Fresh from the Bookshelf: A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander {Book Review}

Do you like book series? I do! The one pet peeve I have with many series relates to the quality of the books down the line. It seems like some authors just lose steam and the later books become a bit lackluster. Other authors seem to pick UP steam with each book progressively getting better and better. One of my favorite authors within the Christian Fiction genre, is Tamera Alexander. There has YET to be a book I didn't like. She has been working on two series lately that I have been enjoying--but ESPECIALLY the A Belmont Mansion series. She recently released book three in the series--the final installment--titled A Note Yet Unsung. I was pleased to have a chance to review this title through BethanyHouse and I hoped that it would be the same level of enjoyment the previous books in the series have brought me.

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About A Note Yet Unsung

A Note Yet Unsung is the third and final installment in the A Belmont Mansion series. This series takes place in Nashville, around the famous Belmont Mansion--home of Adelicia Acklen Cheatham. Set in 1871, the story follows the gifted musician and master violinist Rebekah Carrington as she returns to Nashville after spending the previous ten years in Vienna. Having been trained by some of Vienna's fineness, she is ready to return and take her spot in the music world. She wheedles her way into an audition with the maestro at the newly formed Nashville Philharmonic--however, her hopes are swiftly dashed because the conductor bows to the public opinion that women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra. Forced to find employment due to uncomfortable family issues, Rebekah finds herself in the role of violin tutor to the daughter of Adelicia Acklen Cheatham at Belmont Mansion. Unfortunately the nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb, who denied her the chance of making a dream come true, is indebted to Mrs. Cheatham and when he needs an assistant to help him complete the symphony he is writing, Rebekah is cajoled into the role. Will she be able to help him finish the symphony in time for the grand opening of the new opera hall? Can he continue with the strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head worsening? Will he ever be able to help Rebekah reach her dream of performance on a stage?

My Thoughts

Wow. I kid you not when I tell you that I could NOT put this book down. I have a special affinity for books about musicians with my own background as a pianist and piano teacher--but THIS one. This one touches some things that I have thought about myself--what if something happened and God allowed circumstances to occur which took my joy and love of music from me? What if I have been given this talent just for the purpose of giving God glory? The hard questions that both Rebekah and Nathaniel dive into were very personal for me. 
Another level of the book I enjoyed was the revelation of Nathaniel's upbringing. I LIVE at the mouth of the Appalachian Mountains, so the description of the people and the culture was wonderful. I am definitely drawn more to books that showcase this area. Everything she portrayed was as accurate as I could ever discover going and visiting the "hollers" around me here in KY. 
Adding in the information about the classical music selections both Nathaniel and Rebekah played or referenced was wonderful--I knew EXACTLY what they were. I also appreciated tying in the classical composers of the day like Brahms! My musical background filter came to the surface while reading this book--I nodded my head at the declarations of the difficulty of some pieces. The issues with transcribing. The complication of sight reading vs. playing by ear. I appreciated and understood it ALL! And the talk about how music moves you to a different level--yes! 
Is there anything I didn't like?  Only one thing I was having issues with. How Rebekah's step-father is worked into the events in Chickory Hollow. I never quite knew what he was doing there and thought we could have had a bit more explanation. 

I am giving A Note Yet Unsung 5★

I am happily giving A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander my highest and rare rating of FIVE stars. This book had EVERYTHING that I love in a book. A plot that kept me intrigued like an onion revealing each layer. It had a brilliant setting in the music world, which captured the essence of both the performer and the creator of music. The characters had great depth to them. Their relationship wasn't rushed and just felt--normal. The author captured with words such a great image of every setting that I could instantly picture it in my head. I am just sorry that this book concludes the A Belmont Mansion series. It was lovely to see the characters from the previous two books of the series mentioned in this one as well--although I really think each book CAN stand on it's own. I truly think this third book was the BEST in the series. That doesn't happen very often does it? Oh and the cover was simply gorgeous! The writing is a raised embossed iridescent script which just begs you to run your fingers over it!
As an aside--if you are NOT a music person, I think you will still enjoy the book. It's just that having a music background takes it up a level in enjoyment!
Once again Tamera Alexander has written a winner! I can't wait to continue to read her books, and look forward to the other series she is writing and all the new ones she has YET to write!

A Note Yet Unsung (Belmont Mansion Book #3) by Tamera Alexander Available in Kindle and Paperback
I hope you will consider checking out other books by Tamera Alexander!

*****

Fresh From the Bookshelf: Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette {Book Review}

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being on the review team for rookie author Connilyn Cossette's first book Counted With the Stars. It was part one of a three part series, and after really enjoying the first book, I eagerly awaited the second book Shadow of the Storm. I hoped that this sequel would be just as good, or maybe even better than the first book--and I was eager to continue the Out From Egypt series with Shira's story.

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About Shadow of the Storm

Shadow of the Storm picks up just a short period of time after Counted With the Stars ends. In Counted With the Stars, we saw the Ancient Israelites being delivered from slavery in Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, and arriving at Mount Sinai. Shadow of the Storm begins in the heat of trouble--with the Israelites in the middle of their infamous golden calf orgy while Moses is up on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments. This story follows the beloved character Shira from book one as she navigates the world of midwifery as an apprentice to the lead midwife Reva. After a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself in a situation that seems impossible and bound to a man who betrayed her trust. While dealing with contention between the Hebrew tribes, as well as foreigners fanning flames of rebellion, Shira also deals with long-hidden pain and secrets from her past.

My Thoughts on the Book

You can imagine how happy i was to know that my favorite character from book one was the lead female in this second book. I just really connected with Shira and enjoyed seeing her story flushed out. It was interesting to piece together all the things that happened to make her who she was. I also liked watching her find her feet and gain confidence in what she was able to do--her place within the people. She dealt with many ups and downs, and was so focused on her personal baggage shaping her, she forgot what it meant to be "set free" by God. Her painful backstory of abuse is real to many women today unfortunately--and the quote said by Reva to Shira about how she talks to herself regarding her self-worth is something all could take to heart:

"You are telling yourself lies and believing them. Instead of putting the oil of truth on those scars, you are allowing them to grow thicker. If you do not stretch those scars, tug at them, force movement into them, then they will continue to have a hold over you."

This book also shares a dual story with a Hittite woman named Dvorah who plays an entrical part in the overall story. I enjoyed having her character woven through, though there were times I wanted to shake her.

It was interesting to take on the view of an Israelite going through the events after Mount Sinai. To think about what it would have been like for a Levite to be chosen as the "special" tribe. To see the anger of God taken out on the people over events like the golden calf and the rebellion. It was an intriguing perspective, and I think the author did it convincingly.

I enjoyed seeing Kiya and Eben from the first book playing a substantial role in this book and hope we won't see the last of them. The next book in the series is set to pick up about 40 years later, and the author promises we will see a few of these other characters popping up.

I actually think I enjoyed Kiya's story a smidgen more than this one-mostly because the first book touched me in ways this one just didn't quite do. Shadow of the Storm was still a wonderful story and I enjoyed every part of it. But I didn't get moved emotionally like the previous book. As a side bonus, I will add that the covers of these first two books are just gorgeous! Loving the style!

Shadow of the Storm (Out of Egypt)

by Connilyn Cossette

Available in Paperback and Kindle

Make sure you remember to keep your eyes open for book three in this series, Wings of the Wind which will be coming in May 2017!

Fresh from the Bookshelf: From this Moment by Elizabeth Camden {Book Review}

I pink puffy heart books by Elizabeth Camden. She writes the way I would write, if I was an author. Rich with details, history, and relationships. Her books have always offered me a delightful journey into the past and I eagerly await her next release. Earlier this year, I read a prequel novella called Summer of Dreams which was written to set off her latest book From This Moment. It definitely made me eager for more, and I was so happy to have a chance to review Elizabeth Camden's latest novel From This Moment for NetGalley.

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About From This Moment

From This Moment picks up about 4 years after the conclusion of

Fresh from the Bookshelf: No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer {Book Review}

Karen Witemeyer is one of my top 5 favorite authors for Christian fiction and one of the top three for COMEDIC fiction. I just adore her clever wit and hilarious escapades for her "take-me-as-I-am" characters and have ALWAYS recommended her books. She is one of the only authors that will make me laugh out loud while I am reading--so I am quick to snag any of her new books. I was tickled to have a chance to review her latest release No Other Will Do, the first book in a new series called Ladies of Harper Station. I looked forward to the joy that I was sure it would bring me!

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About the Book

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer is set in Texas in 1882. Emma Chandler was raised by suffragette aunts who encouraged her endeavor to not only become a female banker, but establish Harper's Station, a women's colony for females in need. Problem is that it's 1882 and those aren't things that many men are too keen on, but in this town, men are optional! Problem is, there is a dangerous shadowy assailant trying to drive the women out--Emma thinks they might need a man after all...but only one man is worthy of her trust.
Malachi Shaw is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Alone since he was 10, he has clawed his way to the top of his field as an explosives expert for the railroad to finally earn the respect he's always craved. But one day, he receives a telegram from Emma--the girl who saved his life 13 years ago, his angel...and she needs his help. 

Fresh from the Bookshelf: A Treasure Concealed by Tracie Peterson {Book Review}

One of the most famous inspirational fiction authors is Tracie Peterson. Even with a legacy of over one hundred novels, she still brings forth new and fresh novels for her fans to enjoy. One of her newest series is the Sapphire Brides, beginning with A Treasure Concealed. Because I know Tracie Peterson always produces such excellent writing, I was eager to review this book.

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About the Book

A Treasure Concealed introduces the world of the Montana Territory post gold-rush 1895. When the book opens, the rush is over and only a few desperate miners remain panning gold still convinced the "mother lode" is still there. Emily Carver's father is one of these men. Emily and her mother have had a transient existence in gold mining camps all over Montana Territory, because of her father's endless search and hope for riches. She's sick of it and longs for a home of her own--where she can plant roots and plant a garden or flowers.
Enter Caeden Thibault, a young geologist who is working for the government to analyze the different minerals in the area. Because of his job, he's run into many starry-eyed gold seekers, and he's surprised that Emily isn't one of these. 
They build up a fragile friendship, but will sudden threats of danger and an unexpected discovery come between them, or draw them together? And what about that cup of blue rocks that Emily keeps on her shelf...could the answer to all her dreams be in that cup?

Fresh from the Bookshelf: A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason {Book Review}

An Irish girl visiting her brother in America, seeking to escape an unwanted suitor. A man, from a well-to-do family, recently released from prison and ready to start over. An accidental meeting in stable that leads to mistaken identity. So begins the story of Maggie and Adam in A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason, book two in the Courage to Dream series. After falling in love with the first book in the series, I was more than happy to review A Worthy Heart, and hoped it lived up to book one.

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About the Book

A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason, is book two in the Courage to Dream series. Picking up three years after Irish Meadows left off, we are introduced to Maggie Montgomery, sister to one of the characters from book #1. Maggie is headed to America with her brother Gabe, in order to have a nice visit with their older brother Rylan, who is married to Colleen O'Leary (another main character from book #1). What Rylan and Gabe, and the rest of the family back in Ireland don't know, is that Maggie isn't here for a visit...she's here to stay! Desperate to escape the unwelcome attentions of a suitor back in Ireland, she has her sights set on becoming an American citizen. Meanwhile, Adam O'Leary, Colleen's brother and Rylan's brother-in-law has just been released from prison after serving three years. He's ready for a new start, and with his new found faith in God, he's anxiously hoping he can repair some of the damage he caused to his family. A chance meeting in the stables at Irish Meadows (the O'Leary family ranch) brings Maggie and Adam together--next thing they know, both are aggressively warned away from the other by family members. Now Maggie and Adam are seeking new opportunities and a future, and they are determined to not let their pasts define their possibilities for the future...but discover it isn't that easy, because the past doesn't always stay buried.

My Thoughts

First off, let's talk about the cover. Isn't the cover just gorgeous?? Doesn't it just scream for you to pick it up? I adored the first books' cover, but I think this one is even more stunning. Like it or not, a cover really can make it or break it for me when it comes to my desire to read a book. This one just screamed my name as soon as it got in my hands! LOL!
So, does A Worthy Heart stand alone? Hmmm. You could probably get away with starting with it, but you REALLY should read Irish Meadows first to get a handle on all the characters. You will miss all the backstory relating to Adam O'Leary (and the rest of his family for that matter) if you just jump in on this book. All his talk about changing and second chances won't mean anything, if you don't understand where he came from and what happened to get him in jail. So can you read it without #1, I guess. Should you? No.
How does the plot stand up? I liked it. As with Irish Meadows, there was more than one plot going on. In A Worthy Heart, we didn't just have the story of Maggie and Adam, but also of Maggie's brother Gabe and a young lady named Aurora. Aurora was a minor character from Irish Meadows who gets a much larger time in the spotlight with this new book. Throughout the book, you are going to see things through Maggie, Adam, Gabe, and Aurora's perspective individually. Sometimes this can get to be too busy for a reader jumping back and forth between characters, but I think that the author did it very well. I actually think it flowed better in this book, than the same idea did in book #1. Book #2 didn't seem to be as rushed.
Characters. Do they each have enough baggage to make them believable enough for me? Yes! The author definitely touches on the faults and strengths of each of the four main characters and I didn't feel like any of them was too frothy and shallow. Out of all of them, I actually think Aurora was my favorite. It was nice to see her again and give her a chance to tell her story, even if it wasn't the primary focus. 
A Worthy Heart is full of rich descriptions of the land and environment it's set in. I love the passages detailing Irish Meadows (the O'Leary property) and can just picture it in my mind. The writing of the book is very satisfying and I closed the book feeling like loose ends had been tied up, and stories had been brought to an end--which is why I'm very curious to see where the next book in the series will go--if there is a next book. Which I hope there is, even though I haven't heard a word about it yet.

I definitely give this book a solid 4 stars. It was very good and well thought out. I loved the characters and felt the plot moved at a perfect speed. The characters were likable and you wanted to cheer them on. I would definitely recommend this book, and yes, I would even suggest someone might want to purchase the series.

A Worthy Heart (Courage to Dream Book 2)
by Susan Anne Mason
ISBN # 978-0764217258
Available through Kindle and Paperback

Fresh from the Bookshelf: Playing the Part by Jen Turano {Book Review}

When I want to read a lighthearted comedy, I will always reach for a Jen Turano book. I have read (and reviewed) several books in her inspirational fiction Ladies of Distinction Series, and have been thrilled to meet the ladies in her next series A Class of Their Own. Needless to say, when I had the chance to pick Playing the Part (which is book #3 in this series) review, I was tickled and hoped that it would continue to be the same entertaining adventure!

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links. 

Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

About the Book

Playing the Part is book #3 in the A Class of Their Own series by Jen Turano. This book follows the life of Lucetta Plum, stage actress extraordinaire, and picks up right where book #2 in the series ends. A Class of Their Own series follows the lives of three roommates and bosom friends Millie, Harriet, and Lucetta through their adventures in life and romance. At the end of book #2, we found Millie and Harriet both having made successful love matches, with Lucetta happily cheering her friends success. But now it's time for Lucetta's story! 

Fresh from the Bookshelf: Stuck Together by Mary Connealy {a Book review}

There's more Trouble in Texas! Take one strong-willed incredibly good looking suffragette named Tina Cahill, and put her together with "Invincible Vince" a self-taught lawyer and no-pay sheriff of Broken Wheel, TX in 1868, who never let's anything (or any WOMAN) stop him--and you've got sparks! Throw in Vince's mother suffering from dementia, a sister who Vince didn't even know existed, his scheming father who suddenly all show up on Vince's doorstep...and did I mention that Tina's picketing of the local saloon stirs up a vipers den of trouble? So goes the never dull for a moment plot of Mary Connealy's new book Stuck Together!

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!
Stuck Together is the third book in the Trouble in Texas series by Mary Connealy. The first two books in this series introduced us to a group of best friends known as the Regulators who have been together since they were imprisoned in Andersonville during the Civil War.

Fresh from the Bookshelf: Love Comes Calling (a book review)

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links.
Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!

It's the Roaring 20's in Boston. Meet Ellis Eton. She has the best of intentions. She has her heart set on Hollywood. She's also broke. But no worries, she just agreed (accidentally though it might have been) to fill in for her look-alike friend Janie as a telephone operator for two weeks. So what if she's never been able to finish anything she started...it's just for 2 weeks. Besides, it will help her practice her acting skills and earn money for her train ticket west to become a movie star. What could possibly go wrong? I was tickled to be able to review Love Comes Calling, a fast paced and fun newly released historical inspirational fiction book by Siri Mitchell.

Fresh from the Bookshelf: A Talent for Trouble (a review)

When it comes to picking books to read, I am a sucker for a great title...and if the title comes with an eye-catching cover...well, let's just say it jumps right into my hot little hands! Needless to say the minute I read the title of the third installment of the Ladies of Distinction series by Jen Turano...I was hooked. When the book came and I saw the stunning and vibrant cover, I had to dive right on in!

A Talent For Trouble-Print

A Talent for Trouble-Kindle Edition

"For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?" (from back cover)

This story opens at the wedding of the minister that Felicia Murdock always KNEW she was going to marry--except she's not the bride. From here we see her mourning the loss of not just her future life, but of the life she's wasted all these years in her efforts to be the demure young lady she was sure he desired. Now she's ready to move forward and beginning with the purging of every old fashioned and rather hideous item of apparel she owns, she comes into the incredible (even if rather impetuous) woman God made her to be. That includes reverting back to her rather careless self, who stumbles into some rather troublesome situations...

And that's where we find Grayson Sumner (aka. Lord Sefton)...someone who just wants to settle down in the life of a respectable New York Gentleman but finds himself caught up in Felicia's antics! It's great fun to read their adventures together as they try to keep each other out of trouble--he from his dangerous past and she from her overzealous present!

So what were my thoughts on the book?

I was very happy to see that Felicia, a previous background character in the early books, has her day in the spotlight with this book! The reader was given hints into her hidden personality before, but now it all comes out with full force and we see she's a force of nature to be reckoned with!

I was relieved to see the main characters of book #1 and #2 are very strong supporting characters in this book. I always enjoy that in a series.

I connected with Felicia's spontaneous nature! She's full of zest and life...and once she cast aside her old ways, she exploded into the world as if she was the fizz in a suddenly opened bottle of pop!

This book also set up the next (and I think final) book in the series which is always a pleasure...I love it when they leave you longing for more!

So were there any negatives?

If you haven't read the previous books in this series, you will miss out on her full story and not make the connection with the other characters. I don't think this book could stand alone very well. The reader would feel like they were only given a partial script.

What is my rating for this book?

I felt that of all the books, this book was the best! I enjoyed the character of Felicia and felt she was developed far greater than any of other ladies in the series.

Now I am eager to read the next book A Match of Wits due to come out July 1, 2014!

If you want to get started in this series, you can read the FREE short novella Gentleman of Her Dreams which sets the stage for the first installment of the series A Change of Fortune.

*****

Fresh from the Bookshelf: Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund (a review)

I have another book review to share with you. I will start right off telling you that the cover sold me on this book. I love excellent covers and will sometimes choose a book just because the cover drew me to it. And yes, it IS another Inspirational Historical Fiction...how'd you guess?! LOL! 
I promise that I have a different genre to share a review on very very soon!

Rebellious Heart (Print)

Rebellious Heart (Kindle Edition)

Rebellious Heart is the 3rd book in the Hearts of Faith series by Jody Hedlund. I had already read book #1 in the series (The Preacher's Bride) and really enjoyed it thought I didn't realize that the same author wrote both books! 

Here is a little blurb about the book from the publisher's listing:
Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter. 

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely adviser  But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

With the setting in Massachusetts in 1763, it takes place in the years just prior to the Revolutionary War. The main characters represent two sides of the colonists: Susanna thinks to rebel against England is a sin and she plans on upholding the law no matter what; Benjamin sees that England is oppressing them and believes it is the duty of man to rise up against the tyrants. But life's experience challenge both of them to think differently when Susanna's ideals are challenged and she needs Ben's help to help her save a runaway indentured servant girl who needs her help. 

*As a side note, the author based the love story of Benjamin and Susanna on the infamous romantic couple John and Abigail Adams, even using some of their love letter references in the plot. This added a nice bit of extra to the story.*

The story deals with everything from England's increasing presence on the colonists, to the idea of inalienable rights for men, to the issues of indentured servants and slaves, to societies demands on marriage for both men and women.

It was an excellent story and very interesting. I enjoyed it very much--especially since in our homeschool right now we are in the 1700's and colonial America. It was very fitting to be reading a book for me that matched what we are getting ready to study.

It was very well done and very well documented and researched. I enjoyed the plot and felt the characters were well developed.

Want to check out more about this book?
Click here to read an excerpt
Click here to read Q&A from the author on the book

If you are ready to go snag a copy for yourself...
Click here to get the Print Version
Click here to get the Kindle Version


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group as part of their book review bloggers program through Bethany House Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
*****

 

Book Review: Fired Up (Trouble in Texas #2) by Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy has created another fun series in the "Trouble in Texas" collection! I was tickled to be able to review book #2 Fired Up. 

Fired Up (Paperback)

Fired Up (Kindle Edition)

Fired Up begins just days or weeks after book #1 Swept Away in the series ends. The primary characters in this book are Dare--a war trained doctor--and Glynna Greer--widow of the now dead "bad guy" of the previous book. 

I can tell you right off that you cannot just jump into book #2 and expect to know what's going on. It is DEFINITELY necessary to read book #1. This book does not stand alone. We do learn more about Glynna and Dare and the "skeletons" in their closet.

As the book moves along we know that Dare likes Glynna and she likes him. The main thing standing between them is Glynna's son who hates any man desiring to get close to his mother. This issue is always simmering in the background of the book. Throughout the book, Dare is nearly killed several times and it becomes clear that someone is out to do him harm. No one knows whether it is someone from his past experiences in the war (Civil War), cronies of Glynna's deceased husband, or another unknown element. Ultimately this is the plot the book follows. Who is trying to kill Dare and why...

About midway, we are set up with a new character in the form of the minister's sister...the minister is a war buddy and best friend of Dare and the arrival of his formerly-fat-gangly-ugly-turned-extremely-attractive sister shakes things up--especially with her Prohibition leanings in this Wild West Texas Town. It is obvious that the author is trying to set up book #3 which clearly is going to be about this sister and another one of Dare's best friends.

All in all, I would give it about 3.75 out of 5 stars. It was a quick and fun read, but not one of Ms. Connealy's best. Things get tied up or out of hand too quickly for my liking...or things get dragged out when they don't need to be.

That being said, I still look forward to reading the full series. I have predicted there will be 3 more books as there are still 3 more bachelor's in the group of 5 war buddies left to get hitched. We'll see if I'm right or not!
***
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group as part of their book review bloggers program for Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
***
Here are some of my favorite books by Mary Connealy

Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

Of all the inspirational fiction books that I've read (even the ones I chose for fun) this summer, I think this one might be my favorite...so join me in reading my review of:

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden (Print)

Into the Whirlwind (Kindle Edition)

This novel is set in Chicago in October 1871--the year Chicago was forever changed by the Great Chicago Fire. This book thrusts you INSTANTLY into the inferno with it's opening paragraph and that is ALWAYS a sign of a good book!

A wall of fire towered over Mollie. The city of Chicago had been burning for hours, the scorching wind stirring up firestorms that barrelled down the narrow streets and illuminated the night sky. It was getting hard to breathe. Smoke and ash hung in the air, coating Mollie's throat until her thirst grew more painful than the blistering heat. The crush of people jostling to flee northward made it hard to even keep standing. The city Mollie loved so well was being destroyed... (Camden, 5)

See?? How can you put it down after reading that?! I couldn't!

This book starts on the day of the fire...but then backtracks to five days before the inferno began and reintroduces the main characters and what events led them to be together on the day of the fire. It catches back up to the day of the fire and then continues on from there.

Mollie is the owner of a specialty watch factory who inherited the company from her now deceased father. They sell to a big department store in town--one of the few places which takes their handmade expensive fine watches. One day she gets a visit from the store lawyer who announces she has just days to decide whether or not to sell her company to the store. Her employees are all broken veterans of the Civil War--men who fought side by side with her father, so she worries about their employment status should she sell. And her own...what will she do if she sells when it's all she's ever known? And then she discovers a secret about the department store which changes the ball game...and she and the young lawyer begin going head to head...

Now add to this the sparks between Mollie and the lawyer Zack (who we learn has been in love with Mollie for quite awhile), the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire, the rebuilding of the city--and Mollie's company--in the aftermath, and the arrival of competition from a northern factory which uses machines to make fancy watches like Mollie's and you've got yourself quite the story!

I appreciated the vivid descriptions of life for the citizens and business owners after the fire--the author states at the end that she tried to make it as close to fact as she could in that aspect.

The plot never really slows down and I felt that there was great buildup of each character. You don't learn everything all at once about them--it's revealed in pieces as you go through the book and I find that much more intriguing.

I absolutely recommend this book to any historical fiction lover out there---but especially those who also enjoy inspirational fiction in general. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House as part of their book review bloggers program through Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.