by Crystal Caudill | May 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
May’s Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure is over! With the chaos of this month, I read a novella, from a collection but didn’t read the whole collection. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or even visit https://inspirationalhistoricalfiction.com/ for options.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
May’s Theme: Exploration or Pioneering
June’s Theme: Treasure Hunt
Christmas Traps and Trimmings
by Kelly Eileen Hake
Review by: Crystal Caudill
Kelly Eileen Hake has long been a treasured author for me. I don’t think I’ve read anything by her that I haven’t liked. This novella was no exception, although for a few minutes, I was concerned she got her history timeline wrong. I should have known better. It was I who had the wrong century for the earthquake along the New Madrid fault line. Set in the early days of America’s birth and the days when Kentucky was the wild wild west (1811), this is the story of and English lady determined to escape the grasp of her plotting cousin–even across an ocean and into the untamed Kentucky frontier–by running to her appointed guardian who had no doubt not heard of her father’s passing. Her unwilling guardian is an Englishman making his living through trapping and selling animal pelts. He doesn’t have space in his life for an English lady and her elderly maid. However, he can’t turn them away, and forced proximity requires that they get to know each other. Throw in the world-shaking earthquakes along the New Madrid fault line and a half-legible letter from her deceased father into the mix, and these two have no choice but to learn to rely on each other.
I enjoyed the story, and especially the historical perspective of an event I’d heard of all my life but hadn’t realized was so early in our country’s birth. The romance was a bit quick for me, but novellas tend to be rushed, and honestly, what else are two people going to do in the wilds of Kentucky but get married pretty quickly? While Christmas was touched on, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a traditionally Christmasy-feeling novella.
For Fans of: I recommend this story to those who love learning new bits of history, quick-read romances, and frontier settings.
Genre: Historical Romance, Kentucky 1811 – Novella Collection
Plot Overview:
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Christianbook
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Apr 30, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
April’s Theme: Lawman Hero
*May’s Theme: Exploration or Pioneering
*suggestions can be found at the end of the post.
While this book is not a historical, it is ChristianFiction. 🙂
by Vannetta Chapman
Review by: Madie – An Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge Participant
Short version: likeable characters, un-put-downable cozy mystery, sprinkled with humor and inspirational thoughts, not a romance novel (so NO frustrating love triangle, if you prefer to avoid that).
Extended version:
I was unsure what to expect when the description said Agatha had lost a family member. This book did not make me feel uncomfortable or depressed. It stayed lighthearted (but not shallow) on this subject, with occasional fond memories, or inspirational thoughts. I appreciated that.
I liked most characters. Lovable Agatha is my favorite! She reminded me a lot of a beloved family friend we have. She’s a positive person with a big heart, hardworking, smart, has faith-powered strength, and her inner thoughts are relatable and hilarious. The police station ones had me laughing out loud! Glad to see an older woman who isn’t romance-obsessed or a busybody.
That said, I did enjoy Gina, who technically is sort of a busybody. She’s funny, fearless, determined, and a good friend.
Ex-detective Tony is smart, brave, and a good person and neighbor. I like how he comes out of his shell to help Agatha with her serious situation. Having his more pragmatic thoughts was also a nice balance with Agatha’s.
Tony’s law enforcement facts were fascinating, as were Agatha’s about modern Amish living. Spaced out nicely, they didn’t delay plot, and there was time to absorb them. While many characters are devout, it’s never preachy or unrealistically perfect. Just decent people being fair and kind.
I suspected everyone except Agatha and the baby, but was left guessing until around the murderer reveal. I enjoyed the additional mysteries of what suspects innocent of murder were hiding. It was realistic when our perspective on some characters changed as we got to know them more.
The only time I could put it down before at least three chapters in a sitting was when there was too much background noise for me to read. My only criticism is that the ‘bad’ characters and their motivations are less developed than almost any of the ‘good’ ones.
Good setting descriptions. I knew Texas has rivers, but don’t generally think of them as quiet, scenic vacation spots. I’m eager to continue this series, and find out more about people’s pasts and loved ones.
I received a free copy from the author, but with no obligations. The opinions given here are my own.
For Fans of: Cozy mysteries, Amish stories
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Plot Overview:
Who killed Russell Dixon?
When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream–an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She’s also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent.
Then she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3. She runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong.
Dead Wrong is a story of discovering new friendships and embracing a different path in the midst of tragedy. Above all else, it’s a story of God’s grace and provision.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
May Recommendations: A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott, A Sweetness to The Soul by Jane Kirkpatrick, An Untamed Land (Red River of the North Book #1) by Laura Snelling, Freedom in the Mountain Wind by Misty Beller, The Ladies Maid by Susan Page Davis, Love Comes Softly Series from Janette Oke, God’s Daughter by Heather Gilbert (Viking era, very unique and heavy topic hitter)
by Crystal Caudill | Mar 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of our Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
March’s Theme: Gold Rush
April’s Theme: Lawman Hero
Bridge of Gold
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Review by: Charity Henico – Check out her Instagram account at @charitys.book.escapes for lots of bookish fun!
REVIEW
This book was so good. I had no idea what to expect except that it’d be about the Gold Rush. But actually, this was more about a ship from the Gold Rush that was discovered later and then re-discovered even later. The whole thing was just fascinating.
AND! I had no idea that part of San Francisco was built ON TOP OF abandoned ships from the Gold Rush! Some of the streets were built on top of the ships-on top of a landfill! Mind-boggling.
The mystery and suspense in this book were top-notch, and I did NOT see that ending-the who-done-it coming. This is one of those books where you want to read it to see what happens, but then again, you have to take a break after each chapter because of the tension!
If you enjoy books on the Gold Rush and the Great Depression, and books that are filled with suspense, then you definitely want to read this one!
~ Charity Henico
Genre: Dual-Time
Plot Overview:
Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Bookhouse | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 28, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for a new season of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
February’s Theme: Underground Railroad
March’s Theme: Gold Rush
The Underground Railroad Brides Collection
Review by: Crystal Caudill
With it being release month for Counterfeit Hope, my reading time was really limited and I only managed to read one novella out of this collection. I’m not a huge fan of straight romances, so the story I ended up choosing wasn’t actually to my taste. I thought by the description there would be some tension and chances of getting caught working for the Underground Railroad with dire consequences, but I either got the stories mixed or the description just didn’t match the story. (Actually, now that I go back, it was the former.) HOWEVER, I think those who love sweet romances will enjoy the ones in this collection. There were a wide variety of characters, including a couple of stories where the main characters were slaves, former slaves, or wealthy black citizens. Given the tendency for historicals to lack that perspective, it was refreshing to see. All the stories sounded interesting, even if not always to my personal preference, and I look forward to reading more of them as my time allows.
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot Overview:
Love Guides Hearts Along the Road to Freedom
Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey
Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
There is hope for the future when people come together to fight evil, and when men and women find love in the midst of great challenges. And through it all, faith is the key to victory in these stories from nine inspiring Christian authors.
Purchase Links:
Amazon
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for a new season of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
January’s Theme: Spies
February’s Theme: Underground Railroad
The Prince of Spies
by Elizabeth Camden
Review by: Crystal Caudill
I am a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Camden’s books, and The Prince of Spies did not disappoint. This Romeo & Juliet style story has a much better outcome than its Shakespearean inspiration. The depth of spiritual growth experienced by the characters was surprising, refreshing, and personally needed. There is no such thing as a perfect family, and this book’s family dynamics are emotionally complex yet real. On the romance side of things, the storyline was exactly what it needed to be. I’m not an over-the-top romance reader, but the sweet moments in this book, the challenges they face as a couple, and the love they shared made for a perfect balance. This story ended up being the perfect wrap-up to the series, and I usually dislike Romeo and Juliet-type stories. I definitely recommend you run out and get a copy.
For Fans of: Gilded Age romances, historical details, Romeo & Juliet type stories
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot Overview:
Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.
Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings with Luke’s driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.
Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each following month at midnight EST (January = February 7, etc), and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 31, 2022 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
We’ve finished the last month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to any country, so long as it was Christmas, and my choice of story was actually the Christmas collection from Karen Witemeyer, Under the Texas Mistletoe Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
January 2023’s Theme: A Book with a Spy
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Need a reminder of the details of the challenge? Go to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page or sign up for my newsletter to have reminders at the beginning of the month in your inbox.*
Under the Texas Mistletoe
by Karen Witemeyer
Karen Witemeyer is a Christy Award winner for a reason. I listened to the first story in the collection called “A Texas Christmas Carol” last Christmas and loved all the creative connections to the beloved Christmas story. I definitely understand why it won the Christy. While I did not reread that particular novella this Christmas, I did get the chance to listen to the last two and an exclusive short story during the drives back and forth to my parents during my Nanny’s decline and ultimate passing.
“An Archer Family Christmas” ultimately was my favorite one. The Archers have long been my favorite, but it was the sweet story of Jim’s and Cassie’s married life and struggles that really touched me the most out of the entire collection. Cassie and Jim lost their only child and were told it would be impossible to have another a few years previous to the setting of this story. Watching them go through Christmas in such a family-oriented and child-heavy family was poignant and beautiful. Without giving away spoilers, the danger, love, and beautiful weaving of this story were one that will long stick with me. Far longer than any of the other stories.
“Gift of the Heart” was another beautiful story with unique characters–a strong widowed mother who will do anything to provide for her daughter, even confront a rich and reclusive resort owner. The romance and growth they brought to each other was one I also enjoyed. I especially like that the hero had an arm that had been crippled as a child, and that we got to see how he adapted to life and how it molded him into the man he was.
I can’t remember the name of the short story as it was on audio, but it had to do with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and a man’s determination to prove to a father that he was the right man for his daughter to marry. It was a super cute story with a fun twist on the song.
I definitely recommend this series to those who enjoy Christmas stories connected to other stories and Christmas songs, stories with depth, romance, and unique characters, and fans of Karen Witemeyer.
Genre: Historical Romance, Texas, Late 1800s
Plot Overview:
Three Charming and Festive Holiday Novellas Spiced with Humor, Frontier Action, and Sweet Romance
In this 3-in-1 novella collection, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer presents the new story “A Texas Christmas Carol,” in which a town’s wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and by the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors.
It also includes, for the first time in print, “An Archer Family Christmas.” When the Archer clan gathers for the Christmas holiday, an unexpected request for help leaves Cassandra Archer directly in the path of a dangerous outlaw. Desperate to protect the woman he loves, Jim Archer races to the rescue, only to find that Cassie’s life is not the only one in peril. It will take a Christmas miracle–and the entire Archer clan–to keep a second Archer Christmas from ending in disaster.
In previously published “Gift of the Heart,” a widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start. But with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near?
Sprinkled throughout the collection, you’ll find a hope-filled Christmas devotion, Witemeyer holiday recipes, and fun facts about nineteenth-century Christmas celebrations!
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on January 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for December’s Challenge? Are you going to be joining the 2023 Reading challenge?
