On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents' lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance--with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what's next for her.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.

My thoughts:

It is hard to believe that On Moonberry Lake is a debut novel, it is written as good or in some cases even better than a seasoned writer.   Cora Matthews inherits an old lodge in Minnesota which as it turns out is run down.

Cora has her hands full with the building being in disrepair, meeting a new neighbor in an embarrassing situation and a whole myriad of other challenges.  I loved the endearing, quirky cast of characters we meet in this novel, they made me laugh and cry. The sense of community made me want to pack my bags to head off to Moonberry Lake, where the people are ones, I would want to be friends with.

Widgy is a true gem, she is a no-nonsense, hardworking, handy woman. She is also cantankerous, funny and has a heart of gold.  There are several characters who stole my heart, made me chuckle and in some cases made me cry.

I cannot say enough about this book, other than I loved it and it is one of my top ten favorites so far this year.  This is a novel with memorable characters and written by a gifted storyteller.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

 

Until Then by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall

Until then may I use my time as you desire . . .

In 1985, Old Order Amish couple Celeste and Vin Lantz have been married for six years. Vin is a carpenter by trade but an artist in his heart. He is especially captivated by drawing portraits, which the Amish consider idolatry. Knowing they could be shunned, Celeste is shocked to discover that Vin has secretly been sketching her and their sons. When she confronts Vin, they argue and Vin storms off . . . and seems to disappear, leaving Celeste to wonder if he chose his art over his family.

When he leaves the house that night, Vin seeks peace on his favorite mountain overlook. But he takes a fall and wakes to find himself injured and lost. Vin soon realizes just how far he has traveled―not only in distance but back in time, to 1822 Ohio, a place that provides the freedom he craved but where he is separated from his beloved wife and children. Vin is saved by the kindness of strangers and gradually learns to survive and even to use his skills to help his new friends in this unfamiliar time and place. But all the while he prays desperately for God to return him to his family, before Celeste makes a new life without him.

My thoughts:

Finally, a unique Amish novel.  Something as a fan of this genre I have been waiting for and the authors certainly delivered.

Vin and Celeste Lantz are my new favorite couple, their story is compelling, heart wrenching and kept me reading as fast as I possibly could.  In 1985, Celeste discovers a hidden sketch pad, Vin has been warned repeatedly to stop drawing anyone with their faces showing. 

When Celeste confronts him, he goes to his favorite place to think.  After he falls and wakes up in 1822, Ohio, he embarks on a journey to find his way back home to Celeste and their two sons. What a journey it is as he encounters situations, he has only read about in history books, meanwhile, Celeste is wondering where he is and if he will return to their family and community.

 I had a lot of admiration and respect for Celeste as she determinedly kept the woodshop open to support herself and have something to pass down to her children. My heart went out to Vin, the people he met and helped in his travels.

The two timelines were seamlessly woven together, there was never any confusion as to where each of the characters were located and the struggles they faced.  Rich in history combined with the beautifully crafted story makes this novel a must read.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

 

 

A Winter by the Sea (On Devonshire Shores #2) by Julie Klassen

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.
 

My thoughts:

I have been eagerly waiting for this novel, I absolutely loved the first book in the series.  I can honestly say, I was not the least bit disappointed to return to Devonshire Shores.  I knew that Ms. Klassen would continue to please her readers as she takes us back to catch up with the Summers family.

There is excitement in the village as the Duke and Duchess of Kent along with their infant daughter arrive to stay in a neighboring cottage. They have a huge entourage as could be expected so, some of their staff stay at the seaside resort.  There are returning characters from book one in addition to the delightful ladies in the Summers family.

The vivid descriptions of Seaview, the meals they served, and the persnickety guest who takes on a role that was unnecessary were just pure perfection.  I loved watching Emily going out of her comfort zone to achieve her dream of becoming an author. There is so much to love about this novel, the family dynamics, the promise of new beginnings, but there is a bit of sadness, and mystery perfectly blended throughout the book.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  Opinions are my own.

 

Her Secret Hope (A Season in Pinecraft #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Almost two years after Lilly Kurtz first traveled to Pinecraft, Florida, with friends, she's decided to make a fresh start there. She's ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.

When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can't get him off of her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly knows that he's not going to like it when he finds out what secrets she's been running from. And she knows she could never follow the man she's falling in love with back to a place where she's never felt accepted.

Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

My thoughts:

I was curious to see how this novel would compare to the first two books in the series. It was much better in my opinion and that was largely due to Eddie Byler and his grandmother, November.  Two new guests staying at the Inn where newly hired Lilly works and resides.

Lilly has longed to escape her past and ties to her Ohio hometown, but that’s not meant to be when she discovers Eddie lives a few short miles from her hometown.  If you are expecting a jaw dropping secret about her past, you won’t find it in this novel, it’s kind of sad, but not the big deal she thinks it is.  I felt sorry for her about an incident involving her at work, I thought she was treated unfairly and was happy with the support she received.

Overall, this is an enjoyable quick read, perfect for all ages and a nice addition for readers of Amish fiction.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  Opinions are my own.

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw.

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.

With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.

My thoughts:

The Keeper of Hidden Books is fascinating, heartbreaking and one that you wont soon forget. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this author writes it perfectly.

Warsaw’s underground librarians during the Nazi occupation is a harrowing time as both younger and older people worked diligently to save banned books.  I was on edge as they figured out a way to protect history under the noses of those trying equally hard to confiscate and destroy the reading material.

There is a strong unbreakable bond between Zofia and Janina, my heart broke for both girls as they face lifechanging circumstances and danger.  I was so distraught when Janina, her family and countless others were forced into the newly formed ghetto.  The cruelty was the point to punish the Jewish population as they were placed away from the rest of the population.

On a somewhat brighter note, the clandestine book club was delightful albeit dangerous. This novel is truly an emotional and memorable one.  Please get a copy as soon as possible.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. Opinions are my own.