Book Reviews

I consider it a privilege to read and review books. These are a few of my recent favorites.

William Henry is a Fine Name
Author  Cathy Gohlke               Genre – Historical Fiction
Age – YA- Adult                        Notes – 2007 Christy Award
Publisher – Moody Press

     Set in Maryland prior to the Civil War, this coming of age tale of thirteen-year-old Robert Glover is packed with action, adventure, laughter, and tears. We join Robert and his family at their home in Elkton, Maryland, where his father, Charles, works as overseer on a Quaker farm. Mr. Heath, Charles’ employer, freed his slaves, and now pays them to work the land alongside Charles and Robert. Robert’s mother Caroline hails from a prominent slave holding family in North Carolina, and loyalties are challenged when The Underground Railroad is nearly discovered in Robert’s area.
     Many secrets are revealed the summer Robert turns thirteen, including the fact that Mr. Heath and Robert’s father work with The Underground Railroad. William Henry, son of freed slaves that work for Mr. Heath, is Robert’s best friend. Robert and William Henry grew up together, but until that summer, William Henry has a better idea than Robert of why skin color matters.
     Robert also meets his North Carolina relatives that year, which further clarifies his growing convictions concerning slavery. Will Robert step up and fill the shoes his Grandfather wants him to fill as sole heir of the North Carolina family plantation? Or will Robert join his father in the Underground Railroad?
     Cathy Gohlke paints an inspiring and realistic portrait of life just prior to the Civil War. Robert’s story serves to richly illuminate the past while entertaining the reader. The book’s informative and entertaining value will appeal to ages 12-100. It would also be a wonderful teaching tool for those studying American history. This book is a marvelous testimony to the genre of historical fiction. In my opinion, this book is a winner!

Parental Note: William Henry is a Fine Name contains subject matter pertaining to the realities of slavery. Depending on the ages and maturity levels of your children, you may wish to preview this book before allowing your children to read it or using it as a read aloud. I recommend this as independent reading for mature preteens and up. Copyright 2009.


I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires
Author  Cathy Gohlke                          Genre – Historical Fiction
Age – YA- Adult                                   Notes – 2009 Christy Award Nominee
Publisher – Moody Press

     Robert Glover faces more choices in this sequel to William Henry is a Fine Name. This time, we join Robert near his eighteenth birthday at his home in Maryland. The Civil War rages on, and Robert’s father Charles is away, working for the Union making maps. Robert’s mother Caroline has decided to stay on her father’s plantation in North Carolina. Despite his desire to fight for the Union, Robert promised his father that he would not enlist until he turns eighteen.
     Emily, Robert’s cousin, asks him to visit her father, an officer in the Confederate army. Uncle Albert is being held as a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware. Robert agrees, due in part to family obligation, but mostly because he loves Emily. After he visits Albert, Robert plans to go help his mother, who he has not seen in four years.
     Robert involuntarily gets caught in a prison escape plan, derailing his plans to travel to North Carolina. He is abducted, left for dead, and faces charges as a spy, challenging his integrity, his endurance, and his faith. Robert’s adventures include new friends, a persistent enemy, and even a friend from his past travels on the Underground Railroad.
     This book is a roller coaster reading adventure packed with action and intrigue. We see Robert mature and find his place in life while coning to terms with family secrets. I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires is a wonderful story that gives the reader thoughtful insight into days gone by. Robert’s story brings history to life, and it would serve as a great teaching tool for this era. If you liked William Henry is a Fine Name, you are sure to enjoy Cathy Gohlke’s satisfying conclusion to Robert’s story. Pick up a copy; you won’t be disappointed.

Parental Note: I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires contains subject matter pertaining to the realities of war and post Civil War slavery. Depending on the ages and maturity levels of your children, you may wish to preview this book before allowing your children to read it or using it as a read aloud. I recommend this as independent reading for mature preteens and up. Copyright 2009.

Beyond This Moment                   Timber Ridge Reflections Book 2
Author – Tamera Alexander                Publisher – Bethany House
Genre – Christian Historical Fiction      Age - Teen - Adult

     Everyone needs a fresh start sometimes, and Dr. Molly Whitcomb is no exception. Molly’s new beginning includes a move west with a job as a schoolteacher in Colorado Territory in 1876. She is not the average schoolmarm, Molly is a woman of many talents, a Professor of Romance Languages, and has more than one secret hiding in her heart.
     Sheriff James McPherson has a secret or two of his own, and finds himself intrigued with Timber Ridge’s newest citizen. He is a keen judge of character, and while Molly’s behavior and manner with others seems above reproach, something just doesn’t seem right.
     Molly must overcome several obstacles to win the approval of some of the residents, but she appears to do so with flying colors. As friendships between Molly and McPherson, his family, and other residents blossom, things get more complicated. Dr. Whitcomb’s conscience and rekindled faith is a force to be reckoned with. Molly unwittingly jeopardizes McPherson’s reputation and future as sheriff.
     Will Molly be forced to leave Timber Ridge? Will her past forever haunt her? Tamera Alexander weaves a rich tale of a woman facing choices and consequences, redemption, and new beginnings. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will enjoy Molly’s story in this picturesque setting. I was hooked from the beginning and had trouble putting it down, but was sorry when the story was over. I hope Ms. Alexander continues this series – I for one, will be sure to read it.

A Claim of Her Own
Author - Stephanie Grace Whitson              Genre - Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher - Bethany House Publishers

     I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie Grace Whitson’s story about Mattie Flynn and her life in Deadwood, South Dakota. Whitson’s engaging tale brings the characters and landscape to life. Mattie’s brother Dillon is working a claim panning for gold; he and Mattie made plans to start a new life, far and away from the challenges of their past. Mattie is supposed to wait to join Dillon until his claim pays enough to support them both. Circumstances dictate Mattie’s hasty escape from her so-called home, and she sets out to find Dillon.
     Eager to start a new life, Mattie is unprepared for what awaits her in Deadwood. She learns the hard way that finding gold in this untamed territory is no picnic. Wary of the kind people who befriend her, Mattie is slow to trust, especially when it comes to men. Despite her distrust of men, Mattie is intrigued by a street preacher by the name of Aron Gallagher. Gallagher preaches a gospel unlike any other that she’s heard. Mattie is determined not to fall for any religious platitudes, but Gallagher’s words and actions speak to her slowly softening heart. Unknown to Mattie, her past will soon find her in Deadwood, further testing what she’s made of. Using action, insight, and the great ability to tell a good story, Whitson provides an interesting slice of history through a hurting young woman’s eyes. Mattie's personal growth gives us all something to ponder.

Copyright 2009.