About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Monday, September 16, 2024

When Memory Whispers by Johnnie Alexander

When Memory Whispers
ABOUT THE BOOK

What will she risk to save the man she loves?

Marie Wyatt ran away from her farm girl past in search of fame and fortune and found herself in wartime London working as an Allied courier. Whether disguised as a middle-aged British housewife or playing a role on the London stage, she acts her part to its fullest. But when a routine mission turns deadly, a mysterious German agent becomes her unlikely savior.

Plunged into a dangerous game of deception, Marie relies on her acting talent to pass false information to the Nazis. Yet the line between duty and loyalty blurs when the German agent is imprisoned in a Florida POW camp with Axis soldiers who consider him a traitor. Marie embarks on a desperate mission to save him before he’s fatally injured.

In a postwar world still reeling from conflict, the couple’s lives are again threatened by a past enemy. Will they ever find the peace they crave? Or will the echoes of war destroy them?

Plummet into a heart-wrenching tale of courage, treachery, and a love that defies all odds.







MY THOUGHTS.....


"We may have different names now, but you'll always be my Sparrow."

I was thrilled for a chance to read Johnnie Alexander's new book but I didn't know just how special this story would be! The characters experience pain, loss, and betrayal but they're still able to endure World War II, one of the most tumultuous times in history. Espionage is rampant and the intrigue is non-ending but there's also a chance that Marie Wyatt may even find her soul mate. Danger prevails, so how will her story end?

This is an engaging tale with endearing but fallible characters who often baffled me by their actions! I couldn't read fast enough to discover the destiny of this young woman who learned her ABCs in her home in the Southern hills of Ohio but ended up as an actress and spy in England and France in 1944. Much of the story is set during the years during and following WWII but I especially loved the emotional connection that developed between Marie and a young woman that she met by chance in 1997. If you're looking for a page-turning and thought-provoking story filled with history, suspense, and romance, grab a copy of When Memory Whispers! It's a companion to Where Treasures Lies but can be considered a standalone.

I received a digital copy from the author. There was no expectation of a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won't forget.

Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), made the CBA bestseller list. Her contemporary romance novels include Where She Belongs, When Hope Arrives, and What Hope Remembers.

She currently writes cozy mysteries and contemporaries for Annie's Fiction and historical novellas for Barbour.

Connect with Johnnie at her Website and follow her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram  



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Saturday, September 14, 2024

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Tree Farm
ABOUT THE BOOK

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.


MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Melody Carlson's newest novella is a heartwarming story with realistic characters, authentic life situations, and the special emotions associated with Christmas. Madison McDowell's return to her family's Christmas tree farm isn't what she expected and her dream for this family business is entirely the opposite of her sister's intent. Will Madison discover that the adage "You can't go home again" is especially true for her?

Reading Carlson's annual Christmas novella has become one of my traditions and The Christmas Tree Farm didn't disappoint! Music, food, and beautiful decorations helped set the stage, and intriguing drama provided interest, but the joy of family and rekindled romance made it especially appealing! Reading this story revived some of my personal Christmas memories!

If you enjoy Christmas stories and second-chance romance, grab a copy of The Christmas Tree Farm!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

Connect with Melody
Melody Carlson's Christmas Novellas 
The Christmas Swap
The Christmas Tree Farm


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