What Follows After by Dan Walsh

In October 1962, Colt Harrison and his little brother, Timmy, hatched a plan. They would run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Savannah, Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents got back together. But things go terribly, terribly wrong. Colt's mother and father must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their broken marriage.

In this emotional story, Dan Walsh takes readers on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life--love, truth, and family.


This is the second novel that I've read in the past couple of weeks that was set in the 1960's.  It's not an overly popular time period; however, I've really enjoyed both of these books.  The last book I read, Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart, was set in a rural Midwestern town. This book is set in Florida during the two weeks of the Cuba Missile Crisis and really pointed out the uncertainty that this region, especially, was feeling.

New fun fact about me.  I am a lover of history.   I happened to have an AWESOME history teacher by the name of Mr. McClure who taught history in the form of a story (or maybe being the bookworm that I am, I just made it into a story, I mean, story is in the word).  I would read all my history books at the beginning of every semester and just soak in the information.  I've read all about the Kennedy era, but I swear I don't remember much about the Cuba Missile  except for the embargo imposed by JFK (after he stocked up on cigars first).  This story helped me understand a lot of the helplessness and borderline terror people were feeling at this time.  The author, Dan Walsh, described long lines of Army trucks driving down the interstate in Florida and people just standing there watching, trying to figure out what was going on.  He did an excellent job describing the shock people felt as President Kennedy told the country of Russia putting nuclear missiles in Cuba that were aimed straight for the U.S.  Mr. Walsh really brought all of these pictures alive in my head.

Here's the thing, I just wrote a huge paragraph about the BACKGROUND story in this  book.  The real story is about a kidnapping going on during all of this.  Can you imagine being the parents of this kidnapping and realizing, the story that is impacting your family the most, doesn't even come close to making the front page of the newspaper because any day now, World War III could be starting.  This is how good the book was.  Mr. Walsh did an excellent job of weaving the two stories together and then, sprinkled in some marriage advice for good measure.

A masterful story teller, I will look forward to many more books from Dan Walsh.  This is actually one of the first books that I have read that I could see being made into a movie.  (Hey Hollywood, are you listening?)  I could see the guy from Facing the Giants and Courageous as one of the FBI agents assigned to the case.

But I digress.  This is a really excellent book, and I highly recommend it to you.  It has a little something (romance, intrigue, war, whodunit, etc.) for everyone.                                                                   

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House Publisher's  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Sincerely Yours - A Novella Collection

In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life--and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

I LOVE Novellas!  


I read a lot of books, most of which are novels, that work very hard to engage your whole brain as you make your way through meeting the characters, getting lost in their problem, and then going with them through the climax of the story to the ending.  Sometimes, though, when you read a lot of deep and intricate plot lines, your brain needs a break.  You just want a nice, light story that doesn't make you think overly hard.  A story that makes you smile and maybe, hopefully, even laugh.  

I am happy to say that the Sincerely Yours Novella Collection does exactly that.  The first story made me laugh at the spunkiness of the heroine on the second page.  Gotta love a gal with gumption! :-)  The story about the Carousel carver made you want to see the finished carousel so bad, and I literally busted a gut as our heroine tried to prove she was worth something by attempting to cook and do the laundry for a hotel.  The second story gave you insight into the world of writing in the late 1800's or early 1900's, and I think I enjoyed the author's note at the end as much as I did the story.  The fourth story was simply fascinating.  It was not necessarily a funny, make-me-laugh kind of story, but it took a true story and gave a twist to it that brought characters to life.

Absolutely loved this collection of stories.  These are quick reads (I think I finished it in about a day and a half), but the stories are excellent!  l highly recommend.

I also wanted to let you know of a give-a-way being done by one of the authors, Jane Kirkpatrick.  Her blog, http://janeswordsofencouragement.blogspot.com/, gives you some behind the scenes on one of the stories as well as a chance to win a pen and stationary gift set!  Check it out.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House Publisher's  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart

For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.

This complex and beautifully written story is the perfect conclusion to The Heart of Hollyhill series. With true-to-life family drama, refreshing humor, and characters readers have come to love like dear friends,Summer of Joy will delight Gabhart's fans.

Everything always happens to 14-year-old Jocie Brook.  Tornadoes, Fires, something's always happening to her.  Abandoned by her mother, stubborn, tenacious, know-it-all Jocie just attracts trouble.  Like the time she ran away and her adopted grandfather, Wes, had a tree fall on him trying to save her from a tornado.  Or the fact that her Freshman English teacher seems to hate her for absolutely no reason.  Then what happens when her entire world is rocked by the arrivals of two unexpected visitors.

One thing I thought was really neat about this book was the time period.  So many times you either have modern day or 1940 or earlier and we totally skip the 60+ years in between.  Summer of Joy is set in 1964 in a small town in Kentucky.  I think this books describes very well small town life of that era.  How everyone knows everyone's business.  The tension between the integration of African-Americans into the everyday life of a small southern town. 

I think this is a good story that will appeal to a wide range of ages.  The main character, Jocie, is a 14-year-old girl, but the secondary characters will pull you in as well.  This is the third book in a series; however I don't think you need the other two, although I am intrigued to go back and see how the stories weave together.  I also don't think Ms. Gabhart is done with this series so I would be looking for another installation in the HollyHill series.

On a side note, there was one subject I thought Ms. Gabhart handled very, very well, and that was breast cancer.  A side character, who shall remain nameless so as not to give anything away, is diagnosed with breast cancer and to see what was not available to women in the 1960's will make you extremely thankful to be alive today.

If you would like to have my copy to read, please leave a comment below and I will pick a name at the end of the week.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House Publisher's  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 

A Heart's Rebellion - Ruth Axtell

A Regency Romance

Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. When things go too far, Jessamine will learn that the man who is faithful through thick and thin is more worthy than the one who speaks pretty words. But will her disgrace keep Lance from reconsidering her as a wife? And when tragedy strikes and Lance becomes his father's heir and a titled gentleman, will he think she only wants him now because of his title?


Okay.  If I had read the above paragraph prior to reading the book I would have felt like I was duped once I was done.  It makes me wonder if the descriptive paragraph was written by the author or by someone at the publishing house who flipped through the book or the last couple chapters of the book.  Some of the scenarios above are totally inconsequential to the story.

Here's my take on the book, without spoiler alerts.  Jessamine Barry is the daughter of a country vicar who, along with her best friend, is being sponsored for the London season by her godmother in hopes that she will find someone to marry.  Nursing a broken heart from the man she has loved since she was 13, she seeks to reaffirm that she is someone any man would want.  When two completely opposite men pursue her, will she make the right decision or will a decision be made for her.  

Now...to me, that sounds more like the book.  This book is a little slow in reading, but give it time, it does get better the further in it goes.  If you like the Regency Era, you will probably like this book as well.  The characters were well written for the most part, but, once again, it was the secondary characters that made it a little more for me.  If you're an avid book reader, it won't hurt to try it.  

My humble opinion...insert curtsy here :-)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House Publisher's  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews

Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel's strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh's high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings Old Testament passages to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.



I am so excited to be writing this review.  I think in my last review I mentioned that the book was not a stay-up-until-3:00-a.m. book.  This one is.  Most Definitely!!

I have talked before about how I love Biblical fiction.  I know there are a lot of naysayers, who don't like it because we don't really know what it was like in those times, but they help me so much.  I grew up in a Christian home and attended a Christian school for Elementary, Jr. High, and High School.   I then proceeded to attend a Baptist University where I took Bible courses as part of my college education.  I have read the stories of the Old Testament all my life, but because the Bible doesn't go into the detail of a fiction author, I don't think we always get an in-depth, behind the scenes, look at these times.  For instance, I have read the Biblical account of Elijah and the battle against the Baal priests at Mt. Carmel.  I read how the priests of Baal cut themselves trying to entice Baal to consume their offering, but until I read about the scars on Princess Jehosheba received during sacrifices did this actually become real to me.

This story drew me right in and put me back in the time of Jezebel.  Mesu Andrews gave you a look behind the conniving, evil ruling of Jezebel and her daughter as well as the strength behind the Yahweh priests who struggled to maintain their country's love for Yahweh in the midst of a society that was being pushed into constant pleasure seeking by the people in power.  (Sound familiar anyone?)

In the Shadow of Jezebel takes you into Solomen's temple and allows you to see the daily life of Yahweh's high priest.  It also gives fascinating insight as to how they did small things like assign the daily chores and then turned around and used the same method to pick a new high priest.  This book made me want to go back and re-read the Old Testament accounts of Jezebel and that time period to see if there were items that I missed in previous readings.  Ms. Andrews makes everything so real it jumps off the page.

My first thought upon finishing this book was when could I read this again.  I thought about the book most of the next day, wondering what little bits of information I might have missed and could pick up on the next go-round.  

All-in-all, a masterful tale of how God is God through it all and how His Word does not return empty.  What He says will come true.  Great story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House Publisher's  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past. Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julie Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul—and hidden sorrows of her own. Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master—a man her mother would never approve of—but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village . . . and to her mother's tattered heart? I recently discovered Julie Klassen within the last 6 months or so. I've read her books The Tutor's Daughter and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, both of which I liked. This book was enjoyable, but I have to say it was not a read till you're done at 3:00 a.m. book. The Dancing Master took me about 2 weeks to read, which for me is a long time. For the first part of the book, I got distracted very easily and it just didn't hold my attention. The last couple of days as I was in the last half of the book, it got much better and I zoomed through. The characters were well written. The headstrong young heroine, Julie Midwinter, goes through what a lot of young ladies go through as they lose sight of what is good and dear and instead focus on what they think they want just because it's different. Mr. Valcourt has a secret hanging over his life as he finds himself in a new place that seems set against his livelihood. Maybe I had trouble with it because my mental picture of a dancing teacher is a skinny, twig-like dandy who is rather foppish. I think one other thing that tripped me up was because in this book I really loved the secondary characters almost more than the main characters. I loved Mr. Barrow. John Desmond sounds like my kind of guy (maybe it's his name). Then there's Walter, one of Alec's first students, who has an awesome sense of humor. I wouldn't mind seeing books about Walter, James, and Patience, best friends of Lady Julie. All in all, it was a good book. It's probably not something I would read over and over again, but it wasn't a waste of time to read. I did like learning about fencing and dancing and how important it was to society back then. For those who love Regency stories, this will be right up your alley. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House Publisher's  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

Weddings by Design - Book 3

A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she'll have to design her own wedding dress soon?

As I was preparing to write this review, a scene from the movie Pretty Woman kept flashing into my mind.  The scene is at the beginning and end of the movie and has a guy asking the people around him about their dreams. "Welcome to Hollywood.  Everybody has a dream.  What's your dream? What's your dream? Hey, Mister, what's your dream?  

One of the reasons I love Christian fiction is that it's never just about the story. Because the authors are led by God, there's always an underlying message that speaks to me.  Sometimes I don't want to hear it, but it's there.  I know for most people, especially writers that are just starting out, they are not working their "dream job".  They are working the job that will pay the bills, but every night they go home and write.  Not because they have to, but because it's a passion that builds up inside of them until nothing else matters but the story that's in their head screaming to come out.  Your dream job is the one where you say I get to instead of I have to.  So...what's your dream?

Our heroine, Gabrielle Delgado, was right there.  She had a job in her dream industry, but she made alterations to other people's designs.  She had pictures that just floated out of her head onto paper, but she had to help pay the bills for her, her mother, and her grandmother, so she worked at her not so dream job in a not so fabulous environment for an entirely not so fabulous boss.  But as happens from time to time when God says you're ready, circumstances conspire to get her out of her comfort zone and into the place where God designed her to thrive.  With the help of some very good friends, family, and a very persistent reporter, Gabi moves into where God wants her to be.

Now that I have waxed philosophical, let me tell you what I liked and didn't like.  I thought the story was good. Anyone who has read any of my reviews know that I'm not a big fan of first person stories mainly because I usually don't think like the heroine in the story; however, Ms. Thompson was able to make me forget that.  I thought some of it was a little cheesy, but all in all, it was a fun story.  I think the only little thing I didn't like was that I didn't know where it was set.  I knew it was in Texas and it was on some sort of Island, but not being familiar with Texas Geography, I didn't connect it with Galveston.  In all fairness to the author, she did mention that the dress shop was Galveston's finest on like page 2, but by the time I got into the book, I just didn't put two and two together.  So, just in case you miss it when you read the book.  This book is set in Galveston and it's an island.  There!  Now you know!  :-)

All in all, a good book, which I would probably read again and would recommend that you read at least once.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Baker Publishing Group's book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...; : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.