A Gentle Story of Hope -- Hope's Enduring Echo

I have finally found a way to describe one of the things that makes Kim Vogel Sawyer's books some of my very favorite stories to read.

Have you ever met someone and after just a short time of interaction felt like you have been friends forever? That's it! Kim immediately, ever so gently, pulls you in to her characters' lives and you want to know more about what is going on with them and what makes them tick. And the further you get into their story, the more friends you meet and the more you are invested in all of them.

I just had the opportunity to read an early copy of Hope's Enduring Echo and found that it fits perfectly the formula I described above. Jennie and her parents come to life with both the good and the bad they are experiencing. Despair and hope war in their lives, and how those will be resolved keeps the story moving. Leo brings a whole new dimension to their secluded valley with his hope and drive.

The story is full of reminders of different ways God works out the questions that don't seem to have answers. And the pace and details are just right. As I was nearing the end of the book, I began to wonder how things would work out with many unanswered questions and such few pages left. But, not surprisingly, that resolution happened in just the right way and at just the right pace. Another gentle story of hope from the pen of Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Thanks to the author and her publisher for providing a copy of Hope's Enduring Echo. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book

Since an accident left her father unable to work, Jennie Ward has taken on the demanding task of inspecting the isolated seven-mile wooden pipeline that supplies water to Cañon City, Colorado. Despite her responsibilities, Jennie harbors dreams of going back to school and longs for something even simpler: a friend. One day, in a moment of impulsive and seemingly hopeless prayer, she asks God for companionship.

Her prayer is answered almost immediately with the arrival of Leo Day, a paleontology student searching for ancient bones buried along the ridges of the wild Arkansas River. Despite her long workdays, Jennie agrees to guide Leo in his quest.

As Jennie navigates her burgeoning friendship with Leo and her unwavering loyalty to her father, she finds herself torn. Leo, who longs for his own father’s approval, could change all Jennie knows. It’s undeniable that God has intertwined their paths, but to what end? With so much at stake, what does He truly intend for the preacher's son and the linewalker's daughter to uncover?

About the Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, bestselling author with more than 1.5 million books in print in seven different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her petting cats, packing Operation Christmas Child boxes, or spending time with her daughters and grandchildren.

Since an accident left her father unable to work, Jennie Ward has taken on the demanding task of inspecting the isolated seven-mile wooden pipeline that supplies water to Cañon City, Colorado. Despite her responsibilities, Jennie harbors dreams of going back to school and longs for something even simpler: a friend. One day, in a moment of impulsive and seemingly hopeless prayer, she asks God for companionship.

Her prayer is answered almost immediately with the arrival of Leo Day, a paleontology student searching for ancient bones buried along the ridges of the wild Arkansas River. Despite her long workdays, Jennie agrees to guide Leo in his quest.

As Jennie navigates her burgeoning friendship with Leo and her unwavering loyalty to her father, she finds herself torn. Leo, who longs for his own father’s approval, could change all Jennie knows. It’s undeniable that God has intertwined their paths, but to what end? With so much at stake, what does He truly intend for the preacher’s son and the linewalker’s daughter to uncover?

Fresh Amish Romance with a Touch of Suspense -- Unforgotten

Shelley Shepard Gray's Unforgotten is a fresh Amish romance with a touch of suspense built in. Although there is a very definite Amish element involved, the mixture of that culture with the lifestyle of the English gives this book a fresh setting.

Bethanne, a young Amish woman, and her English cousin, Candace -- along with several other family members and friends -- are well-developed characters that keep interest level high in the story. Just as Bethanne has begun to heal after tragic events from several years ago, Candace begins to face trauma of her own. The fears and triumphs they both face, along with the romantic stories that develop alongside the trauma and suspense, make for a very engaging read. 

I highly recommend Unforgotten to fans of great Amish/romantic suspense. Thanks to Revell Reads for providing a copy of the book. I was happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace--who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County--reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne's old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter's best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him--even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace's stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone's worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes this emotionally taut story of learning to forgive, trust, and love despite the pain of the past.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Unforgiven and Unforgotten. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Learn more at ShelleyShepardGray.com.

Intriguing Early American History -- Patriot at the River

 

General Book Info

Title: Patriot at the River (A Novel of the American Revolution)

Series: For Liberty and Conscience #2

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Length: 322 pages

Release date: September 25, 2024

Book Description

THE FIGHT HE GOT WASN’T THE FIGHT HE WANTED.

It’s 1780, and North Carolina is a battleground. Backcountry scout Benjamin Woodbridge is guarding a Patriot camp when he sees the king’s men pursuing a civilian. Never one to stand by while someone is in trouble, Benjamin steps in to help the stranger and finds an unexpected ally.

But the same British officer who targeted the stranger is also targeting Benjamin’s settlement. After Benjamin is wounded on a lonely mountain trail, he watches Sunrising fall to the man who crushed his father’s cause nine years earlier. Benjamin’s fight has come home to the very people he wanted to protect—his shy younger sister and the woman who has given them both a home.

Now, with the help of some unlikely comrades and the indomitable Aunt Kate, Benjamin must fight for what he loves before Sunrising goes up in flames. But only if he can fight himself first.

Perfect for fans of Christian historical fiction and tales of bravery and redemption, Patriot at the River combines engaging characters, daring action, and biblical truth. Read now and step into an adventure of faith and freedom.

About the Series

Patriot at the River is the second book of the For Liberty and Conscience trilogy, which combines early American history with Christ-centered fiction. Though Patriot at the River can be read as a standalone, readers will enjoy the return of several characters from the first book in the series, Preacher on the Run.

My Thoughts 

Patriot at the River is another fascinating story, where the author has mixed her own fictional story-telling in with actual history. I enjoyed more of a look into the time period around the Revolutionary War, a piece of history I really don't know a lot about. 

The characters were well developed and came alive to make the story a very engaging one. The plot was full of intrigue, keeping me guessing the outcomes. At one point, I wondered why I was having some trouble keeping up with which "side" certain characters were on -- until I realized the characters themselves weren't always so sure where they stood or where they should stand in the fight! Some battled for the possession of strategic locations, others struggled to maintain their homes and their very lives, while others were running from situations in their pasts, all creating an interesting conflict. Growing realizations of faith in some of the characters added a captivating element to the story.

Patriot at the River is a great read for fans of well-written Christian historical fiction. I look forward to reading the final installment in this trilogy.

Thanks to Jayna Baas for providing a copy of her book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

Author Bio

Jayna Baas (pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep”) is the author of Preacher on the Run and director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. She writes and edits from beautiful northern Michigan, where she strives to give readers faith-filled adventures bursting with relatable characters and biblical truth.

When she’s not writing her own books or editing other people’s books, Jayna seeks out new adventures on the screen, on the page, and in the kitchen. She also loves to spend time with her great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.)

Although her love of words extends to multiple genres, Jayna’s favorite story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Learn more at booksbyjayna.com, join her newsletter, or connect with her on Goodreads.

Giveaway Info

Time: 12:00 AM September 30 – 12:00 AM October 14

Prize: One signed paperback copy each of Preacher on the Run and Patriot at the River, the first two books in the For Liberty and Conscience trilogy. All entrants will receive a promo code for Jayna Baas’s online store.

Notes: US mailing addresses only, 18 and up or with parental consent. No purchase necessary. All entrants agree to join Jayna Baas’s email list.

Giveaway link: https://kingsumo.com/g/1v9v4zm/patriot-at-the-river-release-tour-series-giveaway

Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGDL62QM

Author website: https://www.booksbyjayna.com/patriot-at-the-river

Author website book page: https://www.booksbyjayna.com/patriot-at-the-river

Goodreads book page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216130335-patriot-at-the-river

Bookbub book page: https://www.bookbub.com/books/patriot-at-the-river-a-novel-of-the-american-revolution-for-liberty-and-conscience-book-2-by-jayna-baas

Newsletter signup (free short story): https://booksbyjayna.com/newsletter

Blog Tour Schedule

Sept 30: Kelsey’s Notebook (https://kelseysnotebookblog.blogspot.com)

                       Hope-Inspired Stories (https://hopeinspiredstories.blogspot.com)

 Oct 1: Tangled Up in Writing (https://tangledupinwriting.com)

For Him and My Family (https://forhimandmyfamily.com)

 Oct 2: Kristina Hall (https://kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com)

 Oct 3: Alena Mentink (https://alenamentink.com/blog)

 Oct 4: Happily Managing a Household of Boys (https://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com)

 Oct 5: Southern Gal Loves to Read (http://southerngallovestoread.blogspot.com)

 Oct 7: Captive Dreams Window (https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com)

 Oct 8: Read Review Rejoice (https://abigailkayharris.wixsite.com/my-site/read-review-rejoice)

 Oct 9: Britt Reads Fiction (https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com)

 Oct 10: Vanessa Hall—Author of Christian Fiction (https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com)

 Oct 11: Life of Heritage Corner (https://lifeofheritage.com)

Books by Virgina (https://booksbyvirginia.wordpress.com)

 Oct 12: Reading Excursions (https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com)

Kenmore Pines (https://kenmorepines.com)