Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

This novel is a fun and entertaining summer read. We find out a bit about Yellowstone during the Great Depression years. We learn much more about the Civilian Conservation Corps, Roosevelt's program to put unemployed men to work. There is a little intrigue, a little suspense and a little romance included in the plot too.

I would have liked to see a stronger development of most of the characters. Elsie, the lead female, was crafted well. I had a sense of her personality and her dreams. I thought the other characters could have been fleshed out more, revealing more of what drove them to their actions.

I would have also liked more scenic descriptions of the bubbling pools and geysers. I wanted to feel like I'd been there when I finished the book but I did not. I would have appreciated more information about the geology of the area too. Elsie gave geology lessons to the CCC fellows and it is too bad Barnett did not share them with readers.

The strength of this novel is Barnett's attention to detail. Her Author's Note at the end of the book showed much of the content of the book was based on historical fact. It was interesting to read about beetle infestations and fires and the effects on the trees.

Readers looking for a pleasant novel in an interesting historical setting will like this one. Just don't expect to read very much about the actual geological features of Yellowstone.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Karen Barnett is the author of the Vintage National Parks Novel series as well as four other novels. She has worked as a ranger naturalist and outdoor educator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Silver Falls State Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. She lives in Oregon with her family.

WaterBrook, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Number of Love by Roseanna M White

I am generally not a fan of historical fiction but I really liked this novel. It was the character development that drew me in. Margot is quite a gal. Her personality and her thinking in numbers was well done. And there is some great witty dialogue too. Christian faith is well presented in this novel. It is shown as a regular part of their lives.

I also like the way White gave readers information. For example, Margot didn't like to cook. Here is how we are informed: “...recipes were just mathematics, after all. But they were mathematics she usually happily left to theory.” (187)

One aspect of the novel I didn't like was a bit of head jumping. One chapter, following a male German spy ended and the next followed a male English spy. It took me a couple of paragraphs to realize we had changed characters. I would appreciate such a change being made clear to readers within a sentence or two.

I had to laugh about one phrase in the book. Margot was looking forward to a “hot cup of tea.” (355) My mother would love a hot cup of coffee, she'd say. My father would correct her – a cup of hot coffee. I did laugh, wondering if Margot's cup was hot but her tea cold!

Novels about women with responsibilities during war years usually delegated to men are popular now. This one is a good addition and highlights one feisty code breaker during WW I. There is a discussion guide included so this pleasurable book would be a fine choice for a reading group.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author. She is a homeschooling mom as well as an editor and designer of book covers. She has written several historical novels. You can find out more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

Bethany House, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Soul of an American President by Alan Sears and Craig Osten with Ryan Cole

Many US presidential candidates claim Christian faith. We might wonder if the faith is real or if a candidate is a skilled politician just using the claim of faith to further their political career. Eisenhower came under much criticism for his faith and the authors tried to find out if his faith was genuine.

Some of the criticism of Eisenhower's claim to faith arose from the religious experiences of his parents. Ike's religious heritage was in Germany and his ancestor's involvement with Anabaptists. Emigration to America resulted in his parents being involved in the Brethren and then the Jehovah's Witness. Failed prophecy resulted in his father's disillusionment but his mother remained committed to the movement to the end of her life. She did not approve of Ike choosing a career in the military at the Witnesses are pacifist and anti-military.

Ike's military career is reviewed. Often the authors write that Eisenhower's spiritual life is vague or unknown. Mamie, whom Ike married after graduating West Point, had Presbyterian roots. When Ike was elected president and wanted to attend a church in Washington, DC, he chose a Presbyterian one because of his wife's faith. Eisenhower corresponded with Billy Graham and there is assurance Ike had saving faith after the election. He then became quite outspoken about that faith. While “the 1952 election was a turning point in his faith...” I still remain quite unclear as to the nature of Ike's faith before his presidency. (1862/3952) The authors attribute the misunderstandings about Eisenhower's faith to Ike's not wanting “people to perceive that his faith was for political gain.” (1916/3952)

This is a selective biography for readers who want to understand the faith of a US president, particularly while in the office. Many of Ike's prayers, statements and actions reflecting his faith are documented in the second half of the book. They “indicate that Ike's religious awakening upon assuming the presidency was genuine.” (2073/3952) Eisenhower's faith was important in the era of increasing tension with the generally atheistic Soviet Union.

Most of the book serves as a general biography, recounting Ike's military career and presidential experiences. Readers will gain a better understanding of the issues precipitating the Cold War. They will also realize the origin of some religious aspects, such as “one nation under God” and find seeds for the National Day of Prayer. The book does verify Eisenhower's genuine faith later in life but is vague about his military years.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Alan Sears is the founder of Alliance Defending Freedom, which he led as president, CEO, and general counsel for 23 years. He served in numerous positions within the Reagan and Bush administrations.

Craig Osten serves as senior director of research and grant writing for Alliance Defending Freedom. He has more than 30 years of experience providing writing and research on more than a dozen books for well known authors.

Ryan Cole holds degrees in history and journalism from Indiana University and has written extensively about American history for a number of publications.

Baker Books, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

This is a touching novel about a small family during the Vietnam War years. The book is character driven, seen through the eyes of the daughter Annie, a recent high school graduate. The story centers around changes in family dynamics as Annie's older brother, Mike, decides to enlist in the Army instead of wait for his draft notice.

The effect of war on a family is a strong issue in the novel. Annie and Mike's father had been in the Korean War. Upon his return, he was unstable and abandoned the family. Mike had become the responsible man in the family and now he was leaving for war. We see how Annie, her mother and younger brother deal with the change. Through a series of events, the father is back in the picture after being gone over a decade. Another part of the novel is how the family members react to him.

The plot was a tad bit predictable. There is no suspense. There are no surprises. There is some romance with Annie but I found it a little puzzling and unsettled. The strength of the novel comes from Finkbeiner's writing style. Her work is a pleasure to read. This is a book for readers who would enjoy a novel centering on family relationships in troubled times.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Susie Finkbeiner is a CBA bestselling author. She serves on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference planning committee and volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She speaks at retreats and women's events across the state. She and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan. Photo credit: Bree Rose Photos.

Revell, 448 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Starting Now by Crystal Chiang and Gerald Fadayomi

Starting college can be a confusing time. Young people are in a new environment with new people and new challenges. This book helps beginning college students navigate issues they'll face, encouraging them become the people they want to be. The format covers 30 days, six weeks with five daily readings. Each reading includes perceptive comments and thought provoking questions with space to journal.

Week One is about creating a supportive team. The authors write about establishing relationships and gathering people around you who will help you become the person you want to be. Week Two is about identity. It covers concepts like being in Christ, not being bound by the past, challenges, failing and developing character traits. Week Three is about faith. Readers are asked to think about spiritual habits, doubts, and rethinking faith. Week Four is about integrity. The relationship of beliefs and values and actions is explored. Week Five is about freedom. The wisdom needed to make right choices in the face of temptation is covered. Readers are encouraged to let God restore and be a new creation every morning. Week Six encourages service. Being made for God's purpose of doing good and what that might look like is explored.

I like this book. While many books for college kids deal with career choices, this one really concentrates on character development. That is so important when young people are placed in a new environment with new freedoms and choices to make. The decisions readers make while working through this book will have a great impact on who they will be for the rest of their lives. The authors have included a bit of crazy humor I think young people will enjoy.

Food for thought: “One of the best things about starting a new phase of life is you get to decide what kind of person you want to be, starting now.” (74)

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Crystal Chiang is the executive director of student curriculums Orange. She is the co-author of The Art of Group Talk: How to Lead Better Conversations with Teenage Girls, a resource for small group leaders (Orange Books). You can find out more at https://www.crystalcchiang.com/ .

Gerald Fadayomi is an Atlanta-based communicator with a passion for inspiring students to have an active faith. He has spoken to students at camps and conferences across the country. He previously authored Before You Go: Following Jesus and Growing in Your Faith After High School (Orange Books). You can find out more at https://www.geraldfadayomi.com/ .

Orange Books, 296 pages. You can find out more about the publisher at https://thinkorange.com/ .

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Zilker Media. My comments are an honest and independent review.

The Path of a Peacemaker by P Brian Noble

Conflict seems to be the default behavior in our world today. We Christians might want to ignore conflict but that is not an option for us. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5 that we have the ministry of reconciliation. We are to be peacemakers, but how? Noble provides us with great teaching, good strategies, several illustrations of principles, and some practical steps to take.

I found it interesting he began with a foundation of tension. Life is filled with tension, both external and internal. “When tension is used wisely,” Noble says, “it can bring out the best in you and in your life.” (179/2641) That wise use of tension means we have to know ourselves. Noble encourages us to recognize our unique story, helping us understand how it filters our perspective on the situation. We must get God's perspective and rely on God's presence. We need reflection. We need humility. We need to learn to listen.

All of that might seem like a tall order but Noble does a very good job of explaining it all. He has good examples of how it all works, including ones from his own life. He offers specific steps to take with many of the suggested actions and thought patterns.

I highly recommend this book to pastors, church leaders, counselors and others who want to learn the biblical method of helping those in conflict. You'll be challenged about your own attitudes too and their role in conflict you experience.

You can find out more about Peacemaker Ministries here.

You can download an excerpt of the book here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

P Brian Noble is the executive director of Peacemaker Ministries. He teaches the Path of a Peacemaker seminar all over the country and develops new resources for churches, marriages, and workplaces. He also serves as executive pastor of the Valley Assembly of God Church in Spokane, Washington.

Baker Books, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Harbor Secrets by Melody Carlson

About the Book:

A Peaceful Coastal Town . . . Threatened by a Storm of Secrets.

It's 1916 when newspaper woman Anna McDowell learns her estranged father has suffered a stroke. Deciding it's time to repair bridges, Anna packs up her precocious adolescent daughter and heads for her hometown in Sunset Cove, Oregon.

Although much has changed since the turn of the century, some things haven't. Anna finds the staff of her father's paper not exactly eager to welcome a woman into the editor-in-chief role, but her father insists he wants her at the helm. Anna is quickly pulled into the charming town and her new position . . . but just as quickly learns this seaside getaway harbors some dark and dangerous secrets.

With Oregon's new statewide prohibition in effect, crime has crept along the seacoast and invaded even idyllic Sunset Cove. Anna only meant to get to know her father again over the summer, but instead she finds herself rooting out the biggest story the town has ever seen – and trying to keep her daughter safe from it all.

My Review:

I enjoyed this novel set in an interesting time and place. I had no idea that Oregon had instituted prohibition by 1916, something not seen nation wide until 1920. It was a controversial law, as is shown well in this novel. But it was the law and Anna, our heroine, was determined to see the law upheld. I enjoyed the seaside setting too. The Oregon coast is beautiful. Now the coastal towns are filled with summer tourists. In 1916, with the popularity of the automobile on the rise, it was interesting to read that more tourists were arriving in Sunset Cove every summer.

Carlson deals with several relationship issues in the novel. Anna had been estranged from her father for some sixteen years. She thoroughly disliked her mother, a woman who had abandoned her family when Anna was young. But there have been secrets hidden from Anna and she is greatly challenged when she decides to be with her father for the summer only to find her mother has returned to the town too.

This novel is informative as well as enjoyable just on the story level. There is a subtle hint of a possible romance for Anna. This is just the first in a two part series so I look forward to reading the next one and finding out what the future brings for Anna.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About Melody Carlson:

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors, etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including RT's Career Achievement Award, the RITA, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and https://www.melodycarlson.com.

WhiteFire Publishing, 300 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

The Company Files: 2. The Naming Game by Gabriel Valjan Blog Tour and Giveaway

The Company Files: 2.

The Naming Game

by Gabriel Valjan

on Tour April 22 - June 22, 2019

Synopsis:

Whether it's Hollywood or DC, life and death, success or failure hinge on saying a name.

The right name.

When Charlie Loew is found murdered in a seedy flophouse with a cryptic list inside the dead script-fixer's handkerchief, Jack Marshall sends Walker undercover as a screenwriter at a major studio and Leslie as a secretary to Dr. Phillip Ernest, shrink to the stars. J. Edgar Hoover has his own list. Blacklisted writers and studio politics. Ruthless gangsters and Chief Parker's LAPD. Paranoia, suspicions, and divided loyalties begin to blur when the House Un-American Activities Committee insists that everyone play the naming game.

Praise for The Naming Game:

"With crackling dialogue and a page turning plot shot-through with authentic period detail, Gabriel Valjan pulls the reader into the hidden world of the 1950's Hollywood studio scene, involving murder, McCarthyism and mayhem."
~ James L'Etoile, author of At What Cost and Bury the Past

"Terrific historical noir as Gabriel Valjan takes us on a trip through post-war Hollywood involving scandal, McCarthyism, blacklisting, J. Edgar Hoover and, of course, murder. Compelling story, compelling characters - and all the famous name dropping is great fun. Highly recommended!"
~ R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson Mystery Series

"Brilliantly written, Gabriel Valjan's The Naming Game whisks the reader back in time to postwar Los Angeles. Spies, Communism, and Hollywood converge in a first-rate thriller."
~ Bruce Robert Coffin, Agatha Award nominated author of Beyond the Truth 

My Review:

This is a good novel for readers who would enjoy being immersed in the post WW II world of actors and screenwriters in California. Tensions were high in the film industry at the time as government agents were hot after communists. Valjan creates an authentic setting through witty dialogue and revealing action scenes, emulating the detective writers of that era. He has done his research and I found the novel informative about a very interesting time on our nation's history.

This is the second in a series and I was a little lost at the very beginning of the book. I would have liked a better introduction to the main character and the “Company” he worked for. I have not read the first book in the series and perhaps all is made clear there.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction
Published by: Winter Goose Publishing
Publication Date: May 4, 2019
Number of Pages: 210
ISBN: 978-1-941058-86-2
Series: The Company Files: 2
Purchase Links: Amazon | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

At seven minutes past the hour while reviewing the classified documents at his desk, one of the two colored phones, the beige one, rang. He placed the receiver next to his ear, closed the folder, and waited for the caller's voice to speak first.
"Is this Jack Marshall?"
"It is."
"This is William Parker. Is the line secure?"
"It is," Jack replied, his hand opening a desk cabinet and flipping the ON switch to start recording the conversation.
"I don't know you Mr. Marshall and I presume you don't know me."
A pause.
"I know of you, Chief Parker."
"Were you expecting my call?"
"No and it doesn't matter." Jack lied.
"Fact of the matter, Mr. Marshall, is an individual, whom I need not name, has suggested I contact you about a sensitive matter. He said matter of security so I listened."
"Of course. I'm listening."
"I was instructed to give you an address and have my man at the scene allow you to do whatever it is that you need to do when you arrive there."
"Pencil and paper are ready. The address, please."
Jack wrote out the address; it was in town, low rent section with the usual rooming houses, cheap bars, about a fifteen-minute drive on Highway 1 without traffic.
"Ask for Detective Brown. You won't miss him. Don't like it that someone steps in and tells me how to mind my own city, but I have no choice in the matter."
Jack ignored the man's defensive tone. He knew Detective Brown was a dummy name, like Jones or Smith on a hotel ledger. Plain, unimaginative, but it would do. Most policemen, he conceded, were neither bright nor fully screwed into the socket. A chief was no different except he had more current in him. The chief of police who ruled Los Angeles by day with his cop-syndicate the way Mickey Cohen owned the night must've swallowed his pride when he dropped that nickel to make this call.
"Thank you, Chief Parker."
Jack hung up and flipped the switch to OFF.
Whatever it was at the scene waiting for Jack was sufficient cause to pull back a man like Bill Parker and his boys for twelve hours. Whoever gave this order had enough juice to rein in the LAPD.
Jack took the folder he was reviewing and walked it across the room. He opened the folder once more and reread the phrases 'malicious international spy' and, in Ronald Reagan's own choice of words, 'Asia's Mata Hari', before closing the cover and placing it inside the safe. His review will have to wait. He put on his holster and grabbed a jacket.
Betty came out on the porch as he was putting the key into the car door.
"I won't be long. Please kiss the children good night for me."
"Can't this wait, Jack? The children were expecting you to read to them tonight. Jack Junior set aside the book and you know Elizabeth will be crushed."
"It can't wait. I'm sorry. Tell them I'll make it up to them."
"You need to look them in the face when you tell them sorry."
He opened the door as his decision. She understood she dealt him the low card. "Want something for the road?"
"No thanks. I'll see you soon."
He closed the door with finesse. He couldn't help it if the children heard the car. He checked the mirror and saw her on the porch, still standing there, still disappointed and patient, as he drove off.
Detective Brown, sole man on the scene, walked him over to the body without introducing himself. Jack didn't give his name.
At six-fifteen the vet renting a room down the hall discovered the body. Detective Brown said the veteran was probably a hired hound doing a bag job - break-ins, surveillance, and the like. Recent veterans made the best candidates for that kind of work for Hoover, Jack thought. Worked cheap and they went the extra mile without Hoover's agents having to worry about technicalities like a citizen's rights going to law.
"What makes you think he was hired out?" Jack asked.
Brown, a man of few words, handed Jack his notebook, flipped over to the open page he marked Witness Statement and said politely, "Please read it. Words and writing are from the witness himself."
"The man was a no good 'commonist'."
"Nice spelling. A suspect?"
"No, sir. The coroner places the death around early afternoon, about 2ish. Our patriot was across the street drinking his lunch. I verified it."
Jack viewed the body. The man was fully dressed wearing a light weave gabardine suit costing at least twenty-five. The hardly scuffed oxfords had to cost as much as the suit, and the shirt and tie, both silk, put the entire ensemble near a hundred. Hardly class consciousness for an alleged Communist, Jack thought.
The corpse lying on his side reminded Jack of the children sleeping, minus the red pool seeping into the rug under the right ear. The dead man wore a small sapphire ring on his small finger, left hand. No wedding band. Nice watch on the wrist, face turned in. An odd way to read time. Breast pocket contained a cigarette case with expensive cigarettes, Egyptian. Jack recognized the brand from his work in the Far East. Ten cents a cigarette is nice discretionary income. Wallet in other breast pocket held fifty dollars, various denominations. Ruled out robbery or staging it. Identification card said Charles Loew, Warner Brothers. Another card: Screen Writers Guild, signed by Mary McCall, Jr. President. Back of card presented a pencil scrawl.
"Find a lighter or book of matches?"
Detective Brown shook his head. Jack patted the breast pockets again and the man's jacket's side-pockets. Some loose change, but nothing else. The man was unarmed, except for a nice pen. Much as he disliked the idea Jack put his hands into the man's front pockets. Nothing. He found a book of matches in the left rear pocket, black with gold telltale lettering, Trocadero on Sunset. Jack flipped the matchbook open and as he suspected, found a telephone number written in silver ink; different ink than the man's own pen. Other back pocket contained a handkerchief square Jack found interesting, as did Detective Brown.
"What's that?" he asked, head peering over for a better look.
"Not sure," answered Jack, unfolding the several-times folded piece of paper hidden inside the hanky. The unfolded paper revealed a bunch of typewritten names that had bled out onto other parts of the paper. It must have been folded while the ink was still wet. It didn't help someone spilt something on the paper. Smelled faintly of recent whiskey. Jack reviewed what he thought were names when he realized the letters were nonsense words.
"Might be a Commie membership list. Looks like code." But Brown zipped it when Jack folded the paper back up and put it into his pocket.
"The paper and the matches stay with me. We clear?"
"Uh, yes sir. The Chief told me himself to do whatever you said and not ask questions."
"Good. Other than the coroner - who else was here? Photographers, fingerprints?"
"Nobody else. Medical pronounced him dead, but nothing more. Chief had them called off to another scene - a multiple homicide, few blocks away. We're short-staffed tonight. The Chief said he'd send Homicide after you leave. They'll process the scene however you leave it. They won't know about the matches or the paper. Chief's orders."
Jack checked his watch. Man down, found at six fifteen. Chief called a little after seven. He arrived not much later than seven forty. The busy bodies would get the stiff by eight or eight thirty, the latest. Perfectly reasonable Jack thought. He squatted down to see the man's watch, noticing light bruising on the wrist and the throw rug bunched into a small hill near the man's time hand. Intriguing.
"Thank you, Detective. I'll be going now. If I speak to the chief I'll let him know you've done your job to the letter."
"You're welcome. Night."
Jack knew he and the chief would be speaking again.
Outside on the street, Jack pulled out his handkerchief and wiped both hands for any traces of dead man as he headed for the parked car. Compulsive habit. He pulled up the collar on his jacket. It was cold for late May.
The street sign said he was not far from Broadway. In this part of town thousands lived crowded in on themselves as lodgers in dilapidated Gothic mansions or residence hotels, working the downtown stores, factories, and offices, riding public transit and the other funicular railway in the area, Court Flight, a two-track railway climb towards Hill Street.
Los Angeles changed with the world. The war was over and there was a new war, possibly domestic, definitely foreign. Court Flight is gone, ceased operations. Its owner and his faithful cat had passed on. His good widow tried. In '43 a careless brush fire destroyed the tracks and the Board of Public Utilities signed the death warrant; and now Jack was hearing whispers Mayor Bowron planned to revitalize the area International Style, which meant dotting the desert city with skyscrapers.
Jack opened the door and sat behind the wheel a moment. He took the family once to nearby Angels Flight. Junior wondered why there was no apostrophe on the sign. Betty tolerated the excursion, indifferent to Los Angeles because she preferred their home in DC. He released the clutch. Betty disliked LA because it changed too much without reason. She might have had a point. He shifted gear. Pueblo city would level whole blocks of thriving masses just to create a parking lot. He pulled the car from the curb.
***
Excerpt from The Naming Game by Gabriel Valjan. Copyright 2019 by Gabriel Valjan. Reproduced with permission from Gabriel Valjan. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Gabriel Valjan is the author of two series, The Roma Series and The Company Files, available from Winter Goose Publishing. His short stories have appeared in Level Best anthologies and other publications. Twice shortlisted for the Fish Prize in Ireland, once for the Bridport Prize in England, and an Honorable Mention for the Nero Wolfe Black Orchid Novella Contest, he is a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime National, a local member of Sisters in Crime New England, and an attendee of Bouchercon, Crime Bake, and Malice Domestic conferences.

Catch Up With Gabriel On:
gabrielvaljan.com, Goodreads, BookBub, Twitter, & Facebook!

Tour Participants:

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Giveaway:

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I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.