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The Blossoming Summer

August 13, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

13 Aug

Title: The Blossoming Summer
Author: Anna Rose Johnson
Major Themes: Family, World War II, Friendship
Synopsis: With the threat of a Nazi invasion on the horizon, Rosemary’s father decides to evacuate his scattered family from England back to Wisconsin—but will Rosemary’s deepest dream that they’ll finally be a real family once again be realized?

Near the beginning of the year, I enjoyed listening to The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, which proved to be a fun story with delightful characters and an intriguing setting. I enjoyed it enough—even if it is written for a middle-grade audience—that when I saw The Blossoming Summer was set to be released, I knew I wanted to read it, too. I’m so glad I took the time to read it! This turned out to be a fascinating story that depicts an aspect of World War II I have heard bits and snatches about, but never seen in a book quite like this before.

Publisher’s description:

When English thirteen-year-old Rosemary is evacuated to her grandmother in America at the start of World War II, she uncovers the family secret—they are Anishinaabe and passing as white.

Life in England is all Rosemary has ever known…but as WWII changes the world, no one’s life is left unscathed. Suddenly, she’s sent away to escape the devastation of London. Her grandmother’s house on Lake Superior is safe, but unfamiliar, especially as she discovers her parents have kept a tremendous secret.

Rosemary and her family are Anishinaabe—and no one is supposed to know.

Far from home but newly connected to a once-hidden part of her family, Rosemary develops a warm, close relationship with her grandmother…and a local boy whose love of gardening helps her to see the beauty in her unexpected circumstances. As Rosemary grows into her new life like a flower in bloom, she realizes that maybe she’s not as far from home as she thought.

My thoughts:

To be honest, I was a little nervous heading into this book. I love learning about different cultures and how they affect people’s everyday lives, but when it comes to books that seem to have been written to appeal to the current “woke” culture, I’m generally not interested. Reading this book’s description, I thought it may lean that way—but since I enjoyed Lucy Landry, which also features an Anishinaabe family, I decided to give it a shot. I’m glad I did! Although the Anishinaabe/Ojibwe thing came up multiple times, it felt fairly natural in the story, not like it was trying to make a point. This book did mention Anishinaabe things slightly more than Lucy Landry, but that was because the main character knew nothing of her heritage, and one way the grandmother chose to pass on their family history was through teaching her Anishinaabe words. I didn’t have a problem with that, as it felt similar to including Spanish or German words in books that feature people from those cultural backgrounds.

There was so much else to enjoy in the story, too. Of course, World War II is the background of the book, and getting this perspective on people who moved from Europe to America to try to protect themselves was intriguing. Then there’s the family aspect of the story, and the ups and downs they had as they tried to work together and support each other. I thoroughly enjoyed the sibling interaction, and the way Rosemary tried to always think the best of her parents, even when others around her were less than enthusiastic about some of their choices. There’s also the surprising aspect of a love of gardening that comes through multiple times—I really enjoyed that part!

The Blossoming Summer is a perfect book for any middle-grade reader, in my opinion. Deeply nuanced, with multiple themes and a dash of mystery and adventure in the mix, this is a strong story of family values, hope for change for the good even when the world is at war, and a strong delight in nature. There’s also a hint here and there at the family’s faith, which was a good surprise. I enjoyed the story and wouldn’t mind having it on my shelf one day.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: My word is used in ch. 1, 5, and 11 (twice); blimey is used in ch. 2; goodness is used in ch. 2 (three times), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 (twice); gracious is used in ch. 2; good grief is used in ch. 5; heavens is used in ch. 5 and 7; thank goodness is used in ch. 6 and 13; good gracious is used in ch. 7; goodness knows is used in ch. 9, 13, and 16; gosh is used in ch. 10; for heaven’s sake is used in ch. 11; golly is used in ch. 12; and heaven forbid is used in ch. 17. Several times, a girl thinks about how she likes a boy.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Like Dandelion Dust

August 11, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

11 Aug

Title: Like Dandelion Dust
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Major Themes: Adoption, Family, Grief
Synopsis: When they receive news that the adoption of their now four-year-old son was illegal and he must be returned to his biological parents, Jack and Molly Campbell are determined they’ll do whatever it takes to fight for their family and keep their son.

A friend offered Like Dandelion Dust to me several years ago, and I decided I wanted to try it because although I’d heard of Kingsbury’s books for years, I never got the chance to pick one up. I recently had time to pick up this book, and I’m so glad I took the time for it! It isn’t the greatest story I’ve ever read, but I thoroughly enjoyed following along with the characters and discovering what happened next.

Publisher’s description:

When Joey Campbell’s biological father is released from prison, the four-year-old faces a life no one could’ve planned. His father wants custody, and a judge’s quick decision deals a devastating blow to the Campbell family: Joey must be returned to his biological parents. In a haze of grief and disbelief, the Campbells watch their adopted son pick a dandelion and blow the feathery seeds into the wind. Watching the seeds drift away on a breeze, Jack Campbell conceives a desperate and dangerous thought. What if they can devise a way out? They could take Joey and just disappear. Ultimately, both families will learn that sometimes the greatest love is shared by letting go—LIKE DANDELION DUST.

My thoughts:

I’ve always had a soft spot for stories of adoptive families and their children. So to have that be a focal point of this book was special. I was also intrigued by the plot twist of having the adoption revoked…that’s not something you see very often in adoptive fiction, I don’t think!

There was a lot to enjoy in this book. I found myself relating to both mothers in the story, and I loved the way Joey’s adoptive parents loved their son—that was super special. There was one character I frequently got annoyed with—and wanted to whack a few times—but at the same time, the way this story is told feels possible, and I appreciated that.

Some elements of the story were slightly far-fetched, and while that kind of thing can tend to annoy me at times, it didn’t end up being as frustrating as I expected. This was a fairly predictable read, which in a way is somewhat disappointing, but overall, it was written well enough to keep my attention and make for an enjoyable reading experience.

I wouldn’t rate Like Dandelion Dust among my top favorite Christian fiction titles of all time. It isn’t one of those stand-out books that you love so much that you end up almost forcing all your friends to read, too. But if you are looking for a cozy, feel-good story from a Christian perspective, I’d recommend you check it out. It’s worth taking the time to read once.

WARNING: One character was physically abusive in the past, and this comes up multiple times (there are a few instances of abuse throughout the book, too—ch. 18, 23, and 28 have some descriptions). Characters lie occasionally. There are some married kisses. Chapter 2: A woman thinks about how she cheated on her husband. Chapter 4: A man says “Last night was amazing” to his wife; mention of women’s period. Chapter 6: Woman remembers getting drunk. Chapters 7, 18, and 24: Drinking. Chapter 25: Seeing a chicken being killed.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

The Light in the Window

August 8, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

8 Aug

The Light in the Window by June Goulding

Title: The Light in the Window
Author: June Goulding
Major Themes: Memoirs, Midwifery, Ireland
Synopsis: When a young midwife accepted a position in a home for unmarried mothers in early 1950s Ireland, she had no idea of the amount of heartache, sorrow, and unlikely friendships she’d discover through her work.

Several years ago, I picked up a copy of The Light in the Window while going on a garage sale outing with a friend. It looked vaguely interesting at the time, but it ended up going on the shelf eventually, unread, even though I was hopeful I’d get to pick it up sometime. After a while, when the shelves were starting to feel rather cramped, it ended up joining my stack of possible culls—books I wanted to read to decide if they deserved to stay or not. I’m so glad I finally got around to picking this book up! Even though it was a difficult read, in some respects, it was also written in a gripping way, and I couldn’t help but sympathize with the girls’ plights described in the story.

Publisher’s description:

‘I promised that I would one day write a book and tell the world about the home for unmarried mothers. I have at last kept my promise.’

In Ireland, 1951, the young June Goulding took up a position as midwife in a home for unmarried mothers run by the Sacred Heart nuns. What she witnessed there was to haunt her for the next fifty years. It was a place of secrets, lies and cruelty. A place where women picked grass by hand and tarred roads whilst heavily pregnant. Where they were denied any contact with the outside world; denied basic medical treatment and abused for their ‘sins’; where, after the birth, they were forced into hard labour in the convent for three years. But worst of all was that the young women were expected to raise their babies during these three years so that they could then be sold—given up for adoption in exchange for a donation to the nuns.

Shocked by the nuns’ inhumane treatment of the frightened young women, June risked her job to bring some light into their dark lives. June’s memoir tells the story of twelve women’s experiences in this home and of the hardships they endured, but also the kindness she offered them, and the hope she was able to bring.

My thoughts:

It’s hard to imagine people treating others the way they were in this book. It’s also hard to comprehend how much things have changed for unmarried women over the past 70 years. And then to think that a young woman in her early 20s was thrust into a position like this, with little context to go on as she tried to help these girls and women…and with hardly any medical supplies, love, or compassion from those who were in charge and should have been the most caring. It’s almost hard to believe the story, but at the same time, it rings true. It was encouraging to see June trying to love and show kindness, even when it put her job on the line, and especially to see what a difference it made for these women.

One thing that I struggle with in books like this is the way so-called Christian’s actions can cast a bad light on the Name of Jesus. In this story, one woman, especially, called herself a Christian but did very little to help those in need—and often did more to harm (in a twisted attempt to “teach them a lesson”) than help them. That was hard to read about, but at the same time, the contrast between her actions and attitudes and those of others who had compassion was strikingly obvious.

I found The Light in the Window compelling, insightful, and a gripping portrait of another time and place not that removed from today’s world. It was difficult to imagine how these women survived—and what their lives may have been like after going through the experiences described here. It has given me more compassion for those who are struggling with different things, whether they brought it on themselves or not, and has reminded me how far a little kindness can go. This isn’t a Christian story, necessarily (Catholicism is mentioned throughout, but that’s never dwelt on), but it is the story of hope and kindness amid despair. Recommended, if you enjoy true stories and memoirs from history, or medical stories. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep this book on my shelf before I started it, but I’m planning to now—it’s a good book!

WARNING: There are occasional mentions of attending births, dealing with different health issues women face, procedures done for pregnant women, birth-related injuries, or other injuries. Unmarried characters hold hands, hug, or kiss occasionally—never described. Several times, there are descriptions of watching children being ripped away from their mothers (as well as general cruelty about the way mother/child relationships were handled in the home). The setting is strongly Catholic, so there are mentions of going to confession, having Mass, praying the rosary, etc. Several times, there are mentions of hard work the pregnant women and new mothers had to do—like hand-plucking the grass to mow it, or tarring the driveway. One person was often quite cruel to the women, treating them without any love or compassion.

“Thank God” is used in a not-so-reverent way in ch. 2; “Jesus” is used wrongly in ch. 3, 11 (twice), and 15; “what in God’s name” is used in ch. 3; someone is called a “bitch” in ch. 7, 11, and 16; “for God’s sake” is used in ch. 9; “my God” is used in ch. 9, 16, and 17; God is used as an exclamation in ch. 12 (twice), 15 (twice), and 19 (twice); “I swear” is used in ch. 12; goodness is used in ch. 15; “please God” is used in a not-so-reverent way in ch. 15; “by God” is used in ch. 16; and “what the hell” is used in ch. 17. There is lying in ch. 6, 7, 9, 11, 17, and 18.

Sexual intercourse is mentioned in ch. 6, as a girl talks about the circumstances in which she got pregnant (not described; she just gives the bare bones of what happened). Incest is mentioned in ch. 7. In ch. 8, there’s a mention that two girls were pregnant by the same man (who had taken advantage of them), and a girl goes crazy and tries to hurt someone. In ch. 12, there’s a mention of someone who tried to drown herself, a baby is stillborn, and someone threatens to drown themselves. In ch. 14, five girls realize they are all pregnant by the same man. Someone gets a sewing machine needle through her finger in ch. 18. There are a few other stories scattered throughout of how the girls got pregnant, but it never goes into the nitty-gritty details (usually just a paragraph or two). Smoking is mentioned a couple of times.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

The French Kitchen

August 6, 2025 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

6 Aug

Title: The French Kitchen
Author: Kristy Cambron
Major Themes: Split-Time, Spies, Mysteries, World War II, Cooking
Synopsis: Though the war may be history, Kat Fontaine is still certain her brother is alive somewhere, and no matter what it takes—even going up against enemies from her days working as a spy in a Nazi-controlled French kitchen—she is determined to find him.

Years ago, I read Kristy Cambron’s The Illusionist’s Apprentice. I enjoyed the story—it was quite different from just about any other book I’d ever read, but I knew I wanted to read some of her other books if I ever got the chance. Recently, I saw that The French Kitchen was coming out soon, and it sounded like one I’d enjoy. I’m so glad I took the chance—this book ended up being a lot deeper (character- and plot-wise) than I anticipated, and I ended up loving the story!

Publisher’s description:

As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, Kat Fontaine never expected the skills she learned in a French chateau kitchen to be the key that unlocks the secrets swirling in her new post-war life.

Paris, 1952—Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, ex-pat Kat Fontaine, now living in Paris, finds a simple cookery class led by indomitable chef Julia Child unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war. Determined to find her brother who went missing during the war and is presumed dead, Kat questions everything, especially her high-ranking society husband whose past is as murky as her own. But when the puzzle pieces start to come together—and her carefully crafted Paris world begins to fall apart—Kat must confront her own secrets against the mounting suspicions of the husband she thought she knew…

Rue, 1943—Deep in the heart of Nazi-controlled northern France, Manon Altier shifts between working for the enemy by day—as a French chef at the famous Chateau du Broutel, where names like Himmler, Rommel, and Goebbels frequent the guest list—and running with underground networks against the Vichy regime at night. Working undercover to filter critical information to agents within the burgeoning OSS presence in France, Manon digs deep into the glitz and glamour of a Nazi stronghold that has her teetering on the edge of being discovered at any turn. But when an intriguing stranger appears at the chateau claiming to work with the French Resistance, Manon must lean on her instincts to judge whether to run and hide or stand firm—even as a terrifying discovery tests her resolve to continue the fight.

My thoughts:

I’ve read many World War II novels over the years, and while I wouldn’t say that it’s my favorite time in history to read about, I do have a certain fascination with that era. I realized, soon after diving into this book, that I may be overdoing that time period a bit—it was the 7th World War II book I’d read since the beginning of the year, and by the time I got to The French Kitchen, I was feeling ready for a break. Still, I wanted to get through it—meeting a deadline is important, after all!—so I pushed aside my regret over the timing of when I started reading this story, and before too long, I found myself sucked into Kat’s world, and entirely forgot that I was tired of reading about this era.

There are quite a few threads running through this book, which I found fascinating. I haven’t read many fictional stories about undercover intelligence agents in mainland Europe during World War II, so I enjoyed that aspect. Then, too, in both past and present, cooks craft delicious-sounding meals that I’d love to try. There’s a family element to the story, a marriage of convenience (a trope I enjoy!), and a good deal of espionage and political intrigue. I loved the jumps back and forth from past to present. Both parts of the story grabbed my attention, and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next!

If you enjoy historical mysteries with a dash of romance and a little danger, I’d highly recommend you check out The French Kitchen. Deeply nuanced, with complex characters and a gripping plot, this is one you can easily get through in a couple of days—and, if you’re like me, you’ll be left wishing there was just a little more (in a good way!). I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to checking out some of Cambron’s other books in the future when I get the chance.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: Prologue: Man killed, I swear, woman’s life threatened. Chapter 1: Blast, I swear (twice), heavens. Chapter 2: Blasted. Chapter 3: Thank goodness, men admiring women’s legs, for heaven’s sake. Chapter 4: The devils, brief mention of torture, stealing, blasted. Chapter 5: Thank heaven, she swore, this devil. Chapter 6: Would swear, a flashback to bombings. Chapter 7: Man threatened with a blade to his throat. Chapter 10: Veiled mention of prostitutes. Chapter 11: Seeing a plane explode, lying, thank heaven (three times), heaven help her. Chapter 13: For heaven’s sake, blast. Chapter 14: Heaven help them. Chapter 15: Man poisoned, married woman with bruises on her arm. Chapter 16: Thank Providence. Chapter 17: Woman hurt and choked, heaven help her. Chapter 19: Heaven help her. Chapter 20: Man killed. Chapter 21: Heaven help them, watching an execution (somewhat gruesome), a kiss, I swear. Chapter 22: Kisses. Chapter 23: Mention of a woman’s bare back in bed with her husband, brief self-defense, heaven help her. Chapter 25: The devils, heaven help her. Chapter 26: Oh my word, heaven help them, followed that devil, heaven help her. Chapter 27: Woman’s life threatened, heaven help her (twice), animal shot, man attacked with a knife, thank heaven, for heaven’s sake, I swear. Chapter 28: Thank goodness, I swear, man threatened with a gun. Unmarried characters sometimes hold hands, hug, or touch in some other way. Social drinking and smoking are mentioned occasionally.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Rescue at the Reef

August 4, 2025 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

4 Aug

Title: Rescue at the Reef
Author: Jameson and Mary Catherine Reeder
Major Themes: Sharks, Disabilities, Injuries, Florida, Diving, Florida Keys, Caribbean
Synopsis: As a family was enjoying diving in the Florida Keys, a bull shark came out of nowhere and attacked their son, nearly killing him and changing the family’s life forever.

Ever since I started reading, I have enjoyed reading people’s stories of their lives. Well-written memoirs are some of my favorite types of books. When I read the description of Rescue at the Reef, it sounded like the kind of book I really enjoy.

Publisher’s description:

A two-week vacation to the Florida Keys meant Mary and Jameson Sr. could share the beauty of their favorite turquoise-blue waters with their four children. On that serene day at Looe Key Reef, their oldest, ten-year-old Jameson Jr., was swimming among the marine life, capturing breathtaking footage of a sea turtle when a massive bull shark attacked.

Nine miles from shore and even farther from a hospital, their son weakening, the Reeders prayed for help—and it came through a miraculous chain of events.

Rescue at the Reef is the true story of a young boy who defied death with an unshakable faith in the power of Jesus to save him. Even in immense suffering, he focused on caring for those around him, so much so that it surprised even hospital staff. His unshakeable peace made an impact on patients and visitors, and his story quickly spread, drawing the attention of strangers and the media.

With reflections on faith, suffering, and the hidden gifts that often go unnoticed, Rescue at the Reef is a living reminder that with God, even the most fearsome challenges can be faced—and conquered. This unforgettable story will leave you on the edge of your seat, inspired by the ripple effects of hope that overcome impossible odds.

My thoughts:

Rescue at the Reef kept my attention from the first page. Throughout this book, Jameson and Mary take turns telling the story of their son, from when the shark attacked him, throughout his time in the hospital with multiple surgeries. Throughout their ordeal, they kept their eyes on the Lord and trusted Him. I found this book inspiring and encouraging.

This story is very personal. Jameson and Mary shared the story of what happened from the perspective of parents whose son nearly died. Being a parent myself, I could feel their pain, and the joy when he recovered. Read this book if you want a true story of God working today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

WARNING: Description of a leg eaten by a shark.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com