Book Review: Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot

From The Back:

It's past time for some raw and candid conversations about virginity, promiscuity, and everything in between.
In a world obsessed with sex, why is the church relatively silent about it? While sex is twisted, perverted, cheapened, and idolized in popular culture, we leave young people drowning in the repercussions of misinformation, misunderstanding, and worth-robbing mistakes that could have been avoided.

Enough is enough. With raw vulnerability and a bold spirit, Mo Isom shares her own sexual testimony, opening up the conversation about misguided rule-following, virginity, temptation, porn, promiscuity, false sexpectations, sex in marriage, and more, calling us back to God's original design for sex--a way to worship and glorify Him.

Sex was God's idea. It's time we invited Him back into the bedroom.

My Reflections:

This book. Wow, I'm not sure what I was expecting but it was way more than I ever thought it would be. Candid, honest, and raw, in a good way. It brings the topic of sex into the light. Our culture has so tarnished God's magnificent gift to us. We have forgotten to celebrate sex as a gift we have been blessed with. 

I loved how Mo Isom takes a topic that is overdone and really digs to the heart of the issue, and it is delivered in a simple straightforward manner. She also uses her own story to help define her book in a raw and unrefined manner. She shares her heart, she lays out her pain, and we see the progression from struggle and heartache to God's refining, pure healing in all aspects of life. 

This book is powerful, it speaks to us all married, single, young, old, Christian or secular you will undoubtedly find something that impacts you where you are right now. I encourage you to pick this one up, you won't regret it.

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.

Mo Isom

Mo Isom is the New York Times bestselling author of Wreck My Life. She maintains a thriving, nationwide speaking ministry and facilitates a faith-centered blog (moisom.com) that has garnered millions of views to date. Isom is a former...

Continue reading about Mo Isom

Book Review: A Borrowed Dream

From The Back:

There is no such thing as an impossible dream . . . 
Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the local doctor's treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek's dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He's managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

My Reflections:

A Borrowed Dream is book two in Amanda Cabot's Cimarron Creek Trilogy, another captivating read, as expected!

I love how Cabot weaves her novels together with the expertize of a seasoned writer. This story although separate from book one merges her characters and events together seamlessly, so I feel this novel would be best enjoyed as a series, read in order. This will allow for an informed reading experience. Cabot does include a map and genealogical chart to help readers figure out the complex cast and give a visual of the setting and backstory.

This story opens with newcomer Austin Goddard a widow, plastic surgeon along with his young daughter, who has just moved to Cimarron Creek to a ranch. That brings suspicion in its self, I mean why would a surgeon move to a small town to a remote ranch? Protection. Austin is hiding something, but he is determined to protect his daughter at all costs. 

Town school marm Catherine Whitfield, has secrets of her own. Her heart is weary of doctors after her mom was mistreated by Cimarron Creek's only doctor, resulting in her death after a "bloodletting" procedure. Will Catherine's heart obey her reasoning?

This book does not disappoint. It is quite complex and holds some deep subject matter. (murder and rape) For this reason, I would recommend it for readers of 14 and up. The story is clean otherwise and very well written. Filled with researched historical detail, you'll want to pick this one up for your next rainy spring read!

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.

Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, as well as the Texas Crossroads series, the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the...

Continue reading about Amanda Cabot

Book Review: The Weaver's Daughter

FROM THE BACK:

Kate’s loyalties bind her to the past. Henry’s loyalties compel him to strive for a better future.

In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder—including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father’s pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war hoping to find a refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather’s goals to modernize his family’s wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort out the truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family’s livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry’s side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village’s future. Born on opposite sides of the conflict, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls—even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

My Reflections:

Sarah Ladd writes an exceptional tale with her newest Regency romance, The Weaver's Daughter. 

Readers are in for a treat as they are transported back in time to the early 1800's. This novel does not take place in drawing rooms or under the canopy of beautiful balls, it centres on the labourers of mills, and the very weavers who pride themselves in their craft.

Industrialization and automation are pitting labourer against the proprietor. No one wins in such a battle, and our main characters Kate Dearborne (the weaver's daughter) and Henry Stockton (the heir to the mill) must find their own paths in this turbulent time.

Kate is torn between her fathers strict rules, her family ties and what she believes to be just. I loved her transformation from innocent to empowered to stand up for what is right, no matter the personal cost. 
Kate is forced to make tough choices. She loved her brother, who defected and joined the mills' ranks. Her father refuses to even speak to him. She loves her father, stern and overbears as he is. Then enters the new heir, Henry. He seems different from his grandfather, Mr. Stockton senior. Will she be able to make a difference in her beloved which is on the brink of violence and destruction? 

Henry has his work cut out for himself. Still not recovered mentally from the horrors he had witnessed in the war, Three years is a long time to be away! Being the heir to a large company is daunting! The war has changed him. He no longer wishes to marry the girl he left. Steadfast, dependable and caring, a kind-hearted woman that's what he needs. 

When Kate and Henry's paths continue to cross a tentative relationship develops, and both must decide where their hearts and loyalties lay.

A beautifully written novel filled with stunning backdrops and satisfying substance to the very end. I encourage you to pick this one up, Sarah Ladd can always be depended upon to pen fabulous novels!

I received this book free of charge from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Book Look!

Book Review: Hearts Entwined

From The Back:

Hearts EntwinedFour Historical Romance Novellas of Love (With a Twist of Humor)

The ways of love can be complex. Sometimes a relationship full of unexpected twists and unlikely turns leads to a bond that's strong and secure. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that follow the winding path of romance in stories that celebrate a love that lasts forever.

The Love Knot- Karen WitemeyerWhen Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

My reflections:

Oh, how I wish this were longer. Karen Witemeyer is one of my all-time favourite authors and to have my taste buds wet and not get the full meal was so, so hard on my literary addiction! I'm satisfied only with the knowledge that she will write more books. Once again I will be steeped in her abilities to tie together a string of words so captivating that I will stay up late until the finish.

In this story, the characters are realistically penned along with their many flaws and abilities. I think my favourite part of the book had to have been when the main character Clair gets to the train to pick up a certain parcel that has her whole life upended. I thought she took this shock much better than I would have, seamlessly adapting and rearranging priorities to make it all work out in the end. Throw into the mix past love interest, Pieter Van Duren showing up with the "package!" 

Overall a sweet and tender story filled with human qualities that make you want to sigh and keep reading.

The Tangled Ties That Bind- Mary ConnealyConnor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

My Reflections:

Mary Connealy keeps us reading with her "Tangles Ties that Bind." 

I so enjoyed catching up with the Kincaid/ Borden families. Conner Kincaid is home again, but this time he is a man on a mission, and no one will stop him now. Conner will even sacrifice his expectations and dreams to chase after Maggie.Trouble is she seems to have become more headstrong and determined than he remembers her to be. No matter Conner is ready to follow her where ever, even to the big city. Also to take any job to be with her. 

Maggie wants to become a doctor, she has set her mind to it, and no one will stop her now that she finally has a direction. Can these two tie the knot and pursue their dreams? God always finds a way, but it is often not our way!

Bound and Determined- Regina Jennings

As punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

My Reflections:

Camels? Wow, I must say I didn't expect that! 

Private Bradley Willis and Ambrosia Herald must work closely to escort these zany animals across the bone-dry Indian territory! This story has its quirks, and right out funny moments, mostly with the camels. Jam-packed with historical detail this story aims to please, who wouldn't love a romance combined with fascinating historical detail and headstrong characters!

Tied and True- Melissa Jagears

Wealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?

My Reflections:

This final novella centres on a series I am very familiar with, the Teaville Moral Society. Marianne Lister's one determined lady, her devotion to her cause is admirable. Despite the looming threat of being disinherited, she runs headlong into her cause, pursuing her love Calvin Hochstetler, no matter the cost. Is she ready to throw her status away? Will Calvin get the hint? A heartwarming story you won't want to miss!

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.

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'...

Continue reading about Susan May Warren

Book Review: A Song Unheard

From the Back:

If Betraying Her Heart Means Saving Countless Lives, Will She Find the Courage?
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a critical task at the outset of World War I--to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only distraction he finds from his worry is in meeting the intriguing and talented Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that key, or her own family could pay the same price his surely has.

My Reflections:
This is White's second book in the series Shadows over England, and  I must say it is another stellar read!
While the beginning is a wee bit slow to mature, you soon find yourself drawn into the complex storyline and tummy tumbling suspense.

The characters are the sustenance of this story, depth and contrast make this a very fascinating tale. Willa Forsythe is used to taking what she needs. She has had to do what it takes to survive this long. Trusting people is just not something she has learned to do. People fail you, they are not to be taken at face value, they are to be taken advantage of just like they do to her.

Lukas De Wilde is used to a lifestyle of absolute comforts, but when he becomes wounded his life gets turned upside down. He is entirely self-assured and knows he can teach Willa a few things to better her self while he recovers.
In the midst of unrest, war, lies and hurt these two must come to an understanding of what life really means to them.The transformation is stunning, a symphony to your heart.

If you are a lover of music, be prepared to have this book capture you within its pages. The depth of history and dedication put into this book really brings the story to life. I so appreciated the time White put into researching the era and subject matter in this novel. Well done!

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself....

Continue reading about Roseanna M. White

Book Review: Jesus Calling

From the Back:

More than 20 million people have been touched by Jesus Calling®. Experience Sarah’s words in a new way, focused on the encouragement only Jesus provides. The Jesus Calling topical devotionals—releasing simultaneously—each feature 50 readings from Jesus Calling with relevant Scripture verses on the topics of comfort, peace, and encouragement.

Even the tiniest hill can feel like a mountain when you’re drained or discouraged. But that’s when your precious Savior reaches out His hand with compassion and draws you near. Jesus Calling 50 Devotions for Encouragement is written as if Jesus Himself is speaking hope and encouragement directly to your heart.

Readers around the world already love how Sarah’s words connect with them on a daily basis. Now the new Jesus Calling topical devotionals offer a way to focus even more deeply on the major felt needs in your life . . . and in the lives of your friends, family, church, school, and co-workers.

With a beautiful, vibrant cover and stunning four-color photography, this topical devotional is a natural addition to the Sarah Young brand—and the perfect way to pour into those you love.

My Reflections:
Sarah Young's newest devotional series "Jesus Calling 50 Devotions for Encouragement" is just what you may need to read today, be uplifted! 
This book is written as if Jesus is speaking directly to you, making readers feel engaged and loved.
It has taken me some time to get used to reading my beloved scripture this way. Honestly, I was not sure how I felt about it. However, I love the way Sarah has pulled uplifting and powerful scripture out to really speak to you in this personal fashion. 

The devotional itself though short in nature is perfect for a quick supplementary Bible study in addition to your regular Bible readings. It is beautifully executed with colourful pictures and well laid out Devotions. I so enjoyed the bold script and shiny, colourful pages, it really was a delight to the senses and soul. I also appreciated that the Bible references were listed at the bottom of the page so you could go and read the actual context for the devotion. 
All in all, this was such a treat to review, very uplifting and well done. I would highly recommend this for a gift, bible study supplement or just to have on hand for those days when you need a little encouragement! I can't wait to purchase the other two topical editions on Peace and another on comfort.