Bookworm Review – Page 9 – Historical Bookworm

November 8, 2021June 23, 2022

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

The Book

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox
Present Day. After tragedy plunges her into grief and unresolved anger, Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home determined to finally follow her long-denied dream of running Old Depot Grocery alongside her mother and grandmother. But when she arrives, her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that the store is closing. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a pact to save the store, but Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons–but she’ll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she’s pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve the family reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

The Review

This book follows three generations of women as they each battle their hold on personal secrets they’ve kept hidden from society and each other. The blending of their stories, all at different ages and time periods, meld perfectly amid their changing circumstances. Will the Old Depot Grocery close or will the youngest of the three, Sarah, be able to save the one stable thing in her new, upturned life? Can Rosemary let her daughter make the one choice she’s worked her whole life to avoid? Will the eldest in the trio, Glory Ann, learn how to let go of the past and embrace an uncertain future?

This story reflects on how seeking the truth, no matter how hurtful, can be freeing and heal broken relationships.

Violence: none/off-screen.
Christianese: Moderate but presented through each character as they handle their life issues and doesn’t come off as preachy.
Romance: hinted at but this story is more in the women’s fiction realm than romance.

If you’re seeking a redeeming story involving the unbreakable, but sometimes fragile relationships between mothers and daughters, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a must read.

This review was originally shared on episode 21.

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.

The Author

Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.

A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 17 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.).

November 8, 2021May 15, 2022

Episode 21: Guest Joanna Davidson Politano & a Review of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

Join us and guest Joanna Davidson Politano as she chats about her latest novel A Midnight Dance. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone’s story. She lives with her husband and their kids in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

Last week’s Pinch of the Past was so fun we split it into two segments. Enjoy learning about the origins of Red Velvet Cake and a vegetarian dish made of necessity during WWII.

On our Bookworm Review, we feature The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox. If you’re seeking a redeeming story involving the unbreakable, but sometimes fragile relationships between mothers and daughters, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a must read. You can find the entire written review here.

October 31, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 20: Guest Liz Tolzma & a Bookworm Review of A Deep Divide

Join WW2 novelist and podcast host Liz Tolzma as she talks about her latest release A Picture of Hope, book two in the Heroines of WWII Series. Liz is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk–a weekly podcast featuring author chats, industry news, and discussions of what you’re reading.

On our Pinch of the Past we look at part 1 of Historical Foods We Enjoy Today. Do you enjoy Jello and sandwiches? Not together, of course! Well, here is a little history about the two. Would you believe one of these dishes first became popular in the US because of a gambling addiction?

If you’re in the mood for a sweet romantic suspense with an unforgettable storyline, then you don’t want to miss A Deep Divide (Secrets of the Canyon Book #1) by Kimberly Woodhouse.

Read our full Bookworm Review of A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

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October 31, 2021June 23, 2022

Bookworm Review: A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

This review was first shared in Episode 20: Guest Liz Tolzma & a Bookworm Review of A Deep Divided

The Book

After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it—including her father’s offering her hand in a business deal. She sneaks away to be a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Grand Canyon Hotel, planning to stay hidden even if it means always looking over her shoulder.

Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel wanting to impress his father by finding success on his own. Then maybe he can take on more of the family business and do something good with the profits.

Ray immediately admires Emma Grace, and though a friendship forms, she’s afraid he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. Then art and jewels go missing from El Tovar and the nearby Hopi House, a mystery that pulls them in and stirs up their worst fears. When shocking revelations come to light, they’ll have to question all they thought to be true.

The Review

The pace of the book was unlike any other romantic suspense. The author delivered mystery and romance with a large dose of intrigue in a way that was both captivating and inspiring.
The book was about an heiress Emma Grace and her quest for a life other than the one she had been born into. This same life has led her down paths she never thought she would traverse. Her grit and determination was very admirable.

The romance was sweet largely due to the hero, Ray, whose good heart and kindness shine through the story. A truly refreshing experience for the reader.

Circumstances brought them together in the most unlikely of ways. The most endearing part of this book are the Biblical principles lived out. The way the community of believers surrounds Emma Grace with caring is so heartwarming it brings one to tears. This group of characters truly reflects biblical love and hospitality.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet romantic suspense with an unforgettable storyline, then you don’t want to miss A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse.

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.

The Author

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty-five books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader’s Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she’s shared with over 1,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she’s traded in her hat of “craziest mom” for “coolest grandma.” Connect with Kim at KimberleyWoodhouse.com, Facebook.com, Instagram.com,
Twitter.com

October 11, 2021July 4, 2022

Episode 19: Guest Patricia Raybon & A Review of The Lines Between Us

Patricia Raybon is a former Sunday Magazine editor at The Denver Post, a former associate professor of journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries and the DaySpring (in)courage blog. Join us for a chat with her about her debut novel All that is Secret book 1 of the Annalee Spain Mystery series.

In this segment of the Pinch of the Past, we talk about the history of Chess, Backgammon, and Go. Most of the games that have survived for centuries involve intense strategy and lots of abstract thinking. I’m not sure what exactly that indicates–maybe they were born of long winters of boredom. Or maybe people just enjoy a chance to outsmart their friends.

If you enjoy historical fiction based on a different aspect of World War II with notes of mystery, moral questions, and superb characterization, add The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green to your fall reading list. Read the review here.

Links:

Connect with Patricia on her website Goodreads Twitter & Instagram

Link to GoodReads review

Link for Roseanna White’s Book The Number of Love

October 3, 2021June 23, 2022

Bookworm Review: Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden

This review was first shared in episode 18 on the Historical Bookworm Show.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her gilded world holds a deeply hidden secret.

After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family’s heartbreak and scandal behind her.

Patrick O’Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He’s proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case that is sure to emphasize the Blackstones’ legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they’ve always held dear is worth the reward.

The Review

Elizabeth Camden continues her legacy of excellent storytelling with memorable characters who readers can root for. Underdog lawyer, Patrick, is tasked with pushing a criminal’s book through to publication despite the Blackstones trying to block it’s release as it will drag their reputation through the muck. He’s met his match in the sweet Blackstone heiress, Gwen, who is sent to change his mind. Readers will anxiously speed through chapters to see if the two will be able to breach insurmountable odds while also solving a decades old mystery that becomes deadly. Another great story from Camden with a sweet romance, ideals of acceptance, and very brief, mild violence.

In the mood for a charming historical romance mixed with danger then Carved in Stone should be on the top of your to be read pile.

About the Author

Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida, whose novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction.

Fidn out more about Elizabth on her webstie ElizabethCamden.com

September 30, 2021July 9, 2022

Episode 18: Guest Lori Benton & a Review of Carved in Stone

Join guest Lori Benton for a chat about her latest release Shiloh Book 2 of the Kindred Series. Giveaway Link here!

We look at quotes from Jane Austin, Mark Twain, and Fredrick Douglas on our Pinch of the Past. Full article here.

In the mood for a charming historical romance mixed with danger then Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden should be on the top of your to be read pile! Full review here.

September 21, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 17: Guest Amy Green & a Review of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

Join us for a chat with author and speaker Amy Green as she shares about writing her latest WWII novel, The Lines Between Us.

On a Pinch of the Past we look back a few thousand years to the beginning of makeup as we know it. From ancient Egypt to Regency Era England, and to turn of the century America, you’ll enjoy these tidbits of history surrounding cosmetics.

Bookworm Review If you’re in the mood for a riveting courtroom drama that extends beyond the court, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson will have you searching for ways to prove the truth alongside the barrister.

August 15, 2021June 23, 2022

In a Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

This review was originally shared in episode 16. Listen to episode 13 to hear Stephanie share about all that went into writing this fantastic book.

The Book

As the Great Depression hits the Midwest, Minerva Sinclaire runs away to Hollywood, determined to make it big and save the family farm. But beauty and moxie don’t pay the bills in Tinseltown, and she’s caught in a downward spiral of poverty, desperation, and compromise. Finally, she’s about to sign with a major studio and make up for it all. Instead, she wakes up next to a dead film star and is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit.

Only two unwilling men—Oscar, a Mexican gardener in danger of deportation, and Max, a too-handsome agent battling his own demons—can help Mina escape corrupt police on the take and the studio big shots trying to frame her.

But even her quick thinking and grit can’t protect her from herself. Alone, penniless, and carrying a shameful secret, Mina faces the consequences of the heartbreaking choices that brought her to ruin . . . and just might bring her back to where she belongs.

The Review

This book is one of the most beautiful prodigal stories out there. It is an amazing story of love lost and gained, of forgiveness, second chances, grace, the beauty of family.

Mina veered off the straight path and went to Los Angeles to become an actress. Her dreams became just dreams when life threw the most dire of curve balls at her. Her journey was touching–painful to read but redemptive at the end.

If this is the first of Stephanie’s books you are reading, it definitely won’t be your last. The story is doused with love and grace given, that could never be deserved or earned even if one tried.

Love that never says “no” or “enough” is the perfect title for this book. The life-changing lessons of faith are inspiring and noteworthy.

If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense–but also inspires your heart to live a life of love–then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

The Author

Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women in history. Her latest novel, In A Far Off Land, is a story of murder, romance, and mercy set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood. Her biblical fiction brings the unknown women of the gospels to life in The Living Water Series and the Walk In Her Sandals series. She has traveled on four continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure whether it be in person or on the page. She makes her home in Minnesota with her husband of 30 years, occasional adult children, three cats, a dog, and a tortoise named Moe.

August 15, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 16: Guest Jody Hedlund & a Review of In A Far Off Land

Jody is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. She shares about her new time travel novel Come Back to Me, her love of cats, and the fun of writing. Learn more about her at her website JodyHedlund.com/ and her ReaderRoom Facebook group.

We share prolific hymn writers in our Pinch of the Past. A look at the reformer Martin Luther, the “The Godfather of English Hymnody” Isaac Watts, and blind teacher and lobbyist Fanny Crosby.

Bookworm Review: If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

We are giving away a copy of Come Back to Me.

Giveaway began on August 15, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 27, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.