The B&B Media Group blog tour stop for The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder (with review)

Some mistakes are just a part of the bigger plan

Can the lives of two strangers intertwine to influence the world?

                                                  Have you ever wondered if there is a bigger plan to your life or if everything just happens by chance?
  
In his newest book, The Blackberry Bush, David Housholder will take you on a journey across two continents to discover that your life may be bigger than you think and that even the worst of mistakes can find redemption.  While on this journey, he will also examine today’s youth cultures and their complex relationship with the Christian faith.

According to Housholder, “We are all products of an extensive root system, whether or not we believe it or acknowledge it.”  The tapestries of our lives have been woven together using the pasts of our parents, grandparents and generations before who influenced who we will become.  But we can take the mistakes from their pasts and weave them into something beautiful in our futures.  We can be a product of generational blessings and generational curses, but it is up to us to sort it out.

The Blackberry Bush begins with two babies, Kati and Josh, who are born on opposite sides of the world at the very moment the Berlin Wall falls.  You would think that such a potent freedom metaphor would become the soundtrack for their lives, but nothing could be further from the truth.  They will follow a parallel path connected by a mistake their great grandparents made years before. 

Despite his flawless image, Josh, an artistic and gifted Californian skateboarder and surfer, struggles to find his true role in the world.  He fears that his growing aggression will eventually break him if he can’t find a way to accept his talent and the competition that comes along with it.  Kati, a German with a penchant for classic Swiss watches and attic treasure-hunting, is crushed with the disappointment of never being “enough” for anyone—especially her mother.  She wonders whether she will ever find the acceptance and love she craves and become comfortable in her own skin. 

Craving liberation, Kati and Josh seem destined to claim their birthright of freedom together.  With the help of their loving grandparents, they will unlock the secrets of their pasts and find freedom and joy in their futures.  Today, like Katie and Josh, our youth often fall into two different cultures.  Josh is part of the “bro” culture which is outdoor-oriented, with sports as a focus, and generally more conservative.  Whereas Kati is part of the “scene” culture which is more liberal and indoor-oriented, focusing on music.  These cultures are apparent in the novel and can aid in a better understanding of the issues today’s 21^st century youth are facing as well as the struggles they have in coming to faith. 

“The Blackberry Bush is a beautifully written novel of two characters’ search for meaning and their powerful rescue from the relational and societal expectations that are crushing them.  It’s the story our own hearts might tell from our journey through life,” says Debby Griffith, radio host of Everyday Matters.  Housholder’s journey will take readers into the deepest recesses of the soul while pulling them from their own thorny thickets.  And along the way we may just discover a life of redemption and meaning.

The Blackberry Bush by David Housholder

Summerside Press/June 2011

ISBN: 978-1-6093-6116-7/208 pages/paperback/$14.99

www.BlackberryNovel.com

Visit David Housholder’s blog at http://robinwoodchurch.wordpress.com,

become a fan on Facebook (http://facebook.com/BlackberryNovel)

and follow on Twitter (http://twitter.com/RobinwoodChurch).

My review:

The Blackberry Bush had a unique literary style in the way the author crafted the story. The author's approach to storytelling was also unique and engaging. At first I found the story a bit challenging to follow due to the many points of view, but then I started to see a flow that made sense. The use of a narrator was a bit odd when the author could have merely used the omniscient point of view, however, when I saw Angelo as an angelic being in the story then it fit better. It kind of gave a heavenly perspective to the set up of the novel.


I always enjoy reading WWII era fiction and reading about all of the things pertaining to the war in Europe and the aftermath that followed. I clearly remember the time when the Berlin Wall came down because I was in college and it was highly publicized. It was a pretty exciting time in world history. In my mind I can still hear President Reagan's speech when he challenged the communist regime and said, "Mr. Gorbechov, tear down that wall." 


Overall, I enjoyed this story. Again, the style was different then I am used to, but the content of the story itself was interesting. It was almost like reading a diary, only in this case it was multiple diaries all blended together. The author's intent seemed to be showing how things are all connected in the spiritual realm even though we don't always understand what is happening in the here and now. I found that to be the greatest strength of this book. On the flip side, there were some loose ends at the conclusion of the story that I would have liked to see tied up, but that was probably not the author's intent. Regardless, I still enjoyed the book.

A copy of this book was provided by The B&B Media Group for me to review for this blog tour. All comments regarding this book are my own.

Revell blog tour stop for Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor (with bonus review!)

Martha Loses Hope As She Looks For The Messiah… and A Miracle.

“Oh God Who Sees, take me also. If not together in life, let me join him in death. I don’t want to live without him.” She looked up at the night sky. Had the God Who Sees kept her from making a mistake? Would it have worked out the way she dreamed?

Author Diana Wallis Taylor creates a beautiful story set in the New Testament following the life of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus in Martha (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3465-7, $14.99, 256 pages, June). The busyness of Martha is well-known, identified with, studied, and often misunderstood by people today. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. Taylor provides a well-researched touching portrayal of Martha.

When her mother dies leaving young Martha in charge of the household, her family is dependant upon her to oversee the home. Yet like other girls in her village, Martha longs to be married and begin her own family. Considered a fine cook and weaver, Martha is quick to help others within her community. She experiences the hope of love and love lost, trials, friendship, the death of her father, the overwhelming duty to her family, the discovery of the Messiah, the miracles witnessed at the Temple, and the hospitality she shows to her Lord with dignity and grace. However, when Lazarus becomes ill and Jesus is too late – Martha questions both her faith and the Lord. How could she know that one of the Lord’s greatest miracles was only moments away? Through the life of Martha, Taylor shows readers a new perspective and appreciation for this special woman of the New Testament.  


My review:

There is just something about Biblical fiction that always warms my heart. The story about Martha is another fabulous title from Ms. Taylor! Now I am even more hooked on her writing. I found myself reading several portions of this story out loud to my husband. For me, there is something special about a book where the Scripture is actually part of the story. I found the writing to be smooth flowing as well, and very insightful. 

While staying true to the Biblical account of the story of Martha, so much more was added to bring this story to life. And the part where Lazarus is raised from the dead was even more incredible when seen through Martha's eyes. Technically we don't know what Martha was really thinking, however, the author did a great job of showing what she may have thought at the time. It was very believable and showed her motivations and reasons for her struggles and frustrations very well. 

What I loved most about this story as well as Ms. Taylor's other story about the woman at the well was the way that she took a lot of the assumptions people have made over the years about both of these women and made their stories come to life in a way that made sense regarding those accounts. The author put flesh on the characters, showed their motivations, and made them so human that they are easy to identify with. No one is all evil just as no one is all good. This story will change the way you may have always thought about Martha. I  love stories that challenge my assumptions. I found that very refreshing.  

NOTE: A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review of the novel. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own.



Diana Wallis Taylor enjoys speaking to women’s groups and teaching writing and poetry workshops.  She is the author of Journey to the Well, has published many articles, and contributed stories to several books. Taylor lives in California. Find out more at www.dianawallistaylor.com.

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.

“Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

My review of Love Finds You in Calico, California by Elizabeth Ludwig.

About the book:

A young seamstress weaves her own story in a world run by men. After hearing news of a silver strike in Calico, California, Abigail Watts packs up her needles and thread and follows her beloved father out West. But when she’s suddenly left alone in the rough mining town, Abigail finds herself pressed into a marriage of convenience with the local livery owner, Nathan Hawk. Determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her father’s death in the mines, Abigail agrees to stay in Calico. But when the truth sets her free, she must decide whether to leave the town - and Nathan - for good.

My review:

More like 4.5 stars...

This story was engaging from the first page. I'd wanted to read it sooner but got backed up with other commitments. Having said that, I really enjoyed the mining theme in this story. There are a lot of mining towns in Arizona and I've toured several mines, so I totally understand the terror one feels in the complete absence of light. I don't know how people could stand to work in mines all day without going crazy. That said, I found the love story tender and enthralling, and the fact that the hero was a liveryman rather than a miner, a bit of a relief. The author does an excellent job with setting and historical themes. I was well-grounded in the time period.

I felt the deep sense of loss Abigail felt when tragedy befell her family because of the mine. I didn't want to see the heroine worried about the same fate for Nathan. The fact that I cared about the heroine as much as I did says a lot about the book. Nathan's daughter Lizzie was a total sweetheart, too, even if somewhat precocious like young children tend to be. The way the author intertwined the plot with mystery themes was well done. The story felt a bit like a historical whodunit with an amateur sleuth and all of the elements of danger that a classic mystery contains. The author is obviously gifted in this area. The ending was tender and sweet and made me smile. An all-around delightful story. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. 

Love Finds You in Calico, California was published by Summerside Press and released in July 2010.

New giveaway! Now I'm giving away The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould!

To enter the contest for a chance to win this book simply post a comment answering the following question... Do you know anyone who has given birth using a midwife? Please leave me a way to contact you if your name is selected. I will draw a winner's name next Sunday using the Randominzer program. Best wishes to you all.



About the book:

A dusty carved box containing two locks of hair and a century-old letter regarding property in Switzerland, and a burning desire to learn about her biological family lead nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. There she meets Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who desperately needs help after an Amish client and her baby die.

Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load even as she continues the search for her birth family, and from her patients she learns the true meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch worddemut, which means “to let be” as she changes from a woman who wants to control everything to a woman who depends on God.

A compelling story about a search for identity and the ability to trust that God securely holds our whole life—past, present, and future.

My thoughts:

I don't have this book but I have enjoyed books I've read by Mindy Starns Clark in the past.

My review of Surrender the Heart by Marylu Tyndall.

About the book:


For the sake of her ailing mother, Marianne Denton becomes engaged to Noah Brennin---a merchantman she despises. But as the War of 1812 escalates, Jonah's ship is captured by the British, and the ill-matched couple learns vital information that could aid America's cause. As they battle to save their country, will they also find love?

My review:


Surrender the Heart was yet another high seas adventure with all of the classic Tyndall luxuries that I have come to enjoy since I discovered her writing several years ago. I love it when authors are consistent with their voice and their approach to historical fiction. I know I will always enjoy Tyndall's books as a result. She always includes accurate historical information and a setting that really grounds you in the time and place. I've had enough salt water and sea foam sprayed on me in this novel to remind me that I was indeed on a ship for the majority of the novel, minus the sea sickness.

Both the hero and heroine were likable even though they didn't start out that way. I slowly fell in love with Noah along with Marianne. He was swoon-worthy and heroic, and just the way I like my heroes. They are usually willing to sacrifice anything for the woman they love, and even more willing to forgive and look past the heroine's mistakes. The romantic tension between Marianne and Noah kept building, and those kisses they finally shared were tender and passionate enough to make me smile. I loved how the first kiss was set up because it was easy to see why the heroine believed the hero's affection was not because of his genuine feelings for her, but more because of the situation he was in.

The pacing in the beginning of this novel was a bit slow at first, which was why I started this novel a year ago and set it aside, but then picked it up again. I am glad I did. While not my favorite novel by Tyndall, this story was still enjoyable and one I would recommend.

Surrender the Heart was published by Barbour and released in August 2010.

Litfuse publicity group's blog tour stop for Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond

About the book: 

Booklist says, "Inspired by [folk] lyrics, Richmond arrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel. Readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand."

Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

About Catherine: Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.

For more about Catherine, please visit www.catherinerichmond.com.  

Buy the book HERE!

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:


* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen


* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)


To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

My review:

Cross-posted HERE

Spring for Susannah was published by Thomas Nelson and released in June 2011. A copy of this book was provided to me for review by Litfuse Publicity, however, the opinion expressed in the review above is entirely my own. 

Revell blog tour stop for Double Take by Melody Carlson (with bonus review)

 Young Socialite Switches Places with Amish Girl to Escape Manhattan Scene!

“Why does everything have to be so complicated?” Madison shook her Blackberry at her mom…

“I’m sick of it…I can’t take it anymore…”

Anna Fisher was bored. But she knew better than to say that out loud – especially when everyone was busy with farming and fixing and all the additional chores that came with springtime.

Bestselling author Melody Carlson takes readers into the worlds of a socialite and an Amish girl struggling with who they are in Double Take (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1964-7, June 2011, $9.99). Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could switch your life with someone else for just one day? Readers will live the one-week experiences of a bored Amish girl and stressed out socialite when they decide to switch places in Double Take.  

Spring break has arrived. It’s her senior year, and Madison VanBuren is fed up with her surroundings and the pressures of life. Stressed out over choosing an Ivy League school that will please her parents, their marital problems, and her boyfriend's pressure, Madison gets in her car and drives west.

Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love.

Madison and Anna stumble into each other in a small town. Realizing their looks are uncannily similar, they both think their lives are boring. Thinking the grass is greener on the other side, they make a decision that will transform them forever and switch lives for one week.

Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse and understanding of these two very different worlds. They may find themselves happy to be just who they are, and where they are.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling books, Christmas at Harrington’s and The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and several books which  are being considered for TV movies. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

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.

My review:



Double Take was a nice escape for me. It's not very deep, but still a bit insightful. The tension was also pretty low-key compared to other YA books Carlson has written for Revell. I found it fairly believable the way it was set up and for me it was interesting to read about the differences in the way they lived their lives. The characters struggled to act the part of the other person, and given the culture shock alone, I could see why this would be hard. I liked how they did the right thing when some people started figuring out that all wasn't what it seemed. Having them insist on lying wouldn't have fit this story or these characters.


The issue with the men in their lives was quite entertaining. I especially enjoyed it when the rich girl from Manhattan saw the buff Amish man working outside and decided maybe roughing it for a week wasn't so bad. And all over some impressive abs and pecs. Hehehe. I found Anna's continual confusion over things that weren't available in the Amish community-- so they were new to her--fun to read as well. She didn't have a judgmental attitude so much as simply wondering what the appeal was. Giving each other a chance to experience the other's life for a week grew them both in their personal lives and in their faith. That was probably the most rewarding part of the book. 


I would have liked to have seen more attraction and tension between the characters and others (like former friends and boyfriends,) but that may not have worked in this story given the short amount of time they had switched places. There were some subtle points made about the way people acted that contradicted their faith...well done! And the poor little rich girl theme wasn't overly dramatized even though it seemed like it would be in the very beginning. This was a great beach-type read. Not too deep, but still easy to read and very entertaining. 


Double Take was published by Revell and released in June 2011. A copy of this book was provided to me by Revell for the purpose of reviewing the novel for this tour. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.

My review of A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf

About the book:

An inspired re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity.

My review:


I knew from the outset that this book was not going to be a retelling of the story of Esther using actual Biblical events, so the fact that a number of elements didn't follow the Bible's account of what happened didn't bother me. I also appreciated the fact that the author introduced it as a story being told in modern English, or that would have pulled me out of the story at times. I don't believe there was such a thing as Palestinian back in Esther's day. That's a more modern term. A few times the author switched point of view without warning, but I caught up quickly. I found her writing to be easy to follow, for the most part. Her characterization was definitely her greatest strength.


Overall I really enjoyed the story. I found the motivation of each character to be believable even if it did not follow the way the Bible presents the story as it actually happened. The "love story" aspect of this novel was what intrigued me enough to want to read it. The fact that it was told with romantic themes made it that much more satisfying to me. The way that Esther did not want to be chosen and then found herself in that very situation was compelling. Then to discover she was attracted to him and actually liked him as a person made the love story that much more intriguing. I enjoyed experiencing their developing feelings along with them. I really liked the king and found him to be compassionate as well as heroic. Their passion for each other was palpable and very gratifying in a wholesome sort of way. Nothing was gratuitous and every love scene added to the story, in my opinion.


I am thrilled to see so many options for readers when it comes to Biblical fiction. It's one of my favorite genres. As long as the author clearly states they fictionalized many aspects and changed things about the story to create their novel I am fine with it. However, if it had been presented as fact I would have had an issue with that. I don't recall Esther being reluctant or Mordecai being so politically driven when I read the Biblical account, but the Bible doesn't always delve into motivation, so that can be left to interpretation. This story itself was thoroughly enjoyable, and I plan to read more of Joan Wolf's novels in the future. She really knows how to pull a reader in so they forget they are reading a book and instead feel like they are experiencing the fictional realm with the characters. I love that!

A Reluctant Queen was published by Thomas Nelson and released in June 2011. A copy of this book was provided to me for review by Litfuse Publicity group, however, the opinion expressed above is entirely my own.

My review/endorsement for Something Stirs by Thomas Smith.

About the book:


Ben Chalmers is a successful novelist. His wife, Rachel, is a fledgling artist with a promising career, and their daughter, Stacy, is the joy of their lives. Ben's novels have made enough money for him to provide a dream home for his family. But there is a force at work-a dark, chilling, ruthless force that has become part of the very fabric of their new home.

A malevolent entity becomes trapped in the wood and stone of the house and it will do whatever it takes, to find a way to complete its bloody transference to our world.

Local sheriff, Elizabeth Cantrell, and former pastor-turned-cabinetmaker, Jim Perry, are drawn into the family's life as the entity manipulates the house with devastating results. And it won't stop until it gets what it wants. Even if it costs them their faith, their sanity, and their lives.

My review:


Something Stirs is not a book to be read at night! The house is evil, and that makes this story different from most terrifying tales. It's not a novel for easily frightened people because it delves into the kind of evil that actually exists. I worried about the teens that stirred up the spirits and I was concerned about the people living in the house. A bloodthirsty entity had been unleashed and was growing stronger by the day. Only the powerful name of Jesus Christ is strong enough to combat this kind of evil presence. Thought this is a chilling tale, I found it inspiring because it shows that God is present for those who call on His name. Not even the powers of hell can steal us from his saving hand!


Something Stirs was published by Tabera Press/Sonfire Media and was released in May 2011.

New giveaway! Win a copy of All for One by Melody Carlson.

About the book:

Brimming with heart, humor, and a bit of mystery, this third book in Melody Carlson’s lively new Boomer series packs a poignant punch!


Life is heating up for the four Lindas—and it’s not just hot flashes! Abby’s losing sleep over her husband’s health and neglecting her bed-and-breakfast dreams. Caroline may have waited too long to put her Alzheimer’s-afflicted mom in a care facility. Marley’s hard-won independence is threatened by her grown son’s neediness. And Janie’s having a hard time being everyone’s rock as the relationship she counted on falters. Add to that a house fire, a missing set of dishes, a bully brother, plus a half-crazy blonde named Donna, and things get really complicated. But with each new twist their lives take, the Lindas are learning that good friends are the best family a girl can have.

My thoughts: 

I don't have this book so I can't give an opinion. Sorry. 

Litfuse Publicity group's blog tour stop for A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (with bonus review!) Includes Kindle giveaway and book review!

About the book:  

A Reluctant Queen

An inspiring re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity. More here.

About Joan: 

Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Connecticut, where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.”

For more about Joan and her other books, please visitwww.joanwolf.com. 

Buy A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf.


To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:


* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen


* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)


To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Join the fun on June 21st! 


Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!


My review:



I knew from the outset that this book was not going to be a retelling of the story of Esther using actual Biblical events, so the fact that a number of elements didn't follow the Bible's account of what happened didn't bother me. I also appreciated the fact that the author introduced it as a story being told in modern English, or that would have pulled me out of the story at times. I don't believe there was such a thing as Palestinian back in Esther's day. That's a more modern term. A few times the author switched point of view without warning, but I caught up quickly. I found her writing to be easy to follow, for the most part. Her characterization was definitely her greatest strength.


Overall I really enjoyed the story. I found the motivation of each character to be believable even if it did not follow the way the Bible presents the story as it actually happened. The "love story" aspect of this novel was what intrigued me enough to want to read it. The fact that it was told with romantic themes made it that much more satisfying to me. The way that Esther did not want to be chosen and then found herself in that very situation was compelling. Then to discover she was attracted to him and actually liked him as a person made the love story that much more intriguing. I enjoyed experiencing their developing feelings along with them. I really liked the king and found him to be compassionate as well as heroic. Their passion for each other was palpable and very gratifying in a wholesome sort of way. Nothing was gratuitous and every love scene added to the story, in my opinion. 


I am thrilled to see so many options for readers when it comes to Biblical fiction. It's one of my favorite genres. As long as the author clearly states they fictionalized many aspects and changed things about the story to create their novel I am fine with it. However, if it had been presented as fact I would have had an issue with that. I don't recall Esther being reluctant or Mordecai being so politically driven when I read the Biblical account, but the Bible doesn't always delve into motivation, so that can be left to interpretation. This story itself was thoroughly enjoyable, and I plan to read more of Joan Wolf's novels in the future. She really knows how to pull a reader in so they forget they are reading a book and instead feel like they are experiencing the fictional realm with the characters. I love that! 



A Reluctant Queen was published by Thomas Nelson and released in June 2011. A copy of this book was provided to me for review by Litfuse Publicity group, however, the opinion expressed above is entirely my own.

Q & A with Author Joan Wolf

A Reluctant Queen, Thomas Nelson, June 2011

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13334561

What draws you to historical/biblical fiction?

           

I have always adored history, a love I inherited from my father.  He used to discuss people from history as if they were people in the current newspapers.  I think almost 90% of my books must have an historical setting.

You’ve had a successful career writing for the ABA, why start writing for the CBA now?

           

A few years ago I had an extraordinary experience where God touched my life.  This encounter stirred my interest in writing about other people who had experienced the presence of God in their lives and the CBA seemed to be the best place for me to do that.

What is it about the historical account of Esther that led you to write a romance story about her?

           

When I was a girl Esther fascinated me.  It seemed wonderful that God had chosen a woman to be the person who would save His people.  And, since I am a romantic soul, I also thought that there must have been a great love between her and the king for him to have done as she asked.

Why did you move away from the traditional interpretation of King Ahasuerus’ conduct?

           

I always thought that Ahasuerus must have loved Esther deeply because he listened to her and revoked the edict that Haman had sent out.  A king who not only allows his wife to break into his religious feast without punishment, but also comes to have dinner with her the following day, must care for her very much indeed.  And such a man must be a much nicer person than the king traditionally portrayed by Xerses/ Ahasuerus.

You love animals.  Do you ever incorporate them into your books?

           

Do I not ever incorporate animals into my books?  I am famous for my horses, but dogs play their part as well.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t put Esther on a horse, but I did make Ahasuerus a fanatical horseman.

What is your favorite historical era to write about?

           

I love to go way back in time, to periods where the records are mostly archeological.  I actually did three books set in the Upper Paleolithic, the period of the last ice age.  My next book is about Rahab, and I’m having such fun reading about pottery and stone remains from the late Bronze Age.