My Book Reviews

Larkspur Cove, by Lisa Wingate

2011-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa Wingate's, Larkspur Cove. Andrea is a recently divorced mother of a teenage son. She moves to Moses Lake to start anew. There she can live in her parents' lake cabin as she begins her new position as a social worker.

Mart is a game warden. He and Andrea meet when he tells Andrea what her son has been up to.

In her work, she meets little Birdie, and unkempt little girl who is in the care of a simple man, supposedly her grandfather. Together Mart and Andrea work to make Birdie's life healthier and whole. What they didn't expect was for it to be a dangerous mission.

And of course, the love sparks fly.

I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing and told in a way that I felt I was there helping Birdie attain a better life.

Book has been provided courtesy of Revell Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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Another Dawn, by Kathryn Cushman

2011-02-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman is about a single mother, Grace, who decides not to vaccinate her son and when she travels to visit her family, the son becomes ill with measles. Unfortunately he infects the church nursery before his symptoms surface.

This story was well balanced in showing the pros and cons of immunization. The author's medical background was obvious. It's a good story about a bitter woman coming to the end of her own self-righteousness and seeing how she was the proverbial pot calling the kettle black.

The story is good, the plot is good. Unfortunately I didn't like Grace and never real embraced the story because of that. Grace reminded me of me before I came to the end of myself and realized my double standards. It wasn't a pretty reminder.

My copy has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Promises to Keep, by Ann Tatlock

2011-02-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ann Tatlock's Promises to Keep is a sweet heart-warming book about a woman and her three children leaving her abusive husband to start a new life in Illinois. With help from her father, she is able to buy a house. A spunky old lady shows up a few days later claiming the house is hers. This happens a few times until the family lets her stay and she becomes an integral part of the family.

Promises to Keep reminded me of The Secret Life of Bees. Set in the 1960's, the story is told in first person by 11-year-old Roz (short for Rosalind) who befriends a black girl and they share their secrets and promise to pray for their fathers to become a part of their lives again.

I loved this story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Fatal Judgment, by Irene Hannon

2011-01-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Fatal Judgment: A Novel by Irene Hannon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fatal Judgment is my second book to read by Irene Hannon. She is a masterful storyteller, great at weaving romance, suspense and drama.

Jake Taylor is a US Marshall assigned to protect Federal Judge Liz Michaels after her sister is murdered when she was the intended target. Jake met Liz on two occasions prior to this assignment as she was married to his best friend who died, possibly by suicide. Jake feels no warmth toward Liz as he sees her as a cold, insensitive workaholic.

As he gets acquainted with Liz, he begins to suspect he hadn't heard the truth from his deceased best friend. Jake finds himself unable to reconcile his friend's stories with the lady he's protecting. Warmth develops between them and Jake can hardly wait for the assignment to be over so their relationship can go beyond professional.

Tensions mount when Jake goes away for the weekend and Liz is kidnapped by her sister's killer. The author is in her element getting the reader on the edge of the seat with this suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Revell Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Homosexuality and the Christian, by Dr. Mark Yarhouse

2010-11-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends by Mark A. Yarhouse

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends is a thoughtfully delivered book by Professor and Director of the Institute for the Study of Sexual Development, Dr. Mark A. Yarhouse.

Not exactly an easy, quick read, it is a thoughtful one. It covers many topics and is beneficial to the Christian homosexual, parents of a homosexual - either adult or teen, people struggling with "how do I respond" to homosexuality, even spouses who've learn of their mate's homosexuality.

I quickly got bogged down in the first section where he breaks homosexuality down into three tiers; same-sex attraction, homosexual orientation, and gay identity. Initially I didn't "get it" but as I read on I grasped the distinctions and saw the benefit of them.

My favorite idea presented was that we are all called to be stewards of our sexuality. Not just the homosexual, but all of us.

Another favorite section was the church's response and how it's not been altogether helpful in regards to homosexuality.

I greatly respect anyone who can address this subject with grace and kindness but also conviction. Dr Yarhouse did that beautifully.

My book was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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More Glimpses of Heaven, by Trudy Harris

2010-11-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

More Glimpses of Heaven: Inspiring True Stories of Hope and Peace at the End of Life's Journey by Trudy Harris

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

More Glimpses of Heaven is Trudy Harris's second book on death and dying. As a hospice nurse, she and other hospice nurses share touching, peaceful stories of people as they are dying and/or die. The experiences she shares are varied, interesting and touching. I was most struck by the peace that accompanies acceptance of one's dying state.

One reader said, "Hope, love, comfort, and peace fill each page." I agree.

This is a great resource for anyone who works with dying people as it will help her realize her role in helping patients embrace their situation.

It's a great resource for the dying as it will help them see the possibilities of peace, satisfaction, and comfort even in dying.

For the people who love the terminally ill, it will help them see their role as a sacred one in which they can facilitate the embracing of the dying process. They will be mentored by people who have excelled in walking people through their last days on earth and made those last days sacred ones.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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The Preacher's Bride, by Judy Hedlund

2010-11-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Preacher's Bride, by Jody Hedlund, takes place in England in the 1600's. Puritans Elizabeth Whitebread and Preacher John Costin come together in a working relationship after John's wife dies after giving birth leaving him to raise 4 children on his own.

As a busy minister and tinker, John is soon overwhelmed with commitments and life. Enter Elizabeth, purest of pure Puritans, to work as his housekeeper. Slowly an attraction begins, but persecution does too.

A couple times the events didn't ring realistic and I was disappointed. But at the end of the book all my disappointments were assuaged when I was FASCINATED to learn the book is based on the life of John Bunyan and his wife Elizabeth. This made the book so much richer to me. Of course it's still historical fiction, but knowing there were so many true elements made it all the better.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

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The Waiting, by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-11-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Waiting, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is book 2 in the Lancaster County Series. I loved The Choice (book 1) but I liked The Waiting even more.

Jorie is in love with Ben and hopes to marry him when he comes home from the Vietnam War where's he's serving as a conscientious objector. Ben gets killed around the same time his brother Caleb's wife dies of cancer. As time passes Jorie and Caleb fall in love and appear to be a perfect fit.

But is it meant to be? The strangest, and nearly traumatic, turn of events throws their relationship terribly off course. What will happen now?

This is a beautiful book with plenty of twists and turns, humor, faith, character to keep the reader glued to the book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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While We're Far Apart, by Lynn Austin

2010-11-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While We're Far Apart, by Lynn Austin is a great book. Set in New York during World War 2, Penny, a dowdy young woman, leaves her over-protective, unnurturing parents to take care of Eddie's kids while he goes to war. Although a kind-hearted, generous woman, her efforts aren't exactly altruistic as her motive is to win Eddie's heart.

Out on her own, learning of her own capabilities and talents, she experiences for the first time that life outside her parent's home isn't as bad as they had always taught her. In fact, she enjoys broadening her horizons, getting acquainted with strangers and trying new things, including making herself more attractive and womanly.

The characters were very well developed and I felt like I was getting to know each one of them intimately. It's a rich book with a number of subplots. I love that the end was not actually what one might have expected.

I really enjoyed this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Emily's Chance, by Sharon Gillenwater

2010-11-20T12:38:00.001-08:00

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Emily's Chance is about a young aspiring curator, Emily, who's in West Texas trying to develop her resume working in Callahan Crossing Historical Museum. Chance Callahan is the young contractor intent on winning her heart, as he knows she's "the one."

This is the second book in The Callahans of Texas series by Sharon Gillenwater. I didn't read book 1, but book 2 works ok as a stand alone book.

Emily's Chance didn't really grab me. The plot was uncaptivating and I felt like I was plodding through cheesy, unlikely conversation.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Captured by Grace, Dr. David Jeremiah

2010-10-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Captured by Grace: No One Is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God by David Jeremiah

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Captured by Grace: No One Is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God, is a book about God's Amazing Grace. Using the lives of the Apostle Paul and John Newton, the writer of the Amazing Grace, Dr. Jeremiah teaches about God's grace. Each chapter takes a line from the hymn as its frame.

I especially enjoyed the parts about John Newton. Those were very interesting and held my attention very well. The part about the Apostle Paul, not as much so.

My best gleanings from the book were the difference between mercy and grace. That was powerfully insightful for me.
- Mercy is when God told Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac.
- Grace was the ram he provided in his stead.

- Mercy is the father receiving his prodigal son back.
- Grace is when he threw a banquet.

Dr. David Jeremiah is a great bible teacher and every time I listen to him, I enjoy him. I trust him to always deliver sound theology. This book is no exception. It's very sound.

My copy of Captured by Grace was provided by Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program. It's available from your favorite bookseller of Thomas Nelson books.

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The Thorn, by Beverly Lewis

2010-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Thorn is book one in Beverly Lewis's Rose Trilogy. It's the story of two Amish sisters. One, nicknamed Hen, leaves the church to marry an Englisher. Five years afterward when her young daughter begins to reflect the ways of the world instead of the values Hen grew up with, she begins longing for the Amish values and traditions. Causing upheaval in her marriage, she goes back to her parents' home to "get some space" and try to reconnect with her roots and let her daughter experience the richness of the Amish culture.

Meanwhile the other sister Rose is realizing the depth of her love and friendship for the Bishop's foster son who is leaving the Amish to go back to the world.

This was a thoroughly a good read. My favorite part was being privy to Hen's sorrow and angst for having abandoned her family's faith.

This book is a great one for a teenager who doesn't understand how the impulsive decisions today can wreak havoc with our lives in the future.

Another great story by Beverly Lewis.

My copy of The Thorn was provided by Graf-Martin Communications and is available from booksellers of Bethany House Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Within My Heart, Tamera Alexander

2010-10-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

I can't put my finger on why, but Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander, just didn't grab me. Very early in the book Rachel's character didn't seem authentic. Perhaps it was that she was both a "strong woman" and a woman who nearly cried when the doctor spoke gruffly to her. That was the first time I bristled but not the last.

Likely my lack of appreciation of the book was simply the timing of reading it. Sometimes a book just doesn't grab me and it has little to do with the book, but lots to do with my circumstances. I regret that this book competed with some unpleasant experiences in my life.

My book was provided by Bethany House. It is available from book sellers of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Love's First Bloom, by Delia Parr

2010-10-08T09:11:00.001-07:00

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love's First Bloom is my second experience with Delia Parr. I liked her book very much. A young lady named Ruth finds herself with a fake identity when she has to hide from reporters determined to slander her father. With her new identity came motherhood as she is given a toddler when the toddler's mom is killed. It's a bizarre set of circumstances, but presented believably.

In Ruth's state of new identity she is courted by Jake and their relationship blossoms. Unfortunately Jake is going by a different identity too, as he is one of the reporters out to find her.

Like Heart's Awakening, Delia Parr presents a beautiful love story of two unlikely characters coming together, overcoming odds and flourishing.

My copy of Love's First Bloom was provided by Bethany House. It's available from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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The Vigilante's Bride, Yvonne Harris

2010-10-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Vigilante's Bride, The by Yvonne Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Vigilante's Bride is my first book to read by Yvonne Harris. I enjoyed her book, the development of her characters, and the plot. I particularly liked her romantic scenes as they were chaste but very sexy. I could sense the pheromones.

Based in the 1880's, this could be called a western romance as it takes place on the range, has cowboys and Indians, and lots of representation from "the law" whether official or not (as in vigilantes).

I enjoyed it and didn't want to put it down. The ending was a little weak. It ended like I hoped but kind of fizzled out rather than ending with a bang. Also I would like Bart's death to have more umph. It seemed to happen in passing - no bang there either.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Yvonne Harris is a great writer and tells a great story.

My book was provided by Bethany House. The Vigilante's Bride is available from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House Books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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In Every Heartbeat, Kim Vogel Sawyer

2010-09-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

In Every Heartbeat, Kim Vogel Sawyer tells the story of Libby and her two friends Bennett and Petey. They have grown up and grown close in an orphanage and now are attending college together, each pursuing his or her dreams. Libby wants to be a world-famous journalist; Petey is called to the ministry; Bennett want to find a place to belong and sets his eyes on a fraternity.

Adulthood and their first time on their own since being grown offers challenges they didn't expect. With aplomb they conquer those challenges and everything turns out beautifully well. It's a nice tidy story, everything ending as I thought it would. Although there were no curve balls - I predicted how it would end - it was an interesting read getting there. The author tells an interesting, tight story.

My copy of In Every Heartbeat was provided by Bethany House Publishers. It is available at your favorite booksellers of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing.

In Every Heartbeat, Kim Vogel Sawyer

2010-09-28T12:18:00.001-07:00

In Every Heartbeat, Kim Vogel Sawyer tells the story of Libby and her two friends Bennett and Petey. They have grown up and grown close in an orphanage and now are attending college together, each pursuing his or her dreams. Libby wants to be a world-famous journalist; Petey is called to the ministry; Bennett want to find a place to belong and sets his eyes on a fraternity.

Adulthood and their first time on their own since being grown offers challenges they didn't expect. With aplomb they conquer those challenges and everything turns out beautifully well. It's a nice tidy story, everything ending as I thought it would. Although there were no curve balls - I predicted how it would end - it was an interesting read getting there. The author tells an interesting, tight story.

My copy of In Every Heartbeat was provided by Graf-Martin Communications. It is available at your favorite booksellers of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing.

Masquerade, by Nancy Moser

2010-09-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed Nancy Moser's novel Masquerade.

Lottie's parents send her to New York to meet a potential husband, a man of wealth that will be the rescuer of their own floundering financial situation. Dora, her maid and best friend accompanies her on the journey.

Lottie wants adventure and independence, not a marriage without love. On the ship to America she cooks up the plan to swap places with Dora. Dora would become Lottie and have the chance of a lifetime -- move from a lowl ...more I enjoyed Nancy Moser's novel Masquerade.

Lottie's parents send her to New York to meet a potential husband, a man of wealth that will be the rescuer of their own floundering financial situation. Dora, her maid and best friend accompanies her on the journey.

Lottie wants adventure and independence, not a marriage without love. On the ship to America she cooks up the plan to swap places with Dora. Dora would become Lottie and have the chance of a lifetime -- move from a lowly maid to a wife to one of America's wealthiest heirs.

What the real Lottie didn't bargain for was her financial means to be stolen immediately upon embarking the streets of New York. Suddenly she's as poor and destitute as all the other immigrants she's surrounded by.

The plot was one that raised my blood pressure, I'm sure. Both girls are in precarious situations and it was anxiety producing for this reader, but in a good way of course. :-)

It's a good novel. Things lined up a little too well for reality, but I guess the author's point in that was how God was orchestrating all the details. I can appreciate that.

I loved the Fact or Fiction part at the end of the book where the author shares the facts of the time frame written about. And I also liked her sharing the pictures from late 1880's catalogs which she based her characters' wardrobes. That was a fun and clever addition to the book.

My copy of Masquerade was graciously provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Masquerade is available now at your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books.

The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews

2010-08-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Andy Andrews book, The Butterfly Effect, is a lovely little book. It's a hard-cover book of 100 pages, all sporting lovely graphics or photos. Don't be mislead by my saying it's 100 pages. Each page only has one or two sentences. Very easily read in 10 minutes.

The back of the book says, "Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world."

That got me all stoked up and I couldn't wait to read how I could change the world. In actuality, the book wasn't about me at all :-). It was about people who really did impact the world. Very little was in the book about how "I" could make a difference.

It's a lovely little gift book that has a great little message. But I dare say, even if I do everything God created me to do, chances are I'll make some lives better and create a better world, but I probably won't be changing the world.

I want to be an asset to this world. I want to be all God created me to be and do all he created me to do. I'm not so sure, and this book didn't convince me otherwise, that I will change the world.

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The Bishop by Steven James

2010-08-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Steven James' book, The Bishop, is the fourth in a series, however it works well as a stand-alone book. I never read books 1,2 or 3 so I can vouch for it as a stand-alone.

It's a book that begs you to neglect housework and sleep, a real page-turner, a riveting suspense.

FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers is on a case of linked grisly crimes, committed "perfectly" and seamlessly. Each crime leaves hints of what the next crime will be. The test is deciphering the clues.

It's a brilliantly written thriller that is very hard to put down.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Amish Proverbs, by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-08-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Fisher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amish Proverbs, by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is an amazingly beautiful gift book. The pictures are gorgeous and capture the uniqueness of the Amish life. Beautiful photos.

The book is full of Amish Proverbs, just as the title indicates.

Some of my favorites:

If you want to know a people, know their proverbs.

Raising boys is as easy as digesting iron.

Blessed are they who have nothing to say, and who cannot be persuaded to say it.

Why is it so hard to say "I broke it" and so easy to say "it broke"?

My personal favorite proverbs are:

Your outer world reflects your inner world.

It's never too late to be what you might have been.

Amish Proverbs. A lovely book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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The Seeker, by Ann H. Gabhart

2010-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Seeker: A Novel by Ann Gabhart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Seeker, by Ann Gabhart, is a story with three subjects going on at the same time. The main theme was the life of Charlotte, an 1860's pampered young Kentucky woman who is suddenly made the second woman of the plantation when her father brings home a new bride. The new bride is nearly the same age as Charlotte and quickly asserts her new power and takes all control from Charlotte who has, up until the step-mother's arrival, been running the household herself. Her new step-mother is a mean manipulative woman.

The other two themes are woven into the life of Charlotte, but were interesting in their own right. First we see the development of the Civil War and then the war itself.

The last theme, to me the most intriguing, was the expose` of the Shaker lifestyle. This was my first exposure to the Shaker ways and it was very informative. I enjoyed the story and found the "garden talk" in Charlotte and Adam's developing relationship tender and sweet.

My book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Ind. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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His Princess Girl Talk with God, Sheri Rose Shepherd

2010-07-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

His Princess Girl Talk with God: Love Letters and Devotions for Young Women by Sheri Rose Shepherd

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

His Princess Girl Talk with God, by Sheri Rose Shepherd is a book of 40 very short devotions followed by a brief letter from God. The cover says it's for "young women." I'm not sure what classifies as young women. It's a little too simplistic for late teens and early 20's. But for adolescents, it's good. The messages are "good" for anyone, but somewhat trite and predictable. God loves you so much, you are so beautiful to your Daddy in heaven...

As it progresses, it gets meatier, but the beginning is enough to turn a person off with its sappy predictability.

I looked forward to this book because I thought it would be a good book for my teenagers. They didn't get very far before losing interest. My eleven year old is enjoying it though.

I want to say again that the message is good. It was a struggle to stay engaged though, for me and my "young women." But the 11 year old is enjoying it. Therefore that's the age appropriate for this book from my household perspective.

My copy of His Princess Girl Talk with God was provided by Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Publications. It is available from your favorite bookseller of Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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Perfectly Dateless, by Kristen Billerbeck

2010-07-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first picked up Perfectly Dateless, I was sure I wouldn't enjoy it because I thought it was just for teenagers. I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed Kristin Billerbeck's newest book. Over dessert a couple times, I read excerpts to my family and everyone laughed and cringed where appropriate.

The funny thing about this book for me is that I experienced it from both angles; the daughter ashamed of her conservative parents and the mother lecturing her daughters on responsibility, purity, being different,... I've experienced both sides. I am still experiencing the nerd-mother side. I am that nerd mother.

With a diary entry the first thing I read in the book, I thought "This is going to be such a silly read." It was not. It is really good; a quick and entertaining read. How often do you find a book that the mother and the daughters are willing to read? This is THAT book.

I thought it ended a little too perfectly, but that's not a bad message to send to our girls occasionally, is it? Idealism isn't always a bad thing.

I'm looking forward to my daughters reading it next.

My copy of Perfectly Dateless was provided by Baker Publication and Graf-Martin Communications. It's now available from your favorite bookseller of Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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Back on Murder, J. Mark Bertrand

2010-07-12T13:17:00.001-07:00

Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back on Murder, a murder mystery by J. Mark Bertrand; if you're into murder mysteries, this is a serious read. Comparable to mainstream murder mysteries, yet sensitive and moral enough to be sold in Christian bookstores. That's a pretty unique combination, I'd say.

Roland March is a used-up cop. He's been taken off the serious stuff and placed on the secondary cases. When a teenager goes missing, he's moved to the missing-persons department. When there's a suicide of a fellow cop, he's moved to the suicide division. When there a foursome murder in a gang house, he happens to notice something the more respected cops miss. March is convinced the three cases are related, are connected. No one concurs.

Risking looking like an idiot, he continually puts all his eggs in the basket of the crimes being connected. Surprise surprise, the links become more obvious because of his superb detective skills.

This book is detailed with crime scene stuff; bullet trajectories, grainy photos, decomposed bodies, brain matter on glass, etc. If a person is into that, this is a great read. For me personally, it was a lot of detail. It is good, but sometimes it moved pretty slow because of the technical stuff. This would not be the case for a murder-mystery kind of person, I think. Even for me, who prefers suspense over murder mystery, it was really good, and I never was bored with it.

My copy of Back on Murder was provided by Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications. It's available at your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books.

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Courting Morrow Little, by Laura Frantz

2010-07-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Courting Morrow Little: A Novel by Laura Frantz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Courting Morrow Little, by Laura Frantz, is the story of Morrow Little who was raised by her father in the Kentucky wilderness in the late 1700's.

Her mother and little sister were murdered by the Shawnee when she was five and her brother was kidnapped at the same time. Although she grew to become a kind, gracious, and of course, beautiful woman, she was also racked with bitterness and unforgiveness toward the Shawnee.

Getting acquainted with two special Shawnee men, her heart begins to soften as she sees the appreciation and kindness her dad shows them and as she experiences their kindness for herself.

Morrow is pursued by several men, but the love she finds comes from the most unlikely of places.

This is a heartwarming book, full of adventure and a few unexpected twists and turns. I found it started out kind of slow, but I was shortly captivated and enjoying the tale of love, forgiveness and adventure.

My copy of Courting Morrow Little was provided by Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications. It is available at your favorite bookseller of Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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A Tailor-Made Bride, by Karen Witemeyer

2010-07-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Tailor-Made Bride is this author's first book. It is a well-written love story about a livery man who hates fashion because, in his estimation, his mother left him for a more fashionable life with a richer man than his father. He abhors vanity and anything that even hints of vanity, such as fashion.

His disdain is tested when a lovely woman of character moves into the building across the street from his livery stable to open up a dress-making business, complete with latest fashions and pretties.

Off to repeated heated, stubborn and proud exchanges, the two are startled by their own love/hate emotions directed at the other.

This is a really easy read, exciting enough to make progression easy, (I read it in a few sittings), tender to stir the emotions, chaste in action, yet believable since we are privy to the characters' thoughts and longings.

Hannah's exercise regimen was slightly unbelievable and laborious, but thankfully the author did illustrate why it was important to the story. Yet still, I couldn't help thinking, it would have been just as good a story without it.

A tender, touching element of the story was Hannah's calling J.T. "Jericho" (his given name) and his coming around to love the name if it was spoken by her.

My copy of A Tailor-Made Bride was provided by Graf-Martin Communications. It is available from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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Out of the Spin Cycle, Jen Hatmaker

2010-07-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load. What a delightful book! It contains 40 two-or-three page devotions that are sure to crack a smile and draw your attention to ways to love God through service to your family. Easily digestible nuggets delivered in a most appealing, un-preachy, humourous style.

Jen Hatmaker is an amazing writer. She begins each chapter with a dose of hilarity and with great skill turns that humour into a devotion that is really applicable to a young mother's life. Of all the mother devotionals I've ever read, this one is the best. I looked forward to each new chapter. And because of its lack of heaviness, it's easily readable for any busy young mother. I wish I'd had it as a resource when my children were young.

A few take-away snippets for me were:

"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." ~~ William Makepeace Thackeray

"Motherhood is like a pitcher with a hole in the bottom: a constant drain on our energy, patience, and tolerance. ... Our only hope... is to ensure our spiritual reserves are not bone-dry." When I was a young mom, the books I read preached the same thing. Their solution was to get up at 5 or 6 in the morning to refill the reservoir of spirituality before the babies woke. Not this book's advice. Her spirituality intake advice is very easy to swallow. "Goodness in, goodness out. Take care of the first and the second is covered."

This is truly a book for every young Christian mom. A real gem of a book.

My copy of Out of the Spin Cycle was provided by Graf-Martin Publications. It's available at your favorite bookseller of Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Momology A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids

2010-06-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids by Shelly Radic

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids was writen by Shelly Radic, chief of staff at MOPS International. Based on her experience as a mother of four, her 20-years experience with MOPS (MOPS stands for Mother of Preschoolers), surveys, research, and the like she explores four main points to being great moms and shaping great kids.

1. Core. Who am I? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my values, passions, etc. These answers reflect your core. Her first point is know your core, be true to your core, take care of your core.
2. Finesse. In this portion we are encouraged with tips about navigating our lives and our young children's lives with grace in the direction we want our children to end. "Start with the end in mind" and make small choices every day that lead in the direction of the desired end.
3. Circle. Your circle is the people around you, be they close and intimate, acquaintances, or somewhere in between. The more people who are affirming of you, your family and your values, the better equipped you are to mother well.
4. Grandscape. Here we look at the big picture of God's view of us. How we love and nurture our children is but a miniscule idea of the love Father God has for us. When we know how much we are loved, we are better equipped to mirror that kind of love into our children's lives.

Momology offers latest research and statistics, creative ideas and reflections and stories from a number of moms. It's a great resource for any Christian mother with young children.

My copy of Momology was provided by Graf-Martin Publication. It's available at your favorite bookseller of Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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A Hopeful Heart, by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2010-06-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hopeful Heart, A by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Hopeful Heart, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, is a historical fiction about a group of young ladies who leave the eastern states to go to Kansas to attend Herdsmen School. I had never heard of this bit of history and was intrigued to learn while the west was being settled, indeed there were some "Herdsmen Schools" where young ladies went to learn how to be ranch wives. Once they learned the skills, they became available to be courted by the ranchers.

This story is about five such young ladies, Aunt Hattie who runs the school, and a rancher who is certain he doesn't want an easterner for a wife.

A Hopeful Heart is a good historical fiction - I learned some stuff I'd never heard of before - a romance and a suspense, all in one. I liked the way the author wove a suspense into the story. It added a whole new dimension.

The author did a good job of bringing the Christian element into her story. The Christianity in many Christian fictions seems forced and unreal. This is not the case with this story. I was touched by Tessa's spiritual experience and loved the way the theme of God using bad things in our lives for our good.

This book was provided to me by Graf-Martin Publication. It is available at your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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The Homecoming, by Dan Walsh

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Homecoming by Dan Walsh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Homecoming, by Dan Walsh is another historical fiction that I enjoyed.

The hero, Shawn, is a bomber pilot in WW2. His plane is shot down over enemy territory and yet he leads his team to safety, crossing the English channel. All within 24 hours. Unheard of heroics.

He is called back to Philadelphia when his wife is killed in a car accident, back to his son Patrick. He tries to get a discharge so he and Patrick can bond and grieve their loss.

The army has other ideas. Shawn learns his whole flight team have made official reports of his heroics from their last mission. He's not only recommended for a medal of honor, he's given the "dream job" of accompanying movie stars and famous musicians on a tour promoting the sale of war bonds; a war bond tour.

But what about Patrick? Shawn hires a nanny who adores Patrick. As time passes, Shawn begins to notice the nanny in non-nannyish sort of ways. Attraction blossoms.

This is a warm tender story. I don't tear up with many books, but Patrick's grief produced a few tears in me. His guileless innocence was beautifully portrayed.

I don't know how accurate the history was, (was there really a WW2 pilot who performed the heroics Shawn did?, were the war bond rallies really so radically popular?, etc.) I wish the author had a little historical recap at the end. It is an easy, interesting, provocative read.

Thanks to Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications for another great book to review. The Homecoming is available from your favorite bookseller of Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Maid to Match, by Deeanne Gist

2010-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have officially decided I like this author. Maid to Match is my second book by Deeanne Gist (Beguiled was the first) and it was even better than Beguiled.

Maid to Match is set in North Carolina in the late 1890's in the Vanderbilt manor, Biltmore. Tillie is the head parlormaid and is called upon to train the new footman Mack. Mack is anything but polished and Tilly has her hands full making him acceptably refined.

And of course, romance develops.

What I like most about Deanne Gist's writing is that her fiction is historically accurate. At the end of both books I've read, she explains some of the history and where she took literary license. I learned a lot just in those few pages.

Another thing I liked about this book is, although it's Christian fiction, it not over-the-top pure. Her romance scenes are not so pure that they're unreal. Though pure, she adequately captures the passion and desire. "Every nerve in her body quivered."

Thanks to Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications for another great book to review. Maid to Match is available from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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This Fine Life, Eva Everson

2010-05-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed This Fine Life by Eva Everson. She writes in such a way that I felt the emotions of Mariette. The angst, anxiety, passion, love and frustrations, they were very real.

Mariette graduates from boarding school, returns to her privileged life and meets a dashing young man who is "beneath her." Her parents totally disapprove leaving her to make some hard decisions.

My favorite part, the epiphany of the whole story, so to speak, is when the elderly gent...more I really enjoyed This Fine Life by Eva Everson. She writes in such a way that I felt the emotions of Mariette. The angst, anxiety, passion, love and frustrations, they were very real.

Mariette graduates from boarding school, returns to her privileged life and meets a dashing young man who is "beneath her." Her parents totally disapprove leaving her to make some hard decisions.

My favorite part, the epiphany of the whole story, so to speak, is when the elderly gentleman in her life tells her some of his secrets, an agonizing hardship he weathered. In essence he told her, "you'll make it through this, good times are ahead for you. You'll see. Remember this." It was a powerful, beautiful conversation packed with truth.

And Mariette does survive. It wasn't easy, but she "earned her stripes."

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Flabbergasted, Ray Blackston

2010-05-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Flabbergasted: A Novel by Ray Blackston

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Flabbergasted, by Ray Blackston, is a breath of fresh air. I laughed and laughed. It's not often that I give 5 stars, but this one gets my 5 stars fair and square. Also it's not often I mail a book to someone, but I've got just the friend to mail this one to.

Jay is a young professional man recently relocated to South Carolina. To meet girls, he checks out the Presbyterian church and ends up on a singles trip. Packed with hilarity, Jay narrates the events, his spiritual questions, his observations, and of course his attraction to a particular young missionary.

This is a fresh book, a light read that covers significant theological ground. I highly recommend it.

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It Had to be You, Janice Thompson

2010-05-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

It Had to Be You: A Novel by Janice Thompson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was cheesy, really cheesy. There were some cute and funny lines and I smiled a number of times. Not enough to compensate for the negative thoughts though.

It was overly "christian". When Bella was angry, "She thought, 'God I've stepped out from under your anointing.'" I tired of those types of phrases early. When the family was in the middle of "World War 3" (grossly cliche`), Bella tells her fiance, "The worst part is we've lost our witness." Annoying!!

The drama was unrealistic, the minds too pure to be true. (DJ blushed when he told his fiance he wanted a king-sized bed in the master bedroom.)

And what's the deal with the cover? DJ was a hunky cowboy, what on earth was going through the publisher's head when they designed the cover with the preppy dude?

I have no desire to read any more in this series.

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Hearts Awakening, Delia Parr

2010-05-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Hearts Awakening. A spinster, 31 years old and very very plain, is alone in the world. Both parents have died, she's unmarried, she has no one who loves her. Although she has two cousins, they have not befriended her or offered her a feeling of "family". In a vindictive space, one cousin volunteers her to help a widower with two young boys. She begins making the long trek out to Jackson's orchard to clean, cook and tend his boys.

Jackson is overwhelmed with his orchard and running his family and in desperation asks Ellie to marry him. They write up a prenuptial agreement stating that the arrangement is purely business. They will not share a bedroom. She will cook, clean, tend to the boys and he will provide a comfortable life and give her a place to call home.

Jackson's experience with women has been bleak. He has pigeon-holed women into being like his late wife; selfish, unfaithful, foolhardy with money. Ellie's integrity and purity of heart surpass anything he has ever known. Her selfless "mothering" of his sons and tireless work efforts slowly gives him pause to his preconceived notion.

Slowly, very very slowly, his heart awakens to respect and love for Ellie.

This book is heart-warming and pure. I particularly appreciated Ellie not being the drop-dead gorgeous heroine that most fictions have. She was very very plain and larger than average. But on the inside, she was beautiful.

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Somewhere to Belong, Judith Miller

2010-05-13T09:30:00.001-07:00

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Somewhere to Belong is about a virtuous young lady named Johanna who lives in a Christian commune with a group who share a hard-working simple life. Based on a real community, this story takes place in Iowa during the 1870s.

Berta is a rich girl from Chicago. Her mother and father take her to visit the community but because of her stubborn impetuous ways, they don't tell her until they're there that they have actually moved there, not merely visiting. Berta is furious.

Johanna is everything Berta is not; respectful, pure minded, hard working, self controlled.To Johanna's chagrin, she is appointed to mentor Berta in the ways of the community. Of course some chaos ensues.

As the story unfolds, both girls discover family secrets that shake and jar their lives. Each girl finds herself lost in the conflict and thinking she doesn't even know who her real family is. They have "been living a lie."

Somewhere to Belong is about two girls finding their way after discovering that life isn't what they thought it was, that there have been great deceptions. Both girls have to decide what choices they'll make, how they'll respond to the conflicts.

This book is available now from your favorite bookseller of Bethany House books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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Too Close to Home, Lynette Eason

2010-04-22T15:53:00.002-07:00

Too Close to Home: A Novel by Lynette Eason

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a real page turner. I read it quickly as I could hardly wait to see what happened next. The plot and story line are very very good.

The cover is distracting; it looks cheesy and lame. The cover doesn't represent the good suspense novel it is. As soon as I saw it I thought it was surely going to be a lame read. After I finished the book I encouraged my teenager to read it. She wasn't interested because the cover looked so "dumb". For future printings, I hope the publisher will consider that.

This is purely subjective, but it seemed the heroine's spirituality was a bit forced. When she said something spiritual it didn't fit with the character that was coming to life in my head.

Nick, the book's hero is a investigator trying to nail an local online predator. The predator has a unique style and one that could be easily described. That Nick didn't detail this stuff to his teenage daughter for her protection didn't ring true to me. I would make sure my daughter knew the patterns of the predator, especially since he was obviously a local person.

These are my three faults with the book. I enjoyed the book very much and wouldn't hesitate to read another book by the author. (But I hope the cover is different.)

Available now from your favorite bookseller of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing.

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In Harm's Way, Irene Hannon

2010-04-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

A suspenseful romantic read that delves into telepathy - first book of this nature I've ever read. I read it in three or four settings and was thoroughly captivated and intrigued.

Rachel finds a Raggedy Ann doll in the melting snow. Because it looks loved and worn, she picks it up to put somewhere the owner might see if they're looking for it. However when she picks it up, she's filled with a sense of terror and panic. Certain there is something evil related to the doll, she takes it to the FBI knowing she'll be considered kooky.

A link is discovered between the doll and a kidnapping.

This book is interesting, well-written and full of twists. A great read.

Available from your favorite bookseller of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sixteen Brides

2010-04-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

After the Civil War hundreds of single women successfully homesteaded in the west. I never knew. Thanks to Stephanie Grace Whitson's new historical novel I know something new.

In this charming book we go west with sixteen single women to claim land to homestead. What they didn't count on was the "Emmigration Society" actually being a deceitful cover to get the ladies to Nebraska to become brides.

Once the cover is blown, more than half of the ladies move on to where they'll marry strangers; five begin homesteading and defying social norms.

A warm book about friendship, loyalty, healing, and a heaping dose of love and romance.

The beginning is a bit of a rough go because there are so many women to keep track of. Once the number is whittled down it's an easier read and one you won't want to put down.

Available now from your favorite bookseller of Bethany Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

She Walks in Beauty, Siri Mitchell

2010-04-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned about a period and culture I knew nothing about -- New York City's Gilded Age. I was shocked by a number of elements within this historical fiction. The societal pressure for perfection that pervades our culture isn't so new after all. I thought it was a fairly new phenomena. Not at all.

~~ Corsets, pessaries, I never knew how little I understood about them.

~~ Society (celebrity gossip) columns, eating disorders, they are nothing new and they were pervasive and powerfully effective even in the late 1800's.

Aside from all the things I learned, it is a great story. A young girl of 17 forced to "debut" into rich society -- meaning she is to capture a husband. The particular man she's supposed to capture is devoid of character or goodness, but very wealthy. His younger brother doesn't have the wealth, but he has the character and goodness.

This book is superbly written, superbly! It's not often I read a book without stumbling over a few awkward sentences. Not once while reading this did I experience that.

Available now from your favorite bookseller by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A Distant Melody, Sarah Sundin

2010-04-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Oh how sweet it was. I really enjoyed A Distant Melody. Sarah Sundin's first in her Wings of Glory series sets the tone and expectation of more great novels to come.

A beautiful story of a World War 2 bomber pilot and his chance meeting of Allie, how they hit it off well, shared memorable experiences and felt so connected .... all in a week-long visit before he ships off to fight in Europe and she returns home to her fiance'.

Corresponding by mail, their friendship deepens right along with the mess Allie is in with her parents and her fiance'. Both too proud and proper to tell the other how he/she feels, the tangles knot tighter.

Filled with tender romance, fumbling innocence, and striving-to-do-what's-right devotion to God, A Distant Melody delivers a sweet sweet romance.

I am very impressed with Sarah Sundin's writing and this book, her debut novel. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Hand of Fate, by Lis Wiehl

2010-04-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Billed as a "keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller," I was disappointed in Hand of Fate. I was expecting a book I couldn't put down. Yawn. I've read real thrillers and this one is far from "thriller" by any stretch. The publishers did themselves no favors with their exaltation of this book. Bill O'Reilly from Fox News called it a "fun thriller"; Nancy Grace claimed it was all she could do "not to race to the end and read the last pages." A writer of CSI NY said, "Pulse-pounding... Delivers big!" I share none of these sentiments. I expected so much more and all based on the high praise snippets on the book sleeve. Thomas Nelson would have done better, in my opinion, to simply call it a suspense novel and not brag it up nearly so much. It is a good book, but because of the hype on the cover, I expected so so much more. I was quite disappointed.

It's an ok story, but far from delivering big.

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain

2010-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

By Drs Paul Meier and David Henderson, Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain is instruction and encouragement in moving victoriously beyond the most common struggles in our lives. The "common struggles" addressed are: Injustice, Rejection, Loneliness, Loss, Discipline, Failure, and Death.

The conclusion was very clear and concise. They end the book with "two important truths to hold on to while you focus on the purpose beyond your pain: (1) the presence of Christ is sufficient, and (2) the promise of heaven is secure." Had the book been more about these two points and less psychological, I would have enjoyed it more.

This book didn't deliver anything special to me. Had I read it 15-20 years ago, my "take-away value" would have been more significant.

The Rewards of Simplicity

2010-02-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

Simplicity is a passion of mine and I've read dozens of books on the subject. The Rewards of Simplicity by Pam & Chuck D. Pierce is the first one I've read that takes a Christian approach.

The book is written in two parts. The first is by Pam and the second is by Chuck. Chuck's part is mostly about overcoming anxiety. Anxiety isn't a problem with me (perhaps because I've embraced simplicity and don't have too much to be anxious about) so this section wasn't very applicable to me. However, I can see it would be helpful for someone who does suffer from anxiety.

Pam's take on simplicity was fresh and new to me. Her chapter on Sabbath was eye-opening for me and is challenging me to be more serious in keeping a Sabbath day.

Another fresh angle was Fasting. Through reading this section, I was convicted to take a partial fast from my computer. I give the internet too much of my time, pulling me away from things that are truly important.

Another refreshing element in the book was the frequent references to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Anytime we encounter truth we encounter God. The Pierces give God credit for the truth they've experienced and that was exciting. Their testimony made me want to get more acquainted with God and to seek him continually.

Beguiled, Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

2010-02-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Beguiled, by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand is a romantic suspense. It's a good suspense but drags a little in the beginning. The "crime", a Robin Hood type, is a bit lame. However as the book advances, the crime rings truer.

There were elements that whispered, "yeah, right" as well. For example, Rylee is being stalked, but she still parks in alley-ways and walks near the woods. (The story is true to its setting in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood. Perhaps in that neighborhood it's impossible not to park in alley-ways and walk near the woods.)

I tire reading of movie-star-beauty heroines and drop-dead-gorgeous heroes. Can't the stars of the book ever be average? That being said, the romance element of Beguiled is very touching and sweet.

The book is well-written and very engaging. I read it in three settings, so that attests to its captivating story line.

Available now at your fravourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Hunter's Moon, Dan Hoesel

2010-02-23T10:41:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure how many books I've reviewed from Bethany House. However, I am sure of this: Hunter's Moon is my favourite. It's my first by Don Hoesel, but am sure it won't be my last. I'm a sucker for suspense and humour and this book served up a generous helping of both.

It resonated with me on several fronts: family secrets and dysfunction; confronting childhood hurts; going "home" after living away so long. The similarities in my emotional journey were similar to CJ's, the story's protagonist. (I should note that there were no similarities in the physical, no one murdered anyone in my family of origin.)

CJ observes: "But who can factor the pull of a heritage on a man who had been absent from it for the better part of two decades . . .?" This is so so true. The pull of a heritage is stonger than I ever realized prior to going "home".

CJ has been away for 17 years and just returned to his native home. "What surprised CJ was that even after the passage of so many bitter years, he wouldn't have missed this for the world." I loved seeing CJ confront his own skeletons (some that still had meat on them). I loved watching him become more whole and free.

Everything I just said is a sub-plot in the book. It certainly isn't a self-help book. It's a great suspense drama.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen

2010-02-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

Bethany House's edition of Sense and Sensibility adds a fascinating charm to an already charming book. Along the margins are added notes including:

- historical and cultural details
- word definitions and cliche' explanations
- facts from Jane Austen's life that help illuminate themes
- themes of faith drawn from Austen's life
- comments on the book's characters and plots
- references to the novel in our present-day films

Lest that be unclear, here is an example. Mrs Jennings, referring to Edward, says the plan is that "he should take orders as soon as he can." The marginal note explains that phrase is vernacular for becoming a priest in the Church of England.

Another marginal note: When referring to pregnancy and delivery, the word of choice is "confinement." Why? I learned in the margin, it's because it was impolite to talk of pregnancy and the like in that time.

If you're about to plunge headlong into Sense and Sensibility, this is the version. The marginal notes add so much to this classic.

Available now from your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Hidden Flame, by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

2010-02-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished The Hidden Flame, by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke. I have read many Janette Oke books and a couple by Davis Bunn. This was my first book they wrote together. I didn't have a clue how their two styles - styles that I think are very different - would combine, but I had a negative idea and didn't expect to enjoy it.

Was I ever surprised!!

The Hidden Flame is set in Jerusalem after the death and resurrection of Jesus. We meet Peter, Paul and Stephen along with Abigail, the heroine. We walk with Abigail as she experiences her own healing and see her grow spiritually and long for a faith that is strong enough to withstand the times of persecution.

Abigail is sought by two men, neither of which interest her. She marries another man, a surprising twist that I won't divulge here, and becomes personally acquainted with persecution.

I expected a stereotypical ending and was pleased that I wasn't able to accurately predict it. (I judge a book negatively if I can guess the ending. Predictable endings are tiresome; a problem I didn't have with this book.)

Bunn and Oke work brilliantly together. I look forward to reading another of their novels.

**Book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller.

The Silent Governess, by Julie Klassen

2010-02-17T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Silent Governess, by Julie Klassen was recently released. In the brief bio on the back cover, it says "Julie Klassen loves all things Jane - Jane Eyre and Jane Austen." She writes with a style similar to Jane Austen, less romantic though, which was a relief for me.

This was the first book I read following Jane Eyre. Yes, immediately after reading Jane Eyre, this is the book I started. The similarities between the two were somewhat tiring; a governess, a rich bachelor, a manor, a misunderstood woman who loves her charges with motherly devotion. Had I not just read Jane Eyre, I would have enjoyed it more.

Julie Klassen clearly knows nineteenth-century English culture and she brilliantly portrays it in this novel. A refreshing twist was a snippet from the era at the beginning of each chapter. It was a snapshot into the life of a governess, servant or lord. Reads one such snippet: "In your manner to your servants, be firm and kind, without being familiar. Never converse familiarly with them, unless on business or on some point connected with their improvement. ~ Samuel & Sarah Adams, The Complete Servant." I enjoyed this element of real history and literature.

The ending of the story was too perfect for my taste. It is truly a happily-ever-after ending which was beyond believable.

This was my first experience with Julie Klassen's writing. She is a good writer and I won't hesitate to read another of her novels.

**Book is courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller.

The Choice, Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-01-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a warm and tender story about a young Amish girl struggling with the Plain way. Tragedy strikes her innocent life transforming her innocence into a knowing beyond her years. Marrying as an excape, we watch her mature and become a woman faced with difficult decisions and much responsibility.

The writer throws in a few curve balls that I didn't see coming. It was refreshing not to be able to predict everything.

The Choice is warm, tender and charming. I highly recommend it to those who love an easy refreshing read and those who love to see a moral within a good fiction.

Available now at your bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Watch Over Me, Christa Parrish

2009-11-16T12:24:00.001-08:00

Watch Over Me, by Christa Parrish is my first book by Christa Parrish. Her style of writing is easy and captivating.

Abbi and Benjamin have been struggling in their marriage since he returned from his military tour to Afganistan. Back in South Dakota, where he is a deputy, he finds a newborn baby girl in a field while carrying out regular duties. He saves the baby and starts visiting her in the hospital every day. When a foster home is needed for the baby, Abbi and Ben step forward.

Ben has shut Abbi out and there is little remaining in their relationship. Abbi finds less and less reason to stay in their rocky marriage.

The story is riddled with unfolding subplots: Matthew, a deaf and mute math genius needs a new kidney; He lives with his dysfunctional aunt and her four daughters; Abbi is bulimic; Abbi's best friend shut her out when her husband was killed in Afganistan; The on-going investigation of who left the baby to die in a field dominates Ben's thoughts, along with his Afganistan experience; Abbi and Ben's less-than-satisfactory church experience. There were many flesh and blood messy characters.

I appreciated the realism of the book. I liked that it wasn't the story-book ending. Life is not filled with fairy-tale endings, and I was afraid this book would disappoint me with a happily-ever-after conclusion. It did not. But it had a conquering ending. It was a realistic ending and one where the characters were continuing to grow and overcome.

Things Worth Remembering, by Jackina Stark

2009-11-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Things Worth Remembering was my first book by Jackina Stark. It was emotionally laden with regret and pain, but redeemed by forgiveness and a new start.

Kendy is Maisey's mother and Kendy loves Maisey more than life itself. Over the years she's been shut out of Maisey's life more and more. Now Maisey is planning her wedding and it's becoming evident to all that Maisey is hostile toward her mother. Finally the dam burst and with raging anger it's revealed why Maisey hates her mother.

When Maisey was thirteen years old she witnessed her mother's indiscretion and has hated her ever since. Meanwhile, until a couple of days before the wedding, Kendy is oblivious to why Maisey is so distant and that she ever saw anything questionable. In a torrent of tears and hatred, Maisey's rage threatens her wedding.

The emotions in the book were realistic and the predicaments too. I liked that the story unfolded from both Maisey and Kendy's perspective.

I was mildly disappointment with Kendy's indiscretion, that relatively speaking, was minor. It was powerful enough to jeopardize many relationships. However, for the person who is reading this book who has experienced much worse indiscretions, I think the message wasn't too hopeful. The message could be about God's forgiveness of relatively minor indiscretions, but not the big ones.

I enjoyed the book. I felt the emotions, I experienced the temporary hopelessness of "having screwed up too badly." I will definitely read more Jackina Starks writing.

Leaving Yesterday, by Kathryn Cushman

2009-11-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

Leaving Yesterday, by Kathryn Cushman is a captivating book about a mother (Alisa) who has lost a son to murder and her second son (Kurt) has embraced a life of hard drugs. Living on the streets and with no contact with his family, Alisa is overjoyed to finally hear from Kurt and learn he has checked himself into rehab. Feeling hope for the first time in years, her hopes are dashed by the revelation that he is a suspect in the murder of a drug dealer.

Alisa discovers hard evidence of Kurt's guilt and the majority of the story is devoted to her struggle to hide or disclose the evidence.

Subplots within the story are her struggling marriage and her work in women's ministry.

Kurt and Alisa are faced with horrific decisions and both have to decide between safety and doing the right thing. Their story is realistic and their poor choices reverberate throughout the book, as does their wisdom. A unique combination, for sure.

This was my first book by Kathryn Cushman and I enjoyed her writing. Her first-person writing style took me a bit to get used to, but I did adjust. However, I think the read would have been smoother in third-person.

Fresh Start, by Doug Fields

2009-11-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Fresh Start is written by Doug Fields, youth minister of Saddleback Church. Although it's written by a youth minister it is not written with youth in mind. It is written to anyone who's craving a new beginning in life. Fields generously sprinkles Fresh Start with humor, and gave me many laugh-out-loud moments as I read about conquering and overcoming the snags in life that we all experience.

With humility, compassion (and a lot of humor which I loved) he encourages the reader to get out of the stuck life and embrace a fresh start in life, in abundant joyful living. He addresses areas we all get bogged down in at various stages in life: pride, regret, hurt, conflicts, fear, rejection, anger, superficial friendships.

He writes, "We are stuck people... the power to change doesn't come from our own strength or resolve or positive thinking... Real lasting change comes from God's unlimited power. Anything else is a temporary fix... God is in the transformation business. He takes real, flawed, messy people and invites us to start fresh and live lives of fullness and forward motion... fresh starts are available more than once... God doesn't demand that we walk a tightrope of perfection. His grace is offered continually and is always within reach."

I enjoyed this book. It's radically laced with messy humanity and loaded with practical help in overcoming the messy predicaments we fall hostage to along life's path.

FEARLESS, by Max Lucado

2009-09-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Max Lucado’s newest book, Fearless, is a short easy read of 180 pages (not including the discussion guide) covering the topics that tend to breed fear in many of us: uncertainty about the future, our children and their safety, violence, finances and more. I was encouraged and especially loved how Lucado always returned to the Bible as the antidote to our fear.

My favorite chapter was “Scared to Death” on death and dying. He says death might be “less a curse and more a passageway; not a crisis to be avoided, but a corner to be turned.” I loved the parallel he made between our prenatal life and this life. What makes no sense in this life will make perfect sense in the next. Just as the womb suited us for this life, so this life is suiting us for the next. Some prenatal features served no purpose and were actually useless in the womb; we had eyes but couldn’t see; noses but couldn’t smell; tongues but couldn’t taste or talk. Those same features serve distinct purposes in this life. Might this life’s challenges prepare and equip us for the next life?, Lucado asks.

Lucado says, “The promise of Christ and the contention of this book are simple: we can fear less tomorrow than we do today.” He continually encourages the reader to pursue God, get better acquainted with the Master. “God chooses to be known to us so we will stop being afraid of the wrong thing.” I was encouraged by the reminder that loving God is the solution to the fear I experience. Relationship with Him is the source of my peace, the antithesis of my fear.

What's He Really Thinking, by Paula Rinehart

2009-08-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

What’s He Really Thinking, by Paula Rinehart is an excellent tool to help wives navigate some of the bumps on the marriage highway. Rinehart methodically explores some of the complex components that make a husband who he is and how the wife’s response to those components can powerfully impact who her man is and who he becomes. “God has given you eyes to see. And those eyes can be a man’s most reliable mirror of who he is and who he can be.”

I particularly appreciated that she offered no quick, easy fixes but rather spoke of “lifelong dialogue,” the establishing of patterns of relating.

I enjoyed and benefitted from her exploration of the male and female souls using the sex act as an analogy. “There are lots of clues to the soul hidden in the common simplicity of a man and woman coming together.” This section was helpful and beautifully illustrated intelligent design.

Through this book I was encouraged to be my husband’s biggest cheerleader, try and feel the impact of his story and to show my respect by being vulnerable enough to reveal my needs.

I appreciated Rinehart making “enjoyment” in relationship into a beautiful bite sized something to aspire to. “What feels like love between two people is mostly a string of moments in which you feel enjoyed.”

Through Rinehart’s humorous and clear writing I’m better equipped to enjoy my husband, thus building our enjoyable lifelong dialogue of love.

The Hole in Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns

2009-08-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns is a book capable of changing lives; the lives of those who read it and the lives of those that benefit from our having read it.

It begins with Sterns sharing his testimony and more specifically his story of leaving corporate USA to become the president of World Vision. His testimony alone could justify a book in itself.

After leading the reader through his struggle with accepting the call to lead World Vision and his subsequent eye witness accounts of heart-wrenching poverty, he admonishes the reader with "Jesus' love for the poor found consistent and concrete expression in his life and ministry." The message is clear: Our love for the poor should have consistent, concrete expression too.

Sterns' use of statistics and numbers reveal the needs in our world in such a way that the reader isn't simply overwhelmed with the need, but rather is impressed to be part of the solution. While remembering the poor he encourages us to remember
1.) Each person is created in God's image and loved by God;
2.) Every one of the challenges has a solution;
3.) Every one of us can make a difference.

Often the need is perceived as so great that the average individual doesn't feel he or she can contribute significantly. Sterns fights that theory throughout the book and makes a case that each person's contribution is significant.

Just as we may look back on how our parents and grandparents responded to the blacks and their fight for equality with indifference and lack of conviction, Sterns suggests that someday our children may look back at the hunger and poverty crisis of today and wonder how we could sit back and just watch.

In this book, numbers and statistics were far from boring. I learned that by making more than $50,000 a year, my family is richer than 99% of the world's population. That statistic gets to me. It's easy to focus on what we don't have and forget that we have more than 99% of the people we share this planet with. This book was chock full of sobering stories and statistics illustrating how we can help and why we must.

The I Believe Bunny

2009-08-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe is a beautifully illustrated (by Frank Endersby) story of a little bunny who is called to save to a mouse from drowning. Little bunny is much too small for the task before him and cries a heart-felt prayer for help. As the little bunny does all he can to save the mouse he prays to God, “I want to save this mouse, but I don’t know how.” God sends more friends and by working together they rescue the mouse.

Through this little story, there are several subtle messages. Bunny didn’t run away from home when it was all rainy and he was invited to play elsewhere where it would be nice and dry. Perhaps the author meant to convey the importance of “sticking out” in the rough patches of life.

We see Bunny being willing to risk his own safety to try and save another life.

In his own weakness, he continues to try, but desperately cries out to God for help.

God answers his prayer by sending others to help. By their working in unity, the little mouse is saved.

Ingeniously the author shifts from prose to poetry to sums up the moral of the story in an easily memorizable poem: Have faith in God’s love, and you’ll find when you do, nothing you try will be impossible for you.

This is a charming book.