The Sweetest Rain by Myra Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Impeccable writing and well-developed characters made this novel one of my new favorites. Although forbidden love between a man and woman of different stations or classes is a common trope, nothing about this story felt tired or cliché.
While the hero and heroine and their obstacles were critical to the story, the wider focus on family, including the contrast between a loving family and one fraught with resentment and secrets, made the story that much more moving.
There wasn’t so much as a faith theme as a slowly growing reliance on God by each of the characters that felt natural for their story arcs.
The setting and time period were new to me and drew me into reliving a trying time in American history.
I’m eager to read the next books in the series and more from Myra Johnson!
At Home in Persimmon Hollow by Gerri Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Persimmon Hollow setting was unique and refreshing, as in I could almost taste the fresh citrus! Southern Florida isn’t someplace I’d ever considered to be part of the American frontier.
I also particularly enjoyed reading about Catholic characters, who are under-represented in Christian fiction. Agnes’s faith and practices were well-integrated into her character (although she could spout more verses than about anyone I know).
At Home in Persimmon Hollow is a sweet and simple story. It reminded me of the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series. Community and faith are woven throughout the locals’ lives. Kids are cute and spunky. The villains are somewhat bumbling. The outcome is predictable but enjoyable.
All in all, a well-written, light romantic read with a unique bit of history.
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’d read so many fawning reviews of The Lady and the Lionheart, I feared it would not live up to the hype. I’m happy to say though, that it did. It’s a character driven story whose broken but courageous, virtuous, self-sacrificing leads gently, subtly tug on your heartstrings.
Like any good fiction, there are themes and layers that resonate with truth, calling the reader to go deeper, examining what truly defiles the body, and how we participate in Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. (“This is my body, which will be given up for you.”)
Charlie Lionheart is one of the best-developed, most interesting heroes I’ve read, but all of the characters are well drawn.
I bounced back and forth between the Kindle version and audiobook. The dual narration on the audiobook was new to me, but very well done!
The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Near perfection! Illness gave me the rare opportunity to enjoy The Lacemaker cover to cover in one day.
Set in my favorite historical time period, colonial America, I relished this romance born alongside our nation.
I enjoyed the attention to period detail, the well-drawn characters, and the threat of peril that maintained an air of suspense throughout.
Liberty and Noble were an honorable, admirable pair I couldn’t wait to see united. Laura Frantz did not disappoint with a tender, passionate, self-sacrificial love. I wouldn’t mind rereading it tomorrow!
More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Karen Witemeyer’s historical romances are light, fun and simply well done; she’s incredibly consistent. More Than Meets the Eye is no exception.
Eva is a sweet, innocent, and resilient heroine. Logan is a loyal, upstanding heroine. Their romance is rounded out by a delightful cast, including Eva’s brothers and Christie, whom they adopt into the fold. Add a little danger and intrigue, and you’ve got yourself a great story.
The theme of forgiveness is well done, with enough well-placed spirituality to make it real without being preachy.
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