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

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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.

 

Comforting Devotional by Joni Tada

A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, writes honestly about life and suffering.  In her down to earth way, she encourages the readers to let God’s light shine through them every day.   Focusing on a daily scripture verse, her devotionals begin with a common word picture or experience and draw the reader into the heart of her point.  She closes with a heartfelt prayer.

The book is well-written and grounded in God’s word. It accomplishes the goal of encouraging readers to glorify God despite their suffering.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading the daily entries and heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting some encouragement through life’s difficult journey.     

A Story of Life and Death by Billy Coffey

Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey

Abel Shifflett is a most unusual child, but he feels overlooked by his peers and is picked on by the school bully.  Because of his latest plot to take revenge on Chris, the bully, he has exasperated his mother.  Shortly afterwards he unwittingly thwarts her only plan to be able to pay a few bills and finally get a bit ahead.  He feels guilty and hopes to change their situation.  On the basis of a word he received from a traveling healer, he decides to find his missing father.  On this journey with his friend, Dumb Willie, and a hobo he names Dorothy, he learns much about life and death.

I appreciate the author’s writing style.  Coffey’s novels are set in the small southern town of Mattingly, with a glimpse of the supernatural in them, and this one is no exception.  His prose is easy to read.  His convoluted plot keeps readers guessing and reading.  He gently leads the reader along and reveals the story layer upon layer.  His characters are richly drawn and flawed yet lovable, which was a bit surprising once all is revealed in this novel.  This book was absorbing and thought-provoking.  If you are looking for a different kind of southern fiction, this book is one that you will enjoy.     

Romantic Suspense by Colleen Coble

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens by Colleen Coble

(A Sunset Cove Novel)

This book is Coble’s third in the Sunset Cove series, however, she gives enough information regarding the characters’ pasts to enable the reader to enjoy the book.  Kate Mason, the main character, has returned home to care for her family’s blueberry barrens.  She happens upon some hard times and must resort to renting out a cottage for additional income.  Drake Newham, in town with his two nieces, is investigating his brother and sister-in-law’s untimely deaths.  He agrees to rent the cottage and their lives become entwined through their search for truth.

Although Colleen Coble is an author in her own right, fans of Karen Kingsbury will find much to like in this novel.  The characters are people you might like to have as your neighbors (even though they are all either handsome or beautiful.)  The story is well-paced and keeps the reader’s attention through a few plot twists.  The ending was satisfying, although not entirely unexpected, but left enough unanswered questions for the next book.  All in all, it was an enjoyable read, but a little less suspenseful and full of more romance than I usually prefer.  I’m sure many readers will enjoy it and want to read the complete series.

The Knife-Edge Balance Between Ministry and Family

Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix

This book recounts the story of Lauren’s life and marriage.  Her journey to becoming the mother her son needed and the wife that her husband didn’t expect.  Her journey startled me.  It caused me to rethink God’s calling and how a family responds to that.  It caused me to see the knife-edge balance that the called must walk between vocation and family.  I wanted desperately for this beautifully written story to have a happy ending, but it didn’t.

The story rang true on many levels.  The author captured the pain of a wife who had lost her husband to God’s call.  It clearly expressed the pain a mother experiences when her child turns against her.  It paints a desperate picture of a child in agony.  It also showed the single-mindedness of a man who ignores his family in pursuit of God.

This is an eye-opening story.  I am sorry for the shattered lives it represents, but glad that the author had the courage and the grace to recount this story.  It is a worthy read and one that those in Christian service should consider reading.  I received this book free from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

  

Novel with a Grim Financial Warning

The Domino Effect by Davis Bunn

Davis Bunn’s novel warns readers of a coming financial collapse. The main character, Esther Larsen, child prodigy and now grown-up stock market analyst makes a horrifying discovery.  Using her intellect and experience in the stock market, she begins to warn others of her concerns.  The question is:  can one person do anything to prevent the coming crash?

Bunn’s writing was clear, but the story seemed a thinly veiled excuse for a warning.  The characters weren’t as developed as I would have liked, and the plot wasn’t one that kept the reader guessing.  I got lost in much of the financial gibberish.  This is not to say that a more financially savvy reader wouldn’t have appreciated the book more than I did.  However, I was reading for the literary value and not the underlying warning.

I made myself finish the book and was glad I did because it did have a hopeful outcome.  However, I don’t think I would be eager to read a sequel.  This is not to say that he is not a good author, but one whose writing style didn’t click with me.  I received this free book in return for my honest review, which I have given.