All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell – A Refreshing and Lovely Read

 

Maybe it was the winter season that piqued my interest in reading Marta McDowell’s book All the Presidents’ Gardens.  With our garden at rest, it was a lovely time to read about the history of the Presidents’ gardens at the White House over the last 235 years.

 

I absolutely loved reading this book.  It was a combination of history, gardening, with a little bit of biographies mixed-together.  It was refreshing to see the love of gardening from our Presidents, their wives, and families, and how they enjoyed the fruits of the labor of those who executed design plans.  What a huge task for the men and women who designed the gardens over the years.  I found it interesting to learn how everyone’s background, education, and experience influenced the designs, selection of plants, and the additions of other elements to make the gardens what they wanted. 

 

As a gardener, I found I connected with the Presidents and their families that had a love for gardening.  I appreciated their desire for seed and plant preservation.  I came away from reading this book with a new appreciation for how gardening is passed down from one generation to another.

 

If you love gardening, history, biographies, or design, I highly recommend All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell.  This was a lovely and refreshing book to read. 

 

I would like to thank Timber Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore – Fascinating World War II History

 

In recent years, I have been interested in reading World War II history books and wanted to read Stephen L Moore’s book The Strike of the Sailfish, Two Sister Submarines and the Sinking of a Japanese Aircraft Carrier.

 

The sister submarines, the Squalus and Sculpin, seemed to be ill-fated.  In 1939, off the coast of New Hampshire, the Squalus sunk.  Twenty-six of officers and men drowned, and thirty-two men remained alive.  Thanks to the help from the men on their sistership, the Sculpin and other ships, the men were rescued.  Amazingly, the Squalus was raised, decommissioned, and overhauled.  In 1940, she was recommissioned as the USS Sailfish.  Three of the Squalus survivors went on to serve on the Sailfish during WWII in the Pacific.  Their sistership, the Sculpin was also in the battle in the Pacific fighting against Japan. 

 

What happened to officers and men who served on those submarines and what they encountered during WWII is hard to imagine.  This book was well researched and is filled with a lot of details about the men who served, operation of the submarines, problems encountered with equipment, weapons, and the challenges of fighting a war in a submarine. 

 

The difference an effective leader can make as he leads his men in the battle was amazing to read about.  What these men endured in the submarines, the battles they fought, facing storms, disasters, being taken rescued, only to be taken captive as prisoners of war is almost beyond comprehension.  The drive to survive and commitment to fight and win the battle was awe inspiring.

 

There were times, it was hard to read what about what these men experienced.  But I am glad I finished it.  In many ways, these men were part of the greatest generation who fought evil and won.  So very grateful for their service and sacrifice. 

 

If you are interested in World War II history, or appreciate the military, you may wand read The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore.  It was challenging, and at times a hard read, but it was well worth it. 

 

I would like to thank the Publisher Dutton Caliber and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

Double Take by Lynette Eason – Action Packed Suspense

 
I enjoy mystery and suspense novels and was excited to read Lynette Eason’s newest book Double Take.  This is the first book in her new Lake City Hero series.  This book will grab your attention from the get go. 

 

Lainie Jackson is a physician’s assistant at a hospital in Lake City, NC.  After stopping to check on a friend, Lainie headed to work on a rainy day.  A driver behind her was intent on passing and clipped her car which sent her car over the side of the mountain.  After calling 911, Lainie noticed a man peering over the edge of the road.  A man that looked like Adam, her former fiancé who was dead.  Or was he?

 

Detective James Cross and his partner, Cole Garrison responded to a domestic violence call.  James wants to do whatever it will take to get the children out of a very dangerous situation, including putting himself in the line of fire.  After sustaining injuries, James was taken to the hospital where he was treated by Lainie, his sister’s best friend.  Perhaps they can reconnect and help each other.

 

There was a lot going on in this story.  Lots of characters and relationships that were intertwined.  Some healthy and some not so good.  Both Lainie and James had a lot of baggage from their past, from family issues and PTSD that had left emotional scars.  It seemed like there some “blame the imperfect parents” that caused their children to have issues going on.  I don’t know any perfect families and life sure can be messy. 

 

Yet, I liked how Lainie was honest, straight forward, and respectful.  I appreciated how James evaluated how he had erred in his response to his father and how his father was willing to look at his own actions.  I liked the main characters, they seemed like decent, kind, and caring people.  They had good friends who were supportive and tried to be there for them, people they could trust.  I appreciated that Lainie did not do stupid things that unnecessarily put herself at risk and she was open to receiving help. 

 

The characters were likeable.  The storyline was a bit of a stretch on believability.  But I wanted to know whodunnit and why.  I liked how the characters grew and developed during the story.  There were some twists and turns, intense situations, and serious subject matters.  Topics like domestic violence, attempted murder, suicide, and dysfunctional families.  Faith was a small part of the story.  I would have like to have seen faith, trust and dependance upon God, and prayer more fully developed in the characters. 

 

If you like suspense and mystery, you may want to read Double Take by Lynette Eason.  I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading future books in the Lake City Hero series. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Double Take by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Wonderful World of James Herriot – by James Herriot – Enjoyable, Interesting, Memorable and Lovable Characters

 

When I saw that The Wonderful World of James Herriot audio book was available to listen to on NetGalley I was excited at this opportunity.  As the subtitle says this book truly is A Charming Collection of Classic Stories by James Herriot.

 

I remember discovering James Herriot novels back in the 1970’s when I was in high school and reading All Creatures Great and Small.  More recently watching the beloved PBS television show of the same name. 

 

The audio book was quite lovely.  It was made more special with the narration by Anna Madeley, Nicholas Ralph, and Rosie Page.  You will recognize the voices of Anna and Nicholas who play characters on the PBS show All Creatures Great and Small.  They do a fantastic job in bringing these stories to life.  Dr. Rosie Page is the daughter of Alf Wight, better known by his penname James Herriot. 

 

You know a book is good when you are interested from the get go as Rosie narrates the book’s introduction.  It was fascinating to learn how Alf came to write his stories and the books that have become a treasure to so many.

 

This book made me laugh and cry.  I appreciated the love and compassion that James (Alf) showed to the animals he cared for and the people who owned them.  People from all walks of life, interesting and memorable characters, and animals. 

 

Some of the stories go into detail about the ailments and treatment of the animals.  You may not want to have young children listen to or read the book, but wait until they are a little older.

 

I greatly enjoyed The Wonderful World of James Herriot.  It was delightful as an audio book and one I would like to listen to or read again.  It is the kind of book I would want to come back and listen to or read all over again, and share with others.

 

The Wonderful World of James Herriot would make a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for family and friends, or even for yourself.  If you are familiar with the James Herriot books, it will likely make you want to go back reread his novels. 

 

I would like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audio book The Wonderful World of James Herriot by James Herriot.  I was provided with a complimentary copy of this audio book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis – Loved This Book, Enjoyable Characters, and Interesting Relationships

 

I enjoy Amish fiction but had never read any novels by Beverly Lewis.  After reading the description of the The Heirloom, I wanted to read her newest book.  I am so glad I did!

 

The Heirloom tells the story of Clara Bender and her great aunt Ella Mae Zook.  Clara’s world has changed since her mother’s death a year ago.  In the months after her mother’s passing, Clara had grown closer to her father.  But since he remarried a couple of months ago, things had changed and home didn’t feel the same.  At nineteen years old, Clara knew that one day she would leave home.  The prospects for a good match in her community were not promising because eligible men about her age were not available. 

 

While clearing out her mother’s desk, Clara found letters her mom had exchanged with aunt Ella Mae.  It seemed they had a very close relationship and a deep connection.  That got Clara to thinking, perhaps she could go visit her great aunt in Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks.  Get to know her and connect over their shared love for Clara’s mom.  Her dad is reluctant to let Clara go but relents with the understand that she will be back in a couple of weeks.  His concern is that the Amish community in Hickory Creek is much stricter than the one in First Light, Indiana.  That was one of the reasons they had moved.

 

I absolutely loved reading The Heirloom.  I enjoyed the main characters Clara and Ella Mae and the people surrounding them.  I found the storyline compelling and moving.  Clara’s grief was relatable and Ella Mae was such a kind and caring person to all who were around her.  Both characters were thoughtful, hardworking, and other centered. 

 

What I appreciated the most about this book is the aspect of their Christian faith.  It was part of their everyday life and impacted how they lived. I have read other Amish fiction and have often thought it seemed like faith based on works, instead of faith that bears the fruit of repentance and good works.  That part of the Amish faith was explored in this book.  Not in a heavy-handed manner, but in thoughtful way.  I appreciated that the Gospel of Christ was clearly shared.  It was enjoyable to see young people building relationships that were pure.

 

The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis was so enjoyable.  The characters and relationships were well developed.  This novel had a richness you don’t often find in books.  Not everything was sunshine and flowers, there were some difficult subjects addressed.  I was very moved by Clara and Ella Mae’s story, and found myself grieved and wondering how the story would turn out.  I trusted the author no matter if it had a good ending or a sad ending, she handled the story and characters well.

 

I highly recommend The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  It was enjoyable, rich, and thought provoking.  So glad that I found this author whose work is new to me and look forward to reading more of her books.

 

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read complimentary copy of The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.    

 

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard – Not Believable, Convoluted, and Stretched the Imagination

 

Shadows at Dusk is Elizabeth’s Goddard newest book.  I have read several of her books and looked forward to reading her latest mystery.

 

Shadows at Dusk tells the story of Detective Trevor West who is searching in Alaska for his sister Jennifer Warren who disappeared over a year ago.  Trevor is a former US Marshal and knows how to track people.  But will he be able to solve the case that is most important to him?  He enlists the help of Alaskan bush pilot Carrie James to help him follow Jennifer’s trail.  Reluctantly, Carrie agrees to help him.  Not long into their journey it appears that someone does not want them to continue their search and will do whatever it takes to stop them.  But who exactly is the target?  Is it Trevor or is it Carrie? 

 

Let me start with the things I liked about this book.  I enjoyed learning about beauty of this vast, remote, and treacherous terrain.  I liked the character Trevor, he seemed like caring, determined, and faithful friend.  I liked Rip who was willing to help them on their mission, even at great risk to himself. 

 

I struggled greatly with this book for several reasons.  I hate it when characters do something stupid and illogical that puts them at risk and in danger.  Both Trevor and Carrie did that repeatedly throughout this story.  At times even acknowledging that they made a bad decision or calculation.  But they never seemed to learn from their mistakes.  Things like not making copies or photographs of key pieces of evidence.  Not giving that evidence to the police.

 

The storyline did not seem plausible.  From the bad guy behind it all and those who were helping him try to stop Trevor and Carrie.  It appears that someone from Carrie’s past might also be targeting Trevor.  Speaking of Carrie, I did not like or connect with her character.  This story stretched the imagination, not in a good way.  The story was not believable.  Because the characters continued to make unwise and illogical decisions, over and over again, I stopped caring about them.  I did not understand why a trained law enforcement officer would make some of the irrational decisions he did. 

 

There was very little about God or faith mentioned in the book.

 

From my perspective, I did not like Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard.  The storyline was not believable.  Characters made illogical decisions that put them at risk throughout the story.  The story drug on and on.  It was too complicated and convoluted. 

 

I have read other stories by Elizabeth Goddard and enjoyed them and would like to read more in the future.  But Shadows at Dusk missed the mark and I would not recommend it. 

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard.  I was under no obligations to give a favorable review. 

 

Our World is in a Moral Freefall

Each day now
I take a deep breath
Before I read, listen to, or watch the news
 
What news of unimaginable evil awaits us today
 
Will it be a news of a veteran
A man who served this Nation
Who once protected and defended our Country
 
Now the object of a manhunt
After taking the lives of innocent people
Leaving a trail of wounded whose lives will never be the same
 
Or will it be news of unimaginable evil
The chosen Nation Israel
Once again under attack by her enemies
 
Only this time, it was not a “lone wolf”
Instead, it was a coordinated, well planned, secret mission
Launched by hundreds, no thousands of terrorists
 
Not an attack on the Israel’s Defense Forces
No!  Against the innocent and vulnerable
Civilians, innocent, unarmed men, women, and children
 
Brutally, cut down
Murdered, raped, tortured, taken captive
By their twisted, morally depraved terrorist neighbors
 
What was their crime
Why was this hellish attack unleashed upon innocents
Religion and ethnicity, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
 
Most evil doers try hide their evil deeds
Not so on October 7, 2023
With the morally depraved hell bound terrorists
 
They proudly recorded it for all
For the world to see
Expecting great rewards now and in eternity
 
Even with their own video evidence
Plain for all to see
The evildoer’s defenders and supporters make excuses
 
World leaders with broken moral compasses
Those who call evil good, and good evil
Encourage restraint and proportionality
 
Proportionality?  What?
Do they sanction murdering the innocent
Raping innocent women and children
 
Do they think it acceptable
To torture and kidnap innocent civilians
Subject them to unimaginable horrors
 
Decent, God-fearing people and nations
Do not intentionally do evil to innocents
Instead, they fight the terrorists and evil doers
 
Terrorists who hide behind women and children
Who hide their weapons, rockets, and launchers
In school, hospitals, and places of worship
 
Let us not forget
The terrorist’s greatest allies
The main stream media
 
They choose to believe the lies of a terrorists
Who just days before brutally took the lives of innocents
Who recorded the rape, torture, and kidnapping of civilians
 
Lest we think this insanity and brutality is confined to Israel
Let us look around us
See the protesters and supporters of terrorists
 
Marching in the street
Chanting “From the River to the Sea”
“Palestine Will Be Free”
 
In colleges and universities
Places of “higher learning”
Jewish students are in fear for their lives
 
Jewish people around the world are waking up
Recognizing the hatred of their enemies
Enemies supported by those whose consciences have been seared
 
Let us learn from history
Take terrorists and evil doers at their word
They desire the destruction of Israel and her people
 
Will we let that happen again
Or will we stand with Israel
“I will bless those who bless you.”
 
Will we stand idly by and do nothing
Or worse, align ourselves with those who hate Israel
“I will curse those who curse you.”
 
Lord, we are a people lost in our sin
Unmoored from a biblical foundation
Driven by feelings over rational, logical thoughts
 
Deceived and deceivers
Believing fiction over truth
Defending lawlessness and evil
 
You warned us in the Bible, these days would come
Our world is in a moral freefall
Getting worse day by day
 
We are sinners through and through
Apart from Christ Jesus the Lord we can do nothing
All our deeds are as filthy rags
 
Apart from His sacrificial death on the cross
To pay the penalty and sin debt for all who repent and believe
We are lost and without hope
 
Lord, use what is happening in the world today
To bring us to an end of ourselves
Bring us to repentance and faith in Christ
 
LORD, we take comfort in Your sovereignty
In the knowledge that all will give an account to You
The LORD God Almighty who sees and knows all things 
 
The One who is Holy, Holy, Holy
The One who is perfectly Just and Righteous
The One who gave His Only Begotten Son so that we might be saved
 
 
By Susan Bunts Wachtel
October 26, 2023
 
 

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon – An Interesting and Satisfying Read

Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite writers.  I enjoy her romance stories and suspense novels.  That is why I was excited to read her newest book Into the Fire, the first book in the Undaunted Courage series.

 

Bri Tucker was scheduled to meet with retired arson investigator, Les Kavanaugh, to review several cases he thought merited further investigation.  Instead, she finds herself at Les’ home investigating a fire that has taken his life.  The next day Bri reluctantly accepts help from ATF Agent Marc Davis.  After Bri and Marc examined the scene, both agree that there wasn’t much of anything to suggest arson.  Just that nagging feeling that something is not right.  Though Bri and Marc find each other attractive, each has their own emotional baggage that may make developing a personal relationship difficult. 

 

I really liked this book.  I found the investigation of a fire very interesting.  What makes a fire suspicious vs accidental, and what information is relevant in an arson case.  I liked the characters.  At first, I wasn’t too keen on Bri.  But as her background was unveiled, I grew to appreciate her.  Marc was a wonderful character, kind, caring, wise, and protective.  Also enjoyed the Bri’s sister and brother and their close, and supportive relationships.  Loved Marc’s grandmother, such a sweet, wise, and caring woman. 

 

I did not suspect who the bad guy was.  Interesting that the story begins with the perspective of the arsonist.  About two thirds of the way through the story the bad guy is revealed, which causes the reader to look forward to seeing how the characters will solve the case.

 

Faith was part of the story, especially with Marc’s character.  I would like to have seen it even more with other characters. 

 

With the mix of an interesting plot, likeable characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, Into the Fire by Irene Hanson was an interesting and satisfying read.  I recommend it.  The book will be released on October 17, 2023.  

 

I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Into the Fire by Irene Hannon.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

 

The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman – Enjoyable Characters, Friendship, Laughter, Romance

 

I find Amish fiction quite enjoyable and was excited to read Beth Wiseman’s newest book The Amish Matchmakers. 

Retired dentist, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus decided to move to Indiana to be near his only grandchild, Mindy.  He has rented a small cottage at the Peony Inn.  It is a bed and breakfast run by two Amish sisters, Esther, and Lizzie.  They have a reputation for matchmaking.  Now it seems they may have another match in mind, unbeknownst to one other.  Things may get a little complicated. 

I enjoyed reading this book, mostly because of the likable characters.  Esther and Lizzie, especially Lizzie, are very different than most characters in Amish fiction.   Lizzie has taken a liking to reading romance and true crime novels.  She does not hesitate to speak her mind and has become superstitious.  Esther is more sensible and down to earth, and tries to rein Lizzie in.  Benjamin is a bit of a mystery and he has some secrets he is not ready to share.  Ben’s granddaughter Mindy visits him regularly.  Following a car mishap, she meets Gabriel who helps around the inn. 

The characters are enjoyable and funny.  Ben’s not the only mysterious one.  It seems that each character has their own secrets they don’t want revealed.  Esther and Lizzie are caring towards one another and welcome others into their lives.  I liked Mindy and Gabriel’s relationship.  They were caring, responsible, and level headed with a little romance. 

I like Amish fiction because their world seems a little simpler and less complicated.  I enjoyed reading The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  While I don’t fully understand the issues surrounding an Amish person being involved with an Englisch person, I appreciated how that aspect of relationships were approached.  I also appreciated that this novel was clean. 

I recommend The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  It is a good and enjoyable story with likeable characters.  This book will be published October 17, 2023

I would like to thank Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler – Interesting Mix of Gardening and Mystery

 
After reading the description of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler, I wanted to give this British novel a try. I was hoping it would be reminiscent of Rosemary & Thyme, a nice mix of gardening and mystery.  

Steph Williams needs a job and hopes to be hired as the gardener at Beaulieu Heights, a small wealthy estate in England. Wherever Steph goes, her faithful companion Mouse goes too. To say that the residents are quirky is an understatement. Some are more welcoming than others. It seems that all the homeowners have their secrets. But would any of them be willing to break the law to protect their secrets? To steal, blackmail, or even commit murder? Just as Steph is getting a handle on the various gardens, she receives a threatening note. To make things worse, the residents have accused Steph of blackmail. How in the world will she clear her name, much less keep her job?

It took me a little while to get used to the first-person writing style and the British terms. But once I did, I enjoyed reading this book. I liked Steph and her dog Mouse. Loved reading the descriptions of the gardens, about plants and the work to be done. I could almost visualize the settings. The people in Beaulieu Heights, both residents and workers, were an interesting group. A few were friendly and some you would want to avoid. Steph was a very likable character, as was her dog. 

The residents of Beaulieu Heights were an interest mix. Though very wealthy and seemingly in need of nothing, their lives were a bit of trainwreck. I liked some of the friendships that Steph developed with both the residents and staff members. I enjoyed Steph’s relationship with her brother and parents. There were lots of weeds to dig through to get to the bottom of the mystery. I did not guess who the bad guy was.  

There were a few moments that I found touching. Like the kindness and encouragement of a few people when Steph stood wrongly accused. Or the support and love from her brother and dad. The progress in her relationship with her mom. 

Not going to give away the ending. But I would have liked to have seen justice. One mystery not wrapped up is what happened to Steph’s ex-husband who seemed to disappear.  

There is some profanity in the book, as well as revealing sexual immorality that some of the characters had been involved with. Thankfully, it did not go into graphic detail.  

I enjoyed reading this mystery Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. It was a change of pace from my regular reading. If you enjoy mysteries and gardening, you might enjoy this novel.

I would like to thank Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  

 

 

Countdown by Lynette Eason – Mixed Reaction

 

I have enjoyed several novels by Lynette Eason and was excited to read her newest release Countdown, the fourth book in the Extreme Measures series. 

Raina Price works as a flight paramedic along with her friends Penny and Holly.  Raina had to reinvent her life due to an abusive relationship from which she had escaped.  To protect herself and her loved ones there is no going back.  While watching sports news Raina sees a young snowboarder who is the spitting imagine of the man from whom she escaped.  If she has seen Michael Harrison, surely the boy’s father will see him and figure out who he is. How can she protect the boy?  Raina’s been feeling spooked lately, like someone has watching her.  US Marshal Vincent Covelli is concerned and wants to help Raina.  Will she accept his help or try to go it alone?  How can Vincent and law enforcement help protect Raina from a man whose true-identity and whereabouts are unknown?

This book had a lot of twists and turns.  The action and intrigue did not stop until the end. 

What I liked about the book: I appreciated the friendships that Raina had with Penny and Holly and their friends.  They were a closeknit group and there for each other, through thick and thin.  I liked Vincent, he was a very caring and patient man, ready to put himself in danger to protect Raina. 

What I struggled with: Countdown really stretched the imagination on believability.  I understand that there are evil people out there who are intent on causing harm and destruction.  But to have someone keep track of a person for many years, as well as those with associated with her, was not believable.  To be able track when she called a person after many years, who has the resources to that? 

It did not make sense that Raina who has been in constant fear for her life, especially following an incident, would come home and not lock the garage door.  Come on!  The logic on why the bad guy was doing what he did, it was a stretch too.

I would like to have seen the characters’ faith a bigger part of the story.  Instead, it seemed cursory. 

There were things I liked about Countdown and some things I was not too keen on.  I like Lynette Eason's writing, but Countdown was not my favorite.  If you are a fan of Lynette Eason and have read the earlier books in this series, you may enjoy it. 

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Countdown by Lynette Eason.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.