The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel My rating: 5 of 5 stars A delightful story set in Ireland that showcases the age-old custom of the matchmakers. But the story isn’t about the matchmakers, the story is much deeper than that. It’s the story of loss and longing and finding one’s place in a world of enticing expectations. Catriona Daly is a matchmaker, but a lonely one. She wants much more out of life than what she has and has very definite ideas about what she doesn’t want. Donal Bunratty is a widower farmer with a young daughter to raise. His life is all work and no play, he doesn’t have ..read more

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart My rating: 5 of 5 stars Well… Ann Gabhart has done it again. Another page-turner with wonderful setting, well-rounded characters, a bit of a mystery, a bit of danger, and just the right amount of romance. It’s not my all-time favorite of hers, but this one is certainly in the top five. The characters live on a showboat that travels the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. I’d never thought much about what it would be like living on a boat, but the author brought that experience to life and introduced me to a quirky cast of characters who entertained me thro ..read more

Rebecca by Shannon McNear My rating: 5 of 5 stars This one releases on June 26, 2023, and wraps up the series. Rebecca is the perfect finish for Shannon McNear’s Daughters of the Lost Colony series. McNear explores the possibilities of what may have happened and intertwines it with the history we know to weave a story rich in historical detail and peopled with complex characters. A must-read for anyone who enjoyed Elinor and Mary ..read more

Paper Dolls Priscilla by Kara R. Hunt My rating: 5 of 5 stars We met Priscilla in Hunt’s first book of the series, and she was a difficult character to connect with for several reasons – read book one and you’ll understand. But her personal growth throughout that book set up beautifully for what happens in Priscilla. Challenged by her husband’s grown children, Priscilla must take a deep look at her life, her past, and what the future holds for her. But then things get shady, it’s her friends and her tender faith that support her final decision ..read more

The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father by Jim Wight My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’m always leery about reading books written by the son or daughter of a famous person. So many tell-all books seem to delight in bringing the parent down in the eyes of the public. Well… this is NOT that type of book! The beginning of the book dragged a bit for me, and I found myself skimming the chapters about Alf Wight’s (the real name of James Herriot) college years. But if you’re a James Herriot fan at all, hang on and keep reading. The insights into his life are wonderfully told. It becomes clear that the ..read more

The Rose Keeper by Jennifer Lamont Leo My rating: 5 of 5 stars It’s no secret… I’m a huge Jennifer Lamont Leo fan! Her books always take me deep into the characters and introduce me to an era in American history that I’m not overly familiar with. The Rose Keeper is no exception. It’s a beautiful study of how a tragedy can influence someone for a lifetime. The story is set in 1945 Chicago, but with trips back to the Eastland disaster in 1915 via Clara’s memories. Clara is a heroine you’ll root for, want to slap, want to shake, will tear up for, and will certainly not forget once you close the b ..read more

One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus My rating: 3 of 5 stars The premise of this book is very interesting, it’s a “what if” story playing on an event in history that didn’t happen, but what if it had? The characters were well-defined – not a small feat with such a large cast. And they were very appropriate to the era and logically could have been in their situation. I thought the author handled that very well. I wanted to love the book, but it didn’t quite get there for me. Not appropriate for younger readers due to sexual content ..read more

As Silent as the Night by Danielle Grandinetti My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is my first time reading something by author Danielle Grandinetti, and I would definitely read more by her. This novella is well-written and engaging. It showcases a historical period I’m not very familiar with, the end of prohibition in 1933 and the heyday of organized crime. Grandinetti does a good job of bringing the time period to life, including plenty of suspenseful moments to balance the sweet romance. Well worth reading ..read more

The Founders’ Speech to a Nation in Crisis: What the Founders would say to America today. by Steven Rabb My rating: 5 of 5 stars I’ve been a little lax this year in reviewing books here on the blog that weren’t new releases. No excuse other than laziness, I guess. But not today! I received this book as a gift – yesterday. I’d never heard of it. But … wow! … it’s packed with so much wisdom and clarity. I devoured it. I will be rereading this one many times and likely finding more wisdom with each pass ..read more

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book! An honest – often harsh – look at the impact of the French and Indian War. Divided families, divided loyalties, and heart-wrenching losses, but through it all, a beautiful exploration of the human spirit and the ability to adapt and overcome. Well worth reading. View all my reviews ..read more