February 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Releases

1. A Passion Most Pure, Book 1 of the Daughter of Boston Series by Julie Lessman from Baker Publishing Group, Revell. Rival sisters with strong faith--one in God, the other in herself--turn the head of a heart breaker who proposes to one and falls in love with the other.

2. A Whisper of Freedom, Book 3 in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series by Tricia Goyer from Moody Publishers. In the exciting third book in the Chronicles of The Spanish Civil War series, the characters we've come to love are in greater danger and yet filled with greater hope than ever before.

3. Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills from Avon Inspire. When mestizos kidnap Marianne Phillips, they hope that her wealthy Texas rancher father will trade land for her freedom.

4. Bayou Corruption, Book #2 in the Bayou Series by Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired Suspense. Alyssa LeBlanc returns to Louisiana, almost running over a body. She works to expose corruption while racing to "scoop" rival, Jackson Devereaux. When their stories collide, they join forces to expose the truth.

5. Blessings, #3 in the Sommerfeld Trilogy by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Barbour. Trina Muller has a gift for treating God's lowly creatures, but to pursue her dream of veterinary college means leaving her Old Order Mennonite faith.

6. Day Omega by Craig Harms from Lighthouse Books. A thriller about the end-times and one man's redemption.

7. Four LIttle Blessings by Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Four little children bring happiness and love to a most unlikely pair.

8. Homicide at Blue Heron Lake, Book 1 in Mainely Murder series by Susan Page Davis and Megan Elaine Davis (mother and daughter) from Heartsong Presents: Mysteries. A reporter returns to her home town and rediscovers love—and finds an old neighbor lying dead in his island cottage.

9. Joanna's Adventure (#3 will later be included in a Barbour 3-in-1 titled Kansas Brides) by Mildred Colvin writing as M.J. Conner from Barbour Books. When Joanna prays for an adventure, Clay returns bringing more excitement, danger, and love than she expected.

10. Murder on the Ol' Bunions, A LaTisha Barnhart Mystery by S. Dionne Moore from Barbour Publishing, Inc. When LaTisha Barnhart discovers the body of her former employer, her bunions tell her somethings afoot.

11. On Sparrow Hill, Book 2 of 2 by Maureen Lang from Tyndale House. On Sparrow Hill explores how love and servanthood can change and develop the relationships in our lives.

12. Only Uni, Book 2 in the Sushi Series by Cami Tang from Zondervan. A flirty biologist vows to turn her life around with three rules from First and Second Corinthians.

13. Picket Fence Promises, sequel to Front Porch Princess by Kathryn Springer from Steeple Hill Cafe. A second chance with her first love?

14. Promises, Promises, Book 1 in Delaware Brides by Tiffany Amber Stockton writing as Amber Miller from Barbour/Heartsong Presents. Raelene Strattford believes God has forsaken her, but her neighbor proves just the opposite while giving her a voice in a world where women have none.

15. Return to Baragula, Book 3 in Baragula series by Mary Hawkins from Ark House Press (Sydney, Australia). For Emily, coming home to the small rural town means she has to overcome present danger as well as face the past to find real forgiveness and a lasting love.

16. Stuck in the Middle, Book 1 of the Sister-to-sister series by Virginia Smith from Revell. Joan Sanderson's life is stuck -- what she needs is a little help from God, her big sister, and an enormous mutt with bad manners.

17. Sweet Caroline, 1st in South Caroline lowcountry books by Rachel Hauck from Thomas Nelson. Caroline Sweeney discovers love and destiny at a small, broken down lowcountry Cafe.

18. Sweet Forever, First in the Indiana Brides series by Ramona K. Cecil from Barbour/Heartsong Presents. A young woman who believes God hates her is befriended by a young minister who doubts his calling.

19. Symphony of Secrets by Sharon Hinck from Bethany House Publishing. A professional flutist sets out to solve the mystery of her symphony's sabotage, while also keeping the relationship with her teen daughter in tune.

20. The Rogue's Redemption, #4 in Regency Series by Ruth Axtell Morren from Steeple Hill. A Waterloo hero and London rake meets a Yankee woman of faith who decides to put her faith in him.

21. Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini from Bethany House. Gaby Flores is determined to be "gullible no more!" But can a young woman prone to disaster in both work and love finally find happily ever after?

22. Uncertain Alliance, book 1 of 3 of Heartsong historical Washington State series by Mary Davis from Heartsong/Barbour. Though circumstances force Alice under Ian's employ, her wounded heart is afraid to trust this gentle man who is wooing her to love him.

23. Vendetta, Book #2, Snow Canyon Ranch series by Roxanne Rustand from Steeple Hill. The Snow Canyon Ranch series--where sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Rockies.

Thanks, Jill Eileen Smith.

Tracey Bateman's You Had Me at Good-bye ~ Reviewed

You Had Me at Good-bye
By Tracey Bateman
Published by Faith Works, Feb 13, 2008
ISBN-10: 0-446-69894-6

Description:

When aspiring editorial diva Dancy Ames finds herself unemployed and unattached, is it time to get her head out of other people’s books and pursue her own storybook ending?

Dance Ames had a plan for the future—one that did not involve handsome Brit Jack Quinn swooping in and stealing her dream job at Lane Publishing. Now unemployed, Dancy must find a new career. Coffee barista? Literary agent? Hmm. Maybe she’ll write a novel, featuring a relentless, job-stealing, caffeine-addicted editor who falls in love with a beautiful coffee barista. She's got time on her hands.... But what will she do when it turns out that Jack is interested in her book—and maybe more?

Review:

Bateman is one of the best at her genre. While I can quickly get tired of reading about twenty-something girls looking for love, You Had Me at Good-bye kept me turning pages. Bateman’s humor is right on the money and she adds twists worthy of the best mystery writer. Her fresh plot avoids clichés and I laughed out loud numerous times, garnering glares from my husband who was watching TV. Even if you aren’t a regular chick lit reader, you’ve got to read You Had Me at Good-bye.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
http://www.anemulligan.com

Missy Tippens' Her Unlikely Family ~ Reviewed

Her Unlikely Family

Missy Tippens

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Steeple Hill (February 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373874707

Book Description:

Add One Rebellious Teenager

Try To Mix

Take responsibility for his orphaned niece, yes. Raise her himself, no. A good boarding school was what the girl needed, not an uncle who was never home. But then Michael Throckmorton's niece ran away. And the big-hearted, beautiful diner waitress who'd taken her in wasn't letting her go so easily. Josie Miller had a few conditions for Michael. Oddly enough, he was willing to listen. Yet days later, why wasn't he hauling the teen back to school and himself back to the city? Could it be that an unlikely family was forming?

My Review:

Missy Tippens' debut novel "Her Unlikely Family" should appeal to romance lovers. Michael, the tall, dark and handsome "hero" is well-written as a sensitive guy under his buttoned up banker image. Josie, the heroine, is all softness and yearning in a self-imposed protective shell, and Lisa the teenage niece is a rebel with a reason.

Tippens has studied the craft and has married a tight story with the classic romance formula and small town charm.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com

Leah Starr Baker's Bunko Babes ~ Reviewed

Bunko Babes
By Leah Starr Baker
Published by Emerald Pointe Books
ISBN: 0-97851-375-4

Description:

A refreshingly, real look at the transforming power of true friendship.

It is called, "The Bunko Babes" and anyone who has ever awaken at the crack of dawn, cooked breakfast, clothes an army, run errands, forgotten the dry cleaning, lost the cell phone, played chauffeur to three rowdy boys, cooked dinner, taken on the role of nursemaid, while trying to be as enticing as a French Maid to your husband, then this is the book for you!

Review:

The title intrigued me. I've played Bunko once and didn't want to come home. The back cover grabbed me. I have great friends and I enjoy my girlfriends. The Bunko Babes celebrates those friendships. With characters that take on life, I was completely immersed in the story of these women from page one and didn't stop reading until I turned the last page. I felt like I was part of their circle, another friend.

Well written and slightly reminiscent (and only because of the close friendships) of The Sister Circle, The Bunko Babes is a rollicking story of friendship. But don't be fooled. It contains some deep truths, revealing people who hurt. But it also reveals the sustaining power of loving friendships and restorative power of forgiveness. If you have girlfriends like that, you'll love this book. I give it a high recommendation.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
http://www.anemulligan.com

Leanna Ellis' Elvis Takes a Back Seat ~ Reviewed

Book Description:

Elvis Takes a Back Seat by award-winning novelist Leanna Ellis is the endearing story of Claudia, a young widow determined to fulfill her husband’s last request by hauling a three-foot bust of Elvis Presley in the backseat of a vintage Cadillac from Dallas to Memphis to return it to its rightful owner. The road trip—taken with an eccentric aunt who actually knew the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” and a temperamental teen with a suspicious mind of her own—hits some royal roadblocks and detours as these women uncover pieces of their past along with the bust’s mysterious history. What they find along the way changes their lives forever, inspiring readers to also step out in faith.

My Review:

This review will a little ambiguous because I so do not want to ruin this read for anyone.

"Elvis" is poignant, charming, difficult and full of hope. Faith is handled honestly and with dignity. Relationships are discovered, dissected and bathed in all the shades of love. Pain is multi layered and realistic.

The writing is compelling and tight. The characters are people I'd like to meet. Heavy subjects like life, death and faith are handled with grace.

A Christian novel steeped in all of the aspects of faith, "Elvis" will likely be in my top reads for 2008. I recommend it for readers of heavy, hopeful fiction. Fans of Karen Kingsbury and Annette Smith's "A Bigger Life" should find "Elvis" satisfying. I also suggest "Elvis" to those who struggle with faith and don't want to give up belief but need a little help with the details.

Review by: Kelly Klepfer

http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com/

Matthew Raley's Fallen ~ Reviewed

Fallen

Matthew Raley

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (February 29, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825435757

Description:

As Jim finishes a long day at work, his gaze lands on an expensive car pulling up to the coffee shop visible from his office window. His jaw dropped when the attractive young woman behind the wheel stops her car...and out steps his young, married pastor, Dave. Jim wants to give Dave the benefit of doubt, but as chairman of his church board Jim feels duty-bound to confront him. But as he begins to explore his pastor's private life, will be be able to handle the truth that he uncovers?

My Review:

What a tangled web I read. ..Wow.

Fallen grabbed me immediately and did not let go until the final silken strand. Matthew Raley has written a book that may need to become part of seminary curriculum. Maybe Fallen should be required reading for elder or deacon boards. Without heavy discussions regarding theological ideology, or overwhelming use of scripture, Raley manages to wind the reality of truth around cheap grace, religiousity, legalism, licentiousness, grace, forgiveness and accountability. And pride gets the life sucked out of it.

Two male characters from different circumstances and generations interact with affection, wariness, concern and pain. I found myself agonizing with Raley's main character ,Jim while he got more entangled with his own thoughts as well as the series of facts and perceived realities. I have been Jim, and I dare say I've been a Dave.
I know many will think this is a story about dangerous pastors, but don't miss the point that wound its way around my heart. Our lives are woven and God doesn't miss a stitch. He'll use whatever means to make sure my life is one that glorifies Him. No matter how painful or costly, God will shape the ones He loves and died for.

This story is overtly Christian. But with an honest look at religion vs. relationship and enough mind games to entice readers who don't claim Christianity but love cat and mouse games. I'd suggest it to anyone who has ever been burned in church politics, too.

Raley is a new author to watch. I'm looking forward going to get my hands on his next novel. I hope it will be soon.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com

Craig and Janet Parshall's Sons of Glory ~ Reviewed

Sons of Glory

Craig and Janet Parshall

Paperback: 408 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736913262
ISBN-13: 978-0736913263

From the publisher:

Boston, Massachusetts-1770.Having left Scotland, the Mackenzie family now lives on in three brothers--Nathan, Edward, and Robby--as the turbulent story begun in Crown of Fire and Captives and Kings concludes.

When Nathan, a young lawyer, witnesses the Boston Massacre, he and his mentor John Adams--though both pro-independence--are pulled into defending British soldiers.

During the following conflict with his fellow patriots, Nathan also struggles with his minister brother, Edward, who remains firmly loyal to what he considers the God-ordained British government.

When youngest brother Robby, a radical patriot, is arrested, Edward and Nathan must each search heart and soul. In the end, they and their families pledge themselves to the colonial cause. To them, however, ultimate glory does not rest with a new nation and new political system. Rather, true glory resides in doing God's will in the midst of dangerous and uncertain times.

My review:

Sons of glory was packed with action and historical events. Want to learn more about the tensionbetween the colonies and England before the American Revolution? You'd love this book. It goes into what happened at the Boston Massacre and the trial that followed. I found that part of the book particularly fascinating. It reminded me of the movie Amistad, which also had fabulous court scenes. The lawyers were brilliant in their defense and very brave to go against the popular opinion even though it was based on faulty facts and false testimony. I also enjoyed Robby's plight and holding my breath as I waited to find out his fate. All in all this was an engaging tale and one of the best books in the series. Assuming the authors got all of the particular facts correct, historians and historical fiction lovers will adore this book.


Michelle Sutton (pen name) The Edgy Inspirational Author

www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com

William Young's The Shack ~ Reviewed

The Shack
By William P. Young
Published by: Wind Blown Media
248 pages

Back Cover:

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.

Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!


Review:

This book is about so much more than the gruesome details of how this little girl dies. The author deals with this subject tactfully and respectfully. All of a sudden I was reading along and the thought occurred to me that this book might be like a book I read (that really touched me) called “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger” by David Gregory; but it was nothing like that book. That book was fun and light hearted. William Young takes you into the depths of Mackenzie’s pain and has God show up.

God wants to heal Mackenzie from the inside out. Mack can’t believe this is happening. Did he die and go to heaven? This can’t be God he doesn’t care about him or love him because he let his innocent daughter Missy be murdered. I don’t want any part of this God he thinks. I don’t know why he came?

I don’t want to say too much detail about this book. I don’t want to tarnish your experience. I don’t want you to be swayed one way or the other on how God wants to use the message of this book to reveal Himself to you in a very unexpected and exhilarating way. But I do want to share this with you; a little glimpse inside this powerful book. The experience of this book is like listening to a song that touches your heart to the core and when it’s all over there is no clapping just silence as everyone reflects on what just happened in their heart, soul and mind.

The glimpse : This is what Mack says to God “ I hate all this – this crying and blubbering like an idiot, all these tears,” he moaned.

“Oh child,” spoke Papa tenderly. “Don’t ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak.”

The Lord has His fingerprints inside this book for you to find and be transformed. This is not only a GREAT book; a must read; but an experience that will alter the way you look at life and God forever.

Reviewed by: Nora St. Laurent
Book Club Servant Leader


Bonus Review:

I didn't want to read this one. I have such a huge stack of books to get through that I couldn't bear the thought of one more...especially one I didn't think I'd like. I expected The Shack to be melodramatic and poorly written. Young was turned down by a lot of houses, and I figured that his writing skills might have something to do with it. But The Shack ended up on my local book club list, and I picked up a copy and began reading.

I was surprised by what I found between the covers of this little novel. The writing is compelling, a little overdone is some spots, a little mechanically iffy in others. The beginning scenes are a little slow moving, but it's solid and descriptive writing that paints pictures and engages senses. But the story, wow. The story is gripping and beautiful and awful and full of pain and sorrow and joy. I wept through a few scenes. Not dashed a tear away, but wept.

I'm not going to recommend it to everyone. There are some who shouldn't read it. If you can not separate fiction from doctrine, why set yourself up for annoyance? Theologically, this book soars on imagination, wonder, questions and it oozes grace. The Shack doesn't belong on a shelf full of Biblical study tools. Nor should it be read to discover error or to fuel a bully pulpit. The Shack should be read by people who are desperate to find healing or those who are sick and tired of religion. If you are afraid to think outside of your doctrinal lines, you will find much to be offended about. On the flip side, if the Shack or anything outside of Jesus becomes your hope for salvation, stop, turn aside to the Bible and discover Jesus as written through the Holy Spirit.

The several struggles I've noticed seem to be focused on the depiction of God and the gospel message. The author very clearly states that this is a story, a fictional account. Young bravely takes liberty with God, creating pictures and dialogue, putting words and emotion and spice into the God of the Bible. If this offends you, then you are probably not ready for the message in The Shack. But if you have an image of God as a lightning bolt throwing bully or a disinterested floating ruler or a bumbling fool, The Shack may just change your mind and possibly your life. The book does not share a Gospel where Jesus is anything but God the Son and fully human. His death and resurrection are clearly portrayed. The uncomfortable issue with the theology stems from the author's stretch of imagination and his obvious love for God. Truth is, God doesn't behave the way we expect Him to. Why should He? God doesn't answer to us, God doesn't have to do things the exact same way He has in the past, He's not bound by our limitations. God is complete and full without our understanding of His business or our definition of Him. God is big enough to work through fiction, truth, the Bible, nature, other people and whatever else He might choose.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

George Bryan Polivka's The Hand that Bears the Sword ~ Reviewed

The Hand That Bears The Sword
By George bryan Polivka
Harvest Housel July 2007
ISBN 978-0-7369-1957-9

Newlyweds Packer and Panna Throme are once again thrust into high adventure. Pirate Scat Wilkins returns with evil intentions for Packer as the Trophy Chase sets sail for the deep waters once again. A new and surprising Hezzan in the Kingdom of Drammun has diabolical designs on not just Packer but on the entire Kingdom of Nearing Vast. And, at home, Panna must await Packer’s hopeful return while imprisoned by the lecherous Prince Mather.

Will Packer and Panna escape their separate dangers and find happiness in the Kingdom of Nearing Vast…or will the invading Drammune army steal away their future and that of all the people of Packer and Panna’s homeland?

Well, I won’t give away the answer, but let’s just say that in usual Polivka style, The Hand That Bears the Sword ends with a surprising twist—and leaves the story wide open for book three.

What I enjoy most about Polivka’s writing is his amazing and fresh descriptions. “Bench Urmond was purpose poured into a granite mold.” This is just one small example of the insight he gives to develop a character in the reader’s mind. Polivka is a master of showing versus telling.

I also enjoyed the hilarious antics of Panna keeping the prince at arm’s length. While men will like the action/adventure of the story, women will cheer for Panna and look forward to the scenes involving her.

The overall theme of the book is that God does answer prayer but most often not in ways we expect—and it’s usually better if we don’t get in the way. He is sovereign and carries out His purposes even when, or perhaps especially when we lose heart.

If you enjoyed The Princess Bride, then you’re sure to enjoy The Hand That Bears The Sword. It’s a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and romance. But be forewarned…you will want to rush out and buy book three, The Battle for Vast Dominion, as soon as you’ve closed the back cover.

Review by Michelle Griep

Diann Hunt's For Better or for Worse ~ Reviewed

For Better or for Worse
By Diann Hunt
Published by Thomas Nelson
ISBN-13: 978-1-59554-195-6


Description:

She's a wedding coordinator ... He's a divorce attorney

She begins marriages ... He ends them.

How could these two possibly find common ground?

Wendy Hartline is finally starting to settle into the single life. After a difficult season of grief following her husband's death, she's taken over the family business of coordinating memorable weddings.

Life has become ... comfortable.

Then the charming and incredibly frustrating Marco Amorini opens a legal practice—specializing in divorces next to her wedding chapel and stirs up everything.

Wendy learns that perhaps there is such a thing as second chances in this hilarious story of the pleasures and pains of new love in midlife.

Review:

Diann Hunt frosts a three-tiered-wedding-cake of a story with the delectable icing of humor. Poor Wendy not only has to deal with her own love life, her daughter and son-in-law are tossing grenades at each other, and the cake topper is Wendy's son has proposed to Marco's daughter. Not wanting their children to marry too young, Marco and Wendy embark on a scheme to break them up.

I kept my husband awake with my laughing, so For Better or for Worse was banned from the bedroom. Hunt tosses in a couple of twists you won't see coming. What you will see in her characters is your neighbor or perhaps ... a bit of yourself. And you'll laugh all the way through.

Delightful and completely satisfying, For Better or for Worse delivers the expected high caliber book of Diann Hunt. If you enjoy laughter, I highly recommend For Better or for Worse.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
http://www.anemulligan.com

Kathryn Mackel's Vanished ~ Reviewed

VANISHED

Kathryn Mackel

ISBN# 978-1-59979-211-8

292 pages

Book Cover:

A Terrorist’s bomb. A rogue experiment. An impenetrable mist. And no one is coming to help…

After a bomb explodes in a working-class neighborhood of Barcester, Massachusetts, police sergeant Jason Logan fights to keep order and assist the injured while desperately waiting for aid to arrive. In the mist from the bomb preventing ambulances and fire trucks from coming in? Or has something far more occurred?

As the hours tick by, Logan tracks the terrorist mastermind – who he learns is not done wreaking havoc. Cut off from modern medical resources, nurse-practitioner Kay de los Santos treats the injured and soothes the fearful, unaware that her teenaged son Ben is on the run from both the cops and the terrorist.

The vanished begin a battle from survival against enemies they’ve always known – and forces they’ve never even imagined.

Review:

This book starts out describing the events that happen after a bombing. The author has broken down the events of this book into hours. The first section is named “The First Hour” (of course it is!) What do the police and federal agents do immediately after a bombing has occurred? This is a post 911 book. References are made to that event and how things are done differently now. The book is suspenseful and Kathryn develops about 5 main characters all of which have their own drama’s happening in the middle of this tragedy.

As I was reading along and got into “The Fifth Hour” of the book some really unexpected things started to happen. I didn’t see how this author was going to tie this all up and explain this new twist in the story. I only had 5 chapters to go in the fifth hour. There wasn’t enough time. Then I thought if she did tie it up it would have to be quick and it would ruin the story. I read the last page of the book and realized that this was book#1 in a new series that she is writing.(I didn't read the back cover of this book first) Ok, that explained a lot. This book really leaves you hanging. All 5 main characters are in the middle of suspenseful drama. She definitely leaves you wondering what exactly is keeping this town in Massachusetts stranded.

Why hadn’t anyone come to help them? What is that mist? Will the bomber strike again? Who is this all connected?

I don’t know how long you’ll have to wait for the sequel. All I know is that it will be worth the wait.

Nora St.Laurent

Book Club Servant Leader

www.psalm516.blogspot.com

L. Frank James's Mr. Inside ~ Reviewed

Mr. Inside: A Novel (The Adventures of Lost and Found International) (Paperback)
by L. Frank James
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: The Salt Works (October 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934080012
ISBN-13: 978-1934080016




Book Cover Copy:





By the early 1970's, Dr. Gustov Miller, an internationally renown scholar, has developed a keen sense of solving ancient mysteries and has established his own company, called Lost & Found International. He runs it with only two employees, his assistant, a lovely Christian woman, Miss Beatrix Peeters and James Morrison, his "Mr. Outside," who finds himself in life-threatening situations while searching for lost or stolen artifacts, under the remote direction of Dr. Miller.

The action-packed story-line includes Gus and Jim being hounded, beaten, and thrown off a moving passenger train -- all while risking death in their race against time to solve the mystery of their lives.

The invisible hand of God is seen in riveting clarity as it affects the lives of the characters. A page-turner, Mr. Inside entertains, engages and impacts the reader in unexpected ways.

My Review:

Mr. Inside surprised me more than once.

The novel began with a flashback to main character Gustov Miller's classic and typical preacher kid's childhood including the homey neighborhood and church potlucks. After his parents pursue a new call, one into missions, a horrifying and tragic scene unfolds in Africa sending Miller down a road that was both understandable and sad.

Then began an alternating slap-stick cat and mouse game interjected with character studies and spiritual discussions. Some were well done, others fell into stereotypes and all managed to come together at the end and get tied up neatly. There were a few twists and plenty of quirky characters. Mr. James handled the art of mystery and storytelling very well. He also covers quite a bit of spiritual ground with minimal preaching.

I would like to go back and read An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case which received critical acclaim.

Those who love quick reads, plot twists and classic detective style characters might want to check into Mr. Inside.

Dave Jackson's Forty to Life ~ Reviewed

Forty to Life
Dave Jackson
Published by Bethany House
ISBN#10-0764203231
331 pages

Back Cover: MURDERER. It's a word few people ever expect to apply to them.But for fourteen-year-old Ray, it's suddenly a reality. Provoked by a gang leader into the random shooting of an innocent guy, Ray now faces a forty-year sentence in Chicago's infamous prison system. As far as Ray is concerned, it might as well be for life.

In prison, Ray finds his gang banger ties difficult to escape and even necessary for survival. Just when he's resigned himself to this new existence, though, Fay receives an unexpected gift - forgiveness. Even as he learns that the source of this forgiveness is God, Ray struggles with accepting it. And then the ultimate test comes: When faced with the man who ruined his life, can Ray extend the same forgiveness that has been handed to him?

Review:

Raymond Slewinski age 14, starts out to prove to a gang leader that he is a man not a chicken. But Ray doesn't expect the feelings he has and to see what he does after the gun in his hand goes off. Everything seemed in slow motion to Ray as he watched the blood spray out of the young man's chest. All of a sudden Ray realizes he just shot someone he goes to school with. What had he done? Was Greg going to die? Ray had to get out of there.

Shooting someone in "real" life was very different than shooting a guy in a video game. The person you shot doesn't come back to life. You can't have a do over! The game is over for good. Ray's world is crumbling fast. He is on the fast track to prison. How did the police find him so fast? There was no get out of jail card in his future. Ray gets arrested and stays in a juvenile detention center until his case comes to trial. Things aren't so bad there. He hears bad things about the adult prisons. By the time his case comes to trial he will be considered an adult.

He is haunted by this message in his head "You do the crime, you do the time? He knew that was the way society worked, but some how, even 1 ½ years after pulling the trigger, Ray still had not been able to accept that he actually murdered someone. A murderer? How could this be?" He thought he wasn't that bad. This was his first offense. How had things gone so wrong?

While Ray is serving his sentence in adult prison he learns that he could have a second chance at a productive life; even in prison. His cell mate tells him "A guy can turn around if he wants to. God does forgive" Ray soon discovers forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice. A choice he could make that would change his life forever - hadn't Greg's mom forgiven him?

I never really thought about the big differences in juvenile detention centers and adult prisons. Dave is descriptive but not really graphic. I didn't give much thought to the whole legal system and politics that go on before and during a trial until I read this book. Dave does set the mood and creates the heaviness within the adult prison walls effectively. Ray Slewinski is not a perfect kid and slips up many times even in prison. I found myself getting frustrated with Ray and his decisions. I wanted to say to him "Haven't you learned anything?"

But I soon realized that my Heavenly Father has probably looked down at me and wanted to say the very same thing. It's the choices I make every day that bring me life or death. My choices help me get closer to my Abba Daddy, or I can completely turn my back on Him. He still loves me and is waiting with open arms for my return. I'm so glad our Heavenly Father is patient with me; He shows me kindness, love and mercy when I don't deserve it.

This is the essence of the story. "He Came to Pay a Debt He Didn't Owe Because I owed a Debt I Couldn't Pay." I'm glad that God is God and I am not! This is a powerful story.

Nora St.Laurent
Book Club Servant Leader
http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com/

Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure ~ Dual Review

A Passion Most Pure
By Julie Lessman
Daughters of Boston book 1
Revell 1/1/2008
ISBN 978-1-4000-7251-4

Book Description:
Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith is not sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household.

Michelle Sutton review:

This is moving to the top of my list of favorite books of all time. It's packed with romantic tension, and emotional and spiritual passion. It made me crazy as I wasn't sure what I wanted them to do and my feelings were all over the place. I did enjoy the ending, though, as it was very satisfying and I cried through the last three chapters or so. Don't read ahead if you get this book. It'll spoil the joy and wonder of the story for you. I was tempted to do that several times (which I never do) because I so desperately wanted to know who Faith ended up with, but I was good and I'm glad I didn't peek.

What an emotional roller coaster ride! I got whiplash from the plot twists and the changing of the tides. My heart soared and plummeted along with Faith. I could not stop reading this book and hauled it with me everywhere. It's long (like 480 pages) but I wouldn't cut a thing. Everything is relevant and important to the story. I'll admit that I was extremely curious about this book after reading an article that said it was overly sensual. I disagree. Just because you are in her head and her thoughts are honest doesn't make it sensual. A lot of author's can write about kissing but most aren't daring enough to write the honest thoughts in a heroine's head. That's what this author did that was so fabulous. If she took out the internal thoughts she would remove the alleged sensuality, but then the passion is squeezed from the story and it would be a dry scene with description, but no life. I loved this story. It's daringly innovative and the most fabulous debut I've ever read. Plus, the historical portion of the novel was well done, too. I felt like I was there!

One last thought...I see this as a clearly Christian novel in that the emphasis is that having passion for God is what makes a marriage a beautiful, solid, and holy union and anything less than that is robbing you of the joy you could experience if you loved within the boundaries God set. It's a very strong message but done naturally and through the story. It feels real. I knew men like Collin who were insanely jealous of a woman's relationship with God and how they said they felt like they were competing with Him. Without the love of Christ in our hearts we are truly deprived of the most intimate love their is. This story delivers that message with such perfection I want every woman who has not married yet to read this book! It would save a lot of heartache if women trusted God in regards to their marriage partner. He wants marriage to be an example of his love for us and that cannot exist in a marriage without Him at the center.

Before you judge this book you need to read it for yourself. Initially I struggled with the number of POVs but once I got into the story I see how important that was for the author to include so many. Bravo!

Bonus Review by Michelle Griep

A Passion Most Pure is an intense drama involving the O’Connor family, Irish-Americans who live on the south side of Boston. Historically, the reader is drawn into the trench warfare of WWI. Emotionally, the story delivers a gamut of feelings from love and jealousy to sorrow and joy. Spiritually, there is a message for believers and unbelievers alike.

The story centers around eighteen-year-old Faith O’Connor, a stalwart believer who struggles with a feisty anger and passion for Collin McGuire. Collin feels the same for her but does not share her faith. That’s where Charity, Faith’s younger sister, takes advantage of the situation. Sixteen and drop-dead gorgeous, she gains Collin’s attentions to the point of their engagement. It’s quite the emotional love triangle, especially since there’s already a deeply rooted jealousy on Charity’s part because she feels their father loves Faith more than her.

Kicking the romance factor up a notch, the relationship between Faith’s parents is still sizzling after two decades. When her father is sent off to war, her mother languishes to the point of returning home to Ireland.

Without giving away several surprises at the end of the story, there are some unexpected plot turns that come out of nowhere, all resulting in a satisfying read.

I must admit that while an interesting concept and well-written, once the love triangle was established, I was ready to move on as a reader. The spats between Faith, Collin and Charity didn’t hold my attention nearly as much as they did at first.

A Passion Most Pure is Julie Lessman’s debut novel. She’s already garnered many writing awards, and I’ve no doubt there will be more to come.

If turn-of-the-century Americana with a bit of a European twist sounds intriguing, then this is the book for you.

Julie Klassen's Lady of Milkweed Manor ~ Reviewed

Lady of Milkweed Manor
By Julie Klassen
Bethany House January 2008
ISBN 978-0-7642-0479-1


Charlotte Lamb, a fallen vicar’s daughter, hopes to secret herself away in London’s Milkweed Manor. But once there, she is mortified to find herself in the care of a former suitor, a physician whom her father long ago rejected as unsuitable—a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God’s help, to protect those they love. But neither could guess the depth of sacrifice that will be required of them.

Drawn from fascinating research about the secret lives of women in the nineteenth century, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

It’s a rare book that forces me to press the pause button on my life and simply devour the story—this is one such book. Well-written, emotionally charged, unexpected plot twists, and an amazing balance of foreshadowing with backstory all lend to a remarkable debut novel by author Julie Klassen. The tension builds throughout and keeps the reader guessing until the last page.

Klassen has captured the best of Austen and Brontë. There are complex relationships and plenty of snooty nobility. The ambiance is generally foreboding and ominous which sets quite a gothic stage. This mixture combines into a haunting quality, leaving the characters on the mind of the reader days after the story has been finished.

The only thing I thought was a bit overdone were the references to milkweeds. Interesting, yes. Educational, admitted. But I found myself skipping over the quotes at the beginning of each chapter since the story engrossed me so much more. A small quarrel to be sure, but thought it should be mentioned.

Overall this is a fantastic narrative that will draw you into the era and wreak havoc with your emotions. Kudos to Bethany House for taking on this new author. I’ll be sure to look for future titles by Julie Klassen. Once you’ve read Lady of Milkweed Manor, I’ve no doubt you’ll be anxious for more as well.

Review by: Michelle Griep

And here's a bonus review from Michelle Sutton:

This is truly one of the most emotionally gripping novels I've ever read and it is sure to make my best of 2008 list. My heart pounded with anticipation so many times I lost count. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, something different took place. The author did an amazing job pulling the reader into Charlotte's life. I longed for her happiness. And there were so many powerful subplots that my head is still swimming with amazement, and my heart is still gripped by this strangely sad, yet hopeful and deeply romantic tale of love and loss, of sacrifice and reward. Bottom line...This story is so full of passion that it will make your heart sing.

Best of all, Lady of Milkweed Manor shows in a tangible and emotionally gratifying way how all things do work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. The element of sacrificial love in this poignant novel is so incredibly powerful that it will stick with me for years to come. I am so impressed with this author's "voice" and her ability to draw my heart into a story that I plan to read every books she pens from this day forward. I highly recommend this story. If you take my advice, you'll see why.

January Christian Fiction Releases from American Christian Fiction Writers

Happy 2008!

This month's lineup of Christian fiction comes to you with quite a variety of releases.

Enjoy!

1. A Soldier's Promise, Book One in the Wings of Refuge Series by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A USAF Pararescue jumper and a special needs teacher teaming to make life matter to a dying child freefall into love and an unexpected family.

2. Every Good & Perfect Gift by Sharon K. Souza, from NavPress. A story about the kind of friendship we all wish for, the quest for motherhood in the 21st century, and a catastrophic illness that changes everything.

3. Family In His Heart final book in the Michigan Island Series by Gail Gaymer Martin from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. On a Les Cheneaux Island, a young woman escapes her past in Michigan's upper peninsula and meets a man hiding his own secrets and struggling to raise a rebellious teenage son.

4. Just Cause by Susan Page Davis from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Laurel Hatcher must face trial for her husband’s murder, not once but twice.

5. Learning to Fly by Roxanne Henke from Harvest House. Learning to Fly is about parenting. Learning to love, live, and let go.

6. Seven Archangels: Annihilation by Jane Lebak. Satan has figured out how to destroy an angel...and he begins with the archangel Gabriel.

7. Shadow of Danger by Jeanne Marie Leach from Mountain View Publishing. Rachel faces jealousy, false accusations, an unknown danger, and a jail cell before being liberated by the man she loves but who could never love her.

8. The Restorer's Journey, Book 3 in the Sword of Lyric Series by Sharon Hinck from NavPress. A new, young Restorer confronts his destiny while Lyric, and the life of his mother, hang in the balance.

Happy reading~Jill Eileen Smith

Deborah Raney's Within This Circle ~ Reviewed

Within This Circle
By Deborah Raney
Published by Steeple Hill
ISBN-10: 0-373-78594-1

Description:

After a tumultuous courtship, John and Julia Brighton have a second chance at happiness. With tragedy behind them and their children grown, they’re looking forward to a new promising era in their lives.

Only, such a promise is never guaranteed. And life can change in a moment.

The Brightons’ lives are turned upside down when John’s daughter Jana abandons her husband, Mark, and three-year-old daughter. John and Julia reach out to young Ellie, to give the young couple time to heal, but how can they help this child, so confused and longing for Mommy? And how much sorrow and stress can both fledgling marriages endure? Two very different couples, each with only their love and faith to guide them, can only pray that it will be enough.

Review:

Within This Circle is the long-awaited sequel to A Vow to Cherish. The storyline, although not at all what I thought it would be, was wonderful. She's the consummate storyteller and has never written one I didn’t love. Somehow, she always avoids the expected, the clichéd. I was totally caught up in the lives of these people and had to know what happened. I started reading about 9:30 PM Christmas night and forgot about time completely until I turned the last page—somewhere after 2:00 AM.

But then, a Deborah Raney book is like that. She always tackles tough subjects and Within This Circle is no different. Her characters possess multi-layered personalities with good and bad

traits. And they live on in your memory long after you’ve finished the book. As a reviewer, I read 2-3 books a week. After a while, the stories tend to run together, except for the books of a handful of authors. And Raney tops that list.

If you want a great read, I highly recommend Within This Circle.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
http://www.anemulligan.com

C.J. Illinik's Najila ~ Reviewed

Najila
C.J. Illinik

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (July 27, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825429072
ISBN-13: 978-0825429071

Description:

From the day she is born in Baghdad, Najila's life is defined by conflict. Her mother is a Muslim and her father the Greek Orthodox Byzantine ambassador to Persia, she must one day choose between their beliefs.

When her father dies is a tragic accident, seventeen-year-old Najila inherits his estate -- Hawk's Hill in Constantinople -- and something far more precious: his beautiful amber and silver cross. After her father's death, a bitter and grieving Najila leaves her home behind and sets out to claim her inheritance in Constantinople, a new and unfamiliar city where she finds many surprises waiting for her: an enemby, romance and a new life.

Leaving behind all she has ever know, Najila will be forever changed by Hawks Hill and her father's beloved cross as they push her to discover herself and finally come to terms with her faith.

My Review:

C J Illinik wowed me with her historical knowledge. I almost felt like I was on horseback with Najila and company, or sitting in the lush gardens, or strolling through the busy streets of Constantinople.

The tale Najila is a story narrated omnisciently as Najila loses her mother at age four and beyond as Najila, at age sixty-nine, chooses to surprise the reader with a life change. Several storylines wind and weave covering land, war, politics, horses and faiths. History buffs should find the descriptions intriguinging. I can't imagine the amount of research Illinik invested in the story of Najila.

I did find it difficult to embrace the characters due to the time span. Those who devour character-driven fiction may feel the same frustration.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com/

Hake, Mills, Raney & Livingstons' Missouri Memories ~ Interviewed

Missouri Memories: Finishing Touches/ Beyond the Memories/Finally Home/The Pretend Family
By Kelly Eileen Hake, DiAnn Mills, Deborah Raney & Joyce Livingston,
Published by Barbour Publishing
ISBN 978-1-59789-595-8

Description:

If walls could talk ... what stories of faith and romance would the House on Cranberry Hill tell?

Finishing Touches: Captain Gregory Alan Royce has amassed a small fortune in 1898 to build his bride a spectacular home overlooking the Mississippi River at Hannibal, Missouri. But when his intended elopes with another, will there ever be a bride to grace the halls of the captain’s home?

Beyond the Memories: The house on Cranberry Hill was a gift from Maime Bradford’s husband, but since he was lost in The Great War and the depression hit, Maime opened the house to people in need. Could she possibly lose her heart to one new resident who reminds her so much of her late husband?

Finally Home: After the Vietnam War, Brian Lowe returns home to the family mansion in a wheelchair, only to be assigned to a physical therapist who is an outspoken war protestor. Can he find common ground with Kathy Nowlin?

The Pretend Family: Tadd Winsted has turned the grand house into a restaurant and spun a complicated tale that has his German parents believing he has gotten married. When Tadd hires Sabrena Stewart and her daughter to pose as his family, how far will the ruse go before someone learns the true meaning of love?

Review:
I’m a romantic. When I see a grand old home, I stop to daydream about who lived there and what their lives were like. This collection of novellas did just that. The common thread is the house and what happened therein. I loved how the stories followed one another in a different time period with altogether different characters from unrelated families.

Each novella was well-written with characters I cared about. Often in a collection like this, one story stands out above the others. Not so in this collection. I enjoyed each one as well as the one before it. I have to say Missouri Memories is the best novella collection I’ve read to date, and I give it a very high recommendation.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
http://www.anemulligan.com

Cara Putnam's Canteen Dreams ~ Reviewed

Canteen Dreams

Cara Putnam

Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc (October 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1597898678
ISBN-13: 978-1597898676

Click here for Cara's guest blog at Novel Journey (12-12-07)

Cover Copy:

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what's a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community starts a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. She spends nearly every spare moment there, offering food and kindness to the soldiers passing through. Despite her busyness, Audrey does allow some time to get to know a handsome rancher.

Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. When Willard's worst fear is confirmed, he feels he must avenge by enlisting himself. But will his budding relationship with Audrey weather the storms of war? Or will one of the many soldiers at the canteen steal her away from him?

Can two such determined people find their place in the war and with each other?

My Review:

I don't consider myself a history nut, but maybe I am. I loved reading about 1942 Nebraska and the North Platte welcome given to the soldiers just passing through. Putnam painted some scenes so powerfully that I could almost smell and hear the unfolding drama. Since Nebraska is in my own back yard, the read was even more entertaining as I've been to some of the same locations though half a century later.

A rich read that took me back to a gentler time. Heroism must be doing what you have to do regardless of the fear and sorrow that threatens to overwhelm you. If that's the case, there are a few heroes in Canteen Dreams.

Historical romance lovers should enjoy this story.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com

Karen Ball's What Lies Within ~ Reviewed

What Lies Within
By Karen Ball
Published by Multnomah
ISBN 978-1-59052-415-2

Back Cover :

Kyla Justice owns one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful construction companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. When she’s asked to build a center for inner-city kids, she finally realizes what’s lacking; purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not supply problems, gang opposition, or her boyfriend’s request to sell her business and marry him. And most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars – and the nightmares – to prove it. No longer able to fight overseas, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting God to reveal why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.

Together, Kyla and Rafe discover their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other – and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything….

Review :

What Lies Within is the third book in the Family Honor Series. Karen Ball has saved the best for last.

Karen richly develops each character and I connected with them right away. Chapter after chapter the plot thickens; and my heart raced. There are many twists and surprises revealed as the hearts of the characters Rafe, Kyla, Fredrick and gang leader King K are exposed.

The story caused me to wonder what lies deep within my own heart. As I read the struggle of Rafe Murphy – x-marine, trying to make sense of his new life; Kyla – a strong women; CEO of her successful construction company as she does her job in a male dominated field. She’s as tough as they come – she has to be. The author is gut honest as Rafe and Kyla share what is in their hearts and on their minds

In the author notes Karen Ball says that this book was an answer to prayer. As I read this intricate story I could see God’s message emerging from the beginning of this tale to the end. It’s powerful; and enlightening in many ways.

The story starts off with a bang as Rafe Murphy (leader of Force Recon Marine Squade) is in the middle of trying to save his men from impending death as the enemy is ready to pounce on them.

When he comes home he gets involved in a war that is much more personal; something he never expected to be involved with – fighting a gang in his very own neighborhood. Rafe comes to grips with the fact that those involved in combating gangs – and those resisting them – need prayer 24/7. This is a new type of combat for him. The world of gangs is a dark, pervasive place, where humanity gives way to violence and mercy to degradation. Once in a gang the only way out is death. There is only one source of light in such darkness and that is Jesus Christ. Rafe and Kyla learn that there is nothing good that lives in their hearts – but Jesus.

At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from someone famous and a scripture. Some of these quotes and scripture pierced my heart before the chapter did. A few of the many quotes that the Holy Spirit used to get my attention are “We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday & fear of tomorrow.” Fulton Oursler

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do…Explore. Dream. Discover” Mark Twain.

“God knows all hearts and He sees you. He keeps watch over your soul” Proverbs 24:12

The impact of this book is deep. It continues to work on my heart and my mind as the Lord keeps replaying segments of this book in my mind; through my day. It makes me realize yet again that God knows what is in the depths of my soul and still loves me. He will use me if I’m willing to be willing to let Him do the impossible deep inside my heart, mind and soul. This book is a keeper. You’ll want to re-read this story and discover treasure you might have missed the first time.

Nora St.Laurent
Life Way Book Club Servant Leader

Susan Page Davis' Sarah's Long Ride ~ Reviewed

Sarah's Long Ride (Piper Ranch)

Susan Page Davis

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 184 pages
Publisher: Journeyforth (March 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1591667372
ISBN-13: 978-1591667377

Back Cover

The Bandicoot 100 is coming up, and Sarah Piper and her horse Icicle are registered for the race. But now that her mother has died. Sarah has no riding partner.

Adjusting to a new home with Uncle Joe and far from her friends, Sarah realizes that endurance is not something she needs just for the race. She needs it for life.


Review:

I was pleasantly surprised that this was not your typical story about a girl who becomes an orphan; is left with adults who do horrible things to that orphan. Quite the opposite is true in this book. Sarah is the orphan who loses her mom unexpectedly two weeks before “The Bandicoot 100” in Oregon. That is the competition that Sarah and her mom were registered to compete in together.

After Sarah’s mom dies she isn’t sure how her uncle really feels about her and why he wanted her to live with him in the first place. But as the story unfolds you see both Sarah and her Uncle live and breathe horses and God. That is their connection. It was difficult for them at first to work out new routines for their lives and learn about one another. It was fascinating how both Sarah and Uncle Joe planned their days around caring for the many horses on the Piper Ranch. They also had to work out how they could find time to train the horses for the competition and do the normal chores.

Sarah’s faith is tested and she learns to press into her faith in God her father. She takes comfort in scripture one night (Isaiah 65:24) “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

Sarah’s prayer that night is “Thank you for answering my prayer, Father;” she whispers “You gave me everything I needed, even when I was too hurt to know what that was…Thanks especially for Uncle Joe. You know we needed each other.”

I was amazed at all the checks and balances that were planned within the Bandicoot 100 competition. Everyone wants to make sure that the horses and humans do not get hurt or abused during the race. Susan does a great job about taking you inside the world of horse competition and horse care. It was very interesting to read.

This is a story of faith, hope and love as you get to know Sarah and Uncle Joe. See their struggle to get to know each other and become a family unit. This story will grab your heart strings. You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy this story. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.

Nora St. Laurent
Life Way Book Club Servant Leader
Novel Journey Reviewer

Lena Nelson Dooley's Who Am I? ~ Reviewed

Who Am I?
By Lena Nelson Dooley
Published by Heartsong Presents
ISBN 978-1-59789-782-2

Back Cover

LEIANN HAS BEEN LIED TO HER ENTIRE LIFE.
Leiann Hambrick was settled into a comfortable life as a Texas schoolteacher . . .but then her mother dies and her world is turned upside down. A letter Leiann receives causes her to question her very identity. What will she learn when she goes to Boston to meet the grandfather she has never known?
Gerome Mays has discovered that someone is stealing from his wealthy stepfather. When Leiann shows up claiming to be his stepfather’s long-lost granddaughter, Gerome wonders if she’s involved. But as his attraction for her grows, unexplained accidents lead Gerome to a more sinister plot.
Will Leiann learn to forgive those who lied to her and find her true identity in the Lord? Can Gerome save Leiann’s life and his stepfather’s fortune?


Review

The story line of this book is good. I felt it flowed nicely, with a plot that kept me on the edge. Lena Nelson Dooley really brought the characters to life. There were a few things that left me wondering, after I finished the book, one is why her mother had never told Leiann that her stepfather wasn’t her real father. Even though, I was left with some questions, it didn’t impact the story enough to keep me from enjoying it. The book is only 170 pages, so it makes for a quick, pleasurable read.

Reviewed by Diane T. Stokowski

dianestokowski.blogspot.com

Virginia Smith's Bluegrass Peril ~ Reviewed

Bluegrass Peril
Virginia Smith
Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Steeple Hill (December 4, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373442726
ISBN-13: 978-0373442720

Cover Copy:

Who killed her boss?

Local police had tagged single mom Becky Dennison as their prime suspect. But she'd only been in the wrong place at the wrong time...admittedly, with her boss's lifeless body. Sure, it looked bad, but Becky had no motive for killing the man -- even if she had opportunity.

Then, Scott Lewis, handsome assistant manager of a nearby horse farm, entered Becky's life. Soon the amateur detectives were hot on the trail of the murderer...even as their feelings for each other deepened. And for Becky and Scott, this race on the Kentucky tracks had the greatest stakes of all: life or death.

My Review:

Virginia Smith writes a nice little mystery in Bluegrass Peril. I didn't pick up on the killer until near the end and her red herrings were iffy in a good way. I'm amazed at the amount of story she managed to pull off in the limitations of the word count. Not only is there an intruiging mystery, Smith weaves in information regarding a worthy charity/cause, the drama of single motherhood with a financial pinch tossed in for good measure, a new love interest and a past that reaches out and muddies everything. All ended neatly organized.

Though romance isn't a favorite genre, I'll keep my eye on Virginia Smith.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

http://kellyklepfer.blogspot.com

F.P. Lione's Clear Blue Sky ~ Reviewed

CLEAR BLUE SKY
By F.P. Lione
Published by Revell
ISBN# 978-0-8007-1886-2

From the Back Cover

I drove up 33rd Street and made a left onto 5th. I drove two blocks south and parked outside the bagel store, smelling the bagels before we got in the door. Are the everythings hot? I asked the guy behind the counter. They just came out ten minutes ago. Great, I said. Give me an everything with butter and a regular coffee. Joe was getting an egg sandwich, so I went outside with my coffee. I pulled back the plastic tab on the Styrofoam cup to blow on the coffee. Something caught the corner of my eye, and I looked straight down 5th Avenue and saw smoke coming from one of the towers of the World Trade Center.

Review:

Clear Blue Sky is a glimpse into a day in the life of street cops starting on September 2nd leading up to the events of September 11, 2001.

“Greater Love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” This is what firefighters, policeman and other rescue works gave on that fateful day. The main character Tony Cavalucci is a macho Italian who has been a patrol policeman in New York for the past 11 years. Tony’s father had 22 years on the force before that. Tony’s precinct is Midtown, Manhattan, in a brick building off 9th Avenue. His partners name is Joe, another macho Italian man who is a born again Christian.

Anyone remember the TV show NYPD BLUE? That show was kind of a day in the life of real policeman on the job and off in their personal lives. September 2nd Tony & Joe volunteer to get some overtime on Labor Day patrolling for a parade heading downtown. The events are similar to the ones I remember NYPD BLUE show to be.

Tony Cavalucci is a new Christian and his Italian family is not so happy about his decision to follow Jesus. Tony is engaged and his brother Vinny wants to give him a bachelor party that will include lots of drinking and prostitutes. Tony and his bride to be don’t want any part of this party. Vinny and the rest of the family think that there is something wrong with Tony when he doesn’t embrace the bachelor party with open arms. His family and brother think he’s no fun anymore. He doesn’t want to drink with them, and he doesn’t want to have bachelor parties. What’s up? The family thinks it must be his fiancé Michelle. Tony’s family hopes he hasn’t taken this Jesus stuff serious. They think Tony will come around to his old ways soon it will just take a little manipulating by the family to control the situation.

Tony struggles to honor his family and follow Jesus. On an early morning fishing trip with family and a few friends Tony explains why it’s ok sometimes to miss church. “If you are only going to church because you’re afraid God’s gonna punch you, you’re going for the wrong reasons anyway. I don’t like to miss church and I don’t do it very often. But the Lord likes fishing, and He’ll be there with us!” I like how he said that.

Tony says to himself “I took Joes’ advice (about praying) but I found I couldn’t focus trying to pray, drive and keep my eye on the cab at the same time. Joe seemed to be fine with it, so I left the praying to him.”

I get a kick out of Tony sharing his struggle as he says “Honestly – Okay – I didn't’ say crap, I said the “S” word and was feeling guilty about it. Then I thought about what Joe says, that God forgives me if I ask Him to, and I felt confused that I cursed and now I expected God to forgive me when I did something wrong. ; Then I got aggravated that I had all this crap in my head when I was trying to cuff this guy and was glad when Rooney jumped out of the car and ran over to help me.” It’s funny and gut honest. I can see this macho Italian man doing this on the streets of New York.

As I read about Tony and Joe and their lives as policemen I kept wondering when September 11 events would happen as I turn the next page. These patrol men are not search and rescue personnel. They are street policemen walking their beat when tragedy strikes. No one was quite sure of what happened when the first plane hit (like the rest of us). I’m sure everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on that day when that first tower got hit. The first mission for the patrol cops was to keep some kind of order on the streets by keeping the traffic and people moving away from the towers. No one was sure of what would happen next. They wanted everyone out of the city and out of danger.

I know that I could not fully grasp what was happening on the streets of New York after that first plane went into the building and then the second when I watched the video clip on TV over and over that day. F.P. Lione interviewed policemen that actually lived thru this. They describe what happened through not only what they saw, but what they heard, smelled, touched and felt physically and emotionally. It was really enlightening to read the description.

TONY Cavalucci actually starts to pray for each person that jumped from the building. He says “I remembered what Joe said about going ino God’s thrown room, and I asked God if I could come in and talk to him. I felt inside he told me yes, to come in and pray for these people.”

I liked how this book showed Tony and Joe’s faith in action on the streets of New York; it’s funny, sincere and edgy. It is a heavy subject that the authors handled really well. I know this book will be hard for some to read (because of the subject matter) but I really recommend it.

Nora St. Laurent
Life Way Christian Book Club Servant Leader

December Release List - Jill Eileen Smith

Here is the December 2007 line-up of new Christian fiction releases in time to add to your Christmas gift list.



1. Bluegrass Peril by Virginia Smith from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When Becky Dennison's boss at a retirement farm for thoroughbred stallions is murdered, she becomes entrenched in a high-stakes game of danger, money, and that famous southern pride.

2. Buried Sins by Marta Perry, from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Caroline Hampton flees to her family's inn in peaceful Pennsylvania Amish country after her husband's death, but even there, someone with deadly intent wants her to believe he's still alive.

3. Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp Book One of the Burnt Swamp Trilogy by Candy Abbott from Fruitbearer Publishing. Dyslexic tween encounters Christ while battling witchcraft in Burnt Swamp where fires have been burning for ten years.

4. Heart of the Family 2nd in the Fostered by Love series by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A past secret threatens Jacob and Hannah's newfound love.

5. Kansas Weddings a Heartsong 3-book compilation by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Barbour Publishing. Three Kansas women have difficult decisions to make and burdens to bear.

6. Missouri Memories by Deborah Raney, DiAnn Mills, Joyce Livingston, and Kelly Eileen Hake from Barbour Books. The beautiful House on Cranberry Hill in Hannibal, Missouri, holds love for four generations of couples.

7. Seasons of Love Book 3 Massachusetts Weddings by Elizabeth Goddard from Heartsong Presents. Riley O’Hare must revive her grandfather’s cranberry farm, but her brother’s untimely death thrusts her into his partner’s path and into the midst of a perilous cyber crime.

8. The Love Song by Anita Higman and Janice A. Thompson from Barbour Publishing (Heartsong Presents). With God's help, Clair O'Neal lets go of her painful past and accepts all the laughter and music and love her heart can hold.

Happy reading~