Randy Singer's The Advocate ~ Reviewed

The Advocate 
by Randy Singer
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414348606

Description: 

2015 Christy Award finalist!
2015 ECPA Christian Book Award Winner!
At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths―Roman crucifixion.

Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant’s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.

Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?

The advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

Review: 

This is a little bit of a different direction for Randy Singer. Kind of a blast to the past. I can't even imagine the kind of research he did to put this epic tale together. Not only is it a legal thriller which he does so well...he transports the reader back to the days of Rome in all it's bloody glory. Caligula, Tiberius, Nero and all the very hedonistic lives they lived. Oh, and just to raise the challenge a little he fictionalizes Biblical characters. Yes, Luke and the Apostle Paul, and, oh, Jesus. 

Now onto the plot, conspiracies, murder, political unrest, gods, gladiators. He has included it all. Theophilus, the advocate, experiences both sides of the law and takes on the best the Caesars have to offer in the legal arena. 

Chicken warning on this one. It's a heavy read and the setting is brutal. However, I recommend it as a fascinating what-if story set in a crazy world. 

This book was sent to me by the marketing department and sat on my shelf for quite awhile. Sometimes I just have to be in the mood to dive into a deep historical.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Stephanie Grace Whitson's Daughter of the Regiment ~ Reviewed

Daughter of the Regiment 
by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (March 24, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455529036

Description:

Irish immigrant Maggie Malone wants no part of the war. She'd rather let "the Americans" settle their differences-until her brothers join Missouri's Union Irish Brigade, and one of their names appears on a list of injured soldiers. Desperate for news, Maggie heads for Boonville, where the Federal army is camped. There she captures the attention of Sergeant John Coulter. When circumstances force Maggie to remain with the brigade, she discovers how capable she is of helping the men she comes to think of as "her boys." And while she doesn't see herself as someone a man would court, John Coulter is determined to convince her otherwise.

As the mistress of her brother's Missouri plantation, Elizabeth Blair has learned to play her part as the perfect hostess-and not to question her brother Walker's business affairs. When Walker helps organize the Wildwood Guard for the Confederacy, and offers his plantation as the Center of Operations, Libbie must gracefully manage a house with officers in residence and soldiers camped on the lawn. As the war draws ever closer to her doorstep, she must also find a way to protect the people who depend on her. 

Despite being neighbors, Maggie and Libbie have led such different lives that they barely know one another-until war brings them together, and each woman discovers that both friendship and love can come from the unlikeliest of places.

Review: 

 I just finished Daughter of the Regiment by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I loved this book! I’m a fan of historical fiction and this is a good one. The story takes place in Missouri at the beginning of the Civil War. Maggie Malone is an Irish immigrant who lives in Missouri with her brothers who like her are supporters of the Union. They have neighbors who have a plantation and are slave owners. There’s a wonderful contrast in the book between Maggie who’s tough, unfeminine, great at shooting and working on the farm and Libbie who lives on the plantation and is a picture of the feminine Southern Belle (although things are not always as they seem). The book offers a fascinating look at the horror of being neighbors one week and facing each other in battle the next. It caused me to wonder what I’d do if my neighbor suddenly became my enemy. Throughout the book the author, Stephanie Grace Whitson, shows a masterful contrast between the two women and their situations. Maggie has followed her brothers into battle where she meets the fascinating Sergeant Coulter while Libbie stays on the plantation under the domination of her older brother who’s a slave-owner and decides to turn his property into a Rebel camp. The author paints a picture of each character that helped me understand even those who are minor characters. Between the house slaves who work for Libbie, Maggie’s brothers and other soldiers in the Union army all the characters seem like real people and I found myself caring about what happened to them. I’d never heard of the Daughters of the Regiment before (women who sometimes traveled with Union soldiers) and it amazes me to think of their bravery.  This is truly historical “fiction” as the characters and battles are fictional but it is historically accurate and gives us a picture of how the Civil War impacted the lives of everyday people. I didn’t want the story to end and appreciate so much the afterward provided by the author which gives a look into what happens to each character (loved this). 

     If you enjoy historical fiction, I know you will enjoy this book. If you don’t usually read historical fiction, you don’t know what you are missing! It has romance, adventure, history, drama (including a look at an abusive relationship), faith and humor. Plus there’s a dog! What more could a reader want?

Reviewed by: Susan Aken

Bonus Review:

Daughter of the Regiment takes place in Missouri right as the Civil War is about to start. It centers around a young woman named Maggie Malone. After her brothers decide to leave to fight with an Irish Brigade for the Union, her home is practically destroyed by Southern “sympathizers,” nearly killing her Uncle Paddy. Much to everyone's disagreement, she decides to go after the Irish Brigade after finding out one of her brother's is wounded. Through a series of events, she ends up following them and taking care of “her boys,” even into battle. In the meantime, Libbie Blair is living with her brother, who has turned their plantation home into Confederate headquarters. Libbie is forced to endue his abuse, while playing the part of a Southern Hostess, making all of the men feel welcome. When the battle comes to her backyard, she is forced to find out what she really stands for. Maggie and Libbie form a bond due to circumstances beyond their control.

I loved this book, and had a hard time putting it down. I just love this time era, and seeing how these two woman grew and took a stand to take care of these men, whether they were on “their side” or not. Not only that, but they were able to forge a friendship despite being on opposing sides. I really like this author and am anxious to read more books by her.

Sarah Meyers

Mary Ellis's A Plain Man ~ Reviewed

A Plain Man Paperback
by Mary Ellis
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736949801

Description:

Bestselling author Mary Ellis offers an engaging new standalone Amish romance about a prodigal seeking to find his way home. 

Though Caleb Beachy lived in the Englisch world for some years, he is a Plain man at heart. When he decides to return to the Amish lifestyle, he moves back home and goes to work for his father. Soon these two strong-willed men find themselves at odds. Caleb discovers there's more to embracing his faith and reconnecting with the community than merely driving a horse and buggy and giving up Levis.

Josie Yoder was just a girl when he left. All grown up now, she gives Caleb hope for the future. She soothes his frayed temper and is determined to remind him that while his faith may have wavered, God never left his side. Caleb is tempted to return Josie's feelings, but the choices he made while away are a heavy burden on his conscience. Will past mistakes end up destroying their fledgling romance? Or will she be able to break through the wall around his heart? 

A Plain Man is more than just a sweet romance centered in Amish beliefs. It's the ever-fresh story of a wounded heart finding joy, health, and healing in God's infinite grace.

Review: 

A Plain Man tells the story of Caleb Beach. After leaving the Amish faith for five years to live in the world, he has come back home. While away from his family, he found he was drawn to alcohol and women. Finally, after being out of work for a while and finding no satisfaction living a worldly life, he has returned home, however, he is having a hard time adjusting. He is living the Amish life on the outside, but inside he's still struggling with his faith. He is also having to struggle with living under his father's roof again, and showing him the respect that he is due, both as a son and now as an employee. On top of all of this, he is re-introduced to Josie Yoder, which confuses his emotions even more.

It was interesting reading a story about someone who had lived in the world for five years, and then came back to the Amish faith. My mind would think that after that long, it would be difficult to go back home and re-adjust to a simpler life. But I enjoyed reading about Caleb and seeing how God changed him. Also, I liked seeing him come to terms with all of his guilt over the things he had done while living in the world, and realizing that forgiveness is available.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Lisa Wingate's The Story Keeper ~ Reviewed

The Story Keeper
by Lisa Wingate
Series: A Carolina Heirlooms Novel
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 22, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414386893

Description: 

Successful New York editor, Jen Gibbs, is at the top of her game with her new position at Vida House Publishing -- until a mysterious manuscript from an old slush pile appears on her desk. Turning the pages, Jen finds herself drawn into the life of Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in the turn of the century Appalachia. A risky hunch may lead to The Story Keeper's hidden origins and its unknown author, but when the trail turns toward the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she'd left behind forever, the price of a blockbuster next book deal may be higher than she's willing to pay. 

Review:

Yes. I am a fan of Lisa Wingate. The Story Keeper contains all of the reasons Wingate is such a satisfying author. The story within a story is something she does so well. This tool brings her characters to life because they are discovering some event from the past that forces them to deal with the present and dredge up and work through some of their current struggles. 

But even if Wingate didn't use this method in her fiction, I'm pretty sure she'd still write great characters. In this particular story the reader gets to meet Jen Gibbs. Jen has big dreams as an editor and finally has a toe in the door of a small but prestigious house. A portion of a manuscript shows up on Jen's desk one day and rocks her world. She starts chasing a bunny trail, but it leads somewhere she thought she'd left behind and bolted the door on. Facing her past, and scrambling to grasp her future she risks job, reputation and comfort to chase the story to the end. 

You know. If you aren't reading books by Lisa Wingate, I just have to ask why not? 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Stephanie Landsem's The Tomb ~ Reviewed

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha
by Stephanie Landsem
Series: The Living Water Series
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Howard Books (March 17, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451689128

Description:

In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.

Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.

Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.

Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love. 

When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?

Review: 

The Tomb is a story of what Martha, Mary and Lazarus's lives might have been like leading up to Lazarus being raised from the dead. It shows the qualities of Martha and Mary that we are familiar with from Scripture and expands upon it. Mary's character is a care free spirit, who is devoted to the Lord and doesn't worry about what the other people in the village think of her. Martha sticks to the rules, attempting to be the perfect example of a Jewish woman, and everyone looks up to her. However, in this story, she carries a heavy secret which gives insight as to why she might have been the way she was.

While I was engaged in the story, I also had to try to disconnect myself from the fact that it was about people in the Bible. Since it gave a storyline that's not in the Bible, but a presumption of what might have happened, I think we need to be careful not to influence our reading of the scripture, reading things into it that aren't there. I feel like I now have to really be careful because of the picture painted of Martha in this story, not to let it effect the truth in the Word. Not sure if that makes sense, but that's the best way I can explain it. It was interesting for what it was, but I feel you need to be very careful when making up a fictional story about real people in the Bible so as not to warp the reader's view.
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Eben Alexander's Proof of Heaven ~ Reviewed

Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife
by Eben Alexander
Paperback: 196 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1 edition (October 23, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451695195
Description: 

A Scientist's Case for the Afterlife...

Thousands of people have had near-death experiences, but scientists have argued that they are impossible. Dr. Eben Alexander was one of those scientists. A highly trained neurosurgeon, Alexander knew that NDEs feel real, but are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress.

Then, Dr. Alexander’s own brain was attacked by a rare illness. The part of the brain that controls thought and emotion—and in essence makes us human—shut down completely. For seven days he lay in a coma. Then, as his doctors considered stopping treatment, Alexander’s eyes popped open. He had come back.

Alexander’s recovery is a medical miracle. But the real miracle of his story lies elsewhere. While his body lay in coma, Alexander journeyed beyond this world and encountered an angelic being who guided him into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine source of the universe itself.

Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he underwent his journey, he could not reconcile his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief in heaven, God, or the soul. Today Alexander is a doctor who believes that true health can be achieved only when we realize that God and the soul are real and that death is not the end of personal existence but only a transition.

This story would be remarkable no matter who it happened to. That it happened to Dr. Alexander makes it revolutionary. No scientist or person of faith will be able to ignore it. Reading it will change your life.


Review:

When I first heard about this book I was intrigued. I work in the medical field and I am fascinated with the workings of the human body. I've seen so many instances where the body can literally die over something as seemingly insignificant as a urinary tract infection. And I've seen people rally and overcome multi system shut down. The idea that a black and white clinician experienced something that opened his world to color really felt like a must read. 

The writing is great. Dr. Alexander paints of picture of who he was and who he has become since his experience. The medical aspects were easy to follow without being too clinical. His experience with his coma was amazing and it is a miracle he's alive today. The statistics were chilling.

I can't say I can embrace all of Dr. Alexander's experiences as absolute truth, but I'm glad I read his account and feel that it would interest anyone who is interested in near death experiences. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Candace Calvert's Rescue Team ~ Reviewed

RESCUE TEAM
Candace Calvert
Series: Grace Medical
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 19, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414361122

Description: 

Tired of running from her past, nurse Kate Callison intends to become Austin Grace Hospital’s permanent ER director and make Texas her home. Despite staff friction, she’s moving ahead. Then unthinkable tragedy wraps the ER in crime tape, bringing swarms of media, legal chaos―and a search-and-rescue hero who seems determined to meddle in her life. 

For Wes Tanner, nothing beats finding someone who’s lost; he’s known that helpless terror firsthand. So he’ll expand his team’s lifeline of hope: K9 tracking, swift water rescue, even horse-mounted searches. He’s ready for anything―except Austin Grace’s prickly and dismissive ER director. 

As Kate and Wes discover more about each other, new respect becomes something deeper. Kate wonders if her heart might have finally found a home. Then an unsolved missing persons case―and a startling new one―become catalysts that threaten the loss of all she and Wes have found. 


Review:

Rescue Team is book 2 in the Grace Medical Series. In this book, we meet Kate Callison. She is the interim ER director at Grace Medical, attempting to fill the shoes of the former director whom everyone loved, however, she disappeared mysteriously. Kate feels she can't meet anyone's expectations. In the meantime, she is running from her own past, and incidents keep coming up that force her to face them. We also meet Wes Tanner, a man who works for the family business as well as being part of the volunteer search and rescue team in the area. Circumstances bring them together on several occasions, and they find they can't fight their attraction for each other, however, Kate's past continues to haunt her, causing her to fear that a relationship with Wes will never be possible.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to get into this book at first, however, I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself really cheering on Kate's character, hoping that she would find redemption and be able to forgive herself for mistakes made in the past. I also thought the author did a great job regarding the medical part of the story. It was very informative without being over my head.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Cara Luecht's Gathered Waters ~ Reviewed

Gathered Waters 
by Cara Luecht
Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing (April 15, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939023300
Description:


They want to worship as their hearts demand...but is it something they can give up everything for?  

Brianna has only ever been what her life demanded. A wife, a hostess, a mother. But when a stand her husband takes ostracizes them from the Lutheran church that controls so much of life in Sweden, Brianna finds herself needing to find a strength beyond her station...a strength that will see her through prejudice and persecution and to a home she never dreamed she would find. 

Based on the true story of the author s family s journey from Sweden to America, this sweeping saga paints the brilliance of new faith, the bravery of a new land...and the beauty of plunging beneath the waters and emerging a new person, capable of what one never thought one could do.

Review:

This little historical (little because at 250 pages it is tiny for a historical) is packed full of story. Covering a time frame I've not looked at before, and a challenging and costly time in religion. 

When religion rears it's ugly head as has happened over and over again through the centuries, the price to follow Christ climbs for Brianna's family. In this particular situation, greed and pride drive folks away from church and away from the protection that is provided by a community that believes the same way and obeys all dictates from above. To be a rebel means to choose Christ over family and the comfort that comes with close family oftentimes. Based on a true story, and with the authors' family letters shared with the reader, Cara Luecht tells the fictionalized account of how this story might have played out as her family members escaped from Sweden to America.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Kathy Herman's Not by Sight ~ Reviewed

Not by Sight: A Novel (Ozark Mountain Trilogy)
by Kathy Herman
Series: Ozark Mountain Trilogy
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (May 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0781408040

Description:

Her Sister Couldn’t Be Alive … Could She?

 

It had to be Riley Jo. She was certain. . .wasn’t she? But when Abby Cummings tells her mother she thought she saw her sister at the store, her mother quickly dismisses the idea. After all, Riley Jo and their father had been missing for years. Presumably dead. Yet Abby cannot ignore her intuition. Telling her friend J. D., they investigate. But J. D. may know more about the disappearance than he’s telling, or even realizes. And as they work to uncover what happened, all they have to go on is blind faith. Will it be enough. . .especially considering what the truth might be?

Review:

Not By Sight is the first in “The Ozark Mountain Trilolgy.” It tells the story of the Abby Cummings and her family, who endured a great loss five years ago when her father and two year old sister disappeared without a trace. It has haunted her family all of this time, with know idea of what happened to them. One day, while in town, Abby sees a girl whom she swears is her little sister, Riley Jo. She's able to get a picture of her, but when she shows her family, they just think she's crazy. Not willing to give, she begins asking around town if anyone knows this little girl. The only person on her side is her best friend, Jay. When Abby gets two anonymous phone calls warning her to leave the matter alone or pay the price, she's even more determined to find out what happened. Jay takes it upon himself to help as well, and they find themselves in a terrible fix.

I'm typically not as into reading suspense stories, but I really liked this one. It really kept me interested and wondering what was going to happen next. I really wasn't sure what the outcome would be, and I liked that I wasn't able to guess ahead of time on some of the events.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Amy Sorrells's How Sweet the Sound ~ Reviewed

HOW SWEET THE SOUND
Amy K. Sorrells
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook (March 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434705447

Description:

A Southern Novel of Second Chances

From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.

Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.

This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

Review:



How Sweet the Sound takes place during the summer of 1980 in a coastal Alabama town, where a family finally comes face to face with three generations of sin. The story is mainly told from the point of Anniston, a young girl born into a well-to-do family. When her Aunt is raped, and her father and uncle are killed when a long over-due confrontation takes place, secrets that have been hidden for years begin to surface, and no matter how hard the family tries not to deal with them, they are forced to.

This wasn't one of my favorite books, but it kept me interested, wanting to know what was going to happen next, and how the main characters would develop. It shows human nature, in that, most times, we only want to show the people on the outside the good in ourselves and our families, and don't want the bad things to surface. But sometimes, in doing that, we are just deceiving ourselves and avoiding not only the truth, but the healing that the Lord can provide.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Irene Hannon's One Perfect Spring ~ Reviewed

ONE PERFECT SPRING
Irene Hannon
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (May 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800722671

Description:

Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything. 

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.


Review: 


One Perfect Springs brings together the lives of several different people, who would have never known each other had it not been for the thoughtful request of a little girl. Claire Summers is a single Mom to Haley, trying to make ends meet. She is a school teacher, and while she and Haley are struggling financially, they are not lacking in love for each other. Haley decides to write a letter to a local business who has been known to donate money to worthy causes. She asks them to help their neighbor, Maureen, find the son she gave up for adoption 22 year ago, thinking it would be a great birthday present. The letter finds it's way to Keith Watson's desk. Keith is a workaholic who takes his job seriously – too seriously. He has no life outside of his job, and up until now, he's been happy about it. It's kept him from having to deal with issues in his past. However, when his boss, David, tells Keith his next job is to help this woman find her son, he discovers more than he bargains for, including a lovely woman named Claire.

I really enjoyed this book. It took some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, that I didn't exactly like, but that worked out for good in the end. The characters and the story were endearing. I loved seeing how the characters' lives were brought together by the kindness and thoughtfulness of Haley, wanting to help her friend.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Jessica Dotta's Price of Privilege ~ Reviewed

PRICE OF PRIVILEGE
By Jessica Dotta

Tyndale House Publishers

December 2014

978-1414375571

BACK COVER:

Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter―and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.

REVIEW:

It's a rare book that pulls me out of reality and immerses me in a story world so much that I'll willingly park my heinie on a chair and allow the world to go by. It's an even rarer author who writes so beautifully that my eyes get all watery and I want to throw away my laptop because I know I'll never be able to pen such haunting prose. Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta is just such a book.

Here is a taste of some of the word pictures taken from the story . . .

Thus we were caught up in our daily affairs like dogs running at full speed, when reality finally pulled hard on our leashes, catching us by surprise.

I felt as though I were walking over a slippery beam as I crossed the chamber on Isaac's arm.

Tormented eyes searched mine. It seemed as if, on the other side of an unreachable shore, Isaac was silently screaming and pleading for help behind his polished mask. Then his eyes went vacant as if something vital had died inside him.

This book took guts to write. It's not an easy thing to kill off a beloved character (don't worry, no spoiler as to whom), nor is it a piece of cake to expose layer after layer of hurt caused most often by verbal but sometimes physical abuse. Make no mistake, this is not a light read. That being said, this trilogy is on my keeper shelf because the story and the characters demand they will not be sent away.

If you love historical fiction and really want to get a feel for Victorian England, from the pulpy street view to the upper echelons of society, then run -- don't dawdle -- to the nearest bookstore and snatch yourself up a copy.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep

Bonus Review:

Jessica Dotta ended her epic story ably and left me feeling satisfied with the outcome. If you've read the previous books I think you will agree. I wouldn't start with this one if you haven't. There is much relationship building in the previous books. But the good news is if you haven't read any of them you don't have to wait like the rest of us. You can binge and you will want to. Dotta makes every chapter a page turner.

I was really surprised by a huge twist in the final book. But once I got over the shock and sorrow it was one of those events that made the ending work for me. I was pulled in too many directions and needed some closure with it.

If you love historicals and excellent writing you need to read this series.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Linda Maendel's Hutterite Diaries ~ Reviewed

Hutterite Diaries: Wisdom from My Prairie Community 

Linda Maendel

MennoMedia, May 2015

Description: 

What would it be like to share all your possessions and live in Christian community? 

In Hutterite Diaries, Linda Maendel offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and communal faith of her people, the Hutterian Brethren. From stories of working together to bring in the fall potato harvest to laugh-out-loud tales of sisterly love laced with revenge, Maendel invites readers into her Bruderhof, or colony, nestled on the prairie of western Canada. Here children and adults work, play, eat, and worship together, crafting a community of goods and living out an alternative to the individualism and consumerism of mainstream society.

Few outsiders know anything about the Hutterites, a Plain Christian group related to the Amish and Mennonites. Maendel’s story invites readers into deeper understanding of this community of faith, calling us to take seriously the example of Jesus and the early church in our daily living.

Review: 

I was given the opportunity to read and review Hutterite Diaries by the publicist. Even though a copy was provided I wasn't obligated to give a favorable review. 

I was looking forward to reading this little (150 pages) book because I have a strong curiosity about the plain life. Maybe its because I loved the Little House series when I was a girl.  have also been a little curious about communal living. I guess my inner hippie thinks it would be kind of cool to share chores, meals and lives with like minded people. 

I hadn't even heard of Hutterites until I read Mary-Ann Kirby's I Am Hutterite. The similarities and differences to the Amish are fascinating. Some Hutterite communities wear polka dot head coverings. Meals and many chores are done in community and the members of the community become family.

Though the book is small and more anecdotal rather than inner thought style diary, I learned quite a bit about the lives and history of the Hutterites. As a matter of fact, I discovered that the Hutterites have and old connection to my state. The Iowa Amish helped supply items and the polka dot material came from there. I'm just a hundred and change miles from the Amana Colonies. I may have to go and visit again.

There is a question and answer section as well that answered a few questions I had. There is still a part of me that thinks I'd love to spend a few weeks absorbing the life with a Hutterite community. If you are intrigued by plain living or love religious history give this book a peek. 

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Gail Gaymer Martin's A Mother to Love ~ Reviewed

A MOTHER TO LOVE
Gail Gaymer Martin
Series: Love Inspired
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (May 19, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373879628
Description: 

An Unexpected Family 

Angie Bursten wants to find love on her own timeline. Tired of her family's interference, coworker Rick Jameson comes to the rescue—as her pretend boyfriend. Angie starts to spend time with Rick and his adorable daughter, Carly, and what began as a hoax soon feels all too real. Betrayed by the woman he'd married, single dad Rick is slow to trust. But seeing Angie with Carly, he can't ignore the way he feels for his beautiful coworker. And when Angie helps Rick with the toughest battle of his life—gaining full custody of his child—there'll be no more pretending. If they can open their hearts, Rick and Angie have a real shot at happily-ever-after.

Review: 
A Mother to Love is about two co-workers, Angie Bursten and Rick Jameson. Angie is dealing with an overbearing mother and sister who are trying to match her with every eligible bachelor, just to get her married off and having a family. Yet she struggles with dating, due to mistakes in her past that weigh her down, and have caused her to drift from the Lord. Rick has been divorced for a few years from a wife who constantly tries to cause problems and keep his little girl away from him. Both Angie and Rick are hesitant in regards to relationships, but they have become good friends over the years. Things change when Rick helps Angie move into her new house. They begin hanging out more, until finally, Rick introduces her to his daughter, Carly. Carly and Angie form an instant bond, while Rick and Angie's feelings begin to develop quickly as well.

This was such a cute story. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I can relate to Angie's character, having made mistakes of my own in the past that I had a hard time forgiving myself for. It's such a wonderful feeling when you fully realize the full forgiveness you have through Jesus Christ. Angie's instant love for Rick's daughter was endearing as well. I'm sure that doesn't always happen, but their relationship was a wonderful bonus to the story.

Sarah Meyers

Candace Calvert's Life Support ~ Reviewed

Life Support 
by Candace Calvert (Author)
Series: Grace Medical
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 21, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414361130

Description: 

Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family―and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget.

PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother―or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.

But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?

Review: 

Life Support is book 3 in the Grace Medical Series. We learn more about Nurse Lauren Barclay in this book. We got to know her in book 2 bit. She had worked at Grace Medical but moved back home to be near her sister, Jess, who has had mental issues in the past, though the family is not willing to admit she has a problem. Not only does Lauren have to deal with keeping tabs on Jess, she also has to try to live up to her parents' expectations, as well as protect Jess and herself from Eli Landry, the man her family blames for sending Jess over the edge several months earlier. Wes is a Physicians Assistant, who is trying to do everything to protect his brother, who was severely injured in a boating accident years ago. Eli and his father, a local Judge, disagree on many things, including treatment for his brother. When situations arise that bring Eli and Lauren back together, they find that they do indeed have feelings for each other, however, Lauren can't get past the fact that she can't trust him, even though her instincts might not be correct. 

I was really glad that I was able to get this book and read it right after book two. As I said before, book two touched on Lauren, but not enough to get to know her, and it left me wondering about her life, so I was glad to get to find out more about her and her sister. It was interesting reading about a family trying to deal with someone with bipolar and mental issues, yet denying that there was a problem. The characters were really well written. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers