​I cannot possibly over-rate this book. Romantic Mystery/Suspense is not something I read a lot, but I’ve read enough to know this one is different. The psychological and spiritual intrigue is as well written as the intense and complicated mystery. Every character has a well-planned role and yet none seem robotic or gratuitous. They are all believably real. The author’s talent amazed me.

​I felt a thrill being pulled into this story. Isn’t that how a suspense novel should be? I think so. I’ll keep reading mysteries, so long as ones like this are available.
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

What elements are a must have for you in a good book? I have two which never change, no matter the genre or my mood. First, I want relatable characters who struggle with true-to-life relationship problems. And secondly, I have to have a satisfying ending, preferably a happy one.

I’ve been looking forward to this book ever since reading Laurel’s first, A Family for the Farmer. She delivers on both of my must-haves and weaves a beautiful story along the way.

As a preacher’s daughter, I found the inner workings of this fictional church amazingly realistic. It wasn’t difficult to find myself rooting for the young minister and his cause. There are no perfect characters in this story, but there are definitely some who are easier to like than others. One of the most heart-warming aspects of the characters is how they come to terms with their mistakes and short-comings.

Laurel Blount has created a place many of us would love to call home. If only, Pine Valley were real after all. Thankfully, it's as close as your next best read.

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson is a fun, fast-paced contemporary romance with a 1920’s twist and a mystery too. I most enjoyed the uniqueness of this story in its setting and intricate plot. Johnson writes a coming-of-age story of sorts that doesn’t shy away from one of the most difficult aspects of a woman’s growing up. She handles the subject with spiritual insight, while being both delicate and brave.

I recommend this for ages 15 and up, due to the sexual nature of one heroine’s struggles. This recommendation is by no means censure or a cause for alarm.

​In my opinion Liz has written a well-balanced and spiritually wise story which embraces the realities of becoming a woman. I applaud her for her creation of a beautiful, well-told and wonderfully unique story.

The Light of Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher is set in 1840’s Nantucket with a secondary story told through a 1600's journal entries. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel filled with both mystery and romance, alongside well researched history of both Nantucket and the Quakers. I can honestly say this is my favorite by Fisher to date. And that’s saying something!

​The Sound of Distant Thunder is a story of love put to the test by faith and family relationships. Young love seems easy and limitless until real life begins to stand in the way of Katie Stuckey’s starry-eyed dreams. For Jonas, the man she wants to marry, becoming the man God wants him to be is complicated by his abolitionist convictions and his church’s pacifistic stand. The young couple have a great deal of growing up to do in the midst of the turmoil of the Civil War before the desires of their hearts can be met.
Jan Drexler’s tale carried my heart back to the wonders and worry of new love and left me satisfied in the end with the same hope all those beautiful young emotions always supply. This is the kind of sweet love story I will never outgrow.