The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr

Myrad, raised in the streets with a club foot, is adopted into a magi’s home. He is taught the skills the magi have preserved for centuries.    His adventures take him through the desert, escaping for his life. His intelligence and cunning prove invaluable, and he manages to outwit his pursuers and secure a place for himself in a wealthy merchant’s family. As he meets up with other magi, he is persuaded to begin a new quest—the search for the Messiah.

Even though I have read many other Biblical fiction novels, this one exposed me to elements of life during that time period that I was unaware of.   The author has evidently done his research and sets the story in a somewhat turbulent political climate.

The main character, Myrad, was intriguing. I was amazed by his shrewdness and ability to survive whatever life threw his way. Because he was an underdog, I found him endearing. Personally, I had hopes for a different ending for Myrad’s story, so I was a little disappointed. But overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who relish a good adventure story.   I received a free copy of this from the publisher for this, my honest review.

New Allegory by Rachel and Tedd Dekker

The Girl Behind the Red Rope

Perfect love casts out fear is the premise behind Rachel and Tedd Dekker’s latest novel, The Girl Behind the Red Rope.  It has elements of allegory, but I found myself trying to decide how to interpret it.  Near the end of the book, the authors spell it out for the reader, which I found helpful.

 

Grace is part of a community of believers who have secluded themselves for protection against the Fury, which will destroy the world in the near future.  Her estranged father returns to the community and brings the boy Eli, who enlightens Grace to the slavery of fear.  The community’s fear is so deeply ingrained that it will destroy them unless Grace can help them to see the truth.

The authors give the reader much to ponder and write in the famed Dekker style, with lots of psychological suspense which keeps the reader engaged.

Fans of the Dekkers or Frank Peretti will enjoy this thought-provoking novel. I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Women's contemporary fiction by Catherine West

As the Light Fades by Catherine West

Liz Carlisle moves back to Nantucket to escape an abusive ex-boyfriend and bring many secrets with her.  She joins her siblings who are turning their family home into a bed and breakfast, now that their father, a famous artist who has Alzheimer’s, is being cared for in a residential assisted living facility.  Because of the repairs, Liz must reside in a neighbor’s carriage house and develops a relationship with the owner and his 15-year-old niece.  Mia has issues of her own, including an imprisoned mother, and an abusive step-father.  The author weaves together all these characters to create a memorable story.

This is my first experience reading a book by Catherine West.  Although it is more of a romance than my usual reading diet, I did enjoy it.  It was loosely based on a previous work of hers, but despite not having read that book, I could follow this book easily.

The author covered many difficult topics, including sexual abuse, drug abuse, Alzheimer’s, and cutting, but she handled them sensitively without much gory detail.  And through it all, hope was a strong element.

Readers who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction will enjoy this book, which was not explicit in its Christian content, but did have subtle undertones of faith.

I received this book through Netgalley and these comments are my honest opinions.

Siri Mitchell's new thriller

State of Lies by Siri Mitchell

This was the first book that I have read by Siri Mitchell, but it definitely won’t be the last.  There were many things that I liked about it.  The plot was constantly unfolding and carrying the reader deeper into the story.  The characters were likeable and complex.  And best of all, the ending held a surprise!

The plot contained many twists and turns and was impossible to predict.  I felt like I was living the story along with Georgie.  At times it was difficult to put the book down.

I really admired Georgie, and how she rose to the challenge of solving the mystery that threatened her family.  The author managed to make me feel her confusion, hopelessness and desperation.  I wondered along with her just who Sean, her husband really was.  And as for Georgie’s parents, there was definitely more to them than I first suspected.

The story’s ending was something that I did not predict.  Although it satisfied most of my questions, it still left some things unresolved.

The one thing that almost made me quit reading before I had hardly begun was the intimate scene between Georgie and her husband at the beginning of the book.  Though it was handled discreetly, I was still a bit uncomfortable with it.

Although this book is published by Thomas Nelson, there was no mention of God, the Bible or faith in it.  Basically, it was a clean read, but free of any overt mention of faith

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I am grateful to the publisher for the free e galley to read.  This is my honest review.

Thought-Provoking Message in Fiction

The Camera Never Lies by David Rawlings

This book contained a unique concept—a camera that tells the truth in the photographs that it produces.  Daniel inherits the camera from his beloved Gramps and is shocked at the images he receives from the photo lab.  When faced with the truth about the people and situations in his life, he has a dilemma: continue to hide the truth while risking the debilitating consequences or own up to the truth, facing the painful consequences and escaping the dire predictions of the photographs.  His marriage to Kelly and the health and life of their child hang in the balance.

This book was a departure from the type of fiction I normally read, but I enjoyed it.  The story was thought-provoking and the plot contained an unexpected surprise.  The characters were well-drawn and felt real.  The author’s proposition—a camera that tells the truth—was interesting and kept me reading.  I am still pondering the book’s message.

A reader who enjoys fiction with an intriguing message and a bit of improbability in the plot, will most likely enjoy this book.  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

A New Romantic Suspense by Terri Blackstock

Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock

This book is typical of Terri’s blend of romance and suspense.  The characters were interesting, and in some cases, heroic.  The plot moved quickly, but was a little predictable.  The ending was satisfying and left a few questions unanswered.

I found the main character’s vocation, a combination sky jumper/fire fighter, interesting.  Brenna’s dilemma with the custody battle over her children seemed realistic.  Her alcoholic tendencies seemed a little too easily overcome, however.

All in all, it was an entertaining read, but not to be compared to her If I Run series, which I found excellent.  Readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense will like this book.  I received a free copy from the publisher, for this, my honest review.

Wonderful Way to Leave a Written Legacy to Grandchildren

Dear Grandchild, This is Me

A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales

This make-it-your-own-book comes with places for the grandparent to fill in a multitude of pages giving details of their family, early childhood, school, marriage, parenting, and travel.  The grandparent also has the opportunity to answer thought-provoking questions like “What historical event occurred during your life that you’ll never forget?”

The book also contains envelopes with stickers that could hold special letters or memorabilia for the grandchildren.

This is a very special book, with lots of ways for a grandparent to connect with a grandchild.  It would be a marvelous keepsake as the pages would be recorded in the grandparent’s own handwriting.

For any grandparent wishing to leave a legacy in writing to a grandchild, this book provides a well-thought out template.  It is beautifully published and designed to make a lasting keepsake.  I look forward to filling one out for my grandchildren.  I received a free book from the publisher, for this, my honest review.

Entertaining and Thought-provoking Southern Fiction

The Stars of Alabama by Sean Dietrich

I loved so many things about this book!  The setting allowed me to learn about an unfamiliar time in our nation’s history.  The characters were quirky and multi-layered.  The plot kept me reading to determine how the three story lines were going to converge.  And his use of the supernatural was ironic.  The author also handled gritty subjects gracefully and appropriately.

I enjoyed reading about a time period in American history that I knew little about—the dust bowl and into World War 2 on the home front.  The author captured the hardships that families experienced and gave me an appreciation for that part of our history.

I fell in love with the characters and was sorry to see the book end.  I felt as if I had watched them grow up over a period of years and knew them like family members.  They were very well-written and realistic. 

   

I couldn’t anticipate how the plot threads would come together, but it was very satisfying when they did!  Of course the author knew how to use suspense to keep my interest.  The ending was one that made me sigh contentedly.

I thought his inclusion of the supernatural was interesting—especially set against the backdrop of charlatan preachers and in contrast with the house of prostitutes. This book reminded me a bit of Billy Coffey’s books, which also contain some supernatural elements.

This story contained examples of incest, murder, racism, poverty, death, and religious chicanery.  However, the author handled it in a tactful way and always laced a thread of hope through the darkest situation.

I highly recommend this book.  Southern fiction fans will find much to enjoy.  I intend to read more of Sean Dietrich’s books.  I am grateful to the publisher for the free copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

New to me author, Shawn Smucker

Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker

Cohen is trying to figure out why his dad is lying in a puddle of blood in the basement of the family funeral home.  Did he kill his father?  While he tries to answer that question, the reader goes on flashbacks of Cohen’s early family life to determine how they arrived at this point.

This book probes the father-son relationship that seems to be prevalent in our culture.  “Maybe that’s the problem with fathers and sons—they lose each other. . . Everyone loses their dad.  It doesn’t matter if you want to or not.  It’s finding him again that’s the hard part.  I don’t know if that happens very much.”  Cohen counsels Thatcher, a troubled teen he meets in the hospital.

This book is part fiction, part philosophy, part supernatural-thriller and part coming of age novel.  The author was new to me, but this book made me curious to try his other books.

It was well-written and the plot moved along at a decent pace, but I didn’t find a character that resonated with me.  I definitely felt like I was an outsider looking in, trying to figure out what was happening.

I was happy with the resolution of the book.  It does offer hope and doesn’t strand readers in a dark place.

Readers who enjoy Billy Coffey, or Ted Dekker, may find much to like in this book.  I am grateful to  the publisher for the free copy I received for this, my honest review.

Another great book by Connilyn Cossette

Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette 

This book tells the story of Rivkah and Malakhi, who were mentioned briefly in a previous book.  The author continues the tale that she has told through the Cities of Refuge books.  And although I have read her previous books, I think readers who jump in at this book will still follow the storyline fine.  But I bet they will go back to read the books that they have missed! 

This book remains true to Connilyn’s trademark style of plot twists, in-depth character development and rigorously done research. 

I enjoyed reading more about some of her characters from previous books, seeing where their lives had taken them.  I also enjoyed reading about the life in Bible times as she depicts. 

Her writing style is easily read.  The plot twists go beyond what is expected by the reader.  And her books make me more interested in reading the Bible to corroborate the story events—a bonus not easily found in fiction! 

I heartily recommend this book and all her other books.  Readers who enjoy fiction set in Bible times will love this!  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review. 

Complicated Suspense

Secrets Never Die by Laurie Lewis

Complex is the word that seems to sum up this book—its plot, and characters.  I am still puzzling over the actions of some of the characters.  Some were loveable like Bodie and grew on me.  Others were hard to understand or like such as Julia.

The plot was a few separate threads which took many pages to come together in the reader’s mind.  I am still pondering the sequence of events that made up the story.  And the ending had me on an emotional see-saw.  I couldn’t predict how it would end.  The author is to be commended for being able to write such a complicated story.

The book was well-written and kept me engaged as a reader.  I recommend it to those who enjoy clean suspense with a bit of romance.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley, for my honest review.

This is one for book lovers!

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

Madeline Cullen has inherited a bookshop from her estranged aunt.  As an ambitious corporate lawyer, she is dismayed when she fails to make partner and she subsequently quits her job.  Through running and rescuing the floundering bookshop, she discovers what she has never known about her aunt and her aunt’s life.  She also discovers the life-altering power of literature, friendship and love.

This book was satisfying on a number of levels.  The characters were complex and well-drawn.  They experienced growth over the course of the story.  The plot contained some surprises.  The writing was clean and vivid.  The themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and love were threaded throughout the book, demonstrating the power of literature to help change a life.

I really enjoyed this book.  My only criticism was that the changing point of view was sometimes hard for me to follow.  But I recommend this book, especially for lovers of literature.  The book list at the end was an added bonus!  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Futuristic Suspense by Steven James

Synapse by Steven James

Steven James has created a future world where naturals (humans), artificials (robots) and plussers (humans with artificial enhancements) exist together.  In this setting he has staged a suspense.  Kestrel Hathaway, a Methodist minister, is grieving from the loss of her baby daughter and stumbles upon the bombing of the plant where the artificials are manufactured.  Next, she discovers that she is now targeted to be killed.  Nick Vernon, special agent, steps in to investigate Kestrel’s involvement in the bombing.  Once he knows she is innocent, together they try to figure out where the next attack will be and which organization is behind it.  The plot gets more complex and Kestrel and Nick end up in the center of the next attack.  The question for readers is, can the attack be thwarted and who will survive?

I found this book to be a departure from Steven James’ original series about Patrick Bowers.  Although I liked his original books, this one seemed less taut and less adrenalin-laced.  It was, however, much more thought-provoking asking questions such as “What does it mean to be a human? And what is faith and who can exercise it?”

The plot kept me guessing and near the end I found myself siding with the “bad guys”.  If this scenario would play out in real life, I might find myself on the other side of the debate from the main characters. 

I am not sure of the plausibility of this story, but it makes for an interesting read and wasn’t too technical for the average reader.

 

The author left many questions unanswered, so I am wondering if there might be a sequel in the works.  If so, I would read it.

In summary, I enjoy Steven James’ writing and stories and recommend this one to those readers who enjoy suspense with a different setting.  I received a copy of this from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Highly Recommended Book by Elizabeth Byler Younts

The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Brighton is born and grows up in an insane asylum.  She lives there for 18 years and finally manages to escape with her life-long friend, Angel, an albino.  She journeys to find hope, belonging and her true identity.

This is an amazing and powerful story.  I could hardly comprehend the life that Brighton and her mother would have endured in an insane asylum in the 1940’s. 

The characters are complex and their motivations are multi-layered.  How is it that the author can create a character that the reader can at once admire and despise? 

The plot takes turns that the reader can’t anticipate.  It keeps the reader engaged, and even though it switches from past to present, it is easy to follow. 

In short, this book is an amazing story that no one should miss.  I highly recommend it.  I received a copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Teaching Students to Become Life-Long Readers

The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller

This book is one I read for professional development over the summer this year.  I found it to be helpful in learning how to teach kids to LOVE reading.  Donalyn shares her theory and practice in an easy to digest format, sprinkled with many student quotes and examples.

What I took away from this book:  allow students to read books of their own choosing, share your love of reading with students, and give them time in school to read.  If I were a middle school reading teacher, there would be even more ideas to use.

If you love reading and want your students to be life-long readers, this book will set you on the right path.

Essays on Life

Confessions of an American Mystic by River Jordan

River Jordan describes herself as a mystic as “someone who desires to live and breathe and move in the presence of the divine.”  She shares a series of short essays on a variety of topics from her life experiences ranging from death, to steering wheel prayers and living with her aging mother.  Her style is very conversational and casual.  It felt as though I were chatting with a friend over coffee.  Her style is reminiscent of Anne Lamott, and I am sure the two of them would have quite an interesting conversation that I would consider myself fortunate to overhear.

Even though I am not sure that River and I would agree on much theologically, we would be able to agree that life is often messy, challenging and beautiful, and it takes Jesus to get us through, which I think is the point of her book. We can agree to disagree and still converse.  There are so many ways that we as people are alike, despite our many differences.

I enjoyed this book like a conversation with a good friend.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Great new suspense by Carrie Stuart Parks

Fragments of Fear by Carrie Stuart Parks

I loved this book!  It had some of my very favorite things in a book:  a twisting plot, a character who isn’t what you think, a quirky but strong female main character and a satisfying conclusion.  Throw in some missing art, a strained mother-daughter relationship, an unusual dog and non-stop action and you get an excellent read!

Carrie Stuart Parks is one of my favorite authors.  I loved her previous series’ main character, Gwen Marcy, and Tavish is just as relatable and likeable.  I hope to meet her again in the next book by Parks.

If you like a good suspense with a dash of romance, this is the book for you!  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  Read it! 

Romantic Suspense by Kelly Irvin Set in Southwest

Over the Line by Kelly Irvin

Gabriella is an assistant prosecutor turned chef who has some past mistakes she is trying to leave in the past—mainly her ex-fiancé, Eli, a cop.  When her brother, an agent with ATF, disappears, she and her sister jump in and try to find him.  Eli, who still loves Gabby, won’t let her fight this battle alone, because even though she can’t forgive him, he still loves her.

This book has many twists and turns.  The plot development and the author’s development of the characters keep the reader engaged.

The characters are likeable, very human, and interesting but struggling with forgiveness and starting over.  I especially liked Natalie and Deacon’s relationship.

The author addresses wider themes of immigration and the problems of drug cartels and drug-running along the border between Mexico and the United States. She presents the question of how to solve these problems, but gives no obvious solutions.

I enjoyed this book and received a complimentary copy.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

New Romantic Suspense

Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

Bailey Fleming is desperate to escape after her mother’s murder.  She flees to the only place she can think of—a remote dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides.  There she finds more questions and few answers to her mother’s death.  Can the cabin’s secret link with a dangerous ring of human traffickers shed any light on her past?

And can Lance Phoenix, FBI agent, manage to find his missing sister? Just what connections does Bailey have with the human traffickers that Lance seeks?

Coble’s signature blend of romance and suspense are threaded through this novel.  The characters are likeable, the plot moves quickly and the resolution is satisfying.  The only criticism I have was that I wasn’t sure at times how realistic the actions of the FBI agents were.  But if you are looking for a fast-moving romantic suspense book, you will enjoy this one!

Lovely and Thoughtful Book on Placemaking

Placemaker by Christie Purifoy

God invites us to live as placemakers, Christie Purifoy contends.  In this autobiographical book, she explores what that involves and questions if we make places or if they make us.

From her life in different places, she derives meaning in the daily settings in which we find ourselves and the trees, plants and gardens that we cultivate there.

Although this is outside the scope of my usual reading diet, I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book.  Christie’s prose is lyrical and yet honest.  She details the beauty in God’s created order and appreciates the history behind both her places and plants.

If you have a love of people, places, and living things, you will enjoy this lovely book.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and this is my honest review. 

Romantic Suspense by Kelly Irwin

Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irwin

Nina Fischer bears deep scars from life.  Because of that, she trusts no one. Her mother abandoned her and her sister years ago.  Having been adopted by her wealthy, respected uncle, she is shocked when he is found murdered in his study.  Using her investigative journalist skills, she searches for his killer, but is considered a prime suspect by police.  As people around her are murdered, she struggles to know who she can trust and why her father would be murdered.  The answers are surprising.

Tell Her No Lies has interesting characters who aren’t always what they seem.  By the end of the book, they have been revealed for themselves.  The author delivers some surprises along the way.

The plot moves along quickly.  It has some unexpected twists that catch the reader off guard.  It also highlights an issue important to the main character—homelessness.

Kelly Irwin, the author, was new to me.  She has written Amish romances, which I have not read.  She has seamlessly transitioned to romantic suspense.  I would say she is in the same league with Colleen Coble and Carrie Stuart Parks.  Readers of romantic suspense will enjoy this book.  I received a copy in return for this, my honest review.

    

Biblical Fiction on the life of Daniel

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

Mesu Andrews has undertaken a real challenge—fictionalizing the life of Daniel.  She has meticulously researched his life and times, and given him a fictional family.  She takes the facts from the Biblical narrative and fleshes out the details, conversations, and people that would have stitched those facts together.  After reading this book, I wanted to re-read the book of Daniel.  In my mind, that is what excellent Biblical fiction does:  drives the reader to scripture.

Her characters, especially Daniel, became real to me.  I loved having a peek into his life and culture. Especially fascinating was her account of Nebuchadnezzar becoming a beast due to God’s judgment. In addition, I loved how her characters grew and changed over the course of their lives.

The one thing that was difficult for me to follow was the changing point of view.  I had to read carefully to determine which character was narrating the events.  However, after a while I got the hang of that.

If you enjoy reading Biblical fiction that will make you hunger more for scripture, then this book is for you.  I received a copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Thrive in  Retirement:  Simple Secrets for Being Happy for the Rest of Your Life

By Eric Thurman

I jumped at the chance to review this book published by WaterbrookMultnomah, because I am in the target audience.  It was written in a very folksy, conversational style that makes you feel like you are getting advice from a slightly-older friend over coffee.

Eric does offer good advice centering around 3 key words:  purpose, pleasure and peace.  He ties those into the main aspects of life including mind, body, soul, relationships, and finances.  He encourages readers to do some important soul-searching and decide what actions they should take in order to make the most of their golden years.

I found this book to be practical with sections in the appendix to help readers plan well for their death.  Although this sounds morbid, having a plan alleviates much stress for the individual and his or her family.  I highly recommend this book.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

Hana Abboud is a young lawyer from Israel, who is tapped by her law firm to work on a case involving a terrorist killing of a young mother in Jerusalem.  The husband is seeking damages for the death of his wife.  Hana and another lawyer travel to Israel to investigate the case.  While there, they encounter the terrorists responsible for the attack.

The title and setting of this book attracted me.  After having traveled to Israel on a couple of occasions, I enjoy learning more about it.

I have read many of Robert Whitlow’s novels and this seems typical of his style.  His latest books contain female lawyers as the main characters.  They are also believers who try to live out their faith.

However, this particular book was not my cup of tea.  His main character, despite his attempts at making her human, did not interest me.  The plot developed too slowly for my liking.  I did enjoy the plot twist, but could sense it coming.  However, this isn’t to say that others haven’t enjoyed this book.  The online reviews I saw rated it highly.  Fans of his will surely enjoy this one, also.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.