I've been doing fantastic on my TBR list for the month of May! This may be the first time I've stuck to my TBR in over a year, with a sprinkling of ARC and mood reading thrown in. If you're curious as to how I choose my TBR for each month, check out my YouTube channel; to see the board game I've created- "called I Did This to My-Shelf". I also have a separate blog post; for Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation by Nancy Guthrie that I finished on the first of the month. I also finished up my read through of my ESV Journaling Bible, which I'll talk about in a future post.
(Christian science-fiction)- 5 stars
“In this heart I find no good or light to see. I cannot but resign and cling to Him who set me free.”
This is Christian sci-fi done right! The story was gripping and hard to put down, while the faith was woven in beautifully. Hulen tackles abortion through the characters, showing that life is valuable at every stage. I also found this to be a timely read given the debate surrounding abortion (elective child murder) and found the metaphor used for the unborn to be powerfully done.
A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch- The Heroines of WWII
(Christian Historical Fiction)- 4 stars
Three years later, Franz Kafka (an interesting choice of character name) is on leave from his duties after being injured while fighting on the Soviet Front. While he is relieved to be home in Berlin, he is quickly assigned to Normandy to deal with the growing French Resistance, a position he has earned through his mother's connection and engagement to a high ranking Nazi Party official. When he arrives in Normandy, he quickly encounters Rosalie once more; he feels bad for her situation and the way she is treated at a routine stop by German soldiers. It's clear he's not on board with Nazi ideology, but serves to protect himself and his mother, Rosalie is understandably suspicious of him and his intentions, but she soon sees his heart and questions her perception of him based on his uniform.
This was a bit romance heavy for my taste, but I found that the relationship between Rosalie and Franz felt realistic. The events surrounding World War II were presented in an easily digestible way, yet did not shy away from the harsh realities of the period. This series does an excellent job at showcasing lesser known events during the era, highlight women who helped with the war effort. While this was not based on a true story, as others in the series are, it felt very possible and I so admired the courage and faith of both Franz and Rosalie. It was a delight to see her come into her own faith and to watch how God protected and provided for the characters each step of the way.
Broken English by P. L. Gaus
(Amish Mystery) 3.5 starsThe story starts off dark from the very first chapter when Jesse Sands is being released from prison. He then immediately begins a crime spree, including murders. The next pivotal character in the mystery is David Hawkins, who appears Amish. He visits Sands in jail and forgives him for the murder of his daughter a few days prior. Hawkins then quickly becomes violent after Sands whispers something to him, showing his military training in action as he disarms the guard. He is talked down by his friend and English (as in not Amish) Pastor, Caleb Troyer, who accompanied him on this visit.
Within a month, there's another murder, this time a reporter…and Hawkins is the prime suspect as the deceased uncovered information about Hawkins’ past. It turns out he was Special Forces for the Army during the Vietnam War, purportedly joining the CIA soon after. Professor Michael Branden is tasked with finding Caleb Troyer, as he is likely the key to locating Hawkins. Branden, longtime friends with both the sheriff and Troyer, cannot believe that Troyer would be involved in any crime and any way, but is curious to find some answers about this case.
While part of the mystery was apparent very early in the book, I was still surprised at how all of the elements wrapped up. I also loved seeing Hawkins renounce his former life in favor of a more God-centered lifestyle in joining the Amish. The snippets of his relationship within that community were a treat to watch, and his redemption arc was well done.
This is the second book in the Amish Country Mysteries series, featuring the Old Order Amish in Holmes County, Ohio. However, the focus is more on an outsider’s perspective into the Amish community. While I would classify this as Christian fiction, it is a bit darker than typical Amish novels. There was a good bit of discussion about guns in this volume, containing information about specific models of firearms. Despite that, there are beautiful faith elements woven into the stories of some of the characters.
The next volume in the Amish Country Mysteries opens on Professor Michael Braden, now owner of a badge from the sheriff's department, investigating a string of robberies that are thought to be committed by Amish teens. Almost immediately, there's a major accident involving a semi-truck, an Amish buggy and several other vehicles. The Sheriff himself gets involved, leading to major, life-threatening injuries.
Within a month, there's another murder, this time a reporter…and Hawkins is the prime suspect as the deceased uncovered information about Hawkins’ past. It turns out he was Special Forces for the Army during the Vietnam War, purportedly joining the CIA soon after. Professor Michael Branden is tasked with finding Caleb Troyer, as he is likely the key to locating Hawkins. Branden, longtime friends with both the sheriff and Troyer, cannot believe that Troyer would be involved in any crime and any way, but is curious to find some answers about this case.
While part of the mystery was apparent very early in the book, I was still surprised at how all of the elements wrapped up. I also loved seeing Hawkins renounce his former life in favor of a more God-centered lifestyle in joining the Amish. The snippets of his relationship within that community were a treat to watch, and his redemption arc was well done.
This is the second book in the Amish Country Mysteries series, featuring the Old Order Amish in Holmes County, Ohio. However, the focus is more on an outsider’s perspective into the Amish community. While I would classify this as Christian fiction, it is a bit darker than typical Amish novels. There was a good bit of discussion about guns in this volume, containing information about specific models of firearms. Despite that, there are beautiful faith elements woven into the stories of some of the characters.
Clouds Without Rain by P. L. Gaus
(Amish Mystery) 3 stars
The next volume in the Amish Country Mysteries opens on Professor Michael Braden, now owner of a badge from the sheriff's department, investigating a string of robberies that are thought to be committed by Amish teens. Almost immediately, there's a major accident involving a semi-truck, an Amish buggy and several other vehicles. The Sheriff himself gets involved, leading to major, life-threatening injuries.
On the Amish front, Andy Weaver has returned to the community to be its new bishop. He's concerned the Amish are getting too worldly and loosing their roots, so he wants to return them to their Old Order customs. There's also apparently a cult in the area that both he and local pastor Cal Troyer have united against in the past. The robberies in the area may be linked to this cult.
There was a bit too much going on in this one, from the robberies, the Amish structuring, possibly nefarious property deals, the accident, another murder, and the life of the sheriff hanging in the balance. However, the mystery was satisfying. The culprit was obvious, so it was all about figuring out how and why things happened. This is a series I'll definitely continue reading.
"It’s just a small story really, about, among other things: * A girl * Some words * An accordionist * Some fanatical Germans * A Jewish fist fighter * And quite a lot of thievery"
I went into this expecting to love it, as I've heard nothing but rave reviews. Sadly, I cannot agree and found this book to be over-hyped. The use of a personified Death as a narrator felt like a needless gimmick the did nothing but detract from the story. I also was not a fan of this narrator spoiling what was to come within the story, as it took any shock factor out of major events.
The synopsis on Goodreads says this was not originally published as a YA title, which I initially took to mean it was darker than a typical YA story. YA is generally not a demographic I read, but parts of this felt dumbed down and more in line with a Middle Grade title. However, then the characters would curse, in both English and translated German, and repeatedly use the Lord's name in vain. I would have DNFed this quite early on if not for its beloved status with so many readers. I didn't truly care about anything that was happening, aside from Max's storyline, until about 80% into the story. The ending was emotional, but I simply did not feel connected enough to the majority of the characters to be invested. I also felt this book was far too long.
I'd much rather read this story from the perspective of Max, Liesel's Papa, or even the mayor's wife, because they were the only characters that I found to be interesting.
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
(YA Historical Fiction) 3 stars
"It’s just a small story really, about, among other things: * A girl * Some words * An accordionist * Some fanatical Germans * A Jewish fist fighter * And quite a lot of thievery"
I went into this expecting to love it, as I've heard nothing but rave reviews. Sadly, I cannot agree and found this book to be over-hyped. The use of a personified Death as a narrator felt like a needless gimmick the did nothing but detract from the story. I also was not a fan of this narrator spoiling what was to come within the story, as it took any shock factor out of major events.
The synopsis on Goodreads says this was not originally published as a YA title, which I initially took to mean it was darker than a typical YA story. YA is generally not a demographic I read, but parts of this felt dumbed down and more in line with a Middle Grade title. However, then the characters would curse, in both English and translated German, and repeatedly use the Lord's name in vain. I would have DNFed this quite early on if not for its beloved status with so many readers. I didn't truly care about anything that was happening, aside from Max's storyline, until about 80% into the story. The ending was emotional, but I simply did not feel connected enough to the majority of the characters to be invested. I also felt this book was far too long.
I'd much rather read this story from the perspective of Max, Liesel's Papa, or even the mayor's wife, because they were the only characters that I found to be interesting.
What have you been reading so far in May? Have you read any of the books I've featured in this post? Let me know in the comments below!
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