Review of We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels

What it's about: Three women. Three eras of history. Three lives that intertwine and connect over decades. Three underlying themes in each of their lives that so adequately define where America was and is on the subject of racism. Journalist Elizabeth Balsam finds herself on a journey that she thought was going to take her in one direction, but takes her on a completely different path. A path of finding family that she didn't know existed and a history of the Balsam name that she knew nothing about. Because of one meeting, a camera and some photographs, Elizabeth begins a search that leads her to realizations about racism reaching back to the Civil War that impacts her family.

What I thought: This book was one of the very few books that I would define as one of my favorite. Carefully written, but written in such a way that the reader can't help but mourn, cheer, cry and be angry at how America has been shaped regarding racism and the injustices that have been woven into the decades of society. This story covers three women, all in the same family, spreading from the Civil war, to the marches of Martin Luther King and the riots in Detroit to present day. The subjects of slavery to interracial marriage. To how past thought one color of skin was incomprehensible and an embarrassment on the family history to the present seeing how beautiful all people are. A powerful story to help open eyes and begin conversations about America's history and opening eyes to racism.

Would I recommend this: A resounding yes. This was one of the most powerful fiction books I have read in a very long time. Beautifully and heart wrenchingly amazing, this book will be one that has impacted me to the core. Bartels did an exceptional job and I look forward to reading the books she writes in the future. Well done!

Revell sent me this complimentary copy to review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

What it's about: Brady St. John's vacation comes to an abrupt halt one day as he hears screams from the secluded lake by the house he is staying in. One choice sets in motion events in which lead he and the woman he rescues, Emily Chastain, on a life or death hunt for why Emily is being targeted and attempted to be killed.

What I thought: This is the 3rd book in the Blue Justice Series by Lynette Eason. She weaves a story of twists and turns that has you wondering who is the hunted and who is doing the hunting of the main characters in this story. Eason does a remarkable job keeping the reader in suspense throughout the entire book, right up until the end. With threads of romance and learning about confident self-image, this book will keep the reader engaged until the last page is turned. There are ties to the first two books, but the reader can read this book as a stand-alone. I would encourage you though, if you read this book, to read the first two in this series as you won't be disappointed.

Would I recommend it: yes! absolutely, without a doubt, read this book. Read the series! if you enjoy mystery suspense, then you will like this book.

Revell sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.