On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni ~ a book review

This is a contemporary, clean romance.  It is categorized as Christian fiction but the mention of God is minimal, which is why I call it “clean”

The main character, Cora, has had many painful disappointments and yearns for a normal life again. She comes to Moonberry Lake, her mother’s childhood home, to renovate her family lodge.  Her mother’s will stipulates that she must live in it for a year. In that time she meets, becomes friends with and comes to love a “family” of quirky, eccentric neighbors and townspeople. The list of characters is many. There is a brusque, no-nonsence, old handi-woman who worms her way into Cora’s heart. There is a grumpy, hate filled man who believes he owns her land and wants her gone. There is her neighbor, Pastor Joe, her employer, a genius who can’t leave his house, an old woman who tends a forgotten cemetery and many more interesting folk.  There is also a kind, handsome dentist, and a helpful, old family friend that bring a bit of normalcy to the story.

Cora has dealt with a broken engagement, her mother’s death, secrets, mysteries, lies and natural disasters.

This is not a fast read. It is very involved, but by the time I got about a third of the way into it, it became much easier to read. The story starts to come together for the reader.

By the time you’ve finished the book, you will have gotten to know and taken to heart Cora’s many friends and family.

The back of the book has some recipes and a sneak peek at the next story set in Moonberry Lake.

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about the author, Holly Varni

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson ~ a book review

This one is a keeper!  It’s the perfect book to read if you want to put yourself in a Christmas mood.  It’s easy to read, the characters are engaging and the plot is delightful.  However, if the typical holiday movie is not your cup of tea, you may not love it as much as I did. 

Here is the blurb from the publisher’s website:

“Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school, and she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.

What? No. That's the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Still, curiosity gets the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament, and the chance at a real-life fairy tale romance.”

This is a contemporary novella, so it doesn’t take long to read. There is a strong element of Christian faith but it doesn’t come across as “preachy”. 

This story has all the feel good elements of a happy holiday fantasy. A lovely Christmas village, a handsome "prince", a beautiful historic castle, and a couple of mysteries to solve.

My copy is a hard cover copy, another big plus!

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Melody Carlson and her other books 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

 

 

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart ~ a book review

This story takes place on the very interesting setting of an old time showboat.  Right off the bat, we are drawn into a mystery and the suspense continues through out the story.   The story begins in 1881 , with the main character, Jacci, as a young girl, facing danger and along with her mother, fleeing for her life.

They find refuge on a showboat where her grandfather is the lead actor in the show.  Jacci grows up with her new “family” of showboat actors and crew. 

There are elements of mystery, suspense, suspicion, deception and a forbidden family secret.  Amongst all the excitement and mystery there is also love, forgivness and faith.  This is not a ‘preachey’ story but the character’s faith plays a crucial role.

The dialog is very entertaining and the author does a very good job depicting life on a historic showboat.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“If all the world's a stage, Jacci will play her part.

She only hopes her story does not turn out to be a tragedy.

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother, and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard that same showboat and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life--and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past--is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows . . . and the answers she craves will not come easily.”

I loved this story.  It was very easy to read and very entertaining. The suspense and mystery will keep the reader guessing.  There is also a romantic element that will keep the reader’s interest.  Jacci has two suitors. Who can she trust?  Who will she choose?

Go HERE to read an excerpt:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

Go HERE to learn more about Ann B. Gabhart and her other books: