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Book Review: Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner

When past and present collide, will there be room in their hearts to forgive…and love again?

I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy of this book to read. Unfortunately for me, an eye infection, then life in general, kept me from reading it before the release date. But that made me even more eager to get started.

What’s odd about this scenario is, as a history buff, I prefer historical romance to contemporary. I’m also not a huge fan of celebrities as main characters. I was willing to fudge on this one, however, because the hero was a country singer. (I mean, Josh Turner anyone? He’s kinda who I pictured for Jake.) Once able to start turning those pages, I had a hard time putting the book down, even exhausted after a long plane ride overseas. I don’t sleep well on planes, so I was going on three hours of fitful dozing, and once I collapsed in a real bed, had to force myself to set it aside and get some rest. I snapped it up as soon as I could the following day and finished it.

I love stories about second chances, and that might be what attracted me to this one. Author Suzie Waltner did a beautiful job of mixing an entertaining romance with the truth of God’s forgiveness.
One of my favorite lines dealing with this idea of letting go and forgiving came from a supporting character who said, “Don’t let your past steal your future or keep you from love.”

The setting was a lot of fun, too. I love horses and enjoyed being able to escape to a ranch during the time I had to read.

I definitely look forward to more from this author, especially since she’s already introduced us to quite an eclectic cast of characters, begging to tell their own stories.

If you haven’t already, grab your copy of Midnight Blue and get reading.

Find out more on Suzie’s Midnight Blue page on her Website: https://suziewaltner.com/midnight-blue/

Or just head over to Amazon and purchase it: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Blue

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Book Review: Shadows in the Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp

When Sam Mattas returns home after serving in World War II, he and his wife hope life will go back to normal. But the ghosts of war haunt Sam, and he and those closest to him begin to question his sanity.

I am a huge fan of World War II history, so when I was given the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of this book, I jumped at the chance. And I’m glad I did.

There are plenty of stories that take place during the war, but this one starts after the victory celebrations are over, and the survivors have to move on and pick up the shattered pieces of their lives.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye began as a slow burn, with an atmosphere of mystery and suspense that intensified with each chapter. It worked up to a page-turning climax that would have kept me reading until 2 or 3 AM if not for some serious self-control on my part.

Yeah, okay. Self-control had nothing to do with it. I’m a slow reader by nature, taking in every word, every nuance. Which can be frustrating, especially when a story heats up. With this book, it worked to my advantage, allowing me to settle into the story and really spend time with the characters. A few chapters from the end, a pang of regret hit me. If I continued reading into the wee hours, my time with Sam and Annie would be over, and I wanted one more evening with them. I enjoyed my time up the mountain on the Mattas farm and certainly found myself rooting for Sam and Annie to overcome the obstacles they faced.

With two psychologists in my family and another who could have been one, I’m not unaware of the effects of PTSD. But this story helped me see more closely some of the struggles of those who suffer with it, and how it affects those they love. Janyre Tromp dealt with it in a realistic and compassionate way.

This book clearly had a Christian world view, but I would have liked to see the main characters—who questioned if God cared about them when things got rough—show greater recognition of His goodness at the end. It’s hinted at, but it’s not spelled out as clearly as their doubts. But that might be in keeping with the current trend in Christian publishing to avoid preachiness. It did not take away from my enjoyment of the book or the overall message that God is good.

The story is filled with gems of God’s wisdom, most of them the advice and faith of the endearing Dovie May, Sam’s mother. I’ll leave you with one, but you’ll have to read the book to get the rest. 🙂

“The same God who made rainbows and sunshine also made the thunder and lightning…I have to believe He knows what He’s doing.”

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye releases on April 19, 2022. But don’t wait! Preorder now. Click on the title below to go to Janyre’s site to learn more about the book and the author.

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye

Or you can find the book here.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Minds-Eye-Janyre-Tromp/dp/0825447399

Christian Book: https://www.christianbook.com/shadows-in-the-minds-eye-novel/9780825447396/pd/5447396

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-in-the-minds-eye-janyre-tromp/1139844881

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