With this Pledge by Tamera Alexander (review by Kristi)

About the book:   History takes on vivid life in the stunning first full-length installment of Tamera Alexander’s new series, The Carnton Novels.

On the night of November 30, 1864, a brutal battle in Franklin, Tennessee, all but decimates the Confederacy and nearly kills Captain Roland Ward Jones. A decorated Mississippi sharpshooter, Jones has a vision on the battlefield and, despite the severity of his wounds, believes his life will be spared. But a life without his leg, he can’t abide. He compels Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston—governess to the McGavock family at the Carnton mansion—to intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate. True to her word, Lizzie speaks on his behalf and saves not only the captain’s leg but also his life.

When a fourteen-year-old soldier dies in Lizzie’s arms that night, the boy’s final words, whispered with urgency, demand that Lizzie deliver them to their intended recipient. But all she has is the boy’s first name. And, as she soon discovers, there’s no record of him ever having enlisted. How can she set out alone across a land so divided by war and hatred to honor her pledge? Even more, does she dare accept Captain Jones’s offer to accompany her? As he coalesces at Carnton, romance has blossomed between him and Lizzie—a woman already betrothed to a man she does not love.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

Publication Date:  January 8 2019

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Civil War

Series:  Carnton, #1

 

My thoughts:  After reading Christmas at Carnton, the prequel to this series, I couldn’t wait to read With this Pledge. And what I story I was able to read! The author transports readers back to the Civil War and one of the pivotal battles that is a turning point for the South. I didn’t just feel like I was reading about these characters but like I was there with them.

The main characters in this story are actually real people who lived at Carnton or were transported there after the battle on November 30. I’m amazed at how strong Lizzie was to be able to assist Dr. Phillips as she did. Teacher, nurse, friend, those are just some of the titles that could be bestowed on Lizzie and probably wouldn’t do her justice. And watching the relationship between her and Roland develop was nice to witness. Along with these two, it was nice to catch up with Colonel and Mrs. McGavock and Tempy again. A bright spot to the story was Sister Catherine. She brought a bit of humor to a story that was overwhelmingly sad at times.

I really like the author’s writing style and her way of telling a story. I can get lost in her stories and actually forget I’m reading a story as the words on the page disappear and in their place are images that make me feel part of the story. She brings the Civil War to life as few authors can.

Readers who enjoy Civil War fiction are sure to love this story. Or, if you want to read about the war but don’t like nonfiction this would be an excellent book to read. Real people, places, and events are described in a way that will leave readers wanting more. After reading this book I would love to visit Carnton and see everything described in the story. I’m now anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series and visiting with these characters more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:   Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers in the inspirational historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels.

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Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher Review by Cathy + Giveaway

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.
Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.
Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.
When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.
Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.
Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.

My thoughts:

This is my favorite book penned by Ms. Hatcher! There is not one single thing that I didn’t love about this first book in her new series, A Legacy of Faith. I am a huge fan of a dual time lines and the author certainly did justice to this one by bringing all of her characters to life on each and every page.
Normally, I have a favorite time period or a favorite character or two but not in this book. I loved the present day storyline of Jessica Mason and Ridley Chesterfield just as much as I loved the storyline of Jessica’s great-grandfather, Andrew in the 1930’s. I have to admit that the struggles that Andrew faced during the Great Depression both financially and personally really got to me and I teared up quite a few times while reading what he and others went through during that time. It took me awhile to warm up to Helen, Andrew’s wife but once I did I genuinely liked her. Jessica will tug at your heartstrings, too as she faces life after the loss of her husband and daughter which of course made me get a little weepy. Ridley is the kind of neighbor and friend everyone needs in their lives but very few of us will be fortunate enough to have.
The characters experience unimaginable loss throughout both stories but with faith and forgiveness they leave their hurt and disappointment behind while looking forward to happy and brighter futures.  I will remember these characters for a very long time and look forward to the next book in the series.  I think that anyone who reads this book will be glad they did.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

 

About the author:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund (review by Kristi)

About the book:  Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won’t abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he’s in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Publication Date:  December 4, 2018

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers

Genre:  Historical fiction

Series:  Orphan Train, #3

 

My thoughts: Seems like I’ve been waiting on this book forever. I love this series and couldn’t wait to read Sophie’s story. Jody Hedlund didn’t disappoint as she prepared readers for a goodbye to these characters.

Sophie’s story seemed to have a different tone to it than the other two books in the series. The opening scene in New York City to the interactions between Sophie and Reinhold made this book a bit unique from the other two in the series. However, Sophie has a different personality than her sisters so I think this really suited her and let the reader into who Sophie was compared to her sisters. My favorite character was Euphemia and I would love to read more about her so could we possibly get a series about the Duff family?

As always the author’s writing is fantastic and she has the ability to draw you right into the story and make you feel as if you are part of it. I felt the heat beating down and the freezing rain pelting me right along with the characters. Her writing makes the books effortless to read. And as always, I’m a bit sad to be leaving these characters but excited to see what the author has for readers next. I’m sure her fans won’t be disappointed.

I definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. I also recommend reading the series in order so you have the complete story and won’t feel lost. This book is one for the keeper shelves!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and was not required to post a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:   Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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No Safe Place by Sherri Shackelford- Review (by Cathy) Tour & Giveaway

On Tour With Prism Book Tours

No Safe Place

By Sherri Shackelford

Christian Romantic Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

January 1st 2019 by Love Inspired Suspense

 

He lives by the law.

 

She’s running for her life.

After forensic accountant Beth Greenwood uncovers a money-laundering scheme tying her company to the organization that murdered her mentor, she knows she needs to go into hiding. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she’s forced to rely on homeland security agent Corbin Ross’s protection—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement. Can their uneasy alliance develop into something deeper—and keep them alive?

Goodreads   Amazon  B&N  Harlequin  iBooks    Kobo

 

About the Author

A former naval reservist with a top-secret security clearance, Sherri writes rapid-fire suspense featuring captivating characters and heart-pounding romance. She’s authored more than a dozen novels for Harper Collins publishing, including both historical and contemporary suspense.

Website  Goodreads  Facebook  Twitter  BookBub  Pinterest  Instagram

 

My review:

No Safe Place is a fast past and well written book.  From beginning to end I found myself completely caught up in the lives of Beth Greenwood and Corbin Ross.   It was fairly easy to feel an attachment to them since they are on the run where they have to learn to trust and count on each other to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.

There are plenty of heart pounding moments mixed in quite nicely with the tender and sweet moments they share.  I loved Corbin because no matter what was going on he could always eat which was endearing to me.  This one had me guessing who might be going to great lengths  to keep Beth from talking and Corbin protecting her.  I was very interested in the money laundering scheme as I haven’t read another novel with that particular storyline.

Overall,  I thought this book had the perfect amount of suspense, well-developed characters and most important, a surprise and oh so sweet sending.

I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

 

Tour Schedule

 

January 7th:

Launch

The Power of Words

Splashes of Joy

January 8th:

Hearts & Scribbles

Jorie Loves A Story

January 9th:

Colorimetry

Rockin’ Book Reviews

January 10th:

Simply Kelina

Labor Not in Vain

By The Book

January 11th:

The Barefoot Reader

Heidi Reads…

January 14th:

Faithfully Bookish

Locks, Hooks and Books

Among the Reads

January 15th:

Book by Book

The Becca Files

January 16th:

EmpowerMoms

Wishful Endings

Author Loraine D. Nunley

January 17th:

Tell Tale Book Reviews

Harlie’s Books

Two Girls and a Book

January 18th:

Min Reads and Reviews

Remembrancy

January 19th:

Grand Finale

 

 

Tour Giveaway

 

1 winner will win “A Little Bit More Romance Box,” which includes the following items in a Decorative Box (pictured):

– Romance Bubble Bath

– Classic Cover Harlequin Notebook

– Collectible Addition Book of Romance Poems

– Romance Bath Bomb

– Scented Candle

– Fuzzy Socks

– Books: No Safe Place and His Substitute Mail-Order Bride by Sherri Shackelford, and Undercover Memories by Lenora Worth

 

US only

Ends January 23, 2019

a Rafflecopter.giveaway

 

Under The Midnight Sun (The Heart of Alaska #3) by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse ( review by Cathy)

About the book:

Tayler Hale is ahead of her time as one of the first women naturalists. She has always loved adventure and the great outdoors, and her remote job location also helps keep her away from the clutches of the man to whom she once made a foolish promise. It seems she must keep running, however, and in secret, her boss from Yellowstone arranges for a new job . . . in Alaska.

The popular Curry Hotel continues to thrive in 1929 as more visitors come to Alaska and venture into the massive national park surrounding Denali. Recent graduate Thomas Smith has returned to the hotel and the people he considers family. But when a woman naturalist comes to fill the open position and he must work with her, everything becomes complicated.

The summer brings unexpected guests and trouble to Curry. With his reputation at stake, will Thomas be able to protect Tayler from the danger that follows?

My thoughts:

I have been a huge fan of both of the authors for quite a while so when I saw they were  writing this series together I was very intrigued.   I didn’t think they could be better than they already were but boy was I wrong!  Ms. Peterson and Ms. Woodhouse are a dynamic duo writing a series that is sure to please readers of most ages.

This book has everything that warmed my heart.  From the wonderful characters, the rugged and beautiful description of the state of Alaska to the exciting storyline, the authors made me feel as though I was right there with everything that took place throughout the book.  It was easy to love  and admire Tayler Hale as I watched her become more independent and embrace what made her happy.  I couldn’t help loving Thomas Smith and admired his determination to pursue a better life for himself.

There was only one character that I really disliked and that was Emerson Pruitt but that was due to the authors creating an opportunistic character that was easy to strongly dislike.  There are a whole slew of guests that visit the Curry Hotel along with the staff that we become acquainted with which is a fun and interesting way to discover what the jobs entail and just how hard the work is.

I was expecting one romance but was pleased to see three especially since I liked all of the characters that had romantic feelings towards each other.  I also liked the spiritual thread throughout the story with the bits of humor the kitchen staff added. plus the super cute and fun twins!

Although this is the third book in the series, it could be read as a standalone but then you’d miss out on getting to know what the characters went through to get to where they are in, Under The Sun.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright (review by Kristi)

About the book:  Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

Publication Date:  January 1, 2019

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers

Genre:  Mystery, Dual Timeline, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction

 

My thoughts:   I enjoy dual timeline books and so finding one from a new author was appealing to me. I found it disappointing though that I could never really “get into” the story. Frankly, I found this book a chore to read.

I didn’t feel any kind of connection to any of the characters in the book. I wanted to like Heidi but I just couldn’t. I thought her references to the Incredible Hulk when thinking of Rhett to be humorous but that’s about as far as I got to a connection with her. I disliked her sister Vicky and Brad just seemed to be there with no real purpose. Now, I did like Thea somewhat better and was interested in her and Simeon although there still wasn’t a strong connection with these characters.

As far as the stories go I was more interested in Thea’s story than Heidi’s. Thea’s seemed more authentic. But with that being said I found the pace of both stories to be way too slow. This book comes in just shy of 400 pages and in my opinion, could have been cut by 50 pages or so and been as good, if not better.

Sadly, this isn’t a book I will be recommending. While I think it could have been an interesting story it just fell flat for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:  Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher’s Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.

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The Curse of Misty Mayfair by Jaime Jo Wright (review by Cathy)

Book Description:

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

My thoughts:

It took awhile for me to gather my thoughts after reading this amazing dual timeline mystery by Ms. Wright.

Thea Reed and Heidi Lane are two characters separated by a century but we see a close connection as the story unfolds.  Thea was a traveling postmortem photographer in 1908 in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. An occupation that I have never given any thought to but found it weirdly wonderful.   I loved Thea and my heart ached for her as she tried to find why her mother abandoned her.

Heidi has returned to Pleasant Valley where she experiences some of the same things that Thea had so many years before.  I loved the relationship that Heidi had with Emma a young woman with autism.  My heart went out to Heidi, too as she deals with family issues of her own.

The author tackles heavy topics including mental illness and anxiety disorders and does so quite well.  The characters are well crafted and the writing is top-notch making me a very happy reader.  The Curse of Misty Wayfair had my undivided attention from beginning to end which is why I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

 

Searching for You (Orphan Train, #3) by Jody Hedlund (review by Cathy)

About the book:

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won’t abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he’s in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

My thoughts:

I have been looking forward to reading Sophie’s story because she’s the one character that has been in my heart from the very beginning of this series.

Sophie has such a caring nature and she shows her love and devotion to the young  children she took in after their mother passed away by putting their needs before her own.  With little to no means she takes the children with her when she leaves the dangerous streets of New York.   She is always in protection mode due to circumstances far beyond her control which made me respect her to decision to keep the kids with her no matter how hard things were.  I think she has a true mothers heart.

I have always hoped that Sophie and Reinhold would meet each other again so I was happy to see the two of them reconnect especially since Reinhold was finally able to purchase a farm.  Truthfully, Sophie and Reinhold have been my two favorite characters throughout the series so I have been rooting for good things to happen to them

There are a few characters in the book who I loved and a few that I wasn’t particularly fond of. To me that’s a sign of a skilled author when they create characters that evoke strong emotions in a reader.   As sad as I am to see this series come to an end, I can honestly say that this has the perfect ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Light Over London by Julia Kelly (review by Kristi)

About the book:    A forgotten diary, a forbidden love affair, a desperate fight to save her country

2017 When Cara Hargreaves discovers a diary from the 1940s, its contents will change her life forever…

1941 When Louise Keene meets dashing RAF pilot, Paul Bolton, she is swept off her feet. Then Paul is sent to war and Louise, defying her mother’s wishes, ends up a gunner girl in London.

Watching the pitch-black skies for bombers, Louise finds comfort recording her dreams in her diary. And as Cara reads her words, decades later, she learns that hope can be found even in the darkest of times, she just needs to take a chance…

Discover the story of the remarkable World War Two gunner girls in this entrancing and heartbreaking novel, perfect for fans of Martha Hall Kelly’s The Lilac Girls and Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.

Publication Date:  January 8, 2019

Publisher:  Orion

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Dual Timeline

 

My thoughts:  Recently divorced Cara finds a photograph and diary belonging to a woman known only as L.K. With the help of her new neighbor, Liam, she uncovers the mystery of L.K. But is solving the mystery the only thing in store for Cara and Liam?

Louise Keene meets RAF pilot Paul Bolton and it changes the course of her life. As she falls in love with Paul will she find out there’s more to him than meets the eye? Will she find out she’s stronger than she ever thought?

The lives of two women who lived decades apart intertwine in this dual timeline book. I think dual timeline books are tricky for authors because they have to keep the reader’s interest during not just one story but two. Julia Kelly kept my interest in these two stories from beginning to end. This book was an emotional read as I felt heartbreak, anger, and happiness right along with these characters. I was pulled into Louise’s story through Cara’s and I thought the author did an excellent job of switching back and forth to keep the story moving forward and keeping my interest. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and how her descriptions made me feel as if I were there.

This book will appeal to readers of contemporary fiction or historical fiction. It has a nice balance of both and is a well-written story that has put the author on my must-read list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

 

About the author:   Julia Kelly is the award-winning author of women’s fiction and historical romance books about the extraordinary stories of the past. She also writes fast-paced contemporary sports romance as Julia Blake. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London.

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We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels (review by Cathy)

About the book:

When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request–that she look up a relative she didn’t know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos–seems like it isn’t worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.

At her great-aunt’s 150-year-old farmhouse, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.

Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes readers on an emotional journey through time–from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War–to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.

My thoughts:

This is quite an impressive debut novel and one that I’m glad that I read.  The cover is what initially caught my eye because it’s really pretty and looked so peaceful but when I read the description I was very interested in the story itself. Far from a peaceful and idyllic life, the story is heartbreaking for the characters and a sad time in our history.  Yet there is a haunting beauty in the lives of Elizabeth, Nora, Mary and the men they loved.

I love strong female characters who are willing to fight for what they believe in no matter what the consequences may be.  Yes, they are judged by society and their families but in the time periods they lived in it was the way people behaved.  The multi-generational storyline is beautifully written though painful to see the hate and racism that was so prevalent through the years.

Ms. Bartels obviously spent so much time and energy in researching this book which made me respect her dedication in getting this book written and published.

I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.