Karen Witemeyer's Short-Straw Bride ~ Reviewed

Short-Straw Bride [Paperback]
By Karen Witemeyer

Pages   363  Release Date   2012  Publisher   Baker Publishing Group ISBN  0764209655

Description:

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

Review:

Witty. Mellifluous. Joyous. These are the words that spring to mind when I pick up a Karen Witemeyer novel, and I find myself grinning before I’ve even cracked open the cover. Short~Straw Bride is another delightful historical romance from Karen, written with smooth prose, packed with unconventional yet appealing characters, and overflowing with fun and faith. Amid the humour and entertaining mishaps, Karen weaves spiritual truth and moving moments that also speak to the heart. Meredith, Travis and the rest of the Archer boys will take a place in your heart in short order and putting the book down with become nigh on impossible! Be sure to add all Karen’s books to your must read list – you won’t be disappointed with any. I’m now waiting impatiently for Crockett’s story, set to arrive in 2013.

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Bonnie Calhoun's Pieces of the Heart ~ Reviewed

Pieces of the Heart (Quilts of Love) Bonnie S. Calhoun Pages   240  Release Date   Aug 1, 2013  Publisher   Abingdon Press   ISBN  1426752725

Description:


CordeliaGrace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, setsof memories, hopes, dreams, andprayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their happy-ever-after grows proportionally as the quilt expands.

But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades ofcolor that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?

Review:

Bonnie Calhoun’s Pieces of the Heart provided quite a history lesson about World War II, I also was treated to all a quilt I’ve never heard of and the story behind it.

Cordelia's Pine Cone Quilt was started by her beloved granny for Cordelia’s upcoming 18th birthday. This quilt was a picture of the life of the owner. The history/background sewn into the quilt via well loved articles of special clothing that make the quilt a visual memory quilt. While piecing the quilt together the maker prayed for the owner. Cordelia's granny referred to the quilt as Cordelia's prayer covering, not only for her, but her future family as well.

Cordelia grew in faith as her story unfolded in testing and trial at every bend in the road. While Cordelia is finding her faith and character, her beau, Bernard is being tried at war, and brings home some serious after-effects.

This is a nice book option for readers who like to delve into meaty topics with their history. War, emotional , spiritual and physical brokenness and abuse, depression, segregation and immaturity are a few of the major hitters. Calhoun lightens up the heaviness by spanning the book over years so some of the sorrowful events don’t impact the reader too intensely.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Marcus Sakey's Brilliance ~ Reviewed

Brilliance
Marcus Sakey
SBN-13: 9781611099690 
Publisher: Brilliance Audio 
Publication date: 7/16/2013 
Edition description: Unabridged 
Pages: 439

Description:

In Wyoming, a little girl reads people’s darkest secrets by the way they fold their arms. In New York, a man sensing patterns in the stock market racks up $300 billion. In Chicago, a woman can go invisible by being where no one is looking. They’re called “brilliants,” and since 1980, one percent of people have been born this way. Nick Cooper is among them; a federal agent, Cooper has gifts rendering him exceptional at hunting terrorists. His latest target may be the most dangerous man alive, a brilliant drenched in blood and intent on provoking civil war. But to catch him, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in—and betray his own kind.

From Marcus Sakey, “a modern master of suspense” (Chicago Sun-Times) and “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly), comes an adventure that’s at once breakneck thriller and shrewd social commentary; a gripping tale of a world fundamentally different and yet horrifyingly similar to our own, where being born gifted can be a terrible curse.

Review:

Marcus Sakey’s Brilliance takes place in a parallel universe where, in the year 1980, a small percentage of the human population began to develop superior abilities. Each member of this group of “brilliants,” also know as “abnorms” or the more offensive “twists,” has the ability to see patterns that the rest of the world is oblivious to – whether that affinity manifests with numbers or music or art or even human behavior is unique to each individual.

The story follows Nick Cooper, an agent for the DAR – Department of Analysis and Response – which monitors abnorm behavior and protects the world from the ones who use their abilities in harmful ways. Cooper, who is himself a brilliant, uses his gifts to decode human behavior and track down terrorists.

The story opens with Cooper tracking down an abnorm computer programmer who is developing a virus that will cripple the country’s military. As Cooper corners her on the roof of a building, the terrorist insists that war is inevitable; that “All you can do is pick a side.”

The rest of the novel tracks Coopers struggle with this idea. He has always believed that coexistence is possible and that his roll is fundamental in that process. However, as his beliefs are challenged and the truths that he has held at his core are torn away, Cooper is left with a choice: which side is he on?

While this novel wasn’t exactly unpredictable or revolutionary, it was definitely a good read. There are action-packed moments and scenes of intense contemplation. The character is really someone you can root for: a man who desperately wants to do good and is seeking the truth about what that entails. Cooper is also a father, and his love for his children is his biggest driving force. It propels the story and makes the character even more human.

Readers should be warned, though, that this novel isn’t totally family-friendly. There is some language, especially towards the beginning, and a scene where two characters bond over a night of debauchery (including copious amounts of alcohol and a shared joint). There is also a sex scene, but the for the most part Sakey handled it tastefully.

Over all, this was a nice light read. Not to intense, it would be a great novel to pick up during periods of limited spare time. It was enjoyable enough that I wanted to keep reading, but not so tempting that I couldn’t put it down when I had other things I needed to do.

Reviewed by: Shea Nolan

Lori Benton's Burning Sky ~ Reviewed

Burning Sky Lori Benton Pages   400  Binding  Softcover  Release Date   Aug 6, 2013  Publisher   WaterBrook Press  ISBN  0307731472

Description:

Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage–the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?

Review:

Evocative. Haunting. Breathtaking. Burning Sky is all that and much more.

Lori Benton’s debut novel is a treasure that unfurls page by page, revealing the searing depths of a young woman’s pain as she wrestles grief, scorn, fear, and a burning desire to belong. Lori’s prose is beautifully measured, her dialogue meaningful, and she demonstrates an innate talent for communicating the nuances of human emotion straight into the reader’s heart. Willa is an intriguing and deftly layered character yet it is Neil MacGregor and Tames-His-Horse, two very different men in talent, ability, and drive, that fascinate me. Both are deeply courageous, heroic men, who wear honour as naturally as their clothing, yet are refreshingly authentic, battling vulnerabilities and opposing dreams. The love story Lori weaves into this poignant and historically accurate novel breaks your heart yet restores it by book’s end. Lori immerses her readers in the era, a time where fear was never far away, and scars, both physical and emotional, marked each member of the community. Through minor characters Lori gives expression to prejudice, revenge, greed, and hate that the Revolutionary War left in its wake, along with characters whose steadfast faith grew compassion and forgiveness. If you enjoy your historical novels rich and raw in emotion and gripping in a way that won’t let go, don’t miss this one. As impressive a debut novel as Julie Cantrell’s Into the Free, Burning Sky is simply captivating in every way and Lori, one of the finest historical fiction writers I’ve had the pleasure to read. Her second book can’t come quickly enough for me.

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Rachel Phifer's The Language of Sparrows ~ Reviewed

• The Language of Sparrows
• Rachel Phifer
• ISBN-13: 9780781410472
• Publisher: Cook, David C.
• Publication date: 7/10/201
• Format: eBook

Description: 

Brilliant and fluent in too many languages to count, 15-year-old Sierra Wright can't seem to communicate what is important to her in any language. Though April Wright stubbornly keeps an upbeat attitude about her daughter's future, she has let her own dreams slip away. Just across the bridge lives old Luca, scarred from his time in a Romanian gulag years before. Though he has seemingly given up on people, Sierra is drawn to him despite his prickly edges.

No one else is comfortable with the unpredictable old man spending time alone with Sierra, not even Luca's son. Yet it is this unconventional relationship that will bring two families together to form friendships and unearth their family stories, stories that just might give them all the courage to soar on wings toward a new future.

Review:

The Language of Sparrows, by Rachel Phifer, is a beautifully written story of betrayal and an unlikely friendship, forged from understanding. Novel Rocket and I recommend it. It's a perfect book club selection or an end-of-summer read.

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, 
President
Novel Rocket

Erin Healy's Afloat ~ Reviewed

AFLOAT

By Erin Healy

Published by Thomas Nelson

ISBN#978-1-4016-8552-2

356 Pages

Back Cover: 

Dark waters are rising. Who will stay afloat?

Architect Vance Nolan has crafted a marvel—shining apartments floating in the peaceful cove of a winding river. The project is partially occupied and about to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way.

Torrential rains quickly flood the cove, leaving a handful of builders, investors, and residents cut off from the rest of the world.

The motley group is bitterly divided over how to survive.

Vance insists they wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single-mom Danielle Clement, obligated to each man and desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, isn’t sure which one is wiser.

Power failure, an unnatural daytime darkness, explosions, and a murder expose hidden intentions and dark histories. 

Then Simeon spots something strange underwater—beautiful, shifting lights in the dark depths.

In this watery world, everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light. And deliverance may mean more than just getting out alive.

REVIEW:  

I’m thankful for the review copy of a suspenseful tale that had my full attention as I turned the pages until the wee hours of the night. This is a fast-paced, heart-felt story I had a hard time putting down. This author does a great job of meshing mystery, suspense and faith together with characters I instantly cared for!

I like how this author talks about how people respond in a tragedy. Just watching the show survivor gives viewers a peek into how the human spirit is diverse and how each of us go through the same circumstance differently.

Pete says to Vance and his Dad, “You’d think that in this day and age meteorologists would be smarter.”

“They’re not the problem,” Dad said, “the real stinker is that in this day and age we think we know more than we really do. It doesn’t hurt to be reminded now and then how little we actually control.”

Vance recalls this conversation with his brother and Dad years ago. It applied to him today as he faced the storm. Vance is the manager of this project. He knew better than anyone the layout of the buildings and how things were built. He seeks advice from his friend, Zeke. “How do I know the right thing to do?”

“The same way you have always known. You ask God. You wait. You listen for the wisdom that drowns out fear and brings peace to your heart. I think you’ve already done all this, haven’t you?” Zeke continues after he sees Vance nod, “So for now at least, you know you’re doing what you must do.”

“Is it enough?” Vance replies.

“Is it enough? That’s the question of a man who thinks that waiting is the weaker activity. But patience requires the strength of Hercules.” I’ll Amen that! I like how this author naturally weaves the spiritual thread into this novel.

This book is unlike all the disaster movies that have been out lately because of the spiritual element she brings out in the story. I also liked how this author described water as these characters are facing a flood. “In the Bible, rain could bring a destructive flood or a fall-on-you-knees relief after seven years of drought. Water could drown an enemy horde or heal a man’s leprosy. It could be turned into blood; it could be turned to wine. It harbored death and it delivered life.”

People are seeking refuge in building 12, the only completed building in this project. Each was hoping to survive as they watched the tragedy around them play out. They pondered their next move as the rains are hammering down on the building.

Single mom, Danielle Clement’s listens to her young son, Simeon tell her about the angels he saw when he was under water; before they reached a dry surface and what they said to him. Tony Dean, developer of this project and close friend of his mom don’t believe the boy. They think he’s a kid with a great imagination. What does he know about angels? But Vance and his friend Zeke’s spirits are encouraged and believe what Simeon is telling them and ask some questions.

How do people respond in the middle of a tragedy? Let me count the ways. Things get more stressful and emotional as each person’s security is threatened and/or stripped away from them all together. Each member of this small group tries to come up with a plan to combat these uncontrollable events. Through all this the author gives a peek at how God works in mysterious ways and how He’s ways are definitely not ours. “God might not reveal himself to each of us equally, or even in similar ways.”

Some people don’t take the time to stop and listen to that still small voice but plunge ahead trying to save themselves with little regard to the people around them. Some turn to God for the very first time. God uses all things in our lives for his Glory and our good if we let Him.

This book gives a peek into the supernatural powers at work around us. It also reminds us of our eternal hope in Jesus no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. I highly recommend this novel as a book club pick; there is so much in here to talk about. It’s also a great fun and thought provoking summer read.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Bonus Review: 

Erin Healy takes the common and mundane of life and twists them with what ifs and the supernatural and the end result is always fascinating and a little disturbing (in an introspective way). This is true of afloat.  A widowed single mother is making the best life possible for her son. A good enough man has given her a terrific job that comes with a luxurious apartment and a few other perks that feel a little more like attached strings.  But Danielle understands that the strings might just be justified to give her son the security he lost with the death of his daddy.  

Recovering alcoholic Vance has designed a tiny city that is nearly indestructible and firmly planted in a river. Danielle leases these luxury units designed by Vance and as directed by Tony, her lover and her boss.  While waiting for a potential client to come through the building sudden chaos breaks out.

The world changes radically overnight while a mix of characters find themselves stranded and cut off from the world. The truth of who they are and what they've done begins to unfold with tense page turning drama.

This is an intense read that had me flipping pages as fast as I could and staying up a little later than I wanted to. Healy creates great characters and puts them into fascinating and fragile environments to test and challenge them. Maybe not for the escape into a happy place crowd but perfect for those who love a book with some meat and a bit of gristle to work on. A great read.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Jill Williamson's Captives ~ Reviewed

CAPTIVES

The Safe Lands, book I

By Jill Williamson

February 2013

Zondervan

0310724228 

Back Cover:

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he’d find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many—including his fiancée, Jem—taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams.

Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls. Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?

My Take:

Captives is a post-apocalyptic (as in deadly virus nails humanity) tale, full of fast-paced adventure and some touching romantic scenes. While marketed as a YA, adults will enjoy this read as well.

The setting is in the U.S., but nothing like the country we know today. There is a "Safe" land that is curiously not safe at all. That's where the killer virus runs rampant. Outlying the area are a few villages where people are not infected. The story takes off when Safelanders capture an entire village in the hopes of breeding their women to gain offspring that are not infected, which will hopefully revive their dying population.

While not overtly preachy, the message of hope and forgiveness are sprinkled throughout the story. Captives is a great summer read, so pick yourself up a copy and toss it in your beach bag.

You can thank me later.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep

Tosca Lee's Iscariot ~ Reviewed

Iscariot

By Tosca Lee

Published by Howard Books

ISBN#978-1-4516-83769

336 Pages

Back Cover:  Based on extensive research into the life and times of Judas Iscariot, this triumph of fiction storytelling by the author of Havah: The Story of Eve revisits one of biblical history’s most maligned figures and brings the world he inhabited vividly to life.

In Jesus, Judas believes he has found the One—the promised Messiah and future king of the Jews, destined to overthrow Roman rule. Galvanized, he joins the Nazarene’s followers, ready to enact the change he has waited for all his life. But soon Judas’s vision of a nation free from Rome is crushed by the inexplicable actions of the Nazarene himself, who will not bow to social or religious convention—who seems, in the end, to even turn against his own people. At last, Judas must confront the fact that the master he loves is not the liberator he hoped for, but a man bent on a drastically different agenda.

Iscariot is the story of Judas, from his tumultuous childhood to his emergence as the man known to the world as the betrayer of Jesus. But even more, it is a singular and surprising view into the life of Jesus that forces us to reexamine everything we thought we knew about the most famous—and infamous—religious icons in history.

Review:  Tosca Lee drops you on the streets of Capernaum, Jerusalem. You will see the sights, hear the sounds and live life through the mind and heart of Judas Iscariot. You’ll feel his pain, and despair as Roman armies rule in the land.

Your heart will ache as you read about his turbulent childhood and grieve with him about the horrific experiences as a grown man.

He was a devout Jew who was a keeper of the law and wanted to be a teacher of it. Tragedy strikes and he knows in his heart of hearts he will fail to live up to the standard set by the “law” he loved so much.

Judas was tormented by the law; this author did a brilliant job of showing the struggle everyone had following the “law”. I could see clearly how Jesus came to set us free of our bondage to the law! Hallelujah!

I’m thrilled to have received a review copy of this enlightening, gritty novel, rich in historical detail that helped bring the people and time period to life. This author soaked herself in over a hundred books, lectures, documentaries, commentaries, sermons, and collected articles even went to Israel to see firsthand where Jesus walked.

Tosca Lee wrote this novel through Judas eyes. This enabled me catch a glimpse of what Jesus ministry looked like through his disciple’s understanding. It also gave me a peek of the crowd Jesus spoke to filled with stalkers, followers and plotters. The stakes were high for the twelve but they felt it was worth the price to follow him.

This author takes her time in laying the ground work and having the reader experience Judas’ development of how he lived and thought. It was realistic and tragic. Judas agonized over Jesus’ situation as the crowds grew bigger, he became more popular and the awareness of the Pharisee and Sadducees’ plot to push Jesus into an offence they could kill him for. Judas felt Jesus didn’t see this happening as he spoke. Tosca captured the political unrest and what was happening around Jesus as he spoke.

Could Judas have been trying to protect Jesus? He felt he knew the law better than Jesus did? Could the religious leaders lead Judas down a path they knew he would take in order to protect his master, Jesus?

Tosca Lee has readers experience Jesus’ ministry through Judas eyes as one of the 12 chosen disciples. Judas felt peace around Jesus and grew to love him like the others. I like how she showed the disciples didn’t get Jesus and they were standing right next to him. He spoke in riddles they said.

Here’s a peek into Tosca’s novel. Jesus tells the man at the Siloam pool, take up your mat and walk. Judas thinks, “That day I understood, if I had not fully before, that Jesus was more than a mystery, more than unconventional, more than a faction able to unite some and divide others.

He was dangerous – to himself and to all of us who followed him…He was the gatherer of multitudes, this Jesus. A man of questioned birth, who claimed the Lord himself, was his father…and then he healed on the Sabbath in violation of God’s law. Man of contradictions! Didn’t he know that there were those who might seek his ruin for this?...He spoke in riddles. He was a riddle himself.”

Judas went on to say, “Our numbers grew. I was nervous because I knew Herod’s spies were everywhere. The Pharisees already conspired against us; soon Herod would come for my master as surely as he had for John the Baptist. We were running out of time…I was also elated because that meant soon the day would come. Jesus would have to proclaim himself- by Passover, I was certain.”

This is a book to be experienced. It will help you slip into the time period and feel Judas and the twelve disciples struggle. This is a haunting tale that helped me prepare my heart and mind for this years’ Easter Celebration. I’ve seen this story with fresh eyes as I went back to scripture and re-read these events, you will too.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

Terri Blackstock's Truth Stained Lies ~ Reviewed

TRUTH STAINED LIES

By Terri Blackstock

Published by Zondervan

ISBN#978-0-310-28313-3

305 Pages

Back Cover: 

When truth doesn't make sense, will lies prevail? Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on high-profile homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she's about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief . . . until her brother's wife is murdered and all the 'facts' point to him. The killer has staged the crime to make the truth too far-fetched to believe. Working to solve the murder and clear her brother's name, Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne'er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear to hunt down the real killer. Stakes rise when their brother's grieving five-year-old son is kidnapped. As police focus on the wrong set of clues, the three sisters and their battered detective friend are the only hope for solving this bizarre crime, saving the child, and freeing their brother.

Review: 

Terri Blackstock pens another eye opening thriller! This time she takes a look at blogging and how technology we use every day can be used against us, even ensnare us like a mouse in a trap.

Our justice system is supposed to be one that says we are innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately in many cases the media has made people guilty before they’ve had a chance to prove their innocence.

Cathy Cramer is a retired lawyer who has been on a personal mission to see that justice is done in her community. She calls it as she see’s it on her blog no emotions and/or judgment held back. She writes for her readers and tells them the truth as she sees it.

Cathy receives a note on the wind shield of her car it says, “Guilt or innocence is not something to be judged by a two-bit blogger with a drama-loving readership. Maybe it’s time you saw first hand how speculation ruins lives. Judgment that has nothing to do with truth. See how it feels.”

This note didn’t faze her. She got threats all the time. She thought nothing of it; until life has she knew it changed.

I was quickly drawn into this story and cared for her characters and their wild situation. Terri has a way of making you the reader stop and take a look at our fast paced ever changing world in a whole new light. Wow!

If you are into suspense with a faith message naturally interwoven into the story, I recommend this read. It will change the way you think about several things. It will have you read this statement with renewed hope and something more, “The truth is the truth no matter how it looks…tell them that.”

Words typed in an email and sent into cyper space can’t be taken back and they can never be erased. It’s there forever! Think about that as you grab this book to take on vacation with you! Wow!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Nancy Herriman's Josiah's Treasure ~ Reviewed

Josiah's Treasure 
By Nancy Herriman (Author) 
Pages 310 
 Release Date Feb 1, 2013 
 Publisher WPU 
 ISBN 1936034794 

 Description:

 In 1882 Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah's son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house place Sarah's life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. 

That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man's heart - and they both learn that love is finer than any gold. 

Review: 

Josiah’s Treasure is about a young woman named Sarah Whittier. She is left with a small inheritance from a man named Josiah Cady, who took her under his wing. Though no relation to him, he loved her like a daughter. She is using the inheritance to open an art studio run by immigrant women, hoping to give them a better chance in life. However, her plans are turned upside down when Daniel Cady, who claims to be Josiah’s son, shows up, claiming the inheritance for him and his young twin sisters. Though the two can’t stand each other in the beginning, an attraction develops between them. Unforeseen circumstances begin to bring them together, and they soon learn that money isn’t everything! 

This was a really good book. I enjoyed Sarah’s character a lot. She had been through a lot, but was still willing to take a stand to help these young women who had no one else to turn to. She would do anything for them, and they knew that. Eventually, Daniel saw this wonderful quality in her as well. In the beginning, he cared nothing for her, but as he got to know what a wonderful person she was, his love for her began to override his desire for money and revenge against the father he thought abandoned him. This was a great read. 

 Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Michael Neale's The River ~ Reviewed

The River

By Michael Neale

Published by Thomas Nelson

ISBN#978-1-4016-8848-6

301 Pages

Back Cover: 

You were made for The River . . ."

Gabriel Clarke was mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. From deep within, Gabriel's passion for The River was undeniable. The rushing waters beckoned him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something was holding him back-the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old-something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprisoned Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He couldn't leave his past behind and remained trapped, afraid of the life awaiting him.

In this compelling story, Gabriel learns that letting go of the past means giving himself totally to The River-heart, mind, body, and soul.

Review: 

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that felt like hanging out with a good friend. It also reminded me of how important water is to our lives; without it we quickly die, with it we thrive.

Take a peek at how the author describes The River, “it’s wild, free, and untamable. It’s foaming, twisting and thundering. There are places where the water shoots down into crevices and canyons and creates this amazing thunder and then there are places where the water settles into pools of complete calm…I love being with The River.

The River is Alive. The River is timeless, and its moving all over the world…The River can be known but not fully, therein lies the mystery. The River has a voice, and I love the way it sounds. When I’m with The River, I just know it’s where I’m meant to be. It touches something deep inside my soul. It connects me to a bigger story in some indescribable way…when I’m with The River, I feel Alive…I can tell you this from my journey: the more you experience The River, the more you want to stay closer by.”

The River definitely reminds me of our relationship with God our creator. I’ve given you a taste of the many pages this author writes about The River. This is a unique novel like Dinner with a Stranger and that of Tuesdays with Morrie. I think what the prologue says pretty much sums up the essence of this book. It’s a novel not to be rushed through but savored. The author states, “Every now and then, you have an encounter with someone who simply changes your life…you can’t get his (or her) story out of your head and heart.

It’s hard to explain how powerful stories can resonate within us on many levels but it’s often because of the way they speak with passion, heartache, or even joy. Maybe it’s the way they unknowingly reach into our heart of hearts with their words.”

This is one such story! You won’t forget The River or this journey!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

Dee Henderson's Jennifer ~ Reviewed

JENNIFER

By Dee Henderson

Published by Bethany House

ISBN#978-0-7642-1112-6

155 Pages

Back Cover: 

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.

Review: 

I’m thankful for the review copy of a fun and touching love story. I enjoyed this novel very much. I got to know Jennifer O’Malley and got a peek into what her family members were like. I was clueless because I hadn’t read any of the O’Malley series yet. I did read Full-Disclosure and got another peek at the O’Malley’s there.

This is story introduces the reader to two very busy Doctors and how they meet. Jennifer and Tom seem to run into each at the hospital Tom started to work at. They can’t seem to find time to meet out side of work so they go with getting to know each on their breaks and in between shifts.  I enjoyed getting to know Jennifer and Tom. It was interesting to hear about the work each did.

The following statement is in the author’s notes to readers, “Jennifer’s story continues throughout the O’Malley series. Her arrival in Chicago, as well as Tom joining her for the fourth of July family gathering, can be found in the Negotiator, Book one!”

I work at a book store so I went to the shelf and flipped through the Negotiator and looked for Jennifer’s name. I didn’t see her name much. When I looked at the back it said that it was Kate O’Malley’s story. Oh, man! I didn’t have time to read the whole series right now. Grin!

If you’ve read the entire series you’ll be thrilled to learn more about Jennifer and discover how she and Tom met. This will be a fulfilling story to you. I’ve talked to people who have read the series and they said they didn’t get to know Jennifer all that well in the series. So, this is a great addition to you if you’ve read the O’Malley series. If you haven’t read the O’Malley series like me, you’ll be left hanging. Jennifer is a good story and should be read but after you has read the O’Malley series. It will mean more and the ending will be satisfying. Now you know what books to put on your summer reading list! Grin!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

Evangeline Kelley's Sunflower Summer ~ Reviewed

Sunflower Summer (Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn)
By Evangeline Kelley
Pages 269 Release Date Mar 1, 2013
Publisher Ideals Publications
ISBN 0824932471
Overview


Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an over-whelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running than inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile Sam's discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than a hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it--and then--to deepen relationships and transform lives.

Review

Sunflower Summer continues where Seaside Harmony left off, with three sisters, Gracie, Caroline and Sam, preparing the Misty Harbor in for its grand re-opening. They’ve overcome many obstacles to get here, but with the renewed interest they are seeing in their inn, including a newly married couple who wants to be their very first guests, they are hopeful that this will prove to be a successful endeavor! Gracie continues to struggle with the decision as to whether she should sell her home and move to Nantucket or continue to split her time between the two. Sam and her daughter Jamie are intently involved in trying to solve the mysteries surrounding the house, and Caroline is dealing with the loss of her friend, George, after she refused his proposal of marriage.

I was so excited to read more about these sisters! It’s such a fun story, and it makes me wish there really was a Misty Harbor Inn I could go visit! From the way the story ended, I’m thinking there might be another one in the series. I’m sure hoping so, as I’d love to see what happens next!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Siri Mitchell's Unrivaled ~ Reviewed

UNRIVALED

By Siri Mitchell

Published by Bethany House

ISBN#978-0-7642-0797-6

400 Pages

Back Cover: 

Lucy Kendall always assumed she'd help her father in his candy-making business, creating recipes and aiding him in their shared passion. But after a year traveling in Europe, Lucy returns to 1910 St. Louis to find her father unwell and her mother planning to sell the struggling candy company. Determined to help, Lucy vows to create a candy that will reverse their fortunes.

St. Louis newcomer Charlie Clarke is determined to help his father dominate the nation's candy industry. Compromise is not an option when the prize is a father's approval, and falling in love with a business rival is a recipe for disaster when only one company can win. Will these two star-crossed lovers let a competition that turns less than friendly sour their dreams?

Review: 

Siri Mictchell gives readers a peek into the competitive world of candy making in Unrivaled. I’m thankful for the review copy of this heartfelt, fun book! Candy making is serious business especially in the 1900’s. Keeping special ingredients top secret is paramount to being number one in the candy industry.

Siri writes in the pov of Lucy Kendall and that of Charlie Clarke; Lucy’s father owns Fancy Crunch and Charlie’s father owns Royal Taffy which just so happens to be Fancy Crunch’s rival. Each chapter has Lucy or Charlie’s name on the top page so the reader clearly knows who’s speaking. I like how the author changed views throughout the novel. It drew me in, it flowed well and it made reading it fun.

Lucy Kendall arrives home from a tour of Europe and discovers her father is very sick. She had gathered all kinds of candy treasures and ideas to share with him but that had to wait. Her dad just had to get better. She had so much to tell him. She wanted to brainstorm some new candy ideas; ones she hoped would give Royal Taffy a run for its money. Lucy wanted to be the maker of the number one candy sold; she wasn’t interested in capturing a man to wed. Her mom on the other hand wants her to forget all this candy nonsense and get married.

Charlie recently discovered his father was the owner of Royal Taffy Candy Company. It was his favorite candy ever. This news was mind boggling. He couldn't believe his estranged father offered him a job at his factory. It could be exciting, he should be thrilled at the opportunity but could he get past hurts to work side by side with a dad he didn't know? Could he embrace what his father was offering?

The rivalry between these two companies is brutal. Charlie and Lucy create some pretty clever tactics for getting the attention of their customers. I enjoyed Lucy’s spunk and passion for creating candy. I had compassion for Charlie’s inner struggle as he chased away the past and took one day at a time doing the best job he could and fit in this new life style and his father. It wasn’t easy.

The author has a few surprises for her characters and readers. Some surprises’ had me re-read the page to make sure I read it correctly! Fun! This is the first book I’ve read by this author it definitely won’t be the last! Oh, the fun you’ll have at book club with this novel! Just saying: think of the parties ideas! Candy anyone?

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Jolina Petersheim's The Outcast ~ Reviewed

The Outcast

By: Jolina Petersheim

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 400
Vendor: Tyndale House
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 141437934X

 

 

Description

Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop.

Review:

The Outcast is a modern day re-telling of The Scarlet Letter.  Rachel Stoltzfus was raised in an Old Order Mennonite Community, along with her twin sister, Leah.  Shortly after Leah marries an older widower, Tobias, she asks Rachel to come live with them, as she is having a difficult pregnancy.  By the time Leah’s baby is born, it becomes apparent that Rachel is also expecting, though she is un-married and refuses to reveal who the father is.  She is kicked out of her sister’s home and left to fend for herself.  As more secrets are revealed, other tragedies present themselves, threatening Leah, Rachel and Tobias’ relationships even further.

I REALLY enjoyed this book.  It’s been years since I’ve read The Scarlet Letter but I really enjoyed the parallels between the two stories.  I also thought it interesting that the author chose the names Rachel and Leah for the twins.  It takes you back to the Bible, with the struggle between Jacob and Esau, and Rachel and Leah.  I really wasn’t sure what was going to happen next and I had a really hard time putting the book down.  This was a great read!
 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers