This has been one of those months where I’ve been reading several books at once. And just when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress on any of them, I finished most of them! Part of the problem were that several were very compelling reads, which is a good problem!
So let’s start with non-fiction.
The Psalm on the Cross by David Roseberry
Father David Roseberry, a retired Anglican priest, wrote this devotional on Psalm 22 which I read throughout Lent. Psalm 22 is the psalm that has so many similarities to the actual crucifixion, including Jesus’ words on the cross, leading many scholars to believe Jesus actually quoted the Psalm—or at least thought through it—as he suffered. It was a fabulous deep dive into the heart of both God the Father and God the Son.
Now—
So. Much. Good. Fiction.
The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep
This final book in the Bow Street Runners series did not disappoint. I do so love the way Michelle draws her characters. They are interesting and engaging. And her situations always have a unique aspect. I had assumed this was about a guardian in the sense of a legal caretaker in place of a parent. But now I know that “guardians” were also hired by travelers to protect them from highwaymen!
Hangin’ by a Moment by Andrea Christenson
I so love returning to Deep Haven! And I really enjoyed the fact that the main character in this one was in a long ago original Deep Haven book called You Don’t Know Me. This story of redemption, on so many levels, was so wonderful. It reminded me that you don’t always know the full story behind people’s situations. It reminded me to offer grace to others as well as to myself.
Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen
An Agatha Christie style mystery set in Regency England! Such a fabulous cast of characters, so many red herrings. I never did figure it all out until the amateur detective revealed all. Good job, Julie!
The Debutante’s Code by Erica Vetsch
I didn’t read the back cover copy of this book. I bought it on the strength of her previous books and thought it was a detective regency story, a mystery like Julie’s above. Instead, this is a spy novel! Oh. My. Goodness! How I love regency spy stories! I also loved it because it put me in mind of one of my favorite historical mystery series—the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by Anne Perry which is set in Victorian England. Can’t wait to read the next one—and hopefully learn more about Detective Daniel Swann’s past!
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Star this book. Add it to your list. Better yet, go buy it now! This is our neighborhood book club book for May, and it hooked from the first page. Wow. Such a hauntingly beautiful book that will wreck you in the best possible ways. I would have never picked it up because it is technically marked as suspense, but I’m so glad it crossed my path. Truly, it’s a story everyone should read. And now I have a new author to follow and read!
The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey
This was our book club’s April pick, and I have to say, it wasn’t my favorite book. I finished it. Others have enjoyed it, it just wasn’t for me.