Book Review- The House That Love Built

Two years later, Brooke Holloway is still grieving the death of her beloved husband. Both God and her children have kept her from sinking into despair. Freshly divorced, Owen is bitter and has ruled God out of his life. When he makes a decision to buy a huge fixer- uper with rich history both paths cross. As they both struggle with grief and bitterness, they find themselves closer to God, healing and second time love.

I highly esteem Beth for her creative writing talent. This is her second contemporary novel and I have enjoyed both this one and the first. She dealt with big topics, forgiveness, bitterness, grief, and wrote a beautiful tale of redemption and love. I loved the second stories that she includes as well. They add a fresh perspective towards the topics already included.  

The characters were very well developed. I got to know each of the many characters at a 'personal' level. The book had all that you would want in a story: romance, rich history, mystery, conflict, bad guy turn good guy, the Bible, and a good ending.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSneeze in exchange for my independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Undeniably Yours

Undeniably Yours is Becky Wade's sophomore book. I enjoyed the quiet peaceful feel to the book. As typical romances go there's a girl there's a guy they love each other but there's a problem, she included those factors and then some. 

What I thought was going to be a boring and typical romance proved to be such a tender read. I loved Meg and Bo's relationship, so sweet simple and realistic. The author included endearing secondary characters that I hope she further develops in later installments. With the touch of a mystery, a villain, and danger , the author was able to turn a boring romance novel to something totally exciting and different. 

The relationship that Meg had with the Lord was so refreshing. As many issues as she had she was still able to present them before the Lord seeking guidance. Meg was not your average rich girl and loved how she matures throughout the story.

I enjoyed Undeniably Yours and look forward to reading a new titles the author may come out with.

I received a complimentary copy, from Litfuse, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Captives

Fast forward to 2088 and what do you get? According to Jill you'll be in for one wild time of an adventure. Taken from your home. Betrayed by  someone you know. Trying to escape and not get influenced by those around you, are all things the people of Glenrock face during their unwelcome captivity. 

The plot like no other was super exciting. The way that the author portrayed the Safe Lands nation was with astonishing detail (she even made up a language to go with it)  that made it realistic. The Safe Lands, with its high technoligical advance, lack of morals, and mysterious air, proved to be anything but safe. 

Though it came as a surprise I enjoyed the many different point of views the story was presented in. I enjoyed each persons point of view equally. They flowed together and though they each added a fresh perspective it felt consistent.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel of Jill's and can't wait to read what she has in store for us. I give Captives a 4 out of 5 just because the story was left hanging until part two. 

Book Review- Wisdom to Know

In Wisdom To Know the author presented some very difficult but necessary topics for todays era. Some of the topics covered in this book are the consequences of pre-marital sex, abortion, drug use, and life without Jesus. I thought this book had a good story plot but it wasn't executed correctly. The characters were not well developed and the pace was to fast and predictable. 

I think the book was very straight forward not really like a story. The author presented facts and problems but failed to engage the reader. I would recommend this book to teenagers, it will help shed light on what the consequences are to having 'fun'.

Dispite all else the book was enjoyable and informative. I was able to learn and understand forgiveness in a new light. I give Wisdom to Know a 3.5 out 5.

I received this complimentary copy from Book Crash in exchange for this independent and unbiased review. 

Book Review- Once Upon A Prince

Once Upon A Prince is your modern day Cinderella story. You'll meet a real prince, attend a ball, and be swept up in the intricate politics of the heart. Though the story appears promising, a "real" prince meeting and falling in love with an ordinary southern gal felt a bit too Disney for me. 

The overall message behind the romance was surrendering your plans and depending on God no matter what the circumstance. I loved the total transformation of the characters went through from beginning to end as they were allowing God to mold them. Some of the secondary characters roles in the book, though started big, amounted to nothing but filler space. 

This book is geared to 'hopeless romantics' as they appreciate the predictable happily ever after story. I would have appreciated a little more originality and spunk in the story. I give Once Upon A Prince a 3 out of 5.

I received this complimentary copy of this book, from Litfuse, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.

Enter Today - 5/6 - 5/27!

Book Review- The Offering

Upon picking up The Offering you will find yourself in an emotionally drawn plot. I enjoyed the seriousness and the thought provoking issues presented throughout. The topics varied from surrogacy, IVF, infertility, adoption, and tragedy. 

I enjoyed the main character and loved how I was able to read the story through her point of view, hearing her thoughts, seeing her actions and bonding with her. I bonded way too much with Mandy that I found myself crying more than once throughout the story. She proved to be a very sacrificial person, who chose the overall good in the end. I would have loved for the main character to have a real relationship with Jesus, instead of just a ‘church go-er’ type. 

Another keen factor was that the author wrote the story with no intentional side for you to pick. It was up to the reader to make his decision based upon the facts presented. 

Overall I felt enlightened toward subjects that I sat on the fence before. I enjoyed this emotionally bound one of a kind story. I give The Offering a 4 out of 5. 

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.

Book Review- Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story

Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013)

by

Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.

 ABOUT THE BOOK

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.

MY REVIEW:

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story is the prequel to the O'Malley series. In this story we are taken back to the time before Jennifer was married and a Christian. Throughout out this short story we see how God puts people around us to comfort and bring us closer to Him.

The simple writing style and not overbearing amount of detail made for a simple and relaxed read. Some parts of the story felt too rushed, but understandably so, since there was limited writing space. I enjoyed reading this short story and would definetly love to read the rest of the series and get know more about Jennifer and Tom. 

Book Review- Last Chance For Justice

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Last Chance for Justice

B&H Books (May 1, 2013)

by

Kathi Macias

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.

Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors.  To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.

Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.

Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.

It isn't long before Rachel has two men -- a handsome CPA and the youth pastor -- seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn's attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.

As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Last Chance for Justice, go HERE.

MY REVIEW- 

We travel with two woman, Lynn and Rachel, as they make their way to small town Bloomfield to tie up some legal technicalities concerning their deceased brother/uncle's estate. Returning means confronting all the people Lynn left behind to marry her husband, and their differing opinions of her. They soon realize their visit just took a turn for the opposite, they have a decades old mystery to solve.

I enjoyed my short stay in Bloomfield. The characters were well presented, they each held pleasent demeanors.  The food sounded absolutely delicious- much of the details were on food the characters were always eating or so it seemed. 

The mystery sounded so unique and intriguing, but I was disappointed to find that there really wasn't a 'mystery' so to speak of. The book seemed to concentrate on Rachel and her decision of whom to marry, John or Hayden. The romance was sweet yet puzzling at the same time. Rachel displayed mixed emotions and the romance was quite unrealistically fast. 

I wanted consider this book to be a mystery, but more of a sweet romantic contemporary. I enjoyed my time reading Last Chance For Justice, and give it a 4 out of 5. 

Book Review- Madeline's Protector

Madeline's Protector is  love tale like no other. While I enjoyed the unique story plot, I though it was hard to follow along. From start to finish I was uncertain of the plot. I did enjoy the strong sense of spirituality the main character, Madeline, reflected. I did enjoy the mystery, suspense and the romance aspect to the story.

I hope the author continues her writing career. As usual we all need improvement, and I would love to see how she improves in her writing. I received an advanced readers copy, it was bound with a spiral which I enjoyed the easy use and automatic place marker it made. 

I received a complimentary copy from, First Wild Card Tour, in exchange for this independent and unbiased review.