Heartbreaking and Inspiring -- A Daring Escape

Tricia Goyer's A Daring Escape is the second in her London Chronicles series about World War II. The story is both heartbreaking and inspiring in its account of a very challenging aspect of the war's history -- the rescue of children from Czechoslovakia to England and other locations as Hitler's forces were overtaking their homeland.

Tricia's passion for World War II history and her in-depth research as she writes her books shine through in this story. While the characters and their stories might be fictional, they are based on and inspired by the courageous actions of real people who were willing to sacrifice for the well-being of so many. Tricia brings her story alive through her well-developed characters and their actions and feelings.

Fans of great historical fiction from the World War II era should be informed and inspired by this fascinating story.

About the Book:

Danger Closes In.
Can the Children be Rescued?

As the threat of World War II looms on the horizon, American Amity Mitchell is living a comfortable life abroad as a tutor in England. Life changes when an urgent telegram arrives from her brother, Andrew, summoning her to Prague. Nazi forces tighten their grip on the country, and Andrew’s efforts to help Jewish children escape Czechoslovakia grow desperate. Children’s lives are at risk. Amity knows she can’t ignore God’s call to join her brother’s cause.

Amity’s boss, Clark, arrives in Prague, urging her to return. Soon, he too finds himself helping prepare kindertransports bound for the safety of England. With the sound of German tanks rumbling over cobblestone streets, Amity and Clark race to save innocent lives. Will their prayers for deliverance be answered?

A Daring Escape is a gripping tale of hope, self-sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting love overcoming unspeakable hate.

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published over 60 books and has written more than 500 articles. She's well-known for her Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Amish series. For more information visit Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com. Tricia, along with a group of friends, also runs www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life.

Love and Second Chances -- Christmas at Carnton

OK, I realize that it is not anywhere near Christmas, but that has no bearing on how much I enjoyed reading Tamera Alexander's Christmas at Carnton. And what makes it even better is knowing that this novella is an introduction to her three-part, full-length Carnton novels series.

Tamera has written several awesome historical fiction stories set in and near Nashville, Tennesse, around the time of the Civil War. She is a pro at taking historical facts and characters and fleshing out their stories with others from her own imagination. And that is exactly what she has done again in this introduction to her new series.

The characters -- Aletta and her son Andrew, Jake, the McGavock family, their cook Tempy, and others -- bring alive the history of the Carnton Plantation and offer a personal glimpse into what life might have been like for many affected by the difficulties of war. But through all the struggles comes a beautiful story of love and second chances.

Don't wait until Christmas to read Christmas at Carnton. It is a fantastic read for any time of year!

About the Book:

Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas—and of sacrificial love.

Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year old son. With the bank threatening to evict, she discovers an advertisement for the Women's Relief Society auction and applies for a position—only to discover it's been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity—and friendship. But can Aletta trust this man?
Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Women's Relief Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of "crinolines" isn't his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies—one, in particular—is far more than he bargained for.

Set against the backdrop and history of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, Christmas at Carnton is a story of hope renewed and faith restored at Christmas.


About the Author:

Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression, A Note Yet Unsung, To Whisper Her Name, and To Wager Her Heart. 

Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry awards.

These awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Bookseller’s Best Award, and being listed among Publishers Weekly and Library Journal’s Top Inspirational Fiction, among others.

Touching Story -- The Road Home

As any fan of Amish fiction knows, there are plenty of books available in that genre -- some great, some so-so, and some maybe not so great. But one of the things you can count on is a very worthwhile read if you pick up a book by one of the authors who started it all -- Beverly Lewis.

Beverly's latest, The Road Home, is a touching story filled with lovable characters. The strong bonds shared by the siblings in Lena Rose's family draw you in and keep you involved from beginning to end. (Little brother Chris was probably my favorite.) Lena's compassion for her own family, as well as family and friends she gets to know in her new setting, is one of the strongest elements in this very enjoyable story. While the story is beautifully told in the setting of an Amish family, the joys and struggles are very relatable for readers of any background.

I highly recommend The Road Home for fans of great Amish fiction or anyone interested in a sweet story of love and family.

Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy of this book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book:

As the sun began to rise, Lena Rose leaned against the cool pane of the bus window and gazed out at the familiar landscape of her life. I'm leaving my family and everything I know behind. She sighed, trying to keep her composure.

Grieving the death of her Amish parents and the separation from her nine close-knit siblings, Lena Rose Schwartz consoles herself that her new life in Lancaster County won't be forever. Surely someday soon she will return to her beloved Michigan settlement, including her beau. But even as she holds on to hope for a reunion with those she loves most, she discovers that Lancaster holds charms of its own. Will she find the courage to open her heart to other possibilities?

About the Author:

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family. Learn more at www.beverlylewis.com.