Book Reviews



Welcome, fellow readers!  I am talking to you today about an great book,  Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry.

This is truly an action packed novel.  Fabry jumps right into the thrilling events and keeps the story moving rapidly along throughout the book.  The story follows J.D. Jessup as he breaks the one and only rule his employer has made: if you see an illegal, call the Border Patrol.  Seems easy enough until J.D. meets Maria.  He follows his heart and makes the choice not to call the Border Patrol...I don't want to tell you any more and ruin the book for you!

Fabry skillfully crafts characters that are believable and authentic.  This is definitely a book that kept me up late turning pages!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to Tyndale for providing this book for review. 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.   




To Love and Cherish
by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller

This book is set on the fictional island of Bridal Veil along the coast of Georgia in 1898.  Melinda Colson is a lady's maid and is in love with the island's gamekeeper, Evan.  She believes a proposal is forthcoming any day, but finds herself returning to Cleveland without one.  That summer a hurricane hits Bridal Veil while Melinda and Evan are separated.  Worried about Evan's fate, Melinda leaves her post and arrives on Bridal Veil to find Evan well.  Their romance continues as Melinda finds a job on the island and the visitor's season begins.

Honestly, this book starts off well.  I enjoyed the first few chapters, but as Melinda prepares to head back to Bridal Veil the character of her brother enters the story.  His story provides many of the twists and turns of the story, but often detracts from the main story of Melinda and Evan.  I found it difficult to continue at times; it just didn't flow well for me.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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. 






The Deposit Slip
By Todd M. Johnson

What a great book!  I honestly read the whole thing in one day, it was that good!  Jared Neaton is an hard working attorney who struck out on his own early in his career when he felt his firm was unethically conducting business.  Opening his own firm has not been an easy path, however.  He finds himself reeling from losing a big case when another, equally risky case falls in his lap.

Erin Larson doesn't know what to think when she finds a deposit slip for a mind-boggling amount of money in her father's safe deposit box after his death.  The bank, however, denies the deposit was ever made. 

Jared hesitantly takes Erin's case and all of the risks and secrets that come with it.  Working on the case forces him to look more closely at himself and some important relationships in his life.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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. 



Short Straw Bride
By Karent Witemeyer

Meredith Hayes is a young girl when she first meets Travis Archer and falls in love with him.  The Archer boys are known throughout the area as being viciously protective of each other and their lands.  The two don't see one another until Meredith overhears a plot to set the Archer farm aflame.  She sets off to warn Travis Archer and sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever.

This is a feel-good story that keeps you entertained throughout.  I truly enjoyed this book!  It is a sweet story with enough twist and turns that it doesn't feel formulaic.  If you enjoy a good historical romance, this is a book you should read!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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. 




The Fiddler
by Beverly Lewis
I usually don't read these novels set in Amish country, but thought I would step outside of my typical reading zone and try something a bit different.  I am glad I did!  I really enjoyed this story--well developed and believable characters, relate able story line, and good pacing.  Beverly Lewis is a well-known and respected Christian author and in my opinion she has earned that respect.

The story follows Amelia Devries and Michael Hostetler as they each struggle with major life decisions.  Amelia is a world-renowned violinist and Michael is an Amish man from Hickory Hollow.  Their paths cross as they are each considering life-changing decisions.  Michael's faith inspires Amelia in her own walk and Amelia's perspective as an "Englisher" proves quite valuable to Michael as he endeavors to help his niece return to the Amish people while he considers leaving the people.  These two and the rest of the community will draw you into Hickory Hollow for sure!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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.  


Chasing the Sun
by Tracie Peterson
This was my first book by Tracie Peterson and I really enjoyed it!  We meet Hannah Dandridge living on a ranch in Texas with her much younger brother and sister, awaiting the return of their father from a visit to family during the Civil War.  During her father's absence, Hannah is the acting head of household and as such she encounters many challenging circumstances.  Through encounters with the Comanche, Union soldiers, and unsavory local characters Hannah shows that she is a woman of strong character; unafraid to confront difficult issues, compassionate, and honest.

This is one of the few 'Christian Fiction' books I have read where I felt like the author is truly a believer--so often the faith of the characters seems contrived, but I did not have that feeling while reading this book.  Her main character, Hannah Dandridge, is a strong, faithful woman who not only leads through the example of her own life but also by teaching others about God.  This book is the first in a new series, 'Land of the Lonestar'.  I look forward to seeing what comes next for the characters we have met in here in 'Chasing the Sun'!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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.  



Need You Now
by Beth Wiseman

In an overall sense, I enjoyed this book.  The main character, Darlene Henderson, is likeable gal; flawed enough to be real and kind enough to be someone you want to be friends with.  She deals with some tough stuff during the course of this story (new job, marital challenges, and a serious health issue with her daughter) and while it sometimes felt like too much while I was reading, I suppose it's true to life!  Who among us hasn't felt the old adage, "When it rains, it pours!" with regards to challenging life circumstances.  With that said however, I felt like at times the issues were a bit glossed over.  Her challenges didn't seem real--or perhaps it was her response that didn't feel real--I'm not sure which. What I did really enjoy was the friendship that bloomed between Darlene and Layla.  Authentic in every way, it is a relationship that they both benefited from in many ways.


Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review. 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.  



Seal of God
by Chad Williams

This is a memoir of Chad Williams' life and his journey from teenage skateboarding star to Navy SEAL to Christian.  Chad has lived a truly amazing life and tells about his many successes in this book.  Throughout it all however, he never felt truly satisfied until he finally opened his heart to God's message and mission for him.  Since becoming a Christian Chad has completely turned his life over to God and he shares how challenging and rewarding that can be.  It is an inspiring story.

For me, then last chapter felt a bit odd.  Chad is called to be evangelical and share his story with folks...that much is clear.  However, my guess is that if you have picked up a book with the Lord's name featured in the title you are already a believer.  That does not make this testimony any less valid, but at the end when he's asking you to accept Christ into your life it seems a bit incongruous.

Regardless, it is an uplifting read!


Thank you to Tyndale for providing this book for review. 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.



The Search Committee
By Time Owens
The Search Committee is Tim Owens' first novel. It follows the search committee from a southern small-town church as they travel the surrounding area trying to choose a new pastor for their church. There are bumps in the road along the way, and at times the story moved a little slowly for my taste.

The characters are developed in a very believable way. Many of them are so easy to relate to that you feel as if you've known them for awhile. As the search committee travels around we also learn a bit more about each character and his or her own personal struggles.

The high point of the book for me was the use of actual sermons as a part of the story. The authors are credited in the beginning should you want to read more. The author chose powerful excerpts to illustrate his story.

Overall a good book, if a bit slow!

Thank you to Tyndale for providing this book for review. 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.




A Wedding Invitation
by Alice J. Wisler
This is a sweet story of Samantha Bravencourt and Carson Blythe who first met 8 years ago in the Philippines where they were both teachers.  At that time Carson had a girlfriend back home though Samantha developed feelings for Carson right away.  Fast forward 8 years and Samantha travels to attend a wedding and ends up meeting a former student who reconnects her with Carson.  As the two get to know one another again, Samantha struggles to come to terms with how their past friendship deteriorated and learns to trust Carson again.

Overall, the book is well written.  The author skillfully tells two stories at once, the storyline in the Philippines in 1985 and the story taking place today near Washington D.C..  For me there were some distracting tangents--one of which was the whole scenario from which the book draws its title, A Wedding Invitation.  It seemed the wedding mix-up took away from the story of Samantha and Carson and the full development of Samantha who at times seemed a bit flat.

With that being said, it was an enjoyable book to read.  Not one that pulls you in and you can't put down, but not one you have to slog through either.  A sweet, romantic story!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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.  


 

A Whisper of Peace
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
This book was good, but not great.  The story follows missionary Clay Selby on his first mission trip to the northern region of Alaska where he and his sister set up a mission among an Athabascan tribe.  Along the way they meet Lizzie Dawson who is half native, half white and has been exiled from her tribe as a result of her heritage.  She dreams of reconciling with her family and Clay hopes for a part in that reconciliation.  Meanwhile, Clay's sister Vivian strikes up a friendship with Lizzie and Lizzie and Clay fall in love.

Clay's character was a bit hard for me to buy into.  He is often distracted from the work at hand, and I felt like the relationship between he and Lizzie wasn't developed to its fullest.  They appear to just meet one day and fall in love with no real plot development around this central point of the novel.  At times Vivian's character takes over the role of main character and the reader is left wondering exactly which storyline is the main one.  Overall it is an enjoyable book, but not one that I will read over and over.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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.  



Life Application Study Bible Devotional
Tyndale Publishers
From the publishers of the various versions of the Life Application Bible comes the Life Application Study Bible Devotional.  This book is set up to be a one year devotional that you can start at any time of the year.  It takes you through the gospels.

Each week is launched with a summary of the scriptures to be studies, then each day is given a page.  Each day there is a "Setting the Scene" section of a couple of paragraphs, giving you some background information for the scripture readings.  There's also a daily "Reading the Word" section which has the scripture of the day so that you don't have to flip through your bible to find it.  Next is the "Getting Personal" section  which consists of some brief notes and questions to get you thinking about how the days verses apply in your life.  Finally there's a "Talking to God" section which helps guide your prayer in reference to the daily scripture readings.

I love the set-up of this book.  Each day is just a couple of verses and a couple of paragraphs that are a perfect length for a mom on the go like me.  The whole book is clear and concise, and a great choice for the newbie or veteran devotional reader.

Thank you to Tyndale for providing this book for review. 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.




Gabby: God's Little Angel
by Sheila Walsh 
This is a sweet story for little girls. It follows Gabby, an angel in training, and Sophie, a little girl on earth. Like Gabby, Sophie is precocious little girl. Sophie is excited to ride her pony, Glitter. While riding Glitter, the horse is spooked and Sophie nearly falls off. Gabby steps in and keeps Sophie safe while they both learn a little bit about God's love and protection.

While it is a cute story and has lovely illustrations, the story seems a bit contrived at times. My daughters (age 4 and 5) loved it though!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review. 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. 



Falls Like Lightning
By Shawn Grady
Don't start reading this book unless you can sit and read it straight through!  It's that good!  Shawn Grady keeps you hooked page after page following the adventures of Silas Kent, smokejumper, and Elle Westmore, a pilot.  Silas and Elle had met years ago.  Much has happened in the meantime, but neither one has forgotten the other.  Elle is a parent now, and her daughter is experiencing some health problems.  When Elle is called out to fly out smokejumpers to fight a fire she and Silas and are once again thrown together in a plane.  This time however, both of their lives are in danger.  

This book is both well written and action packed.  Truly a page-turner!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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. 
 




Courageous
by Randy Alcorn 
For the first 100 pages or so of this book I was trudging along. There are many characters in this story and while it will probably much easier to follow them all in the movie, it was quite difficult for me in the book. I am more than glad that I stuck with it, though! Once the storyline picks up and the reader is familiar with who is who, it is a very powerful story.

'Courageous' follows four police officers whom after tragedy strikes one of them embark on a journey to become better fathers. In the process they also become better men, spouses, police officers, and community members. The book reminds us that following God is not always an easy road. We will be faced with hard times, difficult decisions, and trying circumstances. Through prayer and a supportive faith family we can continue to follow Him. If this book causes us to rethink our role in other peoples' lives and faiths, then it has accomplished its goal.


Thank you to Tyndale for providing this book for review. 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.




To Win Her Heart
By Karen Witemeyer 
This was my first book my Karen Witemeyer, but it won't be my last!    I love historical fiction, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

The two main characters are Eden Spencer and Levi Grant.  Levi has a checkered past, but has learned from his mistakes and is looking to start over as he grows in his faith.  Eden is the daughter of a wealthy man, living in a town away from her parents after the disgraces of a broken engagement.  As they get to know one another they both find their faith deepening as their honor and integrity are questioned.


Overall this is a good, wholesome, and enjoyable read!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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. 


Please Stop Laughing at Me
by Jodee Blanco
This was a difficult book for me to read on a number of levels.  As a parent and an educator it breaks my heart on a personal level to read of Blanco's struggles.  No parent wants their child to be treated in such a way, and no educator wants any child they come in contact with to have these difficult experiences.

However, the way they were relayed in the book made it difficult for me to keep reading.  The book is a downer (as it should be), but lacks the needed ooomph to make you want to keep reading.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review. 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. 
The Girl in the Gatehouse
By Julie Klassen
What a fabulous book!  I am not typically a reader of historical fiction set in this time period, but Ms. Klassen's excellent writing made me a fan of hers forever.

The story follows Miss Mariah Aubrey as she is exiled from her father's home and find refuge in a gatehouse on her Aunt's estate.  Mariah supports herself as an authoress, writing books under the pen name "Lady A".   Mariah's aunt dies and the estate is leased to a handsome young navy captain who has his eyes on another lady who has already refused him.

As time goes on of course, Miss Aubrey and the Captain realize they've fallen in love.  They're not the only ones however!  Romance has blossomed for several other characters along the way.

This is truly a feel good story as we follow these wonderful characters through some very difficult circumstances for the times.  Along the way the Captain and Miss Aubrey both find themselves renewing and deepening their faith.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. 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.

Promises to Keep
by Ann Tatlock
Such a touching story!  I fell in love with the character of Tillie Monroe right away and loved every minute I spent reading this book.

Tillie Monroe and her husband Ross built their home from the ground up and raised their family within its walls.  After Ross dies, her sons move her to a nursing home in town.  Rosalind "Roz" Anthony and her family have moved to town to escape her abusive alcoholic father.  And they've moved into the Monroe family's old house.  Tillie Monroe however, is not quite ready to give it up.  She shows up on the front porch shortly after the Anthony family moves in and soon becomes a part of the family.

This book is a truly good read.  Though it deals with some difficult issues, it does so honestly and honorably.  At the end of the book readers have grown up with Roz and feel as if Tillie is a part of their family as well.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. 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.


Transforming Prayer
By Daniel Henderson
This book will change the way you think about prayer and go about praying forever. 

The book is organized into three sections, Part One: The Vision for a Transformed Life, Part Two: Best-Practices Praying, and Part Three: Change Starts Here.  Each chapter within each section is punctuated with a personal story illustrating the points made in the previous section.

I see this book as an excellent choice for a small-group read.  It includes five excellent appendices, as well as a chapter-by-chapter reading guide/questions for discussion. 

I took away many things from reading this book, but the thing that sticks with me the most was the idea that so many Christians pray from a "grocery list" as the author puts it.  That statement has somehow stuck with me and as I find myself falling back into old prayer habits, reminds me of all I learned in this book and sets me back on a track to a closer relationship with God.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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.



Regret Free Parenting
by Catherin Hickem, LCSW
I enjoyed this book! It's my personal goal to be a reflective parent, constantly evaluating what's working and what isn't as I guide my children through their childhood. With that said, I loved Hikem's phrase "intentional parenting". Each chapter addresses an area of parenting and focuses on how being intentional on that area can help improve your parenting and build a more positive relationship with your child as you raise them.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the Regret-Free Parenting Plan at the end of this book. Often after reading a book like this the reader is left inspired, but without direction for implementing the ideas into her life. The Parenting Plan meets that need. After reading this book you are invited to choose an area of your parenting you'd like to improve and it guides you through reflecting on where you are and planning how to move toward your ideal.

Overall, a good read and one I'd recommend to other parents, no matter the age of their children!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review. 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. 


Love on Assignment
By Cara Lynn James 
If you're looking for a quick and easy Christian read, this could be a great book for you! Although it's part of a series, it stands on its own well.

Main character Charlotte Hale takes on a reporting assignment that has her living a lie in the home of a professor of religion in 1900. Like other reviewers, I had a bit of trouble with the whole premise of the story. Historical inaccuracies stood out to me as well.

It's a sweet story, but I found myself skimming through most of it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review. 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.

Dining With Joy
by Rachel Hauck 
This is a romantic story about Joy Ballard who finds herself thrust into a cooking show under the guise of helping out. The monkey wrench comes when the reader finds out she can't cook. At all! The story follows her struggle with this situation as her heart wants to be relieved of the burden, but her head feels responsibility to her father (who passed away and bequeathed the show to her), her mother, and her nieces she's helping to raise. Enter Luke Davis who saves the day.

Luke becomes Joy's co-host on the show after an electric kiss captured on video during a cook-off. The video hits the internet and they become a sensation. Joy wrestles with telling Luke the truth, which he already suspects. Soon enough her cover is blown and they both lose their jobs. As they each learn to move on, they also fall in love and they story leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling at the end.

Overall a good read, and I look forward to reading other Rachel Hauck stories!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review. 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.


Amy Inspired
by Bethany Pierce 
This is a sweet story about a girl turning 30, struggling with her career, her friendships, her family relationships, and her love life. The story follows her as she struggles with her aspirations of becoming a writer, stands by her roommate as she loses her mother to cancer, watches another friend marry and give birth, deals with her neurotic mother during her brother's wedding, and eventually finds love.

There's a lot going on in Amy Gallagher's life, and I enjoyed the author's style as I read this book. Amy is someone that most folks can relate to; she started out with a clear picture of what she wanted in her mind, but somehow down the road she finds herself living a much different life.

As for the spiritual element of the story, I agree with some other reviewers on Amazon who say that it's a little weak.

Overall, a good story! I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my friends.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for providing this book for review. 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.


City On Our Knees 
by TobyMac

This is a great book if you're looking for inspiration.  The book is a collection of stories, grouped together and each group relating to a line of the song (same title) by TobyMac.

Each chapter begins with a "TobyMac Blog" where TobyMac discusses the common themes of stories in that chapter.  Every story is thought-provoking and poignant.  Scripture quotes are interspersed throughout the book, along with prayers that conclude each chapter.

The book is set up so that you can easily read it cover to cover or just a story each day or week.  The stories are great for getting you thinking about what you actions you can take, and would be great to read in solitude and the reflect on in a small-group setting. 

I'd like to thank Bethany House for providing this book for me to review. I am 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 




I chose this book based on Dave Ramsey's endorsement.  My husband and I are big fans of Dave and his teachings and avid listeners to his radio show.

Amy's story is inspiring!  The book is laid out in an easy to read format with a good mix of personal stories, scriptural quotes, and prayers to help you along your journey to financial peace.  Each chapter ends with a bulleted list of the high points from the chapter, as well as action steps for you and your family to take to put Amy's ideas into action. 

If you're looking for straight talk about handling your money in a biblical way, this is a great book for you!


I'd like to thank the publisher for providing this book for me to review. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.