book club

Thanks,Katie & Heather!


This week, I read:

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.  
  When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
(thanks to her website)

I loved Kristina's first novel and I couldn't wait to dig into this one. It doesn't disappoint with lovely characters and different points of view during a time in America's history where people were scared and treated unfairly based on stereotypes. I wasn't a big TJ fan though and I did think the story was a bit too long but it was sweet nonetheless. An endearing journey for Americans and Japanese during WWII. I give it a B.


River of Mercy by BJ Hoff

BJ’s faithful fans will delight in River of Mercy, the exciting conclusion to BJ’s bestselling Riverhaven Years trilogy, Rachel and the “outsider,” Jeremiah Gant, desperately search for God’s will amid the turmoil of their forbidden love for each other. Adding to the suspense is Gant’s ongoing struggle to maintain the secrecy of his dangerous work with the Underground Railroad.
Meanwhile, Rachel’s brother, young Gideon Kanagy, faces a life-altering challenge, as well as an unexpected romance with his Amish friend, Emma Knepp.
How will the story end? Will Gideon return to the Amish? Will Rachel and Gant finally find their desired haven?
(thanks to her website)

I liked this series, a different time period (1800s) and way of living (Amish) that tells a unique story. Decent characters that have different trials with the Amish life and God. Some mystery and romance tossed together;although it was a bit of a slow start I liked it overall. A nice ending to the series. I give it a B.

The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts













Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…
As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be—except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.
While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome—and embarrassing—appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him.
(thanks to her website)

Since the first book in this trilogy was my first ever NR book, I couldn't wait to read this final installment and let me tell you it warmed my heart and soul just like the others. I adore NR's writing,it is fun and simple yet seems so real and believable. Wonderful characters are back and we learn more about the grumpy Ryder and sweet Hope. Incredibly fast read;I give this an A.

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Happy Friday!