Reviews by Darcy Archives - Historical Bookworm

July 3, 2022August 1, 2022

The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea Cobb

THE BOOK

The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 33: Guest KarenWitemeyer & The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea Cobb

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle’s castle. She doesn’t dare to trust him…and yet doesn’t dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope…or be overcome.

THE REVIEW

Today we bring you the review of a book not newly released, but an old favorite of mine.

The Sound of Diamonds centers around a young woman’s journey of discovering the closeness God desires in our relationships with Him. Gwyneth has many things to struggle with over the course of the story, but this is the heart of the story. Set against the backdrop of the Reformation, the story’s faith element is very strong and encouraging.

The prose is absolutely gorgeous, with rich historical details taking you right into the setting. Well-developed characters will have you rooting for the whole cast, along with the hero and heroine. And the adventure on land and sea keeps you turning pages. Most of the violence happens offscreen, and what is shown is tastefully handled.

The romance is sweet, only going so far as kisses. Dirk is a noble hero, seeking to do the right thing, but also in a way that will clear his name. Occasionally, those aims conflict.

If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction with plenty of danger, and enemies-to-lovers romance, pick up a copy of The Sound of Diamonds. This is the first book in the Steadfast Love series, so if you find yourself hooked, there’s more to enjoy.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

THE AUTHOR

Wife. Mama. Freelance editor. Author of six books. Voracious reader. I’m married to a man with the same name as my fictional hero, and we are living our happily ever after with our daughter in a fixer-upper by the sea. I’m a fan of chai and lemonade (though definitely not together).

Read more about Rachelle on her website.

May 15, 2022June 23, 2022

Long Way Home by Lynn Austin

This review was originally shared in Episode 29: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Review of Long Way Home

About the Book

In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn Austin, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano couldn’t wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy’s war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy’s belongings.

Seven years earlier, sensing the rising tide against her people, Gisela Wolff and her family flee Germany aboard the passenger ship St. Louis, bound for Havana, Cuba. Gisela meets Sam Shapiro on board and the two fall quickly in love. But the ship is denied safe harbor and sent back to Europe. Thus begins Gisela’s perilous journey of exile and survival, made possible only by the kindness and courage of a series of strangers she meets along the way, including one man who will change the course of her life.

Review

Long Way Home follows two storylines: a Jewish girl fighting for survival through WWII and an American girl trying to help her friend recover from the horrors of war. It’s easy to look back and admire the courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation, but they were human just like us and endured so much pain. I appreciated this book’s honest approach to recovering from horrors no human was ever meant to see.

Honestly, I felt like this story was a little bit heavy, but appropriately so for the subject matter. I appreciated how the characters struggled to hold onto hope, but kept trying anyway. You want these people to live and thrive. The description offers an attention to detail that takes you right into the story, and once you start reading, you’ll want to keep turning pages.

This story touches on a lot of traumatizing situations, but nothing is too in-your-face. The faith thread is strong and overt, but not preachy. Romance is sweet and tender, and this is really more women’s fiction than romance anyway.

If you enjoy stories of overcoming, of perseverance, and of people whose daily lives and walk with God invite you to reevaluate your own, pick up a copy of Long Way Home by Lynn Austin.

The Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

August 10, 2021June 23, 2022

Faith’s Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller

The Book

Nate Long has always watched over his identical twin brother, Aaron, even when it put him on the wrong side of the law. When Aaron is wounded in a shootout, the brothers are taken to Settler’s Fort to recover. As Nate works to make reparations for their past, he marvels at the nursing Aaron receives under the care of a woman with all the reason in the world to resent him.

Laura Hannon knows what it is to start over, and she knows Nate’s newfound faith is real. What she can’t look past is how far he allowed himself to be led astray by his brother’s weaknesses.

As a fledgling trust grows between Nate and Laura, they stumble upon a mysterious cave in the mountains that may not be as uninhabited as it seems. As they work together for a common cause, will the new lives they seek for themselves include love, or is there too much that stands between them?

The Review

Loving complex characters and multi-faceted relationships as I do, I have to say, I think the hero stole the show a little bit in this story. Nate is an ex-outlaw, with a kind heart and a lot of restitution yet to make. His brother is also interesting–the kind of character I want to see have his own book one day.

All in all, it’s a great cast. The whole town is full of people you can easily imagine meeting if you traveled back in time.

The romance is very sweet and steady. The heroine is kind and courageous; the hero, honorable and humble. There is little violence for a western. The faith element is overt, yet a natural part of the characters’ lives. And I loved the Montana setting; I would tell you about the cave, but you should probably discover that yourself.

This is the third book in the Hearts of Montana series (and from the bits I’ve seen of earlier characters in this book, I want to read the others).

If you enjoy a story about second chances–with plenty of the adventures a Montana wilderness can throw at you–definitely pick up a copy of Faith’s Mountain Home.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Author

Misty M. Beller is a today’s guest is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories set on the 1800’s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close and they continue to keep that priority today. Writing is a dream come true for her. Her family, both immediate and extended, is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream. Connect with Misty at her website MistyMBeller.com

July 1, 2021March 8, 2022

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White

About the Book

Cordelia Owens can weave a hopeful dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.

Matters of black and white don’t seem so simple anymore to Phin, and despite her best efforts, Delia’s smiles can’t erase all the complications in his life. And when Fort Pulaski falls and the future wavers, they both must decide where the dreams of a new America will take them, and if they will go together.

The Review

But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him. Matters of black and white don’t seem so simple anymore to Phin, and despite her best efforts, Delia’s smiles can’t erase all the complications in his life. And when Fort Pulaski falls and the future wavers, they both must decide where the dreams of a new America will take them, and if they will go together.

This review was originally shared in episode 9 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

June 20, 2021March 8, 2022

Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse

The Book

When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change—but she could never imagine just how dramatically.

Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she’s soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.

Yet it’s the lessons Ellie herself will learn—from new friends and especially from a captivating Cajun fisherman named Raphe (Ra-fae)—that will make all the difference.

Take a step away from the familiar and enter the haunting waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience, and romance.

Review

Hullo, this is Darcy, and I’ve just returned from a trip to the Louisiana bayous of 1949.

Seriously, my favorite thing about this book was how the author drew you into the entire culture of her tiny town on the bayou. The description was lovely–you could see the gorgeous landscape around you–but more than that, you entered into a whole little world, sequestered along the banks of the winding waterways.

The story starts out slowly and gradually gains traction to drive ahead. While I didn’t connect with the story on a deep emotional level, both the main characters were people I could respect and root for. And let’s not forget their dear friend Heywood, part comic relief, part thought-provoking philosopher. A great cast of secondary characters and a strong sense of local culture really created a wonderful atmosphere.

There is little violence, and it’s very tactfully covered. Romance is sweet rather than sizzly. (I personally loved the way the romance developed.) The faith component is subtle.

If you enjoy women’s fiction that pulls you into a bygone era, and a story that runs deep and quiet, with hidden twists like the bayou, look for Under the Bayou Moon, releasing August 3, 2021.

This review was originally featured in episode 7 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Valerie Fraser Luesse is the author of Almost Home and the bestselling, Christy Award–winning Missing Isaac. Her third novel, The Key to Everything, was inspired by a true story. An award-winning magazine writer, Luesse is best known for her features and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently the senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, she has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Acadian Louisiana, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana won the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society. The author lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave—and a mischievous orange cat named Cheeto.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.