Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

Patti Callahan

ISBN: 9780785224501

Publisher's Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C. S. Lewis called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy.

In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren’t meant to have a voice—and yet her love for Jack gave them both voices they didn’t know they had.

At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.

"You would not have called to me

unless I had been calling to you."

Aslan, The Silver Chair, C.S. Lewis

MrsK's Review:
Joy's story begins in 1946, New York. Amidst an anguished phone call, Joy reveals insights about her doubts. A marriage between two writers with beginnings of idealism and passion was now "unhinging" her husband and bringing her fear, despair, and desperation. A desperation that began as a "crack" in her soul... where God came in.

Three years later, Joy writes her first letter to C.S. Lewis and from that point on their letters "flew over the ocean like birds passing each other in flight." When one is in the wait room of transformation, you tend to wrestle with who you are becoming and the abounding truth about which path you desire to travel. 

With stunning settings, biographical glimpses conveyed from their letters, and unblemished crafting of a fictional story line... Joy once again has been given a voice. With a wealth of insights, I could have written so many tidbits that would have enticed you to read this narrative. Reviews appear to be mixed. If you have not experienced C.S. Lewis beyond Narnia, much of this story could appear as a fictional love story. Having completed a study about C.S. Lewis by Devin Brown: Discussing Mere Christianity (Study Gateway DVD series), I was enthralled with the unveiling of Joy's story.

Read, cherish the encounter, and place this on your book shelf. It is priceless!
MrsK

"The beauty that brings us to peace and whispers

that there's something more."

 A beautiful journey that must be shared! 

Link to Joy's Life

     

C.S. Lewis Timeline

Meet the Author:

 Growing up in Philadelphia as the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Patti learned early the value of storytelling. At the age of twelve, her family moved to South Florida where Patti found the sanctuary of libraries and began her slow but steady journey into understanding the power of story to navigate confusing times in life.

Patti attended Auburn University for her undergraduate work, and Georgia State University for her graduate degree. Once a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, she now writes full time. The mother of three children, she now lives in both Mountain Brook, Alabama and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Elizabeth Strout

ISBN: 

Publisher's Synopsis:

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition – its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.

At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town of Crosby, Maine, and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lost the will to live; Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.

As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life – sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty.

"... Olive Kitteridge was going to New York..."

MrsK's Review:

Olive Kitteridge is a complex woman. A small town educator, that is either accepted or provoking others into costly denial. She speaks her mind and she isn't one to back down. So many lives are always in a state of unraveling. Olive continues to involve herself in the needs of those in her town, and of course with her family. Yet now, at seventy two, Olive no longer feels satisfaction in her efforts to help... it is more of a compelling "put out." Often over-bearing, cruel, and insensitive to how her words and actions affect those around her, Olive must come to an understanding that brings a painful moment of clarity... a true reflection of herself.

Written with in the thirteen lives, Olive's character portrayal is faceted with so many illuminating strengths and weaknesses. Every life is complex. Every season in life evolves into the next. Olive's journey unfolds as if she was on a trip through time. Some stories have closure, some are still left undone. Just as in life, the final completion is still in progress.
MrsK

"She didn't like to be alone.

Even more, she didn't like being with people."

Sometimes there is a novel that is well defined...
One in which the characters puzzle you...
One in which you are left with "unfulfilled" puzzlement!

"I never intended to return to Olive Kitteridge.

I really thought I was done with her, and she with me. 

But a few years ago I was in a European city, alone for a weekend, and I went to a café, and she just showed up. That’s all I can say. She showed up with a force, the way she did the very first time, and I could not ignore her."

https://www.newyorker.com/books/this-week-in-fiction/elizabeth-strout-08-05-19 

Meet the Author:

 Elizabeth Strout is the author of several novels, including: Abide with Me, a national bestseller and BookSense pick, and Amy and Isabelle, which won the Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction and the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize, and was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize in England. In 2009 she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her book Olive Kitteridge. Her short stories have been published in a number of magazines, including The New Yorker. She teaches at the Master of Fine Arts program at Queens University of Charlotte.

 

Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble

ISBN: 9780718085841

Publishers Synopsis:

Running for her life in the wake of her mother’s murder, Bailey Fleming escapes to the only place she can think of—a remote, dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides. Intending to finally get to the truth behind the lies of her past, Bailey only finds more questions when bodies are discovered near her cabin hideout along with traces of a dangerous human trafficking ring. In an unlikely partnership with FBI agent Lance Phoenix, Bailey races to understand the mystery surrounding her life and circumstances before the murderer tracks her down.

Meanwhile, Lance is determined to rescue his sister, Ava, who was abducted after running away from home as a teenager. An unexpected lead brings him to the remote cabin, and he wonders if Bailey—with her suspicious past and strange connections to his sister’s case—is really who she claims to be and if she can somehow lead him to Ava.

"Bailey opened the burgundy cover and glanced at the first picture.

She blinked as she struggled to take in the reality of the photo..."

MrsK's Review:

Bailey Fleming enjoyed working with the elderly. To Bailey, those she served were her family members she had always wanted. Loving and caring for them came naturally. When one revelation leads to another, Bailey is forced to run for her life. Every step forward becomes twisted by deceivers. Doubt becomes fear, and fear becomes a strength that leads Bailey to a cross roads of possibilities or death.

Kyle Bearcroft should have been Bailey's prince charming. The truth became clear once Bailey discovered that he was a bigamist. With determination, Bailey decides to move beyond her illegal marriage to Kyle. Yet, Kyle is driven to control Bailey for reasons that Bailey could never have known.

Lance Phoenix might be a FBI agent, but right now he is driven in his desire to get and take down the lead sex-trafficker in the Pacific Northwest. Every life mattered, yet Lance has a special agenda. Ava had to be found! 

Even though King "feels a little inconspicuous" in Seattle, he must find out where Bailey is hiding. He knows that she is a "loose canon." One that he should have taken care of. 

Lily lives close by to the cabin that her father built in 1936. Given the troubles with her health, ability to take care of herself, and a memory that floats in and out, Bailey decides to watch over her. Maybe this new life will help her overcome the nightmares of being on the run.

Expertly woven are many of the previous characters from the first two books in this series. New threads are attached to the mysterious tapestry that was begun in Lavendar Tides. As with any seasonal change, these novels will provide page-turning adventures before the holidays arrive.
MrsK

Will Bailey bring an end to this saga?

A consuming, unraveling legal thriller!

    

Lavendar Tides Series

Meet the Author:

   USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston

ISBN: 9780310354307

Publisher's Synopsis:

As the young people of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, plant a garden in memory of their friend, Katie Ann begins to worry that her older brother, Ephraim, is dating her best friend. What if she somehow loses them both? But Christian, a new boy in the community, also works in the garden—and falling for him may be exactly the distraction, and lesson, that Katie Ann needs.

Home by Summer
Clara Hertzler is surprised when Jerry Petersheim, her old friend, comes to the garden to drop off his younger sister—especially because Jerry has been gone for years, and now seems to be living as an Englisher. As the friends get to know each other again, Clara pushes Jerry to examine why he abandoned his Amish beliefs. Will Clara help Jerry renew his faith in God, and will they find love beneath the summer sun?

The Fruits of Fall
Tena Speicher has come to live in Bird-in-Hand after her fiancé left her for an English woman. When a homeless veteran comes to the fruit stand one day and asks for food, Tena is not sure how to respond—but Wayne intervenes and offers to let him stay in the barn. Afraid to trust Englishers, Tena must learn, with Wayne’s help, that everyone is a child of God and deserving of kindness.

Winter Blessings
Ephraim and Mandy have dated for some time and now have plans to marry. But after a series of unexpected events and misunderstandings, they wonder if they should go their separate ways. What will happen when their friends at the Amish garden conspire to bring them back together?

MrsK's Review:
These vignettes are woven with tenderly crafted story lines around those who tend the newly planted garden on Emma Bontrager's farm. The garden idea began in the winter while they were visiting Emma. Emma's reflection's of love for her late husband Henry sparked the idea for the community garden and produce stand.

What does God have in store for Katie Ann

now that her brother and best friend are

growing closer?

Spring is in the Air: As Katie Ann joined the garden meeting, she wasn't all to happy with her brother Ephraim. His loyalty to his girlfriend Mandy is why she didn't have a ride for the meeting. Ephraim and Katie Ann shared in a closeness that was now becoming fractured due to Mandy. Her mission for the night is what brought her to the meeting. She discovered that they could not donate the produce to the Bird-in-Hand shelter, but they could donate any sales to the shelter if they created a roadside stand. Chris had come the his first meeting with his cousin. He is a cabinet maker who offers to help build the produce stand.  From the minute Katie Ann joined the discussion, Chris began wondering if she might be the girl he was hoping for. If he could win her friendship, then maybe her heart would follow. 

When God comes through with an answered prayer,

could it be Clara's faith helps to lead a heart back home?

Home by Summer: Clara couldn't help but wonder if she would ever fall in love like the others who worked at the community garden. When a former friend brings his sister to the garden, Clara is happy reunite their friendship. The only challenge lies within the truth about why he left his Amish upbringing. Jerry brought his sister to Emma's house so that she could join the group tending the garden. It had been a while since he had connected with his past friends. Once there, he discovered that they were in need of a plumber. Clara was always the one who pulled at his "heart strings." He knew he needed to feel "God's call" before he committed to the church. What was this "tiny thread of longing beckoning him back" to his roots?

Can Tena learn to trust in God's promise. 

Is everyone a child of God's?

The Fruits of Fall: Tena has come to live with her Great-Aunt Emma. During a surprise rain storm an Englisher approaches the stand for food. Becoming startled, she replies with a "no." Within the next moment, Wayne has not only offered one of her cookies but has invited the stranger up to her Aunt's house. Why would he do that? Doesn't he know the danger he is putting them in? Could Alex be the person that God will use to help bring healing to Tena's heart? Alex was a foster child who made the decision to join the military. Now that he has returned from the Middle East he is having difficulties finding his way. Could an outreached hand be the avenue for a new life beyond his nightmares?

Will God's answer to prayer lead 

Mandy and Ephraim on an unexpected path

to happiness or separation?

Winter Blessings: Mandy and Ephraim have been courting and on the path to marriage. When Ephraim's sister and her family come home, their needs become a focal point for Mandy. She begins questioning if they should postpone their wedding until Ephraim's parents can help Darlene. Ephraim won't accept the changes that Mandy is wanting to discuss. His life is on his father's farm. Why would Mandy even consider postponing their wedding? She must not truly love or trust his decisions. How could she even suggest an alternative life?

Welcome back to the Bird-in-Hand community...

Sometimes it is simple joy to a reader when they can come home to characters that are inspiring, filled with hope and wisdom, and true to a comfortable life style of love,

MrsK

An opportunity to just enjoy some well deserved break-away moments,
as well as cherished characters. 

Meet the Author:

  Hi, I’m Amy Clipston. I am an author of Amish and Christian fiction with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Most of my books focus on the Amish community, faith, and love. I also write romance novels and young adult inspirational stories.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Child of the River by Irma Joubert

Irma Joubert

ISBN: 9780718083106

Publisher's Synopsis:

Persomi’s dreams are much bigger than the world of poverty and deprivation that surround her in the Bushveld of the 1940s and 1950s in South Africa.

Persomi is young, white and poor, born the middle child of illiterate sharecroppers on the prosperous Fourie farm. Persomi’s world is extraordinarily small. She has never been to the local village and spends her days absorbed in the rhythms of the natural world around her. Her older brother, Gerbrand, is her lifeline and her connection to the outside world. When he leaves the farm to seek work in Johannesburg, Persomi’s isolated world is blown wide open. But as her very small world falls apart, bigger dreams become open to her—dreams of an education, a profession, and of love. As Persomi navigates the changing world around her—the tragedies of WWII and the devastating racial strife of her homeland—she finally discovers who she truly is and where she belongs.

A compelling coming of age story with an unlikely and utterly memorable heroine, Persomi’s English language publication solidifies Irma Joubert’s important place in the canon of inspirational historical fiction.

MrsK's Review:

Persomi is a bright young lady with enough "grit" to make a change for her future. In 1938, her brother left to find a job in Joburg. Nothing in her home was easy. Nothing appeared to have a future beyond surviving through the ages. Living in an open veld meant the land was bare, open, stony, and scorched. By 1941, Persomi has been given the opportunity to attend school, which meant that she would be boarding at the school. This would be her first time away from the veld.

Yusuf works in his grandfather's store. At the end of Persomi's first summer vacation, he helps Persomi to begin purchasing a few "selfish" items. Imagine the value of your first nightgown! Beyond the items, Yusuf has revealed that someone is placing money in an account. Persomi believes it is money from her brother until she learns that her life might not be as she thought.

Boelie is the son of the Fourie farm where Persomi's family works. His friendship with Persomi can provide insights into the real world around Persomi. As an Afrikaner supporter, he causes concern for everyone around him. Including the division within Persomi's heart.

Gerbrand is Persomi's brother, her lifeline for hope and strength. Throughout her life, Persomi has relied on his teachings, his guidance, his protection, and his conversations. When the fatal news is given at school, Persomi returns to the veld.

Through the years, Persomi becomes an even stronger woman. Yet, when the truth becomes reality sometimes it takes a strength greater than what you have... sometimes it takes faith with a lot of hope to overcome past decisions.
MrsK

A novel that will grow a universal truth within your spirit.

Meet the Author:

  International bestselling author Irma Joubert was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing. Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail. She's the author of eight novels and a regular fixture on bestseller lists in The Netherlands and in her native South Africa. She is the winner of the 2010 ATKV Prize for Romance Novels.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."