No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom, #1) by Elizabeth Ludwig

No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom, #1)

By: Elizabeth Ludwig

Published: October, 2012

Published By: Bethany House Publishers 

Format Read: Kindle for PC, eBook

Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Rating: 3.5/5 

Cara Hamilton thought her twin brother Eoghan was dead, but when a cryptic letter confirms that he is alive, she risks it all and boards a ship to America. Cara is warned to be cautious and not trust anyone until she is safely reunited with him. However she accepts the help of a fellow passenger aboard the ship who directs her towards a boarding-house and an irresistible young man named Rourke. While Cara searches for her brother, she finds her own life at risk. But can she figure out how this relates to her his disappearance and can she really trust those who she has befriended?

Back in 2013, I won my first Goodreads giveaway which was a copy of Elizabeth Ludwig’s Dark Road Home, the second book in the Edge of Freedom series. However I had yet to read this first book until now.

No Safe Harbor is set in 1897, New York, a time period and city that I enjoy reading about. The story moved at a good pace throughout and held my attention. The main characters had detailed backstories that played into the events that transpired.

Unfortunately I didn’t love No Safe Harbor as much as I did Dark Road Home. I found Cara to be very naive and careless. I tend to enjoy stronger female protagonists and felt she was the typical damsel in distress.

I liked how the author switched narrative perspectives throughout however I wish it was more consistent. There were some characters that was only featured once or twice and left me wanting to learn more about them.

No Safe Harbor was a good story, despite those minor things I mentioned. I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical Christian fiction.  

Edge of Freedom Series 

1. No Safe Harbor 
2. Dark Road Home

A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides, #2) by Tracie Peterson

A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides, #2)
By: Tracie Peterson

Published: July, 2016
Published By: Bethany House Publishers
Format Read: ARC, eBook
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Date Read: August 8, 2016, 

Rating: 4/5

I was sent a copy of A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides, #2) by Tracie Peterson, from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Phoebe Von Bergen has led a sheltered life growing up as the only daughter of a German nobleman. Her father’s severity made her believe that all men were of the same nature. However despite his temper Phoebe loves him dearly and is more than happy to accompany him on a trip to America. Graf Von Bergen’s interest in purchasing sapphires takes him to Helena, Montana. It is there that Phoebe would meet a local lapidary Ian Harper and a charming young boy named Kenny. This stay in the American west will also reveal her father’s true colours and long kept secrets that lead to danger.

I was initially interested in a Beauty Refined due in part to the author Tracie Peterson, who I have read from in the past. The historical fiction genre was also of interest to me.

The early 20^th century time period drew me in as well as the detailed descriptions of the lavish Von Bergen lifestyle. The characters were interesting with background stories that supported their reasoning’s. This was especially true for Phoebe’s naïve and obedient nature. Although I found she adapted to a less glamorous life in Montana a bit too fast for someone of her social standing.

I was able to predict the outcome of several situations, but the way it all played out had more excitement than I expected. This was a pleasant surprise that earned it a 4 star rating from this reviewer.

A Beauty Refined was an enjoyable read and even though it is the second book in the Sapphire Brides series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I look forward to reading more by Tracie Peterson in the future and would recommend this book to Christian historical fiction fans. 

From this Moment (From This Moment. #1) by Elizabeth Camden

From this Moment (From this Moment, #1)
By: Elizabeth Camden

Published: June, 2016
Published By: Bethany House Publishers
Format Read: ARC. eBook, NetGalley
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction
Date Read: June 28, 2016

Rating: 3.5/5

I was sent a copy of From this Moment by Elizabeth Camden from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

When Romulus White, his cousin Evelyn and good friend Clyde took over a small scientific magazine years before, he never would have imagined the success it would reach. Now the only thing that could make their publication better would be bringing on board talented illustrator Stella West. When he discovers that she is in town, he jumps at the chance to make her a job offer. Unfortunately Stella isn't in Boston for work or even pleasure. She is working undercover at city hall trying to solve the mystery behind her sisters death. During a time where corruption runs rapid through city hall and the top law-makers, Boston is working to become the first city in the United States with a subway. Having a prominent businessman on her side may just get Stella the answers she is looking for. So she begins illustrating for the magazine in exchange for Romulus's contacts with the local medical examiner and the top attorney in the city. Sparks fly and trouble ensues in Elizabeth Camden's latest historical fiction.

Initial Impression:

I was initially intrigued by the mystery surrounding the death of Stella's sister Gwendolyn. The mention of corruption in city hall had me geared up for some suspense and the high ratings from previous readers added to my expectations.

High Hopes:

Unfortunately I must have set my hopes too high, because I wasn't quite as captivated as I anticipated. It took me quite a while to become immersed in the story and to warm to Stella and Romulus.

Too vain: 

I didn't particularly like the main characters, although I thought that they were perfect for each other. Their vanity and personalities were so well matched and their banter flowed naturally. The humour of their banter was a welcome addition to the story, but at times I found it to take away from the seriousness of the murder investigation.

High Society 

While Camden's writing about high-society was believable, I had trouble suspending my disbelief with Stella's situation. I had a hard time believing that a woman of her class would have been travelling and living unchaperoned like she did during that time period. 

Clyde and Evelyn:

My favourite part was the side-story of the secondary characters; the estranged married couple, Evelyn and Clyde. Despite their own personal troubles, I found them to be much more likeable and I was glad to hear that there is a prequel novella that tells more of their story.

Overall:

My final impression was that From this Moment was a decent story. The time period and its inclusion of the subway construction was interesting. I also found the scientific elements to be well researched by the author.

Final Thoughts: 

Closer to the end my interest began to pick up and I decided on a 3.5 rating. Although I do plan to read the prequel novella, I am undecided if I will read the second instalment for this series. I would recommend From this Moment to fans of Christian historical fiction.  

Submerged (Alaskan Courage #1) by Dani Pettrey

Title: Submerged (Alaskan Courage #1)
Author: Dani Pettrey
Published: April 2012
Published By: Bethany House
Format Read: Kindle for PC
Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery
Date Read: December 21 2015
Rating: 5/5

After a difficult upbringing and a lot of bad decisions made, Bailey Craig found her faith and turned her life around. Still returning home to Yancey, Alaska and facing those who knew of her past was the last thing on her mind. Then Bailey gets a phone call with some devastating news; her beloved Aunt has died in a plane crash. So she rushes north to say her final goodbyes and handle the affairs pertaining to her inheritance; a Russian-American Post and antique shop. Her intended short stay in Yancey is extended when the circumstances surrounding the plane crash are determined to be suspicious. 

Meanwhile deep-sea diver Cole McKenna (and Bailey’s old flame) heads up the team that discovers the wreckage. When the investigation leads to the discovery connecting Bailey’s Aunt with information regarding a Russian Icon, the two are thrown together to help the local authorities solve the mystery. Can they work together without letting their feelings and heartbreaks from the past get in the way? 

These are a few of my favourite things:
Russian history, Alaska and a good mystery are some of my favourite things to read about. Submerged had all three. 

Location, Location, Location:
The more books I read set in Alaska, the more I long to go there. Normally associated with harsh winters, this book was actually set in summertime. To be honest I didn’t realize how beautiful the weather could get during that season there. The McKenna family’s tour business really helped to give the reader an idea of all the things this small town had to offer. Not only did cruise ships dock there, but the outdoor activities including; diving, hiking, boating and more. The author did a great job of pairing this adventure story with its beautiful setting.

The History:
Having read the synopsis, I knew that this would have some sort of mystery to it, but I was pleasantly surprised to read of the Russian historical aspect of this book. Although a work of fiction, Pettrey used real facts to blend in and create a family connection to the characters. 

The Characters:
Submerged features a wonderful cast of characters with storylines that set the stage for future books. I loved reading about Cole and the McKenna family. Although Bailey and Cole are the main characters in this first installment, readers get an introduction to the rest of the family, an aspect of the story I found equally enjoyable. 

My Verdict:
I became so caught up in Submerged that I just wanted to keep reading and reading. It was an adventurous story from start to finish that kept me guessing. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Alaskan Courage series. I would recommend this series to people who enjoy reading adventurous Christian fiction.

Appalachian Serenade: Appalachian Blessings .5 by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Title: Appalachian Serenade: An Appalachian Blessings Novella
Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas
Published: June 2014
Published By: Bethany House Publishers
Format Read: Kindle for PC, eBook
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Novella
Date Read: September 1 2015
Rating: 4/5

The year is 1945 and the surviving soldiers aren’t the only ones who have returned home. 15 years earlier, Delilah Morrissey left her small West Virginia town behind when she married and moved to Chicago. Now, widowed by a harsh man who left her in debt, Delilah’s only option is to return home to Wise and live with her sister and family in their small house. Her dreams of becoming a mother are beginning to run out and she prays she can have a second chance at the life she always wanted. Appalachian Serenade is a prelude to Sarah Loudin Thomas’ series called Appalachian Blessings. 

I really enjoyed reading about Delilah and the comparisons of living in a small mountain town versus a large city like Chicago. Set just as World War II is ending, readers learn very little about how Wise was affected, other than a brief mention of sugar rations. Because of this I think that this could have been set in a number of different time periods, considering how secluded and behind the times smaller communities can be. Although I would have enjoyed more perspective on the time period, I can see that this wasn’t the point of the story. The point, in fact was to set up a backstory for the first book in the series. For this reason I am thankful that I was able to read this novella before I read the first, even though the Miracle in a Dry Season (Appalachian Blessings #1) begins ten years later and follows different characters.

Some of my favourite characters in books tend to be strong independent women and Delilah was certainly that. Determined to help earn her keep, she gets a job at the local county store, where she begins to get aquatinted with the owner Robert. Single himself, I found Robert to be quite charming. Delilah on the other hand was a bit too blunt for my liking. There were times when the plot came together too nicely, but with a limited length this is understandable. 

My favourite part of this novella was the writing style of the author. Using descriptions such as: the smell of spring, candies that taste like childhood and old time metaphors and slang, really set a beautiful tone to the story.  I am very much looking forward to reading more from Sarah Loudin Thomas. 

Appalachian Serenade would be a suitable book to read in spring, as it follows Delilah’s new beginning in her hometown. I would recommend this book to those who are considering reading the rest of the series.