The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Judd Markley’s life has changed forever with the cave-in at the mine that took his younger brother’s life.  He decides to take up his brother Joe’s dream and go south where he plans to get a job in the timber business.  He finds a job in the thriving town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Advancing through the ranks of the company, he finds the eye of the owner, Mr. Heyward, on him for more than one reason. Meanwhile Larkin Heyward, the boss’s daughter catches Judd’s interest.  She is so full of life that he realizes that he can dream again after his brother’s death.  But their dreams are pulling them in opposite directions.  Is their love strong enough to pull them through?

 Set in Appalachia and Myrtle Beach in 1954, the author gives interesting information about Hurricane Hazel and the impact it had on Myrtle Beach.

    

The characters were realistic and interesting, especially Granny Jane.  I did find it a bit implausible to think of Granny Jane, who had been on her death bed, making the trip for the wedding.

The book was a pleasant but not riveting read.  I have read most of Thomas’ other books and found them a bit harder to put down.  However, if the author decides to write a sequel, I would be curious to see what happens to Judd and Larkin.  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review. 

Practical book on praying for adult children

Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children by Jodie Berndt

Written with compassion, humor, insight and lots of personal examples, this book should be called a handbook for prayer.  I found it to be very practical and encouraging.   Jodie includes scriptures for parents to pray for themselves and then scriptures for parents to use in praying for their adult children.  The topics include prayers for relationships, jobs, finances, protection and freedom from addiction.  I couldn’t think of any topic that she didn’t cover.  The book’s size allows pray-ers to easily carry it to use with prayer groups.  The author also has a study guide.  I think my copy will be well-used and I am grateful to the publishers for a free copy in exchange for this review.   

Not a favorite

Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey

I am a fan of Billy Coffey and have read several of his previous books.  This one, however, was not my favorite.  I am not a baseball fan and the main character was a baseball player looking back upon the happenings of his life in his senior year of high school.  The story drifts between the past and present.  I read the parts that were not about baseball.  It was written in his usual style and also had his usual touch of the supernatural.  Because of the subject matter, it didn’t keep my attention and I had to force myself to finish it.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.  

Secular murder mystery

Weycombe by G. M. Malliet

American Jillian White lives with her titled English husband in the exclusive little village of Weycombe.  When a real estate agent is found murdered, the village is shaken.  Jillian, at loose ends because of losing her job at the BBC, works on solving the murder.  Her investigation gives the reader an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people living in Weycombe and turns up a very surprising conclusion.

The characters were well-drawn and their motivations were studied.  The author kept me guessing as to who had “done it.”  She saved the best twist until the end and then still left me wondering what Jillian would do.

I enjoyed this book even though it is a different genre from what I usually read, which is Christian fiction.  Although the language was a bit crude, the plot was good.  Readers who enjoy a good murder mystery with a surprise will enjoy this one, too. 

 

    

Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble

Dana Newell, a 911 dispatcher, returns to Copper Falls hoping to find a more peaceful life away from her abusive ex-fiancé.  She moves in with her step-brother and looks forward to life with her old friends in Rock Harbor.  But her past is beginning to haunt her and threatens the future she had hoped for.  She has weathered many storms and is stronger for it, but will she be able to survive the storm headed her way now?

Beneath Copper Falls is a continuation of the Rock Harbor novels.  The series was vaguely familiar to me (I had read an earlier book in the series), but I could still follow the plot twists.  The book did manage to surprise me with a few turn of events, too.  I enjoyed getting reacquainted with the characters and look forward to seeing what happens in their future.

 There was a nice blend of romance and suspense, which is Colleen Coble’s trademark.  I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest review.  

Perennials by Julie Cantrell

Forty-five year old Eva seemed to have an idyllic childhood with her sister Bitsy and parents in rural Mississippi.  But when she was old enough to leave home, she fled and returned home very seldom.  Now her parents are asking her to come home—in the middle of the most important deal of her career.  They are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary and want her help with the arrangements, even if her sister Bitsy does not.  Eva reluctantly gives in and goes, despite knowing that Bitsy will make life there miserable for her.  As it turns out, this is a life-changing trip for Eva.

This book explores the relationship between two sisters and the past that made it so.  The author does a good job of developing the sisters’ personalities.  Their sibling rivalry isn’t always understood, but the author keeps peeling away at the layers of the past until the reader and the characters finally understand it.

Besides the complexity of the sisters’ relationship, the book also explores marriage relationships.  Eva’s parents have an enviable marriage, while both Eva and Bitsy struggle unsuccessfully to replicate it.  Eva is recovering from an abusive relationship and Bitsy’s husband is chronically unfaithful. There is hope, however, for Eva to have a happy marriage with Fisher.

Yoga figures prominently in this book, which surprised me.  Eva is a yoga instructor for seniors and she teaches her parents some of the poses.  Her ninety year old friend, Marian, practices yoga with her and is also a spiritual guide, walking her around a medicine wheel.  Given that opinions on yoga are a bit contentious in some Christian circles, I am surprised that the author included it so prominently.

 

Perennials is well-written like the other of Cantrell’s novels.  It addresses family and relational issues that many readers are sure to identify with.  If you are a fan of Julie Cantrell, don’t miss this one!  I received this free copy from the publisher for my honest opinion.

   

Healing from Trauma

The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix

Jessica has lived through a terrible terrorist attack on Paris. Though her world is shattered, her friend Patrick encourages her to continue with the trip they have planned through France.  While exploring the countryside, she discovers an antique box containing the pages of a Huguenot girl’s diary.  The pages create a desire for Jessica to discover more about the girl’s story and the persecution that drove her from France.  As Jessica learns Adeline’s story of persecution, she moves towards her own healing.

This book introduced me to a part of history that I knew nothing about.  It gave me a new respect for those who have been persecuted for their faith.   It also exposed me to the pain that victims of trauma experience.

After the attack, Jessica’s relationship with Patrick left me very confused, but that may be what the author intended.  Other than that part, the story unfolded very smoothly and kept me wanting to know more about both Jessica and Adeline.

Despite beginning on a very dark note, the book offered hope.  The way that Jessica’s character grew and developed showed me that she would heal from her attack. Despite their setbacks, all the characters grew and came to accept and find the best in their lives.

This is the second of Michele Phoenix’s books that I have read.  She writes about wounded characters in need of healing.  Her writing conveys their emotions clearly and powerfully. Her heart for those who suffer is evident.  In their pain, she offers them hope.  Many readers will be able to empathize with her characters and perhaps  find a measure of healing for themselves.

I enjoyed this book and think others will, too, especially those who can understand what Jessica experienced.  I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.  

  

New Series by Angela Hunt

Egypt’s Sister by Angela Hunt

Chava lived a charmed life as the daughter of Cleopatra’s royal tutor.  She grew up in the palace and the princess was her best friend.  Even though she was Jewish and Cleopatra was Egyptian, Chava expected her life in the royal palace to continue unchanged.  But after Cleopatra’s coronation, the politics and intrigue of power change the queen and she betrays Chava and sentences her to a life of slavery.  Chava believes she will see Cleopatra again, but will it be too late?

Angela Hunt is one of my favorite authors.  I can count on enjoying her novels.  This was no exception.  However, Egypt’s Sister took me much longer to reach the “can’t put it down” stage because of the detailed historical foundation that needed to be laid.  Once that was done, I was caught up in the devastating changes that Chava experienced.

Although laying the historical background made for a slow beginning, the information that the author included about the culture and life in Alexandria and Rome made a fascinating background for the story.  I loved learning more about that particular time in history.  The author’s research was meticulous and it showed.

As always, Hunt’s characters were interesting and life-like. Cleopatra, one of history’s most infamous women, was especially fascinating.  Her motivation to remain in control of Egypt made sense in light of her actions

.

The prevailing theme of Egypt’s Sister was one of hope.  Despite Chava’s devastating circumstances, she persisted in believing God.  Even through suffering and in the midst of a pagan culture, Chava proved God’s faithfulness.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book.  I received a free copy for my honest review.       

Riveting Historical Fiction by Lisa Wingate

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

This book is a fictionalized account of a family of siblings who were torn apart by a real adoption scandal in the 1940’s and 1950’s.  Ril and her siblings were taken from their houseboat home when their mother went to the hospital to deliver twins.  In the hospital, her mother was told that her babies were stillborn.  Her husband unwittingly signed away all the children, thinking he was signing a paper to waive the costs for his wife’s hospital bill.

 The woman behind this terrible account was Georgia Tann, who was the head of the Tennessee Children’s Home.  Tann had helpers watching for vulnerable children who she had kidnapped and then delivered to shady boarding homes where they were kept until they were adopted out to couples who could afford the exorbitant adoption fees.

Ril’s name is changed to May and she has the good fortune to be adopted by a well to do couple who have also adopted her younger sister.  Flash forward to the present when May is placed in a retirement home and meets rising lawyer Avery Stafford when she makes a political trip with her politician father. Through a set of circumstances, Avery and May become acquainted and pieces of their lost pasts begin to come together.

Lisa Wingate paints a painful picture of the reality of many of Georgia Tann’s adoptees.  She layers a story from the present day against the past.  Readers are kept in the dark as to the present-day identities of the siblings as the story unfolds.  This well-paced story keeps readers wanting more.  Wingate’s story-telling skills are excellent.  Her characters are fascinating and well-drawn.  This is an excellent read.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.

Legal thriller by new author

Beyond Justice by Cara Putman

Hayden McCarthy has become an attorney because she knows the pain of justice not being served.  She is assigned a wrongful death case against the government concerning an juvenile illegal immigrant.  This case could make her a partner or destroy her career, not to mention the danger it will put her in.  Adding to the complications is the most eligible bachelor in Washington, DC, Andrew Wesley, who seems to be developing an interest in her, or is it just his concern for the dead young man’s brother? 

  The events seem to spiral out of control and she wonders what the best course of action is—pursue justice or close the case as she is being pressured to do?

Fans of Robert Whitlow will enjoy this story.  I found the characters interesting, the different threads of the plots intriguing, but the story did not grip me.  Putman handled the legalese in the way a layman could understand.  The subject matter was timely and motivating.  I can’t say exactly why this story fell a bit flat in my eyes.

I am thankful to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Excellent Biblical Historical Fiction

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette

Alanah, a Canaanite, in the ancient near east decides it is better to join the fight against the Hebrews and die rather than live and be made a slave.  She joins the battle disguised as a man and miraculously survives.  She joins her enemy, the Israelites, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, her home.  Tobiah, her protector, marries her to obey the torah and keep her safe.  Has she made a grave mistake?  Will she be able to survive among her enemies?

This book is the third in the Out of Canaan series by Connilyn Cossette.  I read the first book and loved it, but somehow missed the second one, but could still follow the plot in the third.   

This book was meticulously researched and answered most questions that readers might have regarding God’s command to take over Canaan.  Because of Alanah’s background as a Canaanite, her husband Tobiah carefully instructed her in the ways of the Israelites.  I also found very interesting how the author dealt with the subject of Kora’s rebellion and the consequences that fell upon the people.

I enjoyed the characters and how they grew and changed during the length of the novel.  They were so realistically drawn and I grew to love them, despite their faults.  I was delighted to meet again Shira and Kiya and see how they had changed since the first book.

This book was so interesting and I could hardly put it down.  I think other readers who enjoy Biblical historical fiction will love it, too.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.    

Carrie Stuart Park's Portrait of Vengeance

Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks

Gwen Marcey finds herself in the middle of another suspenseful mystery, only this time it is her past intersecting with a present day murder and child abduction.  As she tracks down the perpetrator, she narrowly escapes death by the villains who remain hidden until it is almost too late for her to escape.

The plot had more twists and turns than a mountain road.  Just when the conclusion seems to be in sight, another twist occurs, which makes reading the book very exciting.

The ending had a satisfying conclusion, but left room and enough unanswered questions to necessitate another book.

I enjoy the way Parks set her stories in unusual places and teaches the readers important background information that makes her stories even  more interesting.  In addition, I enjoyed finding out more about Gwen and her past.

I really liked this book and plan on reading her next installment.  Readers of suspense will enjoy it, too.  I received this book at no cost in exchange for my honest review.

Sequel to Terri Blackstock's If I Run

If I'm Found 

by Terri Blackstock                                                                                                                                                                 

Terri Blackstock was hard-pressed to write a sequel that compares to her first book in the series of her page-turning suspense, If I Run, but she succeeds marvelously.  I literally groaned, NO! when I turned to  the last page and saw that it was a Note from the author.   I immediately wanted to dive into the next installment.  But not yet . . .

The author continues the breakneck pace of the plot, which kept me engrossed in this book.  There was hardly a time when I wasn’t looking over Casey or Dylan’s shoulders’ to see if I could see Keegan or Rollins following close behind.

I enjoyed the development of the characters and how they learned and struggled against evil.  The sub plots gave such depth to Casey’s character.  Dylan’s character was revealed in the way he treated Casey and her difficult situation.  Even the bad guys revealed more about themselves and their motives, too, as the story progressed.

Of course, the ending was a temporary stopping place for the story and I was happy to know that Casey’s intervention had made a difference.  But her original motive for running had not changed and so another sequel must be on the way.  I can hardly wait!

Suspense readers will love this series.  I received a free copy of the book from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Another Erica Sparks novel

The Separatists by Lis Wiehl

Erica Sparks is at it again.  Her nose for a good story keeps her heading toward danger.  This time it is uncovering the secrets of a separatist group that wants to secede from the United States.  Of course, this story couldn’t come at a worse time for Erica.  Her marriage is stretched to the breaking point by her husband’s lack of comparable success, and her daughter’s rebellion.  She needs to focus on her family, but the murders that surround her divert her attention and cause her to fear for her family’s safety.  In addition, they all seem to point to the leader of the secessionist movement, Mary Bellamy.  Can Erica successfully navigate between the demands of her career and the needs of her family and manage to stay alive, too?

Lis Wiehl keeps us on the edge of our seat with another Erica Sparks story.  However, after having read two of her previous Newsmaker Novels with Sebastian Stuart, this one was a bit predictable.  The strong female villain, the last second escapes, and the challenges she faces trying to balance her priorities have all been introduced in the previous books.

  Wiehl uses interesting backgrounds in her books and this book is no exception.  The fact that a state wants to secede from the Union may be more like real life than we might suspect.

  This book does have a satisfactory conclusion, but leaves room for another sequel with another complication.  Over all, I enjoyed the book and thank the publisher for the free copy to review.

The Marriage Pact, a Psychological Thriller

The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond

 Newly-weds Jake and Alice receive a very unusual wedding gift—a membership in the marriage pact.   Really, who wouldn’t want to be part of such a group that guarantees that your marriage will thrive? But getting into the Pact proves to be much easier than getting out as Alice and Jake discover.

 

This book was startlingly intense and thought-provoking.  The twists and turns in the plot were amazing.  The author does a magnificent job of keeping the reader off balance, never knowing what to expect, which must have been synonymous with what Jake and Alice felt.

The characters were revealed little by little and I grew more attached to them as the story continued.  I was surprised at the ending, and left wondering what would happen to Jake and Alice.

This is not the type of book I usually read, but despite some four letter words expected of a secular publisher, I enjoyed the book.  My thanks to the publisher for the free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Riveting YA fiction

Unblemished by Sara Ella

Eliyanna Ember is 17 and a misfit.  Because of her birthmark she is an outcast wherever she goes.  Her mother and her neighbor, Joshua David are her closest friends.  Then her mother dies and Joshua her neighbor-turned-boyfriend becomes her guardian.  That’s when her life gets really strange. 

To help her cope with her grief, her acquaintance Quinn persuades her to sneak away from Joshua and hang out at a party. Then Quinn ditches the party and Eliyanna is stuck without a ride until another party-goer, Ky, persuades her that he can take her home.  Except that Ky isn’t the safe new friend she thought he was and Eliyanna ends up in another world that is strangely familiar and yet totally new.  She will have to call forth resources deep inside her that she never knew she had in order to survive this new world.

This book was way better than I expected.  It was a compelling story, one that I didn’t want to put down.  It moved so quickly that it almost made me dizzy.   The characters were surprising—I had a hard time figuring out who was “good” and who was “bad.”  The plot twists were amazing and caught me off guard.  The ending was satisfying and yet left me with soooo many questions!  The next book can’t be published quickly enough for me.  Despite this being a young adult fiction, it totally engrossed me.  Even after finishing the book, there are still things in the story that I am pondering. For readers who enjoy fantasy, this book and any others that follow it will quickly become favorites.  I was given a free copy by Thomas Nelson for my honest review.

Southern setting, Irish band and plot twists

Because You’re Mine by Colleen Coble

Things I liked about this book:

the characters, especially Alanna, Liam and Alanna’s mates

the character development especially of “Jesse”

the plot pace

the plot twists

the unusual setting, alligator included!

not everything is as it seems

Things I didn’t like about this book:

Some questions that I had didn’t get answered, such as how was Diedra connected to the Kavanaugh family? And why was Barry so obsessed with her?  Why would their neighbor not say much about the family and just what did she know?

It was a riveting story and I enjoyed it very much. After finishing the book, I found myself still thinking about the characters and wondering what they were doing now.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.

Lyrical Prose and Second Chances

Long Way Gone by Charles Martin

Young Cooper O’Connor leaves his father and heads off to Nashville to make a fresh start for himself.  He takes everything of value from his father, expecting that he will make it big there and be able to return after having proved himself.  The years pass and he never sees his father again, but carries the lessons his father taught him in his heart.

  Years after a devastating tragedy, Cooper meets up with his long-lost love and wants to make amends but doubts that she will believe the truth.  He must decide if his love for her is worth the risk of rejection yet again.

Charles Martin weaves a beautiful tale of love and second chances set to lyrical prose.  It gives the reader hope that reconciliation and God’s purposes are being worked even in difficult relationships.  I loved this book:  its characters, storyline, plot twists, and the satisfying conclusion.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest opinion.  

well-written historical fiction by Irma Joubert

Child of the River by Irma Joubert

This book is the coming of age story of Persomi, a poor, white, sharecropper’s daughter in South Africa.  She rises above her circumstances in the the bushveld at the beginning of apartheid. As a lawyer, she follows her heart and stands for what she believes in, although it is certainly not popular.

Joubert makes the history of South Africa come alive, especially with the effect that it has on the characters in the book.  It was a painless and interesting way to learn some history about a country that I know little about.

Joubert’s characters were well-drawn, and for the most part, admirable.  I loved Persomi, for her dedication to the truth and her willingness to suffer for the right things.  Boelie was a man of integrity and upheld his principles even when life would have been easier otherwise. 

I liked several things about the noveI besides its characters.  I liked the fact that this novel spanned many years and I got to see the characters and the plot develop. I also liked the way the author broke the chapters into sections regarding historical facts or the storyline of the characters. This technique made the book easy to read

. 

The ending was worthy of some tears, but it did catch me by surprise.  It was utterly satisfying.  I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.  They will not be disappointed.  I received a free copy from the publisher for my honest review.  

Fast paced thriller by Roni Kendig

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

Tox, a special ops soldier, is dead and buried by his country, or so everyone he loves thinks.  However, his country needs him now, and he is manipulated back into action by a deadly plague, which has attacked his niece, the president’s daughter.  To quell the plague, he travels across several continents tracking the organization that has orchestrated the world disaster.  The order of the Arrow and Flame proves to have strongholds and eyes wherever Tox and his team turn.  They are poised to release the deadly virus and only Tox and his team can stop them . . . or can they?

This author was new to me.  Her fast-paced writing and complex characters and plot kept me reading. I was fascinated by Kasey, the expert on deception.  I’m not sure if such a skill really exists, but it would make sense if it did and would certainly be necessary in situations like this.  Tox’s “conscience,” Chiji, was a very interesting character.  I would have loved to know more about his story.  Ram and his sister also merited a second look, too.  Although this book is the first in the series, I almost felt I was entering the story mid-stream, which I think indicates strong, well-drawn characters.

The plot moved quickly and sometimes I struggled to keep up.  I dared not put the book down for too long or I would forget where the characters were and what they were doing. 

This book was not overtly “Christian,” but I would  recommend  it  due to the lack of vulgar language and improprieties.  I like to recommend books with a great storyline and characters that live out their faith but that aren’t preachy.  This book fills the bill with plenty of action, detailed characters, a secret organization and lots of plot twists.   I recommend it for those who like suspense and thrillers.  Good job, Ronie Kendig.  I received this book in exchange for my honest review.