Where Lilacs Still Bloom

Where Lilacs Still Bloom
Jane Kirkpatrick 
Waterbrook Press 
Publication Date: April 17, 2012 
Christian Fiction, Historical 

German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife.

Through the years, seasonal floods continually threaten to erase her Woodland, Washington garden and a series of family tragedies cause even Hulda to question her focus. In a time of practicality, can one person’s simple gifts of beauty make a difference?

I think it's clear by now that I am a sucker for books based on actual events. Whether it's historical fact or based on an actual person's story it draws me in immediately. This book did no less. Kirkpatrick is an accomplished and vivid storyteller. She is able to weave stories in a unique way. I did get a bit bogged down with this story. There were some characters that were a little hard to keep track of. I'm also not a big fan of gardening and much of the story does revolve around planting. While this story may not keep you riveted it is an easy and interesting read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Daughter's Walk

The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick

Absolutely and totally fascinating!

In 1896 Helga Etsby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City. Her prize: $10,000 for doing the walk within 7 months while wearing the new shorter hemline skirts. She brought her 18 year old daughter, Clara, along and the two of them start on a journey with the hope that they could save the family farm. That is where the story begins and by no means is it where it ends.

A non-fiction story written with fiction elements I found myself completely captivated. Let's be honest, who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea to walk 3500 miles especially in a time where much of the western US was still very much frontier. Crazy!  The story is told by Clara and you will find yourself loving her, hating her, angry with her, crying for her, and immersed with her.This is one of those books that while you want to turn the pages quickly to see what happens you also want to savor each word, paragraph, and moment.

When the two women return home from their walk everything has changed. Life takes an interesting twist and Clara sets out on her own. Just when I think I've read it all in the story world this woman decides to try her hand at trapping animals for fur. Kirkpatrick is a master storyteller and she weaves this tale with finesse. Rich with period history and research about the actual Etsby family and Clara herself this story will amaze you. Prepare to dive in and not come out until you put the book down. Believe me, it will be a trip worth taking!

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Freedom's Stand

Freedom’s Stand by J.M. Windle

Review by: Melissa J. MacDonald

Genre: fiction

Publisher: Tyndale

Date: June 2011

Jamil was a jihadist until he met Jesus Christ. He turned his life around and went  from a life of violence to being a peace lover. In Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, Jamil becomes a itinerant health worker trying to help those most impoverished. However, not all believe a former jihadist terrorist would turn into a caring healer and he finds himself in danger. Suspicion runs rampant in Afghanistan and mixed with traditions that date back thousands of years it’s a very delicate tightrope to walk.

New Hope relief worker Amy Mallory returns to Afghanistan after being home in the States to find her organization in what she regards as disarray. She has broken the cardinal rule of any relief worker she has started to form relationships with the people. No longer simply operating by systems  Amy fears for the dependents under her care as well as for her assistant Jamil.

In Kabul, contractor security expert Steve Wilson tries to protect his assignment while also keep the peace inside the city as the upcoming elections divides and frightens the residents. Rioting and officialdom corruption has made the capital a dangerous place for a Special Forces soldier, but more so for an American female with little to no protection. He’s looking for something, anything, that will give meaning to his life.

This book kept me up at nights! I have read extensively about the culture of Afghanistan and its’ neighbors and I found this fiction look at the politics and the people to be fascinating. From my readings I can say I found Windle to be extremely accurate, knowledgeable, and profound. The depth with which she describes the complex society is immense. This book is loaded with action and yet has a soft side that will appeal to both men and women alike. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Rating: pg-13 for adult content and graphic descriptions 

You can watch the video teaser for Freedom's Stand on YOUTUBE.