Gone South

Gone South
Meg Moseley
Multnomah Publishers
May 2013
Fiction, Romance


Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.
 
When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.
 
Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

You know, Meg Moseley is quickly elevating herself into one of my favorite authors. She writes with a wonderful mixture of heart and realism. This book invited me, like a porch swing on a warm day, and kept me coming back for more. Tish is a real character. Completely annoying and uptight at some points, and completely lovable at others. The mix of modern day with Civil War history thrown in was a delight. 

And then there is George. I loved that guy. He's got depth as a character that is rarely seen. I wanted to sit down with him and hear his story. His gentle interference into Tish's life is as cute as can be. 

I'd tell you more about the characters but honestly, you just need to read it. It's a jewel of a book. Grab some sweet tea and settle in for a "just right" kind of read. 

My thanks to Multnomah Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

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 Shape of Mercy

I think I may have just found a new top 10 favorite author. I have read two books of Susan Meissner now and I am hooked. Lady in Waiting was a wonderful read and I dare say The Shape of Mercy  was even better.

Lauren Durough, 20 year oldcollege student and an only child, has grown into a bit of a rebel when it comes to doing what her family expects her to do. She is a product of the privileged lifestyle to which she was born and she has lived her whole life wondering if her father would have rather had a son. Those wonderings make her even more determined to blaze her own trail, resulting in her choice of a state school over a private university and her decision to major in English rather than in Buisiness or economics. 

A desire to cover some of her own school expenses leads Lauren to a fascinating job transcribing the personal diary of Mercy Hayworth, a young woman who in 1692 living in Salem was charged with being a witch. The diary's owner, Abigail, intrigued her, and the diary captivated her. Little did she know the "job" would change her life.

The Shape of Mercy  is about three distinct women, Lauren, Abigail, and Mercy. Each woman brings their own depth to the story. At it's very heart this book is a love story, yet it is so intricately weaved and delicately written that you'll suddenly realize that and then wonder how you got there.The beauty that underlies it all is that the wonderful power of love can bring healing to any situation.

Meissner is a master storyteller and I look forward to reading her books for years to come.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

Her husband has moved to New Hampshire needing "time away", her son is off to college, and Jane has just received a shipment of antiques from England with a hidden ring that dates back to the 1500's. The ring is beautiful but even more intriguing is the inscription on the inside side that has Jane's name on it.

This book was an easy fascinating read. I was dreading another book about a woman's struggle to rebuild her life after her husband leaves her. However, Lady in Waiting holds many surprises and I was very pleasantly surprised. Switching back and forth between the 16th century England and modern day New York I found myself captivated by the stories in both centuries. As always I found myself fascinated by the historical aspects. Jane learns much about love and I dare say the reader will as well.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.