Beyond the Silence ~ Review

Beyond the Silence
By Tracie Peterson
   and Kimberly Woodhouse

For a year Jimmy Colton has refused to speak.  His mother's violent death was the apparent catalyst and the people of Angels Camp, California, are willing to point their fingers at the man who lost both his wife and son on the horrible day.

Woodward Colton has been living with his grief and pain for a year.  He lost his beloved wife, his 6 year old son stopped talking, and the people he called friends and neighbors turned on him.  He knows he needs help for Jimmy if he ever hopes to hear his son's voice again.  And Lillian Porter seems to be the answer to his needs.  She's not from California so she hasn't heard the vicious gossip accusing him of his wife's murder.  She also sympathizes with his son's pain.  Her lack of experience as a nanny doesn't seem to be a problem in his eyes.

Lillian Porter is determined to break away from imposed prison her grandfather has made their home. Trapped within the confines of her "glided cage" Lillian is determined to fulfill the dreams of her heart - living in California and maybe someday a family and home of her own.  But to do so she must first break free from the grandfather whom she has always loved.

Offering Jimmy her love and undivided attention may be just what is needed to break the silence that has held him captive for a year.  But who could be so vicious and cruel?  Two people know parts of the truth but until they can put it together no one is safe.  And piecing together the truth may be the only thing that will keep them alive because the killer is closer than they suspect.

Beyond the Silence is an excellent book.  It is set in 1891 California and life is anything but easy in the last part of the 19th century.  Luxuries that we often take for granted are not in existence. Traveling is by train or coach, watering is a by-the-hand operation (bucketing), communication is by letter or telegram, there are no phones for emergencies, and DNA evidence in a crime is unheard of. Get ready to take a step back in time and enjoy the journey.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.

Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

The Quieting ~ Review

The Quieting
The Bishop's Family #2
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

David Stoltzfus has a problem - his church is in denial and wants to ignore the issue of Freeman Glick and the lot switching.  And then there is his family - his nieces Abigail and Laura have come to help him and the family out.  And even worse his mother has come to "fix" the family's problems and to get Katrina and Abigail husbands!  

Life is never easy when his mother is around - if only he could find the courage to tell her how he really feels about her "help".  But Tillie Yoder Stoltzfus isn't about to take the time to listen to anyone when she has a plan - and she has a plan that will make everything better and Stoney Ridge may never be the same again.

Abigail has every intention of helping her Uncle David and her cousins to get their lives organized and efficient.  But she has other motivating reasons for being in Stoney Ridge and husband hunting isn't one of them.  Abigail has been helping her father with his genealogical research and their current client lives in Stoney Ridge.  But a vital family link is missing from all the information they have come across and Abigail is here to track down this missing gap.  But first she has to find this unknown client.

The Quieting is the second book in The Bishop's Family series and another glimpse into life in Stoney Ridge.  Further changes are coming to Stoney Ridge and a crisis is about to come to a head - and both the Glick and Stoltzfus families are at the center of it.  Doing what is best for those around you is never easy and sometimes we do the wrong thing for the right reason.  But once the wrong has been committed our response may make all the difference in how it is perceived by those around us.

This is a excellent addition to the Stoney Ridge story - those who love visiting the Amish of Stoney Ridge will be able to visit with some old friends and make some new ones.  Get ready for an enjoyable week-end excursion with this newest book from Suzanne Woods Fisher.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

It was a well-laid plan--but it wasn't her plan . . . 

It's all her grandmother's fault. For the last few months, Abigail Stoltzfus has helped her father with his genealogical research, hoping that breaking through a client's brick wall would also break his melancholy. But now her intrusive grandmother has set her sights on marrying off Abigail and insists she come to Stoney Ridge, where there is a plethora of eligible bachelors.  
 
Except that Mammi is mistaken. There are no eligible bachelors in Stoney Ridge, barring one, and he's all wrong. Dane Glick has the wrong last name and the wrong relatives--including the bishop who is at odds over a church matter with Abigail's uncle, minister David Stoltzfus.  
 
As the conflict grows, setting family against family, it's becoming clear that the path to a solution may lead to a Quieting--a removal of a church leader. But for which one? And when Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?

The End of Law ~ Review

The End of Law
A Novel of Hitler's Germany
By Thérèse Down

The purity of the nation must be protected at any cost and those who could possible weaken the nation's might must be purged from existence.  But when the next weakest link could be your own flesh and blood what will you decide?

In 1933, Hedda Schroeder becomes acquainted with two SS officers, one of whom she marries.  Walter Gunther is driven to achieve honor in the name of German achievement and supremacy.  She didn't know who she was marrying but she is about to find out.

In 1941, Germany's T4 euthanasia programme is  a celebrated success - a success that the average citizen knows nothing about. Working behind the scenes on this project are Hedda's father Ernst Schroeder, her husband Walter, and Karl Muller a man she once knew.  

But when the T4 programme threatens their own families these men must decide where they will ultimately place their loyalties.  Is it with the Fuhrer and the Nazi party?  With their own family? Or with God?  These decisions could very well decide not only the future of the German people but their very souls.

In the  quest for dominance many ceded logic, reason, and sanity to the insanity of Nazi despotism.  

It is interesting to read some of the changes that Germany underwent under Hitler.  One was that women who were professionals were no longer allowed to work - the highest honor a woman could now hold within Germany was that bearing the next generation of Aryan purity.  I also found the references to rewriting the Bible to remove Jewish references interesting. 

There are some rather disturbing scenes in regard to the T4 programme in this book.  The cruelty of the human race against those it has classified as unworthy was and is shocking.  This book though dark is well written and engaging as one watches the various characters as they face evil and either confront or embrace it.

This would be an excellent choice for a high school historical fiction book report title.  Those who are fascinated by World War II history will find this an intriguing book with the majority of it taking place in 1941, with a brief stage setting in 1933.  This is not a feel good book, though there are moments when one feels triumph at a small victory.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Two SS officers—both involved in Hitler's Final Solution, both in love with a beautiful woman— but only one can live with his conscience 

Berlin, 1933: as Hitler rises to power; the law--designed to protect and serve--becomes twisted to the will of those who dream of a pure Aryan race.

SS Officer Walter Gunther is intensely loyal to the Third Reich. His readiness to kill without question or remorse would seem to make him the ideal candidate to lead the T4 euthanasia programme.  SS officer Karl Muller, a trainee doctor and engineer, is also brought into the programme, and assured that his work is consistent with the Hippocratic oath he's due to take.

Their mandate: to kill the "unworthies"--not just the Jews, but crippled children, the mentally ill, homosexuals.  Hedda, Walter's wife and old acquaintance of Karl, has no idea of what their work entails. Until, that is, the fate of their families is at stake, and each must confront afresh the choices they have made.

This dark, tense novel is a compelling story of human tragedy, and man's potential to revel in, or fight against, the evil actions of a corrupted nation.

The War of Words ~ Review with Giveaway

The War of Words
By Amy Neftzger

War has been waging across the kingdom it seems forever.  The kingdom is fighting a sorcerer whose enchantments are confusing reality for those sent to fight against his mysterious army of shadows.

Daily attacks are the norm as the war continues, while magical means are sought to help rid the kingdom of this evil darkness that has spread throughout.

Rumors of an unreadable book could be the key that they seek, but if none can read what is within what hope does this fabled book provide?  Kelsey, a young officer in the king's army, is determined to find this book and wield whatever weapon it may offer.  But she can't do it alone and has to rely on the friendship of a local soldier and her few friends who are scattered throughout the kingdom.

This is a war for reality and truth.  To win they must discover how to use their most powerful weapon the word, which has the potential to yield good or evil depending on the user's intent.

This is a fantasy that is intriguing in how this world and its war are based on the power of word and truth. Middle grade readers should enjoy this book and this is a world that I wouldn't mind revisiting though this story appears to be complete in and of itself.  I could also see this book being used for an afternoon classroom read-aloud selection.  Highly recommended for those looking for fantasy and adventure in a fun clean read.

I was provided a Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Sometimes there's no better way to understand reality than through fantasy, and the best way to find truth may be in a book - if you can find the right one.

Battles against darkness, a quest for truth, and a search for the book that no one can read are all part of the fantasy adventure in The War of Words. As an evil sorcerer wages war by using mysterious shadows and seeks to gain control by confusing the residents as to what's real and what isn't, the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of Kelsey and Nicholas.

As the youngest officer in the king's army, Kelsey fights the evil sorcerer s shadows on the battlefield as she explores the kingdom searching for the key to winning the war. Nicholas, a young sorcerer in training who is mastering his craft, discovers how the right words can change the course of the future.

Explore an enchanted maze, uncover the power of words, and learn about friendship in this whimsical tale.

​Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Book Depository

Author's Bio:

Amy Neftzger is the author of fiction books for both adults and children. She has also been published in business and academic journals, as well as literary publications. A few of her favorite things include traveling, books, movies, art, the Oxford comma, and gargoyles.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win 1 of 5 print copies (USA)  

1 of 5 ebooks (international)

1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards (international) 

(12 winners)

12 prizes in all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Long May She Wave ~ Review

Long May She Wave
100 Stars and Stripes Collectible Postcards
By Kit Hinrichs

This is a delightful treat to open.  With the appearance of a book one is instead provided with an assortment of patriotic/flag themed postcards.  There are 100 postcards with 50 unique images so that one has 2 of each.  This "book" (measuring 6-5/8"h x 4-3/8"d x 4-1/2"w) could quite easily sit upon the shelf of your home library and not stand out.

I thoroughly enjoyed examining the postcards from this collection.  With images dating from as far back as 1861 one gets a unique perspective of the esteem with which the American flag and various patriotic symbols have been held throughout the history of the United States.

There was a picture of Lady Liberty from circa 1915 that my sister and I both thought was from the 1970's because of the way she was dressed.  This is a fun way to explore history and share time with family.

This would be a perfect gift to give to someone who enjoys American history.  This would also be a welcome addition for any homeschooling library.  With 2 of each postcard, send out one or two or better yet stamp and address them to yourself and send them to that friend or family member who is just to busy to let you know they are o'kay, who knows maybe you'll finally hear from them.

*Please be aware that the author has a book of the same name also available which is from 2013. 

I was provided a copy of this postcard book/box from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
From one of the world's leading graphic designers comes a stunning tribute to America's most enduring icon-the Stars and Stripes.The Revolutionary Congress resolved in 1777 that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 white stars in a blue field representing a new constellation." Since that time, the American flag has been raised high in wartime triumph and peacetime celebration; burned in fervent protest; sewn lovingly onto quilts, caps, pillows, and bags; appropriated by the commercial sphere to sell goods as varied as cigars, and designer clothing, and rock-and-roll albums; and faithfully honored every 4th of July to celebrate America's independence. Compiled from one of the largest collections of American flag art in the world, these postcards showcase more than 200 years of artistic interpretation and innovation.   From patriotic banners and folk art curiosities  to modern artistic masterworks, this historic cache of images has been lovingly curated and packaged by legendary designer Kit Hinrichs.


About the Author:

KIT HINRICHS is considered one of the world's most influential graphic designers and is partner in the global design firm Pentagram. He has more than 3,000 Stars and Stripes artifacts in his collection, which has been exhibited at the American Institute of Graphic Arts in New York and the San Jose Museum of Art. He lives in San Francisco.

The Salt Mine Mystery ~ Review

The Salt Mine Mystery
Thunder and Lightening series #2
By Aaron M. Zook Jr.

Gabe and Alex are back with another mystery and if they can't solve it they won't live to regret their failure.  The two brothers and their friends are in danger and are soon separated from their parents when touring the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines.

A mysterious clue given to them by someone referred to only as G may be their only hope to escape the people hunting them within the salt mines.  And this time they may have to say goodbye forever to some whom they consider friends.

This book is perfect for middle grade readers - especially boys. Parents and grandparents will be happy to hear that these are clean reads.  This is realistic fiction for those who are looking for something other than fantasy.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Twelve year-old Gabe Zanadu, his brother, Alex, and dogs Thunder and Lightning face Team Test #2 in Germany’s Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. Fighting a human-trafficking ring, they must successfully negotiate the Egyptian Path of Death to free themselves, the victims and bring their captors to justice. THE SALT MINES MYSTERY Threatened in the streets of Goeppingen, Germany, Gabe and Alex Zanadu make a disastrous decision that plummets them, their dogs Thunder and Lightning, and international friends into the clutches of an evil human trafficking ring.

Who sent thugs to attack twelve-year-old Gabe in an alley?

What secret does Gabe and Alex, his fourteen-year-old brother, learn at the War Council?

Can the boys remember the sailor song clues given by the mysterious ‘G’ and survive?

How do Thunder and Lightning keep their masters alive?

Will Gabe and Alex’s brotherly ties withstand the onslaught of danger?

Who will finish the race through the Egyptian Path of Death?

Find the answers to these questions and more in this heart-pumping, action-packed adventure/mystery story. And the Thunder and Lightning saga is just beginning!


About the Author:

Aaron M. Zook, Jr., a retired U.S. Army Colonel, enjoys writing Christian books. The Secrets of the Castle, his intriguing middle-reader mystery/adventure novel for boys and the first of the Thunder and Lightning series is available at Amazon.com and other online stores, and is currently on sale at Zookbooks.org. Aaron lives with his wife in Belton, TX. They have two married sons.

If I Run ~ Review

If I Run
If I Run #1
By Terri Blackstone

If only she had kept quiet, Brent wouldn't be dead and she wouldn't be on the run.  But she has to run if she wants to live.  She knows the people who destroyed her life years ago are the ones responsible for this latest death in her life.  But she'll be blamed for Brent's death - she left evidence of her presence at the scene.

Dylan Roberts is about to get past the stigma of having PTSD attached to his name.  All he has to do is find Casey Cox - the woman responsible for his best friend's murder. Casey doesn't look like a killer, but she ran and she was at the scene of the murder.  The evidence is convincing all he needs to do is bring her in.

But Casey is methodical, thinking through her next move.  She needs to stay ahead of those her are after her and one step isn't far enough away if she wants to live.

This book is filled with with twists and turns that one didn't see coming.  If you like an ending with the promise of more intrigue and excitement yet come this book will definitely leave you wanting more.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Casey Cox has blood on the bottom of her shoes, in her car, on her clothes. 

But there's no point in trying to defend herself. 

She just has to run.

Casey didn't kill her friend Brent. She discovered his body, but she'd never try to hurt him. He's the only person she's ever trusted enough to tell the truth about what happened to her father . . . and there's no doubt in her mind that Brent was killed trying to help her prove it. She has to run before they get to her too.

Dylan Roberts was hired to find Casey and bring her back so that justice can be served. As a former Criminal Investigator for the Army, he can't imagine that tracking down one girl will be that difficult.

But the more elusive Casey turns out to be, the more Dylan digs into her past to try to determine what she might be thinking. What he finds there doesn't fit the profile of a killer at all. She's unlike any other fugitive he's ever seen.

The police refuse to discuss any other possibilities. There's something more going on here. Something more to this fugitive who has captured his attention. Now he just has to figure out what it is . . . and Casey just has to stay one step ahead of everyone who's after her.