Book Review: Secrets of Harmony Grove by Mindy Starns Clark

Product Description

From the bestselling author of Shadows of Lancaster County comes an exciting new romantic mystery set in Amish country.

Sienna Collins, owner of the Harmony Grove Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, learns that she is under investigation by the federal government for crimes she knows nothing about. A few hours later she finds her ex-boyfriend, Troy, dead, and her life and livelihood begin to spin wildly out of control. She begins to doubt everyone around her, even the handsome detective assigned to the case. As Sienna tries to clear her name, she is forced to depend on her faith, the wisdom of the Amish, and the insight of the man she has recently begun dating. She’ll need all the help she can get, because the secrets she uncovers in Harmony Grove end up threatening not just her bed-and-breakfast, but also her credibility, her beliefs, and ultimately her life.

MY REVIEW

Mindy Starns Clark excells at writing multi-layered books that weave together historical details and unsolved mysteries with present day drama. Secrets of Harmony Grove was an interesting read from start to finish, one with plenty of surprises, plausible "what if" scenarios, and likeable characters. Even though the book is labelled as a romantic mystery, I hope that male readers will still give the book a try as they are likely to find this a great read. The faith issues are well-handled, and the Amish are portrayed in a manner not seen in typical Amish books.

I greatly enjoyed this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick

Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Publication Date: April 5, 2011

   Product Description

A mother's tragedy, a daughter's desire and the 7000 mile journey that changed their lives.

In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn $10,000. Bringing along her nineteen year-old daughter Clara, the two made their way on the 3500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks and motivated by the money they needed to save the family farm.  After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone by leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than 20-year separation from the only life she had known.

Historical fiction writer Jane Kirkpatrick picks up where the fact of the Estbys’ walk leaves off to explore Clara's continued journey. What motivated Clara to take such a risk in an era when many women struggled with the issues of rights and independence? And what personal revelations brought Clara to the end of her lonely road? The Daughter's Walk weaves personal history and fiction together to invite readers to consider their own journeys and family separations, to help determine what exile and forgiveness are truly about.

My Review

Kirpatrick has written a beautiful, inspiring story about relationships, forgiveness, and hope. Clara is a strong character, one who has been expertly fleshed out and who seems as real as the air we breathe. The book held my attention throughout, and definitely lived up to the author's reputation of being an excellent writer of historical fiction. Her descriptions brought the scenes alive, and the historical detail is rich and interesting. Your heart will ache with the injustice of Clara's family's rejection, and you will hope along with her as she sets out to fulfill her dreams and embark on her own path. The conclusion is satisfying, though realistic and therefore not a perfect resolution to the story, as nothing in life is. 

I strongly recommend reading this powerful novel, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Why am I blogging, anyway?

So here we go!

I've been feeling a wee bit bored lately. Sometimes I watch something on t.v. or yawn through a movie, and I think what a waste of time that was (though, of course, there are some good shows and movies out there). So, I decided that I should motivate myself to read more! And what better motivation than to start a blog dedicated to reading and writing about inspiring words, difficult words, passionate words, powerful words, exciting words?

Everything I do, I seek to do to glorify God. So I dedicate this blog to him. I figure that Jesus was the greatest of all story tellers, and that truth was always revealed through His words. I seek to read stories, both Christian and non-Christian, both in fiction books and non-fiction books, that point to His truth, or raise questions about life, about this great journey we are on.

So, here's to reading!