When Jesus Wept - Fiction, Biblical

When Jesus Wept

The Jerusalem Chronicles, Book 1

By Bodie and Brock Thoene

David ben Lazarus has poured his life into the vineyard passed down through generations of his family.  He has learned the meticulous trade of watering, pruning, harvesting, and fermenting the fruit of the vine.  Lazarus has also longed for the promised Messiah to come and rescue Israel from her oppressors, especially the Romans.  When he hears John the Baptizer proclaiming that the Promised One is here, Lazarus is afraid to believe that the wait is finally done.  Will this Jesus overrun the Roman government by starting a rebellion that will also drive the corrupt religious leaders from their positions of political power?  But, as he walks with Jesus, sees His miracles, and hears Him teach, Lazarus wonders if there might be a much deeper implication for every man.  Jesus speaks not of rebellion, but of loving your enemy.  Jesus also teaches Lazarus about the Father using illustrations of a Master Vinedresser.  Can Lazarus trust Jesus to be the fulfillment of everything for which he has longed?

This is the first book of a new series by the Thoene’s the follows the relationship of Lazarus and Jesus.  The book was filled with so much information about the painstaking job of the vinedresser as he coaxes his vines to produce the best fruit.  It gave me a new perspective on all of Jesus’ teaching about Him as the Vine and we being His branches.  The storyline was well developed and easy to follow, but a little slow in places.  I had a few questions about whether Mary the sister of Lazarus was the same woman that Jesus saved from a stoning by the religious leaders on accusations of prostitution.  I had never really thought that they were the same so it skewed my view of the story a little.  However, I know that the Thoene’s are excellent researchers and they may have drawn this conclusion from their extensive studies.  I can overlook our differences for the sake of the story.  The important thing is that they got Jesus right in the book -  loving, kind, master teacher, peacemaker, God in the flesh.   Overall, I grade this book an A-: not my favorite Thoene book, but I’ll definitely be looking for book 2, because even though I know how it ends……, I’ve got to know how the story ends!

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

Unrivaled - Fiction, Historical

Unrivaled

By Siri Mitchell

Lucy Kendall has returned to St. Louis from her grand tour of Europe determined to make a new candy that will save her father’s failing confectionery.  The shock of finding her father ill and bed-ridden gives her even more motivation to save their company and put their biggest competitor out of business.  Charlie Clarke arrived in St. Louis hoping to better his life and win the approval of his estranged father by making their family’s candy company the only candy company in town.  When Charlie and Lucy find themselves alone by chance at a ball, their mutual attraction surprises them both.  What Lucy doesn’t realize is that Charlie is the son of the very competitor that she wishes to eliminate.  Is there a future for Lucy’s candy company?  And can Lucy and Charlie find love in the midst of a bitter rivalry?

This is the first time I have read a book by Siri Mitchell, and I loved it.  I was intrigued from the first chapter of the book.  The story line was well developed and easy to follow, while still hiding some big secrets until the very end.  One character, Winnie, encourages both Lucy and Charlie to look to God for help with their struggles.  Winnie also explains that no one can do so much bad that God can’t save them, and no one can be good enough for salvation without God.  This was a great underlying theme for the whole story – salvation is by grace through faith, not of ourselves.  I give the book an A – a fun, engaging, and wholesome story for any woman to enjoy.  (Warning: This book will make you want to eat candy!!)

I received a free print copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Draw the Circle - Non-fiction, Devotional

Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

By Mark Batterson

Draw the Circle is a 40 day prayer challenge that supports the prayer disciplines taught in the book The Circle Maker by the same author.  The book has one short reading for each day that teaches the reader more about how to pray.  The book is filled with testimonies of people who have “prayed circles” around different things, and seen how God has answered those prayers.  The author explores the Scriptural foundations for prayer and teaches the reader how to “pray for” and “pray through” the promises, dreams, and miracles God has given each of us.  The book could probably be used alone, but is much better paired with The Circle Maker.

I have really enjoyed Draw the Circle.  It has encouraged me to pray daily and has taught me how to pray with more confidence.  I can see how God is already answering the prayers I have been “circling.”  I started the book without reading The Circle Maker, but I found that reading the main book better supports understanding the concepts in Draw the Circle.  I highly recommend both books to anyone who wants to learn to pray, or wants to revitalize their prayer life.  Excellent read for both new Christians, and those who have believed for a long time.  My husband and I are doing this together.  My parents’ church is reading the book and devotional as a whole.   So this book will work in wide variety of settings.  Overall I give this devotional an A+ - excellent resource for every Christian.

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

The Tutor's Daughter - Ficton, Historical

The Tutor’s Daughter

By Julie Klassen

When Emma Smallwood’s father accepts a position as a live-in tutor for an upper class family, they never expect the mystery and intrigue and even danger that will befall them in their new lodgings.  Long having run a small academy for boys, Mr. Smallwood is devastated by the death of his wife, and unable to continue offering a quality education for his students.  As the enrollment dwindles to nothing, Emma realizes they must have a new means of income.  An unexpected invitation from a former patron takes Emma and her father to live at Ebbington Manor with the Weston family.  Thought excited by the fresh outset for her father, Emma is nervous about her reintroduction to the two brothers who were former students of the Smallwood Academy - Henry and Phillip.  She is wary of Henry because he was known to pull all sorts of pranks on her, and was generally unkind during his time at the Academy.  Phillip was always kind and friendly, and Emma fears she might have feelings for Phillip, and he for her.  As they settle into life at Ebbington, strange things begin to happen around them – music and wailing in the night, secretive behavior among the family, and even someone sneaking into Emma’s bedchamber and taking her things.  The Smallwood’s new students, the youngest Weston brothers, are reluctant pupils with a propensity for fighting and causing mischief.  Can Emma sort out her feelings for the eldest Weston brothers, and figure out who is leaving threatening messages for her?  Can the Weston family sort out their secrets and keep the family’s honor unspoiled?

If you like Jane Austen’s works, combined with a little bit of Nancy Drew, then this is a great book for you.  The author did a great job of sketching out the character of each person in the story.  The storyline was well developed and paced well throughout the book, with little bits of the plot coming to light all along the way.  I really enjoyed the author’s depiction of Emma’s fledgling faith, and God’s way of bringing her back to Him. One of the characters (not going to spoil it for you) does a great job of explaining the grace and mercy of God to Emma at her lowest point.  The faith aspect of the book greatly added to my enjoyment of the book.  Overall, I give this one an A: a great read for the Christian historical romance reader.  I am looking forward to reading more by Julie Klassen!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZi5NQbkb0A&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=4
 

Waiting for Morning - Fiction, Historical

Waiting for Morning – The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #2

By Margaret Brownley

Molly Hatfield is a young woman determined to make a better life for herself and her invalid brother, Donny.  Orphaned then driven from their Colorado home by a fire, Molly takes Donny to the Arizona desert in answer to an advertisement for an heiress wanted to run a cattle ranch.  The ranch owner, Miss Walker, has one major stipulation for the candidates – they must agree to never marry.  Molly sees no issue in fulfilling this requirement since every time a man finds out she has a brother in a wheelchair they run the opposite way.  Dr. Caleb Fairbanks is starting his medical practice in the town nearest the ranch.  He meets Molly on his first house call to the ranch.  They have an instant chemistry.  Dr. Fairbanks also thinks he can help Donny become more independent.  Can the three of them find their hearts desire in the Arizona desert?

I really enjoyed reading this book.  The story was paced well and engaging.  The characters are well developed and loveable.  Molly struggles throughout the book with her belief that God has abandoned her. The author paints a clear picture of how easily Christians can judge others and drive them away from the very person they need – Christ.  May we all be reminded to love first, as Christ loved us.  Overall I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.  Grade: A – good read.

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