Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended.

London dancing master Alec Valcourt is forced to relocate his family and business in the aftermath of a scandal. He moves his mother, sister, and himself into his uncle’s rural, small-town residence of Beaworthy, Devonshire, England. But he soon learns that dancing has been prohibited in the town, and that his appearance and occupation has stirred a deep-set wound. Mrs. Amelia Midwinter, the matriarch and local beneficiary responsible for the taboo on dancing, must deal with her personal wounds most of all–especially as her daughter, Miss Julia, and the new dancing master begin to develop a growing fondness toward each other.

The story is reminiscent of Footloose, yet set in the charming English historical landscape of the early 1800s. At times the drama is almost “soap-opera-ish” as the character’s deal with deep feelings amongst the uncovering of long-past scandals and deep secrets. But there is also a lightness to the writing as God’s grace and love become mending threads, bringing healing, reconciliation, and fresh identity in replace of the painful memories and present conflicts.

This is the first of Klassen’s novels that I have read, and I particularly like her writing, historical detail, and the depth of the characters’ emotions. However, I would have liked a bit more depth into the stories of some of the supplementing characters (a couple of whom I favored over the primary protagonists). Also, the pace of the narrative overall could have been a bit quicker/smoother. That said, I am nevertheless curious to read Klassen’s other historical novels, and found this to be an enjoyable and relaxing read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended.

Ariella has witnessed the destruction of her beloved Jerusalem, the loss of her family, and death of her people. Now a runaway slave, she disguises herself as a male gladiator, fighting for the hope of winning the crowd and her freedom. Wealthy politician Portius Cato, is also running away in a sense–he has left Rome and the political sphere hoping to live a peaceable life in Pompeii as a winegrower, but is immediately caught up in politics as he begins to fight against social injustice and the personal affronts to his family. Cato and Ariella’s paths cross as they separately encounter a group of Christians, and each learn to surrender their individual challenges and stubbornness for a greater hope and purpose.

This is the third of Higley’s books that I have read, and while they were all good, I enjoyed this one best. I enjoyed the characters’ personalities, the suspense of knowing that Mt. Vesuvius would erupt at some point in the midst of their plans, and the historical setting of Pompeii, which has always interested me. I connected with Ariella’s strength, Cato’s sense of justice, and the Roman world, which is not far off from our own.

The author also has a very cool website with photos of her journey through Pompeii and the surrounding areas during her research, details about the writing of the book, and all sorts of other things. I love that Higley puts so much thought into portraying the historical elements of the story accurately, and enjoy following her on that adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

Genre: Historical, Romantic Fiction

Highly Recommended!

Redeeming Love is a fictitious retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer, set in 1850s California gold country. Sarah was sold into prostitution at a very young age, and is given the “working” name Angel. Over time, her heart has hardened, and she is very good at her job. Then she meets Michael Hosea, a godly man who truly loves her and insists on marrying her. Analogizing both the Prophet Hosea, and the Father God himself, Michael demonstrates again and again that he will never stop loving, forgiving or pursuing his beloved wife.

I first read Redeeming Love immediately after becoming a Christian. At that point I had a negative view of Christian literature in general, and did not expect to enjoy this narrative; however, it instantly became my new favorite book. Reading it again today, this story still captures my heart. It is one of the few books that I could read again and again, and is still amongst my very favorite books of all time.

The depth of the characters is incredible. It does not matter that readers familiar with the biblical story may anticipate the movement of the narrative, because the story itself tugs on the heart and brings its own suspense. I do not think there is any novel that better expresses God’s deep unconditional love and investment in each one of us.

This 20th Anniversary Edition includes a Reader’s Group Guide; and while I cannot recognize if any significant changes or additions have occurred from former publications (I have long since passed forward my previous copy), it is so exciting to celebrate the anniversary of this truly life-changing book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.

Genre: Historical Romance

Highly Recommended!

I love historical fiction, especially when it is based on the lives of real people. Rebellious Heart is inspired by the early years of John and Abigail Adams’ courting relationship in Colonial America (Massachusetts, 1763). Susanna Smith (Abigail) and Benjamin Ross (John) become unlikely friends and lovers when they work together to illegally assist an indentured servant in escaping her abusive master. The main plot of the story is fictitious (but realistic); however, many of the details and personalities of the characters closely parallel the discoveries of the author’s historical research of the Adams’ relationship and personalities.

The wealthy Susanna is wonderfully strong-willed and uniquely intelligent and witty–especially for a woman of her time. Benjamin, on the other hand, is a poor lawyer with almost nothing to his name, but with an equally feisty and intellectual spirit and an influential role within the rebellious activities against the Royal Crown. Together their challenging discussions on how to respond as Christians to the unfair treatment of the British authority bring the struggles of the Colonial Period to life, while also being relevant for similar contemporary deliberations. Moreover, the novel is a great mix of suspense, excellent dialog, steamy romance, and, of course, rich history.

I also enjoyed Hedlund’s novel, The Preacher’s Bride, based on the story of John and Elizabeth Bunyan, but this one was even more enjoyable to me. I look forward to more historical fiction from this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction

Recommended.

Set in a Nazi occupied part of the Netherlands toward the end of WWII, this is not only a suspenseful wartime romance, but one inspired by the true story of the author’s own relatives. The characters and high-stake narrative are so emotionally engaging I could not put it down.

Cornelia de Vries is a wartime widow who lost her husband on their wedding night at the beginning of the war. Now she hides her younger brother, Johan, in her home–doing all she can to keep his youthful spirit out of the wartime action he desires. When Dutch Resistance worker, Gerrit Laninga, comes to her door wounded and in need of help, she reluctantly takes him in. But Cornelia must come to terms with her own fears, grief, the expression of her Christian faith, and her budding romantic feelings.

This is a story of redemption, love, overcoming fear, and finding the courage to do God’s will even in the most dangerous of circumstances. Each major character portrays a unique perspective and role, which combine to create a thought-provoking and encouraging work of fiction. There is also a list of study questions in the back of the book for use in a reading group.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.