The United States is on the cusp of entering World War II. Anti-German feelings are running thick amongst the country--as well as the Boston Navy Yard. Quiet but gutsy secretary Mary Stirling uses her shorthand and love of Nancy Drew to piece together clues surrounding possible sabotage to a brand new ship being built at the Navy yard. With a large number of suspects and a mystery at hand, Mary finds help and an ally in Ensign Jim Avery. Can Jim and Mary help catch the saboteur? Can they learn how to overcome pride and to not be content with wherever the waves take them--and risk career, life AND falling in love along the way?
This is the first novel I've read by Sarah Sundin...She can definitely pack a lot of historical detail and mystery into a novel! As I said, the storyline is set on the brink of the US involvement in WWII. Most all chapter headings include a date, so you can track progress. Sundin provides much detail to the historical events and I did check some for accuracy and the ones I checked were correct. However, on the flip to that, there was some explanation that read a bit like a history book or there were times when it almost felt like the author assumed you knew the role of what the Axis and Allied powers were doing at the time. I literally had to read-up on the time period to get a handle on things. Not something I really want to do when reading a novel...That being said, there was a lot of naval jargon as well. Some of the battle scenes or military maneuver scenes bogged me down in the lingo. Same with the ship jargon. I mentioned in a previous review of another book, that maybe give a diagram or something for those of us he don't know Aft from Starboard. And for this novel (or next) possibly preface the novel with a brief "history lesson"? I would have found those things helpful.
As far as the plot...wow! Very involved and lots of thought went into it. I was guessing well into the book "who done it". However, there were a lot of characters to keep track of and I found myself getting characters mixed up. However, the characters of Jim and Mary did seem developed fairly well. Besides the actual plot, the subplot of Jim and Mary working through things in their past was a nice change. Add to that their budding romance and I just had to keep reading to see how it all worked out.
Overall, I would give this a 3.75 stars. Some of the jargon was a little daunting and the history lessons were daunting as well.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
"Hope Harbor" Book Review
Tracey Campbell, a cranberry farmer by day, accountant by night. A true jack-of-all-trades, Tracey attempts to keep her family's cranberry farm afloat on the outskirt of Hope Harbor, Oregon.
Non-profit director Michael Hunter escapes to Hope Harbor as a final homage to his late wife...
Add in a town recluse, an ornery uncle, an overly-friendly seagull and out of this world tacos and you can watch as Tracey and Michael's worlds collide. Each harbors a past with vast differences but underling similarities that threaten to undo them both. But with God's intervention will they also find hope, in this harbor town?
I've come across books by Irene Hannon, but this is the first one I've read from her. She does an excellent job at bringing the psychological depths of the two main characters, as well as secondary characters, to life. All things that many of us can probably relate to. Maybe not exactly like what the main characters went through, but losses none-the-less. And we see how God helps them through these trials and how they cope with acceptance, forgiveness and love. They definitely have some "a ha" moments, just as we do in life and our walk with God.
On the negative, I found myself getting a bit frustrated with some of the plot elements that focused on secondary characters. I realize that it was essential for the entire story to unfold, but sometimes I just wanted to move on to see what was going on with Tracey and Michael. I am not one to skip ahead though, so I kept going and was rewarded!
Overall, I would give this book 4 stars. It was a little slow in places, but had enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to turn the pages.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Non-profit director Michael Hunter escapes to Hope Harbor as a final homage to his late wife...
Add in a town recluse, an ornery uncle, an overly-friendly seagull and out of this world tacos and you can watch as Tracey and Michael's worlds collide. Each harbors a past with vast differences but underling similarities that threaten to undo them both. But with God's intervention will they also find hope, in this harbor town?
I've come across books by Irene Hannon, but this is the first one I've read from her. She does an excellent job at bringing the psychological depths of the two main characters, as well as secondary characters, to life. All things that many of us can probably relate to. Maybe not exactly like what the main characters went through, but losses none-the-less. And we see how God helps them through these trials and how they cope with acceptance, forgiveness and love. They definitely have some "a ha" moments, just as we do in life and our walk with God.
On the negative, I found myself getting a bit frustrated with some of the plot elements that focused on secondary characters. I realize that it was essential for the entire story to unfold, but sometimes I just wanted to move on to see what was going on with Tracey and Michael. I am not one to skip ahead though, so I kept going and was rewarded!
Overall, I would give this book 4 stars. It was a little slow in places, but had enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to turn the pages.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.
Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.
Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.
