The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

About the Book

Mabel MacGinnis, “Europe’s Strongest Woman,” finds herself adrift and aimless after her father, a renowned strongman, suddenly passes away.  Just as she is to commit to a new act, she is informed that her mother, long thought to be dead, is alive and a famous aerialist in America.  She decides to make the trip to America to find her mother.  Jake Cunningham, a close friend of her family from the circus, cannot bear to let Mabel make the trip alone, so he decides to help her search for her mother in America on his way to see his family in Kansas.  However, soon the circus calls once more to Mabel and Jake, forcing them to have to make a decision about which road they must travel to discover their place in the world.

About the Author

Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in southwest Ohio. When she’s not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty-three years. He doesn’t mind. Learn more at kimberlyduffy.com.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Baker Book House

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Christian Book

My Thoughts

This author is one of my favorites because she has such a gift in writing rich characters that become alive in your mind and stay with you long after you have finished the book.  I really, really liked Mabel.  She is so sweet with such a big heart.  I enjoyed reading about her relationship with Jake.  I liked that the characters are not perfect and have very realistic struggles.  This novel handles themes of forgiveness and trust very well, and I loved reading how Mabel and Isabella made peace with their pasts and learned to move forward with hope and love.  I was also captivated by the circus life of 1910 and thought the author did a fantastic job describing the scenes such that it was easy to envision the setting.  The author’s lyrical writing style flows so well and allows me to effortlessly immerse myself into the story.  I have loved every one of her novels and this one was another great book.  Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Favorite Quotes

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Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble

Newly appointed Police Chief Jane Hardy is struggling with recently discovered dark truths about her past and a scandal in her police department when a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus rocks their small town.   As she digs deeper, she discovers that an environmental terrorist is determined to flood the Mobile Bay with crude oil.  Racing against time, she reluctantly allows her son’s father, Reid Dixon, to assist with the case.  However, when someone threatens their son, Will, she and Reid must fight the odds to stop them before it is too late.

I enjoyed the first book in this series very much and was excited to continue the story of Jane and Reid in this second book.  I definitely recommend reading this series in order because even though the crimes are separate, the personal lives of the characters continue from the first book.  I liked learning more about Jane and Reid and liked how the plot developed more on their relationship and their past.  I liked that the romance is realistic both in the timeline and the feelings of the characters.  Although I thought there were a few slower moments in the middle of the story, the suspense took off in the last few chapters and the book finished strong!  I cannot wait for the next book and the final conclusion to the series!  I recommend this series to those who enjoy contemporary suspense!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green

Johanna Berglund reluctantly accepts a position as a translator for German POWs at a camp in her hometown of Ironside Lake, Minnesota.  She is not very thrilled to be returning to the Midwest, but she is surprised when she arrives to discover that the town is in conflict between the locals and the prisoners.  Although she is understanding of the hostility of the town so recently after World War II, she soon becomes sympathetic to the conditions of the German workers as well.  Johanna finds herself struggling to remain impartial to their plight and soon finds herself in a difficult position where the lines between patriotism and treason become blurred.

I’ll admit that I was a little nervous to read this book because I’ve never read an expository novel before, but I was surprised after a few chapters to find myself getting into a rhythm that allowed the story to flow quite naturally.  I really liked Johanna and her tender yet fiercely strong heart as she tackled a task of compassion despite resistance from her townspeople.  I think the style of writing allowed me to get closest to Johanna.  I did really like learning about the history and thought the novel was well researched.  I also liked the spiritual themes artfully woven into the story without being preachy.  Overall, this was an interesting and enjoyable novel and I look forward to what the author will pen next!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Flight Risk by Cara Putman

Savannah Daniels has trouble trusting after the betrayal of her ex-husband, and she is relieved when she is finally able to move on, build her law practice, and be a good aunt to her niece.  However, chaos once again enters her life when journalist Jett Glover exposes an international sex-trafficking scandal and those near to her become involved. Jett was simply hoping to exposure the truth, but as he witnesses the hurt that results from his article, he begins to wonder if perhaps he acted too rashly.  As Jett attempts to sort fact from fiction, he hopes Savannah can forgive him in order to help him solve the facts before it is too late.

This book was full of past-faced action and suspense!  The story contained lots of unpredictable twists and turns that kept the plot interesting.  I liked Savannah a lot, but Jett was definitely someone it took time to like. I thought the author did a good job of handling sensitive subjects of human trafficking and alcoholism.  Some of the characters from Cara Putman’s Hidden Justice series make an appearance in this book, but I do not think that you have to read that series first to enjoy this novel.  Overall, this novel is an enjoyable suspense book and I recommend it to those who like romantic suspense!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski

Kat Whitford is content with the luxurious lifestyle and comfort provided by her Nazi boyfriend. However, when her family requests that she find and take care of her wayward sister Ellie, she is determined to help her sister.  Her father pays Barrett Anderson a hefty sum to watch over the two girls, but Barrett has a secret of his own, training resistance fighters in a basement in Nazi occupied Paris.  As their fragile trust begins to unfold, Kat and Barrett are faced with dangers neither one of them ever comprehended.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book because I have read numerous fictional novels about the resistance fighters of WWII, but it was interesting to get a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of the Nazi officers.  The characters are captivating and their stories are interesting, making it easy to want to keep reading to explore them further.  I like how they grow and change and particularly how Kat develops courage and determination during the story.  I thought the author did a good job of creating a fictional story that seemed real to me, like it could have actually happened during that time period.  The history is well researched and incorporated!  Portions of the middle of the book were a little slow and I didn’t love Ellie’s character, but I think this story is well written and worth the read.  I recommend it to those who love historical fiction!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Selah by Lisa T. Bergren

Selah Banning has had a unique upbringing, growing up on the West Indies island of Nevis in 1770s.  As the Revolutionary War gains momentum in the United States, Selah’s abolitionist views become even more controversial. She finds an ally in Jedediah Reed, a Methodist preacher with a call to serve the slaves of Nevis.  Although their opinions draw them together, there are other circumstances that may tear them apart.

I have enjoyed this series! I do recommend that you read the stories in order to fully understand the characters.  I liked that I was once again transported to the islands with their colorful scenery, easily imagined based on the author’s descriptions.  I enjoyed reading about Selah a lot and appreciated her love for the slaves and her compassionate heart.  I could tell that Jedediah has a good heart, but I wish he had a bit more gumption.  The villain in the story was easy to hate.  I appreciated the attention that the author paid to the cruelties of slavery, and I thought that she did a good job communicating the horrors without being too graphic.  I felt like the ending of the book did not wrap up the story and it almost seems like there should be another in the series.  Overall, however, I enjoyed the book and have liked this series!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Catriona O’Toole emigrates from Ireland with her sister Nora just days before the Battle of Franklin in 1866, looking for her younger brother, Ryan.  An operative in the United States Secret Service Agency, Wade Cunningham is searching for counterfeiters and the evidence is pointing to Catriona.  However, he has trouble believing the clues as he is drawn to Catriona.  Meanwhile, Catriona is focused on finding Ryan, worried that he may be among the mass grave of bodies in the field following on the deadliest battles of the Civil War.

I love how Tamera Alexander takes real history and real places (in this case, the Carnton home) and writes fictional characters that highlight the time period.  Her research is impeccable!  It is easy to be transported to the time period and to visualize the battlefields and smell the gunpowder.  Tamera Alexander brings honor and respect to the history in such a powerful way.  I found myself easily drawn to the characters and their growth throughout the story.  I loved Catriona and her spunky spirit and fierce independence.  I had no trouble connecting with her, her sister, and Wade and becoming invested in their story.  I have truly loved this series and greatly enjoyed this book.  I do not think the series has to be read in order, but the first two books have both been excellent.  I highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey

When investigative reporter Gabby Rowley is almost killed after work one day, her boss encourages her to hide away at her brother’s place.  However, this puts her in close proximity to Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker, a man that she once loved.  Finn is annoyed that Gabby keeps putting her investigative nose into his business.  But as family and friends start going missing, she and Finn must race against the clock to solve the darkness lurking along the coast before it is too late.

This book opens with gunshots and action and it continues until the very end!  There is heart pounding danger and suspense that keeps you as a reader on your toes.  I liked the romance sprinkled throughout the story, especially since the characters have a past that make their interactions more interesting.  I was not a big fan of Gabby because I sometimes felt like she went too far for a story.  Also, I think I was introduced to too many characters too quickly and I had a hard time keeping them all straight at first.  The villain was the perfectly creepy type that you love to hate, and overall, this story was a great read!  I look forward to more in the series!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

Laine Forrester travels to France to see her best friend get married, only to face several setbacks that soon send her on a second adventure of journeying to Ireland.  There she finds herself drawn to the secrets hidden within the castle and she discovers more about the 1916 Easter Rising through the life of Issy and the 1798 rebellion through the life of Maeve.  Although several centuries apart, these women all face similar struggles and triumphs as they navigate through life.

Kristy Cambron is one of the authors that made me fall in love with slip time novels because she crafts stories that connect and interweave in such creative and interesting ways.  I have really enjoyed this castle series!  I particularly liked this book because of the rich Irish history (a place I once lived).  The author does the beautiful country justice with its descriptions and drew me in with its intriguing characters.  I also liked seeing how the story played out as it flowed and moved.  I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!

I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan tries to repay her family by taking her father’s place in the war against the Teutonic Knights.  She disguises herself as a young man in order to blend into the army. She meets Wolfgang, the German Duke’s son, and although their initial relationship starts as rivals, they soon form a tenuous friendship.  Mulan finds herself drawn to Wolfgang but as the battle heats up and she hears of danger at home, she must make a difficult choice.

The storyline may be somewhat familiar to some, but like her other fairytale stories, Melanie Dickerson adds unique elements and fresh perspectives that craft a story with depth and creativity.  And, of course, there is a welcome faith aspect.  She also includes subtle references to gender equality and strong, independent females.  Some portions were unrealistic, but in the background of fiction, still fun to read. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more fairytale stories!

I received an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.