A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham - a book review

First of all, this book is set in an area not far from where I live, so that peaked my interest right away and made if really interesting.  Secondly, it’s about a turn of the century dental practice and (sorry to all the dental professionals out there), one of the last places I ever want to be.  I was interested to see how the author was going to make it a pleasant story line.  She did !

This is a story about a young woman overcoming terrible obstacles that reminds us that even in the worst circumstance, God is working for our good.  It’s also a story about how God sends the right person at the right time into our lives.  Hazel is thrown into a situation that she has no control over but comes out of it determined to correct the wrong done to her.  Gilbert is a dedicated dentist but withdrawn emotionally.  As their friendship progresses, they support and help each other.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?”

This is a heartwarming story of redemption and determination. Hazel is a spunky, funny character, the opposite of Gilbert, who is quiet and reserved.  It was fun “watching” them get to know each other.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

Go HERE to learn more about Rachel Fordham and her books

 

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher - a book review

 

A winner!  This book is a heartfelt story about the dynamics of a closely knit family. It is the third in the Three Sisters Island series but is truly a stand alone book.  This book centers around one of three sisters, Blaine, and her return to the island after her success at a prestigious cooking school in France.  She has big plans but finds obstacles at every turn. She finds her home greatly changed and isn’t pleased about it. Her former beau acts coldly towards her, her sisters have made decisions that affect her without her input, her father has made bad business decisions and everyone assumes untrue things about her.

This book doesn’t have a big mystery and very little suspense but it portrays a family, with all it’s faults, that loves each other and holds each other up when they need it.

The author helps us better understand Blaine by cleverly inserting memories from her past.

This story is wonderfully written as we would expect from this author. 

The author includes a list of characters in the front of the book which I always find helpful.

This is from the publishers website:

“Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan--to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor's kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn't know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.
 
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined. “

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

 

Go HERE to learn more about Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard : a book review

This book is not my usual fiction genre.  I usually tend to read Christian historical romance but this one is a contemporary suspense story.  I have read other books by this author so I was fairly certain I would like it. I wasn’t wrong.  I never really thought very much about artifact theft as being particularly exciting but this author makes its very suspenseful and exciting! 

It begins with a mysterious plane crash and discovery of a dead body, seemingly unrelated.  The search and rescue that takes place brings together two former love interests who haven’t seen each other in several years.  In the process of tracking down leads and investigating, a plot involving stolen ancient artifacts is uncovered.  Jack Tanner and Terra Connors have to find a way to cooperate and work together to solve several mysteries. 

This is publicized as Christian fiction, and it is, however: I would categorize it more as clean romance fiction.  The character’s faith certainly plays a part in their personalities but it’s very subtle.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Hidden crimes. Open threats. Long-buried secrets.
They'll be fighting for the truth--and their lives.

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before.

If he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts”

This book is book one of the Rocky Mountain Courage series.

You can read an excerpt HERE

Discover more about Elizabeth Goddard HERE

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”