Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Andrews

I have enjoyed every book that I've read by Mesu Andrews and this is no exception. At first, I was not sure I was going to like the book but after just a few pages, I could barely put it down. It draws you into the Biblical times of the reign of King Manassah. The main characters were very well developed and felt like people you might actually know.
The story flowed very well and covered a lot of history. Even with all the historical facts in the story, it did not feel like a history lesson, it made for a very interesting look at the era. But, even though it wasn't a lesson if you didn't learn something you were just skim-reading. The scenes unfolded in a very vivid way most of the time.
The editing was well done also. Poor editing can ruin an otherwise great book. I only remember two very small errors that did not detract at all.
I enjoyed the book which I received through Netgalley. I am not required to give any review at all, especially not a good review. This review is freely given and my own opinion. I give the book a 5 out of 5-star rating. I would recommend this book to my friends. I read an ARC ebook.

Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is not the first book I've read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I hope it is not my last. I truly enjoyed reading Stitches in Time. It was towards the end of the book that the title made sense but that didn't detract from the book at all. This book is the second in the series The Deacon's Family. I did not read the first book and I wish I had but since many of the characters came from other series I'm not sure that would have helped. The characters were listed in the front of the book but they didn't help me understand things any better.

I do not give a synopsis in my review as that is found elsewhere and I figure you are reading this to know my opinion on the book. I liked the book. It is a typical Amish type book but very well written. Editing errors in a book can ruin it for me but there were no major errors and I don't remember minor issues either. The characters were well developed. I especially liked innocent Molly. The book bounces back and forth between two groups of people that do come together at times. There are two storylines going on also. At first, this was disconcerting but after a little but it did not bother me at all.

I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. It seemed to leave quite a few things unsettled but hopefully, these issues will be resolved in coming books.

I requested this book so I could read it and give my own, honest opinion. This opinion is my own and not required to be positive. I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating. I will also post my review where this book is sold.

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler

This is not your typical Amish love story. This is set during the Civil War and puts a new spin on the tried and true love story.

I liked reading the book and the author, though new to me, did a great job. The characters were well described and it felt like they were people you could meet and like. They felt real. The story flowed very well and did not bog down at all. In fact, I was kind of sad when it ended. There was a bit of the war in the book and it showed how Amish believe and act around war/violence. 

This is the second book in the series The Amish of Weaver's Creek. I did not read the first book but that did not matter at all. This is a good, stand-alone novel. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The editing was well done and that is important to me.

I requested to read this book through the Revell Reads program. This review is freely given and my own, honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Valerie's Verdict by Hallee Bridgeman

I read this book as a member of the launch team. I enjoy reading Hallee Bridgeman, she does a great job and this book is not an exception to that. It is a good read and you will enjoy it.

The main characters were very well developed and came alive. They could be your neighbor or friend. The supporting characters were well done too, just not as in-depth as they were the minor players. The story flowed well. It drew you in immediately. It did not first give you a long, drawn-out scenario but put you right into the story with a lot of action and drama.

This is a love story, but also a book that looks at a couple of hard, social issues: abuse and inter-racial relationships. Both issues were addressed well and show the good and the bad.

I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I felt it was a bit slow in a couple of areas but I truly enjoyed the book. I think you will like it also if you are looking for a modern-day romance. It is a Christian book and shows how a Christian should act but is not preachy at all.

I was given an ARC and this review is freely given and not required, it is my honest opinion.

Alone for the Holidays by Vivien Mayfair

So, my normal reading is Christian based. This book, in most eyes, would be clean but there are a couple of places where it is a bit suggestive. That is my least favorite thing about this book. The editing was good but a few errors of extra words as if a sentence had been edited but not all the words removed.

The characters were fairly well written, after all, how deep can you go in a story less than 100 pages long? It was cute and mostly light-hearted. Not really believable, but a fun read. It moved along well but the ending was a bit off, like she just wanted to finish the book so she quit writing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Gray Chamber: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by Grace Hitchcock

This is the second book I've read by Grace Hitchcock. It is her second book in the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime. I read and enjoyed her first book, The White City, and this book is just as enjoyable. Her writing is very realistic to the point I had to stop reading and resume later as I got so caught up in the story.

I don't like to give a synopsis as you can read that elsewhere. I want to give you my opinion of a book. I give this book a 5 out of 5 rating. I truly enjoyed this story. It was well written and sadly, true to how things happened back then.

The main characters were very believable, you loved the good ones and despised the bad. The way some were treated tore at my heart. The editing was also well done. Poor editing can ruin an otherwise great book. The story flowed well and at times kept me on the edge of my seat.

I requested to read and review this book through Netgalley. I am not required to leave a review and if I do, it is not required to be a positive review. This review is my own and my honest opinion. When this book is published I will post this review on sites such as Amazon, B&N, Booksamillion, etc.

Shadow of the Dagger (CIA Operatives Book One) by Anne Greene

I like to read books by Anne Greene. So far, all of the books I've read have been novellas, short and sweet. This is a big move from her regular books. This is a regular length novel and packed full of excitement and adventure. This kept me glued to the pages.

The pace is fast, a real page-turner.  The characters are well developed and believable.

This is also a Christian book, no swearing or sex. It isn't a pushy type of Christian book, just faith shown in the main characters.

The editing was well done, mostly. There were about 4 errors that stuck out to me. The one that stuck out the most was the way a sentence was written saying she had her hair covered but it ended up sounding more like she was covered in hair.  Editing can make or break a good book for me. I still like this book.

Do I recommend this book, yes? I was gifted this book by the author. I am not required to leave a review and am doing so because I want to.

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

This is a well written Christian historical romance. The story is about settling the west and trying to cross or circumvent the Grand Canyon. The main characters are Meg and Ben and the love story part is pretty well the standard plot. She's independent and he's in love. There was also a bit of mystery in the book, that's what I sort of figured out early but not the details. The minor characters are also well developed. Some are fun, some serious, and of course, the bad guy.

I suspected the ending fairly early but that did not detract from the book. It was interesting the way it played out. The descriptions of the scenery were exceptionally well done. You can almost see the Grand Canyon. Like my grandson said, reading a book is like watching a movie in your mind and this was a very scenic movie!

This is the first in a series The American Wonders Collection. The book had a lot of interesting historical facts. The Christian aspect of the book was also well done. It showed how faith plays out in everyday life. A few Bible verses were quoted but it was not preachy in any way. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

The editing was very well done. I mention this as poor editing can really detract from enjoying a very nice book.

I was thankful to be chosen to read and review this book. I was not required to give a positive review and this is my own opinion and freely given. Give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

A Song of Joy by Lauraine Snelling

This is the fourth book in the series Under Northern Skies. I did not realize this was a series book when I requested it through Netgalley. Even though it was the last of a series, it was still a good standalone book. It would have been more interesting if I had read the first three books, but it was still interesting.

I have always enjoyed books by Lauraine Snelling and this did not disappoint. It was slow in some spots, a lot of description at times but this did not detract from the story. The characters were well developed and the plot was an easy read. It had a little bit of suspense when Nilda was being investigated but not a true suspense novel. It is more a love story, sweet and simple.

The editing was well done. That can make or break a book in my opinion. I hate having to re-read things to figure out the wrong words or punctuation.

This is a Christian book though not preachy. It does show the importance of depending on God. It is mostly a clean, no sexual content, love story. I freely give my review it is my own opinion and not forced in any way. I recommend this book and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.