Showing posts with label historical fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical fiction. Show all posts

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer ~ Book Review

February 16, 2025



About the Book 


Book: A Hundred Magical Reasons
Author: Laura DeNooyer
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: January 2025

Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon, the disgruntled town recluse, is eighty-eight and has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime.

Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.

During 1980, the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.

As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.

In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?







My Thoughts 


This was such a unique story and written in such an intriguing and captivating way. If you enjoy the Wonderful Wizard of Oz then you will enjoy how this author has woven in this fun classic to explore how it influences the characters in this story of friendship. Carrie the main character is running away from her family history and traditions. She is a bookwork always dreaming and would love to one day open up her own bookshop cafe and restaurant. 

The unusual friendship between Ms. Gordon and Carrie develops into this great adventure of their own version of Pilgrims Progress as they navigate life and they learn life lessons through literature. I really enjoyed that this author truly directs the story to God's redemption story and reminding us that fairy tales sometimes point us to the truth of God if we only seek Him.

Overall I enjoyed the story but be aware that it is truly a long book (534 pages) and at times it became a bit slow. It took me much longer to finish this story than most books. It was one of those books that I had to intertwined while I read other books just so I could have a little break from it. But don't let that deter you. It is well written and very deep and full of historical information on Frank L Baum. 

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. 


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A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer ~ Book Review

Until our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller ~ Book Review

July 25, 2024







About the Book 


Book: Until Our Time Comes
Author: Nicole M. Miller
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 2024

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.

Major Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.






My Thoughts 


This was a great debut novel by Nicole M. Miller. I love historical fiction because every time I read them I learn some new aspect about history. This one is all about WWII in Poland but dealing with the famous Arabian horses of Janow Podlaski. We meet Adia who is an American tied to the heart of Poland through her parents. She is a trainer for these amazing horses. She is determined and a bit stubborn on the way she wants to protect these horses from the Germans and Russians. She is also the caregiver of a young boy who truly steals the storyline at times with his shenanigans. 

We meet British Intelligence officer Bret Conway right away in the book and he is disguised as a news reporter. he meets Adia and immediately is captured by her. When the Germans start invading he promises to protect her and the horses no matter what. He truly risks everything to do this. Adia on the other hand starts seeing a new side to Bret and wants to help him in his "mission". 

The way their relationship blooms throughout out all the circumstances that they go through was done perfectly. You turn the pages as you await what truly is going to happen to them and will they see each other once more. Needless to say there are many gripping moments and heart aching moments as there are when war is involved. 

Overall I really enjoyed this novel and I would recommend it if you enjoy horses and historical fiction based on WWII. 

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.






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Until our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller ~ Book Review

When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder ~Book Review

May 8, 2023

 




About the Book


 

Book: When Tomorrow Came
Author: Hannah Linder
Genre:Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Release Date: April, 2023

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return


Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.


Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.


They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 



My Thoughts


This was my first read by Hannah Linder and I was truly captivated and engaged in the story from the very beginning. This definitely is a Regency era storyline with a gothic feel. Immediately we are introduced to the two main characters Nan and Heath. We meet them as children as they have been abandoned by their father and are left to fend for themselves. While on the streets Nan is rescued by a proper wealthy gentleman and to give her a better life Heath doesn't come for her but rather tries to find his own way with the rector that watched over him while they were in the abusive caregivers home. 

They both grow apart but are never forgotten in each other's mind. Nan grows up in this family and becomes a daughter to them. One day their father returns and even though their lives are back to being intertwined everything is all about to change. 

This story is told by four different point of views that jump around quite a bit but I definitely didn't have a hard time following it. There are lot of elements happening int this story. There is a range of emotions you will also feel while reading it. There is definitely some mystery I was not expecting at all. I will not divulge as you will have to read to find out for yourself. There is a faith thread to the storyline and although I found it a bit light it was present and there was definitely some swoon worthy moments between Gil and Nan. 

Overall I thought this was a good story the author definitely has a gift for writing Gothic-Style Regency. If you enjoy this genre then you will enjoy this story. I can't wait to see what her next book will be! 

My Rating: 4 Stars

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author


Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 


More from Hannah


Love interests me. Not just in the romantic sense, but in every sense, because love is the driving emotion behind so much of what we do. It’s the heartbeat of everything. What do we have but love? Yet isn’t it the very essence of our greatest pain?

 

Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes love has no reason. Like a tumultuous wind or a wet branch that sways in different directions, love is often petulant and aimless and powerful. But sometimes it’s soft, like a flower lifting dewy petals to the sunshine. The epitome of everything good, sweet, and true.

 

What makes love change? What makes two friends who have always been fraternal one day confess romantic affection? How much wrong, how much affliction, does it take for sweet love to sizzle into hatred? Even then, is it really hatred? Or merely the charred crust of the adoration still throbbing beneath? And how strong are the cords of new love? Will they break at every pull and tug, or are they more unfaltering than anyone might think?

 

Maybe those are silly questions. Maybe, like snowflakes, every heart knows a different answer. But if I explored anything in When Tomorrow Came, it was this. I glided through the story and felt love shift from brotherly to intimate, from hopeful to disappointed, from untested to proven, from safe to betrayed.

 

Just as love is the heartbeat of life, it is also the heartbeat of this story. I hope you will find yourself falling in love with the characters and their journey as much as I did.



Blog Stops


Texas Book-aholic, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 29

Connie’s History Classroom, April 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10

Splashes of Joy, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 11

Books I’ve Read, May 11



Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/25adf/when-tomorrow-came-celebration-tour-giveaway




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When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder ~Book Review

Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt ~ Book Review

January 24, 2023

 



About the Book


Book: Within These Walls of Sorrow
Author: Amanda Barratt
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: January 17, 2023

Zosia Lewandowska knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany's invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi oppression.

Hania Silverman's carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As deportation winnow the ghetto's population and snatch those she holds dear, Hania's natural resiliency is exhausted by reality.

Zodia and Hania's lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to make a desperate choice . . . one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.

Amanda Barratt's meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in this moving look at a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times.


 



My Thoughts 


This was my first book by this author and I was more than impressed. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but it took me to a historical journey that I did not quite expect. This book definitely touched all my emotions from the very beginning. There are a lot of books out there dealing with World War II but I have not experienced a book like this. The research was so well done that the author had me on a deep dive search of locations and photographs. I definitely submerged myself in this point of history while reading this book. 

Zosia and Hania's story was just a small sampling of the atrocities that went on during the German occupation in Poland. It recounts the journey of those that were punished for absolutely no reason whatsoever. This is one of those stories reminiscent to Schindler's List or Anne Frank. A story that I will not hesitate to introduce to my soon to be high schooler as part of a literature assignment. 

Kudos to the author for writing such a great book. This is not a feel good story but it definitely makes you think afterwards about the repercussions that can occur when people stay silent and allow evil to take over. 

My Rating: 5 Stars/Excellent Read

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author


ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story—a spin-off of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical fiction, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. She's the author of over a dozen novels and novellas including The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler and My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love.

Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.

Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at amandabarratt.net.
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Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt ~ Book Review

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green ~ Book Review

December 28, 2022

 


About the Book 


Book: The Blackout Book Cub
Author: Amy Lynn Green
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: November 15, 2022

An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.





My Thoughts 


This was my first book by this author and I thought it was so very well done. You can tell that this author does her research and does it very well. She added so many important details to the story that she transported me to a time period that we only read in our history books. I will say that she captured a part of WWII that was set in the US which is not something that is very prevalent in the stories that I have read. She gives us a great fictional perspective into the war effort to keep U-boats from reaching our coast. 

I really enjoyed all the characters and how the whole story is revolves not only around them but its being told by their own point of views. I really enjoyed that the storyline revolves around a book club. It is what brings these people together and truly see that they need each other in their lives. I loved the "minutes" that are taken during the book club. It gives you a clearer picture of who they really are.

The only thing missing for me in this book was an element of faith. I think it was lightly mentioned but I feel like with such an eclectic group of people there were so many opportunities to bring them to the God, the only person they could truly rely on. I know not every book is meant to be preachy and I don't mean that but I do expect it in a Christian publisher. Other than that, I thought the book was vey well written and I do look forward to reading more from this author.

If you enjoy Historical Fiction I think you should definitely grab this one.

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.





About the Author


Amy Lynn Green has always loved history and reading, and she enjoys speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country, in person and virtually. Her debut novel, Things We Didn't Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award, won two Carol Awards, and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her family make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can sign up for her newsletter on her website, amygreenbooks.com, for quarterly giveaways, writing updates, and lots of bookish fun.

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The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green ~ Book Review

The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart ~ Book Review

May 10, 2022

 



About the Book


Book: The Master Craftsman
Author: Kelli Stuart
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: April 5, 2022

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in The House of Faberge, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Faberge Egg that Peter Karl Faberge secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial Czar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family.

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.




 My Thoughts 


This is my first book by this author and when presented to me the summary sounded amazing and it is a dual timeline which is a favorite type of read for me.  Definitely a story that I could get lost in but sadly that wasn't the case for me. There is a lot to be said for this book but I will keep my thoughts brief. Let's start with the positives. I absolutely loved the historical part of this story. The timeline that takes place in Russia was definitely my favorite part of the book. You can tell that the author did extensive research on the Faberge eggs and Faberge himself which I found quite interesting. If she wrote a book solely on that time period I may take a chance on it. 

I know a lot of authors are trying this concept of writing dual timelines and I must say that after reading and reviewing quite a few of them some are more successful than others. I just felt like it was disjointed. The contemporary storyline was a bit slow and hard to get into. The characters were not relatable and I must admit that Ava just grated on my nerves. Oh, and the almost uses of mild cussing was just not necessary I also felt like the ending left some things unresolved which left me in a more blah mood about this book. 

This book had no faith element whatsoever. It had no mentions of anything relating to God whatsoever. I am no prude. I am no "holier than thou" person nor do I pretend to be. I do prefer to read Christian fiction or Clean Fiction that perhaps has nothing to do with religion. So I definitely don't expect every single book that I read to have some type of faith element. However, if a book is published by a Christian publisher I do expect to be some type of mention of God or anything relating to faith. Sadly, that was not the case here. 

Had it not been for her impeccable historical research this book would've been a 2 star for me but that alone brought it up to an almost 3. Obviously don't go by my thoughts, this is just my review of what I feel about the book. You may completely enjoy it so if you enjoy adventure, treasure hunt type books then give it a try and let me know what you think!

My Rating: 3 Stars/Very weak 3 stars...

I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author


Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian language, Kelli has honed her skills in the written word through editing, ghostwriting, blogging, and traveling the world.

Kelli is the bestselling author of the novels Like a River From Its Course (2017 Carol Award winner for Best Historical Fiction), A Silver Willow by the Shore (2020 recipient of the IPPY Award for Literary Fiction and an NIEA winner), and The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont. Kelli co-authored It's a Wonderful Christmas, a collection of holiday novellas inspired by favorite Christmas films. In 2022, Kelli's fourth novel, The Master Craftsman releases.

Kelli is also co-author of the nonfiction book Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake.

Kelli currently lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband and five children.
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The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart ~ Book Review

Lainey of the Door Island by Judy Ducharme ~ Book Review + Giveaway

May 22, 2021

 


About the Book


Book:  Lainey of the Door Islands
Author: Judy Ducharme
Genre: Historical Fiction and Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: July 24, 2020

 

Walk with Lainey into the world of Door County and its islands in the late 1800s, a time of shipwrecks, lighthouses, and strong individuals who never gave up. Lainey becomes one of those rugged individuals as she faces tragedy and hardship. Her aunt and uncle, the lighthouse keepers on tiny Pilot Island, demonstrate the toughness needed to survive, but Lainey takes it a step further with her spunk and grace and becomes a shining light to all those around her. With humor, faith, close friendships and the young man who interferes with her ability to function, Lainey of the Door Islands will capture your heart, and she’ll inspire you to know that no matter what happens, God has a plan to prosper and not to harm.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 



My Thoughts


Lainey of the Door Islands was an enjoyable read. I think the author does a great job at painting a picturesque setting. You can tell she knows a lot about the area and has done her research as when you are reading especially about the time period and the circumstances surrounding the job of lighthouse keeper. You will definitely fall in love with spunky and courageous Lainey. You can't help but root for her throughout the whole story. 

The story is definitely filled with hardships, loss and joy. The author weaves God throughout the story which I really enjoyed. I would recommend this book for an older middle schooler to young adult as Lainey is younger and at that age you can relate to the character better. Overall I thought it was a sweet story and a perfect summertime read!

My Rating: 3 Stars/I liked it!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.




About the Author

 

Judy DuCharme grew up with Lake Huron next to her back yard and has always loved the water. She, her husband, daughter, and son moved to Door County in 1984. After teaching 5th Grade at Gibraltar School for 22 years, Judy followed the calling that tugged at her all her life to write. Lainey of the Door Islands is her 7th published book and she is the recipient of numerous awards. She also writes for Guideposts Magazine. If you visit Door County, you may find her hiking in the woods, jet skiing on the bay, worshipping at her church, teaching a Bible study, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, playing with her amazing grandson, or sitting outside enjoying the beauty around her.

 

More from Judy

Door County, where I live, is the destination of 3 million people in the summer and fall. Lainey of the Door Islands, my seventh published book, is the culmination of my desire to write a book about this wonderful area where I live. Tourists and residents alike love all things Door County, past and present. One day as I traveled on the ferry between Washington Island and the mainland of Door County and gazed out at tiny Pilot Island, I said again to myself, ‘I need to write a book about Door County’. I don’t recall if it was that day, the next, or two days later, but the story dropped into my spirit. I sat down at my computer and wrote well into the second chapter in one sitting. I said to my husband, “I’m writing and I can’t stop.”



Blog Stops



Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 24

lakesidelivingsite, May 25

Blogging With Carol, May 25

The Write Escape, May 26

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

Inklings and notions, May 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 29

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31

Godly Book Reviews, May 31

She Lives To Read, June 1

Mary Hake, June 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3

deb’s Book Review, June 4

Pause for Tales, June 4



Giveaway





To celebrate her tour, Judy is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10c92/lainey-of-the-door-islands-celebration-tour-giveaway




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Lainey of the Door Island by Judy Ducharme ~ Book Review + Giveaway

A Strand of Hope by Amanda Tero

July 28, 2020

A STRAND OF HOPE
by Amanda Tero
Series: Librarians of Willow Hollow, Book 1
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Amanda Tero
Release Date: July 28, 2020

Lena David is the daughter her mom never wanted. But she survived. Through stories. Because books didn't judge. Books weren't angry she was alive. Books never expected her to be anything but who she was. 

As she grows up, her beloved library becomes her true home. So when the library is designated part of President Roosevelt's Packhorse Library Project, Lena is determined to get the job of bringing books to highlanders, believing she'll finally be free of her mom forever. 

But earning the trust of highlanders is harder than she imagined, and her passion for books might not be enough to free her from her chains. 
﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎


I have been experiencing a lot of first time authors since I started this blog and all have been amazing including this young new author Amanda Tero. Definitely someone to watch out for in my opinion. As you step into this story you can immediately tell that the author has done her research on this topic and time period and she did an amazing job of it because you truly feel like you are in that time period experiencing all the hardship that Lena is. 

The story takes place in the Kentucky Mountains during the Great Depression in the little town of Willow Hollow. Lena is the main character and we see her struggle with the simple fact that her mother has never wanted her. She's never known what familial love is and because of this she finds comfort in the books she reads and the characters she encounters in stories. She has been taught that problems in the home should stay in the home and are not to be shared with others so there is no one for her to talk to or confide in. She longs to have a job to get away from her life so when the opportunity arises for her to become a pack horse librarian she jumps at the chance.

This changes the course of her life and belief system. Even though she reads the Bible and attends church she doesn't truly grasp the meaning of it all until she meets Homer and Norah, a couple that live on the mountains. Homer teaches Lena what it means to forgive and let go of all the bitterness that stems from her mom. 

Throughout the story you will definitely strongly dislike her mother, it is heartbreaking how she treats her but you will love all the other characters that present themselves to Lena throughout the story. 

This is a very short read and definitely geared towards young adults. I would recommend this for teenagers 13 and up. Scriptures and the lesson of forgiveness is woven throughout the whole story, so I can see this being a family read-aloud and sparking some great conversations. 

"Hope and praise must go hand-in-hand. As long as you worry, you will have a hard time keeping hold of hope."

My Rating: 4 stars/ Really Liked it

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.)

(Affiliate Links)
GOODREADS | AMAZON

﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎


Amanda Tero grew up attending a one room school with her eleven siblings - and loved it! She also fell in love with reading to the point her mom withheld her books to get her to do her chores. That love of reading turned into a love of writing YA fiction.

Amanda is a music teacher by day and a literary guide by night, creating stories that whisk readers off to new eras and introduce them to heroic but flawed characters that live out their faith in astonishing ways. If you would like to know more about her books and subscribe to her newsletter visit her at: http://amandatero.com/





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A Strand of Hope by Amanda Tero

Thrown to the Wind by Amanda Cetas

July 2, 2020



Thrown to the Wind 
by Amanda Cetas
Publisher: Windy Sea Publishing
A Country of Castoffs Series, Book 1
                                                                    


"It would have to be now or never. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and jumped!" Based on true events, this story traces one boy's journey from France to America in 1660 as he finds the courage to save himself and those he loves. Etienne Gayneau doesn't understand why Catholics and Protestants in France can't get along, only that it means he's not allowed to see his cousin and best friend, Nicolas, and why he'll never be a musketeer. But when a bounty is placed on his father's head for being a heretic, he must choose to flee with his family, or run away and hide out with his Catholic cousin. Etienne must give up everything he has ever known as he faces many dangers along his journey. Along the way, Etienne will befriend a beautiful Dutch girl with a dangerous father, confront his guilt over the death of his brother, and face off against injury, illness and death. 
Will Etienne choose to fulfill his family's expectations, or will he plot the course for his own destiny?



Thrown to the Wind was a captivating story. Full of adventure and action. Definitely one of those books that you can't put down because you want to know what happens next. Amanda Cetas does an incredible job at capturing the era and transporting you there. At times I felt that I was alongside Etienne on the ship! You can tell that this story is part of her and she not only has done her research but her heart is in this story as well. 

Etienne is such a strong main character. At times you forget that he is only a young boy. The hardship he had to endure and the work he did alongside his father and on his own was incredible. Definitely puts things in perspective at how different times where then compared to now and how children in a sense "grew" up so much faster. A lot is put on poor Etienne and he being just a boy also struggles with a lot of things. He wants to be his own person and do his own thing. Although he looks up to his father he does not want the same job his father has. He wants to be his own person. He struggles with the death of his younger brother and blames himself for it. He also has a bully that is constantly putting him down and treating him inferior just because of his social class. You can't help but cheer for him throughout the book. 

It will be interesting to see how she continues the story and where it will go. I for one can't wait to read it. As a homeschool mom I thought this book was perfect for a family read aloud or an assigned book for a middle schooler who could do some more research to go with the history of it all. 

My Rating: 4 stars / Loved it!

(I received this book from the author for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!)

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Amanda M. Cetas is the author of the historical adventure Thrown to the Wind, which is the first book in the series, A Country for Castoffs. The story is taken from her family history, which she has spent over two decades researching. She currently teaches several courses in American, European and World history to advanced high school students. She also taught at the middle school level for several years.

Amanda lives in Tucson, Arizona for most of the year with her husband and two little Yorkie mixes. She escapes to the beach at Rocky Point, Mexico over every break in the school year and to the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon each summer. She has three grown children and two beautiful grandchildren.

Amanda is currently working on the second book in the series, At the Mercy of the Sea

To subscribe to her mailing list and know more about her upcoming books visit her website: https://www.amandamcetas.com/


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Thrown to the Wind by Amanda Cetas
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