Category Archives: WaterBrook

Review: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

Title: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 332 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An uplifting novel about three months that may change three lives—and lead to love—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

Review:

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, wholesome romance with a lovely undercurrent of faith.

Merry Anna Foster is post-divorce and unexpectedly finding herself loving the small town she impulsively settled in after a brief stop. She is making wonderful friendships and finding personal satisfaction with her retail sales position in a local business. Merry Anna is not looking for romance but she is discovering love has a way of finding her despite her initial lack of interest.

Adam Locklear is a bull rider who is having the best season of his career. He is single-mindedly focused on winning the gold buckle at the looming championship finals. Not wanting any distractions, Adam is avoiding personal entanglements. He is very surprised by his inability to stop thinking about Merry Anna. Misunderstandings plague the couple when their friendship gradually turns to romance.

What Remains True is a sparkling romance with an idyllic setting. Merry Anna and Adam are vibrant characters whose personal baggage threatens to derail their burgeoning relationship. Both characters undergo realistic growth as their feelings for one another deepen. The secondary cast of characters is absolutely delightful. The storyline is engaging and moves at an even pace. Despite late in the story conflict,  Nancy Naigle brings this captivating novel to a heartfelt conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated B+, Review, WaterBrook, What Remains True, Women's Fiction

Review: Freedom’s Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Title: Freedom’s Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Her voice made her a riverboat’s darling—and its prisoner. Now she’s singing her way to freedom in this powerful novel from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.

Indentured servant Fanny Beck has been forced to sing for riverboat passengers since she was a girl. All she wants is to live a quiet, humble life with her family as soon as her seven-year contract is over. So when she discovers that the captain has no intention of releasing her, she seizes a sudden opportunity to escape—an impulse that leads Fanny to a group of enslaved people who are on their own dangerous quest for liberty. . . .

Widower Walter Kuhn is overwhelmed by his responsibilities to his farm and young daughter, and now his mail-order bride hasn’t arrived. Could a beautiful stranger seeking work be the answer to his prayers? . . .

After the star performer of the River Peacock is presumed drowned, Sloan Kirkpatrick, the riverboat’s captain, sets off to find her replacement. However, his journey will bring him face to face with his own past—and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be free. . . .

Uplifting, inspiring, and grounded in biblical truth, Freedom’s Song is a story for every reader who has longed for physical, emotional, or spiritual delivery.

Review:

Freedom’s Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartfelt historical Christian romance.

Due to Fanny Beck’s wondrous singing ability, she and her family secured passage from Scotland to America. The only catch? She is indentured to riverboat captain Sloan Kirkpatrick for seven years. When her contract is about to expire, Fanny learns Kirkpatrick has no intention of setting her free. She is planning to leave when she takes advantage of an unexpected opportunity to escape. Fanny is aided by an on the family of slaves who are seeking their own freedom. She in turn helps them reach safety but she must now figure out a new way to reach her family in New York. When her luck runs out, Fanny meets widowed farmer Walter Kuhn who welcomes her offer to take care of his young daughter Annaliese.

Once Fanny realizes her family has been taken advantage of by Kirkpatrick, she begins planning her departure. Although she has been exposed to people from many walks of life, her faith remains strong. Fanny is a determined young woman but she is very touched by the enslaved family who is seeking their own freedom. She refuses to leave them behind and does all she can to aid them during their journey. When Fanny meets Walter, she is initially cautious but he quickly wins her over by his gentle care of Annaliese. She is grateful for the chance to earn the money to continue her travels. But Fanny does not realize how much she will come to care for both Annaliese and Walter.

Walter is stricken with guilt over his wife’s death. Although he deeply loves his deceased wife, he agrees to ask his parents to send him a mail-order bride. Walter is incredibly grateful when Fanny agrees to take care of Annaliese. Her gentle care and abiding faith slowly work their way into his heart but is there any future for them since Walter has given his word to marry the woman his parents pick for him?

Freedom’s Song is a captivating novel with a bucolic setting and appealing characters. Fanny is very sweet with an incredibly strong faith. Walter is a little shy and insecure yet very protective of the people he cares about. Kirkpatrick is a bit of a villain but he does undergo some character growth. With a late in the story complication, Kim Vogel Sawyer brings this beautiful historical romance to a very heartwarming conclusion.

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Filed under Christian, Freedoms Song, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Rated B+, Review, Romance, WaterBrook

Review: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

Title: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community.

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

Review:

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a deeply moving novel about friendship and new beginnings.

Two years after the loss of her Marine husband, Jack, Amanda Whittier and her two darling children, Hailey and Jesse, relocate to Whelk’s Island, N.C. Their bungalow by the sea needs a little TLC but it is a cozy haven for Amanda and the kids. She and the children take full advantage of the beach where they spend a good part of their days. But the very best part of their new life is the unexpected friendship of island native, Maeve Lindsay.

Maeve enjoys daily walks on the beach where she also picks up seashells and other gifts from the sea. She shares an immediate rapport with the Whittier family and she hits it off with the kids as well as Amanda. Maeve’s calming presence is a balm to Amanda’s aching heart and through their newfound friendship, she begins to truly heal from her loss.

Amanda also surprisingly reconnects with her and Jack’s best friend, Paul Grant. Unbeknownst to Amanda, Paul has made a few changes in his life since they last spoke. She is grateful for the opportunity to repair the damage she wrought on their relationship during her grief over Jack’s death. Paul is unwavering in his support and she is caught off guard by how much she loves spending time with him.

The Shell Collector is a heartfelt novel with a cast of charming characters and an endearing storyline.  Amanda is a wonderful woman whose loss has shaped her life but she does not want it to define her.  Maeve is quite wise and she does not hesitate to share her advice with the grieving family. Paul is thrilled to be back in Amanda’s life and he does not push her to make a decision she is not quite ready to make. Whelk’s Island is an idyllic setting and the beach is a soothing location for the Whittier family to begin anew. Keep the tissues handy as Nancy Naigle brings this captivating novel to an intensely emotional conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated A, Review, The Shell Collector, WaterBrook, Women's Fiction

Review: From this Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Title: From this Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A lost ring brings together two wounded souls—a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian—in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow.

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancée’s untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can’t seem to set aside his doubts about God’s goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she’s not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?

Review:

From this Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a delightful Christian novel.

Jase Edgar relocates from San Antonio to Bradleyville, KS after he is hired as a youth minister for a local church. He is still mourning the loss of his fiancé Rachel who died in a car accident a year ago. Not only did Jase lose the love of his life, he has lost his faith. Although he begins to feel like he accepted the job under false pretenses, he enjoys the company of the minister of the church and his wife. He also likes spending time with church members Lori Fowler and Kenzie Stetler. And despite his doubts, Jase is beginning to form connections with the teenagers he is ministering to along with the other members of the church. But will Jase regain the faith that has long sustained him?

Lori is outgoing, friendly and enthusiastic about anything that catches her interest. She and Kenzie are best friends who also happen to work together at the local quilt shop. When hours might be cut at the quilt store,  Lori volunteers for  a second job at the church as a custodian. Her interest in the new position is not completely altruistic since she is quite smitten with Jase. Despite her sunny disposition, Lori’s self-doubts and low self-esteem manifest themselves in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Ashamed and embarrassed, will Lori overcome her problems through her faith and assistance of Jase and Kenzie?

Kenzie left her family and Amish faith after she discovered a new religion. She holds her memories of her family dear and she misses them dearly. Kenzie has a giving spirit and she does not want anyone to know of her good deeds. When she discovers a wedding ring, she is determined to find its rightful owner. But with her heart telling her to return to family and share her  faith, can Kenzie leave her friends behind and her task unfinished?

With a warm and welcoming setting, From this Moment is a heartfelt novel of faith, redemption and love. The storyline is well-written with carefully chosen scripture designed to fit the various issues that crop up during the unfolding story. All of the characters are beautifully developed with relatable strengths,  foibles and problems to overcome. Kim Vogel Sawyer weaves the various story arcs together and brings this wonderful novel to an uplifting conclusion.

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Filed under Christian, Contemporary, From this Moment, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Rated B, Review, Romance, WaterBrook

Review: The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Title: The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Historical (’30s), Christian, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A traveling librarian ventures into the mining towns of Kentucky on horseback—and learns to trust the One who truly pens her story—in this powerful novel from the best-selling author of A Silken Thread.

During the Great Depression, city-dweller Addie Cowherd dreams of becoming a novelist and offering readers the escape that books had given her during her tragic childhood. When her father loses his job, she is forced to take the only employment she can find—delivering books on horseback to poor coal-mining families in the hills of Kentucky.

But turning a new page will be nearly impossible in Boone’s Hollow, where residents are steeped in superstitions and deeply suspicious of outsiders. Even local Emmett Tharp feels the sting of rejection after returning to the tiny mountain hamlet as the first in his family to graduate college. And as the crippled economy leaves many men jobless, he fears his degree won’t be worth much in a place where most men either work the coal mine or run moonshine.

As Addie also struggles to find her place, she’ll unearth the truth about a decades-old rivalry. But when someone sets out to sabotage the town’s library program, will the culprit chase Addie away or straight into the arms of the only person who can help her put a broken community back together?

Review:

Set in 1936, The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a heartfelt Christian romance that is based on true life events.

Adelaide “Addie” Cowherd is almost finished with her junior year of college. Her much older parents have fallen on very hard times and they have been unable to pay her tuition. Thanks to the kindness of her co-worker, Addie has a place to stay until her job at the library finishes.   She is hoping to find a job in Lexington so she can pay her tuition and assist her parents financially until her father can find another job. Just as she is getting desperate, Addie accepts a position as a packhorse librarian in the very small town of Boone’s Hollow.

Emmett Tharp also attends the same college as Addie but he is a senior who is graduating. Like Addie, he immediately begins his job search, but he is turned down every place he goes. Disappointed, Emmett returns to his hometown of Boone’s Hollow  with hopes of finding employment in one of the nearby towns. On the verge of giving up hope, Emmett finds  unexpected job opportunities.

Addie is an independent and intelligent young woman with a strong faith. She is very devoted to her parents and she will do what it takes to help them. Kind and compassionate, Addie would never knowingly hurt anyone’s feelings. She also forms her own opinions so she chooses to live with the town’s pariah Nanny Fay Tuckett.

Emmitt is finding it difficult to settle back into life in Boone’s Hollow. His mom is very proud of him but his relationship with his father remains strained. And once they finally do find common ground, Emmett is uncertain whether or not he should do anything to upset their growing closeness.

Bettina Webber is thrilled that Emmett has returned from college. She has long harbored a crush on him and she immediately sets a plan in motion to capture his heart. Bettina’s life drastically changed after her mother passed away and she will go to any lengths to escape living with her father.

The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow is a captivating novel with a vibrant setting and colorful characters. The plot is gripping and Kim Vogel Sawyer’s meticulous research brings this marvelous story vividly to life. The characters are guided by their faith and their ability to forgive and offer kindness no matter the situation reflects their deep spirituality. Although there is a slight romantic element, it is very understated. This heartwarming and engaging novel comes to beautiful, uplifting conclusion. Highly recommend this marvelous story to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Christian, Historical, Historical (30s), Kim Vogel Sawyer, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Librarian of Boone's Hollow, WaterBrook

Review: A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Title: A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall
Publisher: Waterbrook
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 208 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

ECPA BESTSELLER • For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community’s ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she’s stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she’d cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman’s illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.

Review:

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall is a thought-provoking Amish romance.

Ivy Zook is a party-planner with her best friend and she is ready to leave her Amish faith in order to expand their business.  She also helps her mamm on the family’s dairy farm and she is ready to leave caring for cows behind her. Ivy has a big heart but she is also stubborn and outspoken.  Knowing she is breaking her mamm’s heart, will Ivy follow through with her plans?

Arlan Keim and his family are Swartzentruber Amish and this ultra-conservative sect is extremely strict. Despite his dream to own a farm with his brother, Arlan’s father is not allowing him to move just yet.  But this turns out to be fortuitous when his younger sister Magda becomes quite ill and their parents refuse to seek medical care.  Defying their wishes, Arlan devises a plan to help his sister. Despite their rather dramatic entrance into the Zook’s lives, Arlan and Magda find a much need sanctuary when they need it the most. At first objecting to the more relaxed Old Order Amish lifestyle, Arlan experiences a crisis of faith as he discovers that stricter does not necessarily mean better.

Ivy’s sister Holly also faces a bit of a crossroad as her wedding to Josh draws closer.  Holly’s Bishop has allowed her to follow her dream of helping Amish families understand the importance of taking their prescriptions. She is continuing her education to broaden her reach throughout the community. But after the wedding, Holly is expected to follow tradition and give up her job. She and Josh are hoping his Bishop will grant permission for her to continue working, but will he agree to their plan?

A Christmas Haven is a captivating Amish romance with marvelous characters and a unique storyline. All of the characters grow and evolve throughout this heartwarming story.  Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall bring this delightful romance to a heartfelt and gratifying conclusion. Highly recommend to readers of Amish fiction.

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Filed under A Christmas Haven, Amish, Cindy Woodsmall, Contemporary, Erin Woodsmall, Rated B+, Review, Romance, WaterBrook