The Scribe's Portion

  "A Midnight Dance" by Joanna Davidson Politano Wow I don't even know how to start with this review, the novel has left me speechless. This story is so, so good I don't know where to start.  Ella Blythe wants nothing more than to dance, ballet runs deep in her veins. Her mother, a legendary ballet dancer, now hides behind an unspoken tragic past and does not want Ella to be ruined by ballet. But after a chance encounter with a handsome dancer, Ella's desire to dance grows. Ella is given the lifetime opportunity to dance on a scholarship in the same theater where her mother danced. Determined to work her way into becoming Prima Ballerina, dancing alongside Phillipe, the handsome lead dancer she met years ago, Ella sets on a dangerous journey to find out about her mother's and father's history shrouded in mystery and many unanswered questions. But will she meet the same tragic end as the beautiful talented Delphine Bessette, famous ballet dancer or will Ell...

  "The Mystery Of Israel And The Middle East: A Prophetic Gaze Into The Future" by James W. Goll This book was not exactly what I had expected which prompted me not to finish it. The title is somewhat misleading. I thought it would focus on end times prophecy in relation to events happening in Israel and the middle east. But it's really about a call to pray for Israel and the middle east conflict. It is a book advocating for Israel. The author also gives a bit of history on Israel and how everything happening there is prophetic according to the Scriptures. I agree with most of the author's points but it's not the type of book that I would have picked up had I known about the contents. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strong supporter of Israel and pray for peace in Jerusalem but I was hoping to get some insights into prophecy.  The book is divided into 4 sections with 3 chapters each. There is a prayer at the end of each chapter, seeking the Lord's protection...

  "The Secret Keepers Of Old Depot Grocery" by Amanda Cox This is was a great and heartwarming story set in a small town. It is a dual timeline taking place in the present and 1965. We follow three generations of women who work at the family grocery store, all with their own secrets. We see their close knit relationships, especially the grandmother-granddaughter.  Amanda Cox did a superb job of showing how secrets can have an impact on the present and the consequences that result from keeping them, especially from loved ones. I liked the small town, whimsical feel I got from reading and how the relationships were portrayed. If you like heartwarming stories and are a fan of the era, you'll enjoy this one.  I'm only giving this one 4 stars instead of 5 because I'm not a fan of contemporary fiction or a fan of the 60s but I'm glad I read it.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are...