Review: Together Forever

Together Forever is the second book in Jody Hedlund's series, Orphan Train. Books one, With You Always, was published in 2017 and was a fantastic read. This second title is equally mesmerizing. Once I cracked open the book, I could not put it down.
I would recommend reading With You Always before reading Together Forever, but if you can't wait you can jump in and read this one first in the series. Book one focuses on building a city in the the western land of Illinois. Book two shares the story of placing children from New York into homes located in the West (today's Mid-West).

Again, I had preconceived notions about Together Forever. I thought the story would pick up in Illinois where With You Always left off. Nope. Readers will head back to New York and go on a new adventure. Yes, characters from book one are in book two, but this could almost be a standalone. Hedlund writes a very compelling story and is fantastic at honing in on the main characters while sharing tidbits from previous characters. I definitely closed the book satisfied, but craving more from the world she created. I cannot wait for the next installment in her Orphan Train series!

To catch the latest Jody Hedlund news, visit her website or follow her on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1850's
Location: New York and Illinois

I received this book as a gift from Jody Hedlund.

Title: Together Forever
Series: Book 2, Orphan Train
Author: Jody Hedlund
ISBN: 9780764218057

January YA Reads

I'm mad for Madly, speechless for Soundless, and leery of A Thousand Nights.

Madly by Amy Alward is the first book of in the new series, Potion. It was a mix between modern living and fairy tale themes. A magic potion goes horribly wrong and the kingdom announces a hunt for the cure. It's a race against time and ingredients. Will synthetics work or are all natural items only work? Can hunters work together or will their tear each other apart?

What a great adventure! The mix of old and new was fascinating. The alchemist details of different ingredients all over the text were delightful to uncover. Friendship and family ties are tested. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

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Soundless by Michelle Mead is a standalone novel. An entire village is deaf. They communicate by sign language and painted news. Years have passed by and now the people are slowly loosing their sight as well. Something needs to change or everyone will be lost. Unexpectedly, Fei begins to hear. With a new sense, she can save her town!

I thought this story was fascinating. I loved the descriptions of sound. It's something I've never thought about describing sounds beyond the sound my car is making or the occasional "did you hear that?" I also liked the quickness of the book. It's a shorter story than the usual YA novel and it's was refreshing to read something in a couple hours.

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A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston is a new twist on the title of an old tale A Thousand and One Nights. The king continues to seek a wife because he's killed 300 of them. There is something inside of him that has taken over. A sister takes a stand when the king comes to her village. She wants to save her sister from such a terrible and brief life.

This was an okay story for me. The thing living inside the king is a demon that tortures him and feeds off his people and his past wives. There is an energy from his new wife that battles him and gives strength to his people. It's a battle of good over evil, smallgods and demons. 

Review: Things I've Said to My Children

Father and graphic designer, Nathan Ripperger, shares Things I've Said to My Children. He selected a few choice phrases he's told his children and illustrated them! Such a clever, short book to read and share with parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, or anyone who relates to having children around them. Children are curious, imaginative, and frustrating, but they are learning. They are learning how things work as well as learning their limits. As a librarian, one of my favorite phrases in the book was "We do not poop in books." Indeed! We do not poop in books.

I know of many parents who capture funny phrases their children say in little notebooks, but this is a fun reverse book of funny phrases parents say to their children. Most family notebooks are not illustrated, but they are shared with others, usually family and friends. This book could be a launch pad for so many ideas for art, gifts, or humor to share with family, friends, and strangers!

I think this book pairs well with another humorous parenting book, Reasons My Kid Is Crying or Dad is Fat. All three titles offer great chuckles! They could also be shared as silly new parents gifts.

Looking for more information about Nathan Ripperger? He's sharing his artwork on Etsy. He's also on Flickr and Twitter.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Title: Things I've Said to My Children
Author: Nathan Ripperger
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
ISBN: 9781607748304

Review: Tiffany Girl

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

Tiffany Girl is the third book by Deeanne Gist that is written around the Chicago World's Fair. Her previous titles include It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play. I was intrigued by her first books, because I've greatly enjoyed Gist's writing in the past, but I never go around to reading them. I picked up Tiffany Girl, because the picture was interesting, the title was straightforward, and I enjoy art.

I'm so happy I read this book! It captured me. I felt a very close connection to Flossie. She loved art, she wanted a career, and she wanted independence. At the same time as being this "New Woman," she wanted a close knit family and relationships. I've felt the same way at times. Yes, I want to be independent and do what I wish, but I also want my close friends and family with me. It's a balancing act. Sometimes it tips one way, sometimes the other, sometimes it balances, and other times it completely falls over. Not everyone is happy all the time. Out of all the choices in life, it's important to keep your eyes on the Lord. He will guide your path. The path might not be easy. The path might be different then your original plan, but He'll not lead you astray. God will give you the desires of your heart.

Beyond the story, I appreciated the unique backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair and Tiffany's glass. Gist also shared the "new" horror of the "New Woman." It was very amusing given today's women living independently of their families and holding jobs. I felt she put a lot of research into her story. She shares a an opening note to the reader as well as author's note at the end of the novel. In addition to the notes, personal thoughts, and credits, Gist shares photographs and images to give the reader a glimpse into her character's world. Some of the images are historical while others were created to give readers a feeling of Flossie's art. I think those were a lovely touch to the story.

If you would like to read an excerpt of Tiffany Girl, visit Deeanne Gist's website!

Time Period: Victorian, 1890's
Location: New York City, New York, USA

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Howard Books!

Title: Tiffany Girl
Author: Deeanne Gist
Publisher: Howard Books
ISBN:  9781451692440

Review: Tried and True

Tried and True by Mary Connealy

Book 01: Wild at Heart

The Wild family finished fighting in the Civil War and moved West. They wanted to be part of homesteading new territory and create a large claim in honor of their lost family member - Jimmy. In actuality, father Cudgel Wilde wanted his daughters to homestead on their own and after they homestead for their required years, their large piece of property would be in honor of his lost son. The daughters, Kylie, Bailey, and Shannon agree to homestead, but it turns out to be more challenging then they all expected. Someone is out to get Kylie for her land. The land agenda, Aaron Masterson, sees through the sisters' "manly" disguises instantly and they could be written up for fraud. And what about the after effects of fighting in the Civil War?

Mary Connealy always weaves such a delightful and unique story. I'm always at the edge of my seat for the next book she has published. This new series was no exception! Right away, readers know it's going be to a series instead of a standalone novel. She set it up by having three sisters creating their own unique homesteads as well as giving each girl strengths and weaknesses. They compliment each other very well. Kylie and Aaron are the main characters, but plenty of others in the territory and town come into play. There is a mountain man named Matt Tucker, a rancher named Gage Coulter who was building up his property before settlers began arriving; Neville Bassett - a confederate with a grudge, and Sunrise - an outcast from the Shoshone tribe. Readers are in for a high-paced treat during the land run after the War Between the States. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the Wild at Heart series!

Time Period: Post-Civil War, Western, 1866
Location: Idaho Territory


Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!

Review: Tear You Apart

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross


Tear You Apart is a companion to Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross. This novel can be read separately from Cross' first piece, but I would recommend reading Kill Me Softly before Tear You Apart. Characters from the first book reappear in the second as well as small pieces of the earlier storyline. Readers, you will have time to enjoy Kill Me Softly, because Tear You Apart will be published in January 2015.

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Cross is so clever with her reinvented fairy tales. When I saw that a new title was coming out, I immediately went to the library to checkout Kill Me Softly in preparation for reading Tear You Apart. (It’s worth a reread for this new title.)

Sarah Cross returned to Beau Rivage to share another couple's story. Again, I became captivated by the fairy tales that intertwined throughout the story. Since fairy tales stories are well known, I could see where some of the storylines lead, but she always managed to change it just a little to take my breath away. I don't want to reveal too much of the twists, but I will share what Cross shared on her website: "Snow White plus the Twelve Dancing Princesses ... and some other fairy tales I'll keep secret for now."

I would recommend this title to teens or adults. Fairy tales are popular for the tweens, but the content is for a mature audience. The characters swear, drink, and deal with murders. Some younger readers are not prepared for that type of content yet.

Just like the companion piece, the story is wrapped up at the end and can standalone. I still wonder about the other characters who came alive in this novel. I think Cross would have a fantastic Beau Rivage series if she shared the fates of her other fairytale characters. I anxiously await more stories!

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Egmont USA!

ISBN: 9781606845912
eBook ISBN: 9781606845929
Published: January 27, 2015

Review: Truth Be Told

Truth Be Told by Carol Cox


Amelia Wagner looks forward to spending the summer in Granite Springs. Her father lives there and operates the small town's newspaper. She reunites with her father, but quickly needs to say goodbye to the man she loves and admires. Instead of working side-by-side over the summer, Amelia takes up the reins of the newspaper. She wants to follow in her father's footsteps and only print the truth because "ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," but uncovering the truth in stories is not always an easy task.

One of her late father's leads was focused on a new business in town, the Great Western Investment Company. A young man, Ben Stone, works for the company and his actions convey his intent of honesty and caring, but his boss and colleagues smile and evade direct questions. Something is happening and Amelia is determined to find the truth and share it with the citizens of Granite Springs. The truth could shed light on the prosperity of the town, but at what cost to the paper and the paper's employees?

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Carol Cox returns to write another standalone novel set in historic Arizona Territory. Her previous Arizona standalone titles include Love in Disguise and Trouble in Store. The book trio is reminiscent of Tracie Peterson's Land of Shining Waters series. Both series are wonderful. I enjoyed that each novel was a standalone and the ties that bond them to the others was the time period and state location. Cox selected the Arizona Territory, while Peterson chose Minnesota.

Truth Be Told focuses on finding the truth and the newspaper industry. The journey toward truth isn't solely about the news and the newspaper in Granite Springs. The truth digs into business practices, relationships, and faith. Truth isn't always wrapped up in a bow and can lead to danger because of our fallen world, but in the end the truth brings freedom.

The most unique part of this novel was the family dynamics of the Wagners. Mr. and Mrs. have been separated for many years. Amelia would live with her mother during the "school year" and spend summers with her father. The mother became a background character that is heard about but never seen in the story. It was an interesting story element.

If you're looking for a historical read for the summer, I would recommend Truth Be Told. It takes place over the summer months and offers a good mystery to follow and uncover. Also, the romance is light and sincere.

Time Period: 1893
Location: Granite Springs, Arizona Territory, USA

Reviewed from a GoodReads FirstReads copy. Thank you Bethany House!

Review: The Cadence of Grace Series

The Cadence of Grace Series by Joanne Bischof
#1 - Be Still My Soul
#2 - Though My Heart is Torn
#3 - My Hope is Found

 The Cadence of Grace series is three separate books that are closing linked together. Each one flows swiftly into the next one. They are best read together in order, since they pick up so quickly.

Be Still My Soul features the beginning relationship of Lonnie Sawyer and Gideon O'Riley. Gideon is the playboy of the Appalachian hills and pressures Lonnie for a kiss. Lonnie's father discovers them together and a shotgun wedding takes place. Gideon resents Lonnie while Lonnie is seeking a refuge.

Lonnie finds a refuge in the Lord and Gideon begins to turn his life around when his past returns to haunt him. Though My Heart is Torn shares the grief of love being torn and lives being changed. The answer to peace rests in the Lord. Faith's journey is never an easy one, but the Lord will never forsake those who seek Him.

My Hope is Found wraps up the series with rebuilding trust and repairing relationships. Consequences and broken trust cannot be fixed over a day or a month. Healing takes time, but the Lord is sufficient and He watches over His children.

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I was so happy to read these books one right after the other. It would have been difficult to wait between books. Bischof wrote a captivating, emotional, and faith-filled series that amazed me.  I thought I would be able to predict parts of the storyline but every twist and turn brought new insights and layers. Gideon had his storyline, while Lonnie had hers and then their relationship together was a whole different storyline. Those three components are only the beginning - add in their families, neighbors, bosses, and enemies into the mix and it is a powerful load of information. These are stories that beg to be read quickly to find out what happens next, yet read ever so slowly to relish every detail.

I would highly recommend Bishof's trilogy. Her Appalachian books are books that you can sink your teeth into and savor for moments to come. They take the reader on a journey that follows the ridge line - the ups and downs of life - of sin and grace. It brought to mind the Bible story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel.

She also does not leave the reader hanging at the end of My Hope is Found. More adventures would be welcome to read, but it's an excellent pause for Gideon and Lonnie's journeys, trials, and celebrations. I am content as are the O'Riley's. I would love to hear more about the other people who came into the lives of Gideon and Lonnie, especially Toby McKee and Cassie Allan. Perhaps a follow up will be coming in the future? I will be waiting to hear!


Time Period: Turn of the Century, 1900
Location: Appalachian hills, Virginia, USA

Reviewed from a library copy (#1), a library copy (#2), and a free book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review (#3).

Review: Trouble in Store

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox


Mercantiles are not known for murder, but Melanie has landed in trouble in her new job as business partner with Caleb Nelson. Caleb wants nothing to do with his new partner, but she cannot be denied her place in the store.

I was amazed at the many twists woven into this piece of historical fiction. It was more than historical fiction - it was a mystery. The beginning opened up with Melanie's final adventures as a governess then quickly moves on to her move to her cousin's mercantile in the West. The arguments between Melanie and Caleb are very believable, because everyone has moments of feeling out of place and taking a stand for their place in the world. The reveal at the end took me by surprise, which was great. I won't spoil the end because I want the new readers to enjoy the final chapters. Cox wrote a great standalone novel that can be enjoyed in an afternoon or over a vacation.

Time Period: Western, 1880's
Location: Cedar Ridge, Arizona Territory, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House Publishers!

Review: The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen


How deliciously Gothic! Klassen's newest title offers mystery, history, suspense, and salvation. Her book reminded me of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, accept serious instead of frivolous.

The Smallwoods need to secure a tutoring position. Emma wants to pull her Father out of the depression of losing his wife and she wants to find purpose for herself. They move forward by becoming reacquainted with a former student's family. Mr. Smallwood renews his relationship with his former students and strives to teach their younger brothers. Emma assists her father, looks to understand the mystery shrouding the host family, and renews her friendships with the two elder brothers.

The Tutor's Daughter is an excellent historical fiction piece. Klassen's book has a different flavor than her previous titles with the dark mysteries, but not to worry, nothing too frightening or ghastly is revealed. The various mysteries will have the reader sitting on the edge of their seats trying to figure out where the tales will lead.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!

Review: Total Devotion

Total Devotion: 365 Days to Hang Tight with Jesus by Kevin Johnson


Total Devotion is geared toward young adults and their faith struggles and growth. I may not be in high school, but the passages chosen and the lessons shared are applicable to Christians whatever their age. The book was originally published in 2004, so there are a couple technical advances, but some life lessons never change throughout history. Replace the VCR with a DVD or Blu-ray player as you read and focus on connecting the passage to your daily life.

Daily devotions include a title, opening paragraph describing a situation, passage, and closing remarks that include Bible references to link the situation(s) to the text read. The year is broken down into several topics including faith basics, obedience, prayer, trust, popularity, family, guy-girl stuff, stamina and more for a total of 26 different themes.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

Review: Twice Promised

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan


The Olsen sisters traveled to America to begin a new life. The eldest, Catharine, married Peter in Wyoming. The middle sister, Greta, fell in love with a soldier named Bryan. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. Greta answered an ad for a mail-order bride and traveled to Central City, Colorado to find a new life for herself. What a surprise to find another mail-order bride and an unsuspecting groom. Oh, how mischievous siblings can be!

Brendan picks up where her first Blue Willows Brides book, Deeply Devoted, ends. Greta's story is sad, predictable, but a bit unexpected as well. It's an enjoyable read with a hind of the youngest Olsen's story at the end. The additional mail-order bride and a mischievous brother add flair, humor, and depth to the story. Other city characters add additional depth to Brendan's tale. I would enjoy a companion piece about the Cartwright family and I look forward to Anna Olsen's mail-order bride story.

Time Period: Western, 1888
Location: Central City, Colorado, United States

Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: Graphic Novels

During the summer months, I love to read graphic novels. I enjoy a few during the school year months, but it seems that graphic novels collect on my to-read shelf more during June, July, and August. Recently, I picked up Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes, Tower of Treasure, and Nursery Rhyme Comics from my local library. These three stories are vastly different, but equally enjoyable.

Lunch Lady and the Mutant Mathletes by Jarrett J. Krosoczka The Breakfast Bunch along with the loveable lunch ladies of Thompson Brook school return with another unbelieveable adventure! Principal Hernandez asks Dee, Hector, and T to join the Mathletes. Reluctantly, they follow the principal's request and discover a local school rivalry.

I always look forward to Krosoczka's Lunch Lady books. The Lunch Lady is encouraging with the students at school. She also unveils new and hilarious weaponry to save the Breakfast Bunch. For followers of the Babymouse seris, these books are an excellent addition to read.

Tower of Treasure by Scott Chantler Dessa is a traveling acrobat who is on the lookout for her twin brother. He was taken years ago and it's her mission to be reunited with her family. She mistakes a stranger for the kidnapper and ruins the traveling circus show. The boss sends her out to find food and money to make up for the lost of profit. Her co-workers help her out, but also land everyone into more trouble.

Chantler doesn't fill the pages with needless conversation or sound effects. He lets the art speak for itself. His series will appeal to elementary and middle school children. Especially if they enjoy adventure during the medieval period. I look forward to the next book in the Three Thieves series.


Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists by Chris Duffy Nursery rhymes stand strong on their own. Offering the art of celebrated cartoonists adds a wonderful, unique twist that will make this book a popular choice for children and adults. Some rhymes will be familiar and others will be new. The introduction by Leonard Marcus and the editor's note by Chris Duffy add beautiful depth to understanding the history of nursery rhymes.

Review: The Thirteenth Princess

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler


"My name is Zita, and I am the thirteenth princess. My twelve sisters are legendary, even in faraway kingdoms, but I am sure that you have never heard of me."


Zita was the last princess born. The king lost his wife and his daughters lost their mother. In his grief, the king banished his youngest daughter to the servants' quarters. Zita struggles not be noticed by her unhappy father, yet yearns to know her sisters. Triumph and tragedy mingle when the princesses discover an abandoned dumb waiter in the castle.

Diane Zahler recreated a new twist on the classic tale of The Twelve Dancing Princesses from the Brothers Grimm. Zahler's adaptation is beautifully written for middle school fairytale lovers. She adds mystery, adventure, magic and splashes of romance. If readers enjoy this classic tale, I would also recommend Entwined by Heather Dixon.


Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: To Catch a Pirate

To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Townsend's, Annalisa and her father, are sailing to the governorship of Mourning in the Caribbean. The Phantom Mist intercepts their course and in dashes the unforgettable pirate James Sterling. James and his mentor Crimson steal the king's gold. Mr. Townsend is sent to prison and Annalisa takes up the call to be a privateer and hunt down the man you ruined her world - James Sterling.


If you're in the mood for a summer read, here is a book for you. Parker takes you to a world full of sailing on warm breezes, dangerous swordplay, treasure hunts and revenge. Excellent heroine novel with a touch of romance and sassiness. If Ms. Parker were to write more historical fiction, I would love to read them!

Reviewed from a library copy.

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Review: Timeless & An Unlikely Suitor

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Story...  Michele Windsor is forced to live with her New York City grandparents after tragedy strikes her small family. While she resides in her family's historical house, she uncovers her family history and their secrets. Yet, it goes beyond journal entries and faded photographs...she travels through Time and meets her ancestors and the man of her dreams.




An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Story...  The Scarpelli family is undergoing changes: a sudden death, an eviction and new jobs. Lucy is looking out for her mother and younger sister. In her new job as a New York dressmaker, she befriends Roaring 20's socialite Rowena Langdon. After meeting Rowena, her life takes a new path as she is asked to visit the vacation hot-spot: Newport.


Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

~ Psalm 139:7-10


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I read these stories one right after the other. The reason? They were both due at the library on the same day. In all honesty, I didn't know the premisis of either story. It was a very pleasant surprise that such different books linked so well together. I began reading Nancy Moser's An Unlikely Suitor. I followed up Moser's book with Timeless by Alexander Monir. Each book discusses the 1920's from different viewpoints. Moser tackles life as an immigrant seamstress and New York society. Monir continues with New York society, but adds a time travel twist. Both stories were very enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised to find detailed historical notes at the end of each book. Historical accuracy and explanations are greatly appreciated. I look forward to more novels by Moser and Monir.

Reviewed from library copies.


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