Review

An Inheritance Among the Nations by Dorthy Qualls with Phyllis Qualls Freeman

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Female Missionary Evangelists Share the Gospel with the World

What an inspiring true story!

This book, written by Dorthy Qualls with Phyllis Qualls Freeman, is an autobiographical account of Dorthy’s missionary journeys with Dr. G. Faye Whitten. It’s a biographical account Faye’s life and missions.

Faye did the preaching and Dorthy (Dot) did a lot of behind-the-scenes work for the ministry team.

The book begins with the background for each woman, their friendship, and how each felt the calling to go to other nations to spread the Gospel.

The rest of the book is an overview of a ministry that spanned decades to different countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Danger and hardship await the ministry team, not the least of these are physical difficulties that plague Faye throughout her life. She doesn’t allow them to keep her from preaching.

Dot observes in the book that she learned the power of praising God regardless of the circumstances. It shows, for the hardships that might have convinced others to abandon the ministry didn’t stop the ladies from trusting that God was with them daily.

The author doesn’t dwell on the danger. This can give the illusion that it’s not a concern. Danger is real and those entering the mission field should understand that reality.

An inspiring story about two courageous women! It hops around a bit when earlier events affect current happenings to remind readers how those scenes/people are connected.

One important fact is that they began their ministry in their late forties. Their ministry continued over twenty years, beautifully illustrating we can all make a difference, no matter our age. All in all, the courage these women demonstrated in harsh circumstances is an encouragement to Christians, whether in the mission field or at home.

To purchase the book, contact Dot Qualls.

Free to Love by Bettie Boswell

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Prequel to On Cue

I had read On Cue, Boswell’s contemporary romance that began this series. This prequel to that story is very strong and I had a hard time putting it down.

This novel is a time-slip story. The modern-day story is that Ginny Cline is researching to write a musical as a fundraiser for the Woodson House, a recent addition to a local museum. Ginny’s task is to write a musical showing the Woodson House’s connection to the Underground Railroad.

Missy, the teenaged daughter of an Alabama plantation owner in 1858, has been raised with Early, one of her father’s slaves. The teenagers who bear a striking resemblance to one another are friends, though Early begins to understand that things are not the same between them after Missy’s father remarries. The harsh stepmother is the least of the girls’ worries because Sidney, Missy’s new stepbrother, has evil designs on both young ladies.

To make matters worse, Missy’s father’s health is failing and he does little to protect either girl.

But Missy’s aunt is coming for a visit. Will she help them?

The historical thread comprises over 90% of this story, which was fine with me. My interest was quickly snagged and I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. The danger to both ladies continues throughout, adding to the suspense. The author does a wonderful job building tension and suspense. The relationship between the two ladies changes and revolves through the story.

I couldn’t put the book down. There were punctuation errors that jumped out at me but, on the whole, it’s a great book.

I will look for more books by this author.

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At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Three Sisters Island, Book 3

I bought this book without realizing it was Book 3 in a series. I normally try to read books in order as the characters tend to build on another in each story. I’d recommend reading the other books in the series first. Still, I was able to understand the gist of what happened in earlier stories and it made sense.

Chef Blaine Grayson is back home on Three Sisters Island. She dreams of running the restaurant for Camp Kicking Moose, her family’s campground, but nothing goes according to plan—beginning with her sister’s completed design for the camp’s kitchen. Blaine had dreamed of remodeling it. Plus, both her sisters are pregnant and had decided to surprise her with the news when she arrives.

Her estranged grandfather is staying with them.

And her best friend, Artie Lotosky, gives Blaine the cold shoulder. She doesn’t understand his reasons and he’s not explaining them.

There is romance in this story yet it’s more about family relationships. The story is told in multiple viewpoints. The characters are lovable—and, at times, frustrating. The author inserted many scenes from Blaine’s past into the story, which jarred me from the current scene.

This well-written book kept me turning pages. I will look for more books by this author.

Christianbook.com

Ida Scudder by Terri B. Kelly

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Missionary Doctor

I had read Mary Slessor: Missionary Mother, a biography written by Terri Kelly of a Scottish missionary (1848 – 1915) whose heart’s desire was to serve God and the people of Africa, and looked forward to reading Ida Scudder: Missionary Doctor.

Kelly did not disappoint me.

Ida Scudder was reluctant to join her parents’ mission in India. She had a mind of her own and lived with a spirit of fun back at the Northfield Seminary for Girls in Massachusetts. After all, it’s 1889, and the high school student didn’t want to live the rest of her life in poverty at the mission.

Then her mother falls ill and Ida needs to return to India. Caring for her mother through her illness and seeing the great need for female doctors changes her mind about her future.

I love how the author allows Ida’s mischievous nature to shine as well as her real struggle with her decision to become a missionary doctor.  

Her life and fierce faith changed many lives.

This biography is written for children 9 – 12. I’d say that middle-school aged boys and girls will be inspired by this story.  

I also recommend it for adults. Though written in language children can understand, this biography was a page turner for me.

I will look for more books by this author.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Christianbook.com

Emma’s Quest by Starr Ayers

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Book 2 in “Dream Beyond Tomorrow” Series

A packet of love letters found among the possessions of the author’s deceased mother sparked the first book of the series, a wonderful timeslip story. Emma’s Quest, Book 2, is another timeslip novel with some of the same characters in a continuation of the story.

Two sisters in modern day still try to piece together their mother’s early courtships and her romance with their father. It has plenty of twists and turns…

Emma Rose Walsh’s story begins in 1939. Whe travels to Chicago where the handsome Andrew Brown works as an artist. Things don’t start out well when he isn’t there to pick her up from the train.

Drew’s job takes him to various cities for short jaunts and Emma has only her waitressing job and a few friends in Chicago to keep her busy. She’s lonely and longs for her friends and family back in North Carolina.

And with the war in Europe escalating, there’s plenty happening on all fronts.

This nostalgic story has plenty of suspense. The contemporary story with the sisters intrigues readers with clues about what’s coming in the historical side.

As in the first book, more than one man is worthy of a good woman. I found myself pulling for first one and then the other to win Emma’s heart.

The country marches ever closer to World War II and then is catapulted into it, and every character is affected by. As the story continued, it snagged my interest making it difficult to put down.   

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romance.

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Emerald Fields by Pegg Thomas

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A More Perfect Union, Book 1

Emmie Mason receives the sad news of her friend’s death from the woman’s brother, Russ Fields. She’s never met Russ, but answers his letter with her condolences. She’s not the only one grieving her best friend.

Her letter to the lonely veteran of the War Between the States is gratefully received. Russ, whose face is so badly scarred from battle wounds that he shields that side of his profile, answers her letter. When the correspondence continues, friendship grows between them. Russ comforts himself that she’ll never see his scars—or know the terrible way the war still haunts him.   

Emmie loses her job at the Pittsburgh hospital near her home and wonders what it would be like to see Russ’s Michigan farm. The loss of her job gives her more time to spend with her dying father.

I loved this story! Lovable characters tugged at my heart—even the crusty ones. Lots of unexpected turns kept my attention. I didn’t want to put the book down.

Readers are given a glimpse of the trauma of war’s aftermath.

Well-written. Unexpected. Poignant. The author has crafted a beautiful story to begin this series!  

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romance.

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Virginia Waterways and the Underground Railroad

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This book by Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander, PhD gives some historical background of slavery in Virginia. Much of the book gives accounts of folks who escaped slavery and how they accomplished it.

The author shows that many of the freedom seekers escaped on small vessels and steamships on Virginia’s tidal rivers like the James, York, and the Potomac.

I found this book informative, well-organized, and well-researched. Lots of helpful facts were included, such as laws and the years they were passed. For example, free blacks were able to purchase the freedom of relatives after the passage of a 1782 law.

The discussion of the Underground Railroad was helpful as were the charts, photos, maps, and sketches.

The Underground Railroad is a topic in Byway to Danger, Book 3 in my “Spies of the Civil War” series.

Recommended for those desiring to learn more about the history of slavery.

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The Richmond Slave Trade by Jack Trammell

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The Economic Backbone of the Old Dominion

This book deals with a dark part of American history. For that reason, it isn’t an easy read.

The author traces the history of slavery in America. By 1671, there were 6,000 white indentured servants and 2,000 black slaves in Virginia.

I learned a lot in reading this book. For example, a Virginia law passed in 1806 gave newly freed slaves one year to leave the state or risk being automatically placed back into bondage for life.

The author included charts, photos, maps, and sketches to enhance readers’ understanding of information given.

The Underground Railroad is a topic in Byway to Danger, Book 3 in my “Spies of the Civil War” series.

Recommended for those desiring to learn more about the history of slavery.

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Fort Monroe by Quarstein and Mroczkowski

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Fort Monroe: The Key to the South

The Civil War History Series

This book gives a wonderful history of Fort Monroe during the Civil War and beyond. This important fort was under Union control throughout the war.

I love the photos that really enhance readers’ understanding of information given.

The authors provide details about Camp Hamilton. It was basically a tent city with temporary structures near Fort Monroe.

Runaway slaves escaped to Fort Monroe in May of 1861. General Butler sheltered them as “contraband of war,” an important decision that ultimately affected thousands.

I visited Fort Monroe on a research trip. What a wonderful place, steeped in history. That visit inspired me to use Fort Monroe as a setting in Byway to Danger, Book 2 in my “Spies of the Civil War” series.

Recommended for history lovers and for those who desire to learn more about the Civil War.

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What is a Family? by Annette Griffin

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This delightful children’s picture book is a sweet read.

The author uses different animals in nature and goes through the alphabet to show what different animal groups are called.

For example, lions have a pride and hawks have a cast.

Beautifully illustrated. A lovely book that tells the story with rhymes that appeal to children.

The book is geared to children 2 – 6.

I will look for more books by this author.

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