About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Monday, March 25, 2024

Streams of Courage (Spies of the Civil War, 4) by Sandra Merville Hart

Streams of Courage (Spies of the Civil War)
ABOUT THE BOOK

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal...will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on it’s head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?


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MY THOUGHTS.....

This thrilling addition to the Spies of the Civil War series is a powerful reminder of the divisions created by the Civil War. Our country was divided into North and South, family members fought against each other, and neighbors chose different sides. Steams of Courage takes place in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where most of the citizens chose the Southern view. There were, however, some who became the targets of threats and physical danger because they supported the Union cause. Was it any wonder that they kept their loyalties secret? Was this why Ash Mitchell kept his questionable activities hidden?

Streams of Courage is a compelling story of defending your beliefs when they aren't popular, and author Sandra Merville Hart provides a poignant picture of the sacrifices made during this tragic time. I was fully engaged in the sweet romance, inspiring faith message, and fascinating historical details, and Hart's descriptive talents helped me hear the sounds of battle, smell the smoke from the gunfire, and feel the uncertainty and fear. I recommend Streams of Courage to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-Winning and Amazon Bestselling Author Sandra Merville Hart is thrilled that her next Civil War series “Spies of the Civil War” will release in 2022! Book 1 of the series, Avenue of Betrayal, is set in Washington DC in 1861. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger (Books 2 & 3) are set in Richmond, Virginia, in 1862. Actual historical spies will influence the lives of fictional characters in a series where everyone has secrets.

Sandra is on the Planning Committee for Faith & Fellowship Book Festival. She served in the past as Executive Editor for DevoKids.com where she also contributed many historical articles. She teaches writer workshops. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and other writer groups.

Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover little-known yet fascinating facts about our American history to include in her stories and drags her husband along on her adventures. Thankfully, he also enjoys these fact-finding missions.

Connect with Sandra on her blog, Historical Nibbles, where readers find posts relating to historical food/recipes, book reviews, and American history.

Learn more at       Facebook      Twitter     


Please check out my reviews of the other books in this series!

SPIES OF THE CIVIL WAR

Streams of Courage


View all my reviews

Saturday, March 23, 2024

A Noble Scheme (The Imposters, #2) by Roseanna M. White

A Noble Scheme (The Imposters, #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Gemma Parks is known throughout high society as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talent to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the elite firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his soul in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma not only to restore the missing boy, but also to win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

Christy Award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to Edwardian-era England in an exhilarating tale of glamor, intrigue, and romance set among high society's most elite--and most dangerous--families.




MY THOUGHTS.....


I've often been guilty of claiming that her latest book is my favorite and this book is no exception! A Noble Scheme has everything that I've come to expect in a Roseanna M. White story: well-defined characters, an exciting adventure, a lovely romance, and witty banter to make me smile. There is, however, an emotional aspect that tugged at my heart and attacked my senses. How can anyone endure the loss of a child and not be changed? What if a seemingly unbreakable bond is severely damaged? Is there a point when it all appears hopeless?

I found myself grabbing tissues as I read about Gemma and Graham's efforts to work together after a year of being apart. An intriguing mystery surrounding a missing child triggers raw and painful emotions for this couple and explains their severed friendship. Finally, we understand the depth of their suffering and we're given a glimpse of their true relationship!

I was deeply moved by this poignant journey of love, loss, and grief that leads to healing, forgiveness, and a return to faith. A Noble Scheme is a stunning historical Christian novel!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

You can learn more about her and her stories at her Website  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram