Have you geared up for summer reading? With sunshine, lemonade, and hot, lazy days ahead, don’t forget to spend some of those wonderful moments with a good book. This week and next, I will list books by authors I’ve come to know and appreciate. Whether you fancy historical romance, contemporary women’s stories, or a little of both, you’re sure to find something here to fit your taste.
Amish —An author new to me, but recommended by my agent, is Jan Drexler, who writes Amish historical fiction. Hannah’s Choice is the story I just completed, and is set at the time before the Civil War. Amish families are facing more and more outside influences to their way of life and many are migrating west to Indiana and Pennsylvania. The main character is faced with the decision of moving with her family, or remaining behind and finding some way to live on the generational farm she’s grown to love. Mix this with runaway slaves and safe houses and you have a compelling tale. This was a good first read. Published by Revell.
1920’s—The third in the Golden Gate Chronicles by Karen Barnett released early last month. Through the Shadows is a complex historical romance which explores the depths of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Elizabeth King hides a past regret she thinks can never be forgiven and works to redeem herself by helping girls rescued from slavery in the Chinese brothels. When she meets handsome attorney Charles McKinley, who is poised to rid San Francisco of dirty politics, Elizabeth fears her secret will ruin them both. A particularly thought-provoking tale—one of Barnett’s best, so far. Published by Abingdon Press.
WWII— Anchor in the Storm, a second release in the Waves of Freedom series by Sarah Sundin, begins its story as Pearl Harbor is bombed, December 7, 1941. Lillian Avery is headed for Boston to prove herself as a female pharmacist, her first taste of independence and freedom. Her brother and his best friend, society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg, are rescued from a sabotaged ship, and are also stationed in the city. Lillian must succeed at earning her employer’s trust, and not securing Arch’s attentions, which she finds annoying. I’m currently reading this and find the struggles of the characters intriguing. Published by Revell.
Early America— A third book in the Southold Chronicles series by Rebecca DeMarino, To Follow Her Heart, releases later this month. The year is 1664. Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton, a man she hoped would one day come home and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island, is believed to be lost at sea when his ship wrecked off the coast of Barbados. While his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy sails aboard a British warship with secret orders. When he makes his surprise return to Southold, it is not the happily-ever-after Patience hoped for. DeMarino gives great care to historical detail and her characters come alive. Published by Revell.
More great suggestions to come next week. . . . . . . . .Benton, Ruchti, Camden, Meissner, Snelling