Blue Skies Tomorrow

Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third book in the Wings of Glory series written by Sarah Sundin, and it looks at the life of the eldest Novak brother, Lieutenant Raymond Novak. Ray is a fighter pilot teacher throughout WWII, but as requirements change, and teaching becomes a reward for those returning from the front lines of battle, Ray finds himself relegated to an air depot near his hometown. It’s during a weekend home that he runs into Helen Carlisle, a recently widowed mother, who he knew as a young girl. As his and Helen’s relationship develops, Ray begins to question his reasons for not fighting on the front lines as do his brothers.

I really enjoyed this book, and I especially liked the way Helen was described as always having to put on an act: the grieving widow, the devoted mother, the perfect volunteer, and, in the past, a devoted and loving wife. It’s interesting to see how her “acting the part” caused tension and strain in her life and how she was able to overcome this feeling that she needs to act a certain way. I think this is very relevant for many people today, as acting a certain way seems to be the norm of how society expects people to be. This act was also displayed with Ray, as he had to act tough and brave when facing battle. They both felt as if they had to act a certain way to please others.

Both of the characters were easy to relate to, and I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. World War II is one of my favorite times to read about, and the book did not disappoint. Although I have read the second book in the series, I think it would still be easily understandable for people to read this book as a stand-alone. I cannot wait to read more books by Sarah Sundin and learn more lessons from the characters she chooses to write about!

“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Colonel's Lady

Romance. Mystery. Spies. War. Family Feuds. The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz contains all of these issues within its’ 400 pages, and I loved every moment of this book. The book begins with Roxanna Rowan traveling to a fort in Kentucky to be reunited with her father, but upon her arrival she learns that her father was killed. As she waits out the winter in order to travel back home to Virginia she begins to learn more about Colonel Cassius McLinn as she replaces her father’s position as the Colonel’s scrivener. During this time, she begins to bond with many of the people in the Kentucky fort, including a young, motherless girl, the cook, and Colonel McLinn himself. Throughout the book, we see a mystery solved, battles being fought, and the relationship between Roxanna and Cassius facing many ups and downs.

I really enjoyed this book, and although it was long, it did not drag at all throughout any section of the book. I liked seeing the way Colonel McLinn dealt with everyday situations at the fort, as he was strong and tough with those under his command, but he also saw the importance of rewarding his soldiers for jobs well done. Roxanna’s strong faith was her best characteristic, and it was nice to see how her faith was able to revive Cassius’ faltering faith. I cannot wait to read more books by Laura Frantz, and I would recommend The Colonel’s Lady to anyone looking for an excellent historical romance.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Stumbling Into Grace

Stumbling Into Grace: Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman, written by Lisa Harper is a book that is written as a memior type devotional, which looks at the daily experiences in her life which are stumbling blocks to faith. The book’s format made it easily readable, as there are 15 different chapters that can be read alone as a devotional or in conjuncture with each other. Each chapter begins with a personal story which introduces you to the topic of the chapter. I found myself being unable to put the book down, and I finished it in only a few sittings.
What initially drew me to the book was the cute cover, and the content within the pages did not disappoint. The author’s comments and chapters focused on topics that every woman goes through, and I think that is what made this book so insightful. I am excited to share this book with friends...and keep a copy on my shelf for future re-reading!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.