'Wild Mint Tea' by Valerie Comer

She's rooted deep. He flies free.

Local-foods chef Claire Halford envisions turning Green Acres Farm into an event destination. Weddings prove trickier than she imagined when the first one comes with a ruggedly handsome brother-of-the-bride, who has everything but a fixed address. Oh, and faith in God.

Noel Kenzie loves the freedom his reforestation company affords him. Why worry about deep stuff like God and commitment when he's in his prime? Except there's a woman who might make it worth giving up his wings...and digging in some roots. If he dares.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the second in Valerie Comer's 'Farm Fresh Romance' series. Those who read 'Raspberries and Vinegar' will remember Claire as the practical and undemonstrative chef, whose dream of making a go of the self-sustained lifestyle farm is nonetheless huge. This is her story.

Wanting to earn a bit more money to put into the project, she applies for a temporary position as chef with a reforestation group. The boss, Noel Kenzie, turns out to be undeniably attractive.

The two main characters are different from each other in many ways. She values the security of home and hearth, while he is a free-spirited wanderer with a thirst for adventure. In fact, the one thing they have in common is a mutual agreement that they should keep well away from each other. It's very easy and satisfying to read.

Although Claire's aversion to traveling seems extreme, given her common sense, we understand when we read the snippets about her upbringing. It doesn't take the reader long to figure out that Noel is the right man for her. I originally liked him for his humour and patience with the other women in his life; Amber, his little sister, who still has a tendency to pout and throw tantrums, even though she's soon to be married, and Jess, his foreman, who keeps teasing him about his crush on Claire until the joke gets really old.

My favourite parts of the story may be the insights we get into the rigours of the hospitality industry. As my teenage daughter wants to follow that path, it was eye-opening. The three original girls, Jo, Claire and Sierra, decide to begin catering for weddings and functions. It's soon obvious to the reader that their dream takes lots of intelligence, forethought, dedication and meticulous detail. Perhaps these books work so well because we all appreciate it when hard work is offset by a little romance.

I'm looking forward to Sierra's story in the third book.

Thanks to the author for a free review copy.

4 stars


Wild Mint Tea (A Farm Fresh Romance) available from Amazon

'How Sweet the Sound' by Amy K Sorrells

A Southern Novel of Second Chances From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface. Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief. This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a beautiful book which reminded me a little of a modern "To Kill a Mockingbird" with its similar deep south setting. The main character, Anniston, is a wise and perceptive young girl, a bit like Scout Finch. Her family, the Harlans, are the cream of the district, but hiding a terrible legacy like a simmering volcano, making us wonder when it will erupt, and what we will discover.

We quickly find out that it's partly based loosely on the Biblical story of King David's daughter, Tamar, with Anniston's Aunt Comfort as Tamar, and her brothers Cole and Rey (Anniston's father) taking Amnon and Absalom's roles.

The beautiful writing style is not to be skim read, as descriptions and observations are often symbolic of something occurring in the plot. A good example is Anniston's memories of her father's words, telling her why pecan growers need to be slow and leisurely, noticing the small things in life. Some of the treasures Jed gives her are also significant, such as the geode, which is ostentatious on the outside but a sparkling treasure within.

The story is full of interesting character studies. Princella, the grandmother, is a lady who reminds me of Cruella DeVil, but shows brief flashes of vulnerability. You can't help wondering at the magnitude of all she must keep hidden, and the final revelation inspires questions. She obviously thinks she'd put her past behind her and 'made it', yet the story is written so readers can't help reacting with repugnance at her unnatural behaviour, such as carrying on as usual when her two sons have just killed each other.

Even though the brothers were in the story for such a short time, they were well-rounded characters whose influence, either evil or good, never stopped. How sorry I felt about Rey's family losing him, even though he just had a few lines at the beginning of the story. We still get a sense of just what sort of a man he was, which was excellent writing.

When we do learn Princella's secret, we can't help wondering whether we've just made the crime of judging by appearances, since we were unaware of the depth of her past hurt until then, not that this consideration makes us like her any better. Her personality was warped by events from her past. Yet other characters, such as Jed, have chosen to react completely differently to a traumatic past. And much of the story deals with Comfort, and whether or not she will let pain overwhelm her or find a way to push through.

It's an engrossing read which I recommend. The horror and tragedy is matched just as hugely by hope and heroism. For every Cole or Jimmy presented, there's a Solly or Jed to balance him out. We are left with beautiful images, such as when the children saved the fish.

And like all good books, there's something for the reader to take away for themselves. One of my favourites was Ernestine telling Anni about Jacob's ladder and reminding her to look for the ladders in her own life, 'places where the sky opens and you can feel angels pulling pain outta your soul and replacing it with a song.'

I received a copy from NetGalley and David C Cook in return for an honest review.

4.5 stars

  How Sweet the Sound: A Novel available from Amazon

'Until we Reach Home' by Lynn Austin

Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother's death and father's suicide. Elin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters' welfare, and when circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.

Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America's story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.

MY THOUGHTS:

Three orphaned teenage sisters are forced by circumstances to leave their homeland, Sweden, and migrate to America. The novel deals with their passage and first couple of months in Chicago.

Elin, the eldest, feels highly responsible for the other two and bears the weight of the world on her shoulders. Sometimes she comes across to both herself and the reader as a weary old woman instead of a pretty nineteen year old. Kirsten, the middle sister, is bold, statuesque and fun-loving, but has a broken heart and desperate secret which comes to light in the detention centre. Sofia, the youngest, is what we might now call an HSP (highly sensitive person), who feels things very deeply and allows the others to look out for her interests just because that's the way things have always been done.

I found it a lovely read, with a bit of romance and several interesting twists and turns. The highlight, for me, was the relationship between Sofia and Ludwig, which began in the detention centre. I've never comes across another love story quite so unique. She's Swedish, he's German, they cannot understand a word from each other but manage an ingenious way of communicating through Bible verses. And every so often, I found myself sitting back with a smile, reminding myself that as an English speaker, I'd be able to understand neither of them, yet I'm totally sold on their story. He's definitely a resourceful and admirable young guy.

The bond between the sisters, and the way the point of view shifts between the three of them from chapter to chapter is enjoyable.

5 stars
Until We Reach Home available from Amazon

'The Generation Game' by Sophie Duffy

Philippa Smith is in her forties and has a beautiful newborn baby girl. She also has no husband, and nowhere to turn. So she turns to the only place she knows: the beginning. Retracing her life, she confronts the daily obstacles that shaped her very existence. From the tragic events of her childhood abandonment, to the astonishing accomplishments of those close to her, Philippa learns of the sacrifices others chose to make, and the outcome of buried secrets. Philippa discovers a celebration of life, love, and the Golden era of television. A reflection of everyday people, in not so everyday situations.

MY THOUGHTS: 

Philippa Smith is a first time mother in her early 40s. While the hospital staff seem concerned about her baby, for a reason she can't initially get out of them, she decides to go over her own life story for the baby girl's benefit. As she relives events, she clarifies in her own head which were the most important things and who were the most meaningful people in her life.

As Philippa was born just 5 years before me, I loved the reference to the historical events which helped shape her life. Her story drew me back to my childhood and youth in the 70s and 80s. A prime example was the marriage of Charles and Diana. I clearly remember watching the wedding live on TV, aged about 12, and in the story, we see why it was such a big day for Philippa, on her 16th birthday. The book reinforces how current history, music and events, which seem to be in the background of our lives, really do help to gel our views and attitudes when we are young.

I could relate even more to Philippa as she got older, having also majored in English Lit and then decided not to take it further into teaching. I did lose my cool at her for a dumb decision she made in her 30s, but by then, I already loved her and related to her, so it was impossible not to forgive her.

I'm glad such a large chunk of the story was spent on Philippa's earliest childhood, instead of glossing over these years. Those were some of my favourite parts. Children can be very perceptive, honing in on details which adults either miss or have no idea kids notice. It also shows how things grown-ups may brush off as simple kindnesses, are shown to be significant in the eyes of children. I like that reminder that when we think we're doing simple, pointless things, we're really doing big things. Characters such as Bob and Wink are very memorable and lovable, just for being their unassuming, plain selves. Obviously, the care of one little girl was part of their noble purpose.

I'd be interested to see what other readers think of a massive twist toward the end. It'll be hard to address this without plot spoilers, but there's no way a reviewer can ignore it, so I'll be very careful. The twist was major, and I didn't altogether like it, because we had to suddenly alter our perceptions of several key characters, after about nineteen twentieths of the book. My first perceptions of them were partly what made the prior story so meaningful for me, and suddenly there was a huge paradigm shift. Okay, I can't help it, I'm going to include this spoiler.

SPOILER ALERT
Maybe such a strong storyline doesn't need a plot twist of this magnitude, as it steers dangerously close to solid characters behaving out of character. Can anyone else really imagine placid, dependable Bob doing what he did with Helena's and Philippa's mother in the 60s? He didn't strike me as the impulsive or Casanova type. And would a big sister as loving as Helena really shoot off overseas without saying goodbye to little Philippa? She came across more believably when I really did think she was a reluctant young mother, giving it her best shot after an unplanned pregnancy. And although I'm a sucker for a happy ending, did this one edge into the realm of fairy tales? Terry never really struck me as the type who would embrace the life of a doting husband and father, with Philippa and little Lucy.

Overall, a very evocative and well-written book which I didn't want to put down. The natural ebbs and flows of life are well shown. For example, people who do mean the world to us, even those with 'best friend' status, do drift away, for various, honest reasons. The story does a wonderful job of proving that we don't have do brilliant things to live a significant life. Philippa's story is surely quite similar to any one of ours.

I received a copy from NetGalley and Legend Press in return for an honest review.

4 stars

The Generation Game available from Amazon

'Seeker of Stars' by Susan Fish

As a boy, Melchior is fascinated by stars but has rigid obligations to apprentice with his rug-making father. When his life is radically changed, he is propelled onto a new path full of danger and glory in pursuit of a special star. The journey leads Melchior to reflect on life and death, dreams and duty, and to find unusual reconciliation within his family and with the God he never knew he sought. Destined to become a classic, Seeker of Stars offers a fresh retelling of the story of the magi, and will appeal to people of all ages and faiths.
MY THOUGHTS:
The perfect time to read this novel would be in the lead-up to Christmas.

The start was great. We're introduced to Melchior, a young boy who lives in ancient Persia. Sadly, his lovely mother dies while giving birth to his sister, Daria, devastating the family, but they bond together in their grief.

Melchior's older brother, Salvi, is outgoing and loves flirting with the village girls. He gets the opportunity to join their fun-loving uncle Taz, living the adventurous life of a merchant.

Melchi himself, who is quieter and more reflective, would love to study the stars and their signs, as mathematics and astronomy stimulate him. His father thinks that's foolish and impractical, and insists that Melchi work in the family rug-making business.

Meanwhile, both brothers are smitten with Leyla, a very pretty and lively village girl. They also make friends with Reta, the quiet Hebrew girl who does their housekeeping, since their mother died.

Circumstances line up so that Melchi finally gets his opportunity to study with the Magi. I'm looking forward to every move, when suddenly the rug is pulled from under my feet. With no warning, the story jumps ahead several years. Melchior is now a man familiar with the layout of the university town and strangers he met there are brought before the reader as if he's known them for ages. Most disconcertingly, he's married to one of the girls from his past and we have no idea why that happened!

If I'd been reading a paperback, I would have checked to see if a large chunk had fallen out of the binding, but I have a kindle book. Reading on, the story explains what happened in the intervening years, but I still find it too jarring. Although I like the use of flashbacks as a literary device, I think in this case, they should have been introduced from the very start of the book. The sudden style change was far too big a jolt, as I'd got used to the chronological tale of his childhood.

Until that point, I would have given this book 5 stars for several reasons. The historical authenticity, the filial affection between the brothers and their love for their little sister, Susan Fish's sensitive and evocative writing style, the way in which Melchior becomes one of the wise men from the gospels. However, that seismic jolt to the future, and the disorientation and disappointment it caused, is something I think deserves a lower rating. So I'll go for the middle and choose three stars.

I want to make it clear that I loved Susan Fish's writing and I will definitely read novels more by her, as I assume they won't pull the same stunt again.

Thanks to NetGalley and David C Cook for a review copy.

3 stars

Seeker of Stars available from Amazon

'The Truest Thing about You' by David Lomas

There are many true things about you—true things you use to build an identity. Parent. Introvert. Victim. Student. Extrovert. Entrepreneur. Single.

These truths can identify you, your successes and failures, your expectations and disappointments, your secret dreams and hidden shames. But what if your true identity isn't found in any of these smaller truths, but in the grand truth of who God says you are? In other words, lots of things are true about you—but are they the truest?

David Lomas invites you to discover and live out the truth of who God created you to be: you are loved, you are accepted, and you are made in God's image. It's time to move beyond the lesser voices and discover why everything changes when you become who you really are.
 
MY THOUGHTS:
Pastor David Lomas comes across as an insightful, really nice person and I like what he sets out to prove, although it's probably nothing we haven't heard before, or don't know intuitively.

In a nutshell, our identity in Christ has nothing to do with how hard we work or what we manage to achieve. It starts with believing something about Jesus, and then believing something about ourselves in light of what we believe about Jesus. When we truly grasp this, we can 'have' things without things 'having' us.

We are loved for who we are, not for what we can produce. People tend to screw the biblical work mandate up in our minds. We take something which is part of what Lomas calls our 'Imago Dei' (our identity in God)- the call to work, and make it a source of our identity. Or an idol. Or an escape, excuse, or source of self-worth.

I like his example of suddenly finding himself working as a nameless barista and waiter at his local Starbucks coffee shop, instead of being the hot-shot pastor he envisaged himself at the time.

He also addresses those times when we feel a need to complain about all we feel we're unfairly going through in our daily lives, without realising that God is standing by like a mother with a wet washcloth, wanting to scrub our faces clean and completely regenerate us.

Now that I've written this, I see something interesting. Although I wrote in my first paragraph that this material is probably nothing we haven't heard before, it certainly doesn't seem to sink in deeply for several of us, living in our everyday worlds which seem to keep encouraging us to strive, base our value on shallow things and wear ourselves out. It might be healthy to keep reading books like this one, just to remind ourselves of what's really true.

Thanks to NetGalley and David C Cook for a review copy.

3 stars

The Truest Thing about You: Identity, Desire, and Why It All Matters available from Amazon

'A Bead and a Prayer' by Kristen E. Vincent

A BEAD AND A PRAYER introduces Protestants to prayer as a way to connect with God. Readers will explore the history and art of using beads in prayer, discover ways to pray with beads, and learn how beads can help them deepen their faith, understand Christian beliefs, and listen to God. Instructions for making prayer beads are included. Great for Christians with no experience in using beads for prayer, Sunday school classes, women's groups, prayer groups. Youth and children will also enjoy making prayer beads, led by someone using this book as a guide.

MY THOUGHTS:
This lovely book is clearly a labour of love for the author.

Kristen Vincent's personal story starts the book, describing how her own mania for prayer beads started, eventually leading her to set up a successful business. There was a lot of destiny about it. I like true stories which are full of unexpected serendipity that leads a person down a completely new path.

It's a very balanced book. In another chapter, she discusses the sound theory behind using prayer beads for our personal devotion times, making it clear why she recommends them. Then in another, she gives detailed instructions, with diagrams, on how to make our own.

Best of all is how she sensitively bridges the gap between different Christian denominations which have a history of keeping themselves separate from each other. It's great for somebody from one of the Protestant traditions to research a practise mostly associated with the Catholic faith. It's sad when people keep themselves from something which may benefit them, out of fear of distrust. Good on her for telling us about her conclusion.

I received a copy from NetGalley and Upper Room Books in return for an honest review

3.5 stars

A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner's Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads available from Amazon