Eve Marie Mont's A Breath of Eyre ~ Reviewed

A BREATH OF EYRE
By Eve Marie Mont
April 2012
Kensington Publishing Corp.
978-0-7582-6948-5

Review by Michelle Griep

Emma Townsend has always believed in stories—the ones she reads voraciously, and the ones she creates. Perhaps it’s because she feels like an outsider at her exclusive prep school. And her only romantic prospect is Gray Newman, a friend who just adds to Emma’s confusion. But escape soon arrives in an old leather-bound copy of Jane Eyre…

A BREATH OF EYRE is a spin off of my all-time favorite Bronte book. Teenager Emma Townsend ends up back in the era—and even the very setting—of Jane Eyre. Actually, she becomes Jane. It’s left as a mystery as to how and if Emma was really there in that fictional land, which adds a certain amount of charm to the story.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think it’s necessary that a reader be familiar with the Bronte classic. Author Eve Marie Mont does a great job of filling in the details. Another feat she accomplishes with finesse is mixing contemporary teenage angst into the nineteenth century, and trust me…heroine Emma Townsend has a lot of troubles.

Emma attends a school via scholarship that’s for the elite. As a result, she doesn’t fit in. Her mom died when she was young and she’s got a stepmother that’s relatively clueless. Her dad is as torn up over her mother’s death as she is and is emotionally crippled, which does nothing to help Emma. Yeah. Angst galore.

A Breath of Eyre is an interesting read. It’s not your run-of-the-mill storyline and the author leaves the ending wide open for a sequel (which there will be).

David Gregory's Night with a Perfect Stranger ~ Reviewed

Night with a Perfect Stranger

By David Gregory

Published by Worthy Publishing

ISBN#978-1-936034-86-4

132 Pages

Back Cover:  

Six years ago, businessman Nick Cominsky encountered Jesus the old-fashioned way-in a face-to-face meeting. And the Christian life seemed a breeze . . . for a while. But now, having done everything he knows to grow spiritually, he wonders where his closeness with Jesus has gone. Burned out and hopeless, Nicks wails his complaints to God during a late-night interstate trip. Then suddenly he runs out of gas-and finds Jesus along the roadside with a gas can. Jesus hops in the truck and offers answers Nick never heard in church . . . and a nighttime of adventures ensues beyond anything Nick could have imagined.

Review: 

I was thrilled to learn David Gregory had a new book out and I received a review copy of it in the mail. This authors’ books are small (132 pages) but pack a powerful punch in so many areas. His books can be read in a day and re-read as you share parts of them with friends and family for months to come.

In his first book Dinner with a Perfect Stranger a man receives an invitation to dine with Jesus. Nick thinks this is a practical joke so he goes to claim his free dinner. During the course of the meal he discovers that the guy across from him is actually Jesus. This book was fun, funny, and a great witnessing tool. Nick wants answers to Christianity and life. Jesus calmly answers Nick’s questions. The encounter transforms his life! He can’t stop talking about his meeting Jesus to anyone that will listen.

The next book in the series was called A Day with a Perfect Stranger, Nick’s wife Mattie goes on a business trip. She’s thankful to be out of the house and away from her husband’s talk about Jesus. She couldn’t take one more day of listening to Nick talk about his dinner with Jesus, it had been three weeks non-stop.  Enough already.  Mattie is thankful to be on a plane and away from any talk of Jesus.

As the flight goes on she talks with the person sitting next to her. This man is different and things start to sound familiar. Soon, Mattie realizes that she’s sitting next to Jesus. So much for running away from the Jesus talk – she runs right into Jesus himself. Mattie confronts Him about the rules laid down to follow in the Christian life, She wants to know exactly what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus?

Now starts David Gregory’s new book Night with a Perfect Stranger.  This book opens up by bringing the reader up to speed just like I did about the first two encounters. Six years have passed and life isn’t as easy or filled with Joy like it used to be. Life had made so much sense after encountering Jesus. Nick says to himself, “I slowly lost it, whatever “it” was. My closeness to God, my excitement about Jesus, the sense of purpose and meaning He brought. I’m not sure when it started fading. I hadn’t lost my faith. Far from it. But the life that faith was supposed to produce – where was it? I thought meeting Jesus would energize me for a life time. But for the past 4 years I’d been slowly coasting downhill.”

David Gregory hits another home run with his new book. It’s just as fun, funny,  insightful,  and unique. What I’ve loved about all of these authors’ books is the way he shares concepts about the Christian life in a simple way.  For instance, he explains through Jesus to Nick about God being love. I got a kick out of this.

Jesus asks Nick about the ocean, He asks “did you go swimming?”

“Sure”

“How much wet did it have?”

“The whole thing was wet – it was the ocean.”

“Exactly.” Jesus looked at me, “Nick, we are like the ocean. The ocean doesn’t have wet – it is wet. You jump in, you get wet. God doesn’t have love – we are love! Our love isn’t a possession. We can’t give it away as a reward to those good enough to earn it. Love is simply who we are. We love you because of who we are….nothing you do can change that.. God is love.”

Wow, I love how he explained that concept. Simple and profound. This is just one of the many jewels inside the treasure box of David Gregory’s new book. The concept of Gods love for me hit me deep; do I really grasp this for my own life? I read this book in several hours. You’ll be re-reading all the parts you marked in your book to friends and family for days. You’ll never for get these books, two of them have been made into movies that stay faithful to the books. I highly recommend Night with a Perfect Stranger and all the other books this author’s written.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

Kate Lloyd's Leaving Lancaster ~ Reviewed

LEAVING LANCASTER
Kate Lloyd
Paperback
Number of Pages: 336
David C. Cook
ISBN: 0781405084

Description:

Holly Fisher feels betrayed when she discovers a long-kept secret---her mother was raised in an Amish community. Now her grandmother is begging them to leave Seattle and return to Pennsylvania. Holly is furious that she was never told about her relatives. Will mother and daughter find healing among the Plain People of Lancaster County?

                
Review:

Leaving Lancaster is about a woman named Esther Fisher, and her daughter, Holly.  Esther left the Amish community as a teenager with her intended.  They moved to California and married, but Samuel was then drafted and ended up giving his life for his country in Vietnam.  Esther has been plagued with guilt ever since, as she is the one that convinced him to leave.  Thus, Holly has grown up without a father or a family.  Finally, Esther shares a letter from her Amish mother, whom Holly believe was dead.  Esther’s mother isn’t doing well and begs her to come home.  This revelation stuns Holly, who becomes very angry and bitter towards her mother, while Esther deems herself unworthy of being forgiven.  They travel back to Pennsylvania to be reunited with their family, and both realize they have stronger ties there than they could have imagined.

I enjoyed this story.  There was a lot of focus on forgiveness, which I enjoyed.  Many of the characters in the book had reason, by our standards, to be upset with other people, as well as hold grudges, but as circumstances developed, they also learned the value of forgiveness.  It also shows how much city folks can come to appreciate the simplicity of simple living. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Dress ~ Reviewed

The Wedding Dress

By Rachel Hauck

Published by Thomas Nelson

ISBN 978-1-59554-963-1

Four brides. One dress.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can't she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old-girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress ad been "redeemed"?

Charlotte's search for the gown's history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

Review:

I love how Rachel Hauck weaves romance into a story much larger than just boy-meets-girl-then-loses-girl-then...well you get it. The Wedding Dress is filled with compelling characters that will capture your heart and hold it hostage until the end. This was one of those rare books I couldn't put down. Novel Rocket and I give it a very high recommendation. It's a "must read."

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, Sr. editor

Novel Rocket

Crystal Paine's The Money Saving Mom's Budget ~ Reviewed

The Money Saving Mom’s Budget

By Crystal Paine

Published by Gallery Books Jan 10, 2012

Sold by Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc.

226 Pages

Book Description: 

FROM ONE OF NIELSEN’S TOP 50 POWER MOMS COMES ADVICE YOU CAN TAKE TO THE BANK—LITERALLY ! Crystal Paine, who has helped busy women everywhere take control of their finances, presents her most effective strategies designed for families of all sizes and income levels.

With hundreds of inspiring “why didn’t I think of that?” TIPS, plus WORKSHEETS, Paine breaks down your goals into easy, manageable steps so you can:
• Achieve a complete financial makeover
• Set up a realistic budget
• Never pay retail
• Slash your grocery bill
• Organize your time & your home
And so much more……

ABOUT AUTHOR: Crystal Paine is a wife and homeschooling mom to three young children who has been writing on topics related to frugality for the last five years—and living a frugal, simple, and debt-free life since she was born. Her blog, MoneySavingMom.com, is one of the top personal finance blogs on the web averaging over four million page views per month. Crystal has contributed to articles in Woman's Day magazine and All You magazine, as well as being mentioned on National Public Radio and CNN.com, in USA Weekend, and Real Simple magazine and numerous other local newspapers and radio and television stations.

REVIEW: The review copy of this book I received was an audio book. I loved that I could listen to this book read by Crystal on my way to and from work every day. I also liked the fact that this is Crystal and her husbands’ personal journey, of a young couple setting goals, working together to accomplish their goals; one of which was to pay off their house and be mortgage free.

I liked how she makes the approach to money planning simple and practical. She is an inspiration. It’s not overwhelming. She states if right now you can only save $10.00 per month toward your goal and de-clutter your home great. Stick with that until you can do more. Her point is start where you can.

Crystal includes helpful worksheets you can download and print out as part of the audio book. She breaks down the seven principles for financial success; which are

1. Set Big Goals (Dream) and break them down into bite-sized pieces!
2. Streamline your life and cut the clutter
3. Set up a realistic, workable budget
4. Take the cash-only challenge
5. Use coupons
6. Never Pay retail
7. CHOOSE CONTENTMENT – (IMPORTANT ASPECT – I like how she puts this)

CRYSTAL SAYS Make a Gratitude List, Stop comparing yourself to others; Become a giver; choose to bloom where you’re planted

She also includes

5 Questions to ask yourself about Clutter.

3  Ways to turn clutter to Cash

5 ways being organized saves you money

10 tips for having a successful garage sale

10 ways to earn an extra $100 per month

And other helpful resources.

I highly recommend this audio book. I enjoyed hearing the author read her book and how she breaks down the steps to financial freedom into manageable achievable steps. I finished the book inspired!

Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

www.bookfun.org

Ann Gabhart's Words Spoken True ~ Reviewed

Words Spoken True: A Novel  

Ann Gabhart

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Original edition (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800720458

 

Description:

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?

Review:

I've always enjoyed Ann Gabhart's books but Words Spoken True tops them all.  With a unique and determined heroine, danger aplenty and sparks galore, Ann has written a delightful romance with the intriguing backdrop of the golden era of newspaper journalism.  Historically fascinating, Ann explores the heyday of newspapers and their significant influence on the political climate of the day, the intrigue and often cut throat nature of editors is brought to the fore.  Adriane and Blake offer lots of romantic tension as their competitive natures collide with their palpable attraction.  While the villain is easily recognizable, the story unfolds well and the pacing keeps interest from page to page.  Ann has ramped up the ante in this book and I look forward to reading more of her stories in this style.  Those who enjoy Deeanne Gist and Karen Witemeyer will find plenty to love in Words Spoken True.

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Vicki Hinze's Not This Time ~ Reviewed

Not This Time

By Vicki Hinze

Published by Multnomah

ISBN#978-1-60142-207-1

328 Pages

Back Cover: 

Small town scandal. International terrorist attack. Who among them is the traitor?
 

Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained. Beth is leery of Sara's husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect.

Then, their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn't know who to trust. Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past. She knows she shouldn't fall in love with him, but she can't resist or even explain their bond. As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?

Review: 

Vicki Hinze brings this Crossroads Crisis Center series to a powerful, compelling, suspenseful conclusion! I was thankful to have received a review copy of such a page turning novel.

This excerpt from the author’s notes gives you a glimpse into Vicki’s heart. It’s also the pulse of the story, “At some point in our lives, many, if not most of us, have been betrayed. We’ve also experienced torn loyalties. Situations were we must act, and no matter what we do, someone is hurt. And many if not most of us have been falsely accused of saying and doing things we did not do.

These are the challenges raised in Not This Time that had to be addressed as well as the physical challenges of danger and deception. When we try to live seeing the good in others, it’s often difficult for us to accept that there are those who just embrace the bad because they chose to embrace it. But those people do exist and in our denial of it is danger; not just physical, but emotional and most important, spiritual danger.”

So, true, Vicki. Not only do I love the action filled story with a complex plot and layered characters I love how she naturally wove in the spiritual thread, addressing all the elements in the note to reader and then some. This is the third book in the Crossroads Crisis Center – Vicki pulls out all the stops and brings you a story that grabs you from the start with a wild bizarre wedding reception with the endearing characters you’ve enjoyed in all the books to wild and crazy action that has characters running for their lives. This book will keep you on the edge of our seat as the mystery unravels. You’ll be staying up late because you just have to read how this all works out. I know I did.

That’s what I love about Vicki’s books; she makes me care about her characters and situations at the same time challenges me and my faith. Love her books and looking forward to the next series.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

Shelley Gray's A Texan's Honor ~ Reviewed

A Texan's Honor
Shelley Gray  
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 2012) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1426714637


Premise:

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now he's waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang.

But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if his cover is blown. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he's risking everything for will never love him back.

Review:

Well known for her Amish novels, Shelley Gray continues to impress me with her engaging Western romances novels, the most recent, A Texan's Honor, the second in her Heart of a Hero series. Beautifully told, with another appealing yet imperfect hero and a heroine who grows in strength and determination, A Texan's Honor is a terrific read for those who love their romance with some solid action and a little edge. Shelley's character development is excellent as she balances Will's dangerous and risk taking nature with his protective instincts and respect for Jamie. Their relationship slowly unfolds, as they battle attraction, duty and deeply held fears. Great pacing, solid dialogue and the appearance of the enigmatic and brutal Scout Proffitt, the estranged brother of Clayton Proffitt, add up to a compelling and intriguing read. Readers are in for a treat when they pick up this series and and I'm  really looking forward to Scout's story in Shelley's October release, A Texan's Promise!

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Robert Liparulo's The 13th Tribe ~ Reviewed

The 13th Tribe (An Immortal Files Novel)  

Robert Liparulo 

Paperback: 416 pages

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595541691

 Description:

Their story didn't start this year . . . or even this millennium.
It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment-endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they've been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since-by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he's hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The 13th Tribe, go HERE.
 

Review:

Supernatural suspense done well. Sigh. Robert Liparulo is a terrific author. His writing is concise but visual, and suspenseful without going over the top into gore just because he can. I’m not saying his stuff is tame…oh no, it is not tame. And it Is not without violence. There are some intense bloody battles within. At some points this suspense read hit horror levels -- Chickens you have been warned.  Liparulo’s characters are imperfect and ones I want to cheer on. Many of Liparulo’s novels have included children and he rachets the overall tension with them. There was one point in the 13th Tribe that I nearly lost it. Sensitive readers may want to take note of said tear-jerker scene so you’ve got tissue handy during your 2:00 a.m. can’t-put-the-dang-book-down read-athon. Liparulo also excels at setting up seemingly impossible to escape plotlines.

With The 13th Tribe Liparulo ramps up his storytelling with supernatural elements based on religious history. Fascinating archeological and historic details pop up regularly making this book a page-turner from page one. Every time I opened the book I ended up playing the “just one more chapter” game over and over again. If you love suspense with dusty, ancient details or supernatural good vs evil tales you might want to check into this one. If you like a great, heart-pounding story to escape into, this is definitely one of those. 


Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Bonnie Calhoun's Cooking the Books ~ Reviewed

Cooking the Books 
By Bonnie Calhoun 
Published by Abingdon Press 
ISBN#978-1-4267-3388-8 
312 Pages 

Back Cover: 

After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also "inherits" a half-batty store manager; a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week, but never read books, called the Granny Oakley’s Book Club; and Aunt Verlene, who fancies herself an Iron Chef when in reality you need a cast iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?” A lot! 

Sloane begins to receive cyber threats. While Sloane uses her computer forensic skills to uncover the source of the threats, it is discovered someone is out to kill her. Can her life get crazier? 

Read the first chapter here! 

Review: 

 “All I can say is that when you turn on the lights, the roaches run everywhere. Sugah, you’ve obviously done something to someone that is pushing all these buttons. You just need to figure out what, it is.” 

 I was thankful to receive a review copy of Bonnie Calhoun’s debut novel and reading that line makes me smile. It also gives you a peek into this author’s humor. 

Fifi, the assistant manger of the book store has all the answers, just figure out who’s pushing the buttons which is easier said than done. Sloan Templeton was still in the middle of breaking the family cycle of being a victim, learning how to make better choices in the men she dated and figuring out what she wanted to do with her life. She was walking that out day by day, recovering from an abusive relationship with a stalker x-boyfriend Trey, when suddenly she’s become the owner/manger of Beckham’s Brew and Books because three months ago her mother died of a heart attack. 

I enjoyed reading how Sloan walked our her new life in Christ in the middle of life threatening situations. Could she trust God to be there for her? No one’s helped her before. Was He listening? Things start getting crazy when a local real-estate agent starts pressuring her to sell the building her mom owned and where the book store was. 

Bonnie’s characters were endearing and a bit unique like Aunt Verlene who is a chef wannabe. Sloan’s Aunt fancied herself as an Iron Chef – Sloan knew a person needed a cast-iron stomach to eat her Aunt’s creations. She wasn’t sure about her Aunt’s ingredients either and didn’t even want to think about what she did with the case of cat food she helped Verlene bring into her house (she doesn’t own a cat). 

Sloan Templeton tells her Aunt to be careful who she tells about this rare cook book she’s found. But Aunt Verlene just can’t keep quite at the hair dressers. What is it about hair dressers? Are they part time therapists? Women find themselves telling them everything. Grin! Sloan says this to her Aunt about her hair, “that hairdo looks like it hurts, your hairs got your face pulled up so tight, I swear I saw your belt buckle move when you raised your eyebrows.” Verlene paid her no mind. She had more important things on her mind like selling that rare book. 

Fifi, the assistant book store manager, was giving Sloane a hard time about taking in strays and reminded her they weren’t like pets. But Fifi didn’t know what it was like to be abused, she did. If Sloan could give Barbara some coffee and a safe place for a few hours in the store then she would do it. 

Sloan Templeton inquires about Fifi’s book club, what they were reading and how they were managing without mom. Fifi says, “Sugah, Do you actually think that Granny Oakley’s are a book club?” she looked at her with a smile. “Are you saying that those oldsters are packing heat? And have no interest in books? 

Surprise, surprise! Bonnie Calhoun weaves a layered and fast-moving plot with stalkers, Doctors fighting over a rare books worth thousands, Sloane receiving death threats on her computer they can’t trace and all the while protecting herself and her Aunt Verlene, chef wannabe as they make plans to sell her antique cookbook. 

I enjoyed Bonnie’s humor interwoven into the drama and suspense. Sprinkled through out the story were a great bunch of quirky supporting characters flawed, misfits working together to fight the bad guys. They were a hoot to read about and I’ve given you a peek into this authors humor and at some of these fun characters in this review. 

I’m not sure where Bonnie will go from here but count me in on the ride. I loved this author’s balance of humor and drama. You will too! 

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent 
The Book Club Network

Bonus Review: 

Bonnie S. Calhoun is a master weaver of snarky humor and suspense. Cooking the Books is fast paced, laugh out loud funny with enough suspense to make you shiver. Sloane is an oxymoron: tough as nails on crime and injustice, yet her Aunt Verlene and Fifi, her nutty store manager, manipulate her. Novel Rocket and I give it a high recommendation. It's a must read. 

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, 
Sr. Editor Novel Rocket

Bonus Review: 

Sloane Templeton finds herself book-ended by problems. Her mother passed away leaving a bookstore, a grieving daughter, a cast of quirky characters, and a rare book behind. 

If that wasn't enough, Sloane also has a recent divorce under her belt and an ex-boyfriend who didn’t mind giving her a good belt when she needed it. Sloane is attempting to heal and figure out life. But circumstances keep her on her toes, and her emotions on eggshells. The new man in her life seems oh so perfect, too perfect? An offer exists for the bookstore property, and the sales force seems a little too eager to slide that sale through. Sloane’s Aunt Verdene holds the interest of the law enforcement and fire professionals in her neighborhood…and an occasional hoodlum. 

This novel has sass and lots of it. Quirky supporting characters show up in every chapter. Sloane grows from insecure to a new awareness of steps she needs to take to ease the chaos in her life. Verdene does not blow up a section of her block. Sloane discovers the true meaning of the word neighbor. And, the book ends on such a note that there better be a follow up or two. 

Readers who go for quippy, sassy Chick-lit style reads will want to check into sassy Sloane. Folks who like both heavy topics and humor in the same novel might find Calhoun’s handling of some serious issues cathartic. Mystery lovers who want t’s crossed and I’s dotted might feel frustrated with the open-endedness of the final few pages. Not for the clean-cut, feel-good inspirational fans, the subject matter got a little tense in a few spots. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Lisa Bergren's Bourne ~ Reviewed

Bourne (River of Time 3.1 Novella)  
[Kindle Edition] 
Lisa Bergren File Size: 480 KB 
Print Length: 116 pages 
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited 
Publisher: Bergren Creative Group, Inc.; 
1 edition (February 26, 2012) 
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services 
Language: English 
ASIN: B007E4RWSI 

Description: 

Battle weary and injured, Marcello returns to his beloved Gabriella as danger still knocks at the castello gates. Luca continues to woo Lia as she contemplates her future in the 14th century and Lord Rodolfo Greco faces inner demons that threaten to overtake him, mind and soul. Travel once again to the River of Time in this ebook novella. 

 Review: 

Honor. Sacrifice. Love. Make no mistake, words such as these are the lifeblood of Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series, and Bourne breathes life once again into the Bettarini sisters, their heroic Italian knights and the enigmatic Lord Rodolfo Greco. Bourne picks up where Torrent left off, as Marcello, Luca and Greco return from battle with physical wounds and emotional scars that are dangerously unseen. Written from both Gabi and Lia's perspectives, the girls continue to grapple with their 14th century home and the need to hide their true origins. Gabi realizes her new role at the castello brings unexpected responsibilities and sacrifice; Lia is forced to confront her feelings over the men in her life; Greco's reckless behavior exposes his unfathomable pain; and Luca is forced to face his fears. Bergren's writing is evocative and intense, brilliantly captivating with a timeless appeal to any lover of exceptional storytelling. Bourne is an impressive addition to the unmissable River of Time series ~ simply put, I loved it and desperately want some more! 

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Anna Schmidt's A Stranger's Gift ~ Reviewed

A Stranger's Gift (Women of Pinecraft) 

anna Schmidt

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616262346

Description

Hester Detlef, a field director for the Mennonite Disaster Service, is determined to restore a hurricane victim’s faith, as well as his property. Shunned, then done, Amish man John Hafner has no time for a Mennonite do-gooder. Will love and faith take root once the debris is cleared?

Review:

A Stranger’s Gift is about a young Mennonite woman named Hester Detlef who heads up an organization for disaster relief in Pinecraft, Florida.  She went against the Mennonite traditions and went to school to be a nurse.  After her mother died, she dedicated her life to helping others, forgetting about herself in the process.  She puts her whole self into the clean up effort after Hurricane Hester hits her community.  In the meantime, she meets John Steiner, a man shunned from his Amish faith.  In the beginning, they get on each others nerves, but throughout the course of the story, they find out they have more in common with each other than they thought.

This was a nice book.  It shows that you can’t shut God out and run away from your problems, and you can’t avoid dealing with life’s issues by submerging yourself in work.  I enjoyed watching as the love story unfolded, particularly for Hester, who figured she would be an old maid.

Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

 

Amy Wallace's Hiding in Plain Sight ~ Reviewed

Hiding in Plain Sight (Place of Refuge Series)

Amy Wallace

Format: Paperback

Number of Pages: 304

Vendor: Harvest House Publishers

Publication Date: 2012

Dimensions: 8.50 X 5.50 (inches)

ISBN: 0736947310

Description

In a quiet town with a thriving Mennonite community, police officer Ashley Walters finds her threadbare faith and way of life challenged by the Plain people whose simple dress and welcoming manner open her eyes to a God she left behind. Peace eludes Ashley until she realizes the answers she seeks aren't found in starting over but in returning to the simple truth that it's God who overcomes the world, not her.

Review:

Hiding in Plain Sight revolves around a young police officer named Ashley Walters. She moves to the small town of Montezuma, Georgia, hoping to escape her parents and the memory of her brother, Eric, who was murdered 10 years prior. Ashley blames herself and becomes a cop to make up for the justice she hasn’t been able to give her brother. In the meantime she befriends some folks in the Mennonite community. She is unable to understand their peace and faith in God, which she lost when her brother died. In the meantime, she meets a handsome counselor named Patrick James, and is scared by the deepening feelings she begins to have for him. Throughout the story, she is fighting for control of her life, but finds that she can’t seem to do it on her own.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I enjoyed seeing Ashley’s hard outer shell begin to soften throughout the story as the different people God brought into her life caused her to look at things differently. One thing that kept me in “suspense” was not only Ashley’s growing attracting to Patrick, but the feelings that seemed to spark when she was around Jonathan, a quiet Mennonite man. I had difficulty deciding which man to root for! The outcome was agreeable, though.

Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Tracie Peterson's Chasing the Sun ~ Reviewed

Chasing the Sun
By Tracie Peterson
Published by Bethany House
ISBN#978-0-7642-0615-3
347 Pages




Description: Hannah is desperate for help... William is determined to regain his family's land...


When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but also for the Texas ranch her father recently acquired. A marriage of convenience could ease her predicament... but is it the true desire of her heart?


Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.


Despite these circumstances, Hannah and William form an uneasy truce... and an undeniable attraction builds between them. In a land where loyalties are divided in a country ravaged by war, is there any hope that the first blush of love can survive?




Review:


I’m thankful for the review copy of the first book in Tracie Peterson’s series. Hannah’s father is missing and she’s left with the responsibility of her two younger siblings and the task of keeping a ranch on the Texas plains going.


Mr. Lockhart, her father’s partner was the one to deliver the news! He offers to marry Hannah so her siblings and her will be taken care of.


Hannah doesn’t feel right about that, but she’s determined to trust God for direction and His provision! She turns Mr. Lockhart down. William Barnett, a wounded soldier returns home to discover his family ranch has been seized! He’s also surprised a beautiful young woman with amazing strength and determination is running the ranch in her father’s absentness. He sees she needs help and he needs a place to stay. Maybe they could work something out. He offers to help on the ranch for a place to sleep in the bunkhouse!


Hannah feels she can trust William and she’s thankful for the help. She’s desperate to keep the ranch running; she didn’t want to consider a marriage of convenience just to pay her bills. She wanted to marry for love. Mr. Lockhart was as old as her father. No love growing there. Both Hannah and William agreed to work together until ownership of the ranch could be settled. Neither one would throw the other to the street now matter how it all worked out.


The ranch was near Comanche tribes. That’s another reason William is willing to help out on the ranch. He was fond of Hannah and her siblings and felt the need to protect them from the Comanche tribes and confederate solders.


I admired Hannah and how she applied God’s word to her life. She expected others to do the
same as she did. Treat them the God would. Hannah reminded me of a missionary, Elizabeth Elliott, and how she interacted with the tribe that killed her husband and others when they came to show God’s love to them. Elizabeth went on to complete the work her husband and friends started. So she went in to live with the tribe and brought her small daughter with her. She learned their language and shared Jesus with them. The Tribes people and Elliott’s lives were never the same.


Hannah does the same thing when asked. She is summoned to go into a Comanche tribe to help with the sick. She goes out of her comfort zone (leaving her siblings behind in the care of friends) to show the love of Jesus to this tribe.


Juanita Hannah’s friends says to her, “…we all were so afraid. Why you go out there?”


Hannah said, “I felt God telling me to go. I was only trying to be obedient to God. The Bible says in Romans eight, “If God be for us, who can be against us? I believe that God surrounded me with angels of protection.


…I believe our business is to know Him better, and that the right thing can only be determined by studying His word.”


Hannah is feisty and loyal to her family lays into Mr. Lockhart who won’t stop pressuring her to marry him.


“Good, Hannah thought. Its better that he realizes here and now that I’m a woman of determination. I won’t be ordered about anymore. From now on, the children are my only concern.”


I loved Tracie’s humor too. Marty, Hannah’s little sister tells her, “He’s losin’ all his hair, Hannah. You can’t marry a man who doesn’t have any hair.”


Hannah smiles and says, “Marty, it doesn’t matter as much what a fella looks like, but rather what’s in their heart- if they love Jesus and if they are trustworthy.”


I loved the spiritual thread naturally woven in this story and I enjoyed the characters. It gets suspenseful at the end when Mr. Lockhart turns into a stalker and won’t take no for an answer from Hannah. He’s also good at stirring up trouble with the Comanche. I liked how Tracie showed all sides of the Comanche issues.


This was the first historical I’ve read by Tracie Peterson. Her love of history spills out into the pages and her characters keep the reader engaged and staying up late to see how it all turns out.


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network CEO

Tamara Leigh's Dreamspell ~ Reviewed

Dreamspell [Kindle Edition]
Tamara Leigh
File Size: 535 KB
Publisher: Tamara Leigh; 1 edition (March 18, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B007MDF8OG




Description:


A time to live. A time to die. A time to dream.


Sleep disorders specialist Kennedy Plain has been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. When her research subject dies after trying to convince her he has achieved dream-induced time travel and her study is shelved, she enlists herself as a subject to complete her research. But when she dreams herself into 14th-century England and falls into the hands of Fulke Wynland, a man history has condemned as a murderer, she must not only stay alive long enough to find a way to return to her own time, but prevent Fulke from murdering his young nephews. And yet, the more time she spends with the medieval warrior, the more difficult it is to believe he is capable of committing the heinous crime for which he has been reviled for 600 years.


Baron Fulke Wynland has been granted guardianship of his brother’s heirs despite suspicions that he seeks to steal their inheritance. When the king sends a mysterious woman to care for the boys, Fulke is surprised by the lady's hostility toward him--and more surprised to learn she is to be his wife. But when his nephews are abducted, the two must overcome their mutual dislike to discover the boys' fate. What Fulke never expects is to feel for this woman whose peculiar speech, behavior, and talk of dream travel could see her burned as a witch.


Review :


Adored for her contemporary chick lit flavored inspirational fiction, Tamara Leigh proves she is equally at home in the 14th century with her self published time travel romance, Dreamspell. Tamara commenced her writing career penning medieval romance novels for the general market and her talent for historical romance is on display in this substantial and engaging story. Fulke captures the imagination from the get go as he faces the hangman's noose for a heinous crime, a medieval warrior with a captive heart. Kennedy is an intriguing woman, facing death of another kind, daring to dream of a life beyond her consciousness. While cheating death in one world by traveling to another, Kennedy faces danger of an equally unrelenting nature as rumors she is a witch take flight. Dreamspell is a novel of deep passion while remaining a clean read but unlike Tamara's contemporary novels, you will not find an overtly spiritual message. Tamara's considerable gifts for character development, historical detail and palpable attraction with garner her devoted readers in this genre. Fulke and Kennedy engaged me completely as they battled fear, attraction, betrayal and heartache and their journey will appeal to fans of Lisa Bergren's River of Time series and Linda Windsor's medieval romances. Like Siri Mitchell, Tamara shows she can make the transition from romantic comedies to historical romance with ease and I am confidant Dreamspell will be the first of many successful historical novels from this gifted writer.


Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Conroy, Putnam, DeVine and Sowell's Cherry Blossom Capers ~ Reviewed

Cherry Blossom Capers
By Gina Conroy, Cara C. Putman, Frances Devine and Lynette Sowell.
Published by Barbour Publishers
ISBN#978-1-81626-646-2
347 Pages




Back Cover:


Encounter mystery, mayhem, and murder near Washington, DC, alongside four professional females. White House assistant chef Tara Whitley works with an old flame, FBI agent Jack Courtland, to stop a plot to sabotage a state-dinner. Attorney Ciara Turner and her nemesis Daniel Evans have trials tracking down a judge’s murderer. Archeologist intern Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter are on the heels of a dangerous forger. Shop owner Susan Holland and renovator Vince Martini turn upside down her late uncle’s mansion while investigating a string of mysterious accidents. Will these sleuthing couples’ machinations move them into matrimony?


Review:


The names of the four stories in this collection are State Secrets by Lynette Sowell, Dying for Love by Cara C. Putman, Buried Deception by gina Conroy and Coffee, Tea and Danger by Francis Devine.


The novels are connected by the lives of four friends, that have a few things in common. They live in Cherry Blossom Estates townhomes in Washington, D.C., each as a very different occupation Ciara is an attorney, Tara is the Whitehouse chief of staff, Samantha is a widow, Susan owns a coffee shop. Each of these ladies is a Christian living out their faith the best they can on their jobs and everywhere else.


The books feature one of the four girls mentioned. The girls find themselves in a dangerous situation and fights romance as they try to solve this mystery. The authors did a good job at keeping the stories consistent and smooth as the reader read about the girls’ lives and how they progressed through the action and adventure.


This book is part of the romancing America series and fun to read. I’m thankful for the review copy. This book is a light hearted, fun cozy mysteries stories I enjoyed and had a good feeling when I read the last page. You will too!


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network CEO

Nancy Herriman's The Irish Healer ~ Reviewed.

The Irish Healer
Nancy Herriman
Paperback: 307 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing (April 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936034786


Description:


During the deadly 1832 cholera epidemic in London, a heartsick Irish healer must find the strength to overcome her most fearsome obstacles.


Accused of murdering a child under her care, Irish healer Rachel Dunne flees the ensuing scandal while vowing to never sit at another sickbed. She no longer trusts in her abilities-or God's mercy. When a cholera epidemic sweeps through London, she feels compelled to nurse the dying daughter of the enigmatic physician she has come to love. James Edmunds, wearied by the deaths of too many patients, has his own doubts about God's grace. Can they face their darkest fears? Or is it too late to learn that trust and love just might heal their hearts?


Review:




After reading The Irish Healer, Nancy Herriman's debut novel, it came as no surprise that she has finaled in numerous awards for her non-published works and took home the 2006 RWA Daphne du Maurier award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense. In The Irish Healer, Nancy's beautiful prose paints descriptive word pictures of London, her inhabitants and the intriguing Dr Edmunds and secretive Rachel. Infused with threads of mystery, a gently developed romance and struggles with self worth and calling, this story captivates and delights. In the vein of Siri Mitchell and Julie Klassen, spiritual themes are sensitively woven throughout as each of the characters come to terms with the tragedy of their past lives and open themselves to a future filled with hope and forgiveness. The Irish Healer holds plenty of promise of an enduring career for the talented Nancy Herriman.


Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Bonus Review

The Irish Healer is about a young woman named Rachel Dunne, who is known as a healer in her native country of Ireland.  When a young child dies in her care, she is tried for murder.  Though she is found innocent, she ends up having to leave her home because the village is shunning her.  She vows to never practice medicine again, but ends up taking a job with James Edmunds, a young doctor who is depressed for many of the same reasons as Rachel is…the fact that he can’t save everyone.  She originally comes to assist him in organizing his practice before he sells it and moves to the country, but through circumstances beyond her control, she ends up being his assistant.  Of course, as you can imagine, they are also finding a growing attraction for each other.

I found this book a bit slow going at first, but after a while, it got more and more interesting.  I found it interesting that both characters were gifted in the area of medicine and caring for the others, but because of bad experiences, they thought that it was no longer what they were supposed to do.  But circumstances kept showing that what they wanted and what God wanted were two different things.  I enjoyed watching their walls and pride fall down as they realized that healing was truly in the Lord’s hands and not theirs and they weren’t to be blamed if they couldn’t save someone. 
 
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Bonus Review:

This is the first time I listened to an audio book and the first time I've heard of Nancy Herriman. Score on both accounts! Loved the audio and the author!

The Irish Healer brings you back to 1830's England, during the time of a Cholera outbreak. Dickenesque in style, author Nancy Herriman captured the feel of a crowded, dirty London, leastwise in the poorest section of St. Giles. 

At times I wished the heroine and hero weren't so snippy to each other, but as all good romances should, they ended up together. My favorite character, however, was the cook, Mrs. Mainprice (not sure on the spelling since I only heard it voiced and didn't read it myself). She's a no-nonsense, wise and compassionate woman who I liked to fancy as their fairy Godmother.

Overall, this is a fantastic read and I will definitely look for more of Nancy Herriman's upcoming releases.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep

Francis Chan's Ronnie Wilson's Gift ~ Reviewed

Ronnie Wilson’s Gift
By Francis Chan
Published by David C Cook
ISBN #: 978-0-7814-0477-8
19 pages




Book Blurb: A little boy’s attempts to give Jesus a gift teaches him the truth that what he does for others, he does for Jesus.


When Ronnie Wilson learns of Jesus’ sacrifice, he wants to give Jesus a gift in return. But how can he get it to heaven? With each attempt he performs a simple act of service for someone in need, and eventually learns that what is done for the least in God’s kingdom is done for Jesus himself.


In the delightfully illustrated book Ronnie Wilson’s Gift, bestselling author and prolific speaker Francis Chan continues the series of children’s parables he began with Halfway Herbert and The Big Red Tractor.


Review:


It was thankful to receive a review copy of Francis Chan’s newest children’s picture book. Jim Madsen beautifully illustrates the message this author has for the reader based on Matthew 25:40.


The story begins with Ronnie Wilson relaizing for the first time why Jesus came to Earth. He says to his teacher “Jesus gave me an awesome gift, so I want to give him a present too!”


The whole book Ronnie searches for the perfect gift! In the end, Ronnie understand the meaning of Matthew 25:40. “And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I say this to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me.’ “


Francis Chan has given parents a great tool to use in opening up dialogue with our kids about gifts and giving. It’s also beautifully illustrated. The message of this story will help, as Francis says, ‘Help us teach our kids the invaluable lesson of giving generously, God would give you the faith to live it but then our kids will see just how blessed we are when we give”


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network CEO

Travis Thrasher's Temptation ~ Reviewed

Temptation: A Novel
Solitary Tales Book 3
By Travis Thrasher
April 2012
David C. Cook
9781434764171




Review by Michelle Griep


As a reluctant student at Harrington High’s summer school, Chris meets a fun-loving senior girl who offers a welcome diversion from Chris’s past. Soon Chris no longer searches for the truth about the town of Solitary. He no longer tries to pierce its shadows. He no longer questions his role in its mysteries. He makes a new choice: he runs. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s running the wrong way—and is very close to being beyond any choices at all.


Move over Stephen King. Travis Thrasher is da man! If creepalicious is your thing, then Temptation is the book to you. In my opinion, it’s the creepiest of the series thus far.


I confess there were times I wanted to slap hero Chris upside the head. In this installment, he makes some pretty stupid choices, even though he knows he’s making them. Dare I admit that I resorted to calling him an idiot during one scene? Yeah. It earned me a few strange looks as I read on the treadmill at the gym.


But that sure didn’t stop me from loving this book. As if the plot weren’t gnarly enough, a few new twists and turns are introduced—one I totally didn’t see coming—which is exactly what attracts me to a story in the first place.


As eerie as Temptation is, the tale ends with an incredibly hopeful tone. Though there’s definitely some big conflict coming down the pike, without giving anything away, for once I think Chris will be okay.


If you haven’t read books I and II in this series, grab them off the shelf first. Then go ahead and settle yourself into a comfy chair with a beverage of your choice at your side.


And make sure the lights are on.