Book Review: Millie by McCall Hoyle

Book Description:

Millie is a feisty border terrier who lives on the streets and has a keen sense for finding scraps of food, usually in the shadows or the cover of darkness. She protects herself with a shield of what is perceived by many as aggression—barking and snarling—when in reality, Millie is just plain scared.

Turned over to animal control after a recent run-in with the dogcatcher, Millie is rescued by a special education teacher who also rehabilitates and rehomes dogs. It’s a win-win. Together, the dogs and her students learn emotional resilience, anger management, and other coping skills.

When one of the students, a struggling reader named Tori, shows a natural gift for dog training and working with fearful dogs, Millie is temporarily placed in her care. Tori may be young, but she knows a thing or two about anger, fear, and abandonment after her mother could no longer care for her and she was placed in kinship care with her grandfather. Millie wonders if she’s finally found her person and begins to let down her emotional guard. But when trust and belonging are challenged, Millie reverts to old habits—fleeing, hiding, and growling. Will she end up back on the streets? Or can Millie and Tori embrace their training, trust in each other, and find a forever home together?

Mille is an empathy-building novel for young readers who love dogs and is a tender portrayal of the importance of emotional safety and what it means to truly belong.

Review:

This is a very cute story told from a street dog's point of view. I used to not be a dog person (that's putting it mildly), but a couple of years ago I caved and got a dog for my teens who were struggling. When you take care of something it is very hard to not love it, especially when it loves you so much. Anyway, I can really see this story appealing to those who have or want a dog, but honestly it's just so well-written that anyone could enjoy it. It has a great message about facing fears and not running away from things that scare us (obviously there are times and places for that, but until we give some things a try we are pushing away people and situations that may be good for us). I liked how the human characters weren't perfect either-they had plenty of struggles and learned and grew throughout the story, along with Millie and a few other dogs. A great story for young and old alike.

Title: Millie
Author: McCall Hoyle
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024
ISBN: 163993233X
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Book Review: The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson

 

Book Description:

A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell who is set on solving the mystery of both.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall--that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls--but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate's extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love--like an orchid--must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn't expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor's caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth's worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate.

Rorie's Review:

This was an enjoyable, quick read. I'm generally not a fan of insta-love romances, and that kind of bugged me a bit in this book, but other than that, it was a good story. I figured out a bit of the mystery before it was revealed, but not so much that I wasn't intrigued to find out why things were the way they were. I appreciated the author giving a bit of history in the acknowledgement section - I always enjoy reading more historical facts that help bring the story to life even more. The author did a great job of bringing the characters to life, and I found myself unwilling to put the book down. 

Title: The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall
Author: Rebecca Anderson

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: April 2024 
ISBN: 1639932356
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly

Book Description:

Based on the remarkable true story of the Carpathia--the only ship and her legendary captain who answered the distress call of the sinking Titanic.

Just after midnight on April 15, 1912, the passenger steamship Carpathia receives a distress signal from the largest passenger liner ever built, RMS Titanic, which is on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York.

Captain Arthur Rostron is awakened to an enormous maritime emergency with little information to guide his actions in answering the call for help. Is the dire threat to the unsinkable Titanic accurate? His ship is more than four hours away; will Carpathia hold together if pushed to never-before-tested speeds? What if his ship also strikes an iceberg? How many of Titanic's 2,200 passengers will the Carpathia be able to accommodate? And with the freezing temperatures, will there be any survivors by the time the Carpathia arrives?

Kate Connolly is excited to join her sister in America and proud to be traveling on the grand Titanic, which was built in her Irish homeland. As a passenger in third-class accommodations, she is among the last to receive instruction and help after Titanic hits an iceberg. Among the chaos of abandoning ship, the chances of her securing a spot in a lifeboat appear grim. With the help of several men, also from Ireland, Kate finally reaches the upper decks and feels lucky to board Lifeboat 13, although no one knows if or when a rescue ship will come. She fears the icy water and wonders if they'll all freeze to death. After seeing their magnificent ship submerge into the abyss, and hearing the cries of hundreds of fellow passengers drowning, it is almost too much to bear and Kate fleetingly thinks succumbing to her ordeal is the easiest escape.

Told in alternating chapters from the perspective of Captain Rostron on the Carpathia and Kate Connolly on the Titanic, this historical novel is a compelling, heart-pounding account of two eyewitnesses to an epic disaster. Rostron's heroic and compassionate leadership, his methodical preparations for rescue, and his grit and determination to act honorably and selflessly to save lives and care for the survivors, sets the course for this awe-inspiring story.

Review:

I'll be honest, most of what I know about the Titanic sinking came from the Titanic movie from several years ago. Which is probably not all that historically accurate, but there you go. I had heard of the Carpathia before, but didn't know much about it's significance, other than it had something to do with the Titanic. Since I've become much more of a history buff than I ever used to be, I was excited to read this book and find out more about the only ship that came to the rescue. (Something that still completely boggles my mind, and I really want to learn more about why that happened.)

The author does an amazing job at putting the reader right there in all the action. The chapters go back and forth from Rostron, the captain of the Carpathia, and Kate Connolly, one of the survivors of the Titanic. Both points of view are very well written, and I could feel the anxiety, the heartache, the fear, all of it, while I was reading. 

If you are interested in history, or even just looking for a good story to read, this is one that I highly recommend.

Title: A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice
Author: Rebecca Connolly

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: April 2024 
ISBN: 1639932488
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: Sacred Days, Sacred Songs by Michael D. Young

Book Description:

Celebrate Easter with a joyful, soulful, and inspiring collection of songs about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Most people don't often associate Easter with music, but author Michael D. Young has collected a variety of inspirational hymns and songs--some solemn, some jubilant--and his commentary on their meaning can enhance our holiday experience.

Each chapter focuses on the rich history of two songs that relate to the events of Holy Week, including the Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. The complete lyrics for each song are provided, along with fascinating facts and stories behind each one. Also included are relevant scripture passages that illuminate the themes and events that inspired the songs, as well as a daily devotional of a Christlike attribute: deliverance, compassion, grace, hope, love, sacrifice, obedience, and renewal.

Readers can also experience the beauty and power of the songs in an immersive way through the inclusion of QR codes that link to YouTube videos of a variety of choirs, including the famous Tabernacle Choir, singing the songs being discussed, including such favorites as "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well with My Soul," and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" as well as lesser-known songs "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and "Drop, Drop Slow Tears."

Whether you are a seasoned churchgoer or simply someone who loves music, this gift book can help provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the significance of Easter, as well as the role that music has played in honoring and celebrating that Holy Week.

Rorie's Review:

This is a short, easy-to-read book that gives the reader a few scriptures, a few hymns, and background information on each hymn to read during Holy Week. I was only familiar with a few of the songs he listed, and found the stories of the creation of each one interesting. I'm looking forward to listening to all of the different songs, as well as using this book next week while our family prepares for Easter.

Andrea's Review:

I love the cover of this book and was excited to have a resource to help me put more focus and study on the true meaning of Easter. I enjoyed learning the background to the hymns that are included. Most of the stories were new to me, but I had heard at least one of them before. Some of them are so heart wrenching. Probably half of the hymns were new to me. Though it's not always easy for me to sing along to unfamiliar hymns, I love the spirit and feeling that comes with hymns, and liked the idea of this book for a daily devotional. I liked the word that went with each day (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday). This doesn't really explain what each day means (which I was hoping for), but if you already know it's a nice addition to a daily study during Holy Week.

Title: Sacred Days, Sacred Songs
Author: Michael D. Young

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024 
ISBN: 1639932291
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Book Review: Hidden Yellow Stars by Rebecca Connolly

Book Description:

Based on the true story of two World War II heroines who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Gestapo by hiding them throughout Belgium.

Belgium, 1942

Young schoolteacher Andrée Geulen secretly defies the Nazis in Belgium, who are forcing Jews to wear a yellow Star of David. Andrée is not Jewish, but she feels a maternal connection to her students, who are living in constant fear, and decides to take action. No child should have to suffer under such persecution. But what can one woman do against an entire army?

Ida Sterno is a Jewish woman who works with the Committee for the Defense of Jews in Belgium, a clandestine resistance group tasked with hiding children from the Gestapo. She wants to recruit Andrée because her Aryan appearance can provide crucial security measures for their efforts. Andrée agrees to join and begins work immediately by adopting a code name: Claude Fournier.

Together, Andrée and Ida, and their undercover operatives, work around the clock to move Jewish children from their families and smuggle them to safety through the secret channels established by the resistance. As each child is hidden, Andrée commits to memory their true name and history. Someday, she vows, she will help reunite as many of these families as she can.

But with the Gestapo closing in and the traitorous Fat Jacques who has turned from ally to enemy and is threatening to identify and expose any Jew he meets, Andrée and Ida must work even harder against increasingly impossible odds to save as many children as possible and keep them safely hidden--even if it might cost them their own lives.

Rorie's Review:

I really enjoyed reading "Under the Cover of Mercy" by this author, so I was excited to get a chance to read this book. I was not disappointed. It does move a little slowly in parts, but that's because it's real life, and real life isn't 24/7 action. I love reading about people like Andree (sorry, I don't know how to do the accents on my desktop keyboard. Pretend one is where it should be.) and Ida who risk everything to help innocent people. I hope that I would be as brave and determined as they were. As always, I appreciate the afterword that lets the reader know what happened to several of the main characters after the story ended. 

Andrea's Review:

I enjoy historical fiction and was so interested to learn about this story of the brave souls who put their lives on the line to help hide Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of Belgium. Growing up I learned about people like Anne Frank, but there are so many stories that are much less known. Andrée Geulen and Ida Sterno should be household names. It's amazing that their organization was able to hide so many children. There were many sad instances in the book, but I really appreciated the moments of hope and the goodness of those who either worked for the cause or who hosted the children. All took on a huge risk to their own safety, but pressed forward to try to do what was right. They looked at everyone as equals. This was a slow read for me, and at times I found myself skimming a bit, but on the whole it was an amazing story that is worth reading and sharing. 

Title: Hidden Yellow Stars
Author: Rebecca Connolly

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024 
ISBN: 1639932348
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: An Inconvenient Letter by Julie Wright

Book Description:

Complications arise when Marietta's secret love letters are accidentally found by the wrong man.

1828, the London countryside

For years, Marietta Stone has harbored a secret infatuation for the handsome Frederick Finch and has poured out her deepest feelings in a series of passionate love letters that she keeps in a locked drawer. But when Marietta's private letters are accidentally delivered to Frederick's house, she must retrieve them immediately before they fall into the wrong hands. If the letters were read by anyone else, the resulting scandal could jeopardize her reputation.

Gerard Hartwell has no time for infatuations, courtship, or even love. He must find a wife with a substantial inheritance if he wishes to save his late father's bankrupt estate. When he accidentally discovers Marietta's love letters at his cousin Frederick's estate, he strikes a bargain with her. If she helps him court her older sister, Anne, he will return the letters and help Marietta win Frederick's heart.

Marietta agrees, and the two quickly pretend to be courting in order to spend time with their individual love interests. Yet, what appeared to be a straightforward bargain becomes complicated when Gerard realizes that the more time he spends with Marietta, the more he wishes he could court her for real. But can he persuade Marietta to give him a chance when her heart might belong to another man?

Rorie's Review:

I think I have read all of this author's books, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I always get excited when one of my favorite authors comes out with a new book, so I was excited to get the chance to read this one.

Marietta was quite the interesting character. I can slightly relate to the issue with her letter - when I was in high school, I dropped off birthday cards to two different guys that I liked, only I mixed them up and gave the wrong card to the wrong guy! More than a little embarrassing, to say the least, so I completely understood her mortification when her secret love letters fell into the "wrong" hands. Thankfully, the person who found her letters was a much better character than some of the other people Marietta had dealings with during the course of this story.

This was an entertaining tale, and I highly recommend it.

Andrea’s Review:

An Inconvenient Letter is a fun story with great characters. The author did a wonderful job crafting an entertaining story that kept me intrigued. 

There was quite a bit of buildup to the explanation of what had happened during the prior season-more so than seemed warranted for what actually occurred, but that is probably the point. The Town was so critical and unforgiving for the littlest of things. 

I felt really bad for how Marietta was treated by her mother. For being her father’s favorite, I was quite surprised that he didn’t step in when her mother was blaming Etta for so much and being so emotionally cruel. I really appreciated the growth in the relationships by the end.

The growth between the main characters was very well done. Their feelings seemed realistic and not rushed. Ha, maybe it was even a bit slower than I wanted at times for them to both realize their feelings.

This was a quick read and one I’d recommend.

Title: An Inconvenient Letter
Author: Julie Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024 
ISBN: 1639932305
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campell Allen

Book Description:

London, 1887

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family's estate. Among her father's possessions is a box of her late mother's letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte's grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother's death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone--her treasured friend and director of London's police force, John Ellis.

John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.

Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more--and opening her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.

Rorie's Review:

Such a great addition to the Hampton House series. I have enjoyed all of the stories, but this one is probably one of my favorites. Charlotte had such a good heart, but was still able to stand up for herself as needed. John had a not-so-great family, but he handled them as well as could be expected, given the time period. 

The author does a great job at weaving the romance part of the story in with the mystery part of the story. Neither one feels overdone or rushed. I definitely recommend this book.

Title: Protecting Her Heart
Author: Nancy Campbell Allen
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: January 2024 
ISBN: 1639931694
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book