This is a “stay up all night, can’t put it down, oh no it’s 3 a.m.,” novel! With the help of Ms. Frantz, I stepped back into the time after the American Revolution. As with the end of any war, there is confusion, upheaval, missing loved ones and division. Political allegiances were not as simple today with simply a cutting remark on Facebook. Those who supported the Tories and their extended families were viewed as traitors and endanger for the lives and properties.
Such was the position of Sophie. Her Tory father had fled to Scotland and she awaited news on whether her soldier brother was dead or alive. Times were hard and worked hard at barely surviving in her family home, Three Chimneys.
Adjoining her land was the wealthy estate of Tall Acre. Home to the highly acclaimed war hero and widower, Seamus Ogilvy. His child Lily Cate, wanders onto her land. Hungry for a mother’s love the little girl becomes obsessively attached to Sophie and Sophie to her. Riddled with guilt over his wife’s death while he was at war, Seamus finds his beautiful neighbor a welcome part of their lives. Here the seeds are planted for the beginning of a beautiful but complicated love story.
The author’s skillful and descriptive writing of life during this time, gave me more than an historical view. I believe I could actually draw the pictures in my mind that she painted with words! The story is more than that, much more! Unexpected surprises and turns are so shocking that you might even audibly gasp! All this combined makes for a story you will not forget.
I received this book free from Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I stated are my own.

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When a new book comes out by Jane Kirkpatrick, I am on pins and needles until I can get a copy and read it! This one is yet another 5 star book by her! She is the best at blending historical facts with fiction. With much detailed research on written accounts and records Jane brings to life Spaulding family; missionaries to the Nez Perce Indians and the rich history of the Oregon Territory where they served.
Tirelessly and with their whole hearts, Eliza’s mother and father taught and ministered to the tribe. At age ten, the mission suffered a fierce attack by the Cayuse Indians. Several people were killed and Eliza, only 10 years old, was taken captive, and had a front row seat to all the horrors that took place. This event had a massive affect upon her the rest of her life.
She suffered from what we now call PTS. Sounds or sights would trigger flashbacks and painful memories. This combined with experiencing the trauma at such a young age left Eliza confused about what actually happened. There were no counselors or medications as there is now so she developed her own ways of dealing with the problem. She leaned on her faith in God, and pure determination and grit. This haunted her even after she married and had children of her own.
The chapters alternate between her mother’s diary from that time and Eliza’s life. Between the two I could see discrepancies of her mother’s description what happened and what Eliza remembered. She is forced to face her past and her present when her husband and children move back to the very place of the tragedy. Her journey is one of healing, especially in the area of finding the truth. She comes to understand that painful memories are not always accurate, especially filtered through the eyes of a child.
This is a story of courage and suffering, from which for a time there was no escape. It is one woman’s search for peace of heart and mind. As always, through her characters, Ms. Kirkpatrick, strong messages of biblical and life wisdom. I found many I could apply to my life. This is a book you want to read!
I received this book free from Revell publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

This book is a keeper! I haven’t seen another one like it! It is recommended for ages 5-7 years but I would stretch it both ways and make it ages 3-10 years! So many things I like about this book. On the practical side, it is a little bit bigger than an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. Usually I prefer books for children to be smaller so they can hold them, but in this case I appreciate the larger size. The book will probably be laying on a flat surface while the children look over the pictures! The whole book is super sturdy, but I was impressed with the thickness and glossiness of the pages. Crayon would not mark on them, and regular markers just beaded up and wiped off. (Yes I tested it!)
There are 7 Old Testament Stories and 2 New Testament. Each story is one illustration across two pages. At the top of the page are 3 or 4 sentences summarizing the Bible story.
These are similar to Where’s Waldo but made for little eyes to hunt and find. I found there are just enough pictures to make it interesting and challenging but not so many that they would become overwhelmed. The illustrations are comical and in super bright colors. Around the edge of the pages are pictures of characters for them to locate and funny questions. In teaching young children for the past 41 years, I have found obviously silly questions get their attention and make them think about what they are learning. It also helps them gain confidence in being able know the right answer. In addition it also adds to the fun!
A scripture reference is included near the bottom of the page, so you can read the actual biblical account. I plan to read the scripture then do then do the activity. For very young children you might want to read the from a Bible Story book. A book you will want to own!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I stated are my own.