to capture her heart {book review}

//title: to capture her heart//

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//author: rebecca demarino//

//series: book 2, southold chronicles//

//genre: christian fiction//

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montauk tribe, is enjoying her wedding feast when her groom is killed and she is kidnapped by a rival tribe and held for ransom. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is nonetheless left to die in a Connecticut forest--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her long friendship with family friend Benjamin Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

Exploring a unique slice of history, Rebecca DeMarino transports readers to the wild land that would eventually become Long Island, New York. Her attention to detail and her captivating storytelling bring the New World to vivid life.

I will begin by saying that this book was not my cup of tea.  I enjoy historical fiction, but the era isn't one I tend to enjoy.  That being said, I may be a little biased on my opinion.

The deep point of view from which the story was written was excellently done.  I really appreciated how even nicknames were changed according to each characters' point of view!  Flawlessly done.

I had a difficult time getting into the story; I was having a hard time finding the plot line.  I understand now the underlying plot of Heather Flower's hurting heart finding healing, but it was so difficult to pinpoint the plot that I almost didn't even finish the book.  In fact, I probably wouldn't have if not for the sake of this review. 

I had a hard time connecting with the characters because there were so many points of view.  However, I will grant that the characters were real and relatable.  But I kept waiting for the story to get deeper than the love triangle...

Another thing that bugged me was that some of the dialogue seemed just awkward.  At one point, one of the men after Heather Flower's heart says, "I can't let her marry the wrong man." Implying that he, himself, is the right man.  And a few of the things that the other characters say that if said in real life would just seem a bit strange...

Also, the couple gets engaged before Heather Flower becomes a Christian...I just thought that was kind of interesting.

The author did a great job with the way that she wove together the story with the history of the time period.  All of the historical and cultural practices that were portrayed were very interesting; rich with education!

But all in all, this book wasn't for me.  I'm sure that someone in love with this era would find it very interesting, but I had a hard time getting into it.

Thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.

gone without a trace {book review}

//title: gone without a trace//

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//author: patricia bradley//

//series: book 3, logan point//

//genre: christian fiction//

It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts Livy concerning a missing senator's daughter who was last seen in Logan Point, she notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. But with self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of Jennings, Livy is finding this investigation an uphill battle. With her future in law enforcement on the line, can she find a way to work with a man who is her polar opposite?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the outcome of the case--and the relationship between Livy and Alex--which is anything but certain.

Fast paced, three-dimensional characters, an interesting concept--not to mention another mystery crime novel, I really enjoyed reading Gone Without a Trace.  I was drawn in by the concepts of Livy's troubled season and Alex's familial conflicts--both of which made them great relatable characters and smooth subplots!

I was, however, disappointed in the prose.  I found the writing to be more elementary and 'telling' instead of 'showing'.   There were a few points in the beginning that it seemed like the story dragged.  I actually took a while to get through it because I wasn't hooked for the first half.  I was also a little disappointed in the solution to the mystery.  Sure, it made some sense, but there was quite a bit that still felt a little fuzzy and a tad bit unbelievable.

Once I got to about halfway through the book that I was hooked and had to know how it ended!  I finished it very quickly and really did enjoy it.  The romance was sweet and clean, the relationships and characters relatable, the suspense and point of view well done.  All in all, despite the less than poetic prose, I found Gone Without a Trace to be a great enjoyable, clean, easy read for any mystery lover!

Thanks so much to Revell Reads for proving my a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

the pharaoh's daughter {book review}

 

//title: the pharaoh's daughter//

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//author: mesu andrews//

//series: book 1, treasures of the nile//

//genre: christian fiction//

“You will be called Anippe, daughter of the Nile. Do you like it?” Without waiting for a reply, she pulls me into her squishy, round tummy for a hug. 


I’m trying not to cry. Pharaoh’s daughters don’t cry.


When we make our way down the tiled hall, I try to stop at ummi Kiya’s chamber. I know her spirit has flown yet I long for one more moment. Amenia pushes me past so I keep walking and don’t look back. 


Like the waters of the Nile, I will flow.
 
Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt’s good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her mother and infant brother during childbirth, a moment which awakens in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to be become the bride of Sebak, a kind but quick-tempered Captain of Pharaoh Tut’s army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods, Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives—women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile. 

     When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt’s gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.

  As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan—for them all?

I adore biblical fiction, so when I saw the synopsis for The Pharaoh's Daughter, I HAD to read it!

When I began reading, I was immediately drawn into the history, politics, and drama of Ancient Egypt.  I was captivated by the religious culture and the ramifications on its people--particularly its royal daughters.   The author spun the tale of a frightened little girl as she grows up, becoming the wife of a powerful soldier, fiercely dedicated to the gods of her people; living a life of secrecy as she covers up her fear of childbirth with the discovery of the baby Hebrew, once destined for destruction...

I was fascinated at how well the pieces of history were all tied together and founded with the solid truth of God's word.  I loved the pages at the end in which the author explains how she 'found' Pharaoh's daughter in the pages of history, and how she used the various historical figures to explain and tell the true story of Moses...a fictional rendering, yes, but so well researched that I would not be surprised if it was closer to the truth than we might think!

The prose of the story was beautiful and fluid, the characters were real and relatable, the plot moved at the perfect pace, lingering enough to fall in love with the characters, but swift enough to span the 20 some years that make up the story.  I loved the two most dominant lessons of trusting the Lord and overcoming fear!  I found Miriam's love and satisfaction in her Lord especially inspiring.  Such a beautiful picture of the Hebrews in ancient Egypt--content in their God.  I'm looking forward to reading more of Miriam's story in book 2, coming out next year!

Because of some of the romantic elements in the story, I wouldn't recommend the book for anyone under 16.

All in all, such a beautiful story--creative and inspiring, based on solid truths.  Well worth the read!

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

desperate measures {book review}

//title: desperate measures//

//series: book 3, port aster secrets//

//author: sandra orchard//

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//genre: christian fiction//

Kate won't be safe until all of Port Aster's secrets are revealed

Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed "miracle plant" that tore apart her family years ago. She's certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father's disappearance. She's willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.

I was immediately drawn into the action and intrigue of this book.  The plot was very interesting, the suspense definitely kept me turning pages!  I appreciated the depth of Kate's character and faith.  Spunky with a mind of her own, but gracious and optimistic--but scarred.  Ms. Orchard did an excellent job of fashioning the main characters of this book with heroic, admirable traits, and most importantly the type of flaws that make them relatable and real.

I was disappointed in some of the disjointed writing, however.  I noticed much of the dialogue felt too-obvious and strained.  Also, some of the situations felt unrealistic and pushed--like the first time


(*SPOILER*)


that Tom and Kate kiss is because he is covering her mouth with his own to keep her quiet because she doesn't hear someone sneaking up on them?  I thought that was pushing it.  That was just one of the many instances that I felt were a bit awkward and out of place...trying to push the story along instead of it flowing naturally.

I read this book stand-alone from the first two in the series.  I appreciated how the author did an excellent job of giving enough of the details from the first two books woven throughout the story to help you understand the beginning without giving too much to bore the reader of the first two.  While some of the details did lose me a little as a result of not having read the first two, I was still drawn in and truly enjoyed the climactic ending!

Thanks to Revell Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

drawing fire {book review}

//title: drawing fire//

//author: janice cantore//

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//genre: christian fiction//

One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.
With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her―one Luke is interested in as well.As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?

Confession:  I have a thing for crime investigation novels.  There's something about the suspense and mystery of them.  I'm always drawn to stories: books and movies alike that portray the quest for justice.  When I saw the synopsis for Drawing Fire, I had to read it! ;)

It took me a little while to be drawn into the plot, but once I began to understand Abby's background and history, I found myself truly empathizing with her.  Her struggles in trying to balance justice with vengeful feelings was intriguing...I loved how the author incorporated Abby's Christian beliefs and worldview in her work without making the book 'preachy'.  

All of the characters were beautifully three-dimensional.  Real hearts and real struggles, and diverse personalities!  As the book switched points of view (excellently well done, I might add) I loved seeing how the other characters view each other.  Luke, the extroverted, enthusiastic guy, quick witted, but also hot tempered.  And Abby, the introverted, more solemn and thoughtful woman, tactful but also closed off.  Excellent diversity of character voicing!

I will say though, I didn't like Abby's relationship with her fiancé...which seemed barely existent.  The way that it was portrayed, I kept wondering how they ever got engaged in the first place.  Also, as I previously mentioned, it took me a little while to 'get into' the book.  At first, it felt like too many moving parts at a time--I got a little confused.  

All in all, it was a great read.  An easy read, but definitely interesting and one to leave you thinking.

I found the end to be unsatisfying to say the least, BUT...in a good way.  I appreciated how it left the reader wanting more, causing more thought about the story itself.  What would you do if you were Abby?  It also left an empty stage, curtain ready to be drawn for book two, which I am eager to read!

Special thanks to Tyndale Blog Network for providing me with a complementary copy of Drawing Fire in exchange for this honest review.

the sound of diamonds {book review & giveaway}

My dear readers, I am so excited about today's review!  About a year ago, I was 'introduced' to Rachelle Rea through the Go Teen Writers community.  I conversed with her a bit and loved talking to her!  When I heard that she was getting ready to publish her debut novel, I could not WAIT to read it!  And boy, I was not disappointed...

//title: the sound of diamonds//

{Releasing June 15, 2015!}

//author: rachelle rea//

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Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates. 

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent. 

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash? 

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.

Overall, I loved it!  Mystery, romance, truth searching, full of surprises, rich with history, this book has it all. I had a difficult time ever putting it down, and when I did, I was anxious to get back to it.  Which doesn't happen with many books!

I loved the characters. So rich, complex, so full of history and heart.  Gwyn's spiritual struggle during her journey--her weaknesses and faults made her relatable and real, but her courage and passion for God made her beautiful and honorable.  Dirk's character was strong and admirable, but the cracks in his strength--his weakness for Gwyn made him oh so lovable and real.  I could go on and on, but my favorite part about this book was the intricacy of the characters--so beautifully crafted!

This historically rich tale is written from a first-person perspective from two characters' points of view.  The prose was elegant, richly giving off a flavor of the historical era in which the story took place.  This made the book a bit harder to read--completely enjoyable, having to read a tad slower to savor it, but a little more difficult to understand nonetheless.  At a few points in the story, I found myself a little lost, unable to build an image of the scene in my mind.  I went back a few lines, reread and was able to craft a picture, filling in some of the 'understood' blanks.  But because of this I wouldn't define this book as an 'easy read'.

All in all, I loved the book.  The intricate characters and plot, the inner spiritual struggle, the idea of portraying the heart of a Catholic girl with poor eyesight in the world of flowering Protestantism was sheerly brilliant!  As I was going through the book, I found myself telling my sisters, "It's books like this that make me fall in love with reading all over again!"  Driving home from work the other night, I was anxious to get back to it...only to finish it in the wee hours of the morning.

Brava to Rachelle for such an excellently crafted debut!  I am so much looking forward to the next books in the Steadfast Love series.

About the Author

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.

Further links:

Website: http://rachellerea.com/

Blog: http://rachellerea.com/blog/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/inspiringdaring

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelleRea

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rachellerea/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Rea/e/B00RZHIL1Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24348955-the-sound-of-diamonds

I'll bet you're dying to read it now, aren't you?  Well, good news!  Rachelle is hosting a giveaway where you can win a copy of The Sound of Diamonds AND a $20 Amazon gift card!  Enter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

the choosing {book review}

//title: the choosing//
//author: rachelle dekker//
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"Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her." 

I am a pretty big fan of several of Ted Dekker's novels, so my curiosity was definitely piqued when I saw his daughter had written a debut novel.  I was not disappointed!

It usually takes me a little time and perseverance to really get into a book.  Not so with The Choosing.  I received and read this book in a matter of a short few days.  I was immediately drawn into the world of Carrington Hale.  I saw the world through her eyes, my heart aching in her despair, my stomach twisting in the anguish of what looked like her hopeless future...then my chest growing warm when I felt the love she had found. I was sucked right in!

I can't really think of a negative thing to say about the book.  The balance between description and action was absolutely perfect.  The inner turmoil and outer movement of the story was fluid; perfect.  The characters and the dialogue were believable, raw, personal.

Some were worried about this book being just another Divergent or Hunger Games.  Just another futuristic dystopian book, right?  Wrong.  Nothing could be further from the truth!

This is the story of a identity.  Of beauty.  Of hope.

This is the story of a True Love between a girl and her Father.  And how she learns what it really means to be loved and to be called beautiful.

I would recommend this book specifically for teen girls struggling with their identity and worth.  While I believe it is an excellently written story suitable for anyone (aged 13 and up), teen girls will be able to relate to Carrington's struggle of identity, and will be encouraged in her journey of finding her ultimate worth in the loving arms of her Savior.

I can't wait to share this book with my family and friends--and I'm anxious for the next in the series!

Thanks so much to Tyndale for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as a part of The Choosing blog tour.

About the Author 

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at rachelledekker.com. 



A snippet of Q&A:

How did you come up with the story for The Choosing?

This is a hard question because it has many answers. I wanted to write a theme-based novel about identity. I wanted to write a dystopian novel. I wanted to write in a world that was familiar, but in a setting where I could change the way the world worked. It actually is several ideas I’d been toying with pulled into one story. Once I landed on Carrington’s core revelation and story arc, I simply fell in love with her as a character and drew the rest of the story around her. That’s usually how it works for me. I come up with a character, good or bad, and create the story from there.

You based your main character, Carrington, off of your younger sister. In what ways is Carrington like her?

It’s more the beliefs that Carrington struggles with that remind me of my sister. The idea of worth, of not feeling like you’re enough, or questioning whether anyone would choose you. Carrington came about as I spent time with my sister and her college-age friends and saw that a large majority of them were searching for significance, searching for worth—none more than my sister at the time.

Throughout the book, Carrington struggles with understanding her identity and worth and what is true. Why did you decide to write about the theme of identity?

Someone once asked me, If you could leave one message for your younger sisters, what would it be? The answer was always the same: I would pray they knew what they were worth. Identity is everything. There isn’t a theme that doesn’t start with identity, or circle back to identity. Knowing who you truly are is the greatest journey we face. Am I enough; am I worth it? I believe everyone faces these questions, and I sought out to explore them through this story.

Do you think women tend to struggle with identity more than men?

I don’t think women struggle with identity more then men. Not at all. I just think we struggle differently. As a woman I understand the identity struggle from a female perspective more, but I think most men wonder if they’re enough just as much as women do. We are all the same at our core, really. We are on this earth for a short time, trying to figure out our purpose and worth. Searching for recognition, usually in all the wrong places. The truth I am discovering is that there is no need for searching. The truth already resides inside of us. The Father has already marked us as chosen, worth it; He has already given us a purpose. It’s only a matter of looking inward to the soul and to the Creator of that soul to find our worth. 

{book review} Passion: The Light of Glory

I've been listening to Passion as long as I can remember.  I've dreamed of attending one of the Passion conferences since I was 12.  The CDs and songbooks played a vital part in my musical education.  Christy Nockels inspired my vocals, Chris Tomlin and David Crowder my guitar...

When I saw that Louie Giglio had put together a book for Passion I was all over it.   I mean it.  Like seriously, it was in my Amazon cart the same day I found out about it.  Until I saw that I could get it in one of my book review programs (happppppppy daaaaaance!!!).

Passion: The Bright Light of Glory is a compilation of all the best sermons from the various speakers at Passion over the years.  Stories and insights from passionate believers like John Piper, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, and even Louie Giglio himself fill the pages with inspiring words, challenging the next generation to rise up and be real for Jesus.  Isaiah 26:8 sets the stage for Passion's mission--that the Name and renown of Jesus Christ would be the desire of our souls.  How are we going to act on that desire?

As I read through this book, all I could say to the people around me was, "Oh my gosh, it's just so good.  You just have to read it.  It's so good."  Chapter after chapter, I continued to be blown away.  Encouragement on one page, deep challenge on the next.  Conviction on one page, grace on the next. Some of the chapters so deeply challenged me and twisted my brain into such awesome knots (thank you, John Piper)... I also really enjoyed the diversity between the teachers.

I'm so grateful for the passion of each of these individuals for the Lord Jesus Christ.  This book was fantastic--an excellent read for anyone looking to grow in their faith, to be challenged to live out their theology, to be emboldened with the weight of Gospel.

I give Passion: The Light of Glory 5 out of 5 stars!

Check it out on Amazon HERE.

I received this book free of charge from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Death by the Book {book review}

Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the victim's double life, but what does the solicitor's murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem--except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

(Summary by Amazon.com)

Oh. My.  I adored this book!  It was like a combination of the classic Sherlock Holmes and the more contemporary Radio Theatre drama series, Father Gilbert.  I enjoyed the classic, witty writing style, while the spiritual concepts woven through the story made it so much more than simply a thrilling tale.  The rush, the questions, curiosities, the mind bending drama with a little splash of romance thrown in--all to equal what could be considered the perfect mystery!

Even though this is the second book in a series, I had not read the first book and was able to easily understand this book as a stand alone.

Despite the nature of the story content, I found the violence and implied adult content to be very tastefully done.  I would not be afraid to let my 13-year-old brother read this book.  I appreciated the fact that the book was completely clean.  It was also not overly "preachy", rather had Biblical themes and references peppered tastefully throughout.

If you're in the mood for a good clean, fun, witty mystery, I would highly recommend Death by the Book!  Reaching an audience of anyone, Christian or non, ages 13 and up, this is the perfect mystery for when you're craving intrigue.

I give Death by the Book 4.5 stars out of 5.

Check out more information HERE!

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review and Enter to win a Kindle HDX from @TLHigley in THE QUEEN’S HANDMAID giveaway!

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

My review:
I really enjoyed the rich historical setting of this book.  I felt transported back to the time of the ancients; to face their problems, to feel their pain, and to watch the once "dry" stories that make up the past come alive!

I did find, after a little while, the historical descriptions beginning to get a bit tedious with the sheer amount of them, however I did understand that they were necessary to the storyline itself.  I felt that the author did do an excellent job of bringing history's facts to life, giving them flesh, blood, and breath.  Weaving together a tale that pulls at your heart strings, giving you the opportunity to feel the heart's struggles and aches, but in the end to know the joy.

I loved the ending--it totally took me by surprise!  So satisfying.

There were more mature themes that I felt were very tastefully done, though I still would not recommend the book to a reader younger than 15.  However, for anyone that enjoys good historical fiction novel with a storyline that relates to the heart, I would definitely recommend The Queen's Handmaid!

I give The Queen's Handmaid 4 stars.

Find out more info by clicking HERE!

Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.

Retailers + Resources gave it this glowing review: "Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on the calculated schemes of power-mad monarchs." 

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's blog on April 21st to see if you won.

book review and giveaway: The Thief

Just when Nissa believes that death would be better than life, her life is spared.  

Will she have the courage to redeem his sacrifice?

Longinus has victory within his grasp, yet why does it feel so worthless?

Nissa doesn't see how it can be any other way.  Unwanted, she knows that she has no hope of marriage.  Her parents have abandoned her blind brother and her to fend for themselves, who will hire a woman?  Abandoned by the God of their fathers, their only way of survival is to depend upon the Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem.

Haunted by the death of his best friend, Longinus is weary of the Jews and their murmurs of revolt.  When offered a wager that he hopes will bring him peace, he accepts and sets out to capture the little thief and the accompanying Greek.  But when Longinus witnesses the miraculous healing of a mysterious Jewish rabbi, he knows that his life will never be the same again.  

As Longinus' and Nissa's paths cross and intertwine, neither of them understand the full weight of glory placed upon their hands.  Just when neither of them believe that there can be any deliverance from the the agony of sin or the haunting fear of death, they witness one of the most historical events in history.  As blood and water trickle down, both sinners witness the power of love and forgiveness... at the foot of a cross.

I love Biblical fiction--it's probably my favorite genre!  The Thief was no exception.  The story was very well written; the character development was excellent, the plot moved quickly, the twists and turns were brilliant.  I loved the parallels, the symbolism, and the way that the characters were so real.  I found myself relating to them: squirming when they faced danger, smiling when they found peace.

One of the things that I really love about Biblical fiction that was executed beautifully in this book, was the fact that when we see a Bible story from someone else's view, it helps us to understand it more fully.  In this book, witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the view of a Roman centurion and also a poor Jewish girl, was so moving.  Understanding the full gravity, the significance of the event in their time on a small scale, it was amazing; truly left an impression upon me.

My only negative comments would be the lack of style in the writing.  I found myself not wholly interested in the book at some points when I would go to pick it up to read it, then I would wonder why?  The story was brilliant, why wouldn't I want to keep reading?  Vibrant prose helps to keep one turning pages, and though the story was fantastic, the lack of style kept me from finishing the book sooner.  However, the book was still written with clear concise language that is easy to understand.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this book!  I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I give The Thief 4.5 stars.

Don't miss Stephanie Landsem's outstanding sophomore effort, The Thief.

Best-selling author Tosca Lee had this to say of the book:

Filled with memorable characters, The Thief is a tale of hopelessness turned to hope, of high stakes made higher, and ultimate love. What happens when a character at the lowest rung of society crosses paths with the most well-known figure in history? The story of The Thief.  I couldn't stop reading.

Stephanie is hosting a Kindle Fire HDX and book giveaway at her website. CLICK THE BUTTON to find out more and enter to win.

Find out what readers are saying HERE. 

I received this book free of charge from Litfuse Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

book review: Cloak of the Light

What if...there was a world beyond our vision, a world just fingertips beyond our reach? 

What if...our world wasn’t beyond their influence?

Tragedy and heartache seem to be waiting for Drew Carter at every turn, but college offers Drew a chance to start over—until an accident during a physics experiment leaves him blind and his genius friend, Benjamin Berg, missing.

As his sight miraculously returns, Drew discovers that the accident has heightened his neuron activity, giving him skills and sight beyond the normal man. When he begins to observe fierce invaders that no one else can see, he questions his own sanity, and so do others. But is he insane or do the invaders truly exist?

With help from Sydney Carlyle, a mysterious and elusive girl who offers encouragement through her faith, Drew searches for his missing friend, Ben, who seems to hold the key to unlocking this mystery. As the dark invaders close in, will he find the truth in time?

(Description from Amazon.com)

When I was in my early teens, I was a huge fan of Chuck Black's Kingdom series, so when I saw that he had written a new book, Cloak of the Light, I was thrilled to be able to review it.  After reading through the book at an alarming speed, I was not disappointed!

I loved Chuck Black's new genre.  After his previous series so deeply entrenched in the medieval/fantasy realm, it was very interesting to read his book in the modern day setting.  His story drew me in, deeper than I've been drawn in to a story in a while!  The suspense was well written; the elements of spiritual warfare and science were excellently crafted--drawing one in with just enough information, but not boring the reader with too much.

My only disappointment was with the actual prose and wording of the book. It felt a bit rushed, as though many of the sentences could have been recrafted in future drafts.  I found myself rearranging the sentences as I read, because I would stumble over them in my mind. 

All in all, I loved the book.  I would have finished it in a day, had I the time, but nevertheless found myself looking for every spare moment to get back to the book.  I was more than a little upset when I found that the book ended in a cliff hanger!  And to think I have to wait a whole year?  Ah well, looking forward to Chuck Black's next installment in the Wars of the Realm series!

Note: I also appreciated that the book was not too violent, so I wouldn't hesitate to let one of my younger siblings (12+) read it.

I give Cloak of the Light 4.5 out of 5 stars!

To find out more about the book, check out the links below:

• Author's web site
• More Info
• Author Bio

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

book review: Stranger Things

Her career just beginning to take off, she had felt like she was just beginning to get a hold on life.  But when Serena Diaz is accused of raping one of her high school biology students, her world is turned on its head.

During a walk in the woods to clear her head after the outrageous accusations against her, she unknowingly walks right into the middle of a criminal operation. Her mistake ends up costing the life of a man she's never met--as he steps in the way of a bullet meant for her.

Serena's life will never be the same again.  When she begins to find connections between the man that sacrificed his life for hers, the boy claiming the victim at her hands, and even her boyfriend, she soon discovers a conspiracy much bigger than she ever could imagine.  Can she continue living silently, or will she have the courage to do what is right? What was it that would cause a man that had never known her to take a bullet in the heart for her?

I really enjoyed this book--it was definitely a page turner!  I truly appreciated the fact that it exposed the evils and emotional suffering of human trafficking, while not going into gross graphic detail.  One could truly feel what the character was feeling--even though the text did not come right out and say exactly what was going on.  I appreciated the discretion, while still maintaining true to the blackness of the issue being dealt with.

I wasn't crazy about the fact that God was not really mentioned. However, I do appreciate that this way the book appeals to a larger audience and is not just preaching to the choir.

All in all, it was a great story--page turner; very interesting!  But unfortunately, I wouldn't call the story or the characters themselves very memorable.  It was a great one-time read, but not a favorite that I would want to read over and over.

I give Stranger Things 3 stars.

Find out more about the book HERE!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

book review: A Promise Kept

Allison Kavanagh never expected it to happen to her.  He had been her dream, her life.  She never expected things to turn out this way.  She thought that God had promised to save her marriage.  Had she heard wrong?

Up in a solitude mountain cabin, inherited from her single, independent Aunt Emma, Allison tries to sort out her feelings to move on with her life.  In her converting her unmarried aunt's old cabin to feel like home, her curiosity gets the better of her.  When she climbs up into the once forbidden attic, she stumbles upon some old photographs, journals and even an old wedding dress.  As Allison pieces together her aunt's life in the 20s and 30s, she is surprised to discover the side of Emma's heart that she hadn't known, one that looked surprisingly like her own: broken.

Allison soon finds herself drawing comparisons and coming to terms with some difficult questions.  She soon learns what it really means to trust, and surrender everything to the Lord.

This book really kept me turning pages--in fact, I stayed up until almost 2AM last night finishing it!  In A Promise Kept, author Robin Lee Hatcher does a fabulous job of intertwining the histories of great-aunt and niece-- comparing their pasts, realizing the pain that they shared so many years apart, and finally using the older story to inspire the redemption of the younger.  I loved the characters of Emma and Allison--how they were so much alike, but yet still their own unique persons.  The mystery was masterfully done, the emotional burdens so vivid, heart rending.  The kind that cause the reader to stop and think, What would I have done?

I was unsure at first about where this story was going.  I wasn't thrilled with the idea that Allison was a divorced woman and her mom was trying so hard to get her married to someone else, to convince her that the guy at church "liked her", when her husband was still living and even appeared to be interested.  I was unsure of the worldview in that aspect.  There were also allusions to things that married people do, but totally subtle--nothing I would hesitate about except for when giving this book to someone under 13.

All in all I really enjoyed this book!  I really loved the combination of modern day and historical fiction.  Best of all, the redemption at the end of Emma's story was priceless.  I had been a little frustrated with her story, trying to figure out in my mind how the story could possibly end!  But then, it came.  So satisfying, so perfect.  Why hadn't I thought of that?

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Learn more about the book HERE!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.