Book Review: A Sparrow in Terezin

I really enjoyed A Sparrow in Terezin. This is book two in the Hidden Masterpiece series by Kristy Cambron. While you could probably get by reading this as a stand alone, I would recommend starting with book one, The Butterfly and the Violin. Both books are frame stories with a contemporary story line that continues from one book to the next, and an historical story line set in WW2. These are hard books to read. Much of the stories are set in prison camps, but there is a lot of hope in these characters. Much of that hope is through the art that is created while the prisoners are interned there, and much comes from their faith.

If you enjoy historical fiction or fiction that incorporates art  and music into the plot, I would recommend Kristy Cambron's books. They are both fascinating reads with great characters and lots of historical details.

Book Review: Nobody's Cuter Than You

I have been reading the Big Mam blog for several years. I enjoy Melanie Shankle's wit and writing style. I have also enjoyed her two previous books, Green Sparkly Earrings and The Antelope in the Living Room. While her previous memoirs focused on motherhood and marriage, this one focused on female friendships.This is an interesting topic, because friendship can be a bit sticky for women. Melanie was blessed to have friends throughout her life. She is very honest about the good ones and the not so good ones. This book is a lovely tribute to friendship and a very entertaining read.

Going into this book I expected a lot of humorous stories mixed in with touching moments. This book lived up to my expectations. Melanie has a writing style that is warm and friendly and easy going. I enjoyed her humor and honesty.I would recommend this books to any woman who likes memoirs. If you haven't read memoir before, Melanie's books would be a great place to start.

I received this book from Tyndale for free for the purpose of review.

Waiting on Wednesday: Maggie Bright

What I am waiting on:

Maggie Bright

When does it release? May 1, 2015

Why am I waiting?  I read The Sentinels of Andersonville last year and loved it. It was so fresh and unique. Maggie bright looks really good as well. I love the title and cover. Plus, when I see the author's name, I have to say, "I am Groot" in my best Vin Diesel voice.

Check out more upcoming releases at Breaking the Spine. 

Top Ten Tuesday ~ Characters I Want to Check In On

Here are some characters I would like to sit down and chat with. They had so much more story to tell, and I'm curious to see how their lives are now that their books have ended.

The Mitchell family from the Sword of Lyric

Anne and Charles from Persuasion

Samantha Moore from Dear Mr. Knightley

Mina and Etzel from The Bright Empires

The Carlson sisters from Until We Reach Home

Check out more top ten lists at the Broke and the Bookish.

Book Review: From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start is book one in Melissa Tagg's new Walker Family series. In this book we are introduced to Kate Walker and here Iowa family as they deal with the aftermath of a tornado in their home of Maple Valley. Also in this story is Colton Greene, a newly retired NFL quarterback who is trying to figure out what to do now that his career is over. He enlists Kate to write his biography, but he struggles to reveal anything about himself. This makes it kind of hard to write the book. Kate has to deal with this and a broken heart from a past relationship, making it difficult to trust again.

This is the first book I have read by Melissa Tagg, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the small town, rural setting. I thought the characters were well developed and interesting. The main characters had good chemistry. I am also interested to find out about the other members of her family, and see where their stories lead. The story was well paced and moved along nicely. I loved to see where things were going. It was never predictable, which I appreciated. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and family series.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of review.

Book Review: The Offering and Beyond All Dreams

I am going to make a concerted effort to do more book reviews. They are, with out a doubt, my least favorite blog posts. I am a lister by nature, so writing actual paragraphs really frustrates me. Like, right now, I'm getting frustrated. But, enough about me, here are my views and opinions on two of my most recent reads.

The Offering by Angela Hunt

I have been reading Angela Hunt's books my entire adult life. I love her writing style, and she is was of the few author who can successfully write across several genres. The Offering is a contemporary novel that explores what goes into being a surrogate mother. It covers the process, and asks ethical questions. It also presents a couple who is trying to adopt, and their fears and frustrations.

The story is a little predictable and there were times when I found the main character shallow. However, the story was told so well that I sped through it in a few hours. Usually when I don't like a character, I give up on the book, but the story was so fascinating that I kept reading.

I would recommend this book to women who enjoy medical stories or women's/family drama. It was very good.

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden


I'm not much of a Romance fan. The gushing, the angst, the instalove.... But recently I have found several historical romances that I have enjoyed. Beyond All Dreams is one of them. It's set at the end of the nineteenth century in Washington D.C. The main character is one of the few female librarians at the Library of Congress. I loved the setting and learning about the politics of the time. The love story was well done without too much angst. It was a very fun read.

I would recommend this book to women who like historical romance, especially if you have an interest in American history.

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Deception on Sable Hill

What I am Waiting on:

Deception on Sable Hill

When does it release? April 7, 2015

Why am I waiting? I haven't read book one in this series yet, but I plan to soon. There aren't a lot of historical mystery series in Christian fiction, and this looks like a good one. Plus, I have enjoyed books set during the Chicago World's Fair in the past.

Check out more up coming releases at Breaking the Spine.