Doris Elaine Fell

Catherine O'Sullivan is the iron fist behind the flourishing O'Sullivan Star newspaper. She appears to have it all together, but inside she's a complex mix of emotions. More than anything, she wishes to be reunited with her daughter, Amanda. Living in her mother's shadow has been hard on Amanda. She sets off on a journey to find who she is and who she really loves, including her commitment to God. From Afghanistan to Paris, being linking to the Taliban and later an Italian diamond mob, the melodrama is like a treadmill.

Fell writes in a way that makes everything into a hyperbolic frenzy with plot twists on every other page. While some readers might enjoy the complication of overlapping characters and multitiered plots, the mere bulk of the novel may be off-putting to others.… (mais)

Although this story reads as a stand alone book, there is the story, "Betrayal in Paris", that was written earlier and has some of the same characters in this book. This was a story that did a lot of going back and forth from present day, to things that happened in the past; which helped you understand more clearly how the people got to where they were in the present. I personally enjoyed the way the author handled this.

This is a story of Meagan Juddman (although she isn't a Juddman when the story begins). Megan finds herself between two wars during this story. One involving her husband and the next one her son. Meagan eventually comes to terms with not liking being a wife and mother of someone in the service for our country. Life is just so hard when you have to sacrifice so much. There will be lies, deception, secrets and sorrow, but in the midst of all that there is also a strong bond of love that cannot die and a strong dependence on the only one who can really be there for you regardless of circumstances, and that is the Lord. I won't ruin it for those who don't read the back cover with what happens, but you will understand and feel for Meagan and the life she had and has. A heartfelt story where people find hope and strength and forgiveness in the midst of war.… (mais)

Title: The Reconciled Hearts Trilogy
Author: Doris Elaine Fell
Pages: 877
Copyright: 1999, 2000, 2000
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Blue Mist on the Danube
This is the story of Kerina Rudzinski and Ashley Reynolds and the bond they share. Kerina is a Czeckoslavakian concert violinist and acts as if she is were royalty. She finds refuge in her favorite city and by the Danube River. Ashley is a pastor’s wife. Both share a connection with Chandler. There are also mysterious thefts of valuable artwork that take place when Kerina is in town for concerts. I just thought Kerina painted such a sad picture of love lost, still yearning for what she had over 25 years ago.
Willows on the Windrush
Sydney Barrington, a successful American businesswoman, receives the inheritance of a mansion in England from a total stranger. When she arrives in England, she discovers that mansion’s owner is very much alive, leaving her with no inheritance according to the attorney. There are two men in England who pose romantic interests for Sydney, but the romantic angle seemed flat to me. There were also a lot of people to keep track of, which was sometimes confusing. I am an avid British mystery fan, so I missed a lot of the British dialogue that was lacking in the story.
Sunrise on Stradbury Square
Professor Rachel McCully arrives at a beautiful mansion in the Lake District in England and is reunited with the former love of her life, Sinclair Wakefield. Art theft is a subject in this novel as well as the first novel in the series. Rachel is drawn into the intrigue and danger. She is in the company of some former students and associates. Is there a future for her and Sinclair? Who is stealing the art?
First of all, having three full length novels in one book was difficult to read. Usually when a collection is united under the cover of one book, the stories are novellas. I think the length of this book will deter many from reading it. The style of writing seemed dated to me, but perhaps might appeal to some older folks. I did enjoy the descriptions of England and the theme of forgiveness depicted. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, but found their travels overseas interesting.
My rating is 3 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457… (mais)