Return to Harmony

Janette Oke has done it again, but this time, she was assisted by T. Davis Bunn. Together, they've written a heartwarming, sweet story about love, life, forgiveness, and living your values and beliefs, in Return to Harmony. Its description states, "A quiet southern town, the distant storm clouds of the first world war, and two girls who are best friends. Jodie Harland and Bethan Keane had little in common before the plight of a homeless dog brought them together, but from that day on the two young girls were bound together as best friends. As different as night and day in personality and interests, their friendship grows strong through shared joys, trials, and, finally, devastating loss faced together. Then a day comes when it seems that faith itself drives a tragic wedge between them and shatters the love and respect that had cemented them even closer than sisters. During the next few years, the emotional distance between them appears to be finalized when Jodie goes off to college. The United States joins the war effort in Europe, threatening even the peaceful security of Harmony. When will the time ever come for a return to Harmony?" This book was amazing, filled with heartbreaking, all too familiar situations, comparable to our daily lives and struggles. Two girls, one strong friendship, all put to the test. Return to Harmony addresses forsaken faith and the need to forgive and be forgiven. It was especially meaningful to me due to the failed friendships and broken relationships that I have already experienced, and am experiencing, in my life. Anyone who has been hurt by others or are in need of atonement themselves can find comfort, hope, and inspiration in Return to Harmony. It is a novel good for the mind, soul, and spirit.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

It was incredible. Not only did it have an astounding plot, but this 1991 Newberry Honor Book has also won numerous other awards. Written by Avi, I am speaking of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. As described by the back cover, "Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty... Charlotte Doyle is just such a girl and she swears to tell the truth in all its detail. It happened during the summer of 1832 aboard a ship called the Seahawk. The only passenger on the long Atlantic Ocean crossing, Charlotte found herself caught between the madness of a ruthless captain and the rage of a mutinous crew. This is her terrifying account of that faithful voyage." It had an amazing ending and was filled with unexpected events that will keep you reading into the night (literally). Usually, I'm easily bored with adventure, and it's not a genre that I normally enjoy. I love a good mystery, a Christian romance, or any type of uplifting, meaningful novel. Although The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle does not fall under any of these categories, I would definitely recommend it. I am fairly picky about what I read, and certain books just don't hold my interest. This one was filled with suspense, foreshadowing, and descriptive writing from beginning to end. The only setback that I'm sure bothered some was the occasionally tedious descriptions. Because of this, it may not be a novel satisfying everyone's tastes. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it immensely!