“She felt a presence within her, one so strong she could barely breathe, one so gentle she felt laughter bubble up. She never wanted to move, never wanted to lose the intensity of this moment, even as she thought that it would surely consume her totally if it remained over her much longer. The peace filled her so completely that there was surely no room left for anything else.”—Rosanna M. White, A Stray Drop of Blood A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna M. White is a touching and soul-stirring tale that captivated me from start to finish. Abigail, born free but sold into slavery after her parents’ death, serves […]
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A Convoluted, Offensive Adventure
I had high hopes for this book, especially with its intriguing premise of Templar Knights, ancient artifacts, and secret societies. Unfortunately, it fell short in too many ways. The story follows attorney Cameron Thorne and British researcher Amanda as they race around New England, trying to uncover 600-year-old mysteries. It sounded like a thrilling adventure, but the execution left much to be desired. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it a struggle to stay engaged. One of the major issues was the book’s strong anti-Christian tone. It felt heavy-handed and detracted from the story rather than adding any meaningful depth. The author’s handling of religious themes was […]
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Amy’s Picks and Pans, Issue 30
This month, I embarked on a literary journey across 3,643 pages, traveling through Uganda, Kenya, Italy, Scotland, England, Norway, Berkeley, Washington DC, and even ancient Pompeii. I delved into historical fiction, a psychological thriller, detective fiction, and a couple of mysteries. While I had more 3-star reads than usual, I also discovered two amazing books. Remember, your mileage may vary—none of these were total clunkers! Dive in and see where these stories take you. Happy reading! A History of Burning by Janika Oza The story begins at the turn of the twentieth century, when 13-year-old Pirbhai, the eldest son of a poor family, is conscripted British to work on the […]
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A Harrowing Tale of Survival and Sisterhood in Ancient Pompeii
In The Wolf Den, author Elodie Harper brings to life the brutal and unforgiving world of Pompeii’s notorious brothel. Amara, once the cherished daughter of a Greek doctor, is sold into slavery by her mother, and is now a prostitute. Despite her circumstances, Amara finds solace in the bonds she forms with the other women in the brothel. Together, they navigate the dangerous streets of Pompeii, dreaming of freedom and a better future. The narrative is engaging, and Amara’s strength and resourcefulness make her a character worth rooting for. However, the book’s explicit depiction of sex and violence makes it a tough read for those who prefer gentler stories. The […]
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A Promising Thriller Undermined by Vulgarity
“Monsters are real. They’re real, and they’re capable of doing the unspeakable. And they don’t hide under beds or in closets—they hide in plain sight. You just don’t always notice them.” ― Minka Kent, The Thinnest Air. Meredith Price seems to have it all—a loving husband, charming stepchildren, and a life of luxury in a mountain resort town. Her life, however, takes a dark turn when she mysteriously disappears, leaving behind her car, purse, phone, and a slew of unanswered questions. The story unfolds through dual perspectives: Meredith’s, detailing her life with Andrew and leading up to her disappearance, and Greer’s, her sister, who arrives in town desperate to find […]
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A Journey of Power and Vengeance in Medieval Norway
The Norse Queen takes readers to ninth-century Norway, a time of fierce battles and fractured kingdoms. The protagonist, fifteen-year-old Åsa, is the daughter of a Norse king with dreams of becoming a shield-maiden. Her world shatters when she spurns a powerful warlord who then decimates her family, killing her father and brother and taking her captive. To save her people, she must marry her father’s killer and, to exact her revenge, she must rise to become his queen. I am of Norwegian heritage and have a working knowledge of the culture. The novel’s depiction of ancient Norse society feels authentic, reflecting meticulous research. For instance, the burial rituals are vividly […]
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Intrigue and Secrets in a Kentish Village
“There was something about even the smallest fire that was more unsettling than other crimes of a similar caliber. The match idly thrown on tinder can become an all- consuming blaze, while sparks ignored can envelop a mansion if left unchecked. And flame ignited for the sake of malicious damage strikes at the very heart of individual and collective fear, for isn’t fire the place where the devil resides?”—Jacqueline Winspear, An Incomplete Revenge. Set in 1931 during an economic downturn, An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear follows psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tackles a puzzling case in the picturesque village of Heronsdene, Kent. Every year, during the bustling […]
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The Traitor Beside Her
This book had potential but ultimately fell short of expectations. Set in 1944, it follows 21-year-old Justine Byrne, who is recruited by US Army Intelligence, to work at Arlington Hall, a code-breaking facility to uncover a traitor. Initially, the premise promised a gripping WWII espionage thriller. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to that promise. The pacing was inconsistent, with the plot dragging in places where it should have been tense and thrilling. The characters, especially Justine, lacked depth and development. Though portrayed as an intelligent woman, she came across as flat and one-dimensional. The historical setting was well-researched, but it often overshadowed the plot. The repetition of words throughout […]
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A Beautifully Woven Tale of Love and Family Secrets
The story centers on Matelda Roffo, an Italian grandmother nearing the end of her life, who decides it’s time to reveal her family’s hidden secrets. As she unfolds the past, we’re transported back to her mother Domenica’s life in pre-World War II, Italy. Domenica thrives in the coastal town of Viareggio, Italy until she is banished by the Catholic Church. Her journey takes her from the rocky shores of Marseille to the mystical beauty of Scotland and onto the dangerous streets of war-torn Liverpool. Trigiani’s writing is lush and evocative. She captures the essence of Italian culture—the food, the landscapes, and the deep-rooted traditions. I could almost taste the homemade […]
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Legal Mystery with Christian Themes
In Double Indemnity, Robert Whitlow crafts a tale of mystery and suspense set in north Georgia. Matt and Elena Thompson’s seemingly perfect life starts to unravel with secrets and financial troubles. Their marriage faces a critical blow when Matt dies in a suspicious hunting accident. New attorney Liz Acosta and pastor Connor Grantham are drawn into the turmoil of the Thompsons’ lives. Liz digs into the legal intricacies of Matt’s death, while Connor, who counseled the couple, finds himself entangled in their explosive arguments. Whitlow’s legal knowledge adds authenticity, and elements of faith and clean romance provide a wholesome touch. However, uneven pacing and a slow start might test some […]
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