My Daughter's Legacy ~ Review

My Daughter's Legacy
Cousins of the Dove #3
By Mindy Starns Clark
     and Leslie Gould

The Cousins of the Dove series concludes with this the final book in the series My Daughter's Legacy. Once again we are on reading journey that follows the Talbot family as they make a home for themselves while holding true to their faith and their convictions both in the past and the present day.

This time we go from 1864 Virginia during the final months of the Civil War and present day Virginia. The Talbots of today are learning more about the legacy that was left to them by those who came before. And the days of slavery made an impact upon the family as they stood by their belief that all should be free - but war has drawn them in and as citizens of Virginia are expected to do their part in defending their way of life. Therese Jenning's always thought Michael Talbot was the man who she would marry, but when he returns home to fight for the South she is uncertain if he was truly who she thought he was. And while Michael proves to be a disappointment to her faith and values, his cousin from Boston, Alec Talbot seems to hold to the same values that she does. But a future with Alec means leaving everything and everyone she has ever known behind.

Meanwhile, the Talbot cousins of present day Virginia are preparing for yet another Talbot family reunion. This reunion will be the first that Nicole has attended in several years - since before her grandfather's death. But she is finally in control of her life and avoiding her former lifestyle with the help she has received, but the past can still be a temptation. And the investigation of the murder that occurred years ago has seemingly stalled. Can the secret that Nicole has been keeping all these years make a difference? Or will it destroy the legacy of the Talbot family?

My Daughter's Legacy is a delightful mix of mystery, history, and romance that will capture the reader's attention from the first page. The historical portion of the story does not depend on reading the previous books in the series, but for the present day portion reading the previous books is highly recommended. The shift in focus is noted by the character name that heads each chapter - so the reader is not left with guessing though it should be fairly obvious as to which time period is being focused on.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Harvest House with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Women of Strong Conviction

Virginia, 1864. Therese Jennings's immediate family has never owned slaves—until her estranged maternal grandfather dies during the Civil War and leaves his slaves to them in his will. Upset with her widowed mother's plan to accept this appalling inheritance, Therese flees the family estate in rural Virginia and heads to Richmond. As she works by day and volunteers by night, she finds herself drawn to a handsome doctor. But how can she pursue the longings of her heart when the world she has always known is falling apart around her?

Virginia, Present Day. Nicole Talbot is finally on track and doing well after years of substance abuse. Thanks to a car accident that nearly took her life and ended up saving it instead, she has managed to get sober and stay that way. Now she's back in college, pursuing a degree in social work, with her wealthy grandmother picking up the tab. But there are strings attached, and when Nicole is forced to choose between honoring those strings and doing something she knows is right, she risks losing not just the financial backing of her grandmother but the trust and support of her entire family. Meanwhile, Nicole struggles to hide a growing attraction to her new boss, a man who is off limits in more ways than one.

My Daughter's Legacy presents a thrilling tale of two women, centuries apart, who are forced to move beyond their past mistakes, make difficult choices, and open their hearts to true love at last.

My Sister's Prayer ~ Review

My Sister's Prayer
Cousins of the Dove #2
By Mindy Starns Clark
       and Leslie Gould

The Talbot family saga continues with this My Sister's Prayer - the story is again a back and forth telling of the present day and 1704. Catherine and Pierre Talbot have prospered in the England since their escape from France. But when their daughter Celeste makes a hasty decision to leave all she knows behind for the promise of marriage in the colonies she sets in motion a chain of events that she never anticipated.

Celeste knows she has found the man she is to marry in Lieutenant Jonathan Gray. But when Jonathan is sent to a post in the American colonies Celeste agrees to follow him on the next ship. Indenturing herself Celeste holds Jonathan's promise close. But when she makes a most unexpected discovery - her younger sister Berta has somehow been forced on board - she fears whether or not Jonathan will be able to redeem them both.

In present day Virginia Maddee and Nicole Talbot are caught up in the past as they read through the letters of Celeste Talbot to her family that she left behind. As Celeste's story unfolds parallels are made to their own lives and relations as sisters. Nana has a special reason for wanting her granddaughters to read these letters now. But learning about their past isn't all that they are dealing with as Nicole with the help of Maddee and Nana recovers from an accident that nearly cost her her life.

As two sets of Talbot sisters deal with their unique situations and the choices that have brought them each to key moments in their lives they must learn to turn to God and the faith that has sustained them in the past. And the mystery that the modern Talbot cousins were involved with in the first book is continued in this one as the investigation continues. But can they truly discover the truth of what was hidden or will they continue to be haunted by their past?

This is the second book in the Cousins of the Dove trilogy and it is an interesting look into the past and how indentured servants came to the this New World. It would be interesting to know how many arrived on false promises.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Women of Fearless Devotion

Virginia, 1704

Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman—until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to realize that her younger sister Berta has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World?

Virginia, present day

Madeline “Maddee” Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister, Nicole, following a serious car accident. The young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole—and the shadowy figure watching them from afar.

From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister’s Prayer tells an epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears, and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

My Brother's Crown ~ Review

My Brother's Crown
Cousins of the Dove #1
By Mindy Starns Clark
      and Leslie Gould

My Brother's Crown is one of those delightful stories that weaves two into one in a such a way that the reader is thoroughly and completely drawn in within the first pages. The story opens in 1685 France and switches off with present day Virginia.

In France, the Gillet family is at a crossroads as the nation has become hostile to those identified as Huguenots. Huguenots are faced with a choice - convert to Catholicism, flee the country, or face the consequences of their defiance of King Louis XIV.

Catherine wants the family to leave yesterday, but her older brother Jules seems reluctant to take any action. Even worse, her betrothed, Pierre Talbot is more than happy to let her brother decide everything for the family and him. Catherine is determined to do whatever she feels is necessary to safeguard those she holds dear. But does she truly know her own heart? And if temptations come her way will she stand firm in her faith?

In Virginia, the Talbot family has prospered during their time in America and has decided to share an important legacy of their family with the world. A document that Renee Talbot feels sure is more than it appears at first glance. As Renee looks for a way to test what she suspects her own past is about to make its presence known. But this time Renee is not about to let anyone tell her she imagined what has haunted her for years. This time she has an ally who is willing to help her prove what she knows.

This book is perfect for those who love exploring history through fiction. And if your tastes run towards contemporary fiction, you are covered as well. Faith is an important theme throughout and is woven so that it doesn't come across as forced. The other thing the reader will come away with is the value of family in an individual's life. It is interesting to contrast the two stories as they unfold from Catherine and Renee's viewpoints. If you are looking for a book club selection you can't go wrong with this one.

And the dress on the cover - keep your eyes open for it as you read - it is an important factor!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Harvest House, with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

France, 1685. Catherine Gillet knows her brother, Jules, wants to protect her from the sinister threats of the French crown. But Jules is involved in a potentially deadly enterprise, one connected with an encoded document. When his actions put the whole family at risk, will Catherine find a way to save them?

Virginia, present day. Renee Talbot, a direct descendant of Catherine’s, is fascinated by the document that’s been part of her family legacy for more than three centuries. Certain its pages hold hidden secrets, she takes a closer look—and makes a shocking discovery. But when memories of a childhood trauma are rekindled, she’s forced to seek answers of a different kind. Inspired by the faith and bravery of Catherine, can Renee find the truth and face her deepest fears at last?

From the authors of the Christy Award-winning The Amish Midwife comes an epic story of two women, centuries apart, each discovering her own hidden bravery, standing for what she believes in, and finding love in unexpected places.

Raging Storm ~ Review

Raging Storm
The Remnant Series #2
By Vannetta Chapman

Nearly 3 weeks have passed since the modern world seemingly ended forever. And Shelby Sparks is on a mission find and retrieve insulin for her son Carter. There's just one problem chaos has become the new normal and locating a supply could prove dangerous.

Shelby's one hope of finding what she needs lies in Austin and getting there might prove even more of a challenge than locating medical supplies. Abandoned cars, looters, burned out towns, and disease.  But Shelby isn't alone on her journey, she is joined by her friends Max Berkman, Patrick Goodnight, and Bianca Lopez, as well as Dr. Bhatti.

Carter is being left behind with Max's parent Georgia and Roy. But safety is no longer a guarantee anywhere and all too soon everyone is confronting challenges that could cost them anything and everything.

How far are you willing to go to save the life of someone you love? And when the world is crumbling around you are you willing to offer what help? Or will you take whatever you can at the expense of all other life?

It is highly recommended that before delving into this book that the first book be read. One can read this book but there will a noticeable lack as there are references to incidents in the previous book. In the world, as we've come to know it a sudden lack of communication, technology, and convenience would definitely send many into a panic. This book will make one wonder at their own skills or lack of if we suddenly lost the last century of modern accomplishments.

I highly recommend this book to those readers who like suspense and/or dystopian fiction.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a review positive or otherwise ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

In the Darkness,

Anarchy Awakens

* * * * * * * * * * * *

When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can't simply remain hidden. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it.

Shelby's best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won't even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to reach the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy.

Shelby and Max's search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

In this second book in an eerily plausible, action-packed dystopian series, survival will be threatened and faith will be put to the ultimate test as a raging storm engulfs America.