I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for an honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
In this sequel to The
Bargain, Betsie Troyer is back home in her Amish community where she
knows she belongs, free from the confusing Englisher way of life. She
and Charley Yoder have made promises to each other, and her life is back
on track--until Gerald Sullivan shows up with his young daughter,
asking for Betsie's help. He’s on his way to find his estranged wife,
and begs Betsie to take young Sheila in. When she agrees, Betsie's
carefully planned life is shaken up again. Sheila's new found faith is
troubling to Charley--and his attraction to another girl is beginning to
be a problem. But how can Betsie confront him when she is still trying
to confront her own feelings about Sheila's brother, Michael? Keeping
the peace between the Amish man she's always loved, a twelve-year-old
Englisher girl, and a draft-dodging hippie is more than she ever thought
she’d have to deal with in her simple, orderly life. Still, Betsie is
convinced she can keep things from falling apart completely. Then during
her best friend's wedding, tragedy strikes and her world is upended.
She has to make a decision: does she love Charley or Michael . . . or is
she craving a deeper love that only God can give? The compelling second
novel of the Plain City Peace series, The Bachelor deftly weaves
together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era
of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.
My Thoughts:
The Bachelor is the second book in Stephanie Reed's Plain City Peace Series. I had the pleasure of reading her first book, The Bargain, so I was very excited when The Bachelor came out, it had been a long wait. Amish Fiction and Historical Fiction are my favorite genres and this series is both so I LOVE IT! In this next book, Betsie is back home in her Amish community, happy to get back to her plain way of life. Betsie isn't back long before Mr. Sullivan, her English employer, shows up asking Betsie to take in his daughter, Shelia, while he goes to find his wife and try to bring her back to the family. Shelia has nowhere else to go because her brother, Michael, is gone too. Betsie couldn't refuse especially because of her love for the Sullivans especially Shelia. Betsie finds her simple life very complicated again. Betsie is raising her sister and now their brother comes back home after staying with their older brother. Their parents and Aunt Lovina are living in the city as Christians, shunned from their Amish community and happy to be able to believe in Christ. Betsie and her family are being watched by everyone in the community especially Betsie's beau's mom. She is just waiting for Betsie to slip up and has made no secret of it. Charley, Betsie's beau has taken "control" of Betsie's family farm and trying to take control of the Troyer family. Shelia's presence and her faith threaten Charley and he does what he can to convince Betsie Shelia shouldn't be there. As Betsie works hard to keep peace and help Shelia she is also dealing with her torn feelings between Charley and Michael Sullivan. Michael finds himself draft dodging in Tennessee and has written to Betsie and Shelia many times. As Betsie is dealing with all of this she finds out her best friend is moving up her wedding and moving away. While at the wedding, tragedy strikes the Troyer Family and her whole world has fallen apart.
The Bachelor is a great story that combines my two favorite genres, Amish and Historical Fiction. This book takes place in 197, after the Kent State massacre, the draft, the anti war roits and of course the Vietnam war, a time in history that I haven't read many books about, especially about the Amish during this time. This is a very unique story and series. Stephanie Reed writes with authority on The Amish, our country in 1970's, Ohio, and Christian Faith. I loved the way Stephanie Reed starts every chapter with a verse or a saying that Betsie had recorded in her journal or from the Bible. I enjoyed most of the characters in this book, especially Betsie and Shelia. As different as their worlds are they are so much alike and do whatever they can to help each other. They are truly like sisters. Their interactions are deep and their connection is amazing considering the differences in their upbringing. I also enjoyed the letters between Betsie and Michael. Again two people from two different worlds who connect in such a loving way. I found myself unable to put this book down once I picked it up. Stephanie Reed kept me guessing until the end and now I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out.....it will be a long wait! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish and Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed! I impatiently await the next book in this series!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Destiny Defied: Book One in The Destiny Series By J.A. Marx
I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Trapped on a mysterious island, eighteen-year-old Riki finds refuge with four strangers. Isaac, the rugged EMT, insists no one else is around, but Riki cannot ignore her fear that someone is stalking her. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to overthrow Darkness, Riki will choose death over returning to captivity.
Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim the chosen one, but he must do so before her introduction to the real world ruins her royal destiny. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life...something she has never known.
My Thoughts:
Destiny Defied is J.A. Marx's first book in her new Destiny Series. I have not read anything by J.A.Marx before but when I read the description I was intrigued. Rikki is 18 years old and is stranded on an island with four strangers who are caring for her after they found her almost dead on the beach. These four friends are caring for Rikki and under the impression they are the only ones on the island but Rikki feels someone watching her every move. Rikki has never lived in the "real" world, only the world she was born into. Lord Vetis, a high priest of The Underground cult, is on the island watching Rikki and her companions. He is waiting for the right moment to to reclaim the chosen one, Rikki. While Rikki is learning about the real world, Lord Vetis is trying to counter this learning, afraid it will ruin her destiny and the cults agenda.
Destiny Defied is a Christian Supernatural thriller that definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. I have not read anything from J.A. Marx so this book was my first experience and I am very glad I did. Destiny Defied is described as Frank Peretti meets a modern day Treasure Island, and that is a very accurate description. As a fan of Frank Peretti and other supernatural books this book really caught my attention. I found myself unable to put this book down for very long and J.A. Marx definitely kept me guessing until the end. As I read this book I really feel like it is appropriate for Teens and adults. I enjoyed the interactions of the four friends and their struggle to help Rikki, especially as they shared their faith with her and explained about God to her. All of the characters in this book fit together perfectly to make this a very interesting story. J.A. Marx has released the other two books in this series at the same time so I look forward to reading the other two books and glad I don't have to wait for them to be released! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural fiction, especially books by Frank Peretti, you will enjoy this one. I give this book 4 STARS.
Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx's Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.
J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2.
One grand prize winner will receive:
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Book Description:
Trapped on a mysterious island, eighteen-year-old Riki finds refuge with four strangers. Isaac, the rugged EMT, insists no one else is around, but Riki cannot ignore her fear that someone is stalking her. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to overthrow Darkness, Riki will choose death over returning to captivity.
Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim the chosen one, but he must do so before her introduction to the real world ruins her royal destiny. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life...something she has never known.
My Thoughts:
Destiny Defied is J.A. Marx's first book in her new Destiny Series. I have not read anything by J.A.Marx before but when I read the description I was intrigued. Rikki is 18 years old and is stranded on an island with four strangers who are caring for her after they found her almost dead on the beach. These four friends are caring for Rikki and under the impression they are the only ones on the island but Rikki feels someone watching her every move. Rikki has never lived in the "real" world, only the world she was born into. Lord Vetis, a high priest of The Underground cult, is on the island watching Rikki and her companions. He is waiting for the right moment to to reclaim the chosen one, Rikki. While Rikki is learning about the real world, Lord Vetis is trying to counter this learning, afraid it will ruin her destiny and the cults agenda.
Destiny Defied is a Christian Supernatural thriller that definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. I have not read anything from J.A. Marx so this book was my first experience and I am very glad I did. Destiny Defied is described as Frank Peretti meets a modern day Treasure Island, and that is a very accurate description. As a fan of Frank Peretti and other supernatural books this book really caught my attention. I found myself unable to put this book down for very long and J.A. Marx definitely kept me guessing until the end. As I read this book I really feel like it is appropriate for Teens and adults. I enjoyed the interactions of the four friends and their struggle to help Rikki, especially as they shared their faith with her and explained about God to her. All of the characters in this book fit together perfectly to make this a very interesting story. J.A. Marx has released the other two books in this series at the same time so I look forward to reading the other two books and glad I don't have to wait for them to be released! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys supernatural fiction, especially books by Frank Peretti, you will enjoy this one. I give this book 4 STARS.
Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx's Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.
J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx.
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 2nd!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Murder, Simply Stitched : The Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Book 2 By Isabella Alan
I received this book from the author, Isabella Alan, for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
When Angela Braddock enters her quilts in an Amish auction, she never expects one of her neighbors to end up going, going, gone....
Angie is finding her niche as the new owner of her late aunt’s Amish quilt shop, Running Stitch. But as the summer is winding down, so is business. To bolster support for the shop, Angie decides to sell her quilts in the Rolling Brook Amish Auction, including some of her aunt’s most prized works.
The quilts promise to be a hit—but the gavel comes down on the lively event when Angie stumbles upon the body of township trustee Wanda Hunt behind a canning shed. The cause of death: a poisoned blueberry fry pie from Rachel Miller’s bakery table. Now Angie’s closest friend is a murder suspect. With Angie taking the lead, she and the other women of her aunt’s quilting circle set out to patch together the clues and stop a killer set on shredding the simple peace of Rolling Brook.
Includes Quilting Tips!
My Thoughts:
Murder, Simply Stitched is the second book in Isabella Alan's series, The Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series, and it is FANTASTIC. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her first book in this series, Murder, Plain and Simple, so I was excited to get the chance to for this second one. Angela Braddock is running the quilt shop her Aunt left her,Running Stitch, and finding her place in this Amish society. To help make ends meet and get some advertisement for her shop she enters some of the quilts her aunt made. With the help of her lifelong friends, The Grabers, she gets a spot in the Amish Auction. While walking around the auction ground, Angie walks into a crime scene, Wanda Hunt a town trustee, on the ground with a blueberry fry pie in her hand. Just like the one Rachel Miller gave Wanda after they had words about the Miller's plans to open a factory for their bakery which Wanda has been against. Wanda Hunt died from an allergy to peanuts. Peanuts that were found in the fry pie Wanda had been eating. So Angie and the other women from their quilting circle set out to find out who did this and to help the Miller's get approval for their factory.
Murder, Simply Stitched is a FANTASTIC story. I love Isabella Alan's writing and have had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, Murder, Plain and Simple. As a huge fan of Amish Fiction and suspense books, this series is PERFECT for me. Isabella Alan writes with authority on The Amish, Quilting, baking, auctions, and police investigations. I find once I start reading Isabella Alan's books I cannot put them down and they keep me guessing until the end. I love the array of characters Isabella Alan has come up with, the new ones and the old ones but I would have to say in this book I have a few favorites, including: Angie's dog Oliver, her cat Dodger, and Petunia the goat from the auction farm. These animals have a very uncommon bond and take care of one another. Their escapades keep you laughing. I found myself laughing out loud in quite a few parts and holding my breath in others as the action happened. This book kept me guessing until the end. This book can be read as a stand alone. Isabella Alan does a great job making sure new readers have enough information to not feel lost, but not too much that "old" readers find the details boring. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction and/or Suspense Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, Murder, Served Simply, set to release December 2, 2014! I give this book 5 STARS.
Book Description:
When Angela Braddock enters her quilts in an Amish auction, she never expects one of her neighbors to end up going, going, gone....
Angie is finding her niche as the new owner of her late aunt’s Amish quilt shop, Running Stitch. But as the summer is winding down, so is business. To bolster support for the shop, Angie decides to sell her quilts in the Rolling Brook Amish Auction, including some of her aunt’s most prized works.
The quilts promise to be a hit—but the gavel comes down on the lively event when Angie stumbles upon the body of township trustee Wanda Hunt behind a canning shed. The cause of death: a poisoned blueberry fry pie from Rachel Miller’s bakery table. Now Angie’s closest friend is a murder suspect. With Angie taking the lead, she and the other women of her aunt’s quilting circle set out to patch together the clues and stop a killer set on shredding the simple peace of Rolling Brook.
Includes Quilting Tips!
My Thoughts:
Murder, Simply Stitched is the second book in Isabella Alan's series, The Amish Quilt Shop Mystery Series, and it is FANTASTIC. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her first book in this series, Murder, Plain and Simple, so I was excited to get the chance to for this second one. Angela Braddock is running the quilt shop her Aunt left her,Running Stitch, and finding her place in this Amish society. To help make ends meet and get some advertisement for her shop she enters some of the quilts her aunt made. With the help of her lifelong friends, The Grabers, she gets a spot in the Amish Auction. While walking around the auction ground, Angie walks into a crime scene, Wanda Hunt a town trustee, on the ground with a blueberry fry pie in her hand. Just like the one Rachel Miller gave Wanda after they had words about the Miller's plans to open a factory for their bakery which Wanda has been against. Wanda Hunt died from an allergy to peanuts. Peanuts that were found in the fry pie Wanda had been eating. So Angie and the other women from their quilting circle set out to find out who did this and to help the Miller's get approval for their factory.
Murder, Simply Stitched is a FANTASTIC story. I love Isabella Alan's writing and have had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, Murder, Plain and Simple. As a huge fan of Amish Fiction and suspense books, this series is PERFECT for me. Isabella Alan writes with authority on The Amish, Quilting, baking, auctions, and police investigations. I find once I start reading Isabella Alan's books I cannot put them down and they keep me guessing until the end. I love the array of characters Isabella Alan has come up with, the new ones and the old ones but I would have to say in this book I have a few favorites, including: Angie's dog Oliver, her cat Dodger, and Petunia the goat from the auction farm. These animals have a very uncommon bond and take care of one another. Their escapades keep you laughing. I found myself laughing out loud in quite a few parts and holding my breath in others as the action happened. This book kept me guessing until the end. This book can be read as a stand alone. Isabella Alan does a great job making sure new readers have enough information to not feel lost, but not too much that "old" readers find the details boring. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction and/or Suspense Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, Murder, Served Simply, set to release December 2, 2014! I give this book 5 STARS.
Monday, November 10, 2014
All Things Hidden By Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse
I received this book from Bethany House for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.
In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.
Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.
My Thoughts:
All Things Hidden is one of the latest novels by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse and it is a great book. I have had the pleasure of reading books from Tracie Peterson but this is the first book by Kimberly Woodhouse that I have had the pleasure of reading. Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse partnered up to write this Christian Historical Fiction book about the first 200 families from all over the US that came to live in Alaska to make their homes. Gwyn and her father, Dr. Hillerman have lived in the Alaskan frontier for quite a while. Gwyn's mother and younger sister left under the premise that they were needed in Chicago to take care of their Grandpa but it was to be a permanent move because neither of them wanted to be there. Gwyn was a nurse in her father's clinic and loved the work she did. She loved the people and loved the surroundings. Dr. Hillerman had mentored a bright young doctor, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan in Chicago. When the Hillermans find they will need more help because of the settlers coming to Alaska Dr. Vaughan is the first one Dr. Hillerman contacts to come and help. Dr. Hillerman doesn't know that Dr. Vaughan no longer has a license to practice medicine and after that happens his fiancee breaks off their engagement. So Dr. Vaughan decides to take Dr. Hillerman up on his offer to practice medicine in the Alaska Territory, hoping that his past won't follow him there.
All Things Hidden is a wonderful Christian Historical Fiction based on the settling of the Alaskan territories and the struggles the settlers were met with. This book is fiction but so much of this book is based on fact, with many historical accuracies. I have read many of Tracie Peterson's historical fiction but this is the first by Kimberly Woodhouse I have read. They write with authority on 1935 in the United States, life during that time, Alaska Territories in 1935, Indian traditions and medicine, and medical practices. I really enjoyed the different characters through out this book, so many different personalities and circumstances but all there for a common goal. My favorite character is Nasnana, Gwyn's "adopted" Grandma. Nasnana is her friend, Sadzi's grandmother and had taken Gwyn under her wing before Gwyn's mother left Alaska. Nasnana is a very spiritual person who shares her faith with everyone and shows her faith in her actions. I didn't know much about the settlements in Alaska during 1939 so I found myself learning a lot about this time in our history. I really enjoyed finding out more about it. All Things Hidden is a great book that I could not put down and it kept me guessing until the end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I hope to read more from this writing team! I give this book 4 STARS.
Book Description:
Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.
In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.
Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future.
My Thoughts:
All Things Hidden is one of the latest novels by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse and it is a great book. I have had the pleasure of reading books from Tracie Peterson but this is the first book by Kimberly Woodhouse that I have had the pleasure of reading. Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse partnered up to write this Christian Historical Fiction book about the first 200 families from all over the US that came to live in Alaska to make their homes. Gwyn and her father, Dr. Hillerman have lived in the Alaskan frontier for quite a while. Gwyn's mother and younger sister left under the premise that they were needed in Chicago to take care of their Grandpa but it was to be a permanent move because neither of them wanted to be there. Gwyn was a nurse in her father's clinic and loved the work she did. She loved the people and loved the surroundings. Dr. Hillerman had mentored a bright young doctor, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan in Chicago. When the Hillermans find they will need more help because of the settlers coming to Alaska Dr. Vaughan is the first one Dr. Hillerman contacts to come and help. Dr. Hillerman doesn't know that Dr. Vaughan no longer has a license to practice medicine and after that happens his fiancee breaks off their engagement. So Dr. Vaughan decides to take Dr. Hillerman up on his offer to practice medicine in the Alaska Territory, hoping that his past won't follow him there.
All Things Hidden is a wonderful Christian Historical Fiction based on the settling of the Alaskan territories and the struggles the settlers were met with. This book is fiction but so much of this book is based on fact, with many historical accuracies. I have read many of Tracie Peterson's historical fiction but this is the first by Kimberly Woodhouse I have read. They write with authority on 1935 in the United States, life during that time, Alaska Territories in 1935, Indian traditions and medicine, and medical practices. I really enjoyed the different characters through out this book, so many different personalities and circumstances but all there for a common goal. My favorite character is Nasnana, Gwyn's "adopted" Grandma. Nasnana is her friend, Sadzi's grandmother and had taken Gwyn under her wing before Gwyn's mother left Alaska. Nasnana is a very spiritual person who shares her faith with everyone and shows her faith in her actions. I didn't know much about the settlements in Alaska during 1939 so I found myself learning a lot about this time in our history. I really enjoyed finding out more about it. All Things Hidden is a great book that I could not put down and it kept me guessing until the end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I hope to read more from this writing team! I give this book 4 STARS.
The Last Witness By Glenn Meade
I received this book from Howard Books for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
After a massacre at a Bosnian prison camp, a young girl is found alone, clutching a diary, so traumatized she can’t even speak. Twenty years later, the last witness to the prison guards' brutal crimes must hunt down those responsible to learn what happened to her family.
Twenty years ago, after the fall of Yugoslavia, the world watched in horror as tens of thousands were killed or imprisoned in work camps during an “ethnic cleansing” in Bosnia. Carla Lane has little knowledge of what went on halfway around the world when she was a child. She is living a near perfect life in New York City, married and soon to have a family of her own. But when her husband is murdered by a group of Serbian war criminals, strange memories start coming back, and she discovers that she underwent extensive therapy as a girl to suppress her memories. She is given her mother’s diary, which unlocks her childhood memories and reveals that she was, along with her parents and young brother, imprisoned in a war camp outside Sarajevo.
As her memories come back, it becomes clear that she is the last witness to a brutal massacre in the prison and that her brother may still be alive. She sets out to find her brother, but first she must hunt down the war criminals responsible for destroying her life. But these killers will stop at nothing to protect their anonymity and their deadly pasts...and are determined to silence the last witness to their crimes.
From the talented storyteller who gave us The Second Messiah, The Last Witness serves up another captivating and nail-biting thriller that will keep you holding your breath right to the end.
My Thoughts:
The Last Witness is Glenn Meade's latest thriller and it is AWESOME. Glenn Meade is one of my top 10 must read authors so when I was offered his latest book to read and review I jumped at the chance. In this latest thriller, Carla Lane can't remember her life in Yugoslavia or in a Bosnian prison camp but it happened. Carla was raised by her Grandma in the US and is now married and pregnant. When her husband is found dead, murdered by Serbian War criminals, memories start to rush back. When Carla sees the therapist she saw 20 years before, he gives her her mother's diary from their time in the prison camp and finds out that she went through extensive therapy as a child with this therapist to suppress these memories. As she reads this diary she begins to remember everything from her time at the camp including her family. As she sets out to avenge her family and find her brother she realizes she is the last witness of this horrific experience and hopes she can find her brother. Carla is on a mission to find these men but doesn't realize how much danger she is in and how all of this has ties to her husband.
As a huge fan of Glenn Meade I knew I had to read his latest thriller and I am so glad I did. Glenn Meade has written a fast paced, action filled story that takes place in the present and the past. Glenn Meade writes with authority about The fall of Yugoslavia, the ethnic cleansing, the work camps in Bosnia, the state of the world during the fall of Yugoslavia, and PTSD. The Last Witness has a component of Historical Fiction as Glenn Meade recounts the fall of Yugoslavia, something I didn't know much about when I first read this book. This book has a perfect blend of fact and fiction to give more people a look at what really happened during this time in history. I loved learning about this time in history and it really got me to read more about it. I loved the characters in this book, good and bad, because they have a depth and a realness. My favorite character would have to be Baize, Carla's Grandma, who raised her after she lost her parents. Baize is a true Grandma, doing what she can to help and protect her granddaughter no matter the cost to her. Baize had to keep her grief to herself so she could help Carla grow up. I could NOT put this book down. From page one until the end it kept me guessing. I found myself holding my breath, waiting for what was coming next. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, surprising me until the end. The Last Witness is a fantastic thriller! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense/Thrillers, you will not be disappointed. I cannot to see what Glenn Meade writes next. I give this book 5 STARS.
Book Description:
After a massacre at a Bosnian prison camp, a young girl is found alone, clutching a diary, so traumatized she can’t even speak. Twenty years later, the last witness to the prison guards' brutal crimes must hunt down those responsible to learn what happened to her family.
Twenty years ago, after the fall of Yugoslavia, the world watched in horror as tens of thousands were killed or imprisoned in work camps during an “ethnic cleansing” in Bosnia. Carla Lane has little knowledge of what went on halfway around the world when she was a child. She is living a near perfect life in New York City, married and soon to have a family of her own. But when her husband is murdered by a group of Serbian war criminals, strange memories start coming back, and she discovers that she underwent extensive therapy as a girl to suppress her memories. She is given her mother’s diary, which unlocks her childhood memories and reveals that she was, along with her parents and young brother, imprisoned in a war camp outside Sarajevo.
As her memories come back, it becomes clear that she is the last witness to a brutal massacre in the prison and that her brother may still be alive. She sets out to find her brother, but first she must hunt down the war criminals responsible for destroying her life. But these killers will stop at nothing to protect their anonymity and their deadly pasts...and are determined to silence the last witness to their crimes.
From the talented storyteller who gave us The Second Messiah, The Last Witness serves up another captivating and nail-biting thriller that will keep you holding your breath right to the end.
My Thoughts:
The Last Witness is Glenn Meade's latest thriller and it is AWESOME. Glenn Meade is one of my top 10 must read authors so when I was offered his latest book to read and review I jumped at the chance. In this latest thriller, Carla Lane can't remember her life in Yugoslavia or in a Bosnian prison camp but it happened. Carla was raised by her Grandma in the US and is now married and pregnant. When her husband is found dead, murdered by Serbian War criminals, memories start to rush back. When Carla sees the therapist she saw 20 years before, he gives her her mother's diary from their time in the prison camp and finds out that she went through extensive therapy as a child with this therapist to suppress these memories. As she reads this diary she begins to remember everything from her time at the camp including her family. As she sets out to avenge her family and find her brother she realizes she is the last witness of this horrific experience and hopes she can find her brother. Carla is on a mission to find these men but doesn't realize how much danger she is in and how all of this has ties to her husband.
As a huge fan of Glenn Meade I knew I had to read his latest thriller and I am so glad I did. Glenn Meade has written a fast paced, action filled story that takes place in the present and the past. Glenn Meade writes with authority about The fall of Yugoslavia, the ethnic cleansing, the work camps in Bosnia, the state of the world during the fall of Yugoslavia, and PTSD. The Last Witness has a component of Historical Fiction as Glenn Meade recounts the fall of Yugoslavia, something I didn't know much about when I first read this book. This book has a perfect blend of fact and fiction to give more people a look at what really happened during this time in history. I loved learning about this time in history and it really got me to read more about it. I loved the characters in this book, good and bad, because they have a depth and a realness. My favorite character would have to be Baize, Carla's Grandma, who raised her after she lost her parents. Baize is a true Grandma, doing what she can to help and protect her granddaughter no matter the cost to her. Baize had to keep her grief to herself so she could help Carla grow up. I could NOT put this book down. From page one until the end it kept me guessing. I found myself holding my breath, waiting for what was coming next. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, surprising me until the end. The Last Witness is a fantastic thriller! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense/Thrillers, you will not be disappointed. I cannot to see what Glenn Meade writes next. I give this book 5 STARS.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Veil of Secrets By Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel
I received this book from Shannon Ethridge for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Can a woman face—and forgive—her own painful past before her house of cards crumbles . . . and before her own daughter makes the same mistakes?
Melanie and Will Connors are the perfect power couple. Will is the chief campaign strategist for a rising presidential candidate; Melanie is a prominent advocate for protecting children in an over-sexualized culture. Their devotion to one another is admired, even envied.
But their marriage isn’t what it appears to be.
Will maintains an apartment in Washington, DC, and over the years his visits home have grown fewer and farther between. The long-distance marriage has enabled Melanie to avoid intimacy—and has only increased her shame about her secretive past. But then Will issues an ultimatum: We work on the marriage . . . or we work on the divorce.
The Connors commit to marriage counseling in the most brutal of environments—snowy New Hampshire, a tiny state that is first in the nation for presidential primaries and a prize to be won at any cost . . . and the price of victory keeps rising.
As Melanie sifts through the debris of her past, she obsesses over the fear that she hasn’t done enough to protect her teenage daughter. When Melanie sees her facing some of the same temptations, she knows she must intervene . . . but how can a woman with so many veiled secrets guide a daughter
honestly? While the country struggles with threats to its integrity and security, Melanie can no longer ignore the dangers looming in her own world. She can never undo the mistakes of her youth, but perhaps she can still save her marriage and family—if she can surrender her guilt and learn to open herself to her husband once again.
My Thoughts:
Veil of Secrets is the second book the awesome writing team of Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel. I had the pleasure of reading their debut book, To Know You. A book that touched me and has stayed with me. Veil of Secrets tells the story of Destiny Connor's adopted family and their struggles in their lives. Melanie Connors grew up in and around politics. Melanie and Will met on the campaign trail and now Melanie, Will, and their youngest daughter Sophie are on the campaign trail for Dave Dawson, who is running for president. Melanie and Will are having issues especially since most of their lives Will has been on the campaign trail while Melanie stayed home with their children to give them some normalcy. Now as their daughter Sophie has become a big part of their work, Melanie sees so much of herself and her experiences that she tries to protect her even though everyone around her including Will call her a helicopter Mom. Will doesn't understand what Melanie is seeing. As their marriage continues to deteriorate, Melanie agrees to counseling with Will and his therapist, Dr. Sierra. As they dig into their lives, Melanie is faced with the past and dealing with it head on. As Melanie and Will deal with their stuff, Carrie, Will's sister is dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, and the whole campaign is dealing with threats to the county from someone called, Joshua. Melanie works hard to help everyone while dealing with her own secrets.
Veil of Secrets is the second book by this fantastic writing team and it is wonderful. Veil of Secrets deals with secrets, marriage, teenage rebellion, and finding faith and forgiveness in the midst of chaos. These authors write with authority on political campaigns, issues that plague marriages, parenting, forgiveness, and moving forward. As I read this book so many different quotes stood out to me that I felt compelled to mark them, especially as I go through a very tough season in my marriage. The first one that spoke most to me is one made by Dr. Sierra as she and Melanie work through Melanie's past. Dr. Sierra says, " We don't have to be defined by what we've done, but it does help to understand the nature of what we've done...and more importantly, why. If we don't discover the answers to those questions, we are in danger of repeating history." The second one that spoke to me is when Melanie attends a speaking engagement and one woman states, "And I am afraid that there is no God, Then we're all alone and what we are-who we are-is just dust." Melanie's response is one that really did speak to me "Sometimes I fear that too. That God exists but when He looks at me, He only sees dust. And I know that isn't true but sometimes the fear is so overwhelming, it's a veil over the truth." So much truth and conviction in these 2 quotes...but there are many more. I enjoyed the characters in this book and being part of their journeys, especially Melanie as she struggles with her marriage and parenting I see so much of myself and my life in her, even though it is fiction. I loved getting to know more about Destiny's adopted family and others from her life but I also loved getting to know how old friends from To Know You were doing and how all of their lives intersected. Even though there are characters from the first book, Veil of Secrets can be read as a stand alone. The authors do a great job including just enough details for new readers but not too much that repeat readers are bored or bogged down by details. I could not put this book down. This book grabbed a hold of me and held on until the end. I needed a few days after reading it to truly process the whole thing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read what is next from this writing team! I give this book 5 STARS.
Book Description:
Can a woman face—and forgive—her own painful past before her house of cards crumbles . . . and before her own daughter makes the same mistakes?
Melanie and Will Connors are the perfect power couple. Will is the chief campaign strategist for a rising presidential candidate; Melanie is a prominent advocate for protecting children in an over-sexualized culture. Their devotion to one another is admired, even envied.
But their marriage isn’t what it appears to be.
Will maintains an apartment in Washington, DC, and over the years his visits home have grown fewer and farther between. The long-distance marriage has enabled Melanie to avoid intimacy—and has only increased her shame about her secretive past. But then Will issues an ultimatum: We work on the marriage . . . or we work on the divorce.
The Connors commit to marriage counseling in the most brutal of environments—snowy New Hampshire, a tiny state that is first in the nation for presidential primaries and a prize to be won at any cost . . . and the price of victory keeps rising.
As Melanie sifts through the debris of her past, she obsesses over the fear that she hasn’t done enough to protect her teenage daughter. When Melanie sees her facing some of the same temptations, she knows she must intervene . . . but how can a woman with so many veiled secrets guide a daughter
honestly? While the country struggles with threats to its integrity and security, Melanie can no longer ignore the dangers looming in her own world. She can never undo the mistakes of her youth, but perhaps she can still save her marriage and family—if she can surrender her guilt and learn to open herself to her husband once again.
My Thoughts:
Veil of Secrets is the second book the awesome writing team of Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel. I had the pleasure of reading their debut book, To Know You. A book that touched me and has stayed with me. Veil of Secrets tells the story of Destiny Connor's adopted family and their struggles in their lives. Melanie Connors grew up in and around politics. Melanie and Will met on the campaign trail and now Melanie, Will, and their youngest daughter Sophie are on the campaign trail for Dave Dawson, who is running for president. Melanie and Will are having issues especially since most of their lives Will has been on the campaign trail while Melanie stayed home with their children to give them some normalcy. Now as their daughter Sophie has become a big part of their work, Melanie sees so much of herself and her experiences that she tries to protect her even though everyone around her including Will call her a helicopter Mom. Will doesn't understand what Melanie is seeing. As their marriage continues to deteriorate, Melanie agrees to counseling with Will and his therapist, Dr. Sierra. As they dig into their lives, Melanie is faced with the past and dealing with it head on. As Melanie and Will deal with their stuff, Carrie, Will's sister is dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, and the whole campaign is dealing with threats to the county from someone called, Joshua. Melanie works hard to help everyone while dealing with her own secrets.
Veil of Secrets is the second book by this fantastic writing team and it is wonderful. Veil of Secrets deals with secrets, marriage, teenage rebellion, and finding faith and forgiveness in the midst of chaos. These authors write with authority on political campaigns, issues that plague marriages, parenting, forgiveness, and moving forward. As I read this book so many different quotes stood out to me that I felt compelled to mark them, especially as I go through a very tough season in my marriage. The first one that spoke most to me is one made by Dr. Sierra as she and Melanie work through Melanie's past. Dr. Sierra says, " We don't have to be defined by what we've done, but it does help to understand the nature of what we've done...and more importantly, why. If we don't discover the answers to those questions, we are in danger of repeating history." The second one that spoke to me is when Melanie attends a speaking engagement and one woman states, "And I am afraid that there is no God, Then we're all alone and what we are-who we are-is just dust." Melanie's response is one that really did speak to me "Sometimes I fear that too. That God exists but when He looks at me, He only sees dust. And I know that isn't true but sometimes the fear is so overwhelming, it's a veil over the truth." So much truth and conviction in these 2 quotes...but there are many more. I enjoyed the characters in this book and being part of their journeys, especially Melanie as she struggles with her marriage and parenting I see so much of myself and my life in her, even though it is fiction. I loved getting to know more about Destiny's adopted family and others from her life but I also loved getting to know how old friends from To Know You were doing and how all of their lives intersected. Even though there are characters from the first book, Veil of Secrets can be read as a stand alone. The authors do a great job including just enough details for new readers but not too much that repeat readers are bored or bogged down by details. I could not put this book down. This book grabbed a hold of me and held on until the end. I needed a few days after reading it to truly process the whole thing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read what is next from this writing team! I give this book 5 STARS.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Saving Amelie By Cathy Gohlke
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Increasingly wary of her father’s genetic research, Rachel Kramer has determined that this trip with him to Germany—in the summer of 1939—will be her last. But a cryptic letter from her estranged friend, begging Rachel for help, changes everything. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter, Amelie, deaf since birth, as a blight on his Aryan bloodline.
Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he’s as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin. She fears her father’s files may hold answers about Hitler’s plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems “unworthy of life.” She risks searching his classified documents only to uncover shocking secrets about her own history and a family she’s never known.
Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young—a driven, disarming American journalist and unlikely ally—who connects her to the resistance and to controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Forced into hiding, Rachel’s every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife’s edge, risking their lives—and asking others to do the same—for those they barely know but come to love.
My Thoughts:
Saving Amelie is Cathy Gohlke's latest book and it is just fantastic. As a huge fan of Cathy Gohlke, having had the pleasure of reading all of her books I couldn't wait to read this one. Saving Amelie takes place in 1939 Germany during World War II. Rachel Kramer has grown up in America but has made trips to Germany every year to be examined at the genetic institute her father, Dr. Rudolph Kramer, has been working with sharing his eugenics research. For Rachel this has been a normal thing her whole life but she has decided this will be her last trip. While on this trip she receives a startling message from her estranged friend, Kristine, who married Rachel's ex boyfriend after Rachel wouldn't accept his proposal. Almost immediately following her rejection, Kristine and Gerhardt Schlick married. Gerhardt Schlick is an SS Officer and feels very strongly about eugenics and his duty to continue his Aryan bloodline but when his daughter with Kristine is born deaf, he sets his sights on Rachel, who was literally born and bred for this task. Hitler and his regime deem children like Amelie, "unworthy of life" and Kristine begs Rachel to take Amelie and raise her as her own. As Rachel starts to question her father's research and how far Hitler is willing to go for his perfect race, she digs into her father's files and finds more than she bargained for. Rachel finds out her life has been one big experiment and her life had been saved to serve one purpose, to help carry on the Aryan bloodlines. With the help of Jason Young, an American journalist who is searching for the truth, Rachel takes Amelie and goes into hiding putting everyone involved at risk.
Saving Amelie is a very deep, thought provoking book that examines one of the many horrors of World War II and Hitler's agenda for the world. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction this book really touched me and my interest in WWII. I had never heard of eugenics, which is: the study of the possibility of racial improvement through selective breeding and other methods. Cathy Gohlke writes with authority about WWII, our world during 1939, eugenics, journalism during WWII, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his book, The Cost of Discipleship. Cathy Gohlke writes with the perfect balance of fact and fiction to teach others about this time in history. I learned about many things I didn't know that happened during this time and how eugenics was used in such an evil way. The characters in this book are fascinating but my favorite would have to be, Hilde Breisner, Rachel and Lea's grandmother who risks her life to help not only Rachel but Amelie and a Jewish girl who needed safe passage. Her faith was unwavering and no matter what the SS did to her she never lost that faith or gave up those she was protecting, which did come at great costs. From the start I could not put this book down and I found myself completely immersed in this story. I found myself very emotional as I read this book and once I finished this book it took me a few days to digest everything I read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, it will not disappoint! I cannot wait to read more from Cathy Gohlke. I give this book 5 STARS.
Book Description:
Increasingly wary of her father’s genetic research, Rachel Kramer has determined that this trip with him to Germany—in the summer of 1939—will be her last. But a cryptic letter from her estranged friend, begging Rachel for help, changes everything. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter, Amelie, deaf since birth, as a blight on his Aryan bloodline.
Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he’s as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin. She fears her father’s files may hold answers about Hitler’s plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems “unworthy of life.” She risks searching his classified documents only to uncover shocking secrets about her own history and a family she’s never known.
Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young—a driven, disarming American journalist and unlikely ally—who connects her to the resistance and to controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Forced into hiding, Rachel’s every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife’s edge, risking their lives—and asking others to do the same—for those they barely know but come to love.
My Thoughts:
Saving Amelie is Cathy Gohlke's latest book and it is just fantastic. As a huge fan of Cathy Gohlke, having had the pleasure of reading all of her books I couldn't wait to read this one. Saving Amelie takes place in 1939 Germany during World War II. Rachel Kramer has grown up in America but has made trips to Germany every year to be examined at the genetic institute her father, Dr. Rudolph Kramer, has been working with sharing his eugenics research. For Rachel this has been a normal thing her whole life but she has decided this will be her last trip. While on this trip she receives a startling message from her estranged friend, Kristine, who married Rachel's ex boyfriend after Rachel wouldn't accept his proposal. Almost immediately following her rejection, Kristine and Gerhardt Schlick married. Gerhardt Schlick is an SS Officer and feels very strongly about eugenics and his duty to continue his Aryan bloodline but when his daughter with Kristine is born deaf, he sets his sights on Rachel, who was literally born and bred for this task. Hitler and his regime deem children like Amelie, "unworthy of life" and Kristine begs Rachel to take Amelie and raise her as her own. As Rachel starts to question her father's research and how far Hitler is willing to go for his perfect race, she digs into her father's files and finds more than she bargained for. Rachel finds out her life has been one big experiment and her life had been saved to serve one purpose, to help carry on the Aryan bloodlines. With the help of Jason Young, an American journalist who is searching for the truth, Rachel takes Amelie and goes into hiding putting everyone involved at risk.
Saving Amelie is a very deep, thought provoking book that examines one of the many horrors of World War II and Hitler's agenda for the world. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction this book really touched me and my interest in WWII. I had never heard of eugenics, which is: the study of the possibility of racial improvement through selective breeding and other methods. Cathy Gohlke writes with authority about WWII, our world during 1939, eugenics, journalism during WWII, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his book, The Cost of Discipleship. Cathy Gohlke writes with the perfect balance of fact and fiction to teach others about this time in history. I learned about many things I didn't know that happened during this time and how eugenics was used in such an evil way. The characters in this book are fascinating but my favorite would have to be, Hilde Breisner, Rachel and Lea's grandmother who risks her life to help not only Rachel but Amelie and a Jewish girl who needed safe passage. Her faith was unwavering and no matter what the SS did to her she never lost that faith or gave up those she was protecting, which did come at great costs. From the start I could not put this book down and I found myself completely immersed in this story. I found myself very emotional as I read this book and once I finished this book it took me a few days to digest everything I read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, it will not disappoint! I cannot wait to read more from Cathy Gohlke. I give this book 5 STARS.
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The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg
I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...
