The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold — Book Review

This Christian novel tells the story of a young reporter, Aidyn Kelley, who is given what seems to be a lowly job — writing an obituary for a hospice patient with no family. At first, she is uncomfortable visiting with Clara (Mrs. Kip) and wants to quickly get the facts so that she can be done with her assignment. Gradually, over the course of a week, she comes to see Clara as an inspiring role model. Although Clara never left her home in Kansas, her life was an adventure that had long term effects on her community and even the world. As the author puts it:

“Sometimes we do things in life without knowing what ripples flow from it long afterward”

This is a light and enjoyable read, that manages to depict the process of dying without too much sugar-coating. You’ll get a bit of history about the war in Vietnam and what happened to in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal. It will encourage readers to look back over their own lives to see how God has been at work, and trust in Him to work out His purposes even during the times that seem bleak.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. To understand the title, you’ll have to read the book for yourself!

For more Christian novels see these posts:

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley–Book Review

The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright–Book Review

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon — Book Review

This Christian novel has it all — mystery, suspense, and romance. Grace Reilly, a forensic pathologist in rural Missouri notices something odd during the autopsies of two older residents. The cause of death appears to be heart-related (not unusual considering their age), but both have some sort of seeds in the contents of their stomachs. After making her concerns know to the new Sheriff, Nate Cox, the two embark on a quest to discover whether these deaths are linked, and not natural at all. Their association leads to mutual attraction, and eventually (SPOILER ALERT), marriage.

The romantic plot is predictable, but the unraveling of the crime is entertaining and has plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Who is the murderer? You probably won’t get it right! There are some ethical dilemmas that add interest to the plot. Since most of the characters are Christian, the reader is spared the deplorable language which characterizes so much fiction these days.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. A light, enjoyable read.

For more Christian fiction, see these posts:

a long time comin’ by Robin W. Pearson — Book Review

Every Secret Thing by Ann Tatlock–Book Review

The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton–Book Review

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley–Book Review

This historical novel is based on the life of Ann Low, one of the most famous dress designers of the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Ann developed her skills under the tutelage of her mother and grandmother, a former slave. At a very young age she married an older man who proved to be an abusive alcoholic. He thwarts her talent and dreams for a time. Luckily, she is given the chance to escape to Tampa, Florida when a wealthy socialite recognizes her ability and offers her a job sewing for her family. She encourages Ann and underwrites her education at a design school in New York. Eventually Ann settles in New York and becomes a designer to those listed in the Social Register. She fashions the wedding gown of Jackie Kennedy, among others.

Ann’s story is filled with hard work and tragedy, as well as triumph. Throughout she feels led by God and supported by her church family.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. A light and inspirational read.

For more Christian fiction see these book reviews:

until Leaves fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin–Book Review

Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry — Book Revie

Beneath the Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick–Book Review

Beneath the Bending Skies is a novel based upon the life of Mary Sheehan Ronan, originally told in Girl from the Gulches: The Story of Mary Ronan, published by the Montana Historical Society. It is a realistic glimpse into life in the old west.

Mary (who goes by Mollie) led an interesting life which included many moves (you will be reminded of the Little House books), along with tragedy, tribulation, and joy. Her mother dies when she is quite young, and through the example of her stepmother, Ma Anne, she learns that women must be “agile” by adapting to changing circumstances and putting their trust and faith in God. She is able to maintain an optimistic attitude, believing that:

“We will have to listen for God’s guidance…. Something will come up. There are always new possibilities.”

This is wise advice for all of us, and a message I needed to hear right now.

By the end of the story, Mollie and her husband have settled at the Flathead Reservation in the Mission Valley of Western Montana, where Peter is the government agent. The agency becomes known as a welcoming place and attracts many visitors (including the wife of Lt. Col. George Custer). Mollie develops her gift for hospitality and “neighboring” and Peter works for justice for the Indian tribes among whom they live.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. A light but engaging historical read.

For more reviews of novels see:

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron–Book Review

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review

until Leaves fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin–Book Review

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron–Book Review

Although the characters in this historical novel are fictional, it is based on an actual situation. In 1943, when the German officials occupying Rome gave orders to clear the Jewish ghetto, some escaped to the Fatebenefratelli Hospital and the adjoining San Giovanni Calibita Church, where they were sheltered and saved by an invented disease–“Syndrome K.” Nazis who came to search the hospital were handed masks and advised that a highly contagious plague was spreading through the patients — they declined to search the “quarantine wards.” This allowed time for those hiding to be provided with false documents and spirited away.

The story moves from 1943 when a young Jewish girl is saved at the hospital through the intervention of two American medics, to the present day. The girl is now old, and the soldiers who rescued her have died. Before dementia sets in, she is able to tell her story to her own grandson and the granddaughter of one of the medics, as well as deliver some historic documents to the Holocaust Museum in Rome.

Of course, there is more to the story, including some romance, and the themes of forgiveness, faith and reconciliation are woven in as well.

There were many characters, and yet none were developed completely enough to create a sense of empathy in the reader. In the same way, the Christian topics were only addressed in a rudimentary way.

VERDICT: 3 STARS. If you’re looking for an easy to read, historical romance, you may like it. I was not impressed.

For more Christian fiction see:

until Leaves fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin–Book Review

The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence–Book Review

Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

Every Secret Thing by Ann Tatlock–Book Review

I’m not always a fan of Christian fiction (often it’s too superficial and predictable), but I truly enjoyed this book. For one thing, I learned a new phrase, which is always a plus for a “word” person: sensus divinitatis. It means the natural capacity of people to perceive God and is particularly associated with the writings of John Calvin.

This sensus divinitatis is a theme which threads through the entire plot. The main character, Elizabeth Gunnar is an English teacher who returns to teach at a private school in Delaware, the same school she graduated from years ago. There she meets a special student and connects with some of her former classmates and teachers. In the process, she is able to resolve a troubling event from her past. Her faith, and the faith of others deepens as they learn to recognize the presence of God in daily life.

There are many references to books and authors that will delight the English majors among us (like me). The characters are realistically portrayed and engaging. It was a quick and entertaining read.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. A charming vacation read!

For more Christian fiction reviews see these posts:

pearl in the sand by Tessa Afshar–Book Review

a long time comin’ by Robin W. Pearson — Book Review

Jack by Marilynne Robinson– Book Review

The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright–Book Review

A ghost story, lost girls, mysteries to solve, a bit of romance–this light read has it all. Set in the town of Tempter’s Creek, a logging town in Wisconsin, the plot moves between Wren, who works at a Bible camp in the present day, and Ava, an orphan suspected of murdering her family in 1930. Both women have secrets in their lives that are gradually unraveled and revealed by the end of the novel.

If you enjoy psychological suspense, this book by a Christy Award-Winning author may be right up your alley. It is well written. with plenty of suspenseful twists. The Christian faith of the protagonists was part of the characterization, but not deeply explored or integral to the plot. However, it was refreshing to read a novel without the questionable language and behavior that characterizes so much fiction today.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. Take it to the beach with you this summer!

For more Christian fiction see these post

until Leaves fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin–Book Review

The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton–Book Review

Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

until Leaves fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin–Book Review

If you are looking for some light reading this historical romance may be just the thing. In 1940 Lucie Girard, an American living in Paris and performing in the Paris Opera Ballet, has a decision to make: should she flee to America, or remain in the city she has come to love? The decision is made easier when she learns that her Jewish friends, the Greenblatts, will have to abandon their bookstore to avoid Nazi persecution–that is if they can raise the money to start over. Lucie quits the ballet, buys the bookstore, and embarks on a new life journey with twists and turns she could never have imagined.

I’m usually not one for Christian fiction, but this novel is well written and had enough historical detail to maintain my interest. The romance is formulaic and predictable: the protagonists meet and encounter difficulties which could derail their relationship, but in the end, love triumphs and all is neatly wrapped up. The characters are Christian, and their faith if portrayed realistically, as simply part of their lives.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. Not amazing, but an acceptable, easy read.

For more Christian fiction see these posts:

The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton–Book Review

The Purple Nightgown by A. D. Lawrence–Book Review

pearl in the sand by Tessa Afshar–Book Review

What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris–Book Review

Kenyatta (KB) is an eleven-year-old girl on the cusp of becoming a young adult. She loves to read, and she loves her family. When her drug-addicted father dies of an overdose, life begins to fall apart. The family home is lost, her mother is suffering from clinical depression, and KB and her sister are sent to live with her maternal grandfather, who has been estranged from their mother for years.

This is a story of learning to understand others, to forgive and to move forward when tragedies strike. From her grandfather, KB learns about another book she comes to love (the Bible) and how Bible study can help us to navigate difficult times. Her grandfather tells her:

“The Bible is filled with stories, just like them books you always reading. But the stories are bout God, and they teach us how we should live our lives.”

At the end of a difficult summer, KB’s small family comes back together with renewed hope and faith in their future together.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. Not deep, but an easy and inspiring read with excellent characterization. A good book to take on vacation with you this year!

For more book reviews see:

The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin–Book Review

The Great Good Thing by Andrew Klavan — Book Review

Deeper by Dane C. Orland — Book Review

Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

This book is the second in the Sensible Shoes (Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review ) by author Sharon Garlough Brown.  It continues the spiritual journeys of four friends who meet on a retreat — Hannah (single pastor on a long sabbatical), Charissa (perfectionist graduate student), Mara (mother of three boys in a difficult marriage) and Meg (widow and empty-nester).

As before, most people will find someone with a story that resonates with their own experiences.  These women fight common spiritual battles with anxiety, a desire to control, grief, difficulties in relationships, envy, and all the normal stresses and changes of daily life.

 

I had reserved this book from the local library, and it took quite a while for it to come in.  I told my reunion group sister that I was sure it would arrive at “the right time” and it did.  The plot takes place around the Christmas season and one of the themes is “making room for Jesus” in the mess and chaos of our lives.  Right before I read this book, I wrote a post on this very idea! ( see Make Room for Jesus).

If you’re in a book club or small group this would be a great read to study together.  There is a companion guide for prayer and conversation at the back.  It would be suitable to do either alone or with others.

VERDICT:  5 STARS.  It was hard to put down!  However, I would recommend reading the books in order, so start with Sensible Shoes.  

For reviews of other works of Christian Fiction see:

Jack by Marilynne Robinson– Book Review

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry — Book Review

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review