Lilly's Wedding Quilt - Kelly Long

THE BOOK:

Handsome, headstrong Jacob offers Lilly his hand in marriage, but his heart belongs to someone else.

While Lilly Lapp has loved Jacob for years, she wouldn't compete with Sarah King, the woman Jacob was determined to marry. But when Sarah marries another, Jacob spontaneously agrees to wed Lilly.

Lilly divides her time between teaching the local Amish children and caring for her widowed mother who suffers from depression. Lilly's faith comforts her, but her heart still longs to be the sole object of Jacob's affection.

As the days slip by, Lilly decides that hoping is too risky and vows to protect her heart. But God is subtly as work, and as winter turns to spring, their hearts awaken.

The furthest thing from Lilly's mind is her Amish wedding quilt, a traditional gift for new brides. And the person she'd least suspect is the one making it. Like stray pieces of fabric quilted into a new design, Jacob and Lilly's marriage begins to bind them together in ways neither expected.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

This was my first book by Kelly Long and I really enjoyed the story and settings. Jacob and Lilly's struggles were very realistic and the reader can't help but feel their pain. The story opened up with a gripping start--a horse thief in the Amish community--and continued to get better as the story progressed. I always love reading how two people grow to love and respect one another after a marriage of convenience or forced marriage, and the story in Lilly's Wedding Quilt did not disappoint me!

Lilly's strength in this book--as a "second best" wife--was very encouraging. Even though she knew that her new husband yearned for another woman, she strove in every way to honor him and draw him out of himself. I cheered for her the whole time. Her depth of forgiveness and grace was commendable, even when he disappointed her time again--she was always willing to let him try again. Jacob himself was an interesting character, learning (painfully) the hard lesson of giving away your heart to someone you are not promised to.

This lesson was one that I really appreciated and enjoyed reading through. Because Jacob gave his heart so completely to the girl he thought was the one, he had only a shattered, and very shaky, heart to offer the woman he did marry. Even though they worked through the pain and sorrow that came with this, it still shows how much suffering young people today can escape if they guard their hearts carefully.

The only thing I had a problem with was the kissing in this book--and I might be the only one who would feel this way. I don't mind a book with a few kisses, but these kisses were very intimate and in other places besides the lips (i.e. shoulder, wrist, back, etc). Even though Jacob and Lilly were married when they shared these kisses, I felt uncomfortable reading these scenes. I felt like I was intruding and I tended to skim the pages. Maybe that's just me, but I thought to point this out just the same.

But this is just my personal opinion, so I wouldn't hold this against the book if you enjoy Amish romance. The book was written exceptionally and the emotions that ran through this story were powerful. Kelly knows how to write an engaging Amish romance! If you enjoy a romance story with a lesson, then this would fit the bill!

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Waterfall - Lisa Tawn Bergren

THE BOOK:

Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one.

Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved…

and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know…and love itself.

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, dusty archeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds… until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

And thus does she come to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

The cover of this book drew me in first, and reading about the book thoroughly intrigued me. It sounded like a really neat, adventurous read. But I was slightly wrong in my assumptions. It wasn’t just a neat read—it was an AWESOME read!

It had everything a reader could want in a medieval adventure: battles, sword fights, balls, adventure, peril, humor, suspense, mystery, romance…everything! To put it simply—I was completely wowed by this book. The River of Time series ranks right up there with the best of them and will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf!

Gabriella (Gabi) was one amazing woman. While she was strong and fearless, she was also gentle, compassionate, and had her weaknesses. Being able to wield a sword gave her some advantage when the time travel landed her in the middle of a small war, but knowing how to spar with her father did little to prepare her to take on seasoned knights three times stronger than herself. But even then, she does not shirk from danger. That was one of my favorite aspects of Gabi—she was heroic and brave, even if she was inwardly scared out of her wits.

I didn’t get to know her sister, Evangelia (Lia) that much, but she was very similar to her sister, though a bit more sensitive and naïve. But living with the Sienese had caused Gabi to grow up almost overnight, and Lia was no different. What a heroine she was as she used her impeccable skill with the bow and arrow! I was cheering for her right alongside Gabi—what a formidable team they formed. No wonder they were called the She-Wolves of Siena.

The men in this books were amazing! Marcello and Luca were just plain awesome. What girl wouldn’t want a brave knight beside you, ready to die to keep you safe? And handsome, ta boot! While Marcello was wonderful, I felt more of a liking his sidekick, humorous Luca. His gentle teasing and quirky comments in the face of danger endeared me to this man who was so devoted to Marcello, and in turn, Gabi and Lia.

While this book is published as YA fiction, I believe adults would find Gabi and Lia’s adventures to be stirring and extremely satisfying. Geared for the younger readers, Lisa kept her book clean, light-hearted, and funny. I loved the writing style she used, giving Gabi such a dry sense of humor as she struggled with the differences of living in the medieval world as opposed to the 21st century. There were times where I outright laughed!

Lisa has written a true winner with this book, and, I am confident to presume, with the next two in the series. The book doesn’t end with that bad of a cliffhanger, but enough to make the reader run to the calendar and figure out how much longer they must wait for the next book to be released. What an awesome series this will be! I think the uniqueness of the storyline—21st century girls traveling back to the 1300s—really make for it to be such an awesome series. I can confidently say that I won’t tire of rereading this book again, and again, and again!

The perilous adventures that Gabi faces will leave you breathlessly clinging to each word as you read through the pages. I loved that Lisa didn’t make her characters invincible or anything—they were hurt and bested at some points. This all made their adventures that much more believable and the characters that much more human. And it added a hook to the whole plot as I read into the wee hours of the night, wondering how on earth Gabi and Lia would make it out of such a predicament alive. I seriously cannot wait until all three books are released! I am counting down the days as I keep my copy of Waterfall close at hand for constant rereading. :-)

I received this book from the author via Wynn-Wynn Media, LLC. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.












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Love Amid the Ashes - Mesu Andrews

THE BOOK:

An epic story of love and forgiveness, suffering and restoration

 When her beloved grandfather Isaac dies, Dinah must follow his final command: travel to Job's household to marry his son. After Job's world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?

Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of Job and Dinah. Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Mesu has written a winner in Love Amid the Ashes! The opening scene pulls you back in time and gives you a story that some people might have never considered – Jacob’s daughter Dinah living with Job during the time of his inflictions. It was a very interesting viewpoint and one that compellingly drew the reader into the story.

Dinah was a very strong character. Many people in her day saw her as tainted or a harlot because she laid with Shechem before they were married. Because of this she was shunned, her father didn’t acknowledge her, and no one would marry her. While she did sin, the amount of slander she had to put up with was sad. Often it came from people who had only heard about the events at Shechem—and the stories that were rumored around held many falsehoods. What a weight Dinah had to carry! I loved the way Mesu portrayed this woman. Dinah’s personal story, thrown together with Job’s, was a very neat twist.

Job was amazing. This book opens up a new viewpoint that the bible doesn’t give—Jobs thoughts and feelings. The scene when Job gets the news of his wealth destroyed and his children killed is powerful and heart wrenching. Just reading the account in the book of Job is powerful, but to read Job and his wife’s, Sitis’, reaction...wow. Talk about walking into a nightmare!

While a lot of Love Amid the Ashes is from the authors imagination, it is still—to some degree—very probable. The conspiracy of Sayyid’s, to destroy Job, was an interesting twist to this book. When one reads the book of Job you wouldn’t think of a conspiracy against him, but Mesu has added intrigue and suspense to this biblical fiction by giving Job an evil nemesis—Sayyid. Some may think this a little “out there”, but I enjoyed the refreshing and interesting plot. Even though I already knew what would happen in the story of Job, the addition of Dinah, Sayyid, and Aban was captivating.

For this being her debut novel, I predict wonderful things from future books by Mesu. Her writing style is appealing and refreshing, taking the reader right into the moment. I could almost feel the dust clinging to Dinah’s skin as she journeyed with the caravan and I could picture Job’s tortured, rotting body. When events finally slowed down and the book drew to a close, I was sad to leave Dinah. Love Amid the Ashes explores a story from a viewpoint that most people have not considered, and that alone sets Mesu’s book apart from others. What a wonderful, powerful, convicting story is told within these pages!

I reviewed this book for Revell. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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The Mountains Bow Down - Sibella Giorella

THE BOOK:

Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . .

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, The Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-perpetual ladies man Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be such a jerk after all.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a situation so steep and so complex that even the mountains might bow down.

MY REVIEW:
Star Raing: ****

In this fourth installment to the Raleigh Harmon series the reader is swept into an epic mystery of "who dunit?" From the very beginning - when they found a dead woman hanging over the side of the ship - I knew this was going to be a grand mystery. I was not disappointed. The whole mystery - to figure out who murdered a woman on board and then set it up to look like a suicide - is intriguing. The plot was very well thought out and pretty complex. Towards the end I stopped once or twice to clarify what Raleigh had just discovered. But this didn't keep me from becoming totally enthralled in the book.

I really enjoy Sibella's writing style! It's so relaxed and witty - I love the dry humor she gives Raleigh. I instantly clicked with her in The Clouds Roll Away and was looking forward to hearing more of her and DeMott's relationship. I was slightly disappointed in this area, as DeMott is hardly in the book at all. Raleigh's lack of excitement at their upcoming wedding was also a bit disturbing - if she is this unsure before marriage, I don't understand why she is getting married at all. I sympathized with DeMott as he tried to stay connected with her during the voyage, but was continually ignored or shrugged off.

This was my first time meeting Jack, though he has been in a previous Raleigh Harmon novel. His easy-going, flirty, self-assured character was fun to get to know. A few times I grew annoyed at his "I'm good-looking and I know it" attitude, but he was funny at times with his quirky comments! The way he pushed and pressured Raleigh concerning her engagement was a bit disappointing. He assumed too much. He didn’t respect that Raleigh was an engaged woman, promised to someone. My blood would've been boiling at that comment, instantly raising my defenses against this guy. But then again, with Raleigh's insecurities about her engagement already, I can see why Raleigh didn't react too much. In the aspect of Raleigh's love-life, this story ended leaving me very unsure. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and hoping it will clear up some questions.

Because of this certain mystery and Raleigh's line of work, she doesn't always hear or see the most pleasant things. She discovers one suspect has been involved in several affairs, another in drugs, and two others are involved in pornographic filming. In all three events nothing graphic is described besides stating the facts. There was one conversation Raleigh had with the coroner that I need to mention. They speak briefly about a previous case the coroner had with some teen boys accidentally killing themselves. The cause leading up to their death was a subject that might be pretty heavy for some younger teen readers and I would advise caution.

Having just recently become a fan of Sibella's work after I read The Clouds Roll Away, I was thrilled when I heard about her newest release. It was even better than the previous book! Even though the ending leaves the reader hanging to some extent, I was still content when I reached the final page. Though there are many questions I hope her next release, The Stars Shine On, will answer. The Mountains Bow Down is the perfect book to have handy on your nightstand when you are itching for a good mystery to solve.

I reviewed this book for Thomas Nelson. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.













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Promises to Keep - Ann Tatlock

THE BOOK:

A mother fleeing unspeakable danger to keep her children safe...

Two young girls guarding secrets in a "cross my heart and hope to die" pledge...

A father desperate to be reunite with his family...

Award-winning author Ann Tatlock skillfully blends her well-drawn characters into an inspiring tale of unimaginable courage and selfless love.




MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

In Promises to Keep the reader is swept away and into the mind of an eleven year old girl who is struggling to cope with her parent’s separation. While Roz knew that her mother had a good reason to leave him, her longings for her daddy and dreams of grow up in the midst of a family are hard for her to deal with. Looking at the world through her eyes, I was wrapped up in her uncertainty and her desperate desire that her father would keep his word. The author did a wonderful job of vividly telling Roz’s.

The voice Ann Tatlock gives Roz was very personal and sometimes a bit humorous. Books are usually written through the adults eyes, so I enjoyed this different vantage point in Promises to Keep, as the writing style was as if you were in Roz’s head. All the characters were well developed and fleshed out. I sympathized with her mother and all the hardships she’d faced. Wally was a very complex character and even at the end, I didn’t really get close to him – but then, neither did Roz. Tillie was my favorite character. What a hoot! Stubborn and persistent, the way she wiggled herself into Roz’s life was very entertaining. I can’t help but wonder what I would do if one day I found an elderly lady sitting on my porch proclaiming that the house was hers. Her attitude toward it all added a lot of humor into this book.

This is the first book I have read by Ann Tatlock, and I am sure I will be picking up more of her work in the future. She has a way of grabbing the reader’s attention through her writing voice and teaching them a lesson though the story. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the ending wrapped up the book well. Roz’s mixed up thoughts and feelings were finally fleshed out, she was no longer confused. Her dreams of being in a loving family with a daddy who was always kind to her were realized. What a wonderful dream to come true. It only makes me wish every little girl’s wish for a mommy and daddy who loved each other would come true – that every broken family in America would be whole again.

I received this book from the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.













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By Darkness Hid - Jill Williamson

THE BOOK:

Darkness Divides the Land

Half of Er'Rat is locked beneath an impenatrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them. It's called bloodvoicing. Some say it's a gift. One of the newly "gifted" wish it had never come.

Achan has been a slave all his life. Worse than a slave - a stray. He is confined to the kitchens of a lord and is forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.


Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to escape the powerful forces that wish to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.


While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell's true identities - and a different kind of voice is calling them both. Towards a destination that is by darkness hid.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

By Darkness Hid pulled me into the story from the very beginning. While some might think it a formidable read (nearly 500 pages long), I didn’t even notice as I flew through the pages and completed it in a day. (Granted, I did lose a bit of sleep – but I did NOT want to put it down!) I don’t really care for the fantasy genre, but this book was amazing. I can understand why it won the Christy award.

The plot was intricate and complex and it doesn’t clean them all up nice and neat by the last page. Oh no. When you read the last page, Jill leaves things hanging and characters in danger, making you wonder how Achan and Vrell are ever going to get out of such a sticky situation.

Achan was a character I really grew to appreciate. Even though he was a “stray” – a branded people who were lower than slaves and treated worse than animals – he was chivalrous, kind, hardworking, and heroic. Achan’s forbidden love was sad. And the personal sacrifice he gave to her must have been so hard to do. Growing up in a world where everyone saw “strays” as beasts of burden, it must have been heartbreaking for him to discover his lover was being betrothed to another. I can understand his desire to run away with her – to find a place where they could live where people didn’t look down at him for being a stray.

I loved the complicity of Vrell’s situation – a seventeen year old girl running from a forced marriage, masquerading as a fourteen year old “stray” boy. I found it amusing whenever she accidently said something too proper for a stray, behaved more feminine than a boy would, or had to evade bathing with the other men. That would be a hard charade to keep up! As Vrell went through her trying adventures and continued her masquerade, she changed and matured in several ways. I kept cheering for her as she came to Achan’s aid and helped him understand the powers of his own gift.

The ‘gift’ I keep referring to is known as ‘bloodvoicing’. It’s where people with this gift can read peoples thoughts or communicate with other bloodvoicers. It took some time for me to get used to this idea, but once I grew comfortable with this well-known ability in the kingdom of Er’Rets, I was caught up in Achan and Vrell’s experience as they learned how to use their gift.

As I concluded the book, I found myself already wishing I had the sequel sitting on my nightstand, ready to be instantly picked up after I read the final page of By Darkness Hid. Jill Williamson has weaved together an intriguing beginning for the Blood of Kings series and I can’t wait to discover what lies ahead of Achan and Vrell as they enter Darkness. If you are able to get this book, you won’t be disappointed with this wonderful story.

I received this book from the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.













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Bathsheba - Jill Eileen Smith

THE BOOK:

Can love triumph over treachery?

Bathsheba is a woman who longs for love. With her husband away fighting the king’s wars, she battles encroaching loneliness–making it frighteningly easy to succumb to the advances of King David. Will one night of unbridled passion destroy everything she holds dear? Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God—and David—forever?

With a historian’s sharp eye for detail and a novelist’s creative spirit, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the passionate and emotional story of David’s most famous—and infamous—wife. You will never read the story of David and Bathsheba in the same way again.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Jill has skillfully crafted together a compelling and heart-wrenching book on the well-known story of David and Bathsheba. Never erring from the truth of the Scriptures, this book explores the thoughts and feelings of what David and Bathsheba might have been experiencing before, during, and after they fell into sin. The last in the Wives of King David series, this is a powerful and thought-provoking book!

The characters in Bathsheba were well developed and extremely well written. I really connected with Bathsheba, David, and even Uriah. Digging down deep, Jill brings the depth of these character’s feelings to life, vividly describing Bathsheba’s longing, then her betrayal to her husband by giving herself to another, and then the consuming guilt over her sin. David’s reactions were also extremely well written and sobering as he attempted to cover the matter up. I could literally feel and understand his frustration and desperation as every attempt to send Uriah home fell through. The undercurrent of emotions throughout this book is vivid and powerful.

Because of the story – David and Bathsheba’s adultery – one can guess that it does contain some adult content. But honestly, I thought it was incredibly clean for the events that took place. When David watched Bathsheba bath from his balcony, nothing explicit was described except that he was filled with desire to have her. When David seduced Bathsheba, it was very minimal. The actual act of sin took place “off scene”.

Jill’s focus on writing this book was mainly on David and Bathsheba’s thoughts and feelings – something the bible does not give us. While we can never know what the two of them where thinking before or after the act of adultery, I think Jill’s adaptation of the event is the most believable and accurate I have ever read. It was so well written that I could feel Bathsheba’s remorse and David’s desperation. The scene when Nathan confronts him with his act of adultery was powerful. It reminded me of Numbers 32:23, “…be sure your sin will find you out.”

Bathsheba has earned a permanent place on my favorite’s bookshelf! I was pulled into this story from the very first scene, unable to put it down. As I read, an old saying from my mother continually came to mind – “Sin always feels good for a little while.” David and Bathsheba’s story is a prime example. Before and during, they thought of nothing but their desires and longings. But almost instantly after the act was committed, feelings of guilt began to fill their hearts and consume them. And because of that one night, the “sword” never departed from David’s house. It’s sobering to see how the rest of his life was affected because he disobeyed God’s commandment to not commit adultery. In all, Bathsheba is one of the best books I’ve read this year!

I reviewed this book for Revell. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.












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Honor in the Dust - Gilbert Morris

THE BOOK:

In the moral confusion of the court of King Henry VIII, young Stuart Winslow has many choices to make...

...and lives depend on what he will choose.

Born in poverty when his father was forced to choose between the woman he loved and the wealth of his aristocratic family, the determined Stuart Winslow will go to any lengths to improve his social position. When his skills in weapons design and falconry secure a place for him in the court of King Henry VIII, he quickly learns that the court is really a wicked cauldron of vices, power plays, and temptations -- some of them very much to his liking. When William Tyndale, an acquaintance of Stuart's, makes it known that his ambition is to translate the Bible into the language of the common man, the king opposes Tyndale's efforts and sentences him to death. If Stuart opposes the king in this, he will share the same fate. Is he willing to risk death at the stake for the sake of Christ? And how will he choose between the innocent Heather, who has long loved him, and the courtwise Nell?

In Honor in the Dust, bestselling author Gilbert Morris beautifully captures the tone of the Tudor period, chronicling the period's excesses with skill and prudence. But like Morris's other novels, this book also contrasts those excesses with the godly behavior of characters such as William Tyndale. In this captivating historical drama, Stuart Winslow is caught between two worlds: one that promises material and worldly success and one that promises salvation. Is his faith strong enough to withstand such a challenge?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

Gilbert Morris, known as the grandfather of Christian fiction, has once again crafted a wonderful story set around the time that William Tyndale began translating the bible into the English language. But the story is not of this brave man who gave his life to bringing the Word of God to the common people. Instead, it is the story of Claiborn and Stuart Winslow’s life. The book begins with Claiborn’s story and then continues on to give Stuart’s life the center stage.

He attracts the attention of the king as a young man and lives in the King’s courts, where evil runs thick and is openly accepted. Characters often discuss the different affairs King Henry VIII became involved in, but they don’t go into much detail except naming the mistresses. While Gilbert doesn’t shirk from showing the immorality and adultery that ran high in the courts, he doesn’t go much farther than telling it like it was. It was sad and sobering to watch Stuart fall – throwing away his money, purity, and honor – but the message the author conveyed through Stuart’s testimony was strong. Stuart fell, but God raised him up.

The writing was different from what I am used to, but it wasn’t difficult to read and after a few pages, I was used to it. It was a bit different in that the book opens up with Claiborn and Grace as main characters, and then halfway through the book shifts to their son, Stuart, as the main character.

The culture of that time was really neat to read about. I really enjoy reading a book where I actually learn something about that time period – and that’s how it is in Honor in the Dust! I have read a few of Gilbert Morris’ books through the years, and this is one of my favorites. It really picks up towards the end and for the last hundred pages I could not stop. A very recommendable read.

I received this book from Christian Review of Books in exchange for writing this review. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done. 

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A Trail of Ink - Mel Starr

THE BOOK:

An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn t think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ***

Thoroughly researched and well written, A Trail of Ink drew me with the writer’s individual and unique style. It took me a few pages to get used to it, but as the mystery continued, I grew to really like the way it was written. Sounding everything like a personal diary of Hugh’s, it reminded me of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books.

Hugh was a pretty interesting character. He had a very funny sense of humor – I found myself chuckling at a few points in the book. His courtship with Kate was very cute. She seemed a very strong character and I love how she put Hugh at ease with calling on her. They will make the perfect couple.

The characters in the book were all very well fleshed out in just about every way except appearance. Since this book was written like Hugh’s own personal diary, I can understand how guys wouldn’t be taking up a few paragraphs to describe how a person looks. But it would have been nice to know what Kate looked like beyond extremely comely, or what Jack looked like beyond immense in stature and strength. But, while these details would have been nice, it didn’t ruin the book for me. I still was able to connect with the characters – obviously, because it is written as a personal diary, I connected with Hugh the most. But I grew to really like Jack’s protectiveness and Kate’s fearlessness and strength. Wonderful characters!

The mystery was well thought out. And using John Wyclif’s books as the object to center a mystery around was brilliant on the part of the author. Very unique. The mystery made me realize how prized books were back then, in comparison to now – where they are nearly growing out our ears! (Not that that’s a bad thing!)

All in all, it was an enjoyable read, though if you don’t appreciate the way it is written, I think it would be a very hard read for someone. A few times in the book the plot dragged, but not much and it usually picked up quickly. Mel Starr has a very interesting voice in his books and I would probably pick up another of his books in the future.

I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for writing this review. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.













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Heart of Stone - Jill Marie Landis

THE BOOK:

She had the darkest of pasts...

and he had everything to lose by loving her...

Laura Foster, free from the bondage of an unspeakable childhood, has struggled to make a new life for herself. Now the owner of an elegant boardinghouse in Glory, Texas, she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura never forgets that she is always just one step ahead of her past.

When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling, Laura does all she can to discourage him as a suitor. She knows that if her past were discovered, Brand’s reputation would be ruined. But it’s not only Laura’s past that threatens to bring Brand down—it’s also his own.

When a stranger in town threatens to reveal too many secrets, Laura is faced with a heartbreaking choice: Should she leave Glory forever and save Brand’s future? Or is it worth risking his name—and her heart—by telling him the truth?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Wow! I was pulled into this book from chapter one. After you meet Lovie and her three sisters - all recently orphaned and left in the care of their uncle - you are left reeling by the close of the chapter when all her three siblings are ripped away from her and she is left in New Orleans brothel. Some readers might be concerned, since she spends many of her years IN a brothel, how many `details' of her time spent there does the book include. I was very happy and content that it was kept to a minimal and nothing overtly inappropriate was described. Only a few brief scenes occur when Lovie (known as Laura to the people of Glory) thinks back to her previous life.

After this first scene of introduction to Lovie, it skips 20 years ahead to the life that she has built for herself after getting out of the brothel. She is now known as Laura Foster and she runs a respectable boarding house in the small town of Glory, Texas. Far away from her former life, she hopes to remain known only as a respectable widow. She had achieved this goal and was well-known...until the town's widowed preacher began paying her special attention. And that's only the beginning of Laura's troubles.

I was easily pulled into the story, intrigued by Laura's current life and the many troubles that came her way as a result of her past life...a life she did had never wanted or chose. This fact was heartbreaking, even as I read of Laura's strength and acceptance of what she was now - she was prepared to spend the remainder of her days alone. She possessed such strength through her trials and even moreso after she came to realize and understand Christ's redeeming and cleansing grace.

Brand was a neat character. As he went about trying to win Laura's hand, I couldn't help but cheer him on. I didn't want to see him give up, and was pleased that he did not. Though there was one instance that I was slightly perturbed at Brand - how completely he wanted to stay away from violence. Not that I think men should be violent, but when a man is defending a woman's honor, I think he is justified to use whatever force and strength is necessary to keep her safe. But that simple what he believed.

As I already mentioned, the description and scenes of Laura's years in a brothel are not extensive and only brought up on occasion, when Laura has a flashback. Nothing else inappropriate, that I can remember. I thought, for the subject of this book (a former prostitute), Jill Marie handled everything extremely well.

This is the first book in the Irish Angel series. Jill Marie has done an outstanding job with this first installment, and I now look forward to reading the second book, Heart of Lies. This book takes right up right where Heart of Stone left off - a detective Laura hired to search for her siblings might just have found one of her sisters. Wow, what a way to end it. I highly recommend this entertaining and lovely book!

I reviewed this book for Zondervan. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.













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The Heart's Journey Home - Jen Stephens

THE BOOK:

Three years after Kate Sterling's heart was shattered by the unexpected death of her husband, she packs up what is left of her life and moves back to Harvest Bay, Ohio, with her young daughter. She soon discovers that her sleepy hometown has changed - and that she has been given a second chance at love.

But is God leading her to a love linked to the past...or to one who will walk with her into the future?




MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****


The Heart’s Journey Home is an incredible adventure that takes you down a sad road with Kate Sterling. She still hasn’t recovered from the loss of her husband three years earlier, and raising her young daughter on her own isn’t easy. Moving back to her home town, she prays she can find peace – both with God and with herself. She isn’t prepared for how much the town has changed or that the Lord would teach her how to open her heart to love again.

This story had an interesting twist almost from the get-go. I felt Nathan’s pain as he watched Kate drive off, fully believing that she took his heart with her. And Kate, completely unaware of his affections. The little adventure with the flat tire threw another curveball into the scene as an old schoolmate she grew up with, Adam, came to her aid.

While there wasn’t any fast-paced, edge of your seat action, this story still drew me in. It was hard to put down! Kate’s story, of her struggle with letting Ryan go and seeking the Lord, was described so realistically that you couldn’t help loving Kate. Then her struggles over her attractions to an unbeliever – so realistic! I really appreciated that Jen brought this up in Kate’s story. So many stories out there they fall in love and then the one they love suddenly comes to Christ and they marry – with hardly a mention of the character falling in love with an nonbeliever in the first place. In The Heart’s Journey Home Kate faces this and even resigns herself to the fact that she cannot have a future with a certain character because he isn’t a Christian.

There were a few kisses within the pages of this book. I felt that the kisses were rushed for the characters, but maybe that’s just me. This book deals a lot with single parents raising kids, which was something I’d never really read about before.

If you haven’t read The Hearts Journey Home yet, I highly encourage you to. Jen Stephens is a wonderful author and I enjoyed her story and the voice she used to tell it so much. I am looking forward to the release of her next book at the end of the year. :-)













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The Voyage of Promise - Kay Strom

THE BOOK:

She is safe, and she is free . . .but she is still alone.

Slavers burst into Grace Winslow's life with guns blazing and tear her family apart forever. She watches in anguish as her husband is led in chains aboard a tightly packed slave ship bound for America.

An old enemy has a more sinister plan for Grace and prepares her for a different kind of servitude in London. But Grace will not be enslaved. And she will not give up on the man she loves. In her determination to be reunited with her husband, she finds God reaching out to her.



MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

This was a moving read that is sure to touch its reader’s heart. Grace Winslow’s story is powerful and rings with truth. How many countless women in Africa knew the same, or worse, horrors. As I read about Cabeto’s story, I couldn’t help cringing and gapping in horror. It is so sad to see how some humans can treat others with such depravity—and so cold heartedly! Indeed, the slave trade was a nightmare for those Africans taken from their homes by force. I can’t imagine surviving on one of those slave ships. When Cabeto described how packed they were, my skin began to crawl—I would be so claustrophobic in there, I’d go crazy!

As I read about Grace’s adventures in the first book and neared the ending of this book, I had the feeling that book 2 didn’t have as much action/adventure as book 1 had, and as book 3 seems bound to have. I still enjoyed the story and found it easy to be drawn into its pages. Kay writes with such blatant truth—never pulling any punching in regards to the slave trade and how slaves were treated—you are sure to learn something new through The Voyage of Promise. Though she doesn’t hide the horrors of the slave trade, there wasn’t anything inappropriate in this book. Besides the mention of one sailor trying to get frisky with Grace, nothing else even caught my attention as something that readers need be warned about.

The story often changed to another character’s point of view (POV) throughout the book, without so much as a sentence break. While this didn’t ruin the story or confuse me, it took me a while to get used to it. There were many characters in this story that, I felt, had been in the first book. While I did learn a little bit about them, I had the feeling that they were spoken of more in depth in the first book.

Reading about Grace’s little baby was very sad. After the scene ended, I stared at the page for a little while, thinking “No way. That did not just happen!” But it did. One of the sad truths of the slave trade. I felt that her baby’s story was told a bit hurriedly and briefly. I didn’t feel remorse along with Grace about her baby because, after her initiate mourning, it is many chapters until she thinks of him again. While this was a fact I noticed, it did not ruin the story for me in any way.

Reaching the last page, I am now left hanging. Taking advantage of the first two chapters of the next book (which I found at the back of The Voyage of Promise) I find myself left with a cliffhanger. I cant wait until the next book comes out. Grace wants nothing more than to go to America to search for her beloved Cabeto…but how can she do that from prison? Wow! Yes, as I said, a cliffhanger! You won’t regret the time spent reading this wonderful, eye-opener book.

Special thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.













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