Book Review: The Heart's Charge

 

From the Back:

For Years They've Been Nomads for Justice, but a Final Mission May Just Lead Their Hearts Home.

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

My Reflections:

I adore Karen Witemeyer's ability to take a novel and turn a story into a masterpiece!

From start to finish I was captivated. 

In this fast-paced novel, there are mini-stories within the main plot. I loved all the characters from big to small, the children at Harmony House were so charming, they each have their story to tell. Mark and Jonah, they made me laugh out loud at their bumbling ways and inner thoughts. That

is what I enjoyed about this story you get inside the character's heads and really understand their perspective.

Katherine's dedication to the children at Harmony House and her tender heart make her truly a remarkable yet fragile character. Eliza was another story she was not going to let any man hurt anyone she loved especially her...until she started to get soft with Jonah that is. 

Kindness, love, and a smidgen of suspense make this a well-rounded read. If you are looking for the perfect summer read I would highly recommend "The Heart's Charge" 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Karen Witemeyer

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas...

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Book Review: Daughter Of Cana

From the Back:

How Will Walking in Yeshua's Footsteps
Forever Change Her Life?
Thomas and Tasmin, twin siblings hired to oversee a wedding feast in Cana, worry when the host runs out of wine . . . until a guest tells Tasmin to have the servants fill the pitchers by the gate with water from the cistern. Reluctantly, she obeys--and is amazed when rainwater turns into the finest wine ever tasted in Cana.

When Thomas impulsively decides to follow the teacher from Nazareth, the twins argue bitterly. Tasmin refuses to be abandoned or to let her brother be taken in by a magician-prophet. When he departs anyway, she decides to follow the Nazarene's group, aided by Jude, younger brother to Yeshua of Nazareth, and do whatever she must to mend the fractured relationship, reveal the truth, and bring her brother home.

My Reflections:
Angela Hunt's newest series is off to a fantastic start!
If you love Biblical fiction as much as I do you won't be disappointed with Daughter of Cana.
The first part of the book drew me in straight away, what an interesting plot. To imagine what it must have been like to be around Jesus as he walked the earth. 

After witnessing water being turned into wine Tasmin, one of the bakers at a wedding decides it must be trickery. However, her twin brother Thomas decides to leave the family business to chase after the one who had the power to do many unimaginable things. Tasmin has no choice to chase after her brother and talk some sense into him to come back home where he belongs helping their father in the orchard.

I love Biblical fiction because it makes well-known stories come alive, although we cannot know the exact happenings other than the true Biblical telling, I find it interesting to see things how they might have happened. It also makes me turn to the Bible and re-read the passages again.

I really enjoyed taking a fictional look at what Jesus's family and his apostle Thomas. I actually missed that Thomas was a twin! I also enjoyed the character development, watching as Jesus brother Jude and Tasmine chase after Jesus and the change of hearts they experience. Both have personal agendas to get their family members back which put a fun twist on things.

Daughter of Cana is a must-read, I mean what else are you going to do right now, surely you have cleaned out every corner and binge-watched Netflix. What better book to read during these uncertain times!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book...

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Book Review: More Than We Remember

From the Back:

One night changes everything. . . .
When Addison Kilbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. After a traumatic brain injury, her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She once thrived as a counsellor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbours, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

My Reflections:
More Than We Remember is a touching, and emotional story told by several points of view from the characters and their personal experiences. All of this is synergetic and homogenizes the storyline quite brilliantly. 

Difficult topics were handled with accuracy and brought to light struggles many suffer from but never let anyone in. A few of the topics included drug addictions, brain injury and abuse. Getting help for any of these afflictions is so very important, we are here to support each other and hiding away your fears, addictions and abuse only makes the problem grow, and can one day become unbearable. But I digress, sorry. 

Nelson did a marvellous job of fleshing out the realities of these situations, it was written accurately without sugar-coating anything. This story definitely had my emotions engaged.

God's shining light can burn through the darkness, but only if we hold on long enough to experience his plans for our suffering. 

I always get confused when there are so many characters telling their stories, but this one was not as hard, Nelson made her writing clear and engaging making me forget I don't love multiple POV's.

If you are looking for an emotionally engaging story with a little suspense thrown in for good measure, this may be your next favourite read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

© Katey Tryon

Christina Suzann Nelson

CBA bestselling author Christina Suzann Nelson (www.christinasuzannnelson.com) writes stories that focus on changing legacies from dysfunction to hope. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was named a Library Journal Best Book of 2017 and a...

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Book Review: Like Flames in the Night

From The Back:

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached--strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

My Reflections:
I absolutely love biblical fiction done well. You can consistently count on Connilyn Cossette to do her homework. She creates a canvas where the story grips you and takes you to the colourful world of 1367 BC.
Cossette has the gift of bringing her characters to life with their very tangible emotions, burdens and plights.

This fourth book in the "Cities Of Refuge" focuses on the period when The Arameans conquered the promised land and the oppression of the Hebrews.
Tirzah a young widow is a determined young woman who wants to help aid in the fight against the Aramean occupation of Judah's cities and vast land. A woman spy is the last thing I would have expected in this period, but her skill and determination turn her pleas into reality. She becomes an Imposter as a Shechem cook, trading secrets with her brother who holds the astute position as leader of the fighting forces.

Rich in history and vibrant writing make this a very interesting read. A perfect ending to this series! If you love biblical fiction as much as I do. I know you won't be disappointed with "Like Flames In The Night"

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn Cossette (www.connilyncossette.com) is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books...

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Book Review: King's Shadow

From The Back:

Their Lives Couldn't Be More Different,
but Their Goal Is the Same:
Survive King Herod's Rule. Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

My Reflections:
"king's Shadow" is Angela Hunt's fourth book in her "Silent Years" series, and while it is a series I feel this book can be read as a stand-alone. 
I found this novel's basis to be very interesting as it delves into the 400-year time span between the old testament and the new testament. It also features some lesser-known characters that are not often mentioned. 

The story is told through the eyes of the main characters, which made the story that much more multidimensional. I did find myself a little lost at times through this book, there are just so many facts to keep straight! (some of the characters had very similar names)That and following King Harod into near madness was at times a tad gruesome. Hence I would not recommend this one for the 16 and under crowd.

Salome is King Harold's sister but has taken on the weighty job of protecting Herold and his reign. She has her own issues and though she is stubborn and bitter she tries to rise above them in her own ways.

Salome's handmaid Zara sees the world through different eyes, having been born into a Jewish family her viewpoint comes from knowing the laws of the Tora, her heart is soft and feels the pain of those around her. 
It was interesting to get a glimpse into the King's court through the eyes of these two characters, it really was a thought-provoking aspect of this novel for me. 

I have read several of Hunt's novels, I can't say this was my absolute favourite, however, I did enjoy exploring this time period, it was a very unexpected journey! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic...

Continue reading about Angela Hunt

Book Review: Until The Mountains Fall

From The Back:

"Old Testament-era life is enlivened by the timeless sizzle of desire as Cossette takes a fresh approach to biblical fiction with her deeply impassioned characters and electrifying ardor."--Booklist on Shelter of the Most High

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protection of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from within and without Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

My Reflections: 

In Connilyn Cossetts Third book in the series "Cities Of Refuge," we delve headlong into a tale of regret and the paths they take. This is the classic "Prodigal Son" type tale, but with a twist. I absolutely adore Cossette's ability to take well-loved stories from the Bible and craft a little imagination making a well-rounded tale of how characters and people may have acted. It's important to note that these are fictional stories loosely based on the Bible. I love how these stories always encourage me to go back and re-read my Bible stories! It sure brought the ancient cities of refuge to light in the time of 1380 BC. This whole series has been such a treat to read!

Rivkah is grieving her late husband's death, having only been married a short time and at only 18 She is still quite immature, selfish, spoiled and headstrong. According to the laws of levirate marriage, she must marry the younger brother of her late husband. Once a child is born of this union they would be considered the heir of the late husband. Rivkah wants nothing to do with her betrothed, all she can see is a "boy" he is two years younger than she is and her childhood tormenter. Rivkah tries her best to show her disdain for Malakhi, going so far to outright telling him she does not want to marry him. 

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah since they were small, but like most boys at that age didn't know how to express his true feelings. Now that he is older and his brother has passed on he wants to prove to her that he can be the man she deserves. However, before he can show her how he truly feels about her she flees, leaving him and their agreement a broken promise. 

I truly had a hard time liking Rivkah's character at the beginning of this book, but as the story progresses we see the devastating outcome of her choices and the five long years of self-loathing, and a spiralling set of choices that lead her ultimately into slavery. By the end, I was completely smitten with all these characters, along with supporting characters, oh how I hope there will be more books delving into some of these stories! 

A very satisfying read perfect, for people who love biblically based fiction. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), bestselling author Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is...

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Book Review: The Heart Of A King

From The Back:

Get swept away by a story of love, loss, and longing
King Solomon could--and did--have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all of his wealth and wisdom, did he or the women he loved ever find what they were searching for?

In this engrossing novel, find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you'll meet four remarkable women: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and theirs, you'll grapple with whether this king's storied wisdom ultimately benefited him and those he loved . . . or betrayed them.

My Reflections:
I simply adore Biblical fiction, it is one of my favourite genres! I will most certainly be looking this authours work up in the near future. This story sweeps it's readers off to another time, a time where King Solomon rules and the wives he collects deal with the situations they find themselves in. I loved that in this fictional retelling we hear both sides, one of the wives and one of King Solomon. It gives readers a better perspective into the lives and thoughts of the characters. 

As the story progressed I was not smitten with King Solomon, I found him paying lip service to his new wives. Once the marriage ceremony was completed and the honeymoon over he moved onto another more interesting prospect or work-related venture. I'm well aware that it was a very different time, and that this is a fictional twist on the biblical story. None the less my heart went out to the many wives he collected and the feelings they must have experienced when a new wife was added. The story really highlights the fact that truth can get mixed up so easily by life. Solomon was spoken to by God, he knew the laws and he talked himself into believing that his choices were Ok, even though God's law was straightforward and clear.  This clarity was so well delivered in this story that I found myself really analyzing some of my choices and thoughts. Such a healthy thing to do, right! 

I love when I read these stories then get the itch to reread the actual account, the Bible is filled with stories that blow your socks off. It's awesome!

I usually share the Biblical fiction with my tween and teen however I probably won't be sharing this one with the 11-year-old as there are too many innuendos to the marriage bed. I would recommend this novel to adults and the 17 and up crowd. Definitely a great read, I'm super excited to read more from this authour!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King and the nonfiction book When Life...

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Book Review: A Faithful Gathering

From The Back:

When Each Tomorrow Brings Unexpected Challenges,
Can She Keep Hoping for the Future She Envisions? 
Leisel Bachmann left her Amish roots and beloved sisters to pursue a career in nursing without a second thought. She and her English boyfriend, Nick Jordan, have big dreams for their future, but those dreams come crashing down when her sister Marie is diagnosed with cancer.

Soon nothing is going as she planned--not her state boards, not her first nursing job, and certainly not her relationship with Nick. As she becomes increasingly discouraged, her aunt shares the story of Leisel's grandfather during World War II and the struggle he faced between returning to Lancaster or being with the woman he loved.

Peace and direction for the future are difficult to find, and when Nick leaves Pennsylvania to pursue an unexpected career path without talking it through with Leisel, she is faced with impossible choices. Will she stay in Lancaster, close to her family and the traditions of her past? Or will her grandfather's story encourage her to embrace a life of love and service in an uncertain future?

My Reflections:

This is the third and final book in the series labelled "The Sisters Of Lancaster County" Leslie Gould is a fantastic authour she always pens her books with interesting facts and an array of complex characters. You never find yourself wandering through the pages of her novels. T

his book is taken on slightly different than her others, The main character, Liesel is at a crossroads in her life she is in a very vulnerable position and must choose how the rest of her life will play out (as much as anyone can.) I enjoyed the dual storyline Aenti Suz is wise and a fantastic storyteller! Many life lessons and tidbits of wisdom can be gleaned at the knee of a wise elder. I adored how relationships were a center point to this story though true to life they bore strain and conflict, such strife is the way of bonding, faith building and strength in may hard-won relationships.

I found many interesting facts along the pages of this story many centring on the Amish lifestyle and how they conducted themselves in war times. I attend a Mennonite church and have heard some stories, but it was nice to delve a little deeper into what the men did during the war.

Al in all this is a fantastic read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good Amish novel!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels including two Lancaster Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland...

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Book Review: The Curse of Misty Wayfair

From the Back:

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to turn-of-the-century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. When the clues she finds lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a postmortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death. 

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman haunting the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, they must overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined 

My Reflections

Jamie Jo Wright has done it once again, her newest book exceeds all expectations form the first page until the last. This author shines in a way that blinds. Her work is masterfully crafted in a subtle yet powerful way. 
I was moved to tears many times through this novel. The subject matter is quite near to my heart, making it feel like a very personal and special read.
Special needs, mental illness and anxiety disorders are brought to light in the plot. I applaud the way Jo Wright tenderly portrayed these very serious matters. You are left with a feeling of light overcoming any kind of darkness. 

The feel of the book is tangible, it is a very real and living thing. It is hard to review a book that makes you actually breathe the essence of the story. 
There are creepy parts that made me break out in goosebumps, but it's not overdone or over the top in any way. I really enjoyed how this author is able to keep her readers in utter suspense throughout the entirety of the story. This is a true gift for an avid reader, such a deliciously decadent feeling to not be able to guess what comes next!

This is an outstanding story I cannot recommend it enough. If you are looking for a romantic suspense that makes all the rules this is your bet. It has everything a decerning reader could want, suspense, intrigue, a little romance and a whole lot of charged emotion.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is the Christy Award-Winning author of The House on Foster Hill. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she lives with her...

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Book Review: Jerusalem's Queen

From the back:

Born in the small village of Modein, a town made famous by the warrior Maccabees, Salome Alexandra knows better than to harbor grand dreams for her future. She pales in comparison to her beautiful older sister, and though she learns to read at an early age, girls are not valued for their intellectual ability. But when her father and sister are killed, John Hyrcanus, a distant relative, invites Salome and her mother to live with his family in Jerusalem, where her thirst for knowledge is noticed and indulged.

When her guardian betroths her to a pagan prince, she questions HaShem's plan. When Hyrcanus finally marries her to a boy half her age, she questions her guardian's sanity. But though Salome spends much of her life as a pawn ordered about by powerful men, she learns that a woman committed to HaShem can change the world.

My reflections:
Angela Hunt's third book from "The Silent Years" was everything I expected from an Angela Hunt novel and so much more. Packed with historically accurate details and a complex plot that keeps you guessing. This is the exact reason why I love Hunt's books so much. Written from the two main characters point of view we were given insight into the inner workings of the palace. While this was enlightening, this aspect of the book could be a little confusing in the first couple of chapters. 

Shelamzion starts off as a young girl and as the book progresses she grows into adulthood gaining in both wisdom and grace. From a young age, she upholds truth and isn't afraid to speak out against things she knows is wrong. Shelamzion has a thirst for righteousness and even being a girl studies the Torah. Stuck in an unequally matched marriage Shelamzion struggles to stay true to God while leading her husband in the ways of the Torah. 

Kissa is Shelamzions faithful servant who stands beside her throughout the whole book. Her level-headed view of the world and life experience shaped Kissa into the perfect mentor to guide Shelamzion into the spotlight. Kissa's role as a gentile allows her to ask key questions that shape Shelamzions beliefs. Her traumatic past helps her decern dangerous situations and warns her friend of impending danger. 

Over-all I thoroughly enjoyed this novel devouring it in only two days. I would recommend this to anybody who loves historic biblical fiction. I feel this book is appropriate for early teens and up. The only suggestive scene is on their wedding night, and although it wasn't explicit the reader is aware of what's happening. If you are looking for a thoughtful well-written read then this may just be the book for you. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic...

Continue reading about Angela Hunt

Book Review: The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond

From the Back:

For over a century, the town of Gossamer Grove has thrived on its charm and Midwestern values, but Annalise Forsythe knows painful secrets, including her own, hover just beneath the pleasant facade. Yet her strange and sudden inheritance of a run-down trailer home--full of pictures, vintage obituaries, and old revival posters--leaves her wholly unprepared for how truly dark and deadly those secrets may be.

A century earlier, Gossamer Grove is stirred into chaos by the arrival of controversial and charismatic twin revivalists. The chaos takes a murderous turn when Libby Sheffield, while working at her father's newspaper, receives an obituary for a reputable church deacon hours before his death. As she works with the deacon's son to solve the crime, it becomes clear that a reckoning has come to town--but it isn't until another obituary arrives at the paper that they realize the true depths of the danger they've waded into.

Two women, separated by a hundred years, must unravel the mysteries of their own town before it's too late and they lose their future--or their very souls.

My Reflections:

My first book by this authour was Wright's debut novel, The House on Foster Hill, I am so glad to have the opportunity to read yet another title by this very talented authour. 

Two women connected by the weight of sin. 
Brokenness, weakness, hidden deeply, these are the tools of evil. 
Forgiveness, wholeness and light shining into our darkness this is healing. 
I absolutely loved the way this novel is written, the time-slip past and present woven together seamlessly.

The atmosphere of creepiness is real with the backdrop of Gossamer Grove. This not so quaint town boasts hidden secrets, a creepy, run-down trailer and strange happenings. The adrenaline will definitely keep you racing through the pages trying to figure out the unpredictable conclusion. Grace tampers the darkness yet profound, pain-filled moments are not sugar-coated. This book is so layered I was transported within its pages, and could not leave its grips until the last page was flipped.  
I equally enjoyed both female protagonists. The present day with Annalise and past with Libby. The subtle romance was uniquely blended with suspense and quirky characters. An emulsion of perfectness!

I am not quite sure how Wright was able to pull this storyline off, but wow did she ever, how will she ever top this? I can't wait to see!
It's mind blowing how seamlessly the story fit together, and the reader is not even aware of all the pieces until the very end. I can't wait for book number three from this author and don't forget to read the author's notes, you won't regret it!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright is the author of the acclaimed novels The House on Foster Hill and The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in...

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Book Review: A Light On The Hill

From The Back:

". . . must-reads for fans of Biblical and historical fiction."--RT Book Reviews on the Out from Egypt series

Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.

My Reflections:

I didn't think Connilyn Cossette could get even better, but this masterfully written novel has topped all other books penned by this author. 
The subject material is unique, the time-period is intriguing, and the character development in all areas is spot on! It is evident many hours of research went into the planning of this book, the attention to detail is exquisite! This book is the first of this new series, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Moriyah is such an endearing character. She has experienced many trials in her life, these trials have made her compassionate, strong and courageous against the daily hardships she had endured. I loved traveling through the many cities and lush lands. It was a fast-paced escape from her father's vineyard towards possible safety, and even though the danger and heart-stopping escape we glimpse Moriyah's steadfast commitment to God and her ability to adapt. I also enjoyed being steeped in the culture and cadence of the era. I felt a real connection throughout the story, not only to the characters but also to the land and setting. It was all so authentic.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Connilyn Cossette, her books seem to get better and better as she progresses into her writing career. If you are searching for a unique book for those summer vacations, look no further this is your book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), bestselling author Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is...

Continue reading about Connilyn Cossette

Book Review: A Chance At Forever

From the Back:

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

My Reflections:

This is the final book of the Teaville Moral Society series. In it, we delve into not only the red light district and helping others better themselves, but also the subject of bullying.
Everyone most likely has experienced the devastating after-effects of bullying. It can devastate self-worth and confidence it is all too common in our society, and I found this topic a great platform to craft a story around. Melissa Jagears always manifests original characters. They are usually not the norm and leave me amazed and entertained all at the same time.

Mercy McClain is no stranger to hurt. Her childhood has been shaped by the wordsand actions of Aaron Firebrook. His hurtful behaviour and vicious verbal attacks still haunt her even as an adult.
Mercy has come a long way with a job she adores. She relishes the ability to have an impact in the lives of children at the orphanage. She has finally left the past where it should be, behind her, that is until Aaron Firebrook walks right back into her life.

Aaron has returned home a different man, he is determined to show the world his improved self Will he be able to shuck the layers of harm he has inflicted?
Is there really a second chance at new beginnings?
Aaron is determined to amend for his past and show Mercy that he is genuinely sorry for his youthful actions.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book in this series. I have read each and every instalment with anticipation I'm sad the journey of this series has come to an end.
Jagears writes with such clarity and depth. I enjoy how she weaves her stories around characters and events, a true masterpiece. Well done. I am eagerly anticipating a new series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Melissa Jagears

Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series, the Teaville Moral Society series, and Love by the Letter, a...

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Book Review: Troubled Waters

From the Back

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.

My Reflections:
Book four of Susan May Warren's Montana Rescue series is certainly a roller coaster of a read!
Having read each and every chronical of this series I feel heavily invested in its storyline and characters. Each novel has its own plot line, but the characters and events are entirely interwoven, so reading this book or any others including the novellas alone would be quite confusing to the reader. As such I don't recommend this as a stand-alone series.

Getting the opportunity to dive back into Ian Shaw and Sierra Rose's lives was refreshing and slightly irritating all at the same time. I was so eager to finally read the conclusion to this long-awaited on again off again romance.These two characters need to learn how to effectively communicate! Goodness at points in this novel I wanted to shout come on people, let's have a little talk! When they finally have that opportunity they still hold back risking much, granted the timing is pretty disastrous. 

I think as I get older, I have less patience for overdone angst and drama. This tale is filled with both which slightly got under my skin. I loved the overall storyline though, the action, the suspense and the faith base, it was a good wrap up to a long-awaited drama. Epic misadventures keep this story going strong. Overall not a bad way to end. If you are an adrenaline junkie, who loves a book with a breathtaking backdrop, this may just be the book for you!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels, including Wild Montana Skies, with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers'...

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