After reading and loving My Soul Cries Out, I was hoping the book would be followed up by a continuation with the characters I had come to care about....moreAfter reading and loving My Soul Cries Out, I was hoping the book would be followed up by a continuation with the characters I had come to care about. In Selling My Soul, the story picks up with Trina Michael’s without missing a beat. By far, my favorite part of reading Selling My Soul was experiencing Mozambique. Through scene and character descriptions my senses were invited to vicariously experience sights and sounds of daily living in an African village.
In addition to incorporating the richness of Africa, the story also brought Trina’s character to life, allowing me, as a reader, to see her complexity revealed in an authentic way. Because of Trina’s experiences, doing mission work in Mozambique, she returned home having to face many difficult trials: her mother’s health crisis, her sister’s out-of-control lifestyle, a mountain of bills, and finding a job during a recession.
In the midst of struggling with major life issues, Trina was even further tested when her former boss called and offered Trina her old job back—with a nice raise. What Trina didn’t know was that taking the job meant signing on to work with a client, Bishop Walker, who had hurt Trina’s friends, Monica and Kevin, so badly.
As Bishop Walker’s true involvement in covering up the truth surfaced, the more Trina was challenged to somehow see that justice was served without exposing her friends and causing even greater harm. I was thrilled that in the end the truth was brought to light and Trina placed her faith in the Lord and watched as His might hand brought about true justice and healing. (less)
I was really expecting a good read, but I found this story a little disappointing. A few time travel scenes didn't seem plausible and the ending left...moreI was really expecting a good read, but I found this story a little disappointing. A few time travel scenes didn't seem plausible and the ending left me confused and unsatisfied. I enjoyed the romantic elements between Henry and Claire and felt the author did a good job of showing the progression of their relationship. Also, the overall story premise was fascinating. (less)
The Sweet By and By is the first novel by recording artist Sara Evans. In collaboration with author Rachel Hauck, this book is a story about finding r...moreThe Sweet By and By is the first novel by recording artist Sara Evans. In collaboration with author Rachel Hauck, this book is a story about finding real love in the midst of dealing with a painful past. Jade Fitzgerald is the owner of a quirky vintage shop, The Blue Umbrella, and she’s engaged to marry the man of her dreams Max Benson. When Jade’s hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in town before the wedding Jade is forced to deal with a strained relationship and hurt feelings she’s tried to keep locked away. Beryl, however, has a secret of her own and is hoping to reconcile with her daughter while there’s still time. With God’s help and grace, Jade finds the strength to open up to her mother and allow healing to move them closer to restoration.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing and the story gave me such a sense of sweet love and tender faith. The authors did a good job of showing Beryl’s shortcomings without making her into an unlikable monster. I could feel how rough around the edges Beryl was and at the same time I could see how fragile and scared Jade was. I particularly like the fact that the story didn’t employ an unrealistic ending. A very satisfying ending to a very good book. (less)
I love suspense novels, and this book by Brandilyn is masterfully done. As someone who studies the work of other writers, I can honestly say Brandilyn...moreI love suspense novels, and this book by Brandilyn is masterfully done. As someone who studies the work of other writers, I can honestly say Brandilyn is extremely adept in the fine art of storytelling. So often, I read suspense novels and figure out the ending much too quickly, but in this case, I didn’t see the ending coming whatsoever. That, my friends, is the sign of gifted storytelling and writing. (less)
I so enjoyed this book about Greg Mortenson’s remarkable desire to make a difference. Greg Mortenson is an American mountain climber and a nurse whose...moreI so enjoyed this book about Greg Mortenson’s remarkable desire to make a difference. Greg Mortenson is an American mountain climber and a nurse whose failed attempt at climbing K2, the world’s second tallest mountain, led him to Korphe, an impoverished village in Pakistan, where he later promised to build the town’s first school. From his commitment, the Central Asia Institute was born, and now over 50 schools in rural parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan have been completed at no cost to the local villagers. (less)
Paige Rogers Survived every CIA operative’s worst nightmare—a covert mission gone terribly wrong, and a betrayal by the one man she thought she could...morePaige Rogers Survived every CIA operative’s worst nightmare—a covert mission gone terribly wrong, and a betrayal by the one man she thought she could trust. Forced to disappear to protect the lives of her loved ones, Paige has spent the last several years building a quiet life as a small-town librarian. But the day a stranger comes to town and starts asking questions, Paige knows her careful existence has been shattered. He is coming after her again. And this time, he intends to silence her for good.
Talk about a high-energy read. This book truly is an adventure that I so enjoyed reading. I found the character Paige Rogers to be a strong-willed woman with enough vulnerability to make her likeable as well as believable as a former CIA operative. The romantic elements involving Paige and the football coach at Split Creek’s high school, Miles Laird, evolved naturally and ended on a satisfying note. If you enjoy action and adventure, this is one book you won’t be able to put down. (less)
Dreams That Won’t Let Go is the third book in the popular Jubilant Soul series, and although I haven’t read the other books in the series, I was able...moreDreams That Won’t Let Go is the third book in the popular Jubilant Soul series, and although I haven’t read the other books in the series, I was able to completely enjoy this novel without feeling lost. I enjoyed reading the personal and family struggles of the Burns family and admired how they dealt with their challenges without losing faith and their love for one another. At the core of their relationships was love and despite all of the unspoken secrets, that love never died. The brother-sister relationship between Indigo and Ruben was particularly interesting because it was so real. Through the story, Ms. Adams made the reader realize that we can still be jealous and even bitter in spite of loving someone. Even though Indigo realized she was being ridiculous, she couldn’t stop herself from resenting her brother Ruben for moving back home. I think the takeaway message is that there is always a second chance and love is the key to making things right. (less)
It's been awhile since I've enjoyed reading a book this much. Not only were the characters believable, their personal struggles were ones many people...moreIt's been awhile since I've enjoyed reading a book this much. Not only were the characters believable, their personal struggles were ones many people can relate to--busy schedules, the need to succeed in the business world, balancing family and work life, feeling appreciated, doubt, family secrets, and keeping a family and marriage together. As each page submerged me more into Faith and Jonah's story I found myself rooting for them and wanting them to figure out a way to work things out. Ms. McKnight did an excellent job of tackling the subject of sexual harassment from the angle of the accuser and the accused. Great storytelling!(less)
What an amazing story that truly captured my heart. Not only is the title of the book unusual, but the way the story is told through a series of lette...moreWhat an amazing story that truly captured my heart. Not only is the title of the book unusual, but the way the story is told through a series of letters is equally interesting. The adventure starts when Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger in the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that leads her to discover this fascinating group of people on the island of Guernsey. I couldn’t put the book down as I read how the name of the literary society came to be and how each member came to be part of the group. Although this book is about a traditional love story, the story world and characters are so unique that I felt immersed in a fresh approach to telling a romantic story. Very well done! (less)
Conlan Brown hit a definite homerun with his debut supernatural thrill The Firstborn. From the first page, when Conlan Brown opened with the heart-pou...moreConlan Brown hit a definite homerun with his debut supernatural thrill The Firstborn. From the first page, when Conlan Brown opened with the heart-pounding action as the main character, Devin Bathurst, fights for his life while trying to save the life of an unnamed girl who is in mortal danger, I was hooked. The premise of the story is that the firstborn have been gifted with the ability to see the past, present, and the future. Instead of using their God-given gifts to help their fellow man, they’re torn by infighting, power struggles, and mistrust. If they can set their differences aside and serve God by using the abilities he’s given them, they may be able to stop the slaughter of innocent lives. Through gripping storytelling, Conlan does an excellent job of drawing the reader in and making the plot unfold in a way that makes the reader unsure about what will happen next.
While all the characters were interesting, I especially liked the complexity of Devin Bathurst and John Temple. Their combination of strength and sensitivity made both the characters believable as well as likeable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! (less)
This book was wonderful light-hearted fun. The main character, Anne Hawthorne, is a wedding planner who meets a perspective client, George Laurence, a...moreThis book was wonderful light-hearted fun. The main character, Anne Hawthorne, is a wedding planner who meets a perspective client, George Laurence, and instantly feels like maybe her single days are over and God has answered her prayers. Even though Anne is attracted to George, she maintains a professional distance because she’s been led to believe George is the soon-to-be-married groom. As their mutual attraction grows, George struggles to find a way to tell Anne what his real roll is in the wedding that Anne is planning. Getting to the truth and watching the budding relationship between Anne and George was touching and pure enjoyment. (less)
I have a much better feel for what it's like in the ER as a result of reading this book. I'm really enjoying the romantic elements as well as the medi...moreI have a much better feel for what it's like in the ER as a result of reading this book. I'm really enjoying the romantic elements as well as the medicial drama.(less)