Saturday, June 24, 2017

My Review - Naomi's Hope


3 out of 5 stars

NAOMI’S HOPE by Jan Drexler was an enjoyable read. The pacing is slow, but the story is charming.
Naomi Schrock has come to terms with her future. Knowing she isn’t overly attractive, and that she’s a single mother to Davey, an orphaned boy, Naomi figures her chances at love and marriage are not to be. Even when Cap Stoltzfus shows up and befriends Davey, Naomi figures his interest is solely in Davey. Though they strike up a friendship, Naomi assumes that is the extent of Cap’s feelings for her.
Cap Stoltzfus is still mourning the death of his wife and child. Settling on property next to the Schrock family, Cap feels an instant attachment to Davey. The young boy is curious, bright, and makes Cap feel alive again. Cap also develops a friendship with Naomi, but they have different opinions when it comes to God and raising Davey, so Cap isn’t sure their relationship will grow deeper than friendship.
As Naomi and Cap navigate their feelings for each other, a stranger shows up in town, causing trouble for Cap and Naomi, and division in the community. Cap knows this man from his past, and expects he’s up to no good. But, never in his wildest dreams would he have guessed the lengths this man would go to, to seek his revenge.
NAOMI’S HOPE is much like other Amish-themed books. There is a situation that challenges the characters commitment to the church and the rules of Ordnung. At times, the story slowed, having more talking than action, and the day’s events became repetitive. I understand the Amish culture is simple, but portraying that simplicity slowed the story down. I did like the characters Ms. Drexler penned. Cap is charming, Naomi is feisty despite her Amish upbringing, and Davey is adorable. The secondary characters rounded out the story well. But, I must say, the actions of Shem Fischer seemed a bit extreme. Overall, NAOMI’S HOPE was still an entertaining story.
I received this book through Revell Reads Blog Tour, and was not required to give a positive review. The review given is my honest opinion of the book. 

Sunday, June 11, 2017

My Review - Weaver's Needle by Robin Caroll



4.5 out of 5 Stars
Landry Parker and Nickolai Baptiste have three things in common. They are both recovery specialists, they both have been hired to recover a stolen map that leads to a legendary gold mine in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, and they both distrust each other. A lot.
Landry Parker is a better recovery specialist then she is a business woman. Needing the payoff from this case to get her business solvent again, she’s beyond frustrated when she finds out Nickolai has also been hired to find the map.
Nickolai Baptiste, a former police officer, debates the wisdom of taking a case that is still an active police investigation. But, needing the extra income to pay for his sister’s special therapy, he decides to take the case. Knowing Landry has no intentions of backing down, fortifies his determination as well.
As both Landry and Nickolai work their investigations, they each find clues the police and each other have overlooked. But, when someone threatens Landry, Nickolai’s defenses go on full alert. Deciding that working together would be safer, Landry and Nickolai team up. Navigating personal threats, Indian folklore, and a near tragedy, Landry and Nickolai’s feelings for each other turn personal. As their attraction for each other grows, they piece together their clues. But is it too late?
I really enjoyed WEAVER’S NEEDLE. This is the first book I’ve read from author Robin Carroll, and I will definitely be looking for more. Landry and Nickolai were great characters, made even more attractive by their love for their family. I liked them as individuals, but so much more as a couple. The story definitely had some unique twists due to the superstitions surrounding the map at its rumored fortune. The ending was definitely unexpected. It left me wondering what was truth and what was Landry’s imagination. Good characters. Good story. Good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.