The Cryptographer's Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander -- Review & Giveaway

One of My Top Listens in the Past Two+ Years!!! 

This is such a compelling read! This WWII story, The Cryptographer's Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander, part of Barbour's Heroines of WWII series, Book 1, is a wonderful listen! 

I had already read this title in ebook format but when I saw there was an audiobook and with narrator Cecily White, I listened. Cecily had narrated my first audiobook, Mercy in a Red Cloak, and I knew she was an amazing narrator. 

Eloise is a cryptographer, which I loved because my daughter had considered becoming one and I'd never read a Christian Fiction with a female cryptographer. I enjoyed how FBI agent Phillip and Eloise originally weren't really interested in working together. That seemed realistic. I also enjoyed the organic unfolding of their relationship as they get to know one another while working on this unusual case. Please note: I did not hear any Author's Notes at the end of the listen. However, in the ebook and paperback, there is an explanation that this story truly was inspired by a real-life story, which is super cool! I have to say this is one of my favorite listens for the past two years possibly longer. The narration really matched the tone of the book, too.

Johnnie Alexander has a captivating winner with this novel and I highly recommend it!

The Cryptographer's Dilemma is available also in ebook format and paperback formats. 

Giveaway: I'm giving away a paperback copy of this novel. I bet we could get Johnnie to mail you an autograph label to stick in your book, too!

Debbie Lynne Costello's Story for A Cup of Christmas Cheer (2014) Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A Cup of Christmas Cheer, 2014, Volume 3, Heartwarming Tales of Christmas Past

"The Letter" by Debbie Lynne Costello in Guidepost Books A Cup of Christmas Cheer Collection 2014

Volume 3, Heartwarming Tales of Christmas Past

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This beautiful short story is set in 1945, after WWII has ended. Savannah residents Benjamin and Sharon Davis have lost their son, Richard, in the war. And their relationship with their daughter-in-law has suffered. They've rarely seen Jennifer and their grandchildren. (I love that one of the children is "Cassie" as I have my own Cassie, now grown!) When Jennifer receives a letter inviting her to visit, she decides to take little Richie and Cassie to see their grandparents, despite the fact that her mother-in-law has always been so cold toward her.

Debbie Lynne is masterful at the subtle nuances in emotion and also in conveying the concerns of both women in this powerful story. It was mentioned that this would make a great Hallmark movie, and I thought the same thing! The Davises seem almost clueless as to the situation their daughter-in-law, a single parent working to support her children, at a foundry.

Sharon, a society matron, looks down her nose at Jennifer and she feels it keenly. But for the sake of the children, she's tried to set those concerns aside for the sake of her children and because of the letter she received. Debbie Lynne does a deft job of helping the reader see inside the head of the mother-in-law and make her objectionable behavior be understandable given her background. Forgiveness is a big theme and trying to understand others.

A very smooth read and one you'll enjoy re-reading in years to come! Kudos to Debbie Lynne!

Purchase your own copy of the Guideposts collection here: http://www.shopguideposts.org/catalog/product/view/id/2084

Giveaway: A copy of the 2014 collection of A Cup of Christmas Cheer.

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews Dan Walsh's "The Unfinished Gift"

Audio review of “The Unfinished Gift” 

by Dan Walsh
(Revell/Oasis, 2010)

5 Stars *****

Easy and Compelling Listen

I listened to this book as a download through audible.com where I have a platinum membership.  I was sick when I listened to over half of it and was I ever glad that I had it.  This is a nostalgia book, i.e., it is not set long enough ago to be a historical nor recently enough to be a contemporary.  I imagine most people would say I am wrong and that this is a historical. So be it.

Having listened to the second book in the series first, I was expecting some sort of romance. I am bad about listening to things out of order.  This was an instance where the first book probably should have been read first.

 

The story is almost a men’s fiction, as the three generations relationships were pivotal to the storyline.  We have an estranged WWII pilot, Shawn Collins, whose wife has just died leaving behind their young son, Patrick.  The paternal grandfather, Ian Collins,  is the closest living relative but he has never even seen his grandson.  He’s a bitter, grumpy old widower with few redeeming qualities.  Rigid is his middle name. He doesn’t deserve to have this sweet little boy in his home.

A social worker, Katherine Townsend, who is assisting with the Collins child, has become emotionally involved with the boy.  An orphan herself, Katherine finds the irascible elder Collins undeserving of having his grandson in his custody. When Patrick goes missing, near Christmas, they must pull together to bring the child home safely.

I felt Patrick Collins was the most engaging character in the story.  I wanted to know more about Katherine and I was dying to see Ian have some of his crustiness ripped away, which kept me listening. I don’t normally read this type of book. However, I think this is a great audiobook, especially for someone who is ailing.  It is an easy and compelling listen.


Roger Mueller, the narrator, was amazing. He was perfect for this book, capturing the nuances of each character's voice.


Note: The Unfinished Gift was Dan's debut book and won two prestigious Carol awards through ACFW.  

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.