The Water Keeper - by Charles Martin: Book Review

Title: The Water Keeper

Author: Charles Martin

Series: Murphy Shepherd 

Pages: 352

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: May 5th 2020

Genre: Contemporary

Themes: Human trafficking; Florida, US; Lost family members; 

Format: Kindle

Rating: 3*

Plot: Murphy Shepherd is a man who works for the government (sort of), is a priest (sort of), and writes novels to heal (sort of). He tracks girls and young women who have gone missing, and were allured or kidnapped by human traffickers. With a history of almost 10 years of saving victims, he's faced with yet another tough case in the murky waters of slavery.

Liked:

- As the novel progressed, there were a few characters that joined Murphy Shepherd and became involved in finding Angel, a teenager allured by flesh dealers: people who sell and buy people. It's basically slavery. I liked the idea of a group of people, each with their own story, joining the mission, but having their personal reasons as well.

- The dog

- Cliche or not, there are some good quotes throughout the novel

- The idea that love is stronger than many failings and mistakes

- The idea that we all need a saviour. However, I would have liked to see this point made by pointing to God, not that much to a mere man. It is, after all, what we were all made to crave: a love that doesn't stop being poured over us, no matter what we do.

- Although very heavy, the topic is relevant. I learned things I didn't know about human trafficking and how the men involved in this operated. It might be uncomfortable to read, but to think this happens more often than we are even aware is sickening and heartbreaking

Disliked:

- too many coincidences, so that everything works out just fine in the end. Even the scenes where there are fights with the bad guys (the flesh dealers, as they are called) turn out fine. They were not the scenes that kept me turning the pages because despite the many bruises, cuts, shots, or hits the hero receives, he survives and is back on his feet in no time. And he manages just fine with little sleep and little food. 

- the convoluted plot - adding more and more layers to the story was a bit too much. The lost wife (two times! but third time's the charm!) and the unknown-of daughter were too much. It's difficult to follow along at times, and I wasn't always sure what was real and what not, especially since we were told in the beginning he was going to scatter his wife's ashes. Turns out, we were reading a page from the novel the main character wrote. A story within a story. It takes a while to figure this out.

- the way Charles Martin portrays women will never cease to irk me: always weak, always in need of a saviour, always so easy to fall for the good-looking, physically strong man, albeit not that emotionally strong. I know Summer was a woman who needed saving, but repeatedly saying she touched him, she kissed him, she wanted to be near him, despite knowing him for few days, was bothersome. 

- the man who is a saviour. I know that Murphy Shepherd is the human potrayal of Jesus Christ, I know this is the point of the novel. However, the only thing it seemed to underline is that a man can be a saviour all on his own. Oh, wait, not really. There's Bones, the man behind the action: he offers help unseen. I know there needs to be someone who saves the women caught in human trafficking, but hammering the invincibility and saviour-like persona of Murphy Shepherd was too much to read.

- there is a lot of description about the course Murphy took in his journey to find Angel. As someone who lives outside US, I didn't care for this, and I surely didn't Google it. In the same vein, all the details about all the boats - over my head & went in one ear and out the other.

- There are many details about many things, a clear sign the author did research, but it felt too much. I wish there wasn't the plot with the daughter or the lost & found (again! and again!) wife. Towards the end I couldn't wait to finish it, but I was still curious. Very possible I'll be reading the other books in the series.

Yesterday’s Tides - by Roseanna M. White: Book Review

Title: Yesterday's Tides
Author: Roseanna M. White
Pages: 432
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publishing Date: January 24th 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: WWI, WWII, Christian, Romance
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale. 

My review of Yesterday's Tides:

This dual timeline novel follows two women during the First World War (in 1912) and the Second World War (in 1942). I enjoyed following both stories, but especially the one during the year 1942.

Ignoring the very large number of characters, so large that I had to create a list of them to keep track, the novel flows smoothly. As you read more of the stories, you get familiar with all the characters. It's more a plot driven novel, but you do get to see the characters' development throughout. The mystery aspect of the novel, not knowing for sure whom to trust, the intrigue with the war spies and war intelligence made me turn the pages faster.

Besides the romantic plot line, where we learn about Evie Farrow's and Louisa Adair's love stories, the novel deals with themes of racism, class divisions, multiple generations, and war intelligence. The best thing was reading to see how the two story lines converge and how the characters connect with one another. It was a wonderful reading experience. I admit starting this hoping for an easy read during a weekend, but there is substance to the story, and a couple of weeks later, I still think about this story sometimes. 

For fans of historical novels, especially set during either of the two world wars, this is a good choice of reading material. In the note at the end of the novel, the author does mention how these characters are in fact characters from her previous works. I haven't read anything by her before, but I didn't feel like there was a lack of depth to the way the characters were constructed. However, those familiar with her other novels will probably get an extra level of enjoyment recognizing other characters.

I received a free e-book copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via Net Galley. However, all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Things We Didn't Say - by Amy Lynn Green: Book Review

Title: Things We Didn't Say
Author: Amy Lynn Green
Pages: 416
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publishing Date: 3rd November
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, WWII, Epistolary Novel
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4*

 This novel helped me get out of the reading slump I'd found myself for a few weeks, uncharacteristically avoiding fiction.

Things We Didn't Say is written in epistolary form, my favourite style, and it focuses on a year in Johanna Berglund's life, a linguist student turned US army translator. I liked the unknown (to me) perspective on World War II. It's always interesting to look at that time period from a different angle. I don't think I've read a WWII novel set in US before.

There is a lot of depth in this apparently easy to read novel. I admit this was my reasoning going in: something light to make me want to read fiction. I liked how different mysteries were hinted at and scattered thoughout the novel, but it was done without it being overbearing or just for the sake of creating something to keep the reader interested. The characters have depth and personality, so the novel was full of relatable moments for me. Getting to distinguish a character's voice solely through letters is not something easily achieved, but the author did it.

It was also fascinating to learn about the US Prisoner of War camps in the Midwest and the attitude the locals had towards these prisoners. I found the topic of the other, the foreigner, the one of a different race very relevant to the history of US, and especially relevant these days. However, it is applicable to anyone, not just Americans. The struggle with one's faith and how we can accept God's plan was another theme the novel dealt with.

There is a delicately presented love story unfolding, but I especially appreciated it not being the focal point. It was cheeky how the angle of the false romance was added in. Since romance is not the main point of the novel at all, it made the novel even better for me. What it focused on were the relationships in a small community, the power of the written word, the value prayers have for the one who prays, the importance of holding strong to what you believe in, and the willingness to give up something good for something even better. Funny how a story of the mid -1940s has echo in the 2020s.

It's the sort of novel you speed through towards the end because you want to learn how it all ties together, but at the same time you don't want it to end. I enjoyed reading Things We Didn't Say a lot and I look forward to reading more from Amy Lynn Green, an original voice on the Christian Historical Fiction scene.

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own. 

12 Days at Bleakly Manor - by Michelle Griep: Book Review

Title: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Author: Michelle Griep
Series: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas
Pages: 192
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Release Date: September 1st 2017
Genre: Christmas, Fantasy
Format: Kindle


Goodreads Synopsis:

When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds. That’s enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar.

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the Twelve Days of Christmas, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

This is a Christian Christmastime romance. If any of these three words is not what you want your novel to be about, move on, this is not for you.
This is the love story of a man who's apparently Christian because at the very end he prays to God for help after throughout the events of the novel he didn't even mention God. I need to add that this man is handsome and broadshouldered, despite coming from middle/upper class, and therefore hasn't worked that much physically in his life. His name is Benjamin Lane, but we'll call him Ben. It's also the story of a woman who's lost her status because the men in her life are unwise and she's the victim. This woman is rather short, but beautiful, and her height makes is so that she perfectly fits into the man's embrace. Her name is Clara Chapman. Of course the two share a history, and they will end up patching this back together and declaring their love for one another. But how will they get there?

Despite my salty tone, this is a sweet story, perfect for a lazy winter afternoon or a train ride, as it was the case for me. It read like a mystery novel that reminded me of Agatha Christie. I enjoyed the glimpses in the past and the not too preachy Christian tone, as some novels of this type tend to have. The collection of characters gathered at the Manor is interesting, and I had the impression that there was something ominous looming over the house. 

The plot is rather simple, but it creates enough mystery and suspence to keep you reading. I must admit there are still moments when I think about this novel, probably because I don't read a lot of Christian novels, and this one is different from what I've read so far.

It's the perfect read for those looking for a novel set around Christmas time, and told from a Christian point of view. Of course the cheesyness specific to this genre is there, but if this doesn't bother you, you might give it a try. 

2.5*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Silent Days, Holy Night - by Phyllis Clark Nichols: Book Review

Title: Silent Days, Holy Night
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Pages: 240
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Release Date: October 30th 2018
Genre: Christmas, Christian
Format: Kindle

I was expecting this novel to be a romance, for some reason. I kept waiting for "the one" to show up, but fortunately no such thing happened. It almost felt like a middle grade novel. I enjoyed it very much. 

It is the Christmas story of an 11 year old girl who changes the life of a blind 70+ old man, overlooked and feared by his community. The novel starts with the main character as a 20-something young woman getting ready to throw a Christmas gala and it goes back in the past to show how everything started.

It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings a Christmas novel should, but at the same time it had the serious aspect present. I loved the family and I wished I could visit with them. As for the little girl, I see how she could be obnoxious and too much a miss know-it-all compared to her teenage brother who seemed to have got the dumber genes in the family. However, the girl is endearing. All in all, it was a lovely Christmas read.

I received a free e-book copy of the novel from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Love Story - by Karen Kingsbury: Book Review

Title: Love Story

Series: The Baxter Family

Author: Karen Kingsbury

No. Pages: 368

Publisher: Howard Books

Publishing Date: 6.06.2017

Although the book's back-cover promises the story between John and Elizabeth Baxter, this only takes up a rather small part of the novel. Cole Paul, a grandson of the Baxter's has to write a heritage project for school, and this is what starts it all. This story line ramifies and other sub-plots are created. About four love stories are touched upon in this book, but not in depth. For those familiar with the Baxters and their friends, this is like a get-together. 

What takes a larger part of the novel is the story between Cody Coleman and Andi Ellison. I was a bit more interested in their story than in John and Elizabeth's.
Besides these two love stories, the novels touches on the lives of two other couples. One is Ashley and Landon Blake, one of the Baxter's daughters and her husband. Cole, the one writing the heritage project for school, is their oldest son. The other couple is Brandon and Bailey Paul, friends of the Baxter's. Bailey is Andi Ellison's best friend.

For those not familiar with the Baxters and their friends, it may seem overwhelming, what with all the character names. But take heart - they are all presented at the beginning of the book. I haven't read the other Baxter family books in the previous series, but I was given enough details throughout the novel to figure everything out. This novel can read as a stand alone, a good starting point for who wants to read the next books in the series. *raises hand*

It read surprisingly quick. It is a Christian novel, so keep that in mind. The focus is on the plot, mostly, not something necessarily deep in the sense of literature class. There was the potential for more depth (PTSD, out of wedlock talk, past mistakes and consequences), but all the characters seemed to be calm and accepting, and in the know. Maybe it's just me coming to this novel without a background on the characters.

What irked me at one point was all the tears. These characters have no trouble kissing their spouse/ significant other and showing emotion through tears. But I liked the strong relationship this gave the characters, especially the married couples. Another thing that I thought unnecessary were all the isolated sentences to draw attention on them, making sure you, the reader, understand that they are important. Let the sentences live in a paragraph.

One aspect that surprised me in a good way was the openness with which the author showed the characters' faith and their connection to God. It makes them more endearing. I even liked the way they hear from God, "as if He spoke audibly", but this has the potential to be misunderstood, especially for someone not used to the "Christian lingo".

For fans of Karen Kingsbury, this will be a sweet and darling read. For those who don't normally read this genre, nothing to lose. For those who like Christian book series, this is for you.

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Acts of Faith series - Janette Oke and Davis Bunn: Book Review

A few weeks ago I went away from the city for three days and that meant taking my Kindle along. Those three days proved to be lazy as any holidays should be. I got to rest (re: sleep a lot) and read a lot. For a while now a cousin of mine recommended me the Acts of Faith series. It's a Christian trilogy written by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. As a whole, I liked the trilogy. I liked the first two better, but that was probably due to the great amount of free time I had (I read the first two during my three day vacation), while the third one was read while real life tried to get the better of me and all was bleak, therefore I had a bit of difficulty getting the feel of the book. This series was the first in a long time that I read without having to write a review for, which was a nice break, although look at me writing a review for the series!

The books deal with events that happened after Jesus's resurrection. It was nice to see Bible character get more "image" and to be given more details, although imagined, about the lives of the first Christians. The characters are mostly constant, although the main focus is on different characters in each book. The books are rather predictable, especially the romantic aspect, but it's not overwhelmingly cheesy. Some very wise lines exchanged by the characters drew my attention, and that was a nice surprise. 

The first book in the series - The Centurion's Wife - dealt with two main characters - Alban and Leah - who were assigned by their masters - Pontius Pilate and his wife (nice, isn't it?) -  to investigate what the whole commotion raised by "this Jesus" was all about. Alban and Leah become followers of Jesus, they get married and behold a happy ending for this first book.

The second one - The Hidden Flame - is focused on Abigail, a bit on Alban, Linux, and Stephen (as in the martyr Stephen). Abigail and Stephen are married when Stephen is killed by the mob. This book dealt more with the Christian's persecution, with Peter and John's gatherings in various Christians' homes. It was a nice read, but not as nice as the first one.

The third and last book in the series - The Damascus Way - announces through its title Paul's repentance, although that only happens towards the very end of the book. The book focuses more on Abigail, who is now a widow with a child, on her brother, Jacob, and on Julia, a young girl with a Greek father and Judean mother. Linux is present a lot in this book, and in the end he marries Abigail, while Jacob marry Julia. This book dealt more with the characters' trust in God, as well with their everyday life - the threats coming from the Zealots, the attacks upon the caravans traveling from one city to another, the hard life of a merchant of any kind. I wish there was more about Paul, but maybe the point was to create a lot of intensity leading to his conversion. 

All in all, the series was a nice read, it's recommended to those who enjoy a Christian historical novel.

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe -- Book Review

I was a bit skeptical and also a bit curious about Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, the latter being what determined me to request this book.
I've previously read some Max Lucado books, but this is the first fiction book written by him that I've read.
This review contains spoilers, so be warned!
Really, if you read this review and find out all the cool details, pretty much the whole book is ruined. Better to skip at least the next paragraph.
Seriously.
The book releases today, February 10, so though I read this book a few months ago, I decided to only publish it today. Thank you, draft option in blogger.

It all starts in a cliche-esque way, with a cliche topic: woman and kids left the husband and father because he had an affair. They had a good life financially speaking, but now the mom must think how to care for themselves. She's moving to the cafe her mother left her, but the cafe comes with a debt which she, the daughter, Chelsea, must pay. I find it really nicely played how Chelsea - which sounds a bit more pretentious goes well with the main character who is weded to a football player and has led a good life, and her sister is named Sarah - and she's married to a pastor. Just an observation. Thought all these, she is helped by her sister and her two lovely employees, one of whom is an angel. Her business blooms because two undercover angels dressed as Internet Services employees come and install a router in her cafe that only connects to a website: God Blog. Basically you post a question and God answers. The answers are very accurate and people find answers to their question. Yes, question, because everyone is allowed to ask one question only. And they buy something from the cafe's menu, the business thrives, the debt is gradually paid. Also, cheers for the restored marriage in the end. There is more to the novel than this, but the main plot is this. I'm not mocking the plot. I mean, I've read and I actually liked the book. It was a sweet reminder. "Sweet" goes well with the cafe of the past.

To be honest, without this God Blog and angels thing, I really don't think I would have loved the book. It sounds tacky and weird, I know. I was taken aback, too. But this got me. I was drawn in and I was really curious to see what happens next. It's obviously fiction. Or maybe I am of little faith.

But I understand why the choice for this. Although I know and believe there are angels and God works in mysterious way, many, many times not easy to be seen or understood by the human mind or eye, this brought that knowledge a bit closer. God's love, involvement, care, for the humans is what the book points to. The war that's fought over the humans' heart is given attention to. The power of God and of the good side is a reassurance for the frail heart. The God Blog is a reminder that all questions are heard, and though we don't see or hear the answer, He has everything under control and can give His people the wisdom to go on. In the end, Chelsea, the main character, has her eyes open to see a bit of the "behind the scenes" of God's work. This is a reminder that there is more to our life and to God's plans and work than the eye can see.

Despite the cliche topic and the cliche turn of events, the main elements of the novel were nicely presented. I like how the author captured the aspects about God's presence and involvement in people's lives.

A nice read, and even a catchy one. Today is the release day for this novel, so congratulations are in order for the author!

Below you can see the video trailer, which best tells the plot of the novel. Unlike my attempt a few paragraphs above. 

I was offered a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson--W Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion of the book. All thoughts expressed here are my own.