Books in review - February

A while ago I signed up to review new books for Revell. They specialize in "inspirational and practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life" (quote from their mission statement). In exchange for receiving print copies or ebooks, I'm required to post and submit a blog reviewing the titles I chose. Following is a short description of the three books I read and my opinion of them. I've also given them a star rating on a 1 - 5 scale. 

The Moonlight School 

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Historical fiction - contains romance

☆☆☆☆

This novel is set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and is based on the real-life story of how Cora Wilson Stewart brought education to illiterate mountain people. 

 

I enjoyed the mountain culture and setting of The Moonlight School. Cora's vision and determination to teach illiterate adults how to read was inspirational. One of the main characters in the story is Lucy Wilson, a second cousin to Cora. From a young age, her life has been overshadowed by her younger sister's mysterious disappearance. When Cora asks Lucy to come work for her, she is forced out of her comfort zone and her eyes are opened to the disadvantages the mountain folk endure. As she assists Cora, she blossoms and finds her purpose.

When Twilight Breaks

by Sarah Sundin

Historical fiction - contains violence, romance

☆☆☆☆

When Twilight Breaks tells the story of Evelyn Brand, an American foreign correspondent stationed in Germany at the beginning of WWII, and Peter Lang, a Harvard PhD candidate teaching in Germany. 

It's a fairly average WWII novel but I enjoyed the characters, especially Evelyn, a "firebrand" reporter in a male dominated profession. She is held to higher standards and her writing is more heavily edited than her fellow correspondents. When she finds out she is three quarters Jewish, things begin taking an ominous turn.

This is a Christian historical romance, but I wasn't overly impressed with the Christian part. It felt like references to God and prayer were thrown in here and there just to make the book fit into that category. It didn't add anything of real value to the story.

Even so, this book held me in suspense and the descriptions of historical events such as Kristallnacht were well written. 

A Dance in Donegal

by Jennifer Deibel

Historical romance 

☆☆☆

A Dance in Donegal is a historical romance involving Boston-born Moira Doherty, who becomes a teacher in a village in Donegal, Ireland, where her mother grew up.

I chose A Dance in Donegal because of its Irish setting, which I love to read about. The author did a wonderful job describing the landscape and culture, making the reader feel as if they were there. Those who enjoy historical romance will probably appreciate this book. Generally I am not a fan of Christian romance, and this book did not change that opinion. I found the main character, Moira Doherty, to be rather annoying. She often frightened easily and made immature mistakes. I liked the supporting characters better, especially the lovable Colm and Peg. 

It was a pleasure reading all of these books. Thanks to the publisher for making them available to me!

I received a free print copy of A Dance in Donegal and would love to pass it on to someone who might enjoy it. If you are interested, leave a comment below. In the event that more than one person expresses interest, I'll do a drawing. Shipping fees apply to non-local delivery.