Covenant Child - Fiction, Modern

Covenant Child

By Terri Blackstock

Kara and Lizzie are children of privilege and heiresses to a great fortune; but they are being raised in poverty.  Orphaned at a young age, the twins are snatched from their loving stepmother by their maternal grandparents who care only for the fortune that their granddaughters bring.  Their stepmother Amanda tries her best to reach out to the girls through letters and gifts, but every attempt is thwarted by the grandparents, who fill the girls heads with lies about Amanda’s intention to steal their money.  When the girls turn 18 and come into their money whom will they choose to believe – their greedy grandparents, or their loving stepmom?  And will they let God heal the scars of their broken past?

Captivating!  My brief synopsis above doesn’t do justice to this heartbreaking story of love lost, deceit, and greed.  Terri Blackstock has probably written the life-story of many American girls raised in broken homes in this tale – though without the loving and marvelously rich step-mother waiting for them in the background.  I have to admit that I read the book in one night because I couldn’t put it down.  Be sure to have your box of Kleenex handy, because when you get attached to these redheaded twins you’ll be using quite a few!  I thought this book was wonderful and am putting on my must read again list – A+!

I received a free e-book version of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Wildflowers from Winter - Fiction, Modern

Wildflowers from Winter

By Kate Ganshert

Bethany has run from her small-town in Iowa to Chicago to start a better life.  But, can nice cars, designer clothes, and a ritzy job really make her happy?  And what will happen when dire circumstances call her back to her hometown?  Her grandfather is in poor health and her best friend of years past is in crisis.  Bethany has some tough decisions to make.  Can she get past her selfish desires and put others first?  And will she let God break through the anti-religious barricade she has built for herself?

This debut novel by Kate Ganshert is an excellent read from a budding author.  The story is well-written with a realistic and heart-breaking storyline.  The characters are well-developed.  I am so glad to see the author showing that even with God, life is not always perfect; but He is always dependable.  The trials of the characters are written so expressively that I found myself hurting for them.  You’ll probably want a few Kleenex nearby!  I give this book an A – good read.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

The 13th Tribe - Fiction, Christian Modern

The 13th Tribe on Christianbook.com

The 13th Tribe

By Robert Liparulo

  Immortals.  Cursed by God for their worship of the Golden Calf at Mt. Sinai, the Tribe has wandered the earth for millennia attempting to please God by killing those they have deemed to be the worst sinners.  Now, they are planning a 9/11 scale event that will bring thousands of these “sinners” to justice at once.  The only problem is all of the innocent people who will die along with them.  Can they be stopped?

  Jagger Baird is angry with God – how could a good God let his best friend’s family die at the hands of a drunk driver?  Why did he survive the same car crash and lose only his forearm and not his life?  Now he and his family are living at Mt. Sinai trying to put back the pieces of their lives.  But, when an encounter with the Tribe turns Jagger’s life inside out, will he come to terms with God, or take the vengeance he so intensely desires?

I read the final line and thought: “WOW!  What an incredible book!”  The author has woven a fascinating and engaging story from beginning to end.  The tale wraps love, drama, faith and God into one exciting story.  I will say that I started out reading a little slowly, just because the description of the book sounded a little weird.  But, it didn’t take me long to become totally enthralled in the narrative and in “can’t put it down” mode.  I did have to get my Kleenex out a few times – the author does such a great job of expressing human emotion.  The underlying theme of the entire book is the life-changing love of Christ.  So, without writing any spoilers, I give the book an A+ - a must read for fiction lovers!

I received a free e-book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Corruptible - Fiction, Modern Mystery

The Corruptible

By Mark Hynheir

Retired homicide detective Ray Quinn is struggling – struggling to keep his private investigation business alive, struggling to deal with the pain of his disability, struggling to find meaning in his life.   Cornered in a bathroom stall by the cheating husband of a client is not the way Ray pictured his life ending….  But, Ray soon finds himself in the penthouse of an office building with more zeros on the check in front of him than he ever imagined.  But what is his potential client hiding?  And will Ray lose his life trying to find out?

If you like suspense mysteries, you’ll love this book.  This book is engaging and keeps you guessing all the time – whodunit?  The author scopes out a clear plot while keeping the mysteries hidden until just the right time.  I appreciate the author’s incorporation of God in the story.  The main character (Ray) is bordering on alcoholism, but cries out to God for help.  And God answers even the unbeliever’s prayer in an effort to show Himself.  Ray’s Christian friend (Pam) lives a righteous life, but doesn’t force her faith on him.  She quietly offers Ray Christ-like advice, but doesn’t push him to accept Christ.  I think the authors paints a good example of a presenting a steady, not forceful, witness to those around us who don’t believe.  I give this book an A – good read!

I received a free e-book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Song of My Heart - Fiction, Historical

Song of My Heart

By Kim Vogel Sawyer

  Sadie Wagner is forced to leave her family behind to find work to support them.  Her cousin invites her to come to his small Kansas town to work in the mercantile and pursue her singing dream in the town’s “opera-house.”  But, when the opera house owner adds a “Gentlemen only” show to Sadie’s work load, can she trust God to provide for her family if she refuses to sing? 

  Sid Wagner has invited Sadie to Kansas in hopes of winning her heart, but will the new town sheriff ruin all his hopes and dreams by capturing Sadie’s love first?

This charming tale of love, family devotion, and faith in God is a great read.  The author has a very clear and easy writing style.  You’ll enjoy all the twists and turns as each of the characters struggle between their way and God’s way in a confusing world.  I think each of the characters was well developed and the story line was great.  And there’s a sweet surprise at the end of the book.  This is the perfect book for your vacation or a rainy day.  I give this book an A –good read.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  

Dawn Comes Early - Fiction, Old West

Dawn Comes Early

By Margaret Brownley

When Kate Tenney finds herself the victim of a real-life Old West bandit’s town heist, she begins to wonder what she has gotten herself into.  Newly arrived in the Arizona Territory, disgraced author Kate has hopes of becoming the heiress to a large cattle ranch.  The conditions are simple – 1. Survive the trial period; 2. Never marry.  It sounds easy enough, but when Luke Adams is the good-looking town bachelor, condition #2 gets complicated.  Will Kate live through the exhaustion and misery of learning the cattle business and win the ranch, or will Luke ruin everything by stealing her heart?

I thought this book was a fun and entertaining read.  The author did an excellent job of developing the characters and engaging my attention from the beginning.  I like how the author depicts Kate’s struggle with faith and her baby-steps toward God.  The main issue I had with the book was I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!  I really enjoyed reading it.  Now, my only disappointment is that the next book in the series doesn’t come out until Jan. 2013 – a whole YEAR away.  I can’t wait that long for it! 

Grade: A – great read!

I received a free e-book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.