This is a good book for fans of duel timelines. It’s interesting that the subject is that of a popular movie today (Sound of Freedom). Just pay close attention to the relationships in both timelines. I found the book a bit confusing as to who was who. But as the two timelines came together, I think I had it all figured out. The plot is interesting and the characters were well developed.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

This was a page turner for me, there are mysteries and surprises, and most you won't see coming! This is a time slip read, and beautifully done.

A missing child, a found child, years apart, castles with hidden doors, and basically in my back yard. This is the Saint Lawrence river area, and we get a glimpse thought the words of the author at the opulence, including an Avairy filled with beautiful birds!

When we come to the 1990's we meet Chloe and find out how she fits into the mystery of the family, and how she came to live on the Island. We also meet a reporter from the Post-Standard, I've subscribed to this paper, and as he digs deep into the Poppleton family, we are gifted as the secrets, long hidden, being revealed.

This story kept giving right to the end! This is one great read!

I received this book thorough Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

Melanie Dobson! If I had known how good of a writer you were, I would have read you sooner!

I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline (and I don't like time slips). I was lost in the world of Pendletons and Koster Isle. Dobson's description and writing style transport you into the story where she is a master of showing you the characters world, instead of telling you. Such great read!

There were a few (minor) points in the story that brought it down from a full 5 star rating. I would recommend this for adults, as there is some more mature themes. The characters lives get messy in the middle, a lot like our lives tend to as well, but the ending was very satisfying - pointing to God as the ultimate comfort bringer. I did find the faith content was minimal until the middle of the book, where it did pick up. I, personally, would have liked to see it right from the beginning (to have it grow with the character). But fans of this author will not be disappointed.

Melanie Dobson is always a great read. This was no exception. I enjoyed the dual timelines. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read in exchange for my honest opinion.

When 5 year old Poppy Pendleton goes missing, it sets off events that will effect her family for years to come.
Melanie Dobson pens stories that you need to pay attention to or you will loose the thread of what is happening. I know that there were a couple of times I had to back up and read several pages again to make sure I picked up on all the clues.
Dobson's books are not for the causal reader. You need to concentrate and completely enjoy them. She keeps you guessing and I can say that is the part I enjoy the most. She doesn't have pat answers to the issues that arise and even her endings are not what you would expect. All of which make the story richer for the readers.

Absolutely brilliant. I have now read a handful of books by Melanie Dobson, but The Wings of Poppy Pendleton has quickly risen to my favorite thus far. I have always been a huge fan of mysteries and was pleasantly surprised to find this novel fully falls into that category. My heart broke for Poppy’s mother when she discovered her daughter missing, and I wasn’t fully prepared for such a slew of emotions on my quest to discover “What on earth happened to Poppy?” Yet even my scheming brain didn’t even come close to predicting the actual outcome of Poppy’s story.

This novel is so well researched, Koster Isle so vividly described, characters so multifaceted that it is hard to believe this is a work of fiction. I think Dobson’s mind travels 100 miles a minute because she is so gifted at creating entire worlds of her own imagination and doesn’t slow down much to allow readers to hop on the imagination train, trusting us to have the intelligence to fill in the slight gaps of information with our own deductive reasoning. And of course, the way Dobson chooses to shape and string words together is enchanting; it’s art. I relished every word and never wanted the story to end.

What a gem! I didn’t know what to expect going into this story because I don’t read in this genre/time period super often. I knew it would be good because Melanie Dobson is one of my favorite authors, and this book met and exceeded those expectations.

It had everything. Romance, family drama, love, loss, mystery, missing people, and ultimately redemption in many beautiful forms. Oh and beautiful birds! ❤️

I learned so much while reading this book too, and it caused me to stop and pray for those who are neglected, abandoned, forgotten, lost, abused, or have no idea who they really are. Yes, it’s fiction but fiction rooted in the sad reality of living in a broken world.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from netgalley and tyndale house publishers. Thanks to Melanie Dobson for the privilege of getting to read this early. All thoughts are my own.

--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