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Beneath a Turquoise Sky–educating the Navajos
Beneath a Turquoise Sky
By Kiersti Giron
As Beneath a Turquoise Sky begins, the author introduces Caroline Haynes, a young lady in 1910 in Pennsylvania. After five years of playing the role of mother to her two younger brothers, she feels replaced by her father’s new wife Lillian. Her best friend’s brother, whom she had long adored, moved to China to be a missionary, without Caroline, and later married. Recognizing that she really doesn’t have a home or is needed in Pennsylvania, Caroline follows up on an article in the Home Mission Monthly seeking a teacher for the younger students at the Hebron Navajo Mission. She was drawn to “children in need of schooling, of the light of Jesus.”
When she arrives at the Territory of New Mexico after a long, arduous journey, she is shown to her tiny room attached to the girls’ dormitory and meets the handsome, but rigid, Rev. Willis Abernathy and his aunt Miss Spencer. Both have their own strict ways of running a school which are typical of schools set up for Native Americans at that time. The goal is conversion, but not just spiritual conversion. The white men wanted to get rid of Navajo culture and replace it with European customs all while making it clear that the Navajos are second class people. The motto of some was: “Kill the Indian, save the man.” To this end, the Navajo students were often punished if they spoke their own language. Haircuts were forced on them. Their traditional clothes were taken away, and they were supplied with uniforms.They were assigned Anglo names and removed from their families. The parents were told this was “all for their own good.”
Caroline’s interactions with the students and the other staff is a major part of the story, but just as important is Willis’ relationship with Tse, a Navajo two years younger. They grew up together and were friends for many years, but that all changed and we see it play out as Tse needs a job to help support his parents. Willis gives it to him but treats him in a very condescending way. As was typical of that time period, he seems to have no concept of the value of cultural differences. Tse is a Christian, but because he has reverted to Navajo dress and culture, Willis feels that he has turned his back on God.
Caroline “disobeys” Willis in her efforts to teach the children and give them the emotional support they need. Tse is her “accomplice” and both of them are chastised by Willis.
There are a number of well-executed plot twists that culminate in decisions these characters have to make that will affect their future and the future of the mission. Although I had a hard time liking Willis, I could understand him as a product of his time. That does not excuse most of his behavior, however. The story concludes with many loose ends tied up, but there are still systemic problems that are not worked out regarding how the Navajos and the white men interact with each other. Caroline and Tse are both very likable characters portrayed with some depth. They live out the kindness of Jesus in their everyday lives. Willis thinks he is doing the right things, but is missing the mark in his goals and how he treats others. All of the characters experience growth and positive change, and Tse especially comes to understand how he can honor his Navajo heritage and also be a follower of Jesus.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Historical Fiction, Christian, Romance
Notes: 1. The book includes a Glossary of Navajo Words, Historical Notes, and Acknowledgements of people and organizations that have contributed to the author’s understanding of the complicated historical and cultural background of this story.
2. Giron states that she has “shown only the milder side” of the trauma children experienced under this “education” system, but it is certainly sufficient to expose the reader to the damage even well meaning individuals caused in imposing Euro-American culture and customs in the name of religion.
Publication: April 14, 2025—Story Architect
Memorable Lines:
Perhaps being set apart did mean rejecting all that was Navajo and taking on the white man’s ways. But where was that ordained in Scripture? Not like the people of ancient Israel were European, after all.
But no, the bilagáanas were always right—government officials, Indian agents, or missionaries. No matter how many broken treaties, broken promises, broken families. Broken children’s hearts.
He sang as he bridled his horse, praising Jesus in his language, letting the tune follow the natural pattern of the tones, as in the chants. It sounded genuinely Navajo, yet the truth of the words lent a wholeness to his tongue he’d never heard before.
A Very English Murder–good mystery with sophisticated humor
A Very English Murder
By Verity Bright
When Ellie’s uncle dies, she leaves her life of adventure and world travel and returns to Henley Hall in the little town of Chipstone in the 1920’s. Even though she did not know her uncle well and had not been to Chipstone in many years, everyone in town recognizes her as Lady Swift. She is somewhat overcome by her life changes and that is complicated by her witnessing what appears to be a murder, but it is hard to convince the police of that because there is no body.
Clifford is her butler and she soon recognizes that he had a special relationship with her uncle and the townspeople and will be just as helpful to her in her investigation. She is not quite sure what the pair did, but as the story develops, the scope of their “work” starts to come into focus.
The mystery is fascinating and was quite a puzzle. The staff at Henley Hall are supportive of her and were clearly a trusted part of the projects her uncle and Clifford pursued. Clifford is a favorite character but takes some getting used to. Ellie is not sure if she can trust him. She can definitely trust Gladstone, her uncle’s bulldog. He adds humor to the book along with Ellie’s musings and misadventures. Danger comes her way as someone tries to impede their investigation. There is definite closure to the mystery, but it certainly leaves readers wanting to read more of Ellie’s adventures. If you like “Britishisms,” a strong and impulsive female lead, and a 1920’s setting, you’ll enjoy A Very English Murder, a stellar start to this extensive cozy mystery series.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: #1 in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Series. The author is actually a husband and wife team and the series has 25 books so far.
Publication: April 7, 2020—Bookouture
Memorable Lines:
“Give a man a badge and an official title and he thinks he’s the sole decider of right and wrong. Which would be fine if power didn’t corrupt.”
“Clifford, how did my uncle ever swallow your unwavering advice on his every daily action?” “With Darjeeling and lemon, my lady.”
Eleanor laughed, her bad mood broken. “You are very perceptive, Mrs. Butters. Clifford has a fabulously analytical mind, but it drives me to absolute distraction! But you know, you always bring me a basket full of feel-good each morning.”
The Harmony Series (audio version)
I don’t listen to audio books very often, but I think I have found a comfortable niche that works for me—Philip Gulley’s Harmony Series. It’s an easy series to come back to when walking my dogs. If my thumb hits the wrong place on my phone and I’m suddenly back a few chapters, it is not a problem. I can just enjoy that portion again. So, when I listen to a book from the series, I will share it here, but only with a brief reflection because the books are like reading short stories or collected anecdotes. The members of the Harmony Friends Meeting show up in all the books, and the setting is always the fictional small town of Harmony, Indiana. The tone of the book is generally light-hearted, containing some sarcasm and some thoughts about the ways people get along with each other. Think of Harmony as a Mayberry come to life with characters that will make you chuckle, and sometimes reach out with empathy.
Just Shy of Harmony
By Philip Gulley
The second book in the Harmony Series is Just Shy of Harmony. It has a lot of humor in its tales. Dale Hinshaw’s new outreach is his “scripture eggs” project inspired by an article about a chicken that supposedly laid an egg that had a message inside because the chicken ate a piece of paper. He’s off to evangelize the world, but he has trouble getting others excited about his idea!
The whole town “knows” about Jessie and Asa’s marital problems because the editor of the local paper writes weekly about what he sees out his window and he saw Jessie going into the building that houses the counselor’s office. You can see where that one is going, but poor Jessie and Asa don’t know why everyone is asking how they are doing.
Framing the humor, however, are two deeper subjects. Sam, the Quaker pastor, is depressed and feels like he has lost his faith. The whole town knows about it; word of mouth is as good as the local newspaper in Harmony. He is experiencing burn-out, for sure, but doesn’t know what to do about it. Avoiding spoiler details, a member of the congregation has leukemia and we see a different side of the Quaker Friends as the church rallies around in prayer and fund raising.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Christian, Fiction, Religion, Inspiration
Notes: Read by Norman Dietz who had a lot of different voices to employ and did it well.
Publication: 2002—Harper One
Memorable Lines:
After all, life is so fleeting, so tenuous, that if you can do someone even the smallest good, you ought to do it.
So Into You–too many secrets
So Into You
by Kathleen Fuller
Britt is a talented artist and art teacher in her late twenties who makes a living creating YouTube tutorials for art. She has extreme social anxiety which she has addressed in various ways, but none of the treatments or recommendations have had long-term benefits. Although she supports herself financially, she still lives with her mom Amy, a high school math teacher. Britt’s parents divorced when she was young because her father Daniel had problems with alcohol and anger.
Hunter comes from a wealthy, successful family but got mixed up with alcohol and drugs as a pre-teen. Some tough love from his parents resulted in a stint in jail where he turned his life around with the help of a chaplain who introduced him to Jesus. After his release, Hunter got a job at a warehouse and worked on getting his life in order. He happens onto Britt’s YouTube channel and becomes interested in her tutorials. He also thinks she is very cute. Now he just has to meet her without coming across as a creepy stalker.
All of the major characters have secrets that they resist sharing; and, as might be expected, those secrets cause major problems. Hunter, who used to be a “player,” becomes a sensitive, respectful friend to Britt and wants to help her with her social anxiety issues. Other family members and friends are involved in the story as well. The author connects the characters in a way that the reader can see coming. I held my breath as I watched the relationships develop and anticipated how the secrets would be revealed and what blow-out would result.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Christian
Notes: Discussion Questions included.
Publication: December 3, 2024—Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
A year ago when they signed the lease together, he’d made a pact with Sawyer that he would stay clean and sober, and he’d kept it. That was in the past, and it was a road he never wanted to travel again.
Immediately she was hit with a blast of heat, and it was a only May. The next few months would be brutal. Otherwise known as summer in Texas.
“We love each other more deeply now than we ever have. But love isn’t all you need to make a relationship work. You must have communication, patience, and empathy, along with understanding and honesty. Above all, you have to be willing to make it work. If you give up, the relationship is over.
The Silver-Haired Sisterhood–Saving the B&B
The Silver-Haired Sisterhood
By Judy Leigh
As you can tell from the title, this novel is about a group of women in their seventies and eighties. Each has a “story” that is a little different from the others, but they are understanding and supportive of each other. The oldest, Rose, is an excellent pianist. She performs in a drag club in Paris. Tess, one of the main characters is newly divorced from a lowlife philanderer and is faced with needing to find a new home. Pam is comfortable with her life as a single, doting on her dog Elvis. Four years prior, the ladies who call themselves the Hens, had accompanied Jen to Paris before her wedding which she ultimately cancelled. When Della’s husband passes away leaving her in the throes of grief as they had a longtime loving marriage, she decides to temporarily get away from the memories in her home and accompany Tess on a trip to Scotland.
The bed and breakfast the pair sign up for on the Internet is in a state of disrepair and the owner is not ready for them as he is going through his own divorce. The plot proceeds from the ruins of Roddy’s ancestral home, his failed marriage, and an evil wife and her boyfriend. The Silver-Haired Sisterhood is full of interesting characters living on the island of Skye. There are poignant moments and humorous times that make the book stand out as a fun, memorable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Notes: This novel develops some relationships from friendships into romance. A few of these pairings are not acceptable in more traditional circles, but the physical aspects are implied and always “closed door.”
Publication: December 3, 2024—Boldwood Books
Memorable Lines:
“And she’d miss a bad cold more than she’d miss living with Alan.”
Two figures were running towards them over croft land; they were handsome, rugged young men jogging in woollen hats, layers of clothes, tracksuits, padded jackets. As they passed, Tess noticed their icy breath and their determined expressions. She called out, “You can stop running after your dreams—we’re right here,” and burst out laughing. One of the men muttered something: “Right y’are, darlin.’ ”
She had no romantic feelings for him—she knew that now. It had simply been the need to reach out to another person, to feel wanted. But that wasn’t enough for Tess. She realised that she needed to be one half of a magnet, equally tugged and tugging.
The Teacher of Nomad Land–a child’s survival
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story
by Daniel Nayeri
This is the story of two Iranian siblings, thirteen year old Babak and eight year old Sana, orphaned and separated during a time when their neutral country is being invaded by forces competing for Iranian oil—British, Soviet, and German. Add to that mix the Poles, the Jews, and the native nomads who don’t recognize any country as delineated on a map. Their various languages play an important role in this story. Babak has two goals—to become a teacher like his father and to take care of and stay with his sister.
Written for children, this is a fast read for adults. Instead of the horrors of concentration camps, The Teacher of Nomad Land focuses on the lives of the children as they to try to find “family” and dig within themselves to find what it takes to survive. In the Traveler, a friend of their father, they discover a kind man who tries to help. There is also a British soldier they bond with. Their lives are complicated by a mysterious man who is seeking a Jewish boy. All three children are put in danger by this situation. Babak’s resourcefulness is successful in dealing with the Soviets who halt the progress of the nomads in transitioning their herds to their winter home thus demonstrating his value to the nomads.
This is an age appropriate book that does not go into detail about concentration camps and home invasions. On the other hand, it does not shy away from the hunger the children suffer and the danger they face from other people. It highlights the communication problems when there are so many languages; and it shows how, despite being part of an army, individual soldiers can be nice to the local population. While Babak, as the older child, has much of the spotlight in this book, Sana also shines in certain situations with her creativity and ability to step up when things go bad. I was impressed by both characters at their positive attitudes, not allowing themselves to be overpowered by a victim mentality even when cold, hungry, tired or aching from long walks or sleeping on the hard ground.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Historical Fiction, Middle Grades
Notes: 1. Written for children Ages 8-12. Even though the reading level is for that age group, it may be too advanced in terms of understanding the political, geographical, linguistic, and social backgrounds. Discussion with an adult would be helpful for some children.
2. Included some helpful additions: a map, author’s notes about the political setting and the language barrier, and information on the Persian alphabet.
3. The book ends with “Further Reading” which lists nonfiction books for various ages.
Publication: 2025—Levine Querido
Memorable Lines:
“It might have been fair, but it wasn’t right.”
Everything is all at once. Our lives, these moments that change our lives, they all happen so fast.
Teaching is like sitting with a young person and encouraging them to only listen to the good angels in their mind and not the evil ones. But you can’t force them.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt–amazing legal mind
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
by Robert Dugoni
Although many want to classify Beyond Reasonable Doubt as a “legal thriller,” I want to call it a novel that is a cross between a legal mystery and a police procedural. This fascinating book is very suspenseful, but won’t keep you up at night with psychological shudders. Keera Duggan worked as a prosecutor, but was forced to quit. She returned to the family law firm as a defense lawyer at just the right time. The patriarch of the family, Patsy (a.k.a. The Irish Brawler) has taken another in a series of dives into alcoholism just as a big case comes up. Fortunately, Patsy, with an excellent reputation among lawyers, has trained Keera well, first in chess and then in trial law. Unfortunately, this case is representing Jenna Bernstein, Keera’s longtime nemesis, a sociopath, and a liar par excellence.
This case gets very involved as Jenna is not the only one involved who lies. Keera has to dig deeply to get to the truth and then present her client with some hard choices.
Keera is a strong woman who realizes taking this case will help her grow and test herself. She is countered by several professionals from her past. They all respect her and wish she still worked for the state. Keera doesn’t have much time for a personal life, but she is very likable. If you like a book that includes what the characters eat at every meal (ad nauseam), then this is not the book for you. It reads like a complicated mind puzzle because Keera has to not only figure out who killed whom and why, but also how to present the information in the court for the benefit of her client. Just as difficult perhaps is sorting out the jumble of lies and the motivations for them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: #2 in the Keera Duggan series, but can be read as a standalone
Publication: October 22, 2024—Thomas & Mercer
Memorable Lines:
“I found that it was defending the difficult cases that I learned the most about myself—who I was as an attorney and as a person.”
For once Jenna wouldn’t be in charge. Keera would run this show. And, maybe, a part of Keera wanted Jenna to know that while her life was once again spiraling down the toilet, Keera’s was succeeding, quite well, thank you. Ego? Sure. Retribution? No doubt.”
“My mother always said about Jenna, ‘Trouble always seems to follow that girl,’ and those of us who were around her suffered for it.”
What Does it Feel Like?–hope in the middle of pain
What Does it Feel Like?
by Sophie Kinsella
This short novel is indeed fiction, but as the author says, “it is my most autobiographical work to date.” This talented author of many very successful books describes her struggle with brain cancer. She talks about her frustrations at not being able to recall words. As a writer, words have always been her bread and butter! Post surgery, memories come and go as her brain tries to heal and her body needs to learn how to perform basic tasks like walking. Through the character Eve, Kinsella gives the reader glimpses into the continuing struggle to maintain hope and the difficulties of sharing her prognosis with her five children.
Particularly touching is her conversation with her husband about a bucket list. He is willing to take her to the ends of the earth to do something she has always wanted to do. After considering many possibilities, she decides what she really wants is not something exciting: “I just need to be around. Have fun with the children. Have fun with you. See friends. Small pleasures.” So, that is what they decide to do—normal plus. Not just enjoy marmalade, but have “posh” marmalade.
Of course, this book is raw and hard, but Kinsella also throws in some of her signature humor that helps break up the distressing severity of cancer. I recommend this generally sad book, but wisely choose your time to read it and relish Kinsella’s talents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Women’s Fiction
Notes: I can think of numerous reasons that I have not published very many book reviews recently, but I think one of them was, in the middle of family grief, I could not bring myself to read this intimate look at stage 4 cancer. That statement is not a spoiler as that is what this book is about, and the experts always say “you should write about what you know.” I was aware of the sadness that lay ahead in the reading.
Publication: October 8, 2024—Random House (Dial Press)
Memorable Lines:
Now she looks around her beloved children’s faces, wondering if they’re OK, hoping that they’re resilient, wondering as she does approximately every five minutes how much longer she has on this earth and feeling—yet again—an overpowering guilt.
The way to get through radiotherapy: pretend you are at a fancy spa….The way to get through chemotherapy side effects: do a five-hundred-meter sprint every day, eat only cabbage, meditate, and write a daily gratitude journal to your creator. I’m joking. The way to get through chemotherapy side effects: go to bed.
“I just…I just need to know you’ll be there when I die. I need to hear your voice. Your voice relaxes me. Plus, you need to tell me what to do and where to go. You know me—I haven’t got any sense of direction. I’ll end up in the wrong place.” Nick roars with laughter, rubbing his eyes.
A Truth Revealed–ambition and revenge
A Truth Revealed
By Tracie Peterson
At age twelve, Laura Evans lost her mother to consumption in 1858. Her father, Granite Evans, who became her long distance hero, immediately sent her to boarding school. After ten years apart, she finally rejoins him in Cheyenne in the Wyoming territory which was a rough area at that time. Does Laura really know the man she has put on a pedestal for so many years? Is he the gracious, generous man the townspeople admire so much? He doesn’t hide his political ambitions, but is there a limit to what he will do to become governor of the territory or even president of the U.S.?
Wilson Porter is a young minister hoping for a government appointment to work with the Indians in the area. Until treaties can be sorted out, Wilson is employed in a local furniture shop using his woodworking skills to provide a living. When his father dies unexpectedly, Wilson encourages his mother and sister to travel to Cheyenne to be closer to him. Sadly, tragedy strikes the family again in several ways. When Wilson is injured, Laura takes him into her father’s home and nurses him back to health. They come to know each other better, but they also learn about an evil side of Cheyenne.
One of the main plot threads is faith in God. Both Laura and Wilson attend church, but Granite refuses. He blames God for his wife’s death. Wilson also has some questions of faith that he has to work through. Meanwhile, Laura finds support from a group of ladies at church who meet weekly to pray and work on handicrafts.
The characters have depth, and the setting seems true to the Cheyenne area during Wyoming’s territorial days. The Christian faith is consistently woven into the story as many of the characters look to God for strength and wisdom. Life is not a smooth path as the characters endure some very difficult challenges. The author has Laura attend a women’s college in Tennessee which actually existed and added realism to the skills and knowledge Laura had that would have been unusual for a woman during that time period. The theme of evil versus good permeates the novel. I enjoyed this book and am planning to return to the series to pick up the second book in the series which focuses on Laura’s friend Melody.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance
Notes: #3 in The Heart of Cheyenne series. The background is fully explained and in good order; it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. There is an overlap of characters but there are central protagonists specific to each book.
Publication: November 5, 2024—Bethany House
Memorable Lines:
Rejections from the doctors, church, and family had left Granite hard and angry, and when his beloved wife died, he vowed to make a success of himself in such a way that he could get back at those who had denied her help.
“Evil men will always do evil things, and, yes, there will be times when we suffer the effects, even as God’s beloved children. However, I still believe in His love and goodness.”
“But you know, life is a risk. Every day presents new challenges and heartache. But it also allows for happiness and good gifts. And no matter which come our way, God is there to help us through.”
A Wonderful Christmas Crime–focus on antiques
A Wonderful Christmas Crime
by Jacqueline Frost
Lots of tourists go to Mistletoe, Maine, for the very Christmasy atmosphere. Holly is the protagonist of this cozy mystery, and her family owns the extensive Christmas tree farm which has a small inn and invites visitors to enjoy delicious foods and drinks and play lots of indoor and outdoor games. Everything is related to Christmas with year round decorations.
Holly is married to Evan, Mistletoe’s sheriff, and his sister Libby is a private investigator. Those relationships tend to put Holly in the middle of investigations. An Antiques Roadshow comes to Mistletoe right before Christmas drawing in even more tourists than usual along with a murderer. Holly is torn between staying out of an investigation and diving in to help. In this book she has special reasons to avoid snooping, but it would be a spoiler to disclose what they are. Fortunately, the stage is set early in the book so the reader will find out right away.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: #6 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. The author does relate background information on the characters, but there are a lot to keep track of.
Publication: October 21, 2025—Crooked Lane Books
Memorable Lines:
Money bought more than things. It bought safety, security, and options. A lot of people didn’t have those, and everyone needed them. Those who had them often wanted more.
“I’m learning to appreciate the present,” she said. “It goes against every fiber of my plan-ahead personality, but I am trying.”
I waited for Libby to log in. I’d forgotten my password. Not a shocker. Generally speaking, passwords made me want to chuck my phone into traffic. If she remembered hers, hallelujah.
education pathways 