Review: River to Redemption

I briefly read the back cover of River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart which reads,

"Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave Louis, a man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions.

Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840's Kentucky, she'll need all of the courage and strength she possesses - and more."

I clamped onto the word orphan at the beginning and thought to myself, "Hey! It's another orphan train book!" I just finished Together Forever by Jody Hedlund (Book 02, Orphan Train) so I guessed that this would be another author writing about orphan trains. Needless to say, I was surprised the entire time I was reading! Sometimes, it's good to not know the synopsis of a book and just dive right into it.

It was a heavy book in the way of overcoming grief and finding your path in life. Cholera took a toll on hundreds of thousands of people and Gabhart shared a small snippet of time with the reader. It was fascinating to find out that she took two historical people - Louis and Matilda - and shared a story about them. It was beautiful to read about deep and unshakable faith as well as faith that was clouded by hurt and grief. They did what needed to be done and the Lord would take care of the rest. It was a reassuring read.

This is a standalone title, but I'm hopeful for a sequel about Adria Starr. We'll see what the future holds!

Time Period: 1833
Location: Springfield, Kentucky, USA

Reviewed from a library copy.

Title: River to Redemption
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 3, 2018
ISBN: 9780800723644

Review: Room for Hope

Room for Hope shares the journey of Neva Shilling.

Neva cares for her children, oversees the family mercantile, and offers food to homeless travelers all while struggling in the Great Depression. Her husband is gone. In his place, a deputy delivers three unknown children who call her Aunt Neva. Mr. Schilling had two families and now he and his second wife are gone. The burden is great. Is there room for hope in Neva's life?

Author Kim Vogel Sawyers crafts wonderful stories. I always forget how much I like her novels until I pick the next one up. She writes with true emotion - heartache, love, greed, admiration, and faith. Neva is the main character, but she is not alone. Other characters are in her life and take the main narration at times too. The voices in this book include:

Jesse Caudel from Beliot, now Sheriff in Buffalo Creek
Bud Schilling, Neva's son
Arthur Randall, Neva's neighbor

Each character is around Neva and her generous spirit. They also have their own personal battles. I was surprised by the ending of the book and how the loose ends tied together. I thought it would go one way when it went another. It was a beautiful surprise and a fulfilling story. It is a standalone novel, so you can pick it up without knowing previous characters or worrying about the next installment.

The end of the book shares a readers guide, acknowledgements, and a page on Sawyer's next book. (Which I can't wait to read!) If you visit WaterBrook Multnomah, you can read a preview of Room for Hope.

Time Period: The Great Depression, 1936
Location: Buffalo Creek, Kansas, USA

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

Title: Room for Hope
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
ISBN: 9780307731371

Review: A Refuge at Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall is available! This new novel is book three in Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Brides series.  The Governess of Highland Hall is book one and shares the story of governess Julia Foster and Highland Hall master Sir William Ramsy. Book two, The Daughter of Highland Hall, shares the story of governess Julia's former charge Katherine (Kate) Ramsey and Julia's brother, Jonathan Foster. The characters of book three focuses on another former charge of Julia's, Penelope (Penny) Ramsey with a side story of Lydia Chambers, Penny and Kate's lady's maid.

I would recommend reading the previous books before diving into A Refuge at Highland Hall. The Ramsy family has expanded with marriages as well as with friends, family, and servants. If you've previously read the books, but it's been a while, Turansky kindly shares a cast of characters list at the beginning of the book! I'll admit it's been a while since I last read a Highland Hall book. I started reading book three and it took little time to get reacquainted with everyone.

World War I has begun. Dr. Jon and his family are living in London when bombs are dropped. To keep his family safe, he sends them to Highland Hall. Everyone packs up to go except Dr. Jon who needs to stay and care for the soldiers in town. Before everyone leaves, Dr. Jon brought home a soldier friend, Alexander Goodwin. Alex is determined to be a pilot (a dangerous job that has slim survival rates). Penny is drawn to Alex and offers to write while he is away.

Turansky wrote a very compelling story. She captured the fear, longing, and faith of a vast array of characters - soldiers, sweethearts, prisoners, children, adults, elderly, and young. I was quite impressed. She wove two main storylines together as well as kept the other members in the family active. The cast of characters is two pages, but don't let that deter you from reading A Refuge at Highland Hall. It's good to hear about all the members of this tight knit family. I would like to hear more about the Foster / Ramsey families. I hope Turansky continues writing!

Time Period: Edwardian/WWI, 1915
Location: London, England

Thank you, Blogging for Books for this review copy! I enjoyed it!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Review: Rooted in Design

When I first paged through Rooted in Design, I was not drawn to it. The photographs seemed stylized and too urban; the ratio of project how-to's versus plain text was uneven to my eyes. I'm from a suburban area and the authors are from Chicago and New York. The plants might be the same, but the housing and room decor depicted didn't feel familiar. For two months, I left Rooted in Design on my to-read shelf at home. I needed to give this book an honest chance. I'm glad I did!

After actually reading the text, not just relying on the photographs or the eight Make If Your Own how-to's, this is a very well put together book. The authors offer different design ideas for every living space. It doesn't matter if you have an apartment or a house. It doesn't matter if you have floor space, wall space, table space, or ledge space. They share plenty of ideas for plant lovers. They offer ideas from the floor to the ceiling, from attaching to the wall to movable walls of plants. Beyond just room design, they share their plant knowledge from plant design to plant care. If you enjoy live plants or preserved plants, they have projects for every type of indoor gardener.

I currently have numerous houseplants. They are happily residing on kitchen counters right now, but they will be moving soon! I feel inspired to redesign my plants to fit together better and enhance my living spaces. Rooted in Design was described as a having DIY projects, tips, and guidance. I agree! Before winter sets in, I'm going to put on some garden gloves and get dirty!

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

Title: Rooted in Design: Sprout Home's Guide to Creative Indoor Planting
Author: Tara Heibel & Tassy de Give
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
ISBN: 9781607746973

Review: Reasons My Kid is Crying

Reasons My Kid Is Crying by Greg Pembroke


Are you familiar with the blog http://www.reasonsmysoniscrying.com/? If so, this is a small glimpse at the blog in book form! If you are not familiar with the blog, please go and take a look!


In the book, Pembroke shares snippets of why some crying episodes happen and working with little ones, I do agree. They're new to the world around them and they cannot always comprehend what's happening or why things happen. Sometimes it can be heartbreaking, but other times hilarious! As adults, we've experienced so much that these moments can frustrate and tickle the funny bones as well. Parents, family members, and professionals who work with children can easily relate to Reasons My Kid is Crying.

This is such a great book to read ... and share! The paperback is full color with a good mix between photographs and a pages of "Dispatches from the Front Lines." The dispatches are typed tales of various toddler moments. Pembroke does divide his book into chapters which cover everyday moments, family get-togethers, and out in public. The size of the book can easily fit into a purse or diaper bag to enjoy a quick read or to share with someone else. It's definitely a book I want others to read and enjoy. Thank you, Greg Pembroke for sharing a laugh with the world!

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

Review: Reasons My Kid is Crying

Reasons My Kid Is Crying by Greg Pembroke


Are you familiar with the blog http://www.reasonsmysoniscrying.com/? If so, this is a small glimpse at the blog in book form! If you are not familiar with the blog, please go and take a look! Here's a little book trailer glimpse as well:




In the book, Pembroke shares snippets of why some crying episodes happen. As I working with little ones at the libraries, schools, and childcares, I do agree. They're new to the world around them and they cannot always comprehend what's happening or why things happen. Sometimes it can be heartbreaking, but other times hilarious. As adults, we've experienced so much that these moments can frustrate and tickle the funny bones. Parents, family members, and professionals who work with children can easily relate to Reasons My Kid is Crying.

This is such a great book to read ... and share! The paperback is full color with a good mix between photographs and a pages of "Dispatches from the Front Lines." The dispatches are typed tales of various toddler moments. Pembroke does divide his book into chapters which cover everyday moments, family get-togethers, and out-and-about in public. The size of the book can easily fit into a purse, backpack, or diaper bag to enjoy a quick read or to share with someone else. It's definitely a book I want others to read and enjoy. Thank you, Greg Pembroke for sharing a laugh with the world!

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

Christmas Review: A Regency Holidy & Wyoming Bride

A Regency Holiday by Allison Lane

Four novellas focusing on the Christmas season set during the Regency period in England.

Coventry's Christmas by Rebecca Hagan Lee
Suffolk, Buckinghamshire, and London in England, December 1813

Star of Wonder by Lynn Kerstan
North Yorkshire Dales, December 1819

A Christmas Homecoming by Susan Pace
December 1814

Home for Christmas by Alicia Rasley
Near Plymouth, December 1818

This Regency Christmas collection is a swift read to enjoy during the month of December. The author capture various Regency themes, such as, step-parents, soldiers, wards, turns of fortune, etc. Each novella is distinct and differ from each other so the reader cannot be bored reading the same themes over and over again in one book.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bell Bridge Books!

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Wyoming Bride: A Bitter Creek Novel by Joan Johnston

Wyoming Bride is the second novel in Johnston's newest series Mail-Order Brides. Wyoming Bride is also a continuation of her Bitter Creek series.

Wyoming Bride follows the lives of the Wentworth siblings, specifically Hannah. (Miranda Wentworth was featured in Texas Bride, Mail-Order Brides Book 1.) Hannah desires to save the rest of her siblings, Hetty and Josie, from the orphanage. She jumps in and becomes a mail-order bride. Hannah believes marriage to McMurtry will keep her family together. Unfortunately, the Oregon Trail is not an easy road to travel.

Johnston writes a fun and adventurous western. If you're unfamiliar with her stories, this book can be enjoyed by itself. Johnston throws in enough detail that the reader isn't floundering in unknown information. The author's note at the end of the book is well put together. Joan invites the reader to anticipate her next Mail-Order Bride book and encourages readers to enjoy her previous books before the next one arrives.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Random House Publishing Group!

Why is this in my Christmas reviews? They mention Christmas, of course! The Creeds traveled to Cheyenne to purchase Christmas gifts. 

Review: Rats on the Page

Rats on the Page by Michael Dahl

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Return to the Library of Doom! When I saw the title at my local library, I was trilled! I thought the Library of Doom was at an end. Lo, and behold, on the children's shelf, was a new library book. Michael Dahl created a wonderful easy reader with suspense, adventure, magic and rodents. Many readers love to discover dark sides, especially in literature, not so much in reality. I found this title uniquely dark for myself, because I am not a fan of rodents. If you enjoy a good rodent book, pick up Rats on the Page for a quick read. I look forward to discovering more books in this new series.

If you missed the original Library of Doom series by Michael Dahl, I would encourage you to go back and read the first series.