Angela Hunt's The Offering ~ Reviewed

THE OFFERING

By Angela Hunt

Published By

ISBN#978-1-4391-8205-5

300 Pages

Back Cover: One innocent mistake… a lifetime of consequences.

After growing up as an only child, Amanda Lisandra wants a big family. But since she and her soldier husband can’t afford to have more children right away, Mandy decides to earn money as a gestational carrier for a childless couple. She loves being pregnant, and while carrying the child she dreams of having her own son and maybe another daughter…

Just when the nearly perfect pregnancy is about to conclude, unexpected tragedy enters Mandy’s world and leaves her reeling. Devastated by grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the baby she bore and wonders if the unthinkable has happened—could she have inadvertently given away her own biological child? Over the next few months Mandy struggles to decide between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what’s best for the little boy she has never known.

Review:  Angela Hunt hits it out of the park with The Offering. Once again this author describes an amazing scientific accomplishment and how it affects us individually and spiritually. I always learn so much when Angela shows me how these amazing things play out in real life with real people! This novel explores the topic of being a gestational carrier! I’m so thankful for the review copy of such an eye opening, informative book.

Angela Hunt says in an author interview at the back of the book, “I believe God created every life for a purpose – so we should behave responsibly toward unborn children even if they are only at the blastocyst stage.”

Amanda Lisandra begins her research about becoming a surrogate. She informs her husband, Gideon, “It’s legal, but not everyone approves surrogacy…Here’s how it works hon, “The baby will be the couple’s biological child, but they’ll pay me to carry it until it’s born. For my part in the arrangement, I’m pretty sure I could earn as much as you do in a year…everything I need will be supplied by the other couple.”

Gideon says, “A man wants his wife to carry his own baby.”

Amanda responds, “In a perfect world, sure…but not everyone woman can carry babies while people like me carry them easily. Look at it this way – I want to contribute to our family’s dream and you risk your life for us every time you go out the front door.”

“Ok baby girl! If you want to be generous, why should I stop you?”

Then their off on this incredible journey! This author gives the reader a front row seat as Amanda plunges into being a gestational carrier nook line and sinker! Amanda comes up against things she didn’t realize would be part of the experience! She thought being a surrogate was simply her trying to help her family out financially at the same time she could make another couples dream come true of having a child of their own. Not so easy! Things were getting complicated!

Angela helps the reader look at this matter from several angles and lets you decide how to feel. All too soon Amanda realized it takes “a village to conceive a child.” Who knew? I really appreciated how the spiritual thread was masterfully woven throughout this astounding novel. The author makes the reader think by asking questions throughout this story, like could God work through a Surrogate? What is a couple’s obligation to eggs that are harvested? What is best for the child?

At the same time Amanda starts her surrogate journey her cousin Amelia and husband Mario start the process of adopting a child. They’ve tried to have a baby for years. Time was ticking! They plug into becoming adoptive parents and see a whole new side of life. It’s heart warming and complicated. Amanda was running into a few compilations of her own, she soon discovered that relationships’ of all kind were complicated.

Angela immediately connected with and had for compassion for her characters and their unreal situations. I was glued to this book from the start to finish. Warning you’ll be up late finishing this one. My heart raced and I got teary eyed at the end. I wasn’t sure how this author would end these two couples journey. The ending was satisfying and made me think about so much. When science and man-kind try to play god things get complicated! I highly recommend this for your book club pick and your summer ready list! There is oh so much to talk about! Wow!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Joni and Ken Tada - Untold Story ~ Reviewed

JONI and KEN TADA: Untold Story

By Ken Tada, Joni Earkson Tada and Larry Libby

Published By: Zondervan

ISBN# 978-0310336730  

192 Pages

Shop Online 24x7!

Back Cover: This is the true love story of Joni and her husband of 30 years, Ken Tada. A love story showing what it truly means for a man and a woman to live in love ... in sickness and in health. 

Even the honeymoon wasn't easy. Did Ken realize what he was getting into when he proposed to Joni, a quadriplegic woman? As their marriage years moved on, Ken became increasingly overwhelmed by the never-ceasing demands of caring for Joni, who begins to experience chronic, extreme, nightmarish pain. Ken sinks into depression, and the couple finds themselves on parallel tracks in life, married and living under the same roof but drifting apart emotionally.

But as they fight for their marriage and find their way through the mazes of depression and pain, they wrap their two lives around their rock---Jesus.

During Ken's denial of Joni's diagnosis, and Joni's thoughts of how wonderful a quick exit to heaven would be, they experience a personal visitation with the savior you will never forget.

Review: Joni and Ken Tada have been a couple that have inspired me for years. I was first introduced to Joni Earkenson in the movie she made of her diving accident where she broke her neck as a teen. She reenacted her part in the movie; where her life fell apart and in the recovery she found Jesus. He gave her so many talents from painting with her teeth, to singing, speaking and writing books. She encouraged me and many others in her radio show Joni and Friends. Her passion for what the Lord called her to do show on her face, in her voice and everything she did.

I watched a video clip of Joni and Ken where they discussed this book. Joni says she hopes by sharing their story and how God moved in their lives even through cancer that a couple would say hey if they can make it with all they have going on maybe my problems aren’t so bad. If God will be with them and move in an unexpected way He’ll do the same for them. They’ll have hope and courage to face anything with God.

“This is God’s universal purpose for all Christians suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world.” Statement by John Piper

I know that this couple and their testimony encouraged me as I began reading this while in the ICU unit with my youngest son as he battled to recover from a double ear infection, the flu and pneumonia. As with Joni this was not our first time to the hospital. This child came out early and had a few more obstacles to overcome than most just like Joni.

Tears ran down my face as I read how Joni and Ken met and how Joni went to the Doctors was told she had breast cancer. I read this by Joni, “Cancer hadn’t felt like a gift in the beginning…no, not at all.” (wait a minute did I just read the word gift? I double checked – yes!) She goes on to tell how they reacted to the news and how they came up with a plan of treatment. They were both surprised at their initial reactions to the news.

Joni continued, “In just a blink or two, you’re swept along in another direction, toward another destination. Some-where you couldn’t have foreseen. Somewhere you never intended to go… That’s what this day was like…the freeway had divided, and Joni was being whisked away in a new direction fast. Toward what? …Where?.....Her life would change forever getting worse or better, nothing would be the same after this…what next? We live in a society that runs away from tough stuff, divorces loved ones that are sick or puts them away in a home, it’s hard to face the tough stuff day in and day out.

Ken thought, “They had been married 28 years, traveled together on six continents. But this was uncharted territory; off the edge of any map they had ever seen! God saw the whole map of their lives, right to the very edges and beyond. He could handle any dragons. Even ones with a name like cancer, later Joni would said, “Cancer, she told her self, not without a note of wonder, was a gift!”

After the shared about how they heard the news, their first reactions and deciding on the treatment plan; the book flashes back to how they first met. How they thought about marriage, ministry and in the mix they both shared their testimonies! It was neat to learn how God worked separately in their lives and then brought these two people together.

Ken Tada stepped up to be the warrior God made him to be as they faced cancer. Joni allowed her husband to love her and be there for her in a new way. This couple shared their spiritual journey in a very personal, inspirational, and transparent way, revealing their highs and lows in the battle. Through the trials of chemo and surgery God’s love blossomed in them and between them. What the enemy meant to take them out God meant it for there good and something a little more! That was the blessing!

Was it easy? No. Was it painful and scary? Yes. Was it worth pressing into God and each other to make it thru? Yes. I highly recommend this story for everyone! It will give you a new outlook on life, relationships and love. A must read.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book fun Begins!

Robert Liparulo's The Judgment Stone ~ Reviewed

The Judgment Stone
Robert Liparulo
Release Date   Apr 1, 2013
Publisher   Thomas Nelson
ISBN  1595541721  

What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?

Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with the Tribe--the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God's grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals called the Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power--a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.
Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.

By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.

Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won't stop until they've annihilated all those close to Him?

In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.


Review:


If I see a book with Robert Liparulo's name on it, it ends up in my to read pile. His writing is tense, descriptive (chickens take note, this is not always a pleasant thing) and hopeful. Liparulo crafts characters that are flawed and real and pull at your heartstrings and have kept me up past bedtime a night or two.

And his stories. Whew. Always full of what if's and enough truth to keep me thinking and enough speculation and twists to make me wonder what kind of pizza he eats before bed. This particular book is number two in the series. If you haven't read The Thirteenth Tribe, you may want to whip through it first, however, you won't be lost if you don't. The story centers around Immortals and an epic battle of good vs evil. And The Judgment Stone provides some seriously epic battles. And a story line that is haunting.

The Judgment Stone is an excellent choice for a beach read, plane trip or just because. I was home alone a couple nights and I couldn't open it after dark, so chickens and sensitive readers, you have been warned. Keep em coming, Robert, puleeze.


Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Amanda Flower's A Plain Scandal ~ Reviewed

A Plain Scandal, Appleseed Creek Mystery Series #2

By Amanda Flower

Release Date   Dec 1, 2012
Publisher   Broadman And Holman
ISBN  1433676982 

Description

The people of Appleseed Creek in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country are under attack. Soon after the dust has settled on a buggy accident that turned out to be murder, an unknown assailant begins cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men.

New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.

In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else's.

Review:

A Plain Death is a follow up to the book A Plain Death.  In this book, we continue to follow Chloe Humphrey, a computer specialist at a local community college who has befriended an Amish family, and has taken in young Becky, who has left the Amish Faith.  Chloe becomes involved in solving hate crimes that appear to be targeting the Amish community.  First, several young Amish girls are attacked only to have their hair cut off.  Then, Chloe stumbles up an Amish man who was murdered.  Despite opposing opposition, Chloe is determined to find out who is responsible and bring them to justice. 
                
I really enjoyed this book.  It was nice to revisit all of the characters and to see how they were coming along.  I really enjoyed seeing the love story between Chloe and Thomas, Becky’s older brother, grow.  I do hope there is another follow up to this story.  I’d love to see what happens next!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Leslie Gould's Courting Cate ~ Reviewed

Courting Cate
By Leslie Gould
Published by Bethany Publishers
ISBN#978-0-7642-1031-0
344 Pages

Back Cover:

When Amish farmer Pete Treger moves to Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life, he meets sisters Cate and Betsy Miller. Both are beautiful, but older sister Cate is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet and flirty--and seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

However, the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard and fast rule: elder sister must marry first, before the younger can even start courting. Unfortunately for poor Betsy, and for the men who want to court her, her older sister, Cate, doesn't have any suitors--until Pete comes to town, that is.

Though he finds both sisters attractive, something about Cate's feisty demeanor appeals to him. Soon the other bachelors in the district convince Pete to court Cate. She hardly seems receptive to his overtures, though. Instead, she's immediately suspicious of his interest

Review: I’m thankful for the review copy of this book that introduced me to Cate a business Amish woman. Cate is quite content with her life; she was employed by her father as his book keeper for the family business.  She also helped raise her baby sister Betsy after her mom died. Life was good until her father made this announcement, “I’m implementing a new policy, beginning tonight. Betsy doesn’t go to the sing along if Cate doesn’t go…Betsy doesn’t court unless Cate courts…and Betsy doesn’t marry unless Cate marries first! Understand?... that’s the final word. Dat said. “I’ll not budge an inch.”

With this decree life took on a new dimension. Cate had already checked out the boys in their ward district. None of them were interested in her they wanted Betsy. She was ok, with being single. Why did her dad have to make both of their lives miserable?

Cate escapes into what she loves, books! She checks out books from the book mobile. It was Cates favorite place on earth. This is what she thinks of books, “I loved the endless possibilities of the stories. I loved the places they took me. And I loved being with Nan (the bus driver). There was something so accepting so kind and hopeful about her, that for a few minutes I’d forget how disappointing I was to others in my life! Couldn’t her Dat be as encouraging as her friend Nan?”

Cate explains to Nan her situation, “there are two given roles for an Amish woman: being a wife and mother. But there were a few single women who supported themselves. I could too. There was no reason for me to marry a forty-five-year old widow with lots of kids to have a fulfilling life. Sure, I’ve been responsible for Betsy her entire life, but I was not going to marry for her sake. She’d have to figure out this one on her own.”

I enjoyed Cate’s spunk as she maneuvers life to go along with her fathers wishes at the same time staying true to herself. I liked this novel because it doesn’t take place all inside the one district. I also liked that it wasn’t your typical Amish story. Cate is a fighter and is very loyal to God and her family. It was fun to read.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Leslie Gould it won’t be the last! This novel is plain fun and will bring a smile to your face and make you say, Oh, My! As Leslie takes readers on a ride or two they didn’t expect to go on! I liked that too!! This is the first book in the Courting series! Jump aboard! You’ll like the ride!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Denise Hildreth Jones's Secrets Over Sweet Tea ~ Reviewed

Secrets Over Sweet Tea

By Denise Hildreth Jones

Published by Tyndall

ISBN#978-1414366845

416 Pages

Back Cover: 

Secrets can be funny things. We think they keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd and Zach Craig are about to learn the hard way. As the lives of this boisterous pastor’s wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.

Review: 

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that answers the question, “What does it mean when someone says; God has healed me from the inside out? How can I let God touch the hurts in my heart and be healed?”

Denise says, “You can only live with your heart shut down for so long. Eventually you will fight for your healing or you will die… Some even find God when their lives fall apart!....Sometimes a person has to die in order to really live. ..Hungry for something real?.. (tired of just going through the motions of life and feeling numb inside?) Want to feel alive? Seek whatever helps you rediscover that carefree childlike heart I know is in there somewhere – that is what you should be doing to Feel Alive!”

This is a journey Denise’s characters having gone on and some have just started down this path. I enjoyed this cast so much they are fun, bold and each have been knocked around by life. Each has a different result.

Scarlett Jo is a Pastor’s wife that’s fun and doesn’t care what people think about her. Denise writes, “Scarlett Jo hadn’t simply survived her life. She had learned how to live inspire of it- and not to worry too much about the perceptions of others.”

Scarlett Jo is fun loving, free spirit and an inspirational person! I loved her voice and her outlook on life she says, “Oh, child do you not know about couponing?...I’m feeding a pack of wolves at my house. If I didn’t know how to coupon, my children would have had to eat me by now. But if you ever want to learn how to do it, you just let me know. It is crazy girl! I can go to a store and leave and they’ve paid me money.”

The characters in this novel welcome you in as family. They’re situations will tug at your heart. What I love about Denise’s books are you’ll be having a good time then all of a sudden she cleverly interweaves spiritual truths that pierce your heart, make you stop and think. Denise will help you “See lies we believe.” You’ll laugh out loud and get teary eyed in parts. A winning combination.

I really liked Scarlett Jo’s husband too he says, “I watch people. I take in people. And to be honest, I learn a great deal about them by what they don’t say.”

I highly recommend this novel and the non-fiction companion book called Reclaiming your Heart! It’s a win win combination. A book you’ll want to put on your summer reading list. Did I mention I just love the cover of this book too! It’s a keeper!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Beth Wiseman's The House That Love Built ~ Reviewed

The House That Love Built

By Beth Wiseman

Release Date   Dec 1, 2012
Publisher   Thomas Nelson
ISBN  1595548890   

Description

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen's rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she's intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She's always heard that house holds a secret--maybe even a treasure--and she can't wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can't deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband's memory by even thinking that way?
Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She'd always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he's going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen's heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?

Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town's teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat--and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

Review:

The House That Love Built takes place in the small town of Smithville, Texas.  While Brooke Holloway is working hard at being a single mom of two and running a business after her husband died tragically three years previously, Owen Saunders finds himself buying the old Hadley mansion in town to spite his ex-wife, who left him for his business partner.  Both are still grieving for their previous loves, and trying to figure out how they fit into each other’s lives.  In the meantime, Brooke is struggling with her mother’s decision to go back to her father, who left them twenty years previously for another woman.







This was a wonderful book.  It had love, sadness, happiness, laughter, grief, all rolled into one book!  I loved watching the love blossom between Brooke and Owen.  They were each so hesitant to let go of their first spouses, and afraid to trust someone new, both for different reasons.  The side stories in the book were great, too.  I loved how the story developed and came to a close.


Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers 

Creston Mapes ~ Fear Has a Name ~ Reviewed

Fear Has a Name

By Creston Mapes

Published by David C. Cook

ISBN# 978-0781408165

400 Pages

Book Cover:  

How Far Would He Go To Keep Them Safe?

It was more than a break-in. More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stalker targets his family, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are—if he is to protect the ones he loves. It will lead Crittendon into a world of behind-closed-door secrets and faith gone awry, as does his investigation of a missing pastor, whose apparent suicide is more than it appears. Each move Crittendon makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, sin, and danger. He believed he’d never give in to fear. But that was before. And holding on to his faith won’t be easy. Nor will keeping his family safe, and ending the terror. Because that might require him to step over lines he never dared to cross.

 Review: 

Creston Mapes is back. I received a review copy of his new book that grabbed my attention from the first page. I was spell bound as an intruder smashes into a home with people inside. A mother and small children run for their lives. Creston got the readers full senses going as they wondered the fate of this family.

Home invasions are in the news more and more. Why would anyone do this? Jack Crittendon is a reporter investigating a missing Pastor in Ohio, when he gets the call from his neighbor Tommy Sweeney that informs him of a home invasion, his own. Tommy assures him his family is safe at his house but he better hurry home.

As Jack investigates his own home for clues to this senseless crime, he discovers this isn’t a random act, it’s personal. In his line of work there are bound to be people that hate him, which one was this? As he shares his findings with his wife a look of dread covers her face. He knew who her attacker was, but why after all these years would he seek her out? Didn’t he realize she was married with children now?

If you enjoy novels full of suspense that bring out the dark side and keep you at the edge of your seat biting your nails like those of Brandilyn Collins, Ted Dekker and Mike Delloso, you’ll enjoy Creston Mapes newest thriller!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Randy Singer's Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales ~ Reviewed

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales
By: Randy Singer
Tyndale House 
2013 
Paperback
ISBN: 1414375581

Description

Landon Reed is an ex-quarterback convicted of organizing a points-shaving scheme. During his time in prison, he found forgiveness and faith and earned his law degree. Now he longs for an opportunity to prove his loyalty and worth.
Harry McNaughton is one of the founding partners of McNaughton & Clay-and the only lawyer willing to take a chance employing an ex-con-turned-lawyer. Though Landon initially questions Harry's ethics and methods, it's clear the crusty old lawyer has one of the most brilliant legal minds Landon has ever encountered. The two dive into preparing a defense for one of the highest-profile murder trials Virginia Beach has seen in decades when Harry is gunned down in what appears to be a random mugging. Then two more lawyers are killed when the firm's private jet crashes. Authorities suspect someone has a vendetta against McNaughton & Clay, leaving Landon and the remaining partner as the final targets.

Review:
I'm a sucker for legal fiction. So Randy Singer's newest was pretty high on my list. The basic premise of Dead Lawyers Don't Tell Tales is pretty convoluted which makes the story that much more fascinating.

Landon Reed is a shamed and just fresh from incarceration former quarterback turned lawyer. He immediately begins to make amends and tries to get his life on the right track. A crusty, seasoned lawyer takes Landon under his wing and things get really interesting after Landon's mentor is killed. In the meantime Landon's wife is getting insider information from a secret source that seems to have access to any secret.

The storyline contains plenty of legal  and relationship drama, seedy characters, some bad ideas and a handful of murders. A crackling plot line whips along at a nice twisty pace and the characters certainly have the reader pulling for the good guys. Imperfect heroes and slightly sympathetic bad guys added a nice layer of depth. A twist at the end caught me by surprise, too.

A great vacation read.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Miralee Ferrell's Blowing on Dandelions ~ Reviewed

Blowing on Dandelions, Love Blossoms in Oregon Series #1
By: Miralee Ferrell 
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 384
Vendor: David C. Cook
ISBN: 0781408083

Description:

Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?

 

 

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn’t last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.

 

 

Review: 

 

  Blowing on Dandelions is about Katherine Galloway, a young widow who is struggling to raise her two daughters while attempting to run a boarding house alone.  On top of everything, her mother, who has never said a kind word to her, comes to live with her and tries to run her boarding house and her life!  In the meantime, when newcomer Micah Jacobs comes in to town, she is face with the prospect of falling in love again, which she never thought would happen.                   
This is the type of historical romance I love reading.  I loved Katherine’s character especially.  Her mother was quite mean to her throughout the story, though she thought she was being helpful.  Yet Katherine did her best to show love and respect to her, even though she didn’t feel she deserved it.  It’s something I would have had a difficult time doing, but as you read the story, you come to love Katherine more for it.  This was a wonderful book!  It won’t disappoint you!
 
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers
 

 

Kathis Macias's The Moses Quilt ~ Reviewed

The Moses Quilt
By Kathi Macias
Published by New Hope Publishers
ISBN# 978-1596693586
240 Pages

Back Cover: The Moses Quilt is a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides. With a realistic and compassionate look into a twenty-first-century dilemma, multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias introduces readers to a confused and apprehensive young woman, Mazie Hartford. Facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future, she must also wrestle with a nagging question about her family's past. She finds the answer to her questions in a most unexpected way—her great-grandmother's Moses quilt. As her great-grandmother begins to explain how each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie must decide if she has the courage and freedom to overcome her own personal fears and prejudices.

REVIEW: Kathi Macias introduces readers to Harriet Tubman in this compelling read about an amazing young woman, who sacrificed so much to help others achieve freedom. Freedom she had and wanted others to experience.

This novel starts out in current time as a grandmother tells her grandchildren about Harriet, a hero of our faith.

Can one person make a difference? The author answers that question in this novel as she shows how Harriet Tubman’s faith and courage in the way she walked down the path she said God put her on. Harriet’s complete reliance on a faithful God, helped her face death threats head on and be assured her every need would be met.

Edward and Mazie learn about Miss Tubman through the story blocks of the Moses Quilt. Mazie’s grand mother had the quilt made so she could talk about Harriet’s life with others. The quilt also reminded her, “God is greater than any obstacle, any of them could ever face, and if they lived their lives as Harriet Tubman did – believing that God would indeed do exactly as he said – than anything was possible.”

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that introduced me to Harriet Tubman, a courageous woman, a hero of our faith and someone that paved the way for all people to be free to be what God has made them to be.

Harriet lived what she believed; she had no fear of death and did not hesitate to get in the middle of unimaginable situations to offer her assistance. She was brave as she gave love to others at a great personal sacrifice.  Reading about her made me thankful of what others endured so I could enjoy the freedoms I have today. I highly recommend this book not only for a book club read but also for you to learn about a remarkable young lady who endured hardship and did all she could so no one would have to stay a slave.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg ~ Reviewed

Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
By: Jocelyn Green 
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 320
Vendor: River North 
ISBN: 0802405770
Description

When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering--and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.
When the scout doesn't die, as expected, she discovers that he isn't who he claims to be.

While Liberty's future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty's hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.

Review:

Widow of Gettysburg is book two in the Civil War series.  It revolves around a young widow, Liberty Holloway, who lives in Gettysburg.  Her husband was killed in the war as a Union soldier and she is trying to make something of herself, and discover who she is.  In the meantime, her home is turned into a Confederate hospital after the battle of Gettysburg.  At the same time, secrets are coming to the surface involving Liberty and her hired help, Bella, a former slave.  These secrets could change Liberty’s life forever.  As she learns more about her past, she has to decide whether to let it bring her down or whether she can triumph over it. 
                
 This book was wonderful.  I can easily get lost in this time period, especially when the Lord is involved.  The author made the time period come alive.  I couldn’t put it down!  I loved seeing how Liberty’s character grew throughout the story.  At the beginning, she was timid and unsure of herself.  But the experiences she went through during the war only made her stronger.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.  It was written so well!  You won’t be disappointed!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers 

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen's Pastors' Wives ~ Reviewed

Pastors' Wives: A Novel
Lisa Takeuchi Cullen

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Plume; 1 edition (April 30, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0452298822 

 

 

Description:

 

What’s it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors’ Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen’s debut novel Pastors’ Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith—in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf’s “First Lady,” a force of nature who’ll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace’s son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen’s reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine, Pastors’ Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors’ wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.

Review:

When I received Pastor's Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, I had my guard up against stereotyped and caricatured portrayal. I was so wrong! Cullen, a former foreign correspondent and staff writer for TIME magazine, reveals a remarkable depth of truth and strength of character within the women of Pastor's Wives. I was captivated by their stories, cheered them on as friends, and was terribly disappointed when it ended. Novel Rocket and I give it our highest recommendation. This is a must read for everyone who attends a church.

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, Sr. editor

Novel Rocket

Travis Thrasher's Home Run ~ Reviewed

HOME RUN

By Travis Thrasher

March 2013

David C. Cook

ISBN: 0781408385

BACK COVER:

Baseball star Cory Brand knows how to win. But off the field, he’s spiraling out of control. Haunted by old wounds and regrets, his future seems as hopeless as his past.

Until one moment—one mistake—changes everything. To save his career, Cory must go back to the town where it all began. His plan is simple: coach the local baseball team, complete a recovery program, and get out as fast as possible. Instead, he runs headfirst into memories he can’t escape ... and the love he left behind.

Faced with a second chance he never expected, Cory embarks on a journey of faith, transformation and redemption. And along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: no one is beyond the healing of God. 

REVIEW:

I'm not into sports. I wouldn't know a touchdown from a hole in one. Okay, so maybe that's exaggerating, but reading a book about a baseball star and his messed up life is seriously NOT my first choice in fiction. But here I am, recommending a novel about a baseball supernova who's an alcoholic deadbeat dad. Why? Because Home Run has a powerful message of redemption (and the writing is drool worthy).

The plot centers around main character Cory Brand. I won't call him a hero, because for most of the book he's not. He's a jerk...but a lovable fella who you'll root for because of his past. Yeah, he runs away from his problems in more ways than one, but eventually he's saved by an amazing grace that only God can provide.

Whether you're a sports fanatic or not, the gritty issues dealt with in this book will connect with pretty much everyone. Author Travis Thrasher hits these issues head on, exposing the ugly sides, then bringing them all to the throne of Grace without whapping you upside the head with a Bible. 

Two thumbs up.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep


Bonus Review:

Home Run is about an all-star baseball star named Cory Brand. From the world’s stand point, he has it all – fame, fortune, anything he wants. But inside he’s spiraling downward, fighting an addiction to alcohol as well as severe anger issues, all stemming from the physical and verbal abuse sustained by his father while still a child. He left that life, along with his pregnant high school sweetheart, Emma, to prove he was somebody. When his erratic behavior lands him back in his home town in Oklahoma, he finds himself not only attending recovery program for alcoholism, but also coaching a Little League his son is playing on.

I LOVED this story! I love baseball, anyway, so that drew me in right away! It was so sad seeing Cory’s character beat himself up, and really, nearly kill himself with the burdens he was carrying. I really enjoyed watching how the walls he built began to crumble around him in order for him to humble himself before the Lord. I highly recommend this book, and am now anxious to see the movie!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's Mind of Her Own ~ Reviewed

Mind of Her Own
By Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
Published by Tyndale
ISBN#978-1-4143-8103-9
Only in Ebook Format

Back Cover: Who knew making dinner could change your life? Louisa Copeland certainly didn’t. But when the George Foreman grill fell out of the pantry onto her head, resulting in a bump and a mighty case of amnesia, Louisa’s life takes a turn for the unexpected. Who was this Collin fellow, claiming she was his wife? And whose kids are those?
Her name couldn’t be Louisa. Why, she was the renowned romance writer Jazz Sweet, not a Midwestern mom of three. Struggling to put the pieces together of the life she’s told she had, Louisa/Jazz may realize that some memories are better left alone.

Review: I know this will sound funny by hang in there with me a minute as I tell you what popped into my head when I started to read this novel.  I was reminded of how Buzzlight year in Toy Story,  reacted to his new environment on Andy’s bed. He knew deep in his heart he was a space ranger from another planet and thought he would choke to death if his helmet was opened.

Main character Louisa Copeland wakes up in a hospital bed. She learns she’s received a hard blow to her head that knocked her out. They tell her she’s married to Collin and has three children. She doesn’t remember much but she knows in her heart of hearts that she is a Christian and her name is Jazz Stewart. She’s an author, who’s never been married and doesn’t have kids.

Her husband and doctor try to tell her differently; just like the
other toys try to tell Buzz he was a toy, a child’s’ play thing, an
action figure not a space ranger.

It’s difficult for Louisa’s husband, Collin Copeland who doesn’t quite know how to deal with this. She looked like Louisa but she sure didn’t act like her. The Dr. said it could be hours or days before she remembered anything.  What will he tell the kids?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author it definitely wont’ be
the last. She’s funny and deals with some surprising tough topics with compassion and grace. This is a fun, heart-warming story that will make you laugh out loud and make you think too!

Collin is committed, kind and starts to worry Jazz will never remember who she is. Both Collin and Jazz face each situation as it arises with prayer and patience with themselves and each other.

Jazz hits it off with her teenager daughter Madison. They go shopping together and get earrings her real mother would never approve of her wearing. Jazz says to her with a smile, “Wear them and enjoy.”

“But what if you remember being mom and you don’t remember you told me I could wear these? You might ground me.”

“I hadn’t thought about that. What do you think we should do just in case?”

“Maybe you could write me a permission slip….Madison Copeland has my permission to wear her dolphin earrings whenever she desires. Signed Jazz Sweet, aka Louisa Copeland.” They both agree to this. Love the fun situations the author put in this book. Here’s another peek in this families journey to wholeness.

Sunday morning came along and Jazz says, “Wake up everyone. Were going to be late.”

“Late for what? Collin said.”

“Church. Come on, Collin, we have to get the kids ready. They’re still sleeping.”

“Jazz, we don’t go to church unless it’s Christmas or Easter, and it’s neither one today. Go back to bed.”

“We’re going to church as a family, so get up…as long as I’m here
we’re going to go to church every Sunday.”

They went to church and started a new family adventure. Jazz would show them all she was an author as soon as she found one of her published books! Collin kind of liked the new Louisa! She was fun and growing on him. He was committed to his marriage whoever Louisa turned out to be.

This author gets to the heart of the matter with her engaging fun
characters and situations. So, sit back and enjoy this book. It’s a
fun read that will help take the cares of the day away and make you
laugh too! It’s a win win!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

 

Evangeline Kelley's Seaside Harmony ~ Reviewed

Seaside Harmony, Nantucket Dreams Series #1

By: Evangeline Kelley

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 336
Vendor: Guideposts Books
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 0824932463

Product Description

When Caroline Morris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters discover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880?

Review:

Seaside Harmony revolves around three sisters in their late 50’s and early 60’s.  Caroline Marris is a free spirit who has traveled the world and has trouble committing to anything.  Gracie Gold is a widow who lives to take care of her children and grandchildren.  Sam Carter is a single mother and retired school teacher.  They vacation to Nantucket Island to Misty Harbor Inn, a place their recently deceased mother took them to as young girls and always wanted to purchase.  They are amazed to see that it’s not only run down and abandoned, but also for sale.  Caroline is immediately on the band wagon to buy it, and eventually convinces her sisters to go in on it as well.  The next step is getting the inn ready to open.  Not only do they encounter many obstacles along the way, just in fixing it up, but they begin to find hints as to the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner who disappeared mysteriously. 
This book took a little while to get into, but it was worth sticking with.  The more I read, the more I could picture the inn come to life, and the different personalities of each of the sisters.  It made me want to go to Nantucket to stay with them!  I thought it ended a bit abruptly, but to my surprise, I have since found there is a sequel which I’m currently reading.  I can’t wait to see what awaits the sisters in this next book!
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Patrick Carr's A Cast of Stones ~ Reviewed

A Cast of Stones

By Patrick W. Carr

Published by Bethany House

ISBN#978-0-7642-9701-4

400 Pages

Book Cover: An Epic Medieval Saga Fantasy Readers  Will Love 
 
In the backwater village of Callowford, Errol Stone's search for a drink is interrupted by a church messenger who arrives with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Desperate for coin, Errol volunteers to deliver them but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.
 
Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty is near an end and a new king must be selected. As tension and danger mount, Errol must leave behind his drunkenness and grief, learn to fight, and come to know his God in order to survive a journey to discover his destiny.

Review: Patrick W. Carr’s debut novel will quickly draw you into a unique adventure. A Cast of Stones is a fun fantasy story that will remind readers of King author adventures in Camelot. This is a delightful character driven story in the POV of a young broken young man named Errol.

Patrick’s kingdom names are Illustra and Erinon! The main character Errol instantly grabbed my heart and attention as this orphan boy (who’s seen more than a nineteen year old man should!), turns to Ale to deaden life’s pain and sorrow! He’s a regular at Cilla’s Tavern in the village of Callowford. The only home he’s known.

While in the tavern a church messenger desperately seeks help in delivering an extremely important message to a hermit priest in the wilderness. Everyone in the tavern points to Errol. They know he’s the only one that knows the hills like the back of his hand! They also know he’ll do most anything to earn coins to purchase more ale.

The messenger barked out a laugh, “A drunkard? You want me to give the most important message in half a century to a drunkard? Look at him: He’s barely a man. Only Deas knows what keeps him on his feet…How would I know he delivers the message?

Cruk pipes up, “You’re willing to pay, aren’t ya? Half pay now and a receipt in Pater Martin’s own hand will earn him another half crown. He’ll get it done.”

Errol is thrilled the church messenger gives him a coin up front and there’s hope for an additional coin when he delivers the signed note from the priest. Errol has to hurry. This message was urgent. It was a message on behalf of the church. His mission to deliver this urgent quickly has his life on the line when he notices a man dressed in black, holding an arrow aiming at him from across the field. He rushes through the woods trying to escape his attacker. When he arrives at the priests’ house – in record time - He explains everything! The Hermit Priest says they need to evacuate the house immediately. This wasn’t good news! They were in danger. The Assassin would stop at nothing to get to them!

So off they go on adventure of a life time, with the most unlikely traveling companions, running for their lives. Errol is forced to embark on a wild and mysterious journey outside his home of Callowford heading to Erinon! He’s filled with questions.

I liked how this author had the reader learn about things and places as Errol did. It was fun to learn together and try to piece the puzzle pieces together to solve the mystery along with Errol. Who was after them? Why the chase? Why did the Priest have to rush to Erinon? What was in that message? Do you like King Arthur stories? Lord of the rings? Like a good mystery with surprises. If you do then you’ll love this book as much as I did.

Even if you aren’t a fantasy fan you’ll quickly be drawn into Errol’s unforgettable journey to Erinon and captivated by this author’s creative imagination. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this expedition. You’ll catch yourself marking your calendar to purchase the next book in this series too!! Patrick W. Carr is a writer to definitely watch!!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

Heather James's Unholy Hunger ~ Reviewed

Unholy Hunger, Lure of the Serpent Series #1
By: Heather James
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 272
Vendor: Kregel Publications

ISBN: 0825442915

Description

Evelyn Barrett wants to die---as long as her daughter's murderer goes with her! Once a successful attorney on a winning streak, Evelyn will now stop at nothing to seek her own version of justice. Defying police warnings, will this mother-turned-vigilante find the killer before another family is destroyed?

Review:

I like gritty fiction and the inner workings of minds fascinates me. When I was offered a chance to read Heather James's Unholy Hunger I hesitated, the subject matter is tough and not something I'd ever seek out to fill my brain. I avoid immersing myself in the darker portions of our culture because seeing and reading about the ways people harm themselves and others depresses me. But the intrigue of the book cover copy caused me, knowing up front that the subject matter would be closer to hellish than the heavenlies, to ask for a review copy.
Let me tell you why I strongly liked this short novel. I have to say liked because I don't know that the subject matter could ever put this into the love category for me.
Heather James is an excellent writer. Her prose is tense, tight, snappy and full of sense triggers. Her characters are multidimensional and even though the entire story plays out through the eyes and angst, soul and senses of Evelyn, the reader gets a clear understanding of the motivations and drives of the other characters in the book. Tension pulled at me so the pages turned faster and faster as I both dreaded and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. James handles the subject matter with sensitivity and with grace, giving just enough detail to get the point across without assaulting my heart.
The basic plot-line or skeleton of the story is this... a small child is abducted and murdered and the mother, Evelyn, completely unravels. As Evelyn comes undone she finds the depth of darkness in her own soul and her marriage unhinges, too. But there is more to the story....the flesh and heart of the story, beyond the all too real darkness, is the light that is altogether more powerful. The horror in the storyline is secondary to the redemption that comes when God bleeds, literally and figuratively, into the lives of humanity.
The subject matter includes child abuse, abduction, molestation, murder and there are moments of horror as things are revealed. I would not recommend it to anyone who is raw with emotion. And those who look for inspirational fiction full of light and innocence aren't going to want to go there. However, if you've read The Shack and loved it or if you love gritty, well-written fiction, read it. Kudos to the editors/publishers/marketing folks who brought this book to print as well as Ms. James's hard work in pouring her heart and soul into the computer and tightening the prose until it zings.  

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer