Children's Book

 Crowned with Glory by Dorena Williamson and illustrated by Shellene Rodney

As a grandmother and a Caucasian, I am probably not the target audience of this book. As an elementary teacher and grandmother to granddaughters, I was curious to see if this was a book I could share with the children in my life. It would give them a window into another culture. However, there were a few terms like "plaits dope" and "bantu knots" that I would not be able to explain, and which were not explained. 

 The illustrations were colorful and enjoyable, and the book was uplifting and positive. Other types of children beside Azira were also represented in this book, as well as their families. I loved the emphasis of Azira being created by God and crowned with His glory--something that all girls need to know. This book would be a fun addition to any little girl's bookshelf. 

Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

 Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

This is an amazing book!  I really enjoyed reading it via my favorite app, Hoopla.  It had a riveting plot complete with some surprises, a cast full of fascinating characters, and writing that was lyrical and handled difficult subjects with grace.

Set in the Great War, it follows the Angel of Argonne through the war and details some of the hardships that people experienced.  She is rescued by 3 men attached to the British forces. They must complete their mission to return her to her home across a war-torn countryside. 

 Reading this book gave me an appreciation for what men and women suffered as war destroyed their homes and lives.  Despite the chaos and destruction, the author infuses light into the darkness.

I highly recommend this author and this book for those who enjoy historical fiction or anyone who desires to see more of light in their world.

A Novel about Difficult Subjects

 

The Girl Who Could Breathe Underwater by Erin Bartels

Kendra is a successful first-time author, who is under a looming deadline for her second book. To overcome her writer’s block, she returns to Hidden Lake, the setting for her first book where she writes about a girl who has been sexually abused.  There she encounters memories and people who figured prominently in her first book. Determined to be more like her first protagonist, she faces them despite the pain they cause.  And in facing them, she comes to understand more about herself.

Bartels writes a book that speaks to the horrors that many young girls have experienced—sexual abuse.  This book is not for everyone.  There will be triggers for those who have lived through this.  Despite the difficulty of the subject, Bartels handles it well, but I would recommend it only for adult readers.

Kendra’s story also includes the beauty of a pure love story, the strength of a young woman to overcome her challenges and the discovery that every story has two sides.

Her descriptions are lyrical and although this is not expressly a Christian novel, it contains hope, personal growth and a character who shows Christ-like love.  I thought it was very well written and commend Bartels for broaching difficult and complicated subjects with grace.  I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.  These thoughts are my own.

 The Inventions of God (and Eva)

Story by Dave Connis and Art by Amy Domingo

This colorful book was a hit with my second grade class.  The children especially enjoyed Dr. Katsworth, Eva’s creation.

  I enjoyed this book because it illustrates a difficult concept for children to grasp—how people are created in God’s image.

As a Christian teacher, I found it helpful to present this book to underscore how we are created in God’s image—a foundational concept we cover when studying God’s creation of the world.  Even though the concept is abstract, Amy’s colorful drawings and Dave’s childlike prose invite the reader to explore just how God and Eva are alike.  It also illustrates how God delights in Eva, His creation.

This playful book for children sneaks in some hefty theology in a very palatable way.  I highly recommend it for parents and Christian teachers alike!

 

New Mystery Series

 

All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon

Annalee Spain is the “colored professor” at a Chicago Bible college.  She has been summoned to Colorado to help solve the murder of her father.  She answers the summons despite having no job or money and knowing only the people from her childhood church.  Her trip launches her on a new life and new career with the promise of more adventures to come.

There were several things that I enjoyed about this book.  I enjoyed the characters, especially Annalee and Eddie.  I enjoyed reading about a time in history that I knew little about.  I enjoyed reading a book about a woman of a different background than me.  I also enjoyed Annalee’s inner dialogue, which was easy to relate to.  The references to Sherlock Holmes were a fun bonus.

Patricia Raybon’s writing was entertaining.  The mystery was not predictable or easily solved.  The plot was exciting and unpredictable.  She laid the groundwork for an interesting series.  I look forward to reading more of Annalee’s adventures.   I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Timely Topics and an Encouraging Story

 

The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt

Ginger and her two sisters, Penny and Rose, meet at their grandmother’s cottage to ready it for its upcoming sale.  While they are there, Ginger’s carefully ordered world crumbles when she discovers her husband’s infidelity.  Penny is ready to step out of her marriage and Rose is planning her suicide.  The three sisters have no idea of each other’s struggles.

Angela Hunt typically writes about a myriad of topics and has a way of gripping a reader until she ends the story.   This book was no different.  Not only did she hold my attention, but she also addressed a variety of heavy topics for Christian fiction.  Infidelity, abortion and suicide all played a part in this story.  Through relevant topics, she a demonstrated how easily the past can influence a family’s present.

I found this book to be encouraging.  Even though each of the characters had flaws, they repented and grew through their experiences and through the example of their grandmother.  There was hope for each of them as they addressed the challenges in their lives.  I enjoyed this book and think that other readers who enjoy women’s fiction will, too. 

 

Unusual and Captivating Setting

Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse 

Ellie Fields, a young, determined teacher leaves her home and family in Alabama and heads for Bernadette, Louisiana for a position that no one else wants.  During her tenure there, she confronts prejudice against the Cajun students she teaches, as well as their families.  In standing up for her children, she becomes a beloved member of the community.  But unanticipated danger finds her and those she loves in this small town. 

  

The author introduces readers to a place that is easy to fall in love with.  I was captivated by her rich descriptions of the bayou and the mystery of the L’ esprit Blanc, the white alligator.  The characters were also charming and easy to love. Ellie, Raphe, Remy, Doc, and Heywood welcomed me into their world. 

  

Although some of the challenges faced by the characters were too quickly resolved in my opinion, like Remy feeling wanted by Raphe and Ellie, the plot moved along nicely, and kept my attention.  I especially enjoyed the part that the white alligator played.  The epilogue was a bonus that I unquestionably enjoyed. 

Readers wanting to be transported to a new part of the world will enjoy this story.  I am grateful to the publisher and author for a free copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.