REVIEW: A Deep Divide (Secrets of the Canyon, #1) by Kimberley Woodhouse

Heiress Emma Grace McMurray hides out as a Harvey Girl after a kidnapping and then witnessing the murder of her father. To get as far away as possible, she changes her last name and eventually accepts an assignment to El Tovar at the Grand Canyon. On the run for over five years, Emma Grace trusts no one and she is exhausted of all the secrets. Her supervisor, Ruth, may offer hope to Emma Grace.
Photographer and rising businessman Ray Watkins works in his father’s business and is sent to the Grand Canyon on assignment. His coworkers, though, seem to be on the trip for nefarious reasons. Ray begins to doubt his father’s true business affairs.
A friendship develops between Emma Grace and Ray, though Emma Grace is wary. Her years in hiding have developed her awareness of danger and exposure. She is threatened when she learns old suitors are hunting for her – in want of her inheritance.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.

A Deep Divide cover

REVIEW: Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

The joy of this book for me were all the references to the World’s Fair held in Chicago in 1892-1893. The Fair had a nickname as the White City. In this coming-of-age story, Rose yearns to know her heritage as she was orphaned as a child. Sylvie (Mimi) had gladly taken in Rose, at the request of Rose’s father, to help as his economic circumstances were leading him to a home for foundlings. Sylvie and that father met outside the home and agreed that her home would be a much better opportunity for Rose. Well cared for and loved, Rose still desired to know about her homeland. For the fair people came from around the world, including a clever Josephine from Poland. She is wealthy but alone and contrives a friendship with Rose.
In a story of the lines of Solomon and the two women who both lay claim on the same baby, both Josephine and Sylvie claim Rose. True love is what separates the two women.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.

REVIEW: The Nearness of You by Amanda Eyre Ward

Surrogacy is the topic of this book. Suzette and Hyland Kendall make a decision to trust a “not yet thoroughly processed” surrogate to carry their baby. Hyland is the biological father but Dorrie is the mother. Accepted the call to surrogacy changes Dorrie’s life much faster than she anticipated.
Through the story follow the agony of each person, and the turmoil in the life of the child, too. The story moves quickly and primarily focuses on Suzette and Dorrie. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Ballantine Books for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.

REVIEW: Child of Mine by David & Beverly Lewis

Kelly Maines has searched for over 8 years for the daughter that her estranged (and now deceased) husband sold out from under her. Jack Livingston cares for his young niece upon the death of his brother and sister-in-law. There’s also Laura Mast and Aunt San who provide other mother figures in the book. Kelly’s private investigator finds Jack’s niece and believes he has finally made the genetic connection. There are sins of omission in the story and need to be sorted out The book teaches what it means to be born of the heart.

Thanks to Bethany House for the advance copy for review.

REVIEW: What Follows After by Dan Walsh

Confused by their parents’ separation, brothers Colt and Timmy Harrison run from home and head to their aunt’s house, out-of-state.  Unfortunately, the worst happens and everything changes for the family.  This is a great story about the way God can work a situation to bring about good from terrible circumstances.  Coastal Florida during the Cuban Missile crisis is the setting of the story and it adds a unique element to the seriousness of the situation.  This story is fabulous.  I don’t want to say to much and give away a spoiler.  You’ll be glad to find out what follows after.