Julie Klassen's The Maid of Fairbourne Hall ~ Reviewed

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Julie Klassen
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207091


Description:


Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?


Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?


On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."


Review by Michelle Griep

Author Julie Klassen’s writing gets better and better with each novel she pens. Translation: THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL is my absolute favorite of all her books. Why? Great question. Here’s a little dissection…

Tension
Will the dashing Mr. Upchurch figure out that the love of his life is the one changing his chamber pot—or won’t he? I love that edge-of-the-seat kind of wondering, and this book delivers a fair amount of it.

Dilemma
Heroine Margaret Macy is certainly in a pickle, and that’s what keeps a reader turning the pages. The outcome of her situation is cloaked until the very end.

Characters to Admire
Hero Nathaniel Upchurch is such an upright and respectable man. Sure he’s got his faults, but underneath he’s a bulwark of what’s good and right in a human.

Informational
One of the best things about Klassen’s books is that they’re full of fun facts about the Regency era. I always learn something about the period.

Description
Who wouldn’t want to live in a manor house? And I did…leastwise for the few days it took me to read the story. I felt like I was there.

THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL is a fantastic read full of romance, intrigue and a good reminder that it’s in our best interest to not judge others by merely outward appearance.



Bonus Review:


In the fall of 2008 I first discovered Julie Klassen in her debut novel Lady of Milkweed Manor and fell in love. Pretty much as a matter of fact many things I said about that novel still hold true again to this one.


Upon finishing this novel, I sigh in complete contentment. This is near one of the best novels I have ever had the opportunity to fall deep within the pages and stay for a while.


From beginning to end I had my opinions of how things should go, with the slight twists and turns I never had a clue how the plot would be. Sometimes I could not read fast enough, as a matter of fact most of the time. I would not believe certain things were happening.


This is a perfect novel in regency time and I can see a bit of Austen and Jane Eyre. I can easily say that readers of such will enjoy this story. It is alike, but completely unique and what a tale it tells.


Then in the winter of 2009 I discovered more fabulous reading in her next novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, another piece of incredible historical fiction. This was the one where I discovered how much I truly enjoyed her introductions to each chapter with a quote or phrase. She continues that on into this novel as well with the quotes being straight out of resource that provide great insight into the working lives of the regency period.


After that in 2010/2011 I read and loved her next two novels, both The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess which is possibly my favorite. Each time I venture into a novel from Julie I find entertainment and a lesson. While I can relate these to various films and other novels I've enjoyed this one about the serving class brings to mind a new favorite for me from Downton Abbey.


If you like Jane Eyre, Austen, Downton Abbey and similar, you couldn't possibly not like this book. You'll love it just as much as I do. As in the words of other novels, imagine pirates from the glory of M.L. Tyndall, Kaye Dacus and Kathleen Y'Barbo. Add to that the essence of character personality from Deeanne Gist and you might get a general idea of if this read is on you'd enjoy. I know I did.


*Thanks to Julie and Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy for review.*


Reviewed by: Margaret Chind

Jim Kraus's The Dog That Talked to God ~ Reviewed

The Dog That Talked to God
By Jim Kraus
Published by Abingdon Press
ISBN 978-1-4267-4256-9


Description:


Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a miniature schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God.


So when Mary begins listening to Rufus's advice, and ignoring others, she finds herself on an unexpected path where she discovers a new truth about life—all because she listened to Rufus.


Review:


I loved this story. Quirky and unusual, this unique tale wove a spell around me and drew me in. It wasn't what I expected at all, and when I turned the last page, it left me wanting more.


Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, Sr. Editor
Novel Rocket

Robin Caroll's Injustic for All ~ Reviewed

Injustice for All, Justice Seekers Series #1

By: Robin Caroll

Format: Paperback

Number of Pages: 352

Vendor: B&H Books

Publication Date: 2012

ISBN: 143367212X

Premise:

A federal judge is bleeding on his office floor, betrayed by a most unlikely source—people who helped him bring criminals to justice. Now, why would someone working for the FBI need to disappear after witnessing this crime?

When Remington Wyatt sees her godfather’s murder, she recognizes the killers and knows it’s only a matter of time before they come to silence her. She must do the only thing possible to stay alive . . . run.

FBI agent Rafe Baxter is serious about his career, and solving a cold case involving a federal judge’s death puts him in line for the promotion he so desires. But the case leads him to the small town of Hopewell, Louisiana, where some secrets seem inextricably hidden deep within the bayou.

Injustice for All explores what happens when everything a person believes in is utterly destroyed. Who can you trust?

Review:

In this story, Injustice for All, the lead character Remington Wyatt has a life altering moment after the death of her godfather which leads to her choice of witness protection to save her life. A federal judge, Daniel Tate, is shot dead as this book begins. He was the godfather of Remington after the death of her parents. As he is dying in his mansion, Daniel tells Remington to take everything out of his safe and protect it with her life.

Several years later, the events of that day are beginning to resurface themselves as a cold case which the FBI is reexamining. This reopening occurred when FBI agent Rafe Baxter decides to transfer from one bureau office to another in hope to bring the fire back into his career. As the premise states above, the case leads him to Louisiana.

Remington Wyatt who changed her name to Bella Miller years before, is now coming under attack. The new identity in a new town starts to unravel the loyalty and friendship she created with Police Commissioner Hayden Simpson and the people of Hopewell.

Robin Caroll has yet again written a fast paced quick page turning novel that is full of fear, faith and forgiveness. It is a great suspense novel in a territory that Robin knows so well. If you are considering being a first time reader of Caroll’s work, then you can do no wrong in choosing Injustice for All. It is the beginning of a new series and if you are like me, it only wets your appetite to want to read more of her work. I give this book a 4 ½ out of 5 stars.

Be blessed!

Reviewed by: Bradley Evans

Bonus Review:

“Every muscle in my body stiffened, and my mouth went spitless. Chambering a round was a distinct sound, unmistakable.”

Are you hooked? I was. These are the first two lines of this riveting, suspenseful novel called Injustice for All. It’s the first book in the Justice Seekers series. Wow, what an amazing start. I’m thankful for the review copy that has introduced me to characters I instantly cared about and story that kept me up late reading.

My heart went out to the main character Remington Wyatt as she walked in on her godfather, Daniel’s tragic situation. The men don’t see her but she can hear every word they say as they plan his termination. She recognizes their voices. She can’t believe this is happening – everything she’s believed in crumbles right before her eyes!! These men were supposed to be good guys. She’s got to run so she can stay alive long enough to seek justice for Daniel’s murder.

Where do you hide when the system is corrupt and you don’t know who the good guys are? Who do you trust? No one but yourself, of course and that’s what Remington does.

At the same time Rafe Baxter confused about his relationship with God and where he’s headed in life. Rafe accepted Christ as his Savior but struggles to believe he is truly forgiven for his past. He accepted God’s unconditional love but is hung-up on being forgiven for past sin. He takes a new job so his partner can stay in the area to help with his daughters medical care. Rafe hopes that maybe this sacrifice would pay for his sins?

I enjoyed Hayden, a man who’s trying to do the right thing, praying and staying grounded when his world is rocked apart. He try’s to help his sister who’s bi-polar, and a mom who is a worry-wart. He’s so thankful God has brought him a friend to help, Bella, she’s someone he can talk to and trust. I loved the banter between characters. They have fun with one another in a good way. This author has well timed humor mixed in with the suspense! Great blend.

Bella and Rafe talk about what their hobbies are, Rafe says to Bella, “I like walks and hikes…reading? Not so much!”

Bella’s response, “How can you not love reading? It’s wonderful. An excursion, an adventure…an escape from reality.”

Bella adored reading and has a hard time grasping anyone not loving it. I could just hear Robin Caroll saying this to someone too! Bella is a passionate person with spunk I enjoyed reading about. Rafe is an FBI Agent trying to prove himself in a new office, so he picks a dead case to work on. Maybe he’d be the one to find the killer and make new friends.

This was one gripping novel from the start, and one I couldn’t put down. I loved Robin’s well timed humor mixed in with a believable spiritual thread. All this in the first book of the Justice Seekers series, I can’t wait to read the rest!!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network CEO

Jill Williamson's Replication ~ Reviewed

REPLICATION

By Jill Williamson

January 2012

Zondervan

978-0-310-72758-3

Review by Michelle Griep

Martyr—otherwise known as Jason 3:3—is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to “expire” in less than a month. To see the sky.

Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.

As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures—the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he’s ever known.

Author Jill Williamson knocks yet another one out of the park. REPLICATION is a hard-hitting, fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down kind of read—one you shouldn’t miss.

Cloning is a sensitive issue. Williamson deals with it head on. She confronts the morality of saving one man’s life by harvesting organs from others, and does so with poignancy. If the intricacies of the topic are unfamiliar to you, don’t worry. You’ll receive quite an education.

Biblical truths are interspersed throughout, the most powerful being that of loving your enemy. Without giving any spoilers, let’s just say that hero Martyr is aptly named and illustrates this point in a tangible, beautiful way.

As always, Williamson also tosses in a healthy dose of humor. When hero Martyr escapes to the real world, some of his misconceptions and flat-out ignorance is hilarious. And let’s not forget romance. Oh yeah. There’s quite the attraction going on between Martyr and Abby.

I can’t rave enough about REPLICATION. Even if YA isn’t your usual genre, give this one a whirl. You won’t be sorry.

Lori Copeland's Love Blooms in Winter ~ Reviewed

Love Blooms in Winter

Lori Copeland

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0736930191

Description:

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

Review:

This book was in my pile and I wanted to read it, but when I first picked it up, it was because something else was left somewhere and I wanted to bide my time. Now that was half a mistake. One I meant to read this one, but not quite yet, but once I picked it up it was impossible to put down! The characters jumped off the pages and into my heart and did not let go until the last page, and even now as I have completed reading it I want more. I'm fairly certain with the words "The Dakota Diaries" on the front that this is just the beginning of a wonderful series and I cannot wait. I'm quite certain that Lil and Jester are in for some fun in the future...

Mae assumed her life was settled until Tom came along and she realized things were not quite what she thought them to be both in her neighbor Pauline's life and her own. It is all one more example of how God can change our plans drastically before we realize or expect it. I know that in my life I was set, we had just bought a house, we were seven months into expecting our first child and the last thing I expected was for my husband to come home one day from his incredible job and tell me that he had good news and bad news. Good news he was going to get to take several weeks off to spend with me and the baby. Bad news, his division was closing and he was laid off. Shock! But then he was home with me the last two months of my pregnancy, and the first two months of our daughters new life and then he got a new and better job. We moved to a better house, better area, better co workers. Everything is better, but different. Yes it is away from my parents and everything that I had planned and settled my life into, but God definitely knew what he was doing.

Thanks to Wynn Wynn Media, Harvest House Publishers, NetGalley, FIRST Wild Card Tours and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for providing me with a copy for review both on loan electronically and in the mail.

Reviewed by: Margaret Chind

Bonus Review:

Love Blooms in Winter is about a young woman named Mae Wilkey, who lives in North Dakota with her younger brother.  She finds herself taking care of her 92 year old neighbor, Pauline, who’s memory and health is failing.  In trying to find a living relative of Pauline’s, Mae runs across the name of Tom Curtis, and believes he may be a long lost relative that can come and care for Pauline.  Tom, on the other hand, is working his way up working for the railroad, and has no recollection of an Aunt named Pauline.  However, on the chance that he is related, he makes a trip to meet her.  Though neither or the recognize each other, Tom finds himself drawn to Pauline, the town, and especially Mae.  Through a series of events, he finds himself more and more tied to the little town in North Dakota.
                 
This was a great book…right up my ally in themes and topics.  It struck a chord with me as my Grandma just turned 92 and is going through many of the same things as Pauline .  I loved that Pauline had such a wonderful neighbor and friend in Mae, someone with no relation her that was willing to take care of her and help her.  It’s something you just don’t see happening much now days.  This was a great book, and I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Ronie Kendig's Firethorn ~ Reviewed

Firethorn

By Ronie Kendig

Published by B & H

ISBN# 978-1-602060-785-9

348 Pages

Back Cover:

Don your tactical gear and enter the world of black ops and espionage within the pages of Ronie Kendig’s thriller Firethorn. Former Marine Griffin “Legend” Riddell, a fugitive from injustice, finds it difficult to trust anyone. Covert operative Kazi Faron, the woman sent to free him, has a dangerous secret that may jeopardize her life, mission, and the only man she respects. As Griffin and Kazi race around the globe to save Nightshade, the danger mounts. Will they find the culprit sabotaging their black ops team? Can their newfound feelings and trust survive when Griffin and Kazi face truth and terror?Show More Show Less

Review:

Ronie’s passion and understanding of soldiers and war tactics is evident in her rapid-fire fiction. She says “Thank you for journeying with the Nightshades team, for opening your minds and hearts to the great toll war/combat takes on our men and women in the U.S. Armed forces.” I’m thankful for the review copy I received of this book and the awareness this author has brought to my attention about what goes on in the hearts and minds of our soldiers. Along with the thank you note, Ronie tells readers about ways to get involved in supporting our troops.

This amazing series highlights one team member per book during some incredible black ops missions. The reader gets to know them, their personal struggles and their background. In this book finale things are done a little different. We get to know Griffin Riddell up-close alright (code name “Legend” in Nightshades) as things heat up on all fronts. “Legend” is set free by Kazi and begins an unbelievable journey. Along the way he learns his team is picked off and taken down one by one. This couldn’t be happening!

The question on Griffin’s mind is, “Who did this? Who went after Nightshades? Someone who had a powerful need to die, because he and the others, once back together, would ensure their attacks kissed the grave-fast.”

Kazi has helped Griffin face some pretty remarkable circumstances and all the while acting as a Lone Ranger. Griffin tries to explain to her about his faith and being a team player. He says, “God will help us Kazi, He will.”

Kazi replies, “I need someone I can touch-or punch, not a God who hides out in Heaven while we run a muck on this planet.”

Kazi rubbed Griffin the wrong way. He was trying to be patient. Griffin tries to explain about being loyal to the team. “Now, I don’t care what sort of business you’re trying to protect or if you’re trying to protect yourself Kazi, but you need to understand – these are my boys..I will do whatever it takes to get them back, and part of that includes protecting you when and if I have to. …You’ve never worked on a team have you? …See, me and my boys are a team. We talk to each other, depend on each other. That keeps us alive, know what that means? Makes us friends…more than friends-brothers.”

I loved how real Griffin and Kazie were with each other in and out of combat! I also liked the authors well timed humor. I really had to keep track of what was happening and where. This was a riveting read. Ronie has an explosive, unbelievable conclusion to a very memorable and moving series. This was one wild ride. This book reminded me of a Mission Impossible movie. It’s big, its rapid-fire action drama, real and revealing on so many levels. It has surprises for the reader with so many twists and turns. I know I wasn't sure what was up until the dust settled at the end. Ronie left the story with a satisfying ending. I can’t wait to read the next book by her. I highly recommend this book and this Discarded Heroes series.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

Janice Hanna Thompson's Fill These Empty Arms ~ Reviewed

Fill These Empty Arms

By Janice Hanna Thompson

Amazon Digital Services

From multi-published Christian author Janice Hanna Thompson comes an inspirational novel with great depth of character and dealing with sensitive topics for women. Fill These Empty Arms is a penetrating look into the lives of five women with empty hearts and empty arms. Though their stories are vastly different, their lives begin to intersect, and they are forever changed. Arms, once empty, are filled. Hearts, once broken, are mended. And hope, once lost, is restored.

Review:

What a powerful book! I did some laughing but a lot of tears slid onto my iPad. What I loved is how Thompson made Grace and Joanna's hubbies good guys without making them seem like wimps or unbelievable. She did such a stellar job of weaving in the growth of Lexie and how she came to faith. Each character's story was riveting. Novel Rocket and I highly recommend this book. It's outstanding!

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan

Editor, Novel Rocket

Erin Healy's The Baker's Wife ~ Reviewed

The Baker's Wife [Paperback]

Erin Healy (Author)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (October 4, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1595547525

Description:

Before Audrey was the baker's wife, she was the pastor's wife.

Then a scandalous lie cost her husband a pastoral career. Now the two work side-by-side running a bakery, serving coffee, and baking fresh bread. But the hurt still pulls at Audrey.

Driving early one morning to the bakery, Audrey's car strikes something-or someone-at a fog-shrouded intersection. She finds a motor scooter belonging to a local teacher. Blood is everywhere, but there's no trace of a body.

Both the scooter and the blood belong to detective Jack Mansfield's wife, and he's certain that Audrey is behind Julie's disappearance.

But the case dead-ends and the detective spirals into madness. When he takes her family and some patrons hostage at the bakery, Audrey is left with a soul-damaged ex-con and a cynical teen to solve the mystery. And she'll never manage that unless she taps into something she would rather leave behind-her excruciating ability to feel other's pain.

Review:

Erin Healy blends supernatural gifting and challenging topics and bakes up a satisfying, fragrant, crusty-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside read.

Audrey was married to a pastor, and one of her ministries was delivering fresh bread she and her husband made to parishioners that God laid on her heart. However, a scandal erupts in the church and Audrey and Geoff are pushed out of the ministry and into baking as a career.

One day the unbelievable happens and the elder who pushed the hardest to have Geoff step down as pastor is in the middle of it all.

Audrey is left, with the help of an ex-con in town to atone for her past, to solve a mystery, and save those nearest and dearest to her when the situation explodes.

Healy handles some heavy topics in this unique novel including depression and religiosity vs relationship. She mixes in the Holy Spirit's working in individuals and fallout of church fractures. This is a well told story with a heavy mix of complex characters. Those who love fiction light might find this a little too overwhelming due to the topics. But Healy does a terrific job with the mixing and blending of ingredients and those who love hearty Christian fiction might want to check it out.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Liz Curtis Higgs's Mine is the Night ~ Reviewed

Mine Is the Night: A Novel

Liz Curtis Higgs

Paperback: 464 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 15, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1400070023

Book Description:

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.

Review:

“Can you not look beyond her Highland past?” (p. 320)

The answer to this question reveals the ultimate measure of the lives of Elizabeth and Marjory Kerr as they enter the town of Selkirk. As penniless widows, dependent upon the kindness of a distant cousin whom they haven’t contacted in more than ten years, the Kerr women are far different than when we first met them in “Here Burns My Candle.” What hope must lie in their hearts! What trust in God’s sovereign goodness and direction in their lives! Liz Curtis Higgs has taken the story of Ruth and created a masterpiece of Scottish history, romance and redemption! Readers will recognize elements of the Biblical story and the truth that should be the foundation in the life of every Child of God.

Once again, Higgs has transported my heart and mind back to the Scottish countryside of the 1700’s! I felt as though I was living side by side with Elizabeth and Marjory as they began their new life in Selkirk. The smells, the sights, the sounds …everything comes alive for the reader as these characters are transformed by God’s grace into women of faith, courage and strength. Truly, I grew to love them more in the Mine is the Night than I even did in Here Burns My Candle!

Enter Jack Buchanan – Lord of Bell Hill. What a man! What a hero! What a lovely expression of grace, mercy and kindness! I know he loosely represents the character of Boaz, but no one can help but be charmed by this character! And the things he is want to do to express his love toward those he cares about…be still my heart! Readers will just be astounded by the way Higgs integrates this character and his household into the story! Seamless…altogether believable…and a powerful example of the way all of us should treat our fellow man!

You will not be able to depart the Scottish countryside once you begin this amazing story! You will savor each experience as you laugh and cry with Elizabeth, Marjory – and Jack! I cannot recommend this series highly enough!

Please go HERE to watch the video trailer and learn more about Liz and her wonderful stories!! And stay tuned! I have an interview with Liz coming up!!

Reviewed by: Kim Ford

Sibella Giorello's The Mountains Bow Down ~ Reviewed

The Mountains Bow Down
By Sibella Giorello
Published by Thomas Nelson
ISBN# 978-1-59554-535-0
373 Pages


Summary:


That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, the Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.


But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.


Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-handsome Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be as arrogant as she originally thought.


And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.


Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a mystery so daunting that even the mountains might bow down before it.


Review: I was so thankful to receive a review copy of such an exciting, fun, suspenseful, and heartfelt novel. I enjoyed reading about Raleigh, a female FBI agent, who specializes in fore4nsic geology and is good at what she does. Sibella went to school to be a geologist so its fascinating to read how geology helps Raleigh uncover clues she never would have discovered with out it.


Review:


I liked how Sibella had Raleigh sty true to her calling in life no matter how the male FBI Agents treated her. I also liked Raleigh’s honesty in her feelings and how she struggled in putting God into the driver seat of her life 24/7.


Giorello takes her readers on a beautiful Alaskan cruise along with her mom and eccentric Aunt who has arranged for Raleigh to be a consultant on a movie being filmed on the cruise ship. She thought this would be a great way to enjoy each other’s company, have fun and get their trip paid for.


Things were beautiful and fun until Raleigh discovers a female body hanging from the back of the cruise ship. Head of security seeks Raleigh’s help in this case because she’s FBI and the woman found dead was famous actor Milo’s wife.


Milo was the one she was consulting on the film on how to be an FBI agent. Milo and everyone else on this project was hoping for a box office smash hit with this movie. Milo needed this to get back into the game.


Sibella Giorello pens an intriguing web of mystery, suspense, fun and quirky characters I enjoyed with well timed humor. This was a “who-done-it” that kept me guessing right up till the end. This was the first novel I’ve read by this author, it won’t be my last. I think I’ll start with The River Runs Dry, or The Clouds Roll! So many choices! Can’t wait to see where this author takes me next!! I highly recommend this book and for you to check out the others!


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
Finding Hope Through Fiction

Christa Allan's The Edge of Grace ~ Reviewed

The Edge of Grace
By Christa Allan
Published by Abingdon Press
ISBN 978-1-4267-1311-8


Description:


An early morning call shatters Caryn Becker's world. Her brother David announces that he is gay, and Caryn completely rejects the one person who stood beside her during her husband's illness and death. Unable to cope with David's news, Caryn disappears into her own turbulent life as a single mom and new business owner.


When David is attacked and nearly killed, his partner asks for Caryn's help. She reluctantly agrees to work with David's lawyer on the case. When her catering business suffers because of David's lifestyle, Caryn is forced to make the hardest choices about family, faith, and her own future, while exploring the grace of forgiveness and acceptance.


Review:


Christa Allan's sophomore book, The Edge of Grace, is a powerful work of art, delving into waters not often stirred in fiction. It made me squirm and it challenged me to consider how I offered grace. The only thing it did not do was leave me unchanged. Novel Rocket and I give The Edge of Grace our highest recommendation: a 5-star must read.


Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, editor
Novel Rocket

Darlene Franklin's A Ranger's Trail ~ Reviewed

A RANGER’S TRAIL

Darlene Franklin

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (February 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0802405878

Book Information:

This is the fourth book in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.In 1875 Buck Morgan rode into Mason County with the Texas Rangers to quell the violence stirred up by the actions a vigilantly mob. The Hoo Doo (or bad luck) War erupted as suspected cattle rustlers were killed by an angry German mob and former ranger, Scott Cooley, gathers a gang to seek vengeance on the murders. Suspected of cattle rustling, Leta Derrick's husband was murdered by the mob a year earlier. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan stem the tide of violence. Leta prays daily that God will wreak vengeance on her enemies. Buck prays that the God of all provision will supply for the needs of the widow, her son Ricky, and her 15-year old brother, Andy. Buck lays a trap at his uncle's ranch for the suspected outlaws but the plan backfires when Andy shows up. Shots are fired and one man is down. Andy has joined the outlaw gang and is now guilty of murdering Buck's cousin. Will their actions fuel the fire of vengeance' Or will Buck and Leta strike an accord that leads to more than just peace'

Review:

A Ranger’s Trail is book 4 in the Morgan Family Series. It involves a woman named Leta Denning, who’s husband was murdered by a German Rob, being falsely accused of cattle rustling. Tensions in the community grow as Germans and Anglos begin taking revenge against each other. Buck Morgan, a Texas Ranger, comes to the area to help. As feelings between Leta and Buck grow, facts come out into the open putting Buck’s cousin among those that murdered Leta’s husband, and Andy, Leta’s brother, among those who killed Buck’s cousin.

This was a great book. It was interesting to see the tensions rise, and each side thinking they were doing right, instead of taking it to the Lord to deal with. I enjoyed seeing Leta’s character change, from that of the widow who wants revenge, to a woman willing to submit to the Lord and trust him in all things. This was a great book and I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Janice Thompson's Hello, Hollywood~ Reviewed

Hello, Hollywood!

By Janice Thompson

Published by Revell

ISBN-10: 0800733460

When it comes to love, one thing's for sure--it doesn't follow a script!

Athena Pappas is the head writer on Stars Collide, one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem writing the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?

With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as Athena and Stephen discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

Review

Comedic timing is an art form, and Janice Thompson is a master. Her romantic comedies keep getting better and better. I laughed all the way through Hello, Hollywood! The story is reminiscent of the old Hollywood sitcoms – the days of I Love Lucy and Dick Van Dyke. If you like to laugh—and who doesn't?—treat yourself to a rollicking good read. Novel Rocket and I give it 5 stars. A must read!

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, Sr. editor

Novel Rocket

Blake Mycoskie's Start Something That Matters ~ Reviewed

Start Something That Matters

Blake Mycoskie

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (September 6, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1400069181

Description:

Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world—all at the same time.

What matters most to you? Should you focus on earning a living, pursuing your passions, or devoting yourself to the causes that inspire you? The surprising truth is that you don’t have to choose—and that you’ll find more success if you don’t. That’s the breakthrough message of TOMS’ One for One movement. You don’t have to be rich to give back and you don’t have to retire to spend every day doing what you love. You can find profit, passion, and meaning all at once—right now.

In Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, and combines it with lessons learned from such other innovative organizations as method, charity: water, FEED Projects, and TerraCycle. Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources; from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life. No matter what kind of change you’re considering, Start Something That Matters gives you the stories, ideas, and practical tips that can help you get started.

Why this book is for you:

• You’re ready to make a difference in the world—through your own start-up business, a nonprofit organization, or a new project that you create within your current job.

• You want to love your work, work for what you love, and have a positive impact on the world—all at the same time.

• You’re inspired by charity: water, method, and FEED Projects and want to learn how these organizations got their start.

• You’re curious about how someone who never made a pair of shoes, attended fashion school, or worked in retail created one of the fastest-growing footwear companies in the world by giving shoes away.

• You’re looking for a new model of success to share with your children, students, co-workers, and members of your community.

You’re ready to start something that matters.

Review:

Companies that care about environment or people as much as lining their pockets are companies I like to support and frequent. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I like to buy organic and local.

Start Something That Matters intrigued me because I think Tom’s fits that category. I actually don’t own Tom’s shoes but have supported their effort and watched them explode. So when I saw a review copy of the founder’s, Blake Mycoskie, book available I jumped on it. My 20-something daughter grabbed it and read it then passed it along to her friend to read before I got my hands on it. The pages came back to me dog-earred and underlined and I understand why.

Not only does the reader find out about Tom’s modus operandi, we are introduced to other companies and individuals who have embraced a different business model of thinking.

This book gave me a sense of hope and a renewed trust in corporate America. There is a new mindset on the fringes of our materialistic world and I’m so glad for it.

This is a quick and short read. But I think anyone seeking to dive into something bigger than themselves, something that could maybe provide an income and be a positive benefit to others should consider putting this on their must read list. Start Something That Matters might be a little simple or a little too creative for black and white business text book readers. But those who are chafing against the standard business model might welcome the refreshing splash of color Blake offers. Overall I recommend this as a thought provoking, uplifting and entertaining read.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Lena Nelson Dooley's Maggie's Journey ~ Reviewed

Maggie's Journey (McKenna's Daughters)

Lena Nelson Dooley

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Realms (October 4, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1616383585

Description:

Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she's adopted. The spoiled daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed by her real parents and by the ones who raised her. But mystery surrounds her new discovery, and when Maggie uncovers another family secret, she loses all sense of identity. Leaving her home in Seattle, Washington, Maggie strikes out to find her destiny. Will Charles Stanton, who's been in love with her for years, be able to help her discover who she really is?

Review:

A few years ago I read my first novel with seasoned author Lena Nelson Dooley in her Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico and enjoyed it beginning to end. Again with Maggie's Journey I enjoyed it from the first page and I am uber eager to read more as it comes in the rest of the series.

Of course I'm always a fan of characters that are named Margaret, as I'm a Margaret. But I enjoyed the personality of the characters. The growth that both Maggie and Charles had to endure. It brings a real relative light on the emotional aspects and aftermath of what the turmoil of the Oregon Trail may have left for the next generation. I think the entire series will be thoroughly entertaining and I cannot wait for more.

*Thanks to Realms, Charisma Media for providing a copy for review through the FIRST Wild Card Tours.*

Reviewed by: Margaret Chind

Melanie Dickerson's The Merchant's Daughter ~ Reviewed

The Merchant's Daughter

Melanie Dickerson (Author)

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Zondervan; Original edition (November 29, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310727618

Description:

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

Review:

Combine Jane Eyre with a bit of Beauty and the Beast and you might have found yourself in The Merchant's Daughter. Earlier this year I found myself reading Melanie Dickerson's debut being a mixture of Tristan and Isolde with Sleeping Beauty in The Healer's Apprentice. I was very delighted to learn that this fall she had something new in The Merchant's Daughter. Again I have the same qualm as before in that... my first and only qualm is that this book is listed as young adult. I don't agree with that, it's not a teen novel. It is shorter than my normal read, but it is definitely one for girls of marriageable age and boy is it an adventure. ... but then perhaps I just do not understand the genre behind "young adult" as I thought I did.

In a way, there is even a bit of Cinderella here. Not in the plot line perhaps, but in the personality of Annabel. There is not magic in the sense of the Disney Beauty and the Beast, he doesn't suddenly float in the air and become beautiful. In a sense, it's always there, just marred and hidden until an unexpected (to him) healing can occur. Yet... isn't that what the entire book is about? You read it, and tell me. :)

*Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*

Reviewed by: Margaret Chind

Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkeys' Chasing Mona Lisa ~ Reviewed

Chasing Mona Lisa: A Novel

Tricia Goyer, Mike Yorkey

Paperback: 325 pages

Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800720466

Description:

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

Review:

'Chasing Mona Lisa' by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey is a fascinating sequel to 'The Swiss Courier'. This book continues the saga of two of the main characters, Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler, as they embark on a new adventure in France to keep the Mona Lisa from the hands of the Nazis. You experience the fear of those who dare to stand against the Nazis and the exuberance of the French when they are liberated. While the plot is slightly predictable, it is still a page turner from the beginning!

Reviewed by: Leeann Garbon

Sandra Bricker's Always the Designer, Never the Bride ~ Reviewed

Always the Designer, Never the Bride

By Sandra D. Bricker

Published by Abingdon, April 2012

ISBN 978-1-4267-3223-2

Description

How many dresses can a designer design before she finally designs her own?

Audrey Regan spent years establishing herself as a wedding dress designer and to date, she's been roped into creating dresses for nine of her girlfriends. Request #10 follows her vow to "Just say no!" and comes from her very best friend. She can hardly turn Carly down!

Audrey arrives in Atlanta to perform all of her maid-of-honor duties and the festivities make her question whether there's a prince of her own anywhere in her future. Enter the groom's brother and best man. J.R. Hunt couldn't be any more different from Prince Charming is he rode in on a Harley Davidson. Oh, wait. He actually did ride in on a Harley!

Review

Sandra D. Bricker is the Babe Ruth of romantic comedy with one home run after another! Third in the hilarious series, I didn't want Always the Designer, Never the Bride to end. Bricker makes her characters your best friends and you want to keep hanging out with them. She doesn't take her readers down totally predictable paths in the story, and Always the Designer follows that tradition. Up to the last page, I wasn't sure what she would do with Audrey and J.R. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book in this series. Novel Rocket and I give Always the Designer, Never the Bride our highest recommendation. It's a 5-star read!

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, Sr. Editor

Novel Rocket

Kristin Billerbeck's Perfectly Invisible ~ Reviewed

Perfectly Invisible: A Universally Misunderstood Novel (Perfectly Dateless)

Kristin Billerbeck

Reading level: Ages 14 and up

Paperback: 267 pages

Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800719735

Description:

Life after high school is so close . . . and yet so very far away.

It's Daisy Crispin's final semester of high school, and she plans to make it count. Her long-awaited freedom is mere months away, and her big plans for college loom in the future. Everything is under control.

Or is it?

Her boyfriend is treating her like she's invisible, and her best friend is making her sell bad costume jewelry in the school quad—and hanging out with her boyfriend. To top it off, Daisy's major humiliation of the year will be remembered in the yearbook for all eternity. It's enough to make her wonder if maybe being invisible isn't so bad after all.

Can Daisy get her life back on track? Or is she stuck in this town forever?

Review:

As much so as I enjoyed Perfectly Dateless last summer, I enjoyed Perfectly Invisible this one. Kristin really brings out the inner thoughts that are pretty much right on key for a teen late in high school. Brings back memories of my own school experiences as well as while I was a long term substitute teacher.

Again, truly I could not turn the pages fast enough and I overall enjoyed this story. I think that it could be valuable read for many different people. Very enlightening to both girls, guys and parents who want to care or understand. It was interesting to me however, for a girl without cable TV that she was familiar with so many current day television references, but then I guess they're out there beyond the tube or flat screen.

There were some plot things that had me quite confused in this story, but then coming from a teenage mind, I think that was the point that I was just as confused as Daisy was. Overall, I have to admit it makes me wonder about things as my own daughters grow. Truly there is no perfect childhood or youth and I think attempting to stage one would cause more harm than good. But one can only pray for help.

I truly enjoy both adult and youth books from Kristin Billerbeck and cannot wait for more.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

Reviewed by: Margaret Chind

Donna Fletcher Crow's A Darkly Hidden Truth ~ Reviewed

A Darkly Hidden Truth

By Donna Fletcher Crow

Paperback: 366 pages

Publisher: Kregel Publications

January, 2012

ISBN: 9-780857-210500

Description:

Felicity can’t possibly help Father Anthony find the valuable missing icon. She’s off to become a nun. Then her impossible mother turns up unexpectentanty. And a good friend turns up murdered…

Breathtaking chase scenes, mystical worship services, dashes through remote waterlogged landscapes, the wisdom of ancient holy women, and the arcane rites of the Knights Hospitaller keep the pages turning. Will Felicity choose the veil—or Anthony?

Review:

A Darkly Hidden Truth is beautifully written and starts with perhaps the most chilling prologue I’ve ever read. (One readers won’t want to skim over!) The novel opens with a scene of a young medieval maiden giving her life to Christ. At first, my pulse quickened and a sick feeling settled in the pit of my gut as I questioned exactly what her devotion might cost. Old Indian Jones images flashed through my mind, stealing my breath. By page two I could breathe once again as I realized this young maiden wasn’t embarking upon self-sacrifice but instead, a life of religious isolation. But although my gut-wrenching fears were allayed, my curiosity was not. As the mother said goodbye to her beloved daughter, her internal quote, plucked from the ancient pages of Scripture, triggered numerous questions. When this sorrowful mother asked for prayer, she suddenly understood an ancient prophesy given to Mary, the mother of Jesus,: “Simeon had warned Mary that a sword would pierce through her own soul. Now Dorcas knew: that warning was not just for Mary. It was for all mothers.”

Moving from this ancient and mysterious scene to modern day, we meet a woman as removed from her mother as the previous maiden was from the world. Felicity, a young and impulsive girl drawn to the church and the simplistic, solemn life it offers, contemplates becoming a nun. Unfortunately, a string of murders and the theft of numerous sacred icons complicate matters, as does the sudden appearance of her mother.

Dressed in three-inch heels and a pinstripe suit; Felicity’s mother trails behind a religious ensemble, tracking her daughter down. In front of everyone—those with the power to admit Felicity into monastic life, or keep her from it. Now Felicity is forced to swallow the bitterness welling inside in order to present a pious, loving attitude. But when another icon is stolen and a nun is found unconscious and bloody, Felicity soon realizes her mother’s sudden and rather inconvenient appearance is the least of her problems.

I loved the imagery Ms. Crow provided throughout the novel, from the gothic windows to the rolling monastery grounds. The setting was quite unique—a series of murders and mysterious thefts in a church? As a protestant, it was very interesting to read about the various sacraments and holy days practiced in the Catholic Church and each glimpse and nugget of information was sprinkled seamlessly into the novel, flavoring the story without overpowering it.

A Darkly Hidden Truth is a gripping, multi-leveled mystery with a hint of romance and family drama. 

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery