Here's what I've been reading this month (well, a few might be from May - I didn't separate my stack!)
The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Younts was an amazing book. Totally different then anything I've read and, despite being written about a different time period in history, is so very relevant to what is occurring right now. It is not necessarily a "feel good" story - it's actually a hard read because life is very difficult for each of the characters but, rather, it is a story that is raw and very real. I didn't want to put it down.
This set of three books by Tracie Peterson did not disappoint. Treasured Grace, Beloved Hope, and Cherished Mercy are all equally well written and carry a great story line. The three sisters travel west with a wagon train and end up living through an Indian Massacre. Each book focuses on one of the sisters yet their lives are intertwined together as well. If you enjoy historical fiction, these books area great choice.
Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors - I've heard her speak a few times and she is just as real as she makes her characters. If I Were You is a well written story of two friends from different classes who survive through World War II learning to stand on their own. I loved how she shared their whole story, not just a prelude and skipping ahead years. If you are a Lynn Austin fan, this is a must read.
The Prince Edward Island Dreams Series was another good read. There is even references to Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables. These are easy, modern day stories to read. I will admit that the last one, On Love's Gentle Shore, read a little like a Halmark movie. (If you have watched Halmark Movies, you will understand!). Still, I enjoyed the story and liked reading of each of the characters.
The Secrets of Paper and Ink was a book of intriguing mysteries and finding new hope. I really enjoyed this book and felt it was well written and kept the reader involved and interested.
Lauraine Snelling is another one of my all time favorite authors so I decided to find a list of all of the books she has written and start with the most recent one and read them working backwards. Half Finished is her most recent book and tells the story of a group of friends who decide to start a group for people who have UFO's - or unfinished objects (projects). Needless to say, the group is a stepping point for trials and joys each of the characters walks through in the book. I would not recommend this book to someone experiencing grief because it does deal with that with one of the main characters but otherwise, it' is a great book.
The Second Half is a great story of Grandparents who are "forced" to take in their grand kids at the last moment when their son is deployed. The grandparents help the children navigate through difficult moments and the grand kids do the same of the grand parents. This was an easy read and didn't carry a depth that some books do but I didn't want to put it down in order to learn the outcome for the entire family.That's all for this month! Well, actually, I'm guessing I will read at least one more but I'll add that into July's reading. I have two books on my Kindle and a few on my shelves ready to be read!