Charles Martin's latest novel

 

The Last Exchange by Charles Martin

Pockets is the strong, silent type and takes a job to protect Maybe Jo Sue, an unlikely rising star.  Through her cinematic successes and personal failures he remains steadfast, never crossing the line between his personal feelings and his professional duty.  Finally, he takes her at her word and saves her from herself, but in doing so, he risks himself and his future.

Charles Martin creates strong, swoon-worthy heroes.  I am glad he is not afraid to write books where the hero can give himself for another.  His books truthfully portray the self-sacrificing love that Christ has for his church.

Beside the strong characters, he weaves a plot that surprises the reader but leads to a potentially happy ending.  Whenever he publishes a new book, I make it a point to read that one.  In my opinion, he is one of the best Christian writers in the market today.  His writing isn’t preachy, but the characters act out the true meaning of love.

I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

A New Devotional from Joni

 

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus

Daily Meditations on the Nearness of our Savor

By Joni Eareckson Tada with John Sloan

This little devotional book packs quite a punch.  It features 110 devotions with a quote from Brother Lawrence on one side and a meditation from Joni on the other.  If you want to continue in self-pity or lukewarm Christianity, do not read this book!

I found it to be quite encouraging.  Joni can speak with authority on the blessing of suffering.  She shares her secrets of communion with Jesus in simple childlike terms.  Though the selections are short, they leave the reader with much to ponder.

I highly recommend this book and I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy for this, my honest review.

John Grisham's newest novel

 

The Exchange by John Grisham

Abby and Mitch McDeere star in this novel, 15 years after The Firm.  One of Mitch’s colleagues has been kidnapped and Mitch must spearhead the effort to collect the 100 million ransom.

I enjoyed reading about Abby and Mitch again, and their life after his employment at the firm.   There were no courtroom settings but some international travel, which was interesting. I kept waiting for Grisham’s trademark plot twist, which never really came.   All in all, this book left me rather flat, but for a reader wanting to follow up on Abby and Mitch’s latest adventures, it would be a worthy read.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for this, my honest opinion.

An Apiary Setting

 

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

Callie and Beckett have no idea the other exists until each are named in the trust of beekeeper George Walsh. As the two women are thrown together, they struggle to begin to understand what George intended and why.

Both have been damaged by the past.  But with help from each other and their friends and family, they begin to heal and discover that a new life is possible.

This story had some unusual elements including an apiary, a tornado and a small charming “alien.”  The characters were relatable and loveable, especially Fern.  The author leaves some questions unanswered but provides a satisfactory and believable conclusion.  I found myself wondering what would happen to the characters after the conclusion of the book, a sign of a well-written book.

I appreciate the complimentary copy of this arc, in return for this, my honest review.  

 

Unusual Post Civil War story

 

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller

This novel is based on some historical evidence of a special place where emancipated blacks formed a community to support each other, run by their designated king and queen.  It was a fascinating account and highlights the struggles that black people experienced before and then after the Civil War. 

The author creates a strong and determined Louella Montgomery as the queen of the Happy Land.  Her husband, King William, was by her side until his death and was then replaced by his brother, Robert.  William and Louella were characters to admire as they grew in love and forgiveness.  They led their people well.

Although I enjoyed learning about this special community, the writing style didn’t draw me in.  It was difficult for me to connect with the characters even though I admired them.  I wonder if the author didn’t try to tell too much of the story and in the process sacrificed the readers’ emotional connection with the characters.

Nevertheless, this book has much to offer readers who enjoy knowing the history of the Civil War period.  I am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for this my honest review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New BIblical Fiction

Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette

The author continues her series of Biblical fiction The King’s Men with a coming-of-age novel revolving around Avidan and Keziah.  Avidan is a Levite who is trying to break free from the constraints of his life by running away to join the army raised by the new king Saul.  Keziah is running away from an arranged marriage to a wicked man.

As usual, the author creates characters that seem to step off the pages into the reader’s heart.  In addition to wonderful characters, this book gives the reader a clearer understanding of the heartbeat of the times when the Israelites were a collection of disjointed tribes, some of whom had forgotten who Yahweh was.

One of the things I like best about Cossette’s writing is that it is redemptive.  Avi comes to understand and trust His God in a clearer way and the reader leaves the book with a greater understanding of the trustworthiness of God.

The ending was satisfying but still left some questions unanswered and room for a sequel.  If readers haven’t yet read a book by Connilyn Cossette, consider this your encouragement to do so!  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in exchange for this, my honest review.

Split-Time Novel with Friendship and Second Chances

 

Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke

This split-time novel centers on four young ladies who attend the prestigious Lakeside Ladies Academy in the years up to 1910.  As we learn of their adventures at the school, we fast forward to the present where they have graduated and made their way into the world.

This story dwells on second chances, forgiveness, and enduring friendships.  It is well-written and easy to get lost in.  The author skillfully weaves the story line between the past and present and even manages a rather surprising plot twist that had me rereading to see what pertinent clues I had missed.

Readers who enjoy women’s fiction, split-time stories and happy endings will find much to like in this novel, as I did.  I recommend this novel and am grateful to the publisher for this arc in exchange for this, my honest review.