Jilted Book Review

Mended Hearts Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  A heartbroken woman desires to move beyond old memories.  But will her past give way to hope?

     Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.  Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest.  As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life in which the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

     Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and of a town that must - once and for all - leave the past where it belongs.  It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

REVIEW:  Jilted is different from any other book I've read.  The main character, Lynda, struggles with depression.  She wants to hide herself away from everything and everyone, except her daughter. Lynda fights it by taking a job in a local diner and helping her sister.  The romantic lead, Clyde, is an ex-con who was convicted of a crime he didn't commit.  Even though he's been released, the town will not let him forget.  I really struggled with the attitude of the townsfolk and church members.  Even though Clyde has changed for the better, no one in the community or church want much to do with him.  Even Lynda had been asked to find another place to worship because of her struggles with depression and the stigma of her husband leaving her.  That's not the way the church should act.  The author uses a major event to help the church overcome their pharisaic bias and reach out to all peoples.
     The way Clyde treats Lynda when she is having an episode is tender and encouraging.  He talks to her, listens to her and does what he can to diffuse the triggers.  When information about her husband is uncovered, Clyde is there for Lynda, helping her find ways to adjust instead of retreating into her all too familiar depression. 
     This is the third book in this series but is great on its own.  The other books provide more information about Lynda's daughter Ruthie, Fawn and the town where they live but are not necessary to read Jilted. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and David Cook 

for review without compensation.

Varina Denman writes stories about the unique struggles women face.  She has five children, teaches creative writing and literature, volunteers in her local homeschool cooperative, and boasts 16 years as a home educator.  She resides with her family in North Texas.  Her first novel, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis Award.

The Girl from the Train Book Review

International Bestseller

SUMMARY:  Six-year-old Gretl Schmidt is on a train bound for Auschwitz.  Jakob Kowalski is planting a bomb on the tracks.

     As World War II draws to a close, Jakob fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Germany and Russia.  They mean to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl's unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.

     Gretl is the only survivor.  Through spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people.  When Jakob discovers her, guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her home.  For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.

     But she can't stay with him forever.  Jakob sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families - so long as Gretl's Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered. 

     Separated by continents, politics, religion, language and years, Jakob and Gretl will likely never see each other again.  But the events they have both survived and their belief that the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war have formed a bond of love that no circumstances can overcome.

REVIEW:  To be completely honest, I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book.  After it arrived, I didn't open it for about a week, imagining it to be full of hurt, depravity, sadness and overwhelming grief.  But, when I did open its pages and started reading Gretl's story, I had a very difficult time putting it down.  Yes, Gretl's life was difficult and there was sadness and formidable times but the way the story was written, it was not overwhelming and was distributed throughout the story as to not grieve the reader too much at one time.  Gretl adapted to each change gracefully and without question, even though it may not have been what she wanted to do.  I loved how her new family in South Africa didn't try to make her forget her previous life but helped her adjust to all the newness, even commenting how they each had made major changes in their lives.  The weight of all the secrets Gretl keeps is very heavy.  The way her family reaches out to her to help her with her burdens is amazing.

     The whole book shows modern-day readers in America just how difficult life was during and after the war for both families and orphans.  It was not easy and their struggles should not be forgotten.

     This was an excellent piece of literature that will stay with me a very long time.  Check it out yourself.  You will not be disappointed.

This Advance Reader's Copy was provided by Fiction Guild and 
Thomas Nelson Publishers for review without compensation.

Irma Joubert, international bestselling author, was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing.  Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail.  She's the author of eight novels and a regular fixture on bestseller lists in The Netherlands and in her native South Africa. She is the winner of the 2010 ATKV Prize for Romance Novels.  Find her on Facebook at irmajourbertpage.

Summer's List Book Review

SUMMARY:  A dying wish alters the course of a young woman's life.
     Life hasn't been easy for Summer Snow.  In acts of selflessness - caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother's bookstore - she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others.  And the only shots she had at love . . . didn't work out.  She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something - or someone.
     Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind and quirky young man from Summer's past.  With Laney the Chihuahua along for the ride, a childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer.  Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

REVIEW:  Starting out, I really enjoyed this book.  The idea of Grandma giving Summer a chance to do something fun with her life and catch up on some of the fun she missed out on while taking care of others was enticing.  But, when the story got to Martin's brothers, I'm not sure what happened but the feel of the story changed for me.  It felt oppressive and weird.  This feeling followed me as I read but did lift towards the end of the book.  The ending was good and I liked the way everything tied up.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Moody Publishers for review without compensation.

Anita Higman is a bestselling and award-winning author who has 40 books published (several coauthored) and has been a Barnes  Noble "Author of the Month."  Anita has a BA in the combined fields of speech communications, psychology, and art.  She loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.  Visit her online at anitahigman.com. 

Quilted by Christmas Book Review

Quilts of Love

Every Quilt Has A Story

SUMMARY:  Taryn is keeping a secret she never should have kept.

     You're needy.  Manipulative.  You used me.  In Taryn McKenna's last conversation with high school sweetheart Justin Callahan, his angry words rooted themselves deeply into her heart.  After Justin abandons her to join the army, Taryn vows to never love again.  And she decides to keep a closely guarded secret from him - forever.

     Focused on being completely independent, Taryn pours herself into teaching high school in Hollings, North Carolina, and helping her spunky Grandma Jemma.  But when Jemma's health takes a turn for the worse and Justin reappears, Taryn's emotions get more tangled than a knotted piece of thread.

     A hand-stitched Irish chain quilt holds the message of healing Taryn needs.  But will she realize the depth of God's unconditional love for her?

REVIEW:  This novel drew me in from the very beginning.  I think we all can relate to feelings of inadequacy and loss, and Taryn's story could help you find some comfort.  Taryn is a strong woman who is determined to never be considered needy again.  I think she takes after her Grandma Jemma who is determined to do things on her own terms and not let anything get her down or stop her from doing what she wants.  One of my favorite parts is when Justin helps Taryn work on a family quilt for Taryn's cousin.  I also like the healing that takes place in Taryn's life and how Taryn and Justin's relationship was not rushed after they start admitting they were attracted to each other.

     If you are looking for a fun Christmas book to read, this is the one for you.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for review without compensation.

 

Jodie Bailey is a middle school teacher, the author of the military suspense novels Freefall and Crossfire, and a contributor to Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home, a devotional for military families.  You can find her on the web at JodieBailey.com.

Before Amen Book Review

 The Power of a Simple Prayer

SUMMARY:  We all pray . . . some.

     We pray to stay sober centered, or solvent.  When the lump is deemed malignant.  When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart.  We pray.  

     But wouldn't we like to pray . . .

More?

Better?

Stronger?

With more fire, faith, and fervency?

     Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet.  The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit.  And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words.  Unmet expectations.  Unanswered requests.

     We aren't the first to struggle with prayer.  The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too.  In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

     Jesus gave them a prayer.  Not a lecture on prayer.  Not the doctrine of prayer.  He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer.  Couldn't we use the same?

     Join Max Lucado on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer and the power unleashed with six simple lines:

         Father,

                   you are good.

                                     I need help.

                                                     They need help.

                                                                          Thank you.

                                                                                         In Jesus' name, amen.

REVIEW:  Max Lucado takes the Lord's Prayer, explains it in an easy to understand format and gives examples of ways to use the different parts.  As always, he explains things in ways everyone can understand it but doesn't dumb it down.  He uses personal examples along with illustrations from the bible to make this personal prayer relevant for today's Christian.  This is a superb book that can help Christians, whether they've been walking with the Lord a long time or if they are brand new.  

This Advance Reader's Copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for review without compensation.

More than 120 million readers have found inspiration and encouragement in the writings of Max Lucado.  He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonia, Texas where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Veil of Secrets Book Review

SUMMARY:  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 n 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.

REVIEW:  This book is a follow-up to To Know You.  While it stands well on its own, it helps to have read the first book to understand Melanie's relationship to Destiny and Dillon and some of the background of these characters.  I loved how Will was determined to fight for his marriage to Melanie, to weather through the tough counseling sessions and work through the problems they were having.  I love how Melanie worked on her marriage and stuck with the individual counseling sessions to help her figure out how her past was influencing her relationship with her husband and daughter, Sophie.  It is refreshing to read about a couple who faces the difficulties, who weather the storms that could tear them apart, and come out stronger on the other side.  Without giving away too much information, it was difficult to read about the situation Melanie and her daughter both found themselves in.  I was glad to see the counselor recognize the source of most of Melanie's problem regarding this incident, help Melanie see the potential danger her daughter was in and give her the tools to help Sophie.
     The book ended without tying up all the loose ends, I guess to make way for a few more books.  I don't want to say anything about the way it ended, afraid I will give something away but I will say this:  Melanie and Will's relationship is stronger and better than ever, still a work in progress but aren't all relationships?

This book was provided by BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishers for review without compensation.

Shannon Ethridge is a best-selling author, international speaker, and certified life coach with a master's degree in counsseling/human relations from Liberty University.  She has spoken to college students and adults since 1989 and is the author of twenty books, including the million-copy best-selling Every Woman's Battle series.  She is a frequent guest on TV and radio programs and host the Sexy Marriage Radio Show.  She also mentors aspiring writers and speakers through her online BLAST Program (Building Leaders, Authors, Speakers & Teachers).

Kathy Mackel is the acclaimed author of Can of Worms and other novels for middle readers from Putnam, HarperCollins, and Dial.  Her latest book, Boost, tackles the thorny issue of steroids and girls' sports.  Writing as Kathryn Mackel, she is the author of the YA fantasy series the Birthright Books and of supernatural thrillers including the Christy finalist The Hidden.  She was the credited screenwriter for Disney's Can of Worms and for Hangman's Curse, and has worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime.

A Mother's Secret Book Review

Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel

Book Two

SUMMARY:  An unwed Amish woman years for real love and a family.  The only thing in her way is the shame she's been carrying for half of her life.

     Thirty-one-year-old Carolyn Lapp has never been married - but she's been a mother for fifteen years.  In a community with strict standards and a long memory, Carolyn knows she might never find a man who will have her and her son, Benjamin.

     Carolyn's family tries to marry her off to a widower with a daughter who needs a mother.  A marriage of convenience doesn't sound so bad, yet despite her loneliness, Carolyn knows what she really wants: a traditional Amish family and a marriage for love.

     When Benjamin gets into trouble at an auction, he finds himself beholden to a handsome horse breeder named Joshua Glick.  Joshua and Carolyn feel an instant attraction, and soon a romance is budding between them.  The trouble is Joshua believes Benjamin is Carolyn's nephew, not her son.

     After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention.  Can either man give her the family - and the unconditional love - she longs for?  Or will her past once again sabotage the future she wants?

REVIEW:  This storyline - an Amish woman who had a child out of wedlock - was one that caught my eye.  I love how strong Carolyn was.  She stands up for herself and he son, even when it isn't easy.  Though most of the community has forgiven Carolyn for her indiscretion, her brother Amos hasn't.  He constantly reminds Carolyn of it, and never passes up an opportunity to hold it over her head and judge her.   I like how she honors his position as the leader of the family but doesn't let his constant barrage keep her down.  She keeps the welfare of her son foremost in her mind, hoping that the time spent with Joshua repaying the debt he incurred will put and keep Benjamin on the right path.

     While reading this novel, I was reminded that we should not judge others by their past sins.  Once they confess their sins to the Lord, as Carolyn did, it is not our place to judge them any more.  We are made new creatures in Christ.  Joshua's mother, Barbara, and Amos both tried to remind everyone of Carolyn's past but were shown that once it is forgiven, we should also forget.

This book was provided by Booklook Bloggers and Zondervan for review without compensation.

Amy Clipston is the author of A Gift of Grace and four additional novels in the best-selling Kauffman Amish Bakery series.  She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled-rotten cats.

All My Belongings Book Review

SUMMARY:  A new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.
     Where do you turn to when changing your name doesn't give you the anonymity you want?  When running hundreds of miles away isn't far enough?  When your search for a place to belong lands you right back where you began?
     One phone call destroys all the hope Becca Morrow has for a life beyond the shame of her past.  Further discredited by the death of her elderly, ailing patient - the mother of the influential businessman, Isaac Hughes - Becca's new life is shattered and her longing for love slips away.  Working to clear her name, Becca must learn to see the beauty in the ugliness of dying, to accept the tenderness in forgiveness, and - at last - discover that where she belongs isn't as much about her family history as it is about her faith in the One to whom she'll always belong.

REVIEW:  The idea behind this story - trying to live your life anonymously after a family member becomes known across the nation for being a serial killer - is interesting.  My heart went out to Becca as she tried to move past her past and start a new life.  When her father's actions come back to haunt her, I LOVED how Isaac, Geneva, and Becca's new friends stand behind her and fight to clear her name.  While I found the idea to be interesting and loved the characters and their interactions, the story was missing something.  The author had some great ideas but I missed the edge that would have kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning the page. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Cynthia Ruchti is an acclaimed author and speaker with more than 30 years of broadcast experience.  The Professional Relations Liaison for American Christians Fiction Writers, Cynthia has also written articles for numerous magazines and industry publications.  Visit her online at cynthiaruchti.com. 

A Promise in Pieces Book Review

Quilts of Love

SUMMARY:  A small gift, a simple promise, a life forever changed.

     It's been more than fifty years since Clara cared for injured WWII soldiers in the Women's Army Corps.  Fifty years since she promised to deliver a dying soldier's last wish.  And fifty years since that soldier's young widow gave her the baby quilt - a grief-ridden gift that would provide hope to countless newborns in the years to come.

     On her way to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Clara decided it's time to share her story.  But when the trip doesn't go as planned, Clara wonders if anyone will learn the great significance of the quilt - and the promise stitched inside it.

REVIEW:  This novel is different from most World War II stories I've read but was interesting in how the story played out.  One of my favorite parts was Clara telling her grandson her story and the story of the quilt and his continued interest.  I like how even though Clara's life wasn't easy, she chose to listen to the Lord's leading and follow Him.  In doing so, she blessed many woman and their babies with the quilt and showed them the love of the Lord.  It covers a lot of history but does it quickly without leaving out important details.  This was an enjoyable book.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Emily T. Wierenga is an award-winning journalist, columnist, artist, author, and blogger at emilywierenga.com.  She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Trenton, and their two sons.

The Prodigal Book Review

A Ragamuffin Story

SUMMARY:  From the inspirational author of The Ragamuffin Gospel comes a powerful contemporary retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

     Jack Chisholm is "the people's pastor."  He leads a devoted and growing mega-church, has several best-selling books, and a memorable slogan, "We have got to do better."  Jack knows how to preach, and he understands how to chastise people into performing.  What he doesn't know is anything about grace.

     This year, when it comes time for the Christmas sermon, the congregation at Grace Cathedral will look to the pulpit, and Jack will not be there.  Of course, they will have seen plenty of him already - on the news.

     After an evening of debauchery that leads to an affair with his beautiful assistant, Jack Chisholm finds himself deserted with chilling swiftness.  The church elders remove him from his own pulpit.  His publisher withholds the royalties from his books.  Worst of all, his wife disappears with their eight-year-old daughter.

     But just as Jack is hitting bottom, hopeless and penniless, drinking his way to oblivion, who should appear but his long-estranged father, imploring his prodigal son:  "Come home."

     A true companion piece to The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Prodigal illustrates the power of grace through the story of a broken man who finally saw Jesus not because he preached his greatest sermon or wrote his most powerful book, but because he failed miserably.  Jack Chisholm lost everything - his church, his family, his respect, and his old way to believing - but he found grace.  It's the same grace that Brennan Manning devoted his life to sharing: profound in nature and coming from a God who loves us just as we are, and not as we should be.

REVIEW:  Having heard how wonderful Brennan Manning's writing was, I wanted to check out his newest book, The Prodigal.  It was a great take on the biblical story of the Prodigal son.  The main character, Jack, could be found in our modern day American culture. When he has a one-night stand with his assistant, Jack's world comes crashing around him.  I like how even though Jack alienated his father after the death of his mother ten years earlier, Dad still went after his son, helping him get through this difficult by providing shelter, a job and a friendly face when everyone else had left.  Father Frank is a refreshing character.  I love how he is very vulnerable and, even though everyone in town knows of his alcoholic background, they still love him and try to support and encourage him as much as Father Frank supports and encourages those around him.  Jack's hometown, while curious about everything that has happened, comes along side of him and tries to help him when they can.
     There were a few things I had difficulties with in this story.  One was how quickly Jack "recovered" and was offered a position preaching in a pulpit.  While I understand his character had made some major favorable changes in his view of grace, I still think it is a little soon (about two months since his night out on the town with his assistant).  One other problem I had (and it was a small one) was how Kathy, the small town newspaper reporter/owner, kept popping up, like she has a crush on Jack.  I guess it bothered me because he was still married (his divorce had not be finalized) and because of how Jack fell from grace (having an one-night stand).
     All in all, I really liked this book.  This one really made me think about a lot of things and hope I can make any changes I need to make and hope my world doesn't come crashing in around me.

This book was provided by Booksneeze and Zondervan for review without compensation.

Brennan Manning was a renowned speaker, preacher, and retreat leader.  He authored or coauthored twenty books, among them his memoir All Is Grace, The Furious Longing of God, Abba's Child, and the million-selling and life-changing book The Ragamuffin Gospel.  He went to rest in the loving arms of his Abba on April 12, 2013, but his voice still echoes in the hearts and minds of his readers.

Greg Garrett is the author or coauthor of over fifteen books of fiction, non-fiction, and memoir, including The Other Jesus, We Get to Carry Each Other:  The Gospel according to U2, and the acclaimed novels Free Bird, Cycling, and Shame.  He lives with his family in Austin, Texas.

To Know You Book Review

SUMMARY:  Julia Whittaker's rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption as infants.  Now she must find them to try to save her son.
     Julia and Matt Whittaker's son has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds - and his liver- crash precipitously.  The only hope for his survival is a "living liver" transplant, but the transplant list is long and Dillon's time is short.  His two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer his only hope for survival.
     But can Julia ask a young woman - someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spoken with - to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she's never known?  Can she muster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, face her choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing?
     And what if she discovers in her own daughters' lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself?
     Julia knows she's probably embarking on a fool's errand - searching for the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs something from them.  But love compels Julia to take this journey.  Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters to join her?
     In To Know You, Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel explore how the past creates the present ... and how even the most shattered lives can be redeemed.

REVIEW:  This book is very interesting.  The idea of having to go to the daughters you gave up at birth and ask them to help the child you kept is a hard decision to make but one Julia and her husband decide to do.  I like how the authors did not gloss over the difficult parts but shows the readers that we all have choices and, sometimes, we have to face difficult consequences.  Some parts were harder to read than most because of the emotions involved and the choices that were made when you knew they were the wrong ones.
     When I first started reading this book, I had some difficulty following at times because of all the different characters involved with their own story lines and background information.  But, as I continued reading, following everything became a little easier.  The ending was not what I expected but I loved it.  One of the problems that occurred during a visit to one of the girls' fathers seemed to be "wrapped up" too neatly as an afterthought.  That said, this was a great book and I am definitely interested in reading the next book.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Shannon Ethridge is a best-selling author, international speaker, and certified life coach with a master's degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University.  She has spoken to college students and adults since 1989 and is the author of twenty books, including the million-copy best-selling Every Woman's Battle series.  She is a frequent guest on TV and radio programs, and she mentors aspiring writers and speakers through her online B.L.A.S.T Program (Building Leaders, Authors, Speakers & Teachers).

Kathy Mackel is the acclaimed author of Can of Worms and other novels for middle readers from Putnam, HarperCollins, and Dial.  Her latest book, Boost, tackles the thorny issue of steroids and girls' sports.  Writing as Kathryn Mackel, she is the author of the YA fantasy series The Birthright Books and of supernatural thrillers including the Christy finalist The Hidden.  She was the credited screenwriter for Disney's Can of Worms and for Hangman's Curse, and has worked for Disney, Fox, and Showtime.

Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold Book Review

SUMMARY:  Adventure is never far away.
     After a whirlwind cross-country move, Harriet and her donut-loving basset house, Humphrey, have settled in to a new life in Grass Valley, California. When Harriet learns that she's going to be a grandma for the first time and gets a new suite with room for her salt-and-pepper shaker collection,
she can't wait for her best friend, Martha, to come visit so she can share her good news.
     But adventure is never far away when Harriet is around.  After listening to the pleas of a desperate teen whose daddy needs money right away - and happens to have a gold mine to lease - Harriet falls hook, line and sinker into the venture.  Although she's nervous about her investment, Harriet chooses to keep it a secret from her son, Henry, and his wife.  She can only imagine what she'll do if this turns out to be her ticket to a golden windfall.
     When suspicions arise, though, it becomes clear that Harriet may never see an ounce of gold.  But will she continue to trust and risk losing everything?  The fate of the young teen and a family emergency show Harriet where her true treasure lies.

REVIEW:  Harriet loves her family.  When she finds out she is going to be a grandma, she decides to invest in a gold mine in hopes of striking it rich so she can help her son and daughter-in-law.  With her best friend Martha in tow, she finds out the mine and the people she invested in are under FBI investigation.  Throw in the chaos of a new addition to the house, and you have yourselves a mess! 
     I love how Harriet still wanted to help Lily have a better life, even though she was a big part of the mine fiasco. Harriet and Martha believed the best in this young teen and their faith was proved right.  When Henry and Prudence finds out about the mine and the problems surrounding it, they didn't condemn Harriet but helped her figure out what she could/should do.  This family supports each other and is there for each other, no matter what.
     This is a good book and is perfect for some light reading.

This book was provided by Booksneeze for review without compensation.

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright's Pond Series and the middle-grade novel Carrying Mason.  She is a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor.  Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.

Anomaly Book Review

Question.

Feel.

Believe.

SUMMARY:  Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live.  The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream.  But she is not afraid.

     Decades before Thalli's birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten.  There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won't threaten the world again.

     Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can bearely contain.  She has survived so far by hiding her differences.  But then her secret is discovered when she's overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

     The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk - a scientist being groomed by The Ten - convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead.  While in the Scientists's Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

     As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer - someone even more powerful than The Ten.  What's more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan.  And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she's been looking for all along.

     Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out . . .

REVIEW:  Usually, science-fiction type books are at the far, far, far bottom of my MUST READ list.  But, since this is targeted for youth and being intrigued by the summary, I decided to check it out for my children.  The book was very interesting and the story grabbed me from the very beginning.  The twists, turns and tests that occur after Thalli's anomaly is discovered by The Ten kept me on my toes.  My favorite characters are Thalli, for her courage and determination, and John, for his diligence in preaching the gospel to those being annihilated and eventually to Thalli and Berk.

      This is the first book in a series.  I will definitely be on the lookout for the rest.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

When Krista McGee isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob.  She is also the author of First Date, Starring Me, and Right Where I Belong.  Visit KristaMcGee.com to learn more.

Chasing Francis Book Review

A Pilgrim's Tale

SUMMARY:  What happens when the pastor of a megachurch loses his faith?

     Pastor Chase Falson has lost his faith in God, the Bible, evangelical Christianity, and his super-sized megachurch.  When he falls apart, the church elders tell him to go away: as far away as possible.

     Join Chase on his life-changing journey to Italy where, which a curious group of Franciscan friars, he struggles to resolve his crisis of faith by retracing the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, a saint whose simple way to loving Jesus changed the history of the world.

     Read this riveting story and then begin your own life-changing journey through the pilgrim's guide included in this powerful novel.

REVIEW:  The author says "Chasing Francis (was) written in a genre called wisdom literature, which is a delicate balance of fiction and nonfiction, pilgrimage and teaching."  The story is about Chase but it speaks to anyone who may be looking for more in Chrisitanity.  In this story, Chase has become disillusioned with Christianity.  His uncle Kenny has Chase join him in Italy, research the life of Francis of Assisi and together they go where Francis walked and ministered.  Since Francis encountered many of the things we as modern Christians experience, Chase was able to figure out what he believed and how to help others experience God in a different way.

,     This is a thought provoking book.  For me, it is one I would need to read numerous times to fully understand what God may be speaking to me and to fully understand what we as Christians are called to do.  This is a great book that I highly recommend.  For those wanting to go into more depth either by themselves or with a group, there is an excellent reader's guide at the end of the book.

This book was provided by Booksneeze/Zondervan for review without compensation.

Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, Episcopal priest, speaker, retreat leader, counselor, and songwriter.  Ian and his wife have three children and divide their time between homes in Franklin, Tennessee and Dorset, Vermont.  For more information, visit Ian's website at www.iancron.com.