The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck - Fiction, Historical

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck

Kathleen Y’Barbo

Charlotte Beck is a beautiful, affluent, and capricious young lady of both British and American society in the late 1800s.  She is continually causing social faux pas that embarrass her family.   Charlotte finds herself thrown into company with a young man she considers insufferable – Viscount Alex Hambly.  Charlotte’s dad thinks Alex is the perfect match for his impetuous daughter - Alex needs Mr. Beck’s money to preserve his family’s holdings – Charlotte wants to get a college education.  Alex and Charlotte broker a deal with Mr. Beck to satisfy what everyone wants – Charlotte gets her education, Alex gets his money, and all they have to do is GET MARRIED!  The impulsive Charlotte immediately beings devising a plan to have what she wants, but dissolve the marriage contract.  Initially cooperative, Alex soon changes his mind and is determined to make this marriage work.  But marriage takes 2…..will Charlotte get her annulment, or will Alex woo his bride?

This book is both entertaining and engaging.  A great Christian romance read.  Though not strongly stated, I was glad to see the author maintain that it takes God and faith to make a life and a marriage.  The point was also made that even when you start down the wrong path, Christ offers redemption and new direction if you are willing to come to Him.  It is so refreshing to see the male characters portrayed as both manly men, and Godly men – willing to be Godly family leaders.  My only criticism of the book would be a story spoiler, so I won’t detail it.  However, I will say a subplot of the story was not resolved in a clearly stated manner (maybe I’m just dense!).  I finished the last chapter still pondering the meaning of the next to last chapter…..and it is still bothering me.  Please read this book and explain that part to me!!!  Great read overall.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  You can get free books too!  Follow the link on the right to get your own free books!

Indelible - Fiction, Modern

Indelible

By Kristen Heitzmann

In her newest book featuring the resort town of Redford, CO, Kristen Heitzmann weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense as the town’s local hero, Trevor McDaniel, is challenged by an evil adversary.  From the first page I was engrossed in the story of Trevor versus the wicked opponent.  We get alternating views of the protagonists and antagonists purposes and thoughts.  Trevor struggles to overcome guilt from his dark past.  The evil one strives to draw the hero out as he commits a string of crimes.  Back and forth we see them labor against one another and against themselves.  With a cliffhanger climax, this is a book I couldn’t put down.  Will good triumph over evil?  You have to read it to find out!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Primal - Christian Living

Primal – A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

By Mark Batterson

“What would your Christianity look like if it was stripped down to the simplest, rawest, purest faith possible?....  This book is an invitation to rediscover the compassion, wonder, curiosity, and energy that turned the world upside down two thousand years ago.”

This little book reexamines the Great Commandment of Jesus – “AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.” Mark 12:30 (NASB)   The focus is on the 4 elements of loving the Lord: heart, soul, mind, strength.  The author points out that along the way Christianity has become more focused on and known for that which we DO NOT approve, rather than the radical way Jesus taught us to love.  We are supposed to loving God with our whole self – head to toe, inside and outside- and loving others the same way too.  

“What do you think brings more joy to the heart of our heavenly Father – singing songs or caring for the poor?”  I think you know the answer.  And that’s the heart of Christianity – loving as He loves.  The soul of Christianity is rediscovering the wonder of it all – from the awe-some nature that God created, to the beauty and mystery of our Creator.  Loving with our mind is renewing our curiosity for the world around us, and wanting to know our God through discovery.  As the author puts it, “…one way we glorify God is by exploring and educating ourselves about everything He has created.”  Finally, loving God with our strength is just what it sounds like – hard work for kingdom causes.  It means breaking a sweat to serve the world a heaping helping of Christ’s love.  Loving with our strength is not about finding the perfect place to serve, it’s about serving.  Christ told us to “Go.”

This book is simple and easy to understand, yet very challenging to put into practice.  However, I believe it is God-inspired to help Christians to get back on their feet and get back to the basics – Loving God: Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

When Sparrows Fall - Fiction, Modern

When Sparrows Fall

By Meg Moseley

When Sparrows Fall is the engaging story of a young mother and widow, Miranda, struggling to break free from her controlling and deceptive pastor. She strives throughout the story to hear God’s voice as she struggles to make a way for her young family.  When Miranda suffers an accident, she is forced to call in an estranged brother-in-law, Jack, to care for her six children.  Jack is shocked by the ultra-conservative and controlling way the children have been raised.  He grapples with his own faith in God as he tries to mix his mainstream views with the children’s upbringing.  Miranda’s prayers are answered in unexpected ways as she and Jack labor to raise children and fight a common enemy. The secrets from both of their pasts could either destroy their budding relationship or bring them closer.

I found this book well written and engaging.  I was drawn to read it as fast as I could to find out what would happen to the sweet family depicted.    Mrs. Moseley paints a clear picture of the struggles both Miranda and Jack are facing as they seek God’s will for their lives.  A great read!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.