Mine is the Night - Liz Curtis Higgs

THE BOOK:

She lost everything she loved.

He had everything she needed.

But could she find the courage to trust him?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

As I read Mine is the Night, I felt as if I had literally jumped into the pages of this book and shared Elisabeth and Marjory’s adventures. With the wonderful writing, engaging characters, and intriguing plot, this book—while pretty thick—was easy to fly through the pages. I had had a bad impression of Liz Higgs writings after reading one of her other historical Scottish series when I was too young for the content, so I admit that I went into this story with some trepidation. But it fled almost as soon as I began this wonderful retelling of the biblical story of Ruth.

Elisabeth was a joy to get to know. Selfless, hardworking, sweet-tempered, compassionate, caring—she’s a great example for others. I really grew to understand her through the course of this book. Marjory, also, was fun to get to know, though I confess to enjoying reading Elisabeth’s parts more. Not because they were better written or more entertaining, but simply because I really grew to like Elisabeth! Reading about Marjory was interesting, though. I enjoyed watching her change over the course of this book. Lord Jack Buchannan was also really cool! In the beginning the reader doesn’t know much about him, but as the story progressed, I loved watching how the reader was taken deeper and deeper into this character. While these three characters set the stage for the retelling of Ruth, there were also many other characters that I enjoyed—Anne, Michael, Peter, and Gibson. Truly, this book contained a wonderful cast of characters!

Taking into consideration that Higgs is retelling the story of Ruth in 1746 Scotland, I though she kept as close to the biblical account as she could. With the setting a different year and culture, there were some things that had to change, but the skeleton of the plot was still the same as the story of Ruth. Having Elisabeth and Marjory’s husbands being Jacobites and participating in the war against King George was the perfect tension for the book, since in Ruth there was because she was a Moabite. There were a few scenes that contained adult content that I would advise caution on for younger readers. When Elisabeth and Marjory are stopped along the roadside by a company of dragoons, the leader makes several crude innuendoes to Elisabeth. Then later, a man tries to force himself on a girl who refused him, but he ends up stopping before it goes too far. Besides these scenes, the book was great from beginning to end, though I wouldn’t recommend this to younger readers.

When I finally reached the last pages of this book, I felt almost depressed. I was having so much fun reading about Elisabeth, Lord Jack, Marjory and all the others—I didn’t want to leave them! I know it’s always a good sign (and compliment to the author) when a reader is sad to say goodbye to the story—and so I was. I am pretty sure it won’t be very longer before I pick the book up again and revisit the characters!

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. Special thanks to Cindy Brovsky of Random House Inc. 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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Bound By Guilt - C.J. Darlington

THE BOOK:

Roxi Gold has been shuttled from one foster home to another for most her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in even if it's against the law. Soon she's traveling the country in an RV, stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. She knows it's wrong, but if she refuses, she'll be put out on the streets.

Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society, and not just at work. Her ex-husband wrested her daughter away from her in a bitter custody battle. The job she once loved has become a chore, the world isn't any safer, and there's no joy in her life.

One fateful night a man's innocent blood changes both Roxi's and Abby's lives forever. One searches for justice; the other finds herself on the run until a first edition of The Great Gatsby catches up with her. Will the power of forgiveness set them free, or will they both remain bound by guilt?

MY REVIEW:


Star Rating: *****

As I read through this book, clutching the pages in suspense at times, I was enthralled with Bound By Guilt. Even though I haven’t read the first book in the series, I was able to jump right into the story, though enough history is given of Thicker Than Blood that I now want to dive straight into that book. The opening scene, with Roxi and Diego, sucked me right into this story and didn’t let me go until I had read the last word on the epilogue page. What a story this book told!

Bound By Guilt is filled with a host of believable, three-dimensional characters. Sixteen year old Roxi was my favorite person to read about, but Deigo, Christy, Abby, and Jan were just as endearing. Even though Diego had made a huge mistake in his life, he realized his wrong and wanted to face up to the consequences of his actions. I really came to like this older-brother figure of Roxi’s. Christy and Abby were perfect together—they were more alike than they realized. Survivors of similar evils. I really enjoyed watching their friendship bloom. And Jan. Wow. She was just one amazing lady. The way she cared for Roxi and loved her in a way that no one ever had, was touching. I always looked forward to scenes between these two, knowing they would be powerful.

This story was refreshingly unique. With the whole plot revolving around The Great Gatsby book, Roxi’s life as an accomplice to a mother and son business of stealing rare books, and then her struggle to survive on her own, isn’t a normal plot. It was amazing! Just when I thought Roxi’s trouble would be over, something is thrown into her plans and she finds herself worse-off than before.

Gifted with a wonderful, engaging writing voice, CJs skill with words is amazing. Reading this book was so easy and I quickly found myself getting lost in the story almost the instant I began reading. She made the scenes come alive. There were times that I looked up from Bound By Guilt and was surprised not to be in the middle of a used bookstore, holding an antique copy of The Great Gatsby, or a R. R. Tolkien book. A very neat, and unique, experience that doesn’t happen often.

There were some points in this book that I really wished I had read Thicker Than Blood first and had been able to connect with the characters there first before reading Bound By Guilt. This was probably my only negative thought as I read through this book—everything else was amazing and wonderful! The message this book gives, about being weighed down with guilt and the story of one very lonely girl just yearning to feel loved, was powerful. There are many teenagers out there in the world today that are in her same plight. It makes me pray that each of these teens will find a “Jan” in their life to show them how much they are loved by their Heavenly Father. Bound By Guilt is packed with adventure, suspense, mystery, and a powerful message that you are not soon to forget!

I reviewed this book for Tyndale House Publishing. 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 Dawn of a Dream - Ann Shorey

THE BOOK:

Her dream is within her grasp--but can she leave her past behind?

Luellen O'Connell is stunned when her husband of just one month tells her he is leaving--and his reason devastates her. Deeply wounded by his betrayal, Luellen decides to follow her dream to become a teacher, a desire she had set aside when she married. But can she truly hide her past? Or will it destroy her ambitions forever?

A moving story of tenacity and perseverance, The Dawn of a Dream will inspire you to discover and follow your own dreams.


MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

Having read the second book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Promise of Morning, I knew to expect something different and unique in Ann’s historical fiction. I was not disappointed. She’s crafted together a wonderful story that will warm the hearts of many historical fiction fans out there.

It’s been a while since I read Promise of Morning, so maybe I was just a little too rusty in remembering the characters, but I had a hard time reconnecting with old characters and connecting with new ones. While Luellen was a determined and headstrong heroine who learned a big lesson the hard way, I felt she had her priorities pretty messed up when she was determined to continue school despite all else. I can say no more than that without giving away anything, but it did keep me from warming to her. In fact, the only character I really connected with in this book was Ward. He was wonderful! All throughout the book I kept cheering for him.

As I mentioned above, I don’t want to say anything to give away this wonderful story that Ann has crafted together. What I began reading, I thought it was a very predictable read. Ann proved me wrong as she threw in first one, and then another, twist to the story that surprised me and kept me reading. I did have a pretty big problem with the whole “women’s rights” feel to the book, but I won’t rant here. Suffice to say that I bristled when Luellen tried to convince Belle against marrying before she had her teaching certificate.

While I enjoyed The Dawn of a Dream and its rather unpredictable plot, I did have a hard time on the way it was written. The first chapter had me nearly reeling with its sudden beginning. Not that landing in the middle of something is bad—I read many suspense novels that do just that. But for some reason, it started so suddenly it took me a while to get to get “in” the book. Maybe this is just me. From the looks of other reviews, people liked the sudden jerk in the beginning.

The final book in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, this was a nice conclusion. I would’ve enjoyed reading more about the other main characters from The Promise of Morning and The Edge of Light. But, when I take into consideration that this book is about another generation—Molly daughter—I can understand why not much was said about Molly, Karl, Ellie, and Matthew. Ann’s writing and stories remind me of popular author Janette Oke. And just like I do with her books, I will look forward to more stories from Ann Shorey!

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 Priest's Graveyard - Ted Dekker

THE BOOK:

Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man. Soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother’s life. Now he’s a priest who lives by a law of love and compassion. It is powerful men and hypocrites who abide by legal law but eschew the law of love that most incense Danny. As an avenging angel, he believes it is his duty to show them the error of their ways, at any cost.

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.

But when Danny and Renee’s paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.

Judge not, or you too will be judged.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Knowing this is a Ted Dekker book—the author that shares the first place spot with Frank Peretti when it comes to my favorite Christian suspense/thrillers—I knew I would enjoy the book. When I finally began the book it was already midnight, but I just wanted to read the first chapter and get a taste of the book. That was impossible! 5 chapters later I reluctantly stopped for the night. Needless to say, this had a great beginning that grabbed my attention and held it throughout the entire book! I continually found myself sneaking away to my room during the day to snatch a few precious minutes and find out what was going to happen next.

As with all of Dekker’s books, The Priest’s Graveyard had a variety of characters that were all wonderfully fleshed out. I fell in love with Danny almost instantly—well, it was probably a scene or two after his initial, gruesome scene that introduced this complex character to its readers. I empathizing with Danny and his sad past and understand his reason of why he did what he did. Renee was one character you can’t help but feel for as the story progresses. I enjoyed reading about her perfect life with her rescuer, Lemont. I felt her pain and confusion at his disappearance. And then later, when the whole mystery was uncovered, I couldn’t help but stagger in shock with her. Her transformation from a timid sheltered woman who never left the house into the emotionless lover out for revenge was, I though, very believable. I don’t want to give any part of this awesome book away, so I will have to leave you with that and hope that you get the book to discover more about Danny and Renee for yourself.

While my praises of this wonderful story will continue to flow—though a bit vague to be careful I don’t give away any spoilers—I have to point out that I would not advise this book for younger readers. One of the characters tries to rid the world of sick people who take advantage of the innocent and helpless and a few times what these sick people did to others was explained. There are a lot of people who are murdered. Quite a few of them very brutally, from having parts of their body cut off (and some very private parts), to being completely dismembered. It wasn’t gruesomely graphic, but it was a part of this story and younger readers might be a bit appalled.

Ted Dekkers writing voice was awesome! The scenes leapt from the pages, pulling me into the heads of Renee or Danny until I forgot all else except them. Whenever I stopped reading, I looked up from this book surprised not to be in the glass house beside Renee, or hiding out in some closet with Danny as he waited for the next sicko to come home. Dekker a master at penning awesome thriller/suspense novels!

The Priest’s Graveyard is unlike any other Dekker book I have read (and I admit not to reading all of his books, but a lot of them). While I still loved his book Showdown, it was pretty unrealistic and too supernatural for my tastes. This book, however, never veered into the supernatural and I loved every minute of this edge-of-your-seat read! Hands down, this new Dekker page-turner is one of my favorites by him to date and is sure to satisfy Dekker fans, while gaining new ones. :-)

I reviewed this book for Center Street. Thanks to Sarah Reck for sending me my 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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Tomorrow's Garden - Amanda Cabot

THE BOOK:

As a seed awaits the spring sunshine, so one young woman hopes for a brighter tomorrow.

Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming the new schoolteacher in Ladreville, Texas, is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he affects her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly conquer the past in order to find happiness?

Book 3 in the Texas Dreams series, Tomorrow's Garden is a powerful story of overcoming the odds and grabbing hold of happiness.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

With some knowledge of the people in the Texas Dreams series behind me (I have read Scattered Petals) and the pretty, cheerful, springtime cover, I was very confident that I would enjoy this new release. Amanda Cabot did not disappoint me. Tomorrow’s Garden was a very pleasant read; the perfect book to curl up with under a tree outside on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.



Harriet was a rather complex character that, while I enjoyed getting to know her in this book, I didn’t connect with her as much as I would have liked. Though we did share one thing in common—the enjoyment we get when discussing books. But even though I didn’t connect with this character as completely as I would have liked, I still enjoyed reading about her. She reminds me a lot of my older sister—she’s a mother hen as well. Ruth was probably the one I grew to understand and connect with the most, and maybe that is because I am a second-oldest daughter myself! :-) I was glad to see that Lawrence—now a former Texas Ranger—was back, as I really grew to like him in Scattered Petals. He is a complex character as well, which makes him the perfect match for Harriet.


While a bit predictable almost from the very first pages, Tomorrow’s Garden still delivered a few surprises along the way. The courtship of Karl was rather humorous, though if I had been the one he was courting I would not have born it! I was rather disappointed in Harriet’s reaction over Lawrence’s occasional drink. I felt it was a bit overmuch on Harriet’s part. But maybe that is just me. The addition of her troubled teenage brother, Jake, also threw in some surprises along the way and added to the story. In the end, I was right in how the book would end, but it didn’t make me enjoy the book less. There were enough surprises and special moments to keep me turning the pages.


Amanda weaves together a lovely story, her words bringing the characters to life. While it didn’t play on my emotions as much as I usually like books to do, it still was written with an undercurrent of feelings. Both Harriet and Lawrence deal with many things during the course of this book and though I never connect enough to ache with the characters, these emotional struggles were still believable.


Tomorrow’s Garden is the third and last installment to Amanda’s Texas Dreams series. It’s a lovely ending, though I am sure fans of this series will be sad to leave Ladreville. But with more from Amanda promised in the near future, I think they will be able to leave Harriet and Lawrence in Ladreville with Sarah, Clay, Priscilla, and Zach. It’s a sweet conclusion to this series.

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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Diagnosis Death - Richard Mabry

THE BOOK:

The threatening midnight calls followed Dr. Elena Gardner from one city to another, prolonging her grief. Even worse, they are echoed by the whispers of her own colleagues. Whispers that started after her comatose husband died in the ICU . . . then another mysterious death during her training. When a third happens at her new hospital, the whispers turn into a shout: “Mercy killer!”

Why doesn’t she defend herself? What is the dark secret that keeps Elena’s lips sealed?

Two physicians, widowers themselves, offer support, telling Elena they know what she is going through after the death of her husband. But do they? And is it safe to trust either of them with her secret? Soon Elena will find that even when the world seems to be against her, God is for her, if she'll only trust him.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

Diagnosis Death is pulsing with action, suspense, mystery, and one very big question that Dr. Elena Gardner is desperate to know--is she a mercy killer? Having no memory of what she did around the time of the patient's death, she doesn't know. Starting out with a prologue that will intrigue and pull you into the story, you won't be able to put it down! What a compelling book!

Elena lives a very hectic life as a doctor. As the story progressed and she dealt with so many emergencies, it made me appreciate doctors a lot more. What a life to live, knowing that your meal or sleep could be interrupted at any time and you'd have to rush to the hospital. This kind of life alone would make every day a crazy adventure. But added to this, Elena deals with countless problems--guilt over her husband's death, problems at work, overdue bills, creepy midnight calls, and stalkers. Wow! Life sure didn't go easy on her. But she grew to be a stronger character because of it all, and I loved reading about her spiritual growth. And she had a friend. David. He was the Mr. Steady who was always there to support her. I quickly grew to like this guy! He never pressed his relationship with Elena and was content just to be there for her. Yes, I was totally for this hero! ;-)

With so many twists and turns, Diagnosis Death doesn't give the reader much time to grow bored. Oh, no! Richard Mabry weaves together a complex plot that continues to dump first one, then another problem, into Elena's life. I loved this about the book. There was one part of the plot that I didn't really understand. The guilty party was caught for his wrong-doing, but I never got why he was doing it in the first place. They explained it--very briefly--but only insinuated to it, really. But this was the only instance I found in the book. It kept a fast-pace and I was always looking for an opportunity to dive back into the story.

Mabry's skill at bringing suspense and tension into his writing is really good--I clutched the pages at certain parts and could feel Elena's apprehension. There were a few times that I wished the writing was more descriptive and alive--such as when Elena is fighting with her attacker. I felt as if I was just giving an overview of what was happening, instead of being "in" the scene. But this happened only a few times, and other than these instances, I found his writing style easy to be drawn into.

This is the first book I have read by Mabry, and it's the third one in his Prescription for Trouble series. I jumped right into the story and thoroughly enjoyed this amazing adventure. I look forward to reading more books by Richard Mabry in the future. If you like medical suspense novels, then his books are for you!

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. Thanks to Julie A. Dowd 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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The Journey - Wanda Brunstetter

THE BOOK:

Can a heart torn by love's rejection find new love again?

Titus Fisher has made poor choices.When he lived in Pennsylvania he chose the wrong girl, who broke his heart. When he moves to Kentucky, he finally discovers that he possesses woodworking skills. Will he stick with it or return to the old comforts - and love - from his life in Lancaster?

Suzanne Yoder's talents don't lie in the traditional Amish kitchen, but she suppresses artistic skills that are frowned on by those in her community who beleive a woman's place is in the home. Will she find an ally in the broody newcomer?

Will each of their journeys to self-worth end with romance in Christian County, Kentucky?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

Wanda Brunstetter is a well-known name in the Amish genre. Branching off of the Fisher family from previous series, she begins a new series focusing on the youngest of the Fisher family, Titus. It was neat learning tidbits about the previous adventures that the family has gone through—makes me want to go and get the other books to read about them in detail!

The first chapter was rather humorous as the reader was introduced to Titus, who has a big dislike for cats. As the story continues you can’t help but sympathize with Titus as he tries to deal with his longtime girlfriend breaking up with him. He’s joined the church, but she doesn’t and wants to leave Paradise, thus ending their relationship. He takes this news hard—he’s waited for her since he was 17 years old. Now at 22 going on 23, he’s not sure if he will ever forget the hurt. Desperate to get away from the painful memories, he moves to Kentucky...and meets Suzanne Yoder. I really liked her character. She was strong and determined, and the way she handled many situations was commendable. Her predicament over cooking was rather funny!

The Journey was, in some ways, predictable. This didn’t ruin the book for me and I was still pulled into the story, regardless. My hunch was right in the end, but the plot leading up to the ultimate ending was intriguing and kept me reading.

Once or twice the writing style was a little vague, especially the scene when the two men barge into Titus’ house. While I still understood what was going on, I didn’t feel “in” the scene…more like someone watching it all from afar. So, besides a few instances like this, the story flowed well and it was easy to get lost in the world of Titus and Suzanne.

I have only read one book by Wanda in the past, so don’t have much experience with this author. But I enjoyed this story and would consider getting the next in the series, when it is released. As I mentioned above, The Journey is the beginning of a new series that is a branch off from previous series concerning the Fisher family. I thought this was really neat, continuing the Fisher legacy. I am sure fans of the Fisher’s will be eager to get their hands on this new installment.

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. Thanks to Sharon Farnell for sending me a review copy of this book. 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 Deepest Waters - Dan Walsh

THE BOOK:

Walsh, a pastor turned full-time writer, surprises with a swashbuckling tale of a sunken pre–Civil War era steamship and its cargo of gold—and a newlywed couple who must make a harrowing decision. When a steamship heads directly into a hurricane on the Atlantic coast, John and Laura Foster must choose to stay together or be separated when women and children are evacuated to another ship.

What makes the story more than romantic fluff is its basis in a true event, the sinking of the SS Central America and its payload of gold, and a dramatic subplot of Micah, a slave who longs to be free along with his family. Some flashbacks that provide backstory are awkwardly obvious, and characters seem to be more obsessed with sunsets than one might expect desperate survivors to be, but the story has penetrating moments.

With this novel Walsh establishes himself as a Christian historical fiction writer who crafts credible character-driven stories

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

The Deepest Waters was a powerful, poignant story of two people—newlyweds on their honeymoon—who experience a life and death situation. Their ship is sinking. How awful is that to experience mere days after you have just been married? Be prepared for an interesting adventure with these two wonderful characters. Dan doesn’t ease us into the story—he dumps us into the scene shortly after Laura and all the women on the ship have been rescued by another ship passing by. As Laura morns the separation, the tension builds as we switch to the husband, John, who is with the other men trying to last on the ship till the last second. How awful it must be to know that the ship is about to sink and you are many, many miles away from shore.

John and Laura were both strong characters that really made the story. Laura’s actions on the ship and John’s bravery while floating in the middle of the ocean were commendable. What a valiant hero John was! He completely grabbed my attention as he, time and again, helped someone else before himself. The friendship between Laura and Micah was special and I enjoyed watching them connect on the Cutlass.

The small miracles that happened along the way proved God’s providence was with them the whole time. Since the book began in the middle of a storm right after John and Laura have been separated, they weren’t every together and I thought it would be hard to learn about the two of them together this way. But Dan weaves in several scenes of flashbacks, taking either John or Laura back to when they were courting in San Francisco. I enjoyed these scenes and really got to connect with the characters.

The writing was really engaging. Different than what I usually enjoy, I still was pulled into the story and was curious and anxious to see how it ended. Dan seemed to lean towards short chapters and frequently changing scenes, which I really liked. Since it was easy to find a stopping point, I found myself picking up the book more frequently and reading longer, as it was so easy to say “Just one more scene!”

Dan has crafted together a very powerful read that will draw the reader into the story easily. This is the first book I have read by Dan, but I will be sure to look for his name in the future. The Deepest Waters isn’t a thick book, and with the short chapters and scenes, it’s a very easy read.


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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Wolves Among Us - Ginger Garrett

THE BOOK:

This richly imagined tale takes readers to a tiny German town in the time of “the burnings,” when pious and heretic alike became victims of witch-hunting zealots. When a double murder stirs up festering fears, the village priest sends for help. But the charismatic Inquisitor who answers the call brings a deadly mix of spiritual fervor and self-deceptive evil. Under his influence, village fear, guilt, and suspicion of women take a deadly turn. In the midst of this nightmare, a doubting priest and an unloved wife—a secret friend of the recently martyred William Tyndale—somehow manage to hear another Voice…and discover the power of love over fear.

Dinfoil, Germany, 1538. In a little town on the edge of the Black Forest, a double murder stirs up festering fears. A lonely woman despairs of pleasing her husband and wonders why other women shun her. An overworked sheriff struggles to hold the town—and himself—together. A priest begins to doubt the power of the words he shares daily with his flock. And the charismatic Inquisitor who arrives to help—with a filthy witch in a cage as an object lesson—brings his own mix of lofty ideals and treacherous evil. Under his influence, ordinary village fears and resentments take a deadly turn. Terror mounts. Dark deeds come to light. And men and women alike discover not only what they are capable of, but who they are…and what it means to grapple for grace.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

My first book by Ginger Garrett, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The description of the novel was vague, so I went into the book nearly blind as to what the storyline would be. I was pleasantly surprised after I finished this engaging historical fiction. Set during the 1530s when the rumor of “witches” and their powers ran rampant among the people of Germany, Wolves Among Us takes its readers on a harrowing journey.

When humble priest Stefan sends for an Inquisitor to hunt out the truth behind the mysterious murder of two people, he never expected that the man would be apprehending witches. Once the people’s suspicions of witches in their midst, no woman is safe in Dilfoil—especially the young and beautiful.

While this outrageous belief in witches was interesting to read about, I found that the men’s regards to women extremely interesting, and even a little insulting. As I listen to the Inquisitor go on and on, I found myself wishing I could go back in time and teach them a thing or two. There were times that I seriously laughed at their superstitions and the circumstances around which the Inquisitor based his proof on.

Before reading this book I knew very little about this period, but Ginger filled her book with so much history that after I finished the book, I felt like I had just had an in-depth history lesson while on a grand adventure with the characters. How wonderful! Certainly an eye-opener for anyone who wants to learn more about history during the 1530s.

The writing style, while very descriptive and vivid, was different. It took me a little while to get used to, but didn’t ruin the book for me in any way. I did wish, however, that when characters had flashbacks, that there was some sort of way to break it up and make it more obvious. Once or twice it took me a little while to realize that my character was reliving previous days.

Mia was a very endearing character. One cannot help but sympathize with her as she struggles to love an unlovable husband and save her sickly daughter. When she discovers his shortcomings at the end, the depth of description put me right beside Mia as she felt the hurt and betrayal. Her confused and jumbled thoughts and desires were very believable and human and I easily made a connection with this character.

Ginger Garratt brought her story of Mia and Stefan to life through the pages of Wolves Among Us. I will be sure to pick up another book by Ginger in the future, sure of an adventure underneath the beautiful cover.

I reviewed this book for David C Cook. 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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