Book Review - Embers in the London Sky

The latest release from Sarah Sundin is a gift to this generation of readers, as if the embers of the Second Great Fire of London singed onto the pages an homage to the refugees who flocked to her and those who toiled to care for them. We who are now generations removed from that war only know of the everyday greatness of these people by way of the stories left behind and the works of fiction taken from those stories, wrapped in a tidy bow, and offered up to us by authors who strive to honor them. Sundin takes the plight of the refugee and entwines it with the struggle of news correspondents who must find a way to report on reality without giving information to the enemy or damaging the morale of the citizens. Together those storylines converge to give us Embers in the London Sky.

Sundin is a thoroughly immersive storyteller. In a way that does not beleaguer the storyline, the setting comes alive around the reader. Engaging characters beckon the reader to bond, and it feels as though one is sitting around the table at the Hart and Swan with Aleida, Hugh, Lou, Jouveau, and a host of other corespondents from various countries. It does not take much to become enmeshed in Aleida’s search for her missing son and Hugh’s for his uncle’s murderer, or in the flame of attraction between the two. Embers in the London Sky is a full novel with fully developed players and storylines, but it will be a quick read when you realize you simply cannot walk away until the thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin is available from your favorite local bookseller or online:

Baker Book House        Christian Book         Amazon          Walmart           Barnes & Noble

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Book Review - What Momma Left Behind

"I tried to convince myself this was a mistake, but it was like the good Lord stuck His hand down my mouth and pulled them words right out. They was no doubt I'd regret it."

Worie Dressar's notions of family get turned on their ear when her momma leaves this earth and Worie finds that Momma has been caring for the orphans of Sourwood Mountain. What is she supposed to do about the children who keep showing up at her feet with empty bellies and no families? The answer sure wasn't to take them in, but the good Lord had other plans for Worie's life.

Cindy K. Sproles has developed very strong and interesting characters in What Momma Left Behind. Their strengths and flaws are relatable, opening the reader up to a beautiful journey to understanding forgiveness and unconditional love. Her exploration of what makes a family, especially in light of God's love and care, is a heartfelt experience for the reader.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are completely genuine.

25 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 18

Oh, how I am tempted to say that today I am thankful for words out of the mouths of babes. This morning my dear, precious Princess Pea Pod asked if she could button my cardigan and I asked her to button only the top button. She worked on it for about a minute and got the small button through the buttonhole. Then she took a step back, checked me from head to toe, and announced "Mommy! It looks like a tent!"

WHAP!


SMACK!


BANG!

I was knocked flat on my tushie! I look like I'm wearing a tent?!? I look huge? I was just about to shut myself in the bathroom for a good cry when I realized that she wasn't calling me a bloated whale. The upside down V created by buttoning only the top button reminded her of the triangle made by the tent door. I could literally feel the anxiety melt away as I realized that I only look like the door on The Dump. (The Dump is our big ol' tent. Its a whole different story!) And then she gave me a big hug and a kiss and ran off to finish getting ready for school. She has no idea what she did to me this morning. She won't. Because she loves(!) camping and she loves(!) tents, and this morning my sweater reminded her of two things she loves. What a kid!

Today, on day 18 of thanks-giving, I am thankful for Thanksgiving celebrations. In about an hour and a half I will be enjoying the festivities of a preschool Thanksgiving with my Princess Pea Pod and her friends. Preschoolers really know how to celebrate! I'm taking my camera; there will definitely be pics. And, as if once isn't enough, this evening I will celebrate Thanksgiving with my bible study girls. Yay! I may be too miserable to sleep tonight, but I'll sure enjoy getting there! So today, a week before Thanksgiving Day, I encourage you to celebrate something for which you are thankful. And then eat a piece of pie!