the best historical fiction writers.  Was so excited to read her newest book Mists over the Channel Islands.  I had never read about the Channel Islands, nor knew about how they were impacted by the WWII battle again Nazi Germany. 

 

This book tells about the lives and experiences of people who lived on Jersey, one of the British Channel Islands, during WWII.  The story focuses on the Picots, and their family, friends, colleagues, and fellow islanders who had to endure living many years under the German occupation of their island.  It tells about those who left the island before the Germans invaded, those who stayed under the heavy hand of their oppressors and how every aspect of their lives was impacted.  What it was like when help seemed to be passing their island by, even as the war was winding down, and the Germans were facing certain defeat. 

 

Many of the characters were very likable and it was interesting to see how they responded, grew, and changed during the years of the occupation.  As weighty as the story was, it is not without hope.  In addition to the islanders, and German occupying forces, there are Dutch resistance members seeking to help the allies by sending information that will help bring the war to an end and defeat their enemy.  Who would cooperate and help the resistance in their fight?  Who would show compassion and give aid fellow countrymen and those whom the Germans were after, even when it meant risking their lives?  Would their relationships and friendships survive?  One can’t help but wonder how we would respond under those circumstances.

 

I highly recommend Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin.  Loved reading this book, the characters were interesting and relatable and the story was compelling. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Mists over the Channell Islands by Sarah Sundin.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Regenerative Gardener's Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch – Helpful, Informative and Enjoyable Gardening Resource

I recently discovered Briana Selstad Bosch’s gardening YouTube channel and have enjoyed learning some gardening tips and techniques from a flower farmer.  That’s why I wanted to read her first book The Regenerative Gardener's Handbook - Essential Techniques for Growing a Garden That Leaves the Land Healthier Than You Found It.

 

The focus of this book is about building up and supporting the foundation of your garden, the soil.  It was helpful to understand the difference between organic gardening and regenerative gardening and how various practices and techniques can help improve soil.  That in turn will help you grow healthy plants. 

 

Understanding the ecosystem of your garden can help you make choices that will benefit your garden.  Choices in fertilizers, to pest and disease control, and what plants you want to include can make a difference.  Whether you are a home gardener or farmer, taking good care of the soil is essential to being able to grow and care for healthy plants.  

 

Briana helps the reader to understand what we introduce into our garden can impact the health of our soil and plants.  From mulching to cover crops and weed management we can make choices strengthen our soil.  What we plant in our garden and how we manage it can impact the biodiversity.  I appreciated the simple charts and comparisons to help me make good choices for our garden. 

 

As a home gardener on a small lot, I may not be able to do all the recommendations a flower farmer can do.  But as I learn and implement good practices, use new techniques, introduce beneficial products into our garden, I can continue learn to grow and enjoy the plants and garden we are blessed to tend. 

 

I enjoyed reading The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch and look forward to continuing to learn about and implement practices that will benefit our garden.  If you are a home gardener or garden on a much bigger scale, you may enjoy and benefit on the information shared in this gardening resource. 

 

I would like to thank Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook by Briana Selstad Bosch.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Still Waters by Patricia Johns – Lovely and Enjoyable Read

 

Author Patricia Johns, is relatively new to me.  I enjoy Amish fiction and was excited to read her current novel Still Waters, the second book in The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill series.

 

Beth Peachy came to help her aging paternal grandmother get ready to move in with her family.  Beth has visited her grandmother many times and has made friends over the years.  She is looking forward to seeing Danny Lapp again, it has been a while since they had seen each other and both are young adults now.  Beth has been struggling and is not sure if she wants to remain a part of the Amish community.  Her faith is strong, but she is not sure if she would be better able to pursue the thing she enjoys outside the community she was raised in. 

 

Beth is hopeful that she can find out more about her Dad who had recently died.  Questions that only her grandmother Mammi, who has dementia, can answer.  All families have secrets, but time is running out for Beth to get to her questions answered. 

 

Tabitha Schrock, first introduced in Green Pastures the first book in the series, has returned to her Amish roots.  She is still trying to be accepted by the community, but with patience and perseverance she is hopeful that she can rebuild her life among family and friends.  With her unique perspective Tabitha may be able to help Beth make the best choices for her life. 

 

Still Waters was a lovely read.  I enjoyed the characters and relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the community.  It was interesting to see the dynamics of the relationships and how the past has impacted the present.  Even those secrets long ago hidden.

 

This story is made rich and full because of the characters and the relationships they have within the Amish community.  The mystery that is unraveled makes the story even more interesting.  The story draws you in and it was a very satisfying read.  Faith is a part of the character’s lives and story.  I appreciate that this is a clean novel.  I loved reading this book, I didn’t want it to end.  I highly recommend Still Waters by Patricia Johns.  I look forward to reading many more of her books.

 

I would like to thank Patricia Johns and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Still Waters.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte – Wonderful, Fascinating, Inspiring, and Insightful

As someone who loves reading about WWII history, I was excited to read Joseph Loconte’s new book The War for Middle-earth: J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933-1945.  This book shows impact of The Great War, on two men who fought in WWI, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis.  Great writers whose works have touched generations.  How the devastation they witnessed and experienced transformed how they viewed the world.

Their friendship with one another, and other like-minded men, helped anchor their Christian faith.  These men appreciated English literature and saw the value of myths and legends and how they impact cultures.  Together they were able to explore ideas, understand moral values rooted in truth, the knowledge of good and evil, and the importance of bravery in the face of impossible odds. 

While they were in Oxford England during WWII, their writings and lectures helped to battle the cultural moral decay that led to racism, anti-Semitism, eugenics, totalitarianism, and communism.

I loved reading The War for Middle-earth and learning about what impacted and influenced Tolkien and Lewis and how it resulted in their timeless writings that impacted their generation and beyond.  Eighty years later, people are still being touch and inspired by their novels. 

After reading The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte, I am looking forward to going back and rereading Tolkien and Lewis’ books, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia.  Reading the books will be even richer having learned what influenced these men and drove them write and create worlds from their imagination. 

The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte is a wonderful, fascinating, insightful, and inspiring book about J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.  Well researched and well written. 

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

    

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills – Interesting Read Filled with Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense

 
Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills is the first book I’ve read by this author and I didn’t know what to expect.  The description drew me in and the mystery, intrigue, and adventure kept me engaged.

 

Therese Palmer received a call from Professor Rurik Ivanov desperately seeking her help to find his daughter Alina who had been kidnapped.  With the few details he gave her, she knew she needed help.  Therese was certain that Rurik wasn’t forthcoming with the facts, and she reached out Texas Ranger Blane Gardner for help.  Between her wilderness survival skills and Blane’s hostage negotiating experience, perhaps they could do the impossible.  Could they safely rescue Alina from kidnappers who were hiding the Guadalupe Mountains National Park?  They were about to find out.

 

Canyon of Deceit was action packed and filled with mystery and intrigue, from beginning to end.  There was no shortage of action or bad guys from the Russian organized crime, to the drug traffickers, to the Russian government looking for one of their own who was seeking asylum in the United States.  The storyline was rather convoluted and instead of trying to figure it out, I went along and let the story unfold. 

 

Therese, Blane, Alina, were very likable characters.  My favorite was Blane’s boss Major Sergio Montoya and I would like to see a book with Sergio as the main character.  I enjoyed how the story was written in the characters’ own voices.  Rurik Ivanov was interesting, but I wasn’t sure if he had good intentions or why he continued to withhold information that would help get his daughter back safely.  I found the wilderness hiking and survival section very interesting.  The author does a good job describing the scenes. 

 

I appreciated that the Christian faith was a part of the storyline and the characters’ lives.  The story involved kidnapping, murder, espionage, defection, drug trafficking and more.  The violence mentioned in the book but it does not go in to graphic detail, but beware if that’s something you don’t want to read about.

 

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills was an interesting read and the storyline was engaging.  I would like to read more novels by this author.

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee – A Real Gem, Interesting Story and Well-Developed Characters

I absolutely loved reading The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee!  This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

 

The Women of Oak Ridge tells the story of two women.  Maebelle Willett, as a young woman in 1944, left her small town in Kentucky and went to work in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to help support her family.  The town was new, the work went on around the clock, the buildings were massive, and the mission was secret.  In 1979, Laurel Willett, Maebelle’s niece, goes to visit her aunt whom she had not seen in many years.  After learning about the secret work that went on in Oak Ridge, to develop the atomic bomb, Laurel was interested in talking to the people that lived and worked there.  She wanted to know what their experience was like and their feelings about the work they did that helped end the war. 

 

Laurel is hopeful her Aunt Maebelle will want to share about her experiences.  But she is surprised to find her aunt refuses to talk about that time in her life.  She has built a good life for herself and is a part of her community.  But talking about her work during WWII is off-limits.  Thankfully, some of Maebelle’s friends are happy to share about their time working there and Laurel has access to historical records to help with her research for her dissertation. 

 

This book was well written.  The storyline and characters were exceptionally well developed.  The main characters were very likable, even when they made unwise choices, it was part of the storyline, not to put the characters in peril.  I liked how the story came full circle and we got to see how Maebelle finally came to terms with what she experienced and decisions she made. 

 

As a Christian, I greatly appreciate that the Gospel message was included in the story.  The main characters were believers.  Though one of them had lived with secrets that imprisoned her with guilt for years, there came a time for her to confront her sin and repent.  Would she have the courage to do that or would she choose to keep the past hidden?  But at what cost? 

The Women of Oak Ridge is a gem.  From the storyline, to the characters, and the history, the story was well written.  It was made even more beautiful by the friendships, caring family relationships, and faith interwoven into their lives. 

 

One other element I appreciated in this book was how women were portrayed.  Laurel is a doctoral student and has worked hard to achieve her goal.  But her dad encourages her to be open to what God may have for her life beyond her career ambitions.  That’s a rare thing in books by Christian authors these days.  Instead of the story being about a tough, self-sufficient, career focus woman, this was a story about women who want a full life. 

 

I highly recommend The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee.  It is an interesting and beautiful story and well written.

 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk

LORD God Almighty, we come before Your throne of grace and confess that we don’t understand when evil triumphs over good.  Our minds cannot fully comprehend how good can come out of an evil act.  But may we focus our minds and comfort and seal our hearts on You LORD.  Mindful that You are still on Your throne, You will never be unseated or dethroned.  Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will take His place on that judgment throne over all humanity.  There is not one thought, word, or deed that we will escape Your notice.  Apart from the Holy Spirit bringing us to faith in Christ Jesus the Lord, we would endure Your Just and Righteous wrath.  But because You are also a God of Mercy and Grace, we have been forgiven through Jesus Christ the Lord, and brought to repentance.  May we follow the example we see in Daniel…after seeing what was to come for his people, the Jewish nation, he became pale at the knowledge of what would befall his people.  But Lord, he trusted the One who is Above All, the One who is the All Wise, All Kowing God.  The One who will judge justly.  The One in whom there is no evil or sin.  Lord, we long for that day when we are gathered with fellow saints around Your throne and give You and Your Beloved Son, the One in whom You are well pleased, the worship and praise You deserve.  We bring before You, Charlie Kirk’s family.  We can’t imagine the pain and sorrow they are going through right now.  We entrust them to You O Lord.  Comfort their hurting hearts.  May family and friends and their supporters pour out their love and support for this family.  May they carry on through Your comfort and strength.  May Charlie’s legacy go on.  May the hearts and minds of young people and old continue to be opened by the Gospel of Christ.  We thank You Lord, for Charlie’s life and the good work that he did.  We know he is now before Your throne and would not want to be back.  May we remember that we don’t know the day or hour when You will call us home.  May we live in light of eternity and desire to be about our Father’s business.  We come before You in the name of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ…amen!

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

The Ancient of Days

9 “I kept looking
Until thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His clothing was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with fire,
Its wheels were a burning fire.
10 A river of fire was flowing
And coming out from before Him;
Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,
And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;
The court sat,
And the books were opened.

The Son of Man

13 “I kept looking in the night visions,
And behold, with the clouds of heaven
One like a Son of Man was coming,
And He came up to the Ancient of Days
And came near before Him.
14 And to Him was given dominion,
Glory, and a kingdom,
That all the peoples, nations, and men of every tongue
Might serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
Which will not be taken away;
And His kingdom is one
Which will not be destroyed.