Kristin Neva

I’ve only read a couple books set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (or UP), so another book set in the area with their proud history and roots is always great to find. Kristin Neva enhanced my knowledge of the Copper Country area while introducing a cast of characters who are not easily forgotten. (For some of you, these characters may be familiar, but this was my first book by Neva).

There is a lot happening in Across the Bridge that held my interest and attention. From the uncertainty Marcella has about God after her mother’s death to AJ’s paternity to a friend’s struggle with ALS and all the relationship dynamics, I was definitely not ever bored with this story.

I enjoyed watching the friendship between Marcella and Drew grow and the almost instantaneous connection she had with AJ. Each of these three struggle with difficult, true-to-life issues and their relationships (with each other as well as others in their lives) require some work and some healing. Experiencing loss bonds Drew, AJ, and Marcella together.

One thing I felt was missing in this story was a conversation or more interaction between Marcella and her father because at times, he comes across as unfeeling about Marcella’s circumstances. Circumstances he’s put her in. But that was just a small part of the book, and everything else points readers toward forgiveness, healing, and the strengths (and sacrifices) of love.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (mehr)

Title: Across the Bridge (Copper Island Novel #3)
Author: Kristin Neva
Pages: 306
Year: 2018
Publisher: The Christmas Tree House
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Across the Bridge is the continuing story of various characters introduced in the first two novels, Snow Country and Copper Country. In this story, we continue to be touched by Louise’s battle with ALS and how her faith sustains her and touches the heart of her neighbors and friends. Louise’s family comes to the island to help care for her in her home in the final season of her life.
We read about a wife who doesn’t tell her husband the truth about his son before dying unexpectantly in a car accident. The father and son move to Copper Island in the hopes of making a fresh start and come across a mystery that could change their lives forever. Then there is Marcella who has guarded her heart from hurt for so long that fear keeps her unknowingly from allowing love to draw near.
These are just a few the threads in the overall masterpiece written by Kristin Neva who is very familiar with the caretaking of a loved one with ALS. Faith and tests are woven into the tale in all three books, while they could be read as standalone novels. I found I enjoyed the overarching weaving of various players’ stories much better when read consecutively. My heart was deeply touched by the various joys and tough times experienced by players in the book.
The enjoyment came too from getting to know the back story of those who live on Copper Island and how faith does make a world of difference. The author does an excellent job of depicting the hope that never dims in the hearts of those who walk daily with the Lord regardless of the challenges they face in life. Kristin paints a masterpiece of various characters whose faith is and isn’t broken when life experience is less than ideal.
I don’t know whether this will be the last novel of The Copper Island series, but whatever comes next, I plan on reading the book!… (mehr)

Title: Copper Country (A Copper Island Novel #2)
Author: Kristin Neva
Pages: 286
Year: 2017
Publisher: The Christmas Tree House
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
The series begins with the novel titled, Snow Country where we meet a wide variety of characters. The author writes from her personal knowledge gained as she was raised on Copper Island. That enhances her ability to describe scenes that are riveting. I believe too that with the firsthand experience of living on that island she can place her characters into situations that are captivating for readers.
The uniqueness of the story continues with the way the old Finns language is used as well as some of the unique foods that are favorites served in the book’s café. One of the main characters is Amiee Mallon who has come from a family where her father abandoned her, her only sibling is a brother who doesn’t care about their parents and her mother has let herself go. Amiee though feels responsible for her mother even though her mother doesn’t take care of herself let alone pay attention to anything Amiee is saying.
The tension in the book is happening both within the hearts of a couple of the characters as well as in some relationships. One of the characters has ALS, which the author is quite familiar with as her husband battles the disease. It helped me understand what the person and those who love that person suffering with ALS feel, and how they try to cope each day with faith and thankfulness for that day.
Amiee’s boyfriend, Russ, really can’t decide what he wants with Amiee. Is it marriage or just friendship? Amiee is one who speaks her mind; yet, when she finds herself trying to handle her father’s reappearance and his request to see her, she must face her deepest darkest place in her heart. The novel touched my heart as I read about the character I met in book one and now read about in book two.
I hope readers will read and enjoy both Snow Country and now Copper Country with the hopes that the author plans another story on Copper Island sometime in the future!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (mehr)

Title: Snow Country (A Copper Island Novel #1)
Author: Kristen Neva
Pages: 286
Year: 2016
Publisher: Christmas Tree House
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
The story in Snow Country was a very touching and engaging one. In fact, I could not book the book down until I had read the whole thing! There were many reasons why I kept reading. For instance, one reason was the love of a granddaughter for her mother and the area she lived in, which was the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Another was the tension between a couple of different family members, especially when it came to the grandmother’s health. Then, there was the possible on again off again romance between Beth and a state trooper named Danny. Plus, the way the author painted pictures of the area, scenes and customs of the small town in which her story took place. There were a few times I found myself laughing at various descriptions regarding an outside sauna that will crack you up! There are different cultures and languages in the area and the author was kind enough to give a short glossary at the beginning of the book.
The small-town feel comes through the book very well. It makes me want to go and smell the fresh air and enjoy the closeness of small town living. The hardest part was when grandma was diagnosed with an illness, but even then, there is a feeling of hope and dependency that God will use it to being glory to Himself. The characters are learning about themselves and how they can live in close unity as well as for some have healthy marriages during really rough seasons.
The author has another book in the series coming out June of 2017, so please get this read before it comes out. Your heart will be touched, your faith renewed and a longing to share this book with others will have taken root!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (mehr)