The Sowing Season

Gerrit Laninga was a curmudgeon. He didn't start out that way, he let life's circumstances and guilt take the joy and promise of tomorrow and mold him into a bitter man. When he retires from farming he finds he doesn't like who he has become. He is a stranger to his wife and his grown kids. It seems like a miracle is the only thing that is going to help him change. They don't always occur instantly, sometimes they happen over time. 

Gerrit has a chance encounter with a young lady named Rae Walters. Somehow, she gets Gerrit to volunteer at an after school program. Through helping there, he gets to know some of the kids and he begins to let down his guard and begin to care. 

I found the part of the book where he goes shopping to be extremely funny, while other parts of the story were sad as you see that Gerrit realizes he could have been a better husband, a better father. I was compelled to continue reading to see how the book would end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think you will enjoy it too. 

Alabama Days

 Alabama Days by Daphne Self shows how even when we are afraid and face hard times, we don't have to do it alone.  This story of crime and corruption, love and redemption was one in which I was rooting for  Scott and Angela to win. Angela was just what Scott needed to help him be free of his past regrets and Scott helps Angela to trust once again. 

The town's corruption that was part of Angela's news story for the Garrettville Gazette was the interesting suspense element in the book. It kept me guessing throughout as to who was involved and how far it affected the town. I wasn't sure who to trust, which created a sense of uncertain expectancy in the plot throughout. 

It's a great read with a satisfying ending. I was glad to see that Scott was able to let go of the past and see a promising future. I hope that there are more stories of the endearing characters who are part of Scott and Angela's life. 

Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book. I was not required to write this review. All thought and opinions in this review are my own. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

 

I enjoyed reading A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, the first book in the Daughters of Aynsley series. I thought the use of a paleontologist as a protagonist was an original and refreshing idea. The English setting was perfect for not only discovering dinosaurs, but criminals as well. With an intriguing plot and rich characters, I found this book to be exciting and interesting. 

Since Caroline (Caro) is the oldest of the three sisters at Anysley Hall, I am looking forward to reading about the other two daughters. Carolyn Miller has given you just enough information about the other two sisters to make you eager to find out about them as well.

Tabitha's Folly

 

Tabitha Easton has a problem, actually five problems, her four overprotective brothers and their childhood friend, Lord Henry Courtenay. Each one of them want her to marry, but none of them think any of the eligible bachelors are good enough for her. How will she ever be able to find anyone who they will approve of since they watch her every move? I found Tabitha's Folly to be a fun romantic read that kept you turning the pages and not want to stop reading. I liked how Jen Johnson told how Tabitha's poor decisions that were guided by her emotions lead her into a dangerous situation.  However, all turned out well and justice was served due to the quick actions of those who love her. This is one of the books in the Regency House Party series that I think is a clever idea since other couples have met and fallen in love at these matchmaking dinner parties. It looks like there could be quite a few stories to be told. I look forward to reading more of the Somerstone books. Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.

Moondrop Miracle

 

An elderly Constance Shepherd has been invited to speak at a Young Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Banquet and attends somewhat reluctantly. After all, what does she have to say to a group of aspiring young women? So begins the remarkable tale of a woman who had faith, perseverance, and a gift that helped her build a company that would bless and benefit a great number of people.

I liked the quote that Constance says, "If you want to know the secret of my success, this is it. Be whoever God made you to be. Honor Him, and the rest will fall into place. " If you are wanting to read a book that is uplifting abd encouraging, I would recommend Moondrop Miracle.

Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own. 

The Spice King

Drawn to Washington DC for a dream of helping her family and other farmers find a heartier wheat strain, Annabelle Larkin instead finds herself taking cuttings of plants and cataloging seeds at the Smithsonian Institute. However, things are about to change as her boss issues her a challenge.  Contact Grey Delacroix, “The Spice King”, about a rare orchid specimen. The only problem, he is a surly recluse who has repeatedly denied anyone to see his rare collection. 

Through Annabelle’s persistence, she is granted the rare opportunity to view all of his rare plants and spices. Drawn by their love of botany, justice, and keeping the food supply safe for everyone, Annabelle and Ray fight to have ingredients identified on all food products. This proves to be a difficult task as Ray’s intentions are painted in a bad light. News of his brother’s political involvement and conduct are used as fodder in attempting to discredit Ray and draw attention away from the issue.

Luke, Ray’s brother, plays a role in the story by creating suspense and a wedge between Ray and Annabelle’s relationship. She, torn between patriotic duty and love, and he, family loyalty and trust. The two of them have to examine their past actions and learn to trust if they are going to have a chance at a lasting relationship.

Elizabeth Camden continues to highlight a segment of history and weave strong characters and events together to make this story come alive. I found it fascinating to learn about the Good Housekeeping magazine’s and their seal of approval's role in diet and nutrition here in America. This is the first in the Hope and Glory series and I have already begun A Gilded Lady, which I am sure will be another amazing book. 

When I Lost Me

 

Catherine O'Hall's struggle to have a child nearly cost her everything she held dear. This story addressed the hard issues of infertility and disappointment in a loving manner.  

Catherine grew through her loss by having support from her cousin Becs, who was also dealing with loss. Becs helps Claire to have a better understanding of not losing sight of what is really important in life.  A quote that I found insightful was, "Just because we trust Him, doesn't mean we won't walk through the valley of the shadow of death, or climb mountains." 

 I found it incredible that Claire Lagerwall could write such a great story in such a short time, from writing to publishing in six short months. 

Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.