How many other people have a hard time believing we’re already in the month of November? I mean, really?
I want to convey heartfelt gratitude to everyone who prayed for me, thought of me and reached out during my absence. It really meant a lot! Thank you!
I still have doctor’s appointments and tests scheduled; in fact, I have one today. However, things are slowing down. I’m guessing due to the upcoming holidays.
Due to a backlog in NetGalley reviews, I will be busy in the upcoming days (weeks?) posting reviews. Hold onto your hats! And happy November!
Robbie has undergone several outpatient procedures recently. She is scheduled for a few more and has some planned surgeries that haven’t been scheduled yet.
Marie Foubert grew up in an orphanage and struggles with feelings of rejection. As a Red Cross recreation worker, she interacts with the American men based in Iceland during World War II. Her growing attraction to seaplane pilot Stefan Dabrowski excites and concerns her. Won’t he disappear from her life like everyone else?
Stefan hears his commanding officer describe him as exciting as last night’s bathwater. One of his colleagues constantly berates him because of his Polish heritage and his superior flying skill. Despite being the squadron’s most productive pilot, he is threatened with court martial. A showdown approaches to prove who’s the better pilot and the better man.
Marie’s cousin, passing through Iceland, tries to see her after spotting her photo in Life magazine. She declines to meet him, but Stefan encourages her to do so and learn why no one wanted her. She may gain a family after all.
My Review
No Leaves in Autumn, Terri Wangard’s newest novel, focuses on the Red Cross volunteers and military personnel based at Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, during WWII. Wangard gives you the feeling you are right in the middle of the action, exemplifying the depth of her research.
Learning about a military base that isn’t normally associated with World War II fascinated me. I was intrigued to find out about PBY seaplanes—the initials— P for the aircraft’s patrol function, B for its bombing capacity, and Y for the manufacturer code that the U.S. Navy allocated to Consolidated Aircraft.
A gamut of feelings is evoked by each well-developed character, from admiration, joy and respect for the “good guys” to revulsion, incredulity and rage at the “bad guys.” It’s difficult and hard to comprehend the idea that there were people who unmitigatedly worked against their own heroes and forces, often for pettifogging, caviling reasons like jealousy in the workplace.
Wangard included elements of faith throughout the book, with the main male character as the spiritual leader and mentor for his girlfriend.
No Leaves in Autumn is the second book in the series “Unsung Stories of World War II.” Even so, both books work well as standalone novels.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Challenging perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, this emotionally resonant drama for readers of Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult explores three different women navigating challenges in a changing school district—and in their lives.
WINNER OF THE CHRISTY AWARD®
When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray–the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser–faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones–the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge’s top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she’s stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all. This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as “this” or “that”, when such complexity exists in each person?
WOW!
I’m unsure how to articulate my feelings about No One Ever Asked. Katie Ganshert’s story is timely, perspicacious and at times heartbreaking/harrowing. Contemporary events are highlighted, explored and intensively studied, lending substantially to the narrative’s authenticity. There are numerous faith elements, too, which I appreciate.
Normally, after reading the prologue of No One Ever Asked, I would have decided not to read the novel because I have PTSD. Nonetheless, something compelled me to, and I’m glad it did. I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t mention that there are several trigger-inducing events.
Ganshert does not shy away from hard, tough issues, and she tackles racism and segregation, infidelity and separation and sexual harassment and sexual assault, just to name a few.
The novel is very well written and researched. There were times, due to the number of characters, I found it hard to keep up with who was whom, especially when they are exchanging text messages.
I also felt one aspect very near the end was somewhat implausible (I won’t say what due to it being a spoiler).
At once heartrending and thought-provoking, No One Ever Asked is a book that will leave you searching your innermost thoughts for a long time after you finish the book.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and WaterBrook. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
When I think of forgiveness, my first thought is naturally of Christ’s forgiveness toward us. But what about our role in forgiveness?
Forgiveness, I believe, is one of the most misunderstood and misconstrued teachings of the Bible (also one of the hardest to follow). Forgiveness is often one of the most challenging principles in the Bible. Many find the concept difficult to routinely practice.
Most of our issues for forgiveness stem from a wrong done by someone we care about i.e. family members, church family and friends-which is what I am focusing on today. Because of this, it can be particularly difficult at times to let go of certain things and to forgive. Nonetheless, the Bible instructs us to forgive.
Just a few examples of our call to forgive are:
Matthew 18:21, 22(KJV)
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Luke 17:3, 4
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
We do not want to let the person off lightly so we stew, fret and create an imprisonment of bitterness within our hearts and lives.
The thing that we forget, and is easy to discount, is that forgiveness is not for the other person but for us. Forgiveness starts to thaw our frozen hearts and allows us to grow.
Forgiveness is NOT an emotion but a very intentional choice we must make.
Forgiveness does not mean the other must also forgive.
NO, forgiveness is for us, for our growth and maturity and for our peace of mind.
I saw Saturday Morning for Kids on Carla Loves to Read and decided to join her since my granddaughter and I love reading together!
Publisher’s Summary
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Alexa, a bright and imaginative little girl who dreams of spreading kindness. When Alexa writes a heartfelt letter to the president for President’s Day, she never expects the incredible surprise awaiting her. Follow Alexa as she receives a reply from the president himself and experiences an unforgettable visit filled with joy, inspiration, and a special golden pin as a token of appreciation.
This beautifully illustrated story celebrates themes of kindness, imagination, and inspiration, teaching children the power of small actions and big dreams. Perfect for kids ages 4-8, this engaging tale is ideal for President’s Day reading, family storytime, or classrooms looking to teach about civic values and compassion.
Join Alexa on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and let her story inspire young readers to believe in their ideas, embrace their dreams, and make the world a better place!
Alexa’s Presidential Surprise is a charming story featuring delightful illustrations and a heartwarming concept. Alexa, a young schoolgirl, dreams of making the world a kinder place, so with determination and hope, she writes a letter to the president.
The narrative highlights Alexa’s ambitions and desires, as well as her attempt to make them a reality. Her care and kindness resonate throughout the story. I won’t say more to avoid giving away any spoilers. Both my granddaughter and I enjoyed the book, which includes some delightful surprises for Alexa.
The book is intended for children aged 4-8, but in my opinion, it is more appropriate for young ones aged six and up. I say this because most preschool-aged children are not typically familiar with the president or how the government functions.
I bought the book through Amazon as a way to introduce my granddaughter to Presidents’ Day.
Meet seven American women who were named for various flowers but struggle to bloom where God planted them. Can love help them grow to their full potential?
Holly and Ivy by Mary Davis (1890, Washington State) At Christmastime, Holly Harrison accompanies her impetuous younger sister on her trip across the country to be a mail-order bride. But even as she tries to persuade her sister that loving a stranger is foolhardy, Holly loses her own heart to a fellow traveler.
Periwinkle in the Park by Kathleen Kovach (1910, Colorado) Periwinkle Winfield is a hiking guide helping to commission a national park. But a run-in with a mountain man who is determined to keep the government off his land may place her in great danger.
At Home with Daffodils by Paula Moldenhauer (1909, Oklahoma) When her childhood sweetheart returns to town, will Dilly Douglas accept the worthy heart he offers, or will the old wound he opens keep them apart?
A Song for Rose by Suzanne Norquist (1882, Rockledge, Colorado) Can Patrick O’Donnell, a tenor disillusioned by the performance industry, convince Rose Miller that that there is more to music than her dream of joining an opera company?
Beauty in a Tansy? by Donita K. Paul (1918, South Dakota) Tansy Terrell was named after a weed. When she opens shop next door, Arthur Blake recognizes Tansy’s need to be valued as a beautiful flower but fails to see his own worth as a maker of instruments and music.
A Prickly Affair by Donna Schlachter (1885, Arizona) A rough-and-tumble cowgirl, “Cactus” Lil Duncan longs for true love, but is afraid to let down her prickly exterior when a city slicker from New York City, with less-than-honorable intentions, tries to win her heart and her hand.
In Sheep’s Clothing by Pegg Thomas (1702, Connecticut) Peter Maltby might be all good looks and charm, working in the new mill fulling wool, but Yarrow Fenn fears he is the Crown’s agent in disguise who will destroy the only livelihood she has.
I enjoy novella anthologies. In addition to several stories within a single book, there are also multiple novelists. This offers an opportunity to read one’s favorite author or to discover a new author!
The female protagonists in A Bouquet of Brides are all named after flowers, which contributes to the collection’s captivating quality.
The well-researched tales span from the early 1700s to the mid-1900s. Moreover, they offer educative information about the work and laws of the communities, adding rich detail to the narrative.
The stories focus on themes of forgiveness and hope, featuring a spiritual centerpiece that I greatly value, as I have noted in many reviews.
You will enjoy the engaging quick reads of A Bouquet of Brides if, like me, you read whenever you have a few minutes (or perhaps even hours).
I received this book from Barbour Fiction through NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Captive Dreams Window 