The Sheepish Scribe

Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Intriguing story about an old quilt, a journal, and a family full of secrets. The story revolves around restoring an old quilt and I found that aspect fascinating. Quilts reflect a lot of our history in America and the people who work at restoration have an important job.

Kelly needs this job after leaving her last employment amidst a scandal. Tom needs a job after an injury cuts his military career short. Both wind up at Gray House, a building full of history and secrets. Can they both overcome their broken pasts to restore more than an old house and an old quilt?

Somewhere to Belong by Judith McCoy Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this glimpse into the Amana colonies. This isn't an area of history I knew much about, so it was fun to read and learn.

The characters are interesting and very diverse. I enjoyed Berta's selfish antics and growth as much as Johanna's steady walk. The overall theme of the importance of truth - and with it the consequences of untruth - is well portrayed.

Judith Miller leaves the door wide open for more books to follow and I'm sure I'll pick them up to see how all these stories end.

The Quaker and the Rebel by Mary Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this story. It's different, not your stereotypical North vs South Civil War romance. The hero is a southern aristocrat and the heroine is a northern farmer's daughter who happens to be an abolitionist to boot. Plenty of drama right there. Toss in the Underground Railroad, a clandestine cavalry unit, some freed slaves and it just gets better.

Historically speaking, it's a little shaky in a couple of areas, but nothing that seriously detracts from the story. It was just enough to make my inner history geek do a quick cringe before I read on.

There are interesting characters in this story, especially some of the secondary characters. I've read other books by Mary Ellis and she always brings in good, strong secondary characters to round out the story. I love that. An easy book to recommend for any age.

The Roman's Quest by Anne Baxter Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miriam is a young Jewish girl who falls in love with a Roman soldier named Julius. Knowing she'll never be allowed to marry someone outside her faith, she settles for an engagement to James. But when James decides to follow Jesus, and Julius decides to become a proselyte (convert to the Jewish faith), Miriam's life is turned upside down.

If you enjoy historical fiction with good, solid history as well as true-life historical figures, you'll enjoy The Roman's Quest. The story offers a nice look into what life was like when Jesus began His ministry. Anne Baxter Campbell does a wonderful job of setting the reader down into the ancient city of Jericho. Grab your clay pot and head for the well... there is a story to be told.