"Messenger by Moonlight" by Stephanie Grace Whitson is fiction about The Pony Express

Messenger by Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson tells the story of a young girl named Annie and her two brothers, Frank and Emmett.  When their dad dies, they are left broke and lose the farm.  The brothers decide to join the Pony Express and Annie comes along and becomes a cook at one of the stations.

I liked Annie, the main character, but this book had little action and there was nothing that took me by surprise.  It's an okay read that I read only because Karen recommended it.
(Gerard's review 7/18/16, 3.5 stars) 

Karen's review 7/13/16, 4 stars:
Messenger by Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson is a very enjoyable read about two brothers (Frank and Emmett) who join up as pony express riders and sign up their sister as a cook for Clearwater, one of the remote home stations in Nebraska territory without even asking first!  Annie is at first put out by that, but doesn't want to be alone so agrees to go with them on this new money-making adventure. Emmett trusts in the Lord for courage and guidance and encourages Annie to as well, like their ma but Frank doesn't want anything to do with God and just complains about his rotten luck.  Annie tries to stay positive and look for the good things.  Annie has a dream of having her own nice white house with flower boxes and blue trim one day and Frank aims to make sure that happens for her.  When they get to the Clearwater station and meet the owner, George Morgan, he is not what any of them expected.

I enjoyed this historical western romance very much and liked all the characters.  The story line moved along and gave insight in what the pony express riders faced and the part women played during this time.  I loved the ending and recommend this for anyone who likes novels about the west around the time of the Civil War.  It had some funny parts that I actually laughed out loud at!


I also liked Key on the Quilt by this author.

Joining in Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop this week responding to the book review prompt.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Underdogs" by Melissa Fay Greene is Wonderful!

The Underdogs by Melissa Fay Greene tells the story of Karen Shirk, who was so disabled that she was not even allowed a dog.  Some nurses encouraged her to raise her own service dog though and she did!  Now, 1,000 dogs later, she runs 4 Paws for Ability, placing dogs with children and their families.

This is a WONDERFUL book that tells the stories of kids and their dogs.  The stories are so good and heartwarming!  Look up 4 Paws for Ability  and you will see the great work they do.  God bless you, Karen, for the work you do and thanks so much for sharing the stories!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Security" by Gina Wohlsdorf is a Shocking Thriller

Security by Gina Wohlsdorf is about a new 20-story hotel that is about to open.  It caters to the richest of the rich and boasts of a security system that cannot be matched.  Somebody though does not want this hotel to open and will go to great lengths to see that its doors stay closed.

This book moved a bit too slow for me.  I would have liked more action but did enjoy the two main characters and was happy with the ending.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Memory Book" by Lara Avery is Heartbreaking

In The Memory Book by Lara Avery, you meet Sammie McCoy.  She is a young girl with big plans and has worked really hard to graduate at the top of her class.  Now she wants to go to college in New York and make something of her life.  Unfortunately, she has a health problem involving her brain.  She writes everything down because soon she won't remember things and doesn't want to forget.

WOW!  What a fantastic book!  I really enjoyed Sammie right from page 1!  She is far from perfect, but then, none of us are.  With great writing, this is the kind of book you will long remember. 
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesdays

Gerard's:
But a reckless rage had come over Harry.  He kicked his trunk open, pulled out his wand, and pointed it at Uncle Vernon.

From page 30 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling.

I looked across at our opponents and wondered who they were.  And I looked out at the crowd, and that's when I realized we were in the middle of Nationals, and I was supposed to be doing something.

From page 95 of The Memory Book  by Lara Avery.

Karen's:

"Having trouble finding a room is just a sign that we've come to the right place," Annie said.  "You said it yourself.  God hasn't lost track of us and we're going to be all right." 

From page 23 of Messenger by Moonlight  by Stephanie Grace Whitson.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading. 
Happy Reading!