Book Review Blog: July 2010

THE CONCLUDING BOOK IN THE REINVENTION OF SKYLAR HOYT SERIES
Senior year is over, and Skylar is ready for a break.
But will she really be able to leave her old life behind?

So Over It (The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt)

Teen readers have loved the debut series from author Stephanie Morrill, identifying deeply with high school student Skylar Hoyt and her struggle to discover who she really is. RT Book Reviews called this “a promising new series. Morrill introduces a strong, relatable character to root for.”

In So Over It, the final book of The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series, Skylar has just finished up her senior year. She’s ready to forgive and forget. Or at least forget. She wants a fresh start where people don't know about her past or her dysfunctional family. A place where she won't run into her ex-boyfriend every time she leaves the house. When she gets the opportunity to spend the summer in Hawaii with her grandparents, Skylar jumps at the chance to get out of town. But will she truly be able to leave her old life behind? And will she be strong enough to rise above the gossip and live the life God wants?

Previous books in The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series
are Me, Just Different (Book 1) and Out With the In Crowd (Book 2).

Stephanie Morrill is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Teen Lit writers' group. Morrill is the author of Me, Just Different and Out with the In Crowd, and she also serves in youth ministry. She lives in Kansas with her husband and young daughter.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

My review:

Stephanie Morrill has done it again. All three books in her Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt YA series have impressed me so much that they have all made my top fiction lists. I think she is the only author that has managed to make my top fiction lists for 2009 and 2010. That's cool, isn't it? So how did she do it?

Morrill wrote a group of stories that felt real. The issues weren't sugar-coated and the characters acted like real high school seniors, then graduates. There was no pretense, no Christianese, no flowery stuff to cater to what people think Christian teens need to read. This story was real in every way. Skylar was like most girls... indecisive when it came to boys, often gullible, and very misunderstood. Her sister's issues were well-portrayed as well, especially when it came to teen pregnancy and parenting. Never before have I read more realistic descriptions of backsliding behavior with new Christians. This series showed that better than any book out there, too. I loved that!

I adored everything about this last book in the series. Like the first two books, the writing was flawless. The characters were so genuinely written that I forgot I was reading fiction. And let's face it, Connor was just the hottest Christian teen hero I've read about who happens to be a decent guy and friend to Skylar. It was his heart attitude that made him so lovable. That, and the fact that he wasn't perfect and willing to admit it.

I loved that Morrill showed a flawed Connor who had a rescuer complex, so the reader had to sort through things emotionally along with Skylar. Again, the author knows how to write it like it really is. The guilt, the shame, the holding things inside, not trusting, etc. It's all very real emotional "teen" baggage. Given the way the majority of Skylar's friends were, too, she had every reason not to trust them. And the way they all at one time or another used a guy or girl to get over another relationship was realistically portrayed. The author did an excellent job of showing how wrong that is without saying it.

The part where Skylar ran off to Hawaii was well done. It always seems easier to start over where no one knows you or about your past, but it's not the healthiest way to go about this and it's not an effective way to heal and grow as an individual. This story showed that very well. I loved the conclusion and how Skylar had to deal with the demons (figurative for painful memories) that haunted her for all three books. I loved how Skylar grew so much over the course of this series. There were so many things to like about it, I could go on all day. If you are looking for realistic teen fiction with characters that could easily be your friends (or the friends of your kids,) and and if you want honesty in novels but with a faith curve, you'll love this series. Highly recommended.

So Over It was published by Revell and released in July 2010. A copy of this book to review was provided by the publisher. I received no compensation for my review.

New Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a copy of More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias!

To enter for a chance to win this book by Kathi Macias simply post a comment regarding Mexico. Have you ever gone there to visit? If so, where? If not, where would you visit if given the opportunity? I will select a winner August 1st using the Randomizer program. Best wishes to you all...

I'll go first. I've been to Naco and to Nogales (all south of Arizona) but never went further into the country than the border towns themselves. That's it for me.

About the book:

With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness is rapidly decreasing in many areas. Hector Rodriguez pastors a church on the outskirts of the once-peaceful and tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He has also visited other small churches in the remote and not-so-Christian-friendly towns of Chiapas state, delivering Bibles and ministering to those in the most persecuted areas.

Hector’s mother accompanied him on one of those trips and stayed behind to teach reading—using the Bible as her primer—to a handful of Christian converts living among the Mayan population in San Juan Chamula, where superstition and paganism run rampant, and resentment of outsiders runs deep. In a reaction to that superstition and resentment, Hector’s mother pays a serious price for her unwanted presence—and Hector must then choose whether or not to continue his work in some of the most dangerous areas of Mexico.

My review:

There were a lot of things to like about this book, like different aspects of the Mexican culture and the spiritual thread in the story. Since I live in Arizona, I knew all of the phrases and words that the author used to add a bit of culture to the book. She also included many traditions. I learned a bit about the Mayan culture and their hatred for the people who they saw as destroying their ancient culture. That was interesting, as was how the Mayan people perceived Virginia. The love story between Marty and Susanna was sweet. I just wish it had started earlier in the book. However, it was a great example of waiting on the Lord to show you who He wants you to marry. The gang violence was believable and the conflict Roberto felt was poignant. The subplot regarding Alberto was touching, too. This book just didn't enthuse me like the other two in the series that I've read had. Then again, every book can't be a favorite, now can it? I found this one to be a bit repetitious in places, or it would've ranked higher on my list. Other than that, it was a good read.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

There is a sight I was referred to called Giveaway Scout. Check it out.

This is cool, isn't it? Great way to advertise your promos and also to find some if you like to browse them.

http://www.giveawayscout.com/

My review of Loving Bella by Renee Ryan.

About the book:

She Was Talented, Famous, Successful…But when a scandalous offer ruined it all, Isabella O'Toole escaped her life as a celebrated opera singer and sought refuge in Denver, Colorado. Working as an assistant to Dr. Shane Bartlett is worlds away from her glamorous old life—and she loves it. Loves the work, loves the chance to reconnect with her family and her faith…and slowly begins to love the handsome doctor, as well. Until her dark secret finds her again, threatening her new life—and her chance for Shane's heart.

My review:

Loving Bella was a historical romance I won't soon forget. And for a Love Inspired Historical, I found it surprisingly edgy when it came to subject matter. Bella had been seeing a man (year 1885 in London), but she didn't realize he was married. When he asked her to be his mistress, she broke it off. Thankfully she hadn't given herself to him yet. She left London, the Viscount, and the stage where she was a well-known opera singer and went to live with her brother in Colorado.

Overwhelming guilt followed her across the ocean and she emotionally berated herself for being duped by a married man and falling for him. She was also angry with herself for not seeing the signs and for allowing her heart to care so much she worried she wouldn't be able to resist him if she stayed in London (see what I mean by edgy?) It wasn't until she met a frontier doctor who worked with orphans and prostitutes that she started to see the world differently.

Bella learned to give of herself when she teamed up with the handsome doctor, Shane Bartlett, as his assistant. She, in turn, focused less on her own issues and grief. Despite all the progress she'd made, in the end she still felt guilty even though she hadn't actually done anything with the Viscount. Through time, service to the unwanted people in Colorado, friendship with Shane, and a variety of other circumstances, Bella learned to forgive herself. Her friendship with the doctor grew daily until they both learned to trust more, and ultimately developed a strong bond. Several times I was so emotionally involved in the story I got choked up.

Loving Bella made me cheer for the characters, and in all the right ways. This story wasn't just a romance, but a story of deep emotional growth, and of the beauty of learning to forgive oneself. This novel was a tender, healing portrayal of how God will use what the enemy meant for harm, but God will use it for the good. I loved how the characters made decisions that were sometimes hard for them, but they did it out of love for others rather than selfish intentions. Those types of scenarios in books always inspire me. I highly recommend this novel, especially to women who struggle with forgiving themselves. Because this is the best Love Inspired book I've ever read (and I've read over a hundred to date) this book is making my top fiction for 2010 list.


Blew me away

Friday, July 23, 2010

Starting a 20 new-to-me Christian Author reading challenge! (But I'm shooting for 40!)

This challenge originated at the What You Reading Now blog.

20 New-to-Me Challenge Updates

The link to this original post can be found here.

To Join In ~ Click HERE!

I'm entering the challenge late in the game, but the challenge is still doable for me since I've kept track of all of the books I've read since January 2010. I will list the new-to-me Christian authors below and see how many I have read before the end of the 2010 calendar year. Doesn't that sound fun?

Here are the details about how to participate in the challenge (minus the prize since the deadline has passed for that) - must list 20 books from Christian authors that you have not read before. Pick any Christian book, fiction or non-fiction, but it MUST be new to you author AND a Christian.

Must be 20 DIFFERENT authors!
Any title, Christian genre and length of book will count for this challenge.
No reviews are necessary. (But reviews are always nice to read!)
Books read for other challenges DO count toward fulfilling the 20 author commitment of this challenge!
Again....MUST be a Christian author!!!

Challenge begins January 1, 2010 and will end December 31, 2010.

Here is my list! Since I've surpassed the 20 and I just started today, I'm going to challenge myself to read 40 new-to-me-Christian authors this year. (This is especially hard for me because I've read so many authors before so there aren't many I haven't read...but here goes.)
--Note: there are a few authors I've read but their material was questionable (and some people might find their edgy content offensive) so I'm not listing them.

1. The Sister Wife by Diane Noble
2. A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
3. Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson
4. They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti
5. The Sword by Bryan M. Litfin
6. Queen of Hearts by K. Dawn Byrd
7. A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin
8. The Big 5-Oh! by Sandra D. Bricker
9. Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan
10. Thicker than Blood by CJ Darlington
11. Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
12. Salvaged by Stefne Miller
13. The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare
14. Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr
15. Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart
16. No Other by Shawna K. Williams
17. Unspeakable Journey by Rinda Hahn
18. Rooms by James L. Rubart
19. Scars and Stilettos by Harmony Dust
20. The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee
21. Meander Scar by Lisa J. Lickel
22. Loving Bella by Renee Ryan
23. From the Dead by John Herrick
24. The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw
25. Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis
26. The Heart's Journey Home by Jen Stephens
27. Soon After by Sherryle Kiser Jackson
28. Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar
29. Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
30.The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
31. Exposed by Ashley Weis
32. Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent
33. It's In My Blood by Shawneda Marks
34. Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio by Serena Miller
35. Faithful by Kim Cash Tate

To read reviews of any of the books/authors listed above, simply click on my "Books Reviewed in 2010" tab on my blog.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Isn't this just the craziest thing? Now who would pay this much...seriously!

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New

Seller: More Books

rating: Best Best

Ships from:
FL, USA

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Stars in the Night by Cara Putman is up on CFBA! (Plus bonus review!)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Stars In The Night Summerside Press (July 1, 2010)

by Cara Putman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From Cara:

I graduated from high school at sixteen, college at 20, and completed my law degree when I was 27.

My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. Now I have eleven books published with more on the way.

People say I've accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a home schooled kid when home schoolers were misunderstood and oddities.

I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.

I often fear people won't like my books.

I've walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.

Really, I'm just like you – I don't have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I've discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.

In the end I'm just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I've been obedient to step into the calling He's led me into.

Stars in the Night Background

Stars in the Night was an idea that had begun to percolate in my mind. I’d written two World War II series and was actively looking for my next setting. My husband, a huge World War II history buff, and I were kicking ideas around, and I’d decided Hollywood was probably the next place for me. I’d gone to the library and gotten a stack of research books when I got the call. An editor I knew but had never worked with wanted to know if I might be interested in a new line they were starting. As we talked, I got so excited. And then she emailed me their guidelines, which listed that Hollywood was a location they were interested in setting books.

Only God could have known ahead of time. But because I followed His prompting I was ready to run with an idea. Stars in the Night is the result.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her.

Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.

Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.

Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.

Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?

If you'd like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Stars In The Night, go HERE.

My Review:

Stars in the Night by Cara C. Putman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More like 3.5 stars.

When I first read about this book, I knew I needed to check it out. I love a good historical romance, and I read another book Cara had written and enjoyed it. I read this book quickly, though it didn't grab me like I had hoped it would. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that I'm not a big fan of movie stars from the 1940s, and I don't watch old movies. Never have. The plot was very forward-moving, but the characterization fell flat for me. I don't feel like I ever got to know Audra's heart.

The romantic element also seemed more like a minor subplot (or an afterthought) than an underlying theme to me, which is how I classify romance novels in my mind. The romance drives the story. In this book it didn't. I kept hoping things would perk up between them, but just when a spark started, it was over. But that is just my opinion, of course. I am sure others would disagree with me. I suppose I just didn't bond with the characters because I enjoy books focused more on the characters' inner growth than the plot itself. This book was strong on plot, but not so much in romance or character development. That said, on to other positives...

The plot for this book was interesting, and I didn't know who the bad guy was (I loved that), or when the murders would end (that upped the suspense.) I really like it when a book keeps me guessing. That proves it's a well-developed mystery, and this book had that aspect nailed. Thankfully, the murder scenes weren't gruesome, and if anything, they were overly tame. That worked for me because I'm a wimp when it comes to gore. I shiver at the sight of blood. Again, the mystery embedded in the storyline was probably the best aspect of this book. Bummer is I'm not a huge mystery fan either.

But the story kept me reading and I didn't give up on it like I have with so many other books lately. For that, I applaud the author. She obviously knows how to develop a plot. I guess the fact that I never really felt anything for the characters made the story not resonate with me on an emotional level like I had anticipated it would.

What turns my crank when I'm reading a book is deep point of view. I want to be inside the character's head, not just an observer. I recently finished a book (Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz)that blew me out of the water because it was so emotionally gripping. Since I finished that story everything else seems to fall flat for me. Maybe it's just bad timing. That said, I'd recommend this novel for people who enjoy a solid historical mystery. If you enjoyed Songbird Under a German Moon, you'll love this story because it has a very similar feel to it.

View all my reviews >>

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

My review of Killing Time by K. Dawn Byrd (releases in August 2010)

About the book:

Mindy McLaurin, thinks it's the end of the world when she's incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement charges. While in jail, she investigates the death of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose. Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate dies and she learns that both women had ingested the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t stop thinking about. She faces many challenges, including constant interrogation by the Major and emotional abuse from the other inmates. Upon release, someone is stalking her and framing her for the murder. Can she prove to Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all charges before she loses him forever?

My review:

One of the things I like about Byrd's writing is you never know what to expect next. I never seem to be able to figure out the stuff ahead of time and honestly, when I do find out who did what, it makes sense, I just didn't see it coming. I've read books where the big "surprise" at the end doesn't add up or doesn't work, so that always irritates me. Byrd doesn't do that. And when it comes to twists and turns I get dizzy reading her books. Not in a bad way, but in a way that keeps me reading. I hate a dull story.

Killing Time has a unique plot and starts out in a jail setting. Having gone to numerous jails and prisons from minimum to maximum security back when I worked for CPS, I can honestly say that this author has the feel of the setting nailed. There are a lot of details that are necessary for a reader to feel incarcerated while reading, and honestly, I wanted out of there as much, if not more, than Mindy.

As far as crooked employees go, I know someone who worked at a jail and the stories she could tell...oy! I won't repeat them, but suffice to say that this story backs some of that stuff up. The hero and heroine were a nice surprise, too. I wasn't sure if that was going to work, but the author makes a convincing case for their need to be together and brought up some great issues like motivation for dating someone and not to do it just to "save" someone from a bad life, or out of pity. That's a good message.

Last, loved that Chinese Crested "minor character" and it's adorable personality. Yeah, that pooch was a cutie. I know they look sort of bald and ugly in reality, but I really developed a thing for bald Zippy. Kind of made me want to go out and get one myself, but I reminded myself that I already have enough pets. Oh, and I think this title is perfect for the book (not to mention creative and catchy.)

Killing Time was published by Desert Breeze and releases in August 2010.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Revell blog tour stop plus my review of Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

About the book:

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

My review:

Wow! If there was ever a "perfect historical romance" category in a contest I'd nominate Courting Morrow Little, hands down. Not only was the cover gorgeous, but the story itself was so beautifully plotted, and the characters so well-crafted, that I was in awe of the story as I read it.

I really enjoyed The Frontiersman's Daughter and this story is even more romantic than the first book. In fact, it's one of most intense love stories that I've ever read in historical fiction. And it was all so believable! If I could give this book ten stars I would, and it's definitely going to be at the top of my best fiction for 2010 list. Why? Because it left me breathless. Any novel that can do that is worthy of a special place on my forever shelf.

I read a lot...around a hundred books a year. This one tops my list. I can't believe the intense emotions I felt whenever Morrow was with the man she loved. And the anxiety I felt when I thought she'd get stuck with a sick-o for a husband almost had me chewing my nails. I didn't want to go to work or do anything because I just wanted to finish this story. It's long, but worthy of every page.

The redemptive theme and the forgiveness in this novel is so natural and so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. There was nothing forced or artificial about the characters' spiritual walks. These people seemed real to me like I knew them personally. The fact that I was sad to have the story end, yet was happy with the outcome says a lot, too.

I especially loved the blossoming love of the heroine and the hero. He was the hottest, most romantic hero of all time, bar none. Every time he whispered Morrow's name, I about melted on the spot. The way their relationship started--with fear--made sense, and over time, because of the hero's patience and love, those initial reactions no longer made sense. Instead of fear, an intense longing and a desire to be with the other person was so strong that I, as a reader, felt it, too. That's great writing. Plus, Ms. Frantz just had a way with words. She ties words together in such a way that you can see the vivid imagery she created, and the poetic beauty of her phrases were awe-inspiring. I don't recall reading a single cliche.

Everything about this book was fresh and solidly grounded in historical times. It's obvious the author has done her research, which I really appreciated. I never once felt pulled into the 21st century like I have experienced at times while reading other historical novels. Bottom line...I can't say enough good things about this book. If you read nothing else this year, read this one.

A copy of Courting Morrow Little was provided Revell for me to review.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

New giveaway! Enter to win No Greater Love by Kathi Macias!

To enter for a chance to win this book from the author, simply post a comment having to do with apartheid in South Africa. I'll pick a winner via the Randomizer program next Sunday, July 25th. I'll go first... My first introduction to apartheid was back when I was a kid. I remember the students at Syracuse University camping out on the school lawns in little "shanty towns" to protest apartheid. It had a lasting impression on my memory as I can still picture the people protesting with signs and living in those tents.

About the book:

Forbidden romance, an unlikely martyr and an even more unlikely hero. Orphaned four years earlier when their parents, active in the African National Congress ANC movement against apartheid, were murdered16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner family's farm. When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owners son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revenge or forgiveness and selfless love. Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990 and his ascendancy to the presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.

My review:

No Greater Love is an amazing tale about the troubled heart of a young South African woman who learns the meaning of sacrificial love from people she least expected. This story is similar to Scared by Tom Davis, which I adored, except that No Great Love deals with Apartheid and true Christian faith as opposed to the AIDS epidemic. This story begins in a powerful way and I was enthralled with the storyline. Then I read in disbelief as the world around this young woman crumbled. I wasn't sure how the author would be able to keep me reading after the devastation that occurred. But I was curious and kept reading only to discover that the story continued just as powerfully even with an entirely different set of circumstances. I could not stop reading this story and was emotionally moved by the plot and the amazing characterization. The pacing was excellent and the spiritual thread was strong. This is a novel that is life-giving and inspiring. Just how willing are we to be used of God despite the potentially negative consequences that might occur from our obedience? This wonderful story makes you think hard on that subject. I highly recommended it!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

My review of Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze.

About the book:

THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

My review:

This story was pretty good, but a bit complicated. I liked that it was fast paced and that the characters had scars and needed emotional healing. I also liked being in the thugs' heads every now and then to see what their diabolical minds were plotting. It's just like evil to double cross itself, so watching the "best laid plans" fall apart was gratifying. I enjoyed the mystery of discovering who "Susan" was a little bit at a time as she discovered things about herself.

There were a few murders that happened while you were in the victim's heads (while they were being killed) but nothing over-the-top creepy or disgusting like I've read in other books. I liked the spiritual thread even though it seemed a bit heavy-handed at times. I appreciated the author's attempt to make that part work in the story but sometimes those things distract from it as well.

The plot was complex and well-developed and the characters were pretty distinct. I enjoyed getting to know them all. I especially loved the romance element and the tension developing between the two main characters. It was sweet and touching, and I loved it when they finally succumbed and kissed each other. Their dialog was honest and gripping, too, as they worked through their trust issues. That was very gratifying. I read this book after winning it from Multnomah and plan to discuss it when the ACFW bookclub starts their discussion this month.

I feel well-read. Here is my list of the Carol Finalists' books that I reviewed last year.

They were all good books and some of these even made my favorites list last year. I will denote those books with an *

Bonnie Grove - Talking to the Dead (David C. Cook Publishing)*

Jill Eileen Smith - Michal (Revell)

Susan May Warren – The Great Christmas Bowl (Tyndale House)

Christina Berry - The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers)*

Denise Hunter - Seaside Letters (Thomas Nelson)

Jenny B. Jones - Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson)*

Deeanne Gist - A Bride in the Bargain (Bethany House)

Robin Lee Hatcher - Fit To Be Tied (Zondervan)

Siri Mitchell - Love's Pursuit (Bethany House)

Laura Frantz - The Frontiersman's Daughter (Revell)

Julie Lessman - A Passion Denied (Revell)*

Dan Walsh - The Unfinished Gift (Revell)

Jill Williamson - By Darkness Hid (Marcher Lord Press)

Harry Kraus - Salty Like Blood (Howard/Simon & Schuster)

Kathryn Cushman – Leaving Yesterday (Bethany House)

Shelley Adina - Who Made You a Princess? (Hachette FaithWords)

Brandilyn & Amberly Collins - Always Watching (Zondervan)

Jenny B. Jones - I'm So Sure (Thomas Nelson)

Jenny B. Jones - So Not Happening (Thomas Nelson)*

Booker T. Mattison - Unsigned Hype (Revell)

Friday, July 16, 2010

My review of A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin

About the book:

When Violet Hayes ventures to Chicago during the time of the World's Fair, her one goal is to find her mother, who has been missing from her life since she was nine. Naïve, impressionable, and highly imaginative (having secretly ingested a diet of romance novels and true crime stories at school), Violet stays in Chicago under the care of her grandmother and her three great aunts. It is here that her perspectives on life are opened as she is exposed to the world about her--from high society to the poor immigrant families; from the suffragette movement to the security of a suitable marriage match. As Violet contemplates what course her life will take, she will discover the missing parts of her family's past--and, ultimately, Violet will discover herself.

My review:

A Proper Pursuit covers so many topics it's hard to know where to begin. I loved how Violet got to experience all walks of life to some degree while staying in Chicago. Violet have several eccentric aunts and a grandmother who did a lot of work with the poor. One had dementia, another was a feminist, another highly religious, and another had married for money and tolerated her husband's dalliances.

The setting included the World's Fair in 1893. I loved that Violet learned so much when she spent those months with her aunts, including how selfish her own heart tended to be. I especially enjoyed her pursuit of the real meaning of love. It was hilarious how she described the feeling of being in love as being similar to a sickness. She was naive in many ways, but also very wise because she looked beyond the outward appearances the majority of the time.

Violet had a variety of potential suitors, and they were all very different. She learned about getting to know people better and not just exiting in a world of socialites playacting their roles and eating dainties while visiting the rich. As the story moved along, readers got to know each of the men, and discovered the good and the bad about them along with Violet.

Poor Violet just wanted to be loved for who she was...and to find her mother so she could find out why she abandoned her so many years ago. Neither task was easy, though the particulars were so well-written that I found myself growing anxious on so many levels. I cared about all of the characters in this book. The author's voice and setting really brought Violet to life in my mind. Her desperation for her mother's love was emotionally evocative, too.

And talk about an intense romantic element with some whopper kisses! I won't tell you which man she finally received those romantic kisses from because it would spoil the fun...but I can say that Violet discovered that it was possible to find true love. I just about melted when she was kissed that first time. The author really built the tension, and did it so well that I felt a bit breathless myself.

Wonderful writing, an amazing setting full of accurate historical details, believable dialog, tender romance, and a solid faith thread made this book a real winner.

A Proper Pursuit was published by Bethany House in 2007. It received a Christy Award. I can see why! It was an excellent read.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

My review of Walker's Wedding by Lori Copeland.

Walker's Wedding (The Western Sky Series)

About the book:

Bestselling author Lori Copeland (Outlaw’s Bride and A Kiss for Cade) weaves together elements of another classic Western romance with themes of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances.

Abandoned by his fiancée hours before their wedding, Walker McKay is determined to never let a woman near his heart again, but he needs an heir to inherit his ranch after he is gone. Courting someone new is out of the question, so he’ll have to find a wife another way.

Wealthy heiress Sara Livingston wants to be married, but her suitors are deemed unsuitable by her unreasonable father. When the opportunity to fill the bill for a mail-order bride comes her way, she grabs onto it with both hands.

Will Sara’s deception and Walker’s wounded heart keep them from finding what they are looking for? Or are they truly meant for one another?

This book was formerly titled Marrying Walker McKay, and was rewritten for the inspirational market.

My review:

I really enjoyed this book. While reading I tried to imagine the parts that were originally written for the secular market, and I'm guessing the wedding night was elaborated on much more in that version of this story. At any rate, the entire novel captivated me, but without being too edgy. You got the idea about their marital bliss at first based on implied statements. Nothing was overt, but it was fabulously communicated so you still caught the emotional image of their experience. I really liked the hero and the heroine in this novel. Yeah, the hero had his anger directed at her for not telling him the truth at first, which is a fairly typical plot line, but it worked in this case. I was starting to get as upset with Walker as Sarah had been. I felt more of a sense of betrayal towards her (coming from him) than the other way around. I really hurt for her. I also keenly sensed her moral dilemma. She really was in a lose-lose situation.

The secondary characters really made this story shine, too. And that friend of his, Caleb, was a real wienie. I just didn't like the man, but I do have to say his reaction when he was busted was a bit surprising. I truly didn't see that coming. He seemed more evil than that, but then again, his reason for being a dirty crook supported the fact that he didn't want to hurt his best friend, he just needed the money.

I read this book almost straight through and found the setting and plot very easy to get caught up in. The writing was stellar and the emotional investment was a joy to experience. And those romantic scenes with tasteful, but at the same time smoking hot because of the marital tension and sexual attraction between them. I loved Sarah's overeager desire to please and her ability to make Walker feel like a real man. It shows just how far mutual love and respect will take you in marriage. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel who enjoy category romance and historicals where the guy gets the gal, loves the gal, loses the gal, and end in a happily ever after. That formula was perfected in this novel and the results were delicious.

A review copy was provided to this reviewer by Harvest House. I was not compensated in any way for my review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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The Sister Wife by Diane Noble is up on CFBA (with bonus review!)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Sister Wife Avon Inspire (June 22, 2010)

by Diane Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diane Noble is a former double finalist for the prestigious RITA Award for Best Inspirational Fiction, a finalist for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Reviewers' Choice Award, and a three-time recipient of the Silver Angel Award for Media Excellence.

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.

For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She is currently writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one is The Sister Wife.

Diane’s hometown is Big Creek, California, a tiny village nestled in the rugged Sierra Nevada back country. As a child, Diane’s older brother Dennis fueled her creative streak by entertaining her with his own gift of storytelling. Growing up without TV and iffy radio reception, Diane became an avid reader, inhaling more than one hundred novels—both YA and adult—in a single year by the time she reached seventh grade. Her passion for reading continues to this day.

Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.

ABOUT THE BOOK

What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife? What if that woman was your best friend?

Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new nineteenth-century sect known as the Saints, The Sister Wife is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith.

When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, Bronwyn, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage.

But can she really be married to the same man as her very best friend? Can Mary Rose and Bronwyn face betraying both their husband and their God to do what they feel is right?

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of The Sister Wife, go HERE.

Watch the book video!

My review:

I found this story fascinating on a number of levels. For one, I love historical fiction of any kind, and the closer it is to real life events, the more I enjoy reading it. Second, my husband is an ex-Mormon and his ancestors date back to Brigham Young's bodyguards, so we're talking a lot of family history there that parallels the story. The only difference is that in my husband's ancestry there are no plural wives, but then again, they weren't high ranking church members, either. Almost all of his family members are still involved in the church. I've learned that Mormonism is a unique culture that has many issues, all of which are strongly rooted in the teachings of Joseph Smith. The author showed that in a convincing, yet unbiased manner. That was no easy task.

Diane Noble clearly knows how to capture readers heart and make them care about the characters. I loved how real everything felt from the ship voyage to Gabe and Mary Rose falling in love. I also loved how the author portrayed several situations as they really were, including how people were pulled into the teaching of the Saints at that time despite it going against what they were taught to believe as children. It showed how intelligent people could set aside what they were taught in order to have faith in something that didn't have any foundation or that could be verified.

My emotions got really involved in the story when Gabe took his second wife. Mary Rose was so trapped at that point, as was Bronwyn. Their conflict was well portrayed and captured every tedious angle, from the petty jealousies, to the need for affirmation and love from Gabe. Simply put, wives were never intended to share their husbands. This story just brings that fact to life when it's demonstrated through the characters' lives. It was never God's plan (plural marriage) even if it had a verifiable basis in history. I also found the persecution scenes to be believable, and I was afraid for Gabe and Mary Rose. The whole story was so compelling! I can't wait for the sequel, especially since it hits even closer to home because of history and location. My husband's ancestors arrived in Salt Lake about six months before the Mountain Meadows massacre. I'm sure the sequel will bring me back in time as effectively as this book did.

A copy of The Sister Wife was provided to this reviewer by the publisher, and was released in July 2010. I was not compensated in any way for my review.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Now I'm giving away No Other by Shawna Williams! (With bonus bracelet - pictured)

To enter for a chance to win a copy of this e-book, simply post a comment about whether or not you've ever had a crush on a teacher before, and who that teacher was. I had one on Mr. MacDonald (who ironically looked as good in 2008 when I last saw him as he did when I was his student. The man doesn't age!) I'll draw a winner using the Randomizer program next Sunday July 18th!

No Other by Shawna K. Williams

About the e-book:

Set in post WWII Texas, Jakob's German family faces discrimination while they try to rebuild their household. His parents have returned from an internment camp, and his brother has returned as a war hero. Jakob must now step down from his patriarchal role and make his own return--to the high school he had left three years earlier in order to care for his younger siblings in his parents' and older brother's absence.

Matters become even more complicated when he steps into his classroom and discovers his old classmate, Meri Parker, sitting behind the teacher's desk. Their worlds couldn't be more different--she'd had all the advantages Jakob had not. Wealth, college, no one to care for but herself. But Jakob saw what no one else could--how trapped Meri was by her so-called advantages. With his own family restored, Jakob's natural instinct to rescue shifts its attention to Meri.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This debut novel by author Shawna Williams took my breath away. It sounds cliche, but I don't know how else to describe the emotions that moved through me as I read this book. My heart was engaged and fully invested in the outcome.

I read most of this book in one sitting. It's a perfect historical romance in that the tension kept building and it made me want them to work things out and find a way to be together. I fell in love with the characters and empathized with their situations. I also felt firmly grounded in the time period.

The author's use of dialog was masterful. I could hear the characters speaking and their inner thoughts and dialog were consistent with that era. My favorite scene was toward the end when Jakob tries to do the right thing. The emotion was intense and so realistic I nearly cried myself. That's great writing because I felt something.

I loved how true to life this story seemed and it was edgy enough to make me want to cheer Shawna on. This story felt real to me because the characters were complex and three dimensional. There were a few shifts in plot that were delightful as well. I love it when the author does something you aren't expecting. Nice job! I can't wait for the next book. This is making my "favorites" list for fiction for this year - 2010.