--Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an advanced copy.--

I didn't know what to expect going in to this book, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how the author balanced an intricate plot, an immersive atmosphere, and a story of hope and redemption. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton expertly introduces a number of characters who are lost physically or emotionally, and gently guides them through the narrative, bringing the reader along for a pleasant ride.

Though the characters were lovable and I wanted to get to know them, what struck me most about the book was the loving construction of the setting. The book takes place up and down the St. Lawrence River, and the river is almost as much of a character as those who live on it. By the end of the book, I wished that I could visit not only the river, but the candy shop and the island that the characters are so attached to.

Having read many time slip novels that leave the reader with little hope for the future, it was certainly appreciated that in the end, Dobson could point to Jesus' love as a source of hope for these characters who had been through so much.

This book took a while to get going but was worth perseverance and was actually amazing in many ways. The story line is complicated and gripping

THE WINGS OF POPPY PENDLETON by MELANIE DOBSON is a beautifully written novel which takes us from 1907 when Poppy Pendleton is snatched from her parents’ castle on Koster Isle to 1992 when Chloe Ridell finds ten year old Emma cuddled up with her two labradors at her cottage on the island No one knows what happened to Poppy until the past is unravelled bit by bit by Chloe and Logan Danford, a charismatic reporter from Syracuse. As far as Emma is concerned Chloe says of her she is “Scared, …..into a cavern of silence.” Then there is Birdie’s story…..
I like the theme of birds and flying away, the beautiful aviary and the castle that holds so many secrets.
One quotation that I feel is so true is .”No one knew what went on sometimes in families. The good and the bad. No one could possily understand except those who had lived through it.”
Emma is not keen to unravel the past with Logan until she feels, for the sake of Emma’s safety, that “Perhaps it was finally time to dive deeper and excavate this shipwreck inside her.”
The story is full of action and runs seemlessly through the various timeframes, with such things as drug and human trafficking underlying what has happened and is still happening on the island. There is also a strong Christian message on redemption and the importance of forgiveness.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highly recommend this lovely and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are compleely my own.

Another awesome read by Dobson that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I couldn't put Poppy's story down until I was finished, and what a story!
My favorite thing about this book was the many twists and turns that were scattered throughout.
My most favorite scene was the story of the shipwreck that was mentioned
Not many fictional stories are written about the Empress of Ireland.
Dobson has done a wonderful job in making this as realistic as possible because it is a true event. It is a terrible event, and it made me want to cry. Those poor passengers!
My last emotion and favorite is the offer of Hope. There's always hope at the end of a long dark tunnel if we rely on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Dobson will leave you guessing on who Poppy is until the very end even though I pretty much figured it out. But I won't say anything.
Chloe is talking to Logan when she uses this quote because it is used as a fond memory of the past.
“She used to say that only a seed of courage is needed to overcome fear. A strong trunk can grow from the roots of that seed, followed by sturdy branches and beautiful flowers to face off a storm.”
What a true and beautiful quote! I really can't think of anything more perfect to compare this to life.
I was sad when this beautiful story came to an end. I didn't want to say goodbye to Chloe, Logan, and Birdie.
Such awesome people you'd ever want to meet!
5 stars! Wish I could give more!
I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thought this book was absolutely outstanding. The theme of birds and flight throughout the story appealed to the bird lover in me. I appreciated the setting of Thousand Islands, NY; I’d never read a fictional story placed there and I loved seeing a part of beautiful New York state highlighted outside of New York City. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, resulting in a story that I was unable to put down. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another plot twist proved me wrong, again. I could not stop reading until I knew what had REALLY happened to Poppy. This was the first book I read from Melanie Dobson, and it won’t be the last. Take good, clean Christian fiction based on well-researched historical events, mix with mystery, suspense, a bit of romance, and many wonderful little details, and you end up with a must-read. One of the best of 2023!
*I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Two mysteries intertwining, both centering around a little girl who is not where she should be... This dual-timeline book searches for little Poppy in the past, as well as the rightful place of Emma in the present. There are twists and turns along the way, and a few surprise endings!

Wow—what am amazing book! I feel blessed to have read this time slip novel.

Many years ago, in 1907, a little girl named Poppy disappeared from a castle on an island. Eighty-five years later a reporter named Logan is determined to find out what really happened to her. This book follows his journey to discover the truth.

The Wings Of Poppy Pendleton is a family mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This is a multi-generational saga filled with spooky vibes, an amazing setting on an island (with a castle!), and a sweet bit of romance. This story revolves around mistakes and lies, but also has a beautiful, strong message of hope and redemption. I really enjoyed it!

CW: sexual assault of a child (not graphic or on page), kidnapping, cheating, human trafficking

Melanie Dobson has a great writing style and it worked with the time-slip mystery that was going on. I really enjoyed getting to read this as it was a great concept. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and how well it was written. I enjoyed reading this so much and I can't wait to read more from Melanie Dobson.

"A good mother fought for her kids, but he’d also seen Nicole collapse inward after their son’s death, barely a ghost of the woman he’d married. Not that he judged her for it. He didn’t recognize himself either in those years. But if Shiloh had disappeared from their home instead of lost the battle with his faulty heart, what would she have done?"