Paint and Nectar

 

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In 1929, a spark forms between Eliza, a talented watercolorist, and William, a charming young man with a secret that could ruin her career. Their families forbid their romance because of a long-standing feud over missing heirloom silver. Still, Eliza and William's passion grows despite the barriers, causing William to deeply regret the secret he's keeping...but setting things right will come at a cost.

In present-day Charleston, a mysterious benefactor gifts Lucy Legare an old house, along with all the secrets it holds - including enigmatic letters about an antique silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney, whom Lucy's been avoiding since their disastrous first date, is set on buying her house for his family's development company. As Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, its garden, and the silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history's sake but also for her own.

Review

Paint and Nectar is a beautifully written time-slip novel with several stories artfully woven together. I loved the little mysteries, the peeling back of layers of timelines and secrets to the answers within. It reminded me a little of the Nancy Drew mysteries whereby the heroine discovers the truth one little clue at a time, creating many delightful "Aha!" moments. I didn't realize at first that Paint and Nectar was book two in the "Heirloom Secrets" series, but not having read the first novel, The Dress Shop on King Street, didn't detract from my full enjoyment of this story. Ashley Clark has crafted a wonderful historical romance with strong themes of faith and restoration that has easily become one of my favourite reads of 2021. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Yours is the Night

 

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The trenches of the Great War are a shadowed place. Though Platoon Sergeant Matthew Pettigrew arrived there with a past long marked by shadow, the realities of battle bring new wounds - carving within him a longing for light, and a resolve to fight for it.

One night, Matthew and his comrades are enraptured by a sound so pure, a voice so ethereal, it offers reprieve - even if only for a moment. Soon, rumors sweep the trenches from others who have heard the lullaby too. "The Angel of Argonne," they call the voice: a mysterious presence who leaves behind wreaths on unmarked graves.

Raised in the wild depths of the Forest of Argonne, Mireilles finds her reclusive world rocked when war crashes into her idyllic home, taking much from her. When Matthew and his two unlikely companions discover Mireilles, they must embark on a journey that will change each of them forever...and perhaps, at long last, spark light into the dark.

Review

I could sum up this review in one word and end it there: captivating. Truly, it is. With a breathtaking prose, Amanda Dykes immerses the reader in a haunting tale during the heartbreaking era of World War I where everyone was touched in some way by pain and loss. 

It is a clashing of worlds as war and death land at the doorstep of sweet, innocent Mireilles, putting her trust in young Matthew to take her to safety. The story is told from multiple viewpoints creating a stain-glassed window effect into the one story that's being shared. It allows the reader to see how each character is affected individually through their own past experiences, giving them different coloured lens to view the world around them.

Diving into an Amanda Dykes' novel is always a treat, and it's hard to believe that she's a fairly new author. Yours is the Night is the story of ages, as the words etched across the pages evoke deep emotion like no other. The rich characters and touching story will leave a lasting mark on any reader who dares to take this voyage into a land of love, loss, and faith. I cannot wait for the author's next masterpiece!

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

A Warrior's Heart

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Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she's risen to be the key defender for her people's peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive material that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leaving him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.

Review

Misty M. Beller has created a fascinating and unique premise for her new series, "Brides of Laurent" - a secret colony hidden away in the mountains with it's inhabitants living nearly undetected for many years. (In fact, there are times in this crazy world that the idea of living off-grid with all your friends and family sounds rather appealing!)

One of my favourite aspects about this novel is the bright cord of faith woven through the pages. Brielle and Evan are both strong believers, and it is evident in their story. There isn't just a passing reference to their beliefs - their faith is part of who they are and how they respond to new situations. I really appreciated this as I find more and more, even in "Christian" novels, sometimes it feels like you have to squint really hard and tilt your head at a funny angle in order to see any remote connection to Christianity. Bravo to the author for being bold in this regard!

I found the story very interesting and the characters compelling. I would have liked to see some more climatic elements to help carry along the pacing of the novel at a good clip as it lagged a little in some points, but overall, A Warrior's Heart is a satisfying historical read. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

The Nature of Small Birds

 

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In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When one of those children announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adopted family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival in their lives.

Mindy's father grapples with the tension between holding on tightly and letting his daughter spread her wings. Her mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy and her sister struggle to find the strength to accept each other as they both discover who they truly are.

Told through three distinct voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond the genetic code.

Review

Absolutely incredible. Susie Finkbeiner has created a literary feast for the senses in this emotional tale. I loved how she told Mindy's story through the eyes of Mindy's adoptive mother (Linda), father (Bruce), and one of her sisters (Sonny), deftly picking three distinct and telling time period for each narrative. The interweaving of voices create a beautiful patchwork of a loving family, all trying in their own ways to ensure Mindy feels loved, wanted, and belonged in an often hurtful world.

The author literally drops the reader right in the middle of the stories, allowing the reader to feel like a fly on the wall to this family's tale. The approach is effective, and through Linda, we learn of the struggles of adopting a child from Vietnam in 1975, where prejudices run rampant in the country, their small town, and even in their own family. Sonny invites the reader into the lives of her and her teenaged sister in 1988 as they navigate high school and first loves. Bruce unpacks 2013 with the revelation Mindy wants to embark on a journey of discovery to find her birth mother. It is a lot to pull together into merely one novel, and I admit, I was so captivated by the story, it was rather sad reading the final chapter - if only there was a sequel! 

The Nature of Small Birds is a thought-provoking story that I heartily recommend.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.