Tag: book-review

Unforgotten

Unforgotten, Softcover
By Shelley Shepard Gray / Revell

I was interested to read a different genre created by an author I haven’t read before so I requested Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray to read. While this book fits the Amish Fiction category, there is a parallel plot with “English” people to enjoy. I enjoyed the action in middle most of all. The villain was well developed at all points in the story. The author created a cast of great female protagonists with life experiences that are realistic. The ladies, who are cousins, are celebrated for their good sense and bravery in the face of danger. Cynics with their hearts on lockdown might not care for some parts of the two love stories. The men, cast as knights in shining armor, overflow with devotion to their fair maidens. At some points, their dialogue seemed a little over the top for me. But the men were good hearted characters with good intentions even if they seemed a little possessive.

The author shared a realistic view of Amish daily life. I think the reason we like to read Amish Fiction is because we admire the Amish populations’ productivity and steadfast faith. Throughout this book, the men and women, demonstrated these traits.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Revell in exchange for this honest review. #Unforgotten, #RevellFiction!

Tea with Elephants

Tea with Elephants: A Suitcase Sisters Novel, Softcover, #1
By Robin Jones Gunn / Revell

Just when I thought tea with honey was the cat’s meow, now here comes Tea with Elephants to catapult to the top spot. Of course one is a beverage and the other is a new release from Robin Jones Gunn, so it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. But reading this book will yield the same comfy and cozy benefits. Guaranteed! I can only list superlatives to describe this book. I chose to read Tea with Elephants due to the African setting. Robin Jones Gunn expertly describes the savannah and the African animal life. She offers a realistic safari ride-along complete with sensible cautions for lion spotting and one predator/prey sighting. I immediately drew close to the main characters she named the “Suitcase Sisters”. The two women met decades ago while serving as counselors at a Christian conference center in Costa Rica. Now all grown up, the duo celebrates their long-term, long-distance friendship by reuniting for an African adventure.

Each woman has faced recent challenges. Fern experiences a life-altering set back when she is let go from her dream job just prior to embarking on her trip. Her marriage to a wonderful man with a teenage adoptive son was at first a rocky road. Eventually their family life smoothed out and this blended family landed in a good place. Lily fears she is losing her zeal for love and life after decades of marriage and child rearing. The two friends face these challenges head on. When the time is right, a good heart to heart talk helps both ladies see a brighter future.

I love that each chapter begins with an African proverb, Bible verse, or literary quote. Each one is worthy of printing on the tags attached to tea bags. The Christian message was explicit from beginning to end. I noticed Tea with Elephants is book one in a series featuring the “Suitcase Sisters”. I look forward to reading book 2 when it releases in January 2025. I recommend these books to readers who enjoy a well written contemporary fiction story with characters who wrestle with real-life problems and rely on their faith to stay strong. I received a complimentary paperback copy from the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review. #TeaWithElephants and #RevellFiction!