You keep all your promises. You are the Creator of heaven’s glory, Earth’s grandeur, and ocean’s greatness. The oppressed get justice WITH YOU. The hungry are satisfied WITH YOU. Prisoners find their freedom WITH YOU. You open the eyes of the blind, and you fully restore those bent over with shame. Psalm 146: 6-8 TPT
With You May 29, 2015
A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron May 28, 2015
About:
Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they’ll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it.
Today. With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiancé threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life.
June 1942. After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kája Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kája has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kája finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin.
Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kája will fight to protect all they hold dear.
About the Author
Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with WWII since hearing her grandfather’s stories. She holds an Art History degree from Indiana University and has 15 years industry experience as a corporate learning facilitator and communications consultant. Kristy writes WWII and Regency fiction. She makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons. Website: http://www.kristycambron.com Twitter: @KCambronAuthor Facebook: Kristy-L-Cambron-Author
My thoughts:
I couldn’t wait to read this book after I read Kristy’s debut novel. I wasn’t disappointed.
I love the contrast between the past and the present. I would love to know if Kristy writes all of one story and then all of the next and then breaks them up.
I wondered how the two stories related and couldn’t wait to connect the dots.
In the present we pick up with Sera and William and their marriage that is quickly interrupted. Doubt lingers in their future and around the integrity of William. But Sera stands by him and their love only grows stronger.
In the past we are with Kája and her journey to freedom, or so she thinks. But things don’t work out that way and she is thrust into a place of anything but freedom.
If you are like me and enjoy contemporary and historical this is a perfect read for you, it will satisfy much of what you look for in a good book.
Visit Kristy here.
Grab your copy at your local book store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.
An e-copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through Book Look Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
The Turning by Davis Bunn May 26, 2015
About:
The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable.
A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within. Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command. And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey.
Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand. Only later would they see a pattern emerge – one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation. They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility. And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions.
But power and money are at stake. Malicious elements soon align themselves to counter the trend. To succeed they must also undermine its source. Can we really believe that God speaks to people today? Surely this must be dismissed as superstition or delusion. These well-intentioned but misguided individuals should not be allowed to cast our society back into the Dark Ages.
The public debate and media frenzy place an unprecedented spotlight on knowing and doing God’s will. The five encounter threats, but try to remain steadfast in their faith. Had God indeed imparted wisdom on selected individuals? Is this sweep of events part of his divine purpose?
The movement may herald a profound renewal – one that some are calling The Turning…
My thoughts:
I requested to review this book based on another review I read. It sounded so good.
I have to say I didn’t love this book. It all seemed so random to me and it took a long time to all come together. I just never connected with the characters. Maybe because there were so many point-of-view characters?
I never got invested in this story, I’m sad to say. I really wanted to like it because it sounded so good and has gotten great reviews. But unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me.
As always, this is my opinion only and this might be a book you enjoy.
Visit Davis here.
Grab a copy at your local book store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sensing God’s Presence May 22, 2015
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 NLT
I saw a video yesterday about how children can sense their mom by touch and smell without seeing her. I was brought to tears.
As I watched I was reminded there have been many times in my life where it seemed I didn’t see God or Him moving. Yet, if I reached out my hand I could feel Him near, I could taste and smell His goodness.
I love when the children found their mom they wrapped their little arms around her. Oh, let us come to Jesus like children. Reaching, stretching and wrapping our arms around Him.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I hope you will be blessed by this video.
Water from my Heart by Charles Martin May 21, 2015
About:
Charlie Finn had to grow up fast, living alone by age sixteen. Highly intelligent, he earned a life-changing scholarship to Harvard, where he learned how to survive and thrive on the outskirts of privileged society.
That skill served him well in the cutthroat business world, as it does in more lucrative but dangerous ventures he now operates off the coast of Miami.
Charlie tries to separate relationships from work. But when his choices produce devastating consequences, he sets out to right wrongs, traveling to Central America where he will meet those who have paid for his actions, including a woman and her young daughter. Will their fated encounter present Charlie with a way to seek the redemption he thought was impossible—and free his heart to love one woman as he never knew he could?
My thoughts:
I have been wanting to read something by Charles Martin for a few years. I have heard excellent things about his books. Still, as I opened the pages of this book I wasn’t sure what to expect from his writing.
Wow. This is not your typical Christian fiction. I loved this book. Which is strange to say because our leading character isn’t a nice guy, not on the outside anyway. Deep down you can sense there is goodness in him, he just needs an encounter with the love of Christ.
This book sort of reminded me of Breaking Bad, or at least what I have heard about it. I haven’t actually watched the series, I’ve seen bits and pieces (dare I admit it?) and have heard others talk about the series. But the guy himself isn’t really a bad guy but is doing horrible things because he thinks it’s the best way to make money and make it fast.
The good news is both the character in Breaking Bad and this book see the error of their ways and try to make amends. But at what cost? What lives have been damaged because of these choices? Can things be redeemed?
Since this is a Christian book you hope there will be redemption. You but you will have to read the book for yourself to see if and how that all comes to be.
A wonderful read that will have you thinking about the book long after the last page.
Visit Charles here.
Grab your copy at your local book store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.
An e-copy of this book this book was given to me by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade May 18, 2015
About:
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.
When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.
Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?
My thoughts:
I have read the first two books in this series and loved them. I couldn’t wait to read this one.
The first book took me a while to get into while the second had my heart twisting and aching from the first few pages. I was hoping this book would be more like the second.
However, it took me a while to really get into this one. It was good, don’t get me wrong. I think I just had this expectation that it would grip me from the beginning. And although, I did care about the characters my heart wasn’t twisting in pain for them from the very beginning. It took awhile, but it did happen.
Lyndie is such a sweet spirit. I love her determination when it come to life. She has a disabled sister that honestly has prepared her to deal with Jake. Also, there is a horse that Lyndie is determined to win over. You’ll just have to read the book to see what happens.
Jake, or “tall, dark and brooding” as Lyndie likes to call him, totally fights his feelings for Lyndie, yet has this need to protect her and take care of her. The internal struggle within him is so real, you will feel his pain.
One thing I don’t remember in the other books is being inside the head of secondary characters. But this time we get to meet up with a character from the first book and see her point-of-view on things.
I also enjoyed seeing the other Porters and what they are up to.
If you haven’t read the other two books you won’t be lost. This can be read as a stand-alone.
Overall, another great book by Becky Wade. Contemporary romance lovers will enjoy this newest installment.
Visit Becky here.
Grab your copy at your local book store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.
An e-copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Chance of Loving You May 14, 2015
About:
An anthology by three bestselling romance authors
For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock Trying to launch her own design firm while waitressing on the side, Julie Sheffield was drawn to the kind man she waited on at the restaurant last night . . . until he stiffed her on the tip by leaving her half of a sweepstakes ticket.
The Recipe by Candace Calvert Hospital dietary assistant Aimee Curran is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off to prove she’s finally found her calling. But while caring for one of her patients—the elderly grandmother of a handsome CSI photographer—Aimee begins to question where she belongs.
Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren Grad student Abigail Cushman has agreed to enter the annual Deep Haven fishing contest. She’s a quick learner, even if she doesn’t know the difference between a bass and a trout. But nothing could prepare her for competing against the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.
One chance for each woman to change her life . . . but will love be the real prize?
My thoughts:
What a wonderful group of writers. You know you really can’t go wrong with this book because of the excellent authors gathered here.
For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock: I loved how this story began. The down and out hero finding a listening ear in a waitress. The tension that arises when he realizes he can’t afford his meal and the half of a ticket left behind. All the ground work is laid for an interesting romance. I enjoyed this story very much and the two main characters grabbed my heart.
The Recipe by Candace Calvert The two main characters in this book don’t start off liking each other much due to a very funny incident (or not so funny, depending on how you look at it). Judgments are made, that is often the case. I enjoyed following Aimee’s adventure into vegan cooking and trying to win a contest so she can afford school. We also have a meddling grandmother who tries to push the two characters together. A fun read.
Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren Again, we have some tension right away as Abigail doesn’t have anything good to say about our hero. He does seem to still care about her but it’s his fault why they aren’t together. I like that bit of information being dropped at the beginning, it made me want to know what he did to lose her to begin with.
Overall, a nice collection. As with a lot of novella’s sometimes things seemed rush but really you have three nice stories here that I enjoyed.
See Terri’s bio here.
See Candace’s bio here.
See Susan’s bio here.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.