Stanfield Chronicles

Exploration by David Tory is the first book in the new Stanfield Chronicles series. Set primarily in England, Exploration follows Isaac Stanfield through his teen and young adult years. Stanfield's story is told through a combination of letters and journal entries which describe the many adventures he experiences. His adventures largely center around sailing and doing investigative work for individuals invested in what would become the Massachusetts Bay Company. As part of his work, Stanfield is sent to see if it is possible for a group of English settlers to survive a winter in the new world. Finding it is, Stanfield's work paves the way for the sailing of the Mayflower.

Author David Tory does an admirable job of blending historical research including actual historical figures with an engaging story. There is a dash of romance as well as swashbuckling adventures and sorrow. The combination creates a historical narrative which appeals to all readers. I look forward to more of Isaac Stanfield's adventures in subsequent volumes of this series.

I received a complementary copy of Exploration from NetGalley.

Power of Books in the Midst of War

A war zone is the not the first place that comes to mind to experience the life-changing impact of books and reading. However, that is exactly what happens in The Book Collectors. French journalist Delphine Minoui pens this behind the scenes true story of the Syrian community of Darayya where young Syrian men engaged in an uprising collect books found in bombed houses. While they knew how to read, access to books had been severely limited prior to collecting the books. Creating a make-shift library they begin to experience the power of words and reading for the first time. This sense of normalcy encourages them and keeps them going during their long seige. Minoui uses her contacts as to connect with these individuals via video, text messages, and other resources to share their story with the world.

Beyond showing the amazing impact of books, The Book Collectors helps the reader to learn more about the tragedies in Syria and see the humanity of the soldiers. Learning about how they were defending their homes was eye-opening. Recommended for anyone who enjoys learning about different parts of the world and anyone who loves the power of story.

I received a complementary copy of The Book Collectors via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

POW Camp in Minnesota?

When one thinks of World War II, most often you think of Europe or the Pacific theatre. One rarely thinks about the POW camps that were right here in the United States. Things We Didn't Say, a debut novel by Amy Lynn Green published by Bethany House, focuses on just such a POW camp set in Minnesota.

Green uses a series of letters written between the various characters to tell the story. This unique device serves the two-fold purpose of both moving the story forward and also creates the body of "evidence" when lead character Johanna Berglund is accused of treason. The bulk of the letters are between Johanna, who serves as a translator at a German POW camp in her hometown, and Peter Ito, a Japanese-American who is teaching Japanese to future intelligence officers. Johanna, whom one might describe as "too big for her britches," is frustrated at being back in her home town rather than at the university. Her frustration at being in her small town combined with treating the German POWs as human beings creates conflict between Johanna and others in her town. However, her true test is still to come. The last few chapters of the novel were quite tense as you wonder what will happen and if Johanna will be found guilty or not.

While published by a Christian publishing house, I found that Things We Didn't Say does not contain several of the hallmarks of Christian novels. Prayer is mentioned frequently, but given calls for prayer during war time and the time period that was not unusual. The events in the story do cause Johanna to re-embrace her childhood faith towards the end of the story but not in an overt manner. As such, this book could gain a larger audience than it might otherwise. Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it well-researched. Others who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy it as well.

I received a complementary copy of Things We Didn't Say via NetGalley from Bethany House. I'm not required to give a positive opinion.

World War II Journalist

I always enjoy a book with a strong female lead and Berlin Girl by Mandy Robotham is definitely that. From a masculine sounding name and being in a predominantly male profession, Georgie Young takes pre-World War II Berlin by storm. As a journalist, she has a front row seat on the political and social scene and tries to use this to help her readers back home understand the devastation about to take place. As she becomes personally involved with families in Berlin, Georgie takes actions that put her life and those of others at risk. While some aspects of Berlin Girl are typical of World War II fiction, Robotham definitely includes some twists and turns which keep the reader guessing until the very end. I definitely enjoyed the epilogues that portray the character continuing to pursue her career throughout her life. Robotham continues to create characters that have depth, interesting plot lines, and historical accuracy. An excellent addition to World War II fiction.

I received a complementary copy via NetGalley. I am not obligated to provide a positive review.

Return to Cornwall

The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having previously read books by Sarah Ladd and specifically the previous books in her Cornwall novels series The Governess of Penwythe Hall and The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, I had some insight into what to expect in reading The Light at Wyndcliff and was not disappointed. Ladd continues to create strong female characters who defy both the social conventions of their day and their positions to do the right thing even when it means going against their family. In The Light at Wyndcliff, Ladd gives more attention to the male character who also is willing to do the right thing even when it is not what his expected of his position and status. Individuals who have read the previous novels will recognize family names that are continued. While having read the previous books is useful, this novel stands on its own as well. All in all an enjoyable story for a light relaxing read.

I recieved a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.

When We Were Young & Brave

When you think about World War II, often the atrocities that occurred in China and particularly to westerners who were living in China at the time don't cross our minds. However, during this time frame many individuals who were in living in China as diplomats, business people, and missionaries were rounded up and placed into internment camps by the Japanese. Many of the people placed in these camps were the children of these individuals who were attending boarding schools. When We Were Young & Brave by Hazel Gaynor turns the spotlight on a student and a teacher at Chefoo Inland Mission School to tell this story.

In alternating chapters, Nancy, the daugher of British missionaries, and Elspeth, her teacher and Girl Guide leader, tell the story of being at the Chefoo school beginning in December, 1941. The story follows them until their liberation by American soldiers in August 1945. Their experiences as prisoners beginning at their boarding school and then in two different internment camps will bring chills to the reader. The changing narrator provides the opportunity for Gaynor to show the experiences through the eyes of a child who by the end of the book becomes a teenager as well as an adult who is tasked in loco parentis with taking care of all these children in the absence of their parents. While not a specifically Christian book, as the main characters are affiliated with a mission school and the main character's parents are missionaries, some Christian themes and practices such as prayer and worship are mentioned simply because it was part of their life. Nothing about their horrific experiences is candy coated or glossed over. Readers will also note that a very famous British missionary to China has a substantial cameo appearance as well.

When We Were Young & Brave is an excellent addition to the often over-crowded field of World War II novels and a welcome addition as it highlights an aspect of the war that many forget or is unfamiliar. I was unfamiliar with author Hazel Gaynor and look forward to reading more of her works. Highly recommended for history buffs and those who enjoy works with strong female characters.

I received a complementary e-copy of this novel from William Morrow/Harper Collins via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

The Gospel in Dickens: Selections from His Works, edited by Gina Dalfonzo with a foreword by Karen Swallow Prior, highlights the many ways in which Charles Dickens highlights various aspects of the Gospel message through the characters in many beloved novels. Dalfonzo begins by providing an introduction to Dickens' life, his religious viewpoints, and works. After this introduction, Dalfonzo groups excerpts from Dickens' novels into three sections: Sin and Its Victims, Repentance and Grace, and The Righteous Life. Each section includes an introduction to section followed by excerpts which portray the topic. Dalfonzo offers insights between each excerpt which highlight specific aspects to notice while reading as well as offers enough information regarding the larger novel so that the reader can join a story in progress. This is useful if the reader is not as familiar with a specific novel or has not read it in quite some time.

The Gospel in Dickens is recommended for several different audiences and can be used in a variety of ways. This would be a great resource in a literature class devoted to Dickens or to Victorian literature. If you were teaching a course on biblical or religious themes in literatures, this would definitely be appropriate either as a textbook or for teacher preparation. Ministers, public speakers, or writers may find it useful as a resource when they wish to find an illustration to use as Dalfonzo has done some a marvelous job of categorizing scenes from various novels. Moving beyond the classroom or professional use, this work is wonderful for individuals who simply enjoy great literature ,or Dickens specifically, and wish to read it for enjoyment or who want to have an introduction to the entirety of Dickens writing. You may find after reading The Gospel in Dickens that you wish to re-read your favorite Dickens novel or find a new one to enjoy.