Review: Honor

Honor
By Lyn Cote
Quaker Brides, #1
Tyndale, 2014


Summary

When unexpected circumstances leave Honor Penworthy destitute after the death of her grandfather, she is forced to leave her Maryland plantation—and the slaves she hoped to free—and seek refuge with a distant relative. With no marketable skills, her survival hinges on a marriage arranged through the Quaker community to local glass artisan Samuel Cathwell. Samuel is drawn to Honor, but he has been unwilling to open his heart to anyone since scarlet fever took his hearing as a child.

A move west brings the promise of a fresh start, but nothing in Honor’s genteel upbringing has prepared her for the rigors of frontier life with Samuel. Nevertheless, her tenacity and passion sweep her into important winds of change, and she becomes increasingly—though secretly—involved in the Underground Railroad. Samuel suspects Honor is hiding something, but will uncovering the truth confirm his worst fears or truly bring them together as man and wife?

Set against the backdrop of dramatic and pivotal moments in American history, the Quaker Brides series chronicles the lives of three brave heroines, fighting to uphold their principles of freedom while navigating the terrain of faith, family, and the heart.


My thoughts

I have been blessed to read some extremely moving books lately, and Honor by Lyn Cote is another. The story is well written, filled with rich historical detail, and the lead characters are complex - as is their marriage. I found Honor very enjoyable, compelling, and relevant for the world in which we live.

Honor opens in Tidewater, Maryland, during the year of 1819 and transitions to Ohio as Samuel and Honor move west to start their life together. It was a time when skin color and disability marked a person as of less value to the world - and, as Lyn shared at the end, Ohio was a place that "simmered and at times boiled as a hotbed of conflict and activism over the issue of abolition." 

Both Samuel and Honor are strong, well-developed characters who I immediately connected with and cared for.The title character, Honor, was "shunned by the living and betrayed by the dead" because of her passion and convictions for doing the right thing, and her personal cost was great. Honor wants to be loved by her husband, and I admired her strength, faith, caring heart, and willingness to take risks in order to help others gain freedom.

Samuel, a lead character who is deaf, is fascinating. Life experiences have made him grow embittered, turn away from his faith, and erect walls, afraid to care for fear of being hurt. "When people found out he was deaf, they usually tried to act as if he were invisible." There's plenty of romantic tension and it was fun to watch their relationship grow.

Honor has a relevancy that is timeless, as can be seen in these two quotes . . .

"When a person does what is right, it stirs the rage

of those who will not turn from doing the same evil."

I loved the complexity in Samuel and Honor's relationship, for while Honor could not turn a blind eye to those fleeing the evils of slavery, Samuel at first tolerates it as just being the way things are and doubts that a few people can do anything to change it.

"Sometimes one must work for what is right,

even when the odds of victory appear small."

While Honor entertains, it also left me with much upon which to reflect. Highly recommended.

Book #2, Blessing, has recently been released.

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Lyn Cote, known for her "Strong Women, Brave Stories," is the award-winning, critically-acclaimed author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been RITA Award finalists and Holt Medallion and Carol Award winners. Lyn received her bachelor's degree in education and her master's degree in American history from Western Illinois University. She and her husband have two grown children and live on a small but beautiful lake in northern Wisconsin.

Connect with Lyn online at LynCote.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Review: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor
By Melanie Dobson
Howard Books, 2015


Summary

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

Bibury, Cotswolds

My thoughts

When I come across such a deeply moving book as Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, I struggle with how to adequately convey my thoughts. This is a highly entertaining novel - poignant, bittersweet, compelling - and gives cause for reflection after the last page is turned. The writing is exquisite, with an atmospheric, otherworldly feel. It is of "read again" quality so as to pick up all that I might have missed the first time.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor reflects the human condition with all its flaws and failings, the "shadows" of family secrets spanning generations. Characters are three-dimensional and completely believable, for we know and identify with their background, struggles and emotions. I have long been a fan of British fiction, so I loved the English countryside setting of Bibury in the Cotswolds which Melanie conveyed so vividly - thatched-roof cottages, colorful English gardens, rolling pastureland dotted with sheep, elegant country manors, and cycling down winding lanes.

Arlington Row

The narrative flows seamlessly between past and present, told through multiple voices. Perhaps the best way I can convey the feel of this story is to share a little about some of those voices . . .

Libby is one of the most unique characters I've ever seen in novels. In real life, she would probably be diagnosed with "autism spectrum," but this was unknown in the 1950s of her childhood, causing much misunderstanding and frustration. Yet I found her exceptional qualities fascinating  . . . "Ethereal. Magical. Like a fairy or butterfly," Libby craved beauty and freedom. "She saw a rainbow of colors where other people saw only black and white." Melanie handles complex issues well, and I think this story will especially resonate with anyone who has been a caregiver for a special-needs child.

Results of past actions are constant companions of Walter and Maggie Doyle, Libby's parents. Walter just might be my favorite character because of his humanness. He tries to do the right thing, to be honorable, yet he keeps struggling and making mistakes with all that life hands him. But oh, how he learns! Walter is a man of character and depth, whose influence is felt on every page, and he is eventually able to reflect what real love is - and that is something we can take heart from.

River Coln

Living next door to the Doyle cottage is the Croft family, aristocrats who "clung to their status and property like the wisteria clung to the stone towers on their house." Oliver, the son and heir, enjoyed a childhood friendship with Libby and shared her longing to be free, "but his parents treated him more like a piece of pottery - shaping and molding him into the distinguished Lord of Ladenbrooke. No one had ever asked him if he wanted to be lord."

Heather brings home the modern-day story as she returns to Bibury to sell the family cottage after her father's death. While events of the past caused her to prefer a safe friendship with someone who would never break her heart, family revelations, understanding and joy await her.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a story every one of us can relate to, for surely we've all made regrettable choices and spent countless hours in life's shadows, leaving us nowhere to turn but to the Lord. This is a memorable story about God's faithfulness and transforming power, how He is so very capable of restoring that which is broken, in a "crown of beauty instead of ashes" style. Very highly recommended.

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Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Connect with Melanie online at melaniedobson.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thank you to Melanie Dobson and Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Litfuse landing page:

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson

Author Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Upon reading my first book by Suzanne Woods Fisher a few years ago, I quickly realized that her Amish fiction was in a class all by itself. One element that stands out is the interaction between the Amish and English as they live out their faith, giving Suzanne's books an appeal that goes beyond the Amish fiction audience. Emotional depth and relevancy are other factors - and with Anna's Crossing (click title to see my review), Suzanne has added rich historical detail. In addition to being a thoroughly enjoyable and moving story, Anna's Crossing gives readers much upon which to reflect.

I am thankful that Suzanne is no stranger to The Power of Words and each visit is pure pleasure, for she is such a gracious and humble lady. Now enjoy as Suzanne shares about Anna's Crossing and also about a new series she is working on . . .


Suzanne:  Anna’s Crossing was one of the best experiences I’ve had as a writer—largely because the research was fascinating. Crossing the Atlantic in the 18^th century was incredibly difficult and dangerous. And I left out most of the more gruesome, gritty details!

Such as…twenty-four passengers (mostly children) died on that Charming Nancy ship crossing in 1737. Such as…four children from one family. Living in the lower deck for eight to ten weeks in overcrowded conditions must have been horrific: dirty, smelly, dark and dim. Here’s an historical detail that might offend some, and I didn’t include it in novel, but it was a fact: Placed around the lower deck were open vats of collected urine to fight fires. Oh…the smells the passengers had to endure must have been ghastly.

Whenever I found myself following a bunny trail of historical detail, I had to remind myself about the theme of the book. There was a bigger story to write about than the perils of an 18th century ocean crossing: Why the Amish left Europe, what they were hoping to find in the New World, and what gave these brave believers the inner steel to endure the journey. I kept that theme as a plumb line and it helped me stay on track.

The most amazing takeaway that I picked up after researching and writing Anna’s Crossing was that we all have a stake in a story like this one. Most all of us have a link to an ancestor who crossed the ocean in hopes of a better life. I don’t know if our ancestors were incredibly brave or cock-eyed optimists—because the odds of surviving an ocean voyage, especially in the 18^th century, were dismal. And yet, that didn’t deter them. They came! Readers who don’t even like a ride in a motor boat will appreciate what their great-great grandparents endured. We owe them a thank you!

Currently, I’m working on a new contemporary series, ‘The Bishop’s Family." The series revolves around a character named David Stoltzfus, who makes a brief appearance in The Letters. He’s a true 2 am pastor type of church leader, sincere and faithful. His children and extended family, though, is another story. They deliver all kinds of trouble! Stay tuned…


Carole:  Suzanne, I hope you realize how much we enjoy hearing from you and we pray God's blessing on you as you continue to share the stories God places on your heart. And thank you for the generous giveaway of Anna's Crossing. Please come back soon!

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for a signed copy of Anna's Crossing . . .

1) If you're on Facebook, please go to ThePowerofWordsBookReviews and "like" my review page, if you haven't already (not required, but greatly appreciated!).

2) Answer the following question that Suzanne suggested or leave a comment for her:

Do you have someone in your family tree who made an

ocean crossing for a better life? Please share!

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Wednesday, July 15. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.

Eligibility: US residents

Review: The Innocent

The Innocent
By Ann H. Gabhart
Shaker Series, #7
Revell, 2015


Summary

She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.

My thoughts

Ann H. Gabhart is an excellent storyteller. The Innocent is an intriguing novel - well written, with compelling characters, romance, mystery, rich historical detail, and a strong storyline that captured my interest on the first page. The story is tender, bittersweet and heartwarming, with the emotional depth and subtle humor that are trademarks of Ann's writing, which make for a very enjoyable read.

The Innocent, set at the close of the Civil War in 1865, is Ann's seventh stand-alone story set in the fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill, based on the actual Shaker village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. The Shaker faith is unusual and fascinating, as are the followers themselves, and these elements work well as a backdrop for the stories. Sister Edna explains to Carlyn:  "In heaven there are no marriages, only children of God. We, here in Harmony Hill . . . have brought heaven down to us in order to live a perfect life and shut out worldly things." The teachings of Mother Ann, legalistic rules, and passionate dances of worship are contrasted with their work ethic, having all things in common for the good of the community, simple living, and a welcoming spirit to those in need.

Carlyn and Mitchell are strong, compelling characters - fresh and appealing - and I was quickly drawn to them. Carlyn, a widow without proof of widowhood, came to the Shakers for sustenance and security.  Mitchell, a war veteran who longs for a family of his own, has a sensitivity and wisdom that serve him well as sheriff. Carlyn and Mitchell didn't have as much time together as I hope for in romantic storylines, but allowances can made because of the time period and Shaker setting. Their relationship is still very satisfying. And it's Carlyn's dog, Asher, who practically becomes a main character, often stealing the show. I may technically be a cat person, but Asher captured my heart.

_________________________

"Good and bad weave into the pattern of our lives.

Together they make us strong and able to

endure whatever must be endured."

- Carlyn's mother

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Through the Shaker beliefs and the misguided understanding of righteousness passed down by Carlyn's father, we see a contrast between legalism and grace, making me ever thankful for the abounding grace that only comes through Christ. But the overarching theme is reflected in the teaching of Carlyn's mother, to "pray anyway," in all circumstances of life - and those are words to live by. Mitchell thought he had left his need for prayer on the battlefield and Carlyn tended to only want the answers she begged for, causing her to reflect that perhaps God "would have already sent her an answer if she had stopped making demands and simply listened." Wow, that certainly hits close to home! It was good to see Mitchell and Carlyn grow spiritually in ways that I could identify with.

Reading any of Ann H. Gabhart's stories is pure pleasure, and I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the Shaker setting in The Innocent. Highly recommended.

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Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky.


Connect with Ann online at annhgabhart.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thank you to Ann H. Gabhart and Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The JOY of Art - Celebration of Freedom

Barbara Higgins-Bond

From sea to shining sea . . .

These artists convey so many themes of America's freedom celebration - country, parades, nostalgic, whimsical, families, fireworks, folk art, small towns, beloved pets. But these thoughts from Susie Larson's daily blessing say it best . . .

"May this be your declaration of dependence: It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set me free. I will live with boldness, courage, and conviction. I will love freely, give generously, and pray passionately. And, I will entrust my whole soul and story to God because I belong to Him. Thank you, Jesus, You've set me FREE!"

(Click on images to enlarge)

Billy Jacobs

Unknown / Amy Rosenberg

Susan Brabeau

Jane Maday

Mary Charles

Mark Frost / Jane Wooster Scott

Tan Chun Chiu

David Rottinghaus / George Kovach

Jack Sorenson

Tom Wood

Robin Roderick