Mr. Pullman’s Elegant Palace Car by Lucius Beebe

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This book was part of my research for A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3 in my “Second Chances” series. My characters take a train journey from Ohio to Oakland, California, in 1884. On the last leg of their journey, they rode in Palace cars.

George Pullman was one of several in the railroad industry who built cars for passenger travel in the 1800s. The Palace car was an elegant way to travel for the more well-to-do guests and there were a variety of designs.

In the West, the Pullman Palace cars were painted canary yellow for a number of years.

One thing I love about this book is the many photos, early ads, and sketches of old cars. The descriptions included with them were quite helpful.

Recommended for readers who want to learn more about early train travel.

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Lucy and Thunder by Bettie Boswell

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Lucy is afraid of Thunder. Whenever a storm comes, her family has a lot of advice on how to deal with it. She tries to follow it, but is still scared.

Then when one of her furry friends is also frightened by Thunder, Lucy finds the courage to confront her fears.

This is a delightful book for adults to read to young children. It’s also a good book for new readers to read.

I love the illustrations! The author is not only a talented writer but also a gifted artist. She illustrated her own book.

The book is geared to children 3 – 7, and a great book for parents to read to their children at bedtime.

I will look for more books by this author!

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The Lieutenant’s Secret Love by Elva Cobb Martin

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Charleston Brides, Book 5

Hannah White’s father orders that his newborn infant be left to die when his wife dies at childbirth. Hannah has no idea that the family who finds and raises her are not her blood relatives until the truth is revealed the first time she meets her father at age sixteen.

Adam White learns that the girl he’s always considered isn’t actually his sister. He’s a lieutenant with the U.S. Navy when he learns differently. His feelings for the sister he’s always adored begin to reshape themselves in the months he is away.

His job is a dangerous one and Hannah prays for his safety. Hannah moves to Charleston where her aunt teaches her nursing skills. She catches the eye of other bachelors, but, her love for Adam changes with the knowledge of her true birth.

This story is so intriguing. It snagged my attention from the tragic prologue and kept me turning pages.

I enjoyed this story! There were twists and turns throughout the story that surprised me. The main story starts in 1800. I loved learning about the U.S. Navy and the job of the marines at the time. Forgiveness is a believable theme throughout the novel.

I will look for more books by this author!

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances.

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.

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The Novel Proposal by Susan May Warren

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

How to create an outstanding book proposal

This writing help workbook is packed with helpful hints on strengthening your novel’s story.

Warren shows authors how to dig deeper to understand their story. It helps authors to consider the character’s greatest fear, the lie he/she believes, the motivation, wound, and goal that drives his or her choices.

This book was actually written to help writers create a book proposal. I actually still pull it out for nearly every novel I write. It’s so helpful to look over the questions as an aid to deepening the characters.

I’ve highlighted many sections for easy future reference.

I purchased this book several years at a writers’ conference. I’m so glad I did!

Recommend for authors, especially new ones. Such a helpful tool for writers!

Mary’s Moment by Susan G. Mathis

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Mary Flynn works as a telegrapher and switchboard operator at Thousand Island Park, and in the modern day of 1912, it’s the telephone that keeps her busiest. She lives with her two aunts on the island as the story begins. Though Mary wishes to marry, at twenty-eight, she is resigned to live as an old maid. She’s independent and loves her job.

Mary captures the interest of George Flannigan, a widowed fireman. Soon friendship begins to grown between the couple. Yet he can’t forgive himself for past failures. George worries if Mary will want to help his raise his six-year-old son, should their relationship progress.

A terrible fire sweeps across the island, bringing destruction and tragedy in its wake—and alters their relationship in a way neither could foresee.

I enjoyed this story! It easily snagged my attention with endearing, believable characters—and some readers won’t like. The fires seem to start in mysterious ways. There were some unpredictable twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which made this a page-turner for me.

I couldn’t put it down. It’s a sweet and gentle romance. The little boy tugged at my heart.

I loved learning a bit of history about the islands as a natural part of the story. I now want to visit Thousand Island Park!

This is a new-to-me author. I will look for more of her books!

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances!

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Room at the Table by Stephanie Pavlantos & Starr Ayers

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Encouraging Stories from Special Needs Families

What an inspiring book!

This book is filled with stories from special needs families.

Some are written by parents. Others are written by grandparents. Several are written by men and women with Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy or depression or other health conditions.

Have you ever wondered if their siblings feel neglected? There are several testimonials from siblings of various ages.

And at the end of every story are suggestions of “What You Can Do” to help families. I love these insights.

Each story is short, making it easy to read a chapter or two a day. The book highlights some of the struggles families face on a daily basis.

 Recommended!

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Gallop! by Rufus Butler Seder

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Scanimation Picture Book

I found this fun picture book at Mazza Museum in Ohio.

The author created a book that puts animals in motion. Turning the page causes a horse to gallop, for example. A child can make the horse continue to gallop by moving the page back and forth.

My young grandchildren love this book, whose target readership is probably 2 – 6 year-olds.

Recommend!

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The Great Flood of 1884 in the Ohio Valley by John L. Vance

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The rise and fall of the waters from Pittsburgh to Cairo together with useful and important information and statistics. Also, the work of the Gallipolis relief committee.

A cold, snowy January led to warmer days by the beginning of February. Sunshine and then rain melted the ice. Then more rain came.

And so did the floodwaters.

Widespread, disastrous flooding across West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, brought loss of property and loss of life.

The author wrote this book in 1884 when the tragedies were fresh in the minds of those who survived it.

I read this book as part of my research for A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2 in my Second Chances series. The author provided wonderful details for many areas affected by the flood including Cincinnati, Ohio, the setting for my book.

This nonfiction resource book shows details of the rising water, risky water rescues, and how an entire town was washed away.

Excellent book for American history lovers.

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Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone

My sister is the first one who suggested I read this book. In fact, she lent me her copy.

Before I found time to read it, I’d heard of this author from multiple people.

This nonfiction book shows that we all want to be connected. We go to great lengths to belong, sometimes even when it goes against who we are deep inside.

There are many insights in this book that will make you think. Even if you might not agree with a particular point the author is making, you will likely respect her and her journey for true belonging.

Insightful. Honest. In fact, the author shares that after writing of a personal experience, she cried. It was difficult, painful to be so honest.

There is some strong language in the book.

Like my sister, I can recommend this book. You may want to read it with your highlighter handy.

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Puppy Dog Devotions by Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

75 Fun Fido Facts, Bible Truths, and More!

The title of this devotional intrigued me immediately. Many readers like me have been touched by the devotion and love of dogs.

The book contains the key components of a devotional:

        Unleash the Truth—Bible verses

        Digging Deeper—Thought-provoking questions

        Fido 411—An interesting fact about the featured breed

        Weekly Tail-Waggers—Challenges to put lessons into action

I also loved that each section focused on different breeds and their characteristics. The authors weave inspiring lessons from the dogs. What an interesting way to learn!

A few of the topics covered are: Faithful to the End; Beautifully Reliable; We Walk by Faith; and Super Sleuths.

I really enjoyed this fun, insightful book! I believe this devotional will appeal to pet lovers.

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