Copper Star
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Published by Vintage Romance Publishing (June release)
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Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton
Louisa Schmetterling is a German Jew involved in a dangerous stint with the Resistance workers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Her pastor friend, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, arranged for his close friend, Robert Gordon, a pastor in Copper Springs, Arizona, to take Louisa in for awhile, until things calmed down in Germany.
Robert's wife has passed away, leaving him the sole caregiver of a four-year-old boy, William. William didn't know how to talk yet, because he is deaf. Robert's aunt, Martha, moved in with Robert to help out with household chores. From the beginning, Martha makes it clear that she resents Louisa's presence, but Robert feels that taking her in is what the Lord would have him do.
Louisa reaches out to the young William, and soon finds herself immersed in the community. Still, a part of her is upset that she's not in Germany with her friends, working for the resistance. Will Louisa ever truly accept Copper Springs, Arizona, and the love that might be found there? Or is her life still in danger?
Written in first person, the reader is instantly immersed in Louisa's point of view. The only thing that could be improved somewhat is Louisa's internal thoughts, as they aren't mentioned a whole lot in the book. However, the reader is aware of her thoughts through conversation and narrative. Copper Star easily compares to some of the historical books I've read for review recently.
I wasn't real sure what to expect when I opened the covers of Copper Star. It has been my experience that a lot of books published by these smaller houses are not as good as those published by the larger houses. I was pleasantly surprised. It is apparent that the author has studied the craft of writing and she what she's doing. The book is written in a literary style, and is not a sweet romance in writing-style. However, that doesn't detract from the storyline at all. The characters are well developed, the romance is very real and present, and the faith message is expertly woven in.
Armchair Interviews says: This author is one to watch for her historical romances that also inspire. She is a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine.
Author's Web site: http://www.SuzanneWoodsFisher.com