Thursday, November 10, 2022

A Doctor i the House by Linda Shenton Matchett

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book but was really surprised at how short it was. Not really a novella but not a long novel either. I do wish it had been longer as it seemed to end too soon.

The plot was unexpected and interesting. The characters were fairly well developed considering the length of the book. They could have been developed a bit more. The story flowed quite well but didn't seem real.

This is a Christian book without being the least bit preachy. I did like the book but was disappointed in the length. I would recommend this book. It was given to me through CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are completely my own.

About the Book

Book: A Doctor in the House

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 15, 2020

This story was previously part of The Hope of Christmas collection.

They’re supposed to be allies, but mutual distrust puts this pair on opposite sides.

Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

As a long-time Human Resources professional, I’m fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially during the World War II era when many filled jobs previously held by men. A Doctor in the House came about when two bits of information collided with me on the same day.

I’m an avid fan of the BBC mystery show “Foyle’s War” about a detective chief superintendent located in Hastings, England. He’d rather be “doing his bit” for the war effort, but he continues to be assigned to regular police work. One of the episodes takes place in a huge country home that was requisitioned by the British government for use as a hospital.

Research turned up the fact that the British government took over people’s homes (whether or not the inhabitants were willing to give up the house). Later that day I was creating “this day in history” posts for my social media account and one of the events was Dr. Margaret Craighill becoming the first commissioned officer in the US Army Medical Corps. Previously, women were not afforded this opportunity.

I dug into Dr. Craighill’s story, and there were several references to difficulties she encountered by people who didn’t think women belonged in the military or in officer positions within the military. I thought the combination of a man who isn’t happy to have lost the use of his home with an American female doctor in charge of the hospital had the makings of a fun story. I hope you agree!

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 31

Inklings and notions, November 1

deb’s Book Review, November 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Connie’s History Classroom, November 6

Betti Mace, November 7

For Him and My Family, November 8

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Mary Hake, November 9

Splashes of Joy, November 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

Books I’ve Read, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2244b/a-doctor-in-the-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, October 29, 2022

The Nutcracker's Suite Audiobook

My thoughts:

This is the 3rd book in this series that I've listened to. I enjoyed it very much. The story is well-planned and written. I kept my interest throughout. I listened to this straight through as I truly enjoyed it and I had the time to do that. The characters are believable and the plot goes at a very good pace, not rushed and not slow. Some stories take a long time to get into, but not this.

The narration was also very well done. The inflections and diction were just right. She kept the pace of the story flowing very well, also.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery. This is a Christian book but it is in no way preachy. The characters just show their faith in word and deed. I rate this a 4 out of 5 star book. I reserve 5 stars for over-the-top books. This is good, better than most.

This book was given to me through CelebrateLit in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

About the Book

Book: The Nutcracker’s Suite Audiobook

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Release date: November, 2022

“Time to dance, sugarplum.”

A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clarice Stahl, knows something is strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Meyer’s office, especially one in particular.

Then murder strikes a little too close to home and uncorks a barrel of secrets.

When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing the race is on to prove he’s behind the murder. Police and mobsters alike are after Milo Natale, and he who finds Milo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.

A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the offing. Milo and Clarice must find who killed Topo’s man and why before the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clarice off, too.

This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story
Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. eyebrow slowly raises

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, October 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 18
Texas Book-aholic, October 19
Inklings and notions, October 20
deb’s Book Review, October 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 24
For the Love of Books, October 25
Artistic Nobody, October 26
Sodbuster Living, October 27
For Him and My Family, October 28
Holly’s Book Corner, October 29
Books I’ve Read, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/2200b/the-nutcracker-s-suite-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner

I won a copy of this book through Librarything. I am giving my honest opinion of my own accord.

This is published by Bethany House and is supposed to be a Christian book, but, there was very little about God in this book.

I did enjoy the book as it was well written. The 2 main characters were well done and believable. The story flowed well and gave a lot of insight into their lives. I was sorry that it ended as it did as it seemed to leave a lot left undone but maybe there will be a sequel.

I would recommend this book. It is a good, clean book that gives you a lot to think about.

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia McGee

This review is freely given and I did receive an ARC of this book from Revell Reads program.

The story is basically a Christian book but not much is mentioned about being a Christian. The main male character embodies being a Christian best. This is not a preachy book.

The book is part mystery and part love story. I have to admit I did figure it out about 2/3 of the way through but there were still twists that I didn't see coming. The story is unique and well-told. The main characters are very well-developed and the main supporting characters are fairly well-developed. It's a book I truly enjoyed and really didn't want to put down. I would definitely recommend this book.

I give this a 4 out of 5 star rating. I have never read a book by Stephenia McGee but look forward to reading more.

The Orchard Beverly Lewis

I enjoyed this book. It reminded me of events from my childhood. Beverly Lewis gave good insight into those troubled times in the Viet Nam war era. She approaches the subject of CO from both the Amish and English sides.

The book had great characters that were very well developed. The story flowed well. It is Christian without being pushy. It reveals

A Healer's Promise by Misty M. Beller

I truly enjoyed this book. It was very unusual. The setting was very unique.

The story flowed well. The principal characters were relatively well-developed. It is hard to describe this book without giving away the story. This is not a book with Christian characters and principles. It is not at all preachy but shows how to live your faith.

I give this a 3 out of 5 star review. I do recommend this book.

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is another book about the people, Amish, of Stoney Ridge. There are many characters from other books, including Bishop David Stoltzfus. This kind of made it feel like you were visiting old friends.

The characters were well-developed and believable. The story flowed well and kept my interest. It also looked at autism through fresh eyes.

The only thing I didn't like about the story is that it left some things too open, but maybe they will be picked up in the next novel.

I really enjoyed this book. It shows God in quiet ways, not preachy at all. I rarely give 5-star reviews and this comes close but I do give it a definite 4-star review. I was given a copy of this book through the Revell Reads program and this review is freely given and my own opinion.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane Author: Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: September, 2022

Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

A Visit to Borough Market

Whenever I skip across the pond, I make it a point to stop at the Borough Market for some great meals. This area was—and is—a popular place to shop and an absolute must-see for food lovers. From grocers, fishmongers, cheese sellers, and butchers to all kinds of ethnic eats, it’s hard not to want to sample everything. My personal favorite are the buddha bowls.

Believe it or not, Borough market has been in operation for the past thousand years. Yes, you read that correctly. It actually began as a bridge, constructed in 990. But let’s fast forward to the Victorian era, shall we?

In the nineteenth century, a railway viaduct was constructed through the middle of the market, which brought in more people—but also brought in more noise, soot, disruption, and crime. In such a hotbed of activity, it’s easy to imagine cutpurses and pickpockets of all sorts.

And that’s the perfect scene for a certain con-artist turned investigator to meet with an informant. In The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, Kit Turner is up to her old shenanigans, much to Jackson’s chagrin. You can visit Borough Market along with her in this wild ride through Victorian London. It’s just one of the many stops in a city that never gets old.

My Review:

I have read other books by Michelle Griep so I was sure I would enjoy this book when offered by CelebrateLit. I was not disappointed.

This is the 2nd book in the series, and sadly, I did not read the first book. I wish I had, but it doesn't take away from reading this out of order. You are given enough information to let you know how Kit and Jackson met.

Michelle Griep is very good at painting word pictures. It is easy to picture what their lives were like and the setting of the story. This is part mystery and part love story. I am happy to say I did not fully figure out the ending.

The story flowed well and there were only one or two errors in the ARC copy I was given. The main characters were very well developed and the minor characters also.

I give this a 4 out of 5-star rating and would recommend this book to any who enjoy clean, historical fiction.

I was given an ARC of this book through CelebrateLit and this review is freely given and my own thoughts.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/21aab/the-bride-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 27

Life of Literature, September 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Book Looks by Lisa, September 28

Bigreadersite, September 28

Betti Mace, September 29

Genesis 5020, September 29

Remembrancy, September 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Christina’s Corner, September 30

A Baker’s Perspective, September 30

She Lives to Read, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Blogging With Carol, October 2

Daysong Reflections, October 2

Hallie Reads, October 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 3 (Author Interview)

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 3

deb’s Book Review, October 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 4

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 5

Bizwings Blog, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 5

Connie’s History Classroom, October 6

Books I’ve Read, October 6

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Write Escape, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8

Vicky Sluiter, October 8

Through the Fire Blogs, October 8

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 10

Sunday, September 25, 2022

About the Book

Book: Ezekiel’s Song

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: August 16, 2022

A prophet’s heart broken, a woman’s joy gone. What does Yahweh have planned for His people?

On the brink of Jerusalem’s demise, devoted priest, Ezekiel, sees the insincerity of Judah’s worship. Despite his efforts to call the people back to true worship of Yahweh, priests, artisans, valiant warriors, and royals are exiled to Babylon. When God gives him messages of continued judgment for the people in his homeland, his heart breaks. How can he minister to the people from so far away?

The presence of the Lord is tangible when Shiriel sings in the temple, and her voice prepares the hearts of many to worship. When she is exiled to Babylon, her faith is shaken. Does the Lord’s presence extend beyond Jerusalem and His holy temple?

Ezekiel is struck mute and paralyzed as he begins his prophetic ministry, and Shiriel devises a plan to get the Lord’s message back to the unfaithful people of Judah. Shiriel struggles with discontentment as serving the Lord looks nothing like she’d imagined. Can she provide for her family and carry out her husband’s ministry when her joy is gone, and her own dreams are placed on hold?

How will Yahweh save His people from themselves? Find out in Ezekiel’s Song!

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

I did enjoy this book, but it was a slow start for me. It took a couple of chapters for me to get really involved.

The story is very unique as the original, Bible book is unique. The author did a very good job of filling in missing information in this Bible-based fictional story of Ezekiel the prophet and the capture of the Jewish people.

You can tell a lot of thought was put into the book as each chapter started with a verse from the Bible helping to establish the content/context of the chapter as the story evolved.

The book is well written and even though it was an ARC the editing and grammar were very well done.

This review is totally my own, freely given. I was given this book through Celebrate Lit.

About the Author

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor’s wife, Naomi loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church, trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes or convincing her rescue dog, Freeway, to be cute on command for Instagram reels, you’ll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory with Naomi and Lisa, an author interview show on YouTube and your podcast platform of choice.

More from Naomi

What do you recall about Ezekiel?

The wheel within the wheel?

The dry bones living.

Ezekiel 4:9 bread?

Did you know the Lord asked him to prepare his food over human dung? Or that he was paralyzed for about 14 months? What about mute for seven years?

There are so many bizarre prophecies and symbolisms in the book of Ezekiel. So many prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled. Raise your hand if you tend to skim through these parts of God’s word.

I do.

But when I read Ezekiel a couple years back, the story really jumped of the page.

What about the people who lived with the prophecies and symbolisms?

Ezekiel saw the Lord, and the message He gave was one of Jerusalem finally meeting their just reward.

Only problem is Ezekiel is already in Babylon.

Oh and there’s the whole paralyzed and mute thing.

How is a man who is physically and geographically bound able to get this message a world away?

What was it like to live on rations of war (contrary to how today’s scientists have discovered the right combination to make nutrient dense, protein packed super bread?) in a land that wasn’t suffering from famine or scarcity.

How did the prophet respond when the people who heard the message in Babylonia and Jerusalem brushed it aside as inconsequential?

Ezekiel’s Song explores the lives of those affected by the prophecies. You’ll meet Ezekiel–in the priestly service, turned prophet, Shiri—the Bible states Ezekiel had a wife, her name and her backstory is my imagination, and Gilead—a fictional valiant warrior from Jerusalem.

Discover the book of Ezekiel like you’ve never seen it before!