The Reunion by Dan Walsh

Back Cover:

Everything lost can be found.

Aaron Miller knows a thing or two about loss. He's lost love. Dignity. Second, and even third, chances. Once honored for his heroism, he now lives in near obscurity, working as a handyman in a humble trailer park.

But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, someone is searching for him.

With deep insight into the human heart, consummate storyteller Dan Walsh gently weaves a tale of a life spent in the shadows but meant for the light. Through tense scenes of war and tender moments of romance, The Reunion will make you believe that everyone can get a second chance at life and love.

Review:

I had previously read a Dan Walsh novel, and wasn’t too impressed with it. So I didn’t know what to expect with his new novel The Reunion. I am happy to report that I was very pleased with this book, with its interesting history, and unique story line.

I loved that this novel is about the Vietnam War. I have only ever really heard negative thing about it. I loved that this book portrayed that war in a better light, and apologized to the veterans for how America treated them when they returned.

I really enjoyed the main plot: finding a war hero, Aaron Miller, who has faded into oblivion, so that his war buddies can properly thank him for saving their lives. This was such an emotional, loving plot and I love how Aaron’s story was based on real people.

The secondary plot, about the relationship between the writer David Russo, and Aaron’s estranged daughter Karen, was a little far-fetched. I didn’t mind it, but a love at first sight/ whirl wind romance was kind of unbelievable.

Dan Walsh did an excellent job on The Reunion. I loved learning about the history behind the Vietnam War and how things finally changed for the soldiers who came home. A terrific read for any lover of historical fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A Home in Drayton Valley by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Back Cover:

A dream of a better life...
A tragedy aboard a wagon train...
A tentative agreement..
Will it lead to love for two seeking hearts?

Hoping to escape the poor conditions of 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines and her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher and their two children set off for Kansas aboard an unusual wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into a partnership with Joss that leaves them both questioning God and their plans for the future.

As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will they give up and go their separate ways? Or will God use their time in Drayton Valley in a way they never expected?

Review:

A Home in Drayton Valley was a lovely read, but a bit predictable. The characters had some surprising depth; however the story line did not.

Tarsie Raines is a feisty Irish woman, with lots of spunk. I admire her, because she dares to make her dreams a reality, to take chances, but also cares for those around her, and makes an effort to try to do God’s will.

Joss Brubacher is a hard, stubborn man. He has hardened his heart against the world, is prejudiced and proud. However through Tarsie and others around him, God’s love slowly penetrates his heart.

As I was reading A Home in Drayton Valley, I could easily predict what was going to happen. I was pleasantly surprised along the way with some different characters Kim Vogel Sawyer introduced

Chick-lit readers will enjoy this book. It is a lovely combination of romance, faith, struggles, a happy ending. I, however, would like a book that will keep me wanting more. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.