Catching the Wind - audiobook review

Catching the Wind

Maple leaves draped over the treehouse window, the silvery fronds linked together like chain mail to protect the boy and girl playing inside. ~First line

Oh my, this book’s cover art catches my breath! I’m instantly drawn to the girl in the wind, the title piques my curiosity, and I want to learn what stories lie beneath the cover.

And this story starts with a bang! One moment two children are playing carelessly in a treehouse, and the next moment their lives are changed forever. I am pulled into 1940 Germany very quickly, and then flawlessly transitioned into 2017 England in this dual-time period historical. But I must say, I was mighty eager to return to the 1940s period, to find out the outcome of chapter one’s hook. I love when, try as I may, I can’t find a stopping place…just one more chapter…just one more chapter…

Rage shot like an arrow through Dietmar’s chest, his heart pounding as he reached for the door handle … And he’d never forget what he saw. ~Excerpt from Catching the Wind

Audio Narration: Nancy Peterson has very pleasant voice, with a softness that lends so much emotion to the story. Her character switches and accents are well-defined and convincing.

Audio Production Quality: The production quality of this audiobook is clear, without any distracting sounds etc. 

Overall: Catching the Wind is a brilliantly crafted book with intriguing and unique characters and a story that will stay with you for some time.

#catchingthewind

#twowordspublishing 

 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Author: Melanie Dobson

Narrator: Nancy Peterson

Publisher: Two Words Publishing, LLC

Audio Length: 10 hours and 25minutes

Pages (Print length): 416

Purchase Link

Source: I received this audiobook at no cost from the publisher. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

The Soul of an American President - book review

My thoughts on the story:

I love that this book is more than a biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Though it explores this man’s rise to presidency of the United States of America, it also delves into his deep faith. 

I learned so much about this man— his losses, gains, and heartbreaks, where he came from, what he fought for, and what he believed in. For instance, he encouraged Congress to insert the word “under God” into our nations pledge of allegiance. He spoke of the importance of prayer and he prayed desperately for the troops in his command. 

One part of this book that I found exceptionally touching was the last meeting between President Eisenhower and his longtime friend, Reverend Billy Graham. After a meaningful conversation, the dying president clasped hands with the Dr. Graham and told him he was ready to meet his maker.

From his humble beginnings in Texas, to the simple government-issued casket he asked to be buried in, this man’s deep, powerful, and genuine faith is evident and inspiring. 

★★★★★

Quote from the book:

“I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity,” Ike declared in 1946.

Cover: Nice depiction of Eisenhower's humility and strength.

First Line: It seemed like just another day in Washington, DC.

Publisher: Baker Books

Pages: 240

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.

Trouble The Water - book review

Title: Trouble The Water

Author: Rebecca Dwight Bruff

Publisher: Köehler Books

ISBN: 978-1633938076

Purchase HERE

My thoughts on the story:

This book has the feel of a Great American Novel. The same sort of feel as The Grapes of Wrath, but dealing with slavery and oppression during the Civil War, rather than the economic hardships during the Great Depression.

With themes of race, religion, and relationships, Trouble The Water is a fictional story inspired by the heroic and hard life of Robert Smalls. I’m surprised I never heard of Smalls (nicknamed Trouble) before reading this book, seeing how his life notably impacted history.

As with most things in the South, the story takes its sweet time, in no hurry to reveal details before they’re needed. Softly and slowly, the reader journeys through Trouble’s days, where his view of Beaufort and the world as he saw it from the South Carolina low country is revealed. Actually, in this instance, I prefer the leisure approach which allows me to soak in the emotions, experience the hardships, losses, and anger through the eyes of a house slave, a field slave, a mother, and more.

It’s difficult to say I enjoyed this story, due to the ugliness of much of the subject matter, but I certainly will never forget it. I’ve learned so much and am changed—two important things I hope to gain through fiction and non-fiction alike. There is much beauty to be found within these pages.

★★★★★

Thoughts on the cover:

Love it! The serene scene on the cover serves as a guise to the frightening undercurrent of the story.

Thoughts on the title:

I love the double entendre of the title.

Source:

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through BookPleasures. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.

Quotes from the book:

She knew—they all knew—that every mother of every boy child was just as likely to bury that child as to see him grown. She knew that every mother of every girl child was almost sure to see her daughter sold or raped—or both.

Sometimes we need a sip of hope or strength from one another … I nodded. A sip of hope. I knew I was terrible thirsty.

#troublethewater