What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This split-time story is set during World War II and modern day. Mathilda’s story begins in 1941. She’s a Sephardic Jew living in Salonika, Greece, with her husband, Asher, at the beginning of the book. The Germans are coming. Everyone fears that the Germans are doing to Jews in other parts of Europe will happen to them. Mathilda believes her newspaper will stir her community’s courage. She continues to write her articles against the Germans in secret even after they occupy Greece.

Tessa is a college student in contemporary Pittsburg. The results of her genealogy tests shock her because they show her Sephardic Jewish heritage, something her mother had never shared. Even more shocking is that her cousin’s test isn’t even similar. It’s not difficult to leave behind strained family relationships on summer break. She travels to discover her roots in Salonika, Greece, where a handsome curator at a Jewish Museum helps her trace her ancestry. He gives her Mathilda’s diary to give her insights about the horror faced by the Jews in the area.

Tessa is not prepared for what she learns.

This book was a page-turner for me. Characters face impossible choices in the WWII story. It’s heart-wrenching to read. Difficult family relationships and old scars tug will readers’ emotions in the contemporary story. The overall desire to learn what happened to Mathilda and her family kept me glued to the story. A compelling read that makes you think about the story after the last page.

I enjoyed this poignant story that held surprising twists. I knew little about what had happened in Greece during WWII before picking up this book.  

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical and split-time stories.

Amazon

ACFW New Releases April 2024

April 2024 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:

Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer — She’s perfectly content leading a quiet life in her small hometown. He’s an adventurer with unquenchable wanderlust. The two couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. But a tandem bicycle and a 500-mile road trip just might change all that. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)

Playing For Keeps by Deborah Raney — The love story of Art and Maddie continues in Playing for Keeps. But their fledgling marriage faces challenges when expectations collide. When Maddie is offered a chance to take a research trip to Paris, it appears a short separation might help them both figure out what happily-ever-after looks like for them. Yet even the beautiful City of Lights is lonely without the man she loves with all her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Safe Haven Ranch by Louise M Gouge — It should be easy for widow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying the ranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomes instant friends with Will’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselves growing closer as well. And as Olivia’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift, competing for the property could be the start of something more… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Contemporary and Women’s Fiction:

Cookies & Eggnog from Welcombe Bay by Kate Darroch — The prequel to the first novel in the Sweets By the Sea series, “Thanksgiving in Welcombe Bay.” In this Christmas novella we learn that Lily met her former husband Gary on her 18th birthday, and we see how Gary establishes his ascendancy over her. We watch God’s love operating in her life through the actions of her grandparents and her vicar’s wife, and learn why that ultimately leads Lily to a moment of truth when she must seek to reclaim her wavering faith. (General Contemporary, Independently Published [Ad Astra Press, Inc.])

Always Think of Me by Lori Keesey — Tyrus Cal, TC for short, had no plans to leave his party boy life, but when he met Ginny at an outdoor music festival, he fell. Hard. When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected. (General Contemporary, Mascot Books)

Why the Mountains Stand by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm — When skating coach Addisyn Miles becomes responsible for Kenzie, a turbulent new student, she’s blindsided by the girl’s troubling link to her own past. But when Kenzie rediscovers a local legend, more is at stake than either of them realized. Now, Addisyn must choose between allowing the secrets to destroy them both…or finally finding the purpose behind their shared pain. (Contemporary, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

General Historical:

Secrets of the Wildflowers by Sarah Talbert — After a tragic event involving the sacrifice of her brother, Miu escapes the stifling gods and patriarchal norms of ancient Ur, embarking on a transformative quest for freedom, like wildflowers in bloom; she grapples with control issues and learns to trust in Abraham’s personal god, Yahweh, finding a community where she can live as she was created to be. (General Historical, Eternal Threads Publishing)

Historical Romance:

Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust by Misty M Beller — Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for. When Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband and father. But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep — As co-owner of The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency, Kit Forge fearlessly takes on a missing child case, only to find herself and her husband, Chief Inspector Jackson Forge, risking everything to save their own baby from the dangerous criminals involved. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Spring at The Greenbrier by Sandra Merville Hart — Marilla has resigned herself to spinsterhood in order to help care for her sister but more than that obstacle stands in the way of courting the wealthy brother of her sister’s best friend. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Dreams for Courage by Shanna Hatfield — When a private investigator’s trail leads her to an aloof rancher, will love give them the courage they need to face his past and dream of a future together? (Historical Romance from Wholesome Hearts Publishing)

Even in Death by Rebecca Hemlock — Private Detective Trix Fredson wants her husband’s murder solved, and the couple responsible live in her old home. Her husband’s best friend, Ted Mcallister pulled some strings to get Trix the job at the detective agency. He promised to help her solve Ron’s murder, which would be difficult. But how can he do that and keep himself from revealing his true feelings for her? That was going to be even harder. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

The Garden Girls by Jessica R Patch — On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past. (Contemporary Psychological Suspense Thriller from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Romantic Suspense:

Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen — This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

One Good Time by Luana Ehrlich — CIA covert operative Titus Ray is asked to do the unthinkable and allow a terrorist to enter the country illegally in order to stop an attack on the U. S., but as he tracks the terrorist to his destination, he suffers a devastating loss that threatens to derail the mission. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Grave Consequences by Elle E. Kay — Cate Garrison is working as a wildlife biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and crosses paths with a mysterious park ranger whose dangerous past has caught up with him. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. Turner — When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction:

Never Forget the Truth by F.D. Adkins — When the forces of darkness masquerade in the light, is your sword sharpened in TRUTH and wielded to fight? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Split-Time:

Braving Strange Waters by Sarah Hanks — Stella Lindy is supposed to be soaking up the sunshine with her bridesmaids on a bachelorette cruise to Hawaii. But when she hits the wrong button on the elevator, the glamorous luxury of the modern ship is replaced with the Missouri River steamboat Arabia filled with strangers—and a mysterious doctor informs her it is 1856. Communicating through an antique mailbox, her friends on the cruise try to guide her back home before the steamboat sinks, but Stella finds herself caught in a tangled web between pro-slavery Border Ruffians and anti-slavery Jayhawkers. Standing up for what’s right in the face of peril and uncertainty might mean never making it home. (General/Split-Time, Independently Published [SonFlower Books])

Young Adult:

Protector by Megan Schaulis — Nanotech, royal romance, and biblical themes combine in this YA dystopian retelling of Esther—perfect for fans of The Selection or The Hunger Games. (Young Adult from WhiteCrown Publishing)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy — When an aimless wanderer and fearless female determined to find a city of gold are forced to work together and set out to find the treasure, trouble is hot on their trail. (Historical (Western) Romance)

His Unexpected Grandchild by Myra Johnson — This toddler will steal his heart…Just in time to open it… (Contemporary Romance)

An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson — Abigail stands to lose all if Garrett Barringer sees past her physical beauty and uncovers the ugliness of her imperfect past. Will Abigail continue on the condemned path she’s fashioned for herself, or trust that God wants a future for her she never believed possible? (Historical Romance)

Phooey Kerflooey by Kristen Joy Wilks — Through a raucous tornado of personal growth, the boys and Phooey work together to save the day. But when the dust (and squirrel poo) settles, can they convince Dad and Mom to let them keep their puppy princess? (Middle-grade Chapter book)

Drinking the Waters at The Greenbrier

by Sandra Merville Hart

In A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series, Marilla, our heroine, works at The Greenbrier in 1914. Her first job at the resort was serving guests tumblers of sulphur spring water, a tradition at the historic hotel, one that dates back to 1785, when Michael Bowyer owned the land. He hired a couple to manage his health resort and early guests stayed in their own tents to partake of the waters.

The health resort grew from those humble beginnings to become a place where the wealthy came to drink the waters. Guests brought their whole families and stayed for weeks in the summer. They walked across the lawn to the Springhouse to drink tumblers of water before breakfast, lunch, and supper.

Dr. Moorman served resort guests in the 1800s for decades. He recommended starting with 4 – 8 glasses daily, growing to a maximum of 12 glasses daily in two weeks. He felt that guests would see health benefits for the bowels, liver, kidneys, and skin in 3 – 6 weeks.

Dyspepsia, jaundice, chronic rheumatism, scurvy, and neuralgia were a few of the conditions he saw improvement among guests drinking spring water. Other doctors sent their patients to the resort for a variety of ailments.

To satisfy guests’ demand for the waters in between visits, it was sent in bottles and barrels to apothecaries in major cities. Nearly every drug store in America sold cases of 24 bottles for $5 by 1902. It was labeled as A Natural Laxative and was sold until 1942.

The spring waters are an important part of the story in A Spring at The Greenbrier, where two little girls need its benefits.

Sources

Conte, Robert S. The History of The Greenbrier: America’s Resort, Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., 1989.

Moorman, J.J., Md. Directory for Use of White Sulphur Waters with Practical Remarks on their Medicinal Properties, T.K. & P.G. Collins, 1839.

The Greenbrier Heritage by William Olcott

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Greenbrier Heritage: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

This book begins with the early history of The Greenbrier and the surrounding area, showing its humble beginnings.

Many famous visitors stayed at The Greenbrier over its rich history, including United States Presidents Millard Fillmore, Andrew Jackson, James Buchanan, Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Franklin Pierce, and James K. Polk.

I enjoyed the many pictures and photos of paintings in the book that depicted scenes at The Greenbrier and its many visitors.

I purchased this book to discover the history for The Greenbrier, the beautiful resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. I was researching the background for my book, A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series. Not only does my heroine work there in the new Bath Wing but also her younger sister needs to bathe in the spring waters to possibly help her.

Recommended for readers of American history and those interested in learning about The Greenbrier.

Amazon

Historic Springs of the Virginias by Stan Cohen

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Historic Springs of the Virginias: A Pictorial History

I purchased this book to learn more about the springs in West Virginia. I was researching the background for my book, A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series. Not only does my heroine work there in the new Bath Wing but also her younger sister needs to bathe in the spring waters to possibly help her.

This book is well-written. It gives a broad view of the many springs in Virginia and West Virginia. I had no idea there were so many or that several of them were associated with health resorts at some point. The Greenbrier, which began as a health resort in the 1700s, is located in White Sulphur Springs.

The book is filled with interesting history. Photos, maps, sketches, and nostalgic advertisements greatly enhance the book.

Lots of tidbits and historical facts for the springs in West Virginia and Virginia.

Recommended for readers of American history and those interested in learning the sulphur springs.

Amazon

Eclipse Snack Basket

by Sandra Merville Hart

My plans are to head to my sister’s house to watch the eclipse. As there are children coming, I thought it would be fun to bring party snacks to this rare occasion.

It was fun to shop! I could not find Mars candy bars—they seem to be the first item hostesses went after! I did find moon pies but they were quickly disappearing too. The man ahead of me in line had three boxes of the treats to share with his son’s class at school.

My basket includes:

Eclipse Gum

Sun Chips

Sunflower Seeds

Star Crunch

Cosmic Brownies

Luna Nutrition Bars

Milky Way Candy Bars

Banana Moon Pies

Chocolate Moon Pies

Sun-maid Raisins

Orbit Gum

Beverages

Sunny Delight

Capri Sun

Another beverage idea is Sunkist Orange Drink.

An easy creative idea would be to make Rice Krispie Treats and cut them into star and moon shapes. Do the same thing with fruit.

Enjoy!

The 1910 New Owners Remodel The Greenbrier

by Sandra Merville Hart

In A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series, Marilla, our heroine, works at The Greenbrier. This historic resort had been purchased from previous owners in 1910, who renamed it “The White”. Guests who had been returning for long stays year after year chose to affectionately refer to the hotel as “The Old White”.

Three churches held Sunday services at The Greenbrier around the time it changed hands. St. Thomas’ Episcopal Chapel had been built in 1885. Local residents had built a Methodist church in 1855, and it was largely attended by guests as well as townspeople. From its high position on the resort, St. Charles, Church of Rome, offered breathtaking views to churchgoers.

The grounds had changed little for fifty years before the new owners took over in 1910. Dramatic changes were made in the remodeling and not only in the addition of wings.

New walkways were laid on the center of the grounds after the old dining room was torn down. Romantic trails were created in the woods, giving couples plenty of choices—Lover’s Walk, Hesitance Row, Lover’s Leap, Courtship Maze, Rejection Row, and Acceptance Way to Paradise.

Although the needs of her family has forced Marilla, our heroine in A Spring at The Greenbrier, to push aside dreams of a husband and family, she still longs to walk the romantic trails with a handsome beau.

Sources

Conte, Robert S. The History of The Greenbrier: America’s Resort, Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., 1989.

McDowell, Aubin Aydelotte. Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs: White Sulphur Springs as known in History and Tradition, W.F. Roberts & Co, 1909.

The History of The Greenbrier by Robert S. Conte

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The History of The Greenbrier: America’s Resort

Excellent book!

I purchased this book to discover the history for The Greenbrier, the beautiful resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. I was researching the background for my book, A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series. Not only does my heroine work there in the new Bath Wing but also her younger sister needs to bathe in the spring waters to possibly help her.

This book is well-written and easy to read. It traces the history of the health resort from its humble beginning.

Lots of tidbits, historical facts, and stories about early guests make this a delightful read. Because the resort soon catered to wealthy guests who stayed for weeks at a time, there were many famous visitors, including United States Presidents.

Recommended for readers of American history and those interested in learning the sulphur springs.

Amazon

From the Pen of a She-Rebel

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

From the Pen of a She-Rebel: The Civil War Diary of Emilie Riley McKinley

This is the Diary of Emilie Riley McKinley, who lived a few miles outside of Vicksburg. It spans 10 months—from May 1863 to March 1864, covering the Siege of Vicksburg, the surrender, of part of occupation of Vicksburg.

Emilie lived on a plantation. Groups of Union soldiers came to the home and took away livestock, pistols, and rifles. They continued to come, and took the family’s meat and produce away in the family’s wagons without payment, despite the owner’s protests.

Sometimes different groups of soldiers came several times a day. This happened before the Battle of Vicksburg, during the Siege of Vicksburg, and continued after the surrender.

Soldiers and others, armed with weapons, searched homes for valuables and dug up hidden treasures like silver. These were taken.

As I read the book, I was shocked at what one family and their neighbors endured. The account held my attention.

I purchased this book to discover the history for the siege.

Recommended for readers of American Civil War history and American history.

Amazon

Announcing Spies of the Civil War Series Book 4 Release Today!

by Sandra Merville Hart

I’m thrilled to announce the release of Streams of Courage, Book 4 of my Spies of the Civil War Series today, March 26, 2024!

Books 4 – 6 of the series are set in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi—a city the Union is as determined to capture as the Confederacy is to retain. Much happens here during the Civil War, not the least of which is spying.

The city’s population swells when the war begins. Southern citizens try to wipe out Unionist support. Fear silences some of the Unionists. Others are emboldened to spy for the North, like our hero.  

Here’s a bit about the book:

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?

Order your copy today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and Books2Read.