The Brotherhood Conspiracy

If you have any knowledge of the Bible, there are quite a few biblical artifacts that simply come to an end. Their stories end through various books of the Bible, much like the famed Ark of the Covenant and Noah's Ark. Yet have you ever wondered if there might in fact be more biblical artifacts that the world simply has not considered searching for? What one biblical artifact would you love to search for and find? This isn't one of those Indiana Jones type adventures but Terry Brennan has really opened my eyes to some of these artifacts that if discovered may in fact be quite life changing. In the Jerusalem Prophecies series, Terry takes readers into uncharted waters throughout the Middle East in a search for what one group of people known simply as the Prophet's Guard want to keep hidden in the second novel of the series, The Brotherhood Conspiracy.

Just returning from his previous adventure, Tom Bohannon has attempted to settle into some sense of normalcy since discovering the Third Temple located beneath the existing Temple Mount in Israel. With it's discovery, it opens up Bible Prophecy to a whole new level and has created much anticipation from the Jews to begin sacrifices in the Temple of God once again. However the Muslims aren't about to allow that to happen. It flies in the face of what they have longed believe that Jesus was not the Son of God. Now with the entire Middle East on the verge of war, the President of the United States once again has need of Tom's expertise. Not only in uncovering the clues left behind on an ancient scroll which revealed the location of the Temple, but in his faith with God helping him get there and back against all odds. The President believes that Tom can find the next artifact that has every group in the Middle East looking for it.

Tom and his team have been asked to locate the Tent of Meeting, the portable tabernacle that Moses used when the Israelites crossed the wilderness and carried the Ark of the Covenant. It was where God resided as fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day. If Israel can find this artifact, they will gain complete control of the Temple area and drive the Muslims out of the area. It will take everything the team has to pull this one off, but the President firmly believes that Tom is the only one who can lead the team and find the artifact before anyone else does. It just might be the catalyst to ignite World War 3 on many levels.

I received The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchanged for my honest review. I loved the first novel The Sacred Cipher in this series, overall more than this one. It took me quite a while to get into the characters even though I had just finished the previous novel before picking this one up. You just honestly never know who the good guys or bad guys are in this group and why certain Prophet's Guard members just show up in the the most unlikeliest of places taking out more of our favorite characters. However, this is certainly an adrenaline laced series and now I am more than happy to dive into the third novel because just like each consecutive one before it, it gives you a teaser of what they will be hunting for this time and the stakes only increase. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Brotherhood Conspiracy, Terry Brennan or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan

You can find Terry Brennan on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Brotherhood Conspiracy, please visit Kregel Publications website. 

The Sacred Cipher

I believe what has always drawn me to the Indiana Jones movies is the possibility of the discovery of an ancient biblical artifact being discovered that might hold untold powers in the right or wrong hands. For those of us that study the Bible, we know that many religious artifacts still remain hidden even continually searched for to this day. That is just the reason for my fascination about novels that deals with that type of genre. A bit action adventure, mystery, and of course, suspense. For those that love such types like National Treasure, The DaVince Code or the Indiana Jones series, you might just want to check out Terry Brenna who has written a series of books called the Jerusalem Prophecies Series.

The first novel in the series, The Sacred Cipher takes readers into the heart of a discovery of an ancient scroll that has been found in the late 1800's by Charles Spurgeon. In the metal case contains a scroll consisting of a series of unknown characters on it and from all appearances is very old. The only issue Charles has with it is knowing what it says and even how to go about reading it. He only knows he must mail it to a professor in London who might be able to help. As he is attempting to do this, he notices a group of men want to stop him from taking the scroll from Egypt and will stop at nothing to ensure they get it back. Nothing.

As the scroll's mysteries deepen Tom Bohannon discovers an old map room hidden in an old church during the present day. Calling in support for what he discovers with scientists and historians he trusts, he unlocks a safe believed to contain a priceless collection of old religious books. Among them he finds a metal case containing a scroll along with a letter warning whoever has it that is must be uncoded and protected whatever the cost and that danger surrounds those in whose possession it remains. It will take an entire team of men to use all the resources available to them to unlock the mystery of the scroll and what they discover could quite possibly mean the end of the world if what is reveals is true. Now all they can do is true to find out if is true or just some kind of random treasure hunt, but if that is the case why are there so many people out there killing others just to stop them?

I received The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. At first the book was hard to get into with so many characters being introduced and understanding the difficulties in dealing with ancient languages and cryptology, but the more further into the story you get, the more involved you become in wanting to know if such a thing is there and if it is possible. By the end, you will do anything to get your hands on the sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to read the next one. Knowing Bible prophecy, things just got a whole lot more interesting.

For more information about The Sacred Cipher, Terry Brennan or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan

You can find Terry Brennan on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Sacred Cipher, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

A Cup of Dust

I think as an adult I appreciate history more now that when I was in school. Perhaps it's because I realize that the things that happened in our past are not simply stories in a history book but truly impacted the lives of the people who had to endure them. Yet when we look back into our history books, very little was written about the Dust Bowl. We know how it came to be but not really how it impacted all those families who had to sit back and hope that things would change somehow and their lives would pick back up again if they got rain.

Susie Finkbeiner under the inspiration of such stories written by John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, took her research a bit further to really understand the implications of living during that time, just on the heels of the Great Depression and just before the second World War in Oklahoma in her novel A Cup of Dust. This is not for the light-hearted. It really takes the story of ten-year-old Pearl Spence and showcases how life looked from her perspective. Knowing that her family was better off than most since her father was the town's sheriff, her mother always made sure to help those out whenever she could, from baking bread to unexpectedly paying off the bills at the grocery store of those just barely making ends meet.

Living with her older sister Violet Jean, but everyone simply called her Beanie, as she was born a bit mentally challenged from being denied oxygen during her birth. Pearl's job is to keep track of Beanie who has a tendency to wander off without telling anyone. Her grandmother, Meemaw is her hope and inspiration and keeps the families faith going against the odds. The one thing they can never manage to do is keep their home free from dust. It is everywhere and at odd times of the day or night, dust storms could kick up and plunge the skies into darkness. Most people have moved on to better opportunities out west but the Spence family believes God will save them soon. It isn't until a hobo departs a train one day with the knowledge of knowing Pearl, that the family will be plunged into a darkness greater than any dust storm could create.

I received A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. There is parts of this novel that are a bit graphic and disturbing that might bother sensitive readers, but I would encourage you to hold out to the end to see how it all plays out. I almost put it down at that point, but pushed on to see how it might turn out in the end. Life is like that at times, sometimes wishing we could simply close our eyes and wish it was different, but I applaud the author for carrying it through so we can understand the motivation behind one character's action and how it impacted Pearl. For me I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A reader's discussion guide is included at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about A Cup of Dust, Susie Finkbeiner or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner

You can find Susie Finkbeiner on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews about A Cup of Dust, please visit Kregel Publication's Website. 

Thornbearer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Thornbearer Vinspire Publishing, LLC (May 7, 2015) by Pepper Basham

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, and has already garnered its first award with Readers’ Favorites International Awards. Pepper’s second and third books in the series arrive in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuts in April.



ABOUT THE BOOK

From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all. When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father's intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed - who could ever love a soiled woman? In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn't traveling alone. Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend's mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh's sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend's former fiancé and his own childhood companion. As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. When the truth of Ashleigh's past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough - or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thornbearer, go HERE.

The Methuselah Project

This is one novel that literally crosses over several genre's and with such an excellent premise. Fans of just about any kind of novel will absolutely LOVE this one. Even my 16-year-old daughter is picking this one up. As I began reading The Methuselah Project from Rick Barry, it is hard not to draw a comparison of sorts between that of Steve Rogers of the Captain America fame, but it does take a unique twist on the concept.

Roger Green was a fighter pilot who is shot down over Germany during World War II and instead of finding himself in a prisoner of war camp, he is abducted by German scientists along with six others who have been captured for a unique experiment without their consent. Believing that if they can locate a way to prolong human life to that of Methuselah from the Bible, the oldest living recorded human being, they can ensure that Hitler's Third Reich will last at least a thousand years. Now they just need to discover how to make that happen, and Roger is one of the seven who will be tested.

He doesn't expect it will work, but soon discovers that his body has the uncanny ability to heal itself faster than normal. When the allied planes however begin bombing the basement where he and six others are kept, he soon finds that he is the sole survivor and that the secrets to his longevity are now buried along with his companions. But Germany isn't about to release Roger until they can figure out how to recreate the formula that now has made Roger, the potential for the longest living man ever. What Roger doesn't know is just how long that may take.

I received The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this novel, and the opinions contained here are strictly my own honest opinions. Being a huge fan of WWII fiction, history and the Bible, this contained a unique premise I really want to read and see how it would all play out. What would someone do who was born and served in WWII and would be held far longer than he would expect to live. Much like Steve Rogers of the Captain America fame, it would be hard to acclimate to a new century without having gone through it and suddenly see things from a technological advancement like we have today, when Roger finally escapes. How will he process those changes and stay out of harms way from those who want the secrets that lie hidden within his DNA. Imagine the possibilities of someone who could outlive others by hundreds of years! This one hit a home run in my opinion and thus the reason for giving it a 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about The Methuselah Project, Rick Barry or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

You can find Rick Barry on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Methuselah Project, please visit Kregel Publications website. 

Heartbreak Trail

No matter how hard Andrea Carter tries to fit in, she's like a square peg in a round hole. Growing up among her brothers on the Circle C Ranch, she wants to be just like her brothers, but at the same time struggles with what her mother, sisters and unfortunately most of her brothers want, which is for Andi to grow up and learn the things women are supposed to. To live a life in preparation for starting her own family and finding a suitable match. But no matter how hard she tries, she has a deep fondness for learning all about ranching and this time, she wants to be a part of the cattle drive.

Luckily for her, with her 15th birthday just around the corner, she might have an edge to getting what she wishes. Her mother and older sisters want her to begin planning her quinceaneras, her mother poses the question what would she like to do, and that provides just the opening that she wanted in order to try and convince her mother to let her go. She has even backed up her case with newspaper articles about other women who have bypassed the traditional roles for women and taken part of becoming ranchers and even blazing their own cattle drives. Even her own mother at one time, did just that, but she wants a much different life for Andi than what she has now.

Nevertheless, she gets her mother's approval to take this one final challenge and hopefully set all those ranching dreams to rest, once she understands and sees that being a part of a cattle drive is a far cry from what she is imagining it will be and her first lesson begins with the fact, she won't be riding, her own horse, but instead be offering to help the Cook with riding in the wagon and preparing all the meals along the way. That is just fine until she learns a certain handsome new cowboy is about to join the cattle drive and he has his eyes set on impressing Andi at all costs. Will this be a dream come true or simply a wake up call for Andi as she gets her birthday wish?

I received Heartbreak Trail by Susan K. Marlow compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of the book and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the second book in the Circle C Milestones series and once again chronicles the life of Andrea Carter as she is making the transition from childhood into adulthood by being a part of the Circle C Ranching operations. It's a coming of age story in a different manner than most because of the crossroads that Andi finds herself at. Still struggling with understanding her own wants and then realizing the bigger picture her choices play in what she wants to do, impact more than just herself. This is an exceptional series for young teens and I know it would have been one of my favorites growing up with a love of horses and a bit of the old west along the way. For this reason I'd give this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Heartbreak Trail, Susan K. Marlow or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Heartbreak Trail by Susan K. Marlow

You can find Susan K. Marlow on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Heartbreak Trail, please visit Kregel Publications website. 

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

I absolutely love it when an author so richly describes a novel, especially one that cross back the historical timeline in such detail, that you aren't reading a book, but you are really there as part of the story, merely watching it unfold before your eyes. Melanie Dobson is one such talented author. In her latest novel, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, the reader is taken between two generations of family members as it toggles back and forth from present day to 1954 in England to uncover a long buried mystery from the past that is now unfolding the answers in present day.

In 1954, we are thrust back in time to the life of Maggie Emerson who sits waiting to the man she loves and who has promised to marry her once he returns from the sea just in time for Christmas. Only this time, she has to make some important decisions. She has found herself pregnant and with not only her reputation on the line, but those of her foster family. She finds Walter Doyle, on the eve of planning to throw herself and her unborn child into the sea, a man who has proposed many times to her with a regrettable no each time. She realizes that if she plays it right, she might just have the answer to her problem if she can keep it a secret. But like all great secrets, some day they find their way to the light and in the process ruin the lives of those they promised to keep safe.

Present day, moves us through Heather Toulson who is returning to her father's cottage in England in hopes of settling his belongings after his death. Along with her daughter Ella, she is reminded of a childhood and love she once hoped would offer something more, but now it something she wants to keep buried. As fate would have it however, Heather runs into her old love, Christopher and discovers that the family she once thought she knew was far from what they seem. This may be the one thing that time won't be able to mend and at the heart of this lies the murder of a young boy from the past.

I received Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions contained here are strictly my own. Sometimes the best part about novels like this is the ability to weave together to very different stories from two time periods and be able to blend them so well, you forget that they are so different. They work so well that it appears seamless as they begin to merge almost like ghosts from the past. For fans of a great mystery and a love of historical England complete with old wealthy manors complete with secret gardens, thatched cottages and cobblestone paths, will absolutely be drawn to this novel. Well worth a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, Melanie Dobson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

You can find Melanie Dobson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

The Midwifes Tale

I can't imagine living back in the past, where medical procedures were simply based a lot of times on trial and error. Some of them quite barbaric it makes you wonder how they truly thought people would get better by allowing them to be put through those procedures believing it was for their benefit. That is just the premise behind Delia Parr's latest novel The Midwife's Tale, the first book in the At Home in Trinity series set in the 1830's in Pennsylvania.

Martha Cade is struggling to coming to terms with being from a long line of midwives in her family and it seems with the advancement in medical education and schooling, it appears as if her profession is yielding to the up and coming doctors graduating from medical school. However for now, she is the one most preferred by the women who are pregnant and looking for someone truly experienced in the art of childbirth and the care that follows.

Being from a small town like Trinity has some advantages, but when things go wrong in your life, you become the fodder for the gossip in town. When Martha's daughter, Victoria, runs away from home at 17, to join a traveling theater troupe, she isn't prepared to answer the questions the town will whisper whenever she walks by. She can only trust God will bring her home in His timing and will care for her as long as she remains away. She had tried searching for her for well over three months, but now she must return to Trinity to help care for the women who have come to depend on her. She just never imagined the new town doctor would step in and take what remaining clients she did have away and now it will take all she can do to earn their trust back especially when those newest advances in medicine are harming patients more than helping them.

I received The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I love that Martha's character has a true love for what the women in her life have taught her in regards to herbal medicine and treatments. I believe that might be what is truly missing in our world today and there is a lot of validity to this being applied in this novel. Medicine was just being to evolve and people truly believed that what they were learning from school was beneficial. Just goes to show you that medicine is just a lot about trial and error and unfortunately some of those procedures killed more people than they helped like blood letting. I would rate this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars based on my personal love for herbal medicines and treatments that have long since been forgotten.

For more information about The Midwife's Tale, Delia Parr or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

You can find Delia Parr on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Midwife's Tale, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

Thick as Thieves

For girls 14 to 18 that are looking for a great series set back in the late 1800's that involve horses, you'll want to pick up Thick as Thieves, the first book in the Circle C Milestones Series, from Susan K. Marlow. As a young girl myself growing up there is such a connection with the love of a girl and her horse and that is why I absolutely recommend this book to your young readers as well.

Andrea Carter, who just turned 14, is the youngest on the Circle C Ranch but is about to get the surprise of her life when her Palomino, Taffy gives birth to two twin colts, Shasta and Sunny. As she tries to keep up training them, she still has to deal with attending school. Her mother is less than pleased when she brings  home less than favorable marks, which her mother suspects is caused by all her free time being used for training horses instead of studying. So until she can bring up her marks, she will have very limited time with them. Running a cattle and horse ranch is extraordinary busy but none more so than when suspected cattle thieves are slowly thinning the herds from the local ranchers.

Andi thinks things will go fine with the extra study time, until she is assigned as a seat mate at her desk in school with Macy Walker who will be the straw that breaks the camel's back at school. Before the end of her first day, Macy has given Cory, a classmate, a black eye, pulled more than one girls hair and has challenged the teacher to punish her if he dares. It will be all she can deal with if Macy gets her suspended from school for hitting her, then she will have even less time to work with her colts than she does now and forget raising her marks if she is kicked out of school. How can one girls life get so complicated?

I received Thick as Thieves by Susan K. Marlow compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. If you have a young adult who loves horse adventures, trust me, pick up this entire series. While this is the first in the Circle C Milestones, readers will enjoy learning more about Andi's life on the ranch with the Circle C Adventure Series and Circle C Beginnings as well. For me, this was an easy 5 out of 5 stars because I grew up loving books like this one. I only wish there were more to read when I grew up as there is now. This is such a great adventure and shows how difficult it is for Andi to maintain her Christian upbringing in the face of adversity and that just makes it all the more enjoyable because it is so real for teens in those situations!

For more information about Thick as Thieves, Susan K. Marlow or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Thick as Thieves by Susan K. Marlow

You can find Susan K. Marlow on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Thick as Thieves, please visit Kregel Publications book tour page. 

Tiffany Girl

I love when authors use historical facts as the basis for their novels and in Tiffany Girl the latest novel from best-selling author Deeanne Gist, I got to learn a bit more about the wonderful women who were called upon by Louis Tiffany to help complete his stained glass chapel that he had planned on debuting. When the men went on strike, Mr. Tiffany relied upon the most unconventional help at that time, employing women to help cut and assemble the fantastic pieces of stained glass. It helped them during the struggles of single women in 1893 who often times found themselves working to hand over their money to the men in their lives, be it there fathers or husbands.

Often times had it not been for the money women made doing odd jobs like sewing or in this case working at the Tiffany Glass Company, many of them would be out on the streets. Work was becoming difficult for men and with the demands to work longer hours for very little money, some of them went on strike. But when women were called to take their places temporarily, many of the men made sure the women knew that they were less than pleased.

Florence Jayne is one of those young girls who has seen how the money her mother and her work so hard to bring in, is being gambled away by her father. Her mother is unwilling to stand up and demand that the money remain theirs, so Flossie takes it upon herself to become a "New Woman." A title designated for the women who believe in more than simply staying at home, marrying and starting their own families. Flossie feels that the only way that will happen is if she moves into a boarding house as she works for Mr. Tiffany.

While she is staying at the boarding house, she finds a family she never dreamed of having and sets to work to ensure that the people who live at the boarding house, feel just like family, so she incorporates various seating arrangements so people are forced to talk with someone new, she prepares questions to leave under their plate to help them get to know one another and encourages them to come together in the evening in the parlor. Reeve Wilder is an up and coming reporter who is tasked at sharing his time in the boarding house with the people who live there in a fictionalized story that is geared to help the newspaper continue to sell papers. Reeve is also a stanch advocate of women remaining at home and not part of the New Women movement. Soon sparks begin to fly in various ways as Flossie stays determine to not let men have the upper hand in everything she has to deal with, but will Mr. Wilder be able to tame the wild beast inside?

I receive Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. Seeing as I have a Tiffany Lamp on my desk, it was a great journey into the history behind how these lamps came to be and the history behind the working conditions for women in the late 1800's. For fans of Deeanne's others novels, It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play, you will definitely want to add this to your collection. There are so many great individual stories within this novel that it is hard to figure out which was my favorite, from Reeve's fictional stories, to Flossie's love of art that winds up virtually everywhere in the story. There are so amazing pictures that open much of each chapter that give the reader the essence of what is happening in this novel. Well done and a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. There is a great Author's Note section that defines what is historical fact from fiction and a Reader's Discussion Guide as well.

For more information about Tiffany Girl, Deeanne Gist or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

You can find Deeanne Gist on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Tiffany Girl, please visit Howard Book's website. 

A Sparrow in Terezin

Unforgettable. It is the only word I can use that completely captures the essence of what you will experience after reading Kristy Cambrom's latest novel, A Sparrow in Terezin. It is the second novel in the Hidden Masterpiece Novel and tells the tale of two women who's lives are connected through time, one during the German invasion of Poland, and the other involving present day. But they are linked in a way the reader won't understand until the final handful of chapters. It will leave you on the edge of your seat as the story reaches it turmoil that will forever change the lives of everyone involved. I don't want to give too much away but to say that if you are a fan of historical WWII fiction, then you will HAVE to pick this one up.

As the novel opens the readers are thrown into the wedding of Sera James and her husband William Hanover. Just as the wedding is over and the celebration is about to begin, the fear that Sera and William were waiting for shows up as Will is arrested. Knowing her husband is innocent of the allegations that are piling up against him even with mounting evidence, she believes that the best way for them to get through this is working together. But Will is hiding something from his past that might set him free but shame his family's name and that isn't something he wants to do. He only hopes Sera can continue to trust him.

1942, as Kaja Makovsky escapes with her sister on a train out of Prague just as Germany is invading, she can't help but think about the parent she left behind. Ones that were willing to sacrifice everything just to see their daughters safe and living in London, far away from the affects of the war. However when the war finds Kaja in London as the bombs begin to drop, she learns that Jews are being exterminated by the thousands as they board transport trains for places like Auschwitz. She knows she must try and find a way to help get her parents out before they are shipped away on a train to be killed simply for being a Jew.

I received A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This story is based on the art created by the children kept in the Terezin Concentration Camp and Kristy incorporated this element into this exceptional novel. In an Author's Note at the conclusion of the novel, Kristy shares that out of the 15,000 children who lived at Terezin, fewer than 100 survived the Holocaust. It is a moving story that will stay with you long after you finish this book and for that reason, I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. It's like reading Corrie Ten Bloom's story through the eyes of Kaja's character and makes you wonder how people find the courage not only to survive the horrors but in forgiving the men responsible for so many deaths during the war and the Holocaust.

For more information about A Sparrow in Terezin, Kristy Cambron or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

You can find Kristy Cambron on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Sparrow in Terezin, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron's new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A set of poppy notecards
• A poppy pin
• A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
• A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
• Literary tea bags
• Tumbler
• A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.



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A Heart's Disguise

In the re-release of Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart Series, she opens the first book, A Heart's Disguise with a letter to the reader. It conveys that this was the first series of novels she ever wrote and they remain special to her because writing was how she dealt with her brother Randy's death. She tells readers that they will see a piece of her dear brother in Rand's character throughout the series. The books have not been available for print in nearly ten years, so it is a true pleasure that these are making their way into the hands of readers to fall in love with all over again.

Colleen Coble is definitely no stranger now to book readers who have fallen in love with her uncanny ability to draw the reader into her novels as though they are part of the story. For fans of western romance genre's, you will definitely want to pick this entire series up. Just under a hundred pages, A Heart's Disguise sets the precedent for the remaining novels that follow.

In Wabash, Indiana at the conclusion of the Civil War, we find Sara Montgomery dealing with the recent news that the man she was waiting to return home from the war, has been killed. Knowing her heart can never be whole again, she faces the challenges of dealing with her dying father whose only wish is to see her married and well cared for before he dies, instead of living with her older brother Wade. Despite how she feels, she wonders if settling for Ben Croftner as her future husband will offer her at least the security of not wanting for anything and he at least says he loves her. Knowing there isn't much change of Rand rising from the grave, she consents to his proposal of marriage.

On the eve of the day before she is supposed to get married, she is about to learn that sometimes love offers second chances she didn't see coming and sometimes some people don't truly have your best intentions in mind and you are just a pawn in helping them accomplish what they want in life.

I received A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are strictly my own. This novel has definitely given me a craving for more from Colleen and I can't wait to pick up the remaining books in this series. I am a huge lover of western romances, reading Louis L'Amour books back in high school. This one is fit right into that wheelhouse for me and I love how much Sara is willing to sacrifice her own personal happiness for her father and family even though she knows she will never be truly happy without Rand. It is believable because with choices being so limited for women back then, they really didn't have much of a say so in what their futures would be aside from a wife and mother. This one for me rates a 5 out of 5 stars and offers a sneak peek into A Heart's Obsession at the conclusion of this book.

For more information about A Heart's Disguise, Colleen Coble or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

You can find Colleen Coble on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Heart's Disguise, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 


In the midst of end-of-war celebrations, Sarah discovers her betrothed was keeping a devastating secret in Colleen Coble's A Heart's Disguise. Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

Celebrate book one in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession (blog tour coming in April)
• A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge (blog tour coming in April)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

Mist of Midnight

As long as we have someplace to call home, we have a sense of security no matter what happens in life. When Rebecca Ravenshaw left England years ago to work with her family as missionaries in India, she found a second home among the lower castes of people. People who appreciated what she did to improve their lives and it was those very same people who saved her life when the uprisings began. Her parents did not survive. All she had hoped was to head home and try to salvage something of the life she had known from her families home in Hampshire, England.

What she wasn't looking for was out right suspicion on who she claimed to be. Apparently for several months, Rebecca Ravenshaw had returned to Headbourne House along with her Indian maid and only recently died leaving the estate to the only heir left, Captain Luke Whitfield. With very little to prove she is who she claims, she visits Headbourne House and confronts Captain Whitfield. He agrees to give her time at the estate for her claims to be proven that she is who she claims without being left on the street with nothing and no one to care for her. He agrees to move to the guest home for the time being until their solicitor can iron out who gets the estate and all it's withholdings.

The more Rebecca digs into the mysterious death surrounding the women impersonating her, the most suspicious she becomes that the one did not commit suicide and may have been murder. But if that is the case, is she now running the same risk? Why would someone want Rebecca murdered? Who had the most to gain if she were dead? Does the charming and handsome Captain Whitfield have anything to do with the apparent ease at which he acquired the estate after the imposters death? What will happen if Rebecca can't prove who she is?

I received Mist of Midnight by Sandra Bryd compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are my own. This is such a wonderful novel because it combines the aspects of a traditional regency alongside a bit of suspense and mystery. It keeps you guessing who is responsible until almost the very end and now I can't wait for more novels in this series. Rebecca Ravenshaw is the epitome of a strong women who isn't about to let her dire financial situation and what people think of her, keep her from taking back what is rightfully hers even if it means stepping on a few politically correct toes to do it. Hands down a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the first novel in the Daughters of Hampshire series!

For more information about Mist of Midnight, Sandra Bryd or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Mist of Midnight by Sandra Bryd

You can find Sandra Bryd on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Mist of Midnight, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Then Sings My Soul

One of the best reasons for loving books is that often times as you read them you get insight into a part of history you never knew before as the author uses a particular setting or real life story as the inspiration of their novel. Amy K. Sorrells does just that in Then Sings My Soul, her latest Christian Historical novel.

The story intersects throughout the novel between life in 1904 to present day as Eleanor "Nel" Stewart returns home after learning her mother has passed away. She has wanted to come home before this but simply never had the time and now as she prepares for her mother's funeral, she also comes full term to the realization that her father, Jakob is dealing with dementia. Their families past is rich in historical detail as Jakob remembers fleeing the Ukraine as a Jewish boy to come to America for a better life. It's those long pain ridden memories that Jakob shares in subsequent chapters that shows the horror he and his older brother Peter shared as the genocide took place eliminating anyone of Jewish origin and Jakob's survival was based on his ability to hide when his family was killed.

It is a horror no one with dementia would ever want to revisit as they find themselves locked into a past they only wish to forget. For Nel, she witnesses the man she adored and looked up to become a fragile shell of who he once was as she learns more about the families past while working to resolve her families estate and help her father with his illness. Her experience as a lapidarist is evident as she spent her childhood with her father watching him cut gems into beautiful jewelry, something she treasures as something they both loved to do to help support them. She learns about how much her father refuses to accept that God was in control despite all the horrors he had to witness in his life despite the faith of those around him.

I received Then Sings My Soul by Amy K. Sorrells compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.  This is such a beautiful story of hope because you can relate to what Jakob has had to endure his whole life. People telling him about God's faithfulness but despite their faith terrible things still happened to his family. It would definitely cause one to be hardened to those things as his life wore on and that comes across through Amy's novel. It's about getting to the end of your life and taking a hard look back and realizing that God was there all along even though He didn't do the things you would have wanted him to do. I'd rate this one, a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. At the end of the novel you'll find the personal story behind the novel as well as some reader discussion questions just perfect for a book club group.

For more information about Then Sings My Soul, Amy K. Sorrells or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Then Sings My Soul by Amy K. Sorrells

You can find Amy K. Sorrells on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Then Sings My Soul, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour page. 

Return to Exile

There are some disadvantages to reading series. I guess for me is that it is often so long between books, that you have to reread the first or hope that the author provides enough insight at the beginning of the second or third books to help you remember where you left off. Another is how they end. I personally hate cliff hanger endings, but as a writer myself, I know that is just how I would leave each book in the series. Kinda like the television or movie series we see. It makes you disappointed at first, but then hungry for more. You just have to come back to see how it all turns out.

If you love time travel, romance or historical fiction, or like me, a bit of all three, you will want to pick up The Carthage Chronicles from best-selling author Lynne Gentry. Her first novel in the series, Healer of Carthage is about a 21st century doctor whose father has a love for archaeology. Couple that with a bit of mysterious paintings in a cave in Egypt, known simply as the Cave of Swimmers. Dr. Lisbeth Hastings lost her mother in the Cave of Swimmers and never knew what happened to her until she herself fell into the watery cavern. Turns out it transports people back into the third century in Rome, not the place you'd want to be as a woman.

In Return to Exile, we pick the series back up after Lisbeth had returned back to the 21st century at the conclusion of the first novel, in love with a man she left behind as her husband. In order to protect her, she was thrown back into the cistern which took her back to present time, where she learned she was pregnant with Cyprian's child. Knowing her daughter is extremely claustrophobic, she knows taking her daughter Maggie back in time, won't be easy. Her father insists on accompanying her to see the wife he thought died so long ago. Turns out she has become infamous for her healing abilities and remains the slave/wife to a cruel dictator named Aspasius, whose goal is to control all the Christians still dwelling in the providence. He has successfully exiled Cyprian and during Lisbeth's escape, her mother managed to flee into the hills where she remains hidden trying to control the spread of measels which is becoming a pandemic of epic portions.

Just as Lisbeth realizes she can't take her daughter with her in time, Maggie jumps into her arms at the last moment, just as the watery portal takes them both back to Rome. Her father didn't have the chance to make it. This time when Lisbeth returns to Rome armed with medical supplies to help her mother control the diseases killing the poor, she learns the despite keeping her heart open to loving Cyprian again and sharing the joy of his first child with him, she learns he didn't believe she was coming back and has married her best friend Ruth. Does Lisbeth stay or will she take Maggie and head back to the life she left behind in Dallas? You'll have to pick this one up to find out.

I received Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry compliments of Litfuse Publicity andHoward Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own personal opinion. I was so thrilled to see what the outcome would be for Lisbeth and Cyprian and was not prepared for what Lisbeth had to face heading back to Rome. I felt so sorry for her and completely understood how difficult things would be on both ends. I am super excited to see what the outcome will be when the next novel comes out Valley of Decision, and be warned this one does leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger ending but also a sneak peek into the next novel to help calm your nerves a bit. For me, I LOVE this series and this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A Reader Discussion Guide is included as well as a Q and A with the author at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Return to Exile, Lynne Gentry or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

You can find Lynne Gentry on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Return to Exile, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

An Honest Heart

Kaye Dacus is one of my favorite must watch authors since reading her first novel, Follow the Heart and she came back in a big way with An Honest Heart. Captivated in your traditional regency style, Kaye mixes this one up with a dramatic twist with the upcoming opening of the Great Exhibition just at the height of the Industrial Revolution.

In An Honest Heart combines two very distinctive love stories, the first being with Cadence "Caddy" Bainbridge, a seamstress who has made a life for herself opening her own dressmaking shop in the heart of Oxford, England in 1851. She uses her valuable skills not only to create the equivalent fashions of the higher end shops in London, but also incorporating those same skills to create attire for the lower class residents who also need clothing. She spends her free time teaching sewing skills to the women housed in the poor houses and prisons so that they can have a skill to fall back on much like she did. It's her way of simply giving back to the heart of the community. She was sent to a finishing school by her father who had connections with high end schools through his friendships with head masters as a way of hoping to raise her opportunities for marriage to a fine gentleman in the future.

She meets quite by fate and accident, Dr. Neal Stradbroke, the town's new doctor as he brings her mother home late one afternoon who has fainted on her daily walk. Dr. Neal Stradbroke advises Caddy that her mother has heart issues and needs to make sure she is taking better care of herself, but Caddy's mother sees a fine prospect for a husband in Neal instead and will stop at nothing to ensure that the two see what is right in front of their eyes.

The secondary story involves Edith Buchanan, a fine upstanding but often times cold-hearted wealthy women of a prominent family who is searching for a well deserved husband complete with a high end title. When her father arranges for Lord Thynne, a single viscount to arrive at their home in hopes of a possible connection for Edith, he instead has interests in her American cousin, Katharine Dearing, an heiress to a railway fortune instead of the Ice Queen. She plots to find a way for Katharine to do something that she can use to engineer her downfall and thus enable Lord Thynne to fall in love with her instead. She makes a bet with Oliver Carmicheal, Lady Carmichael's eldest son and future baron at Chawley Abbey that if neither of them secure a better match for themselves by the close of the Great Exhibition, they will agree to marry one another.

Yet Oliver Carmichael has his own sites set on Miss Bainbridge after making a bet with his close friends at a gentlemen's club when he is snubbed and dismissed by Miss Bainbridge. He believes he will have no problem in getting her to fall in love with him, since he has never been turned down by any female in his life and wagers 100 pounds that he can do it by the day the Great Exhibition opens on May 1st.

There are so many different twists and turns in this exceptional and wonderfully written novel, you truly feel like you're at the heart of something amazing as you watch things unfold between the different classes set in this novel. You are cheering that some will get what they truly deserve and you definitely have the good and evil characters in this one. I often found myself seeing the characters of Caddy Bainbridge played by the actress, Anne Hathaway and Dr. Neal Stradbroke by Hugh Jackman, while the opposing characters Mr. Oliver Carmichael portrayed by Billy Zane and Edith Buchanan played by Charlize Theron. I can't wait to see what Kaye Dacus comes up with next and this one easily rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received An Honest Heart by Kaye Dacus compliments of B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. This is the second novel in the Great Exhibition Series.  For more information about An Honest Heart, Kaye Dacus or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

An Honest Heart by Kaye Dacus

You can also find Kaye Dacus on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on An Honest Heart please visit B and H Publishing's website. 

• Series: A Great Exhibition Novel
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: B and H Books (October 15, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433677210
• ISBN-13: 978-1433677212
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Snow Angel

For a women living in the late 1800's in a wealthy family the last thing anyone wanted was scandal. In order to prevent that Jane Greyson was forced against her wishes to give up her daughter out of wedlock as her father had instructed. He wasn't about to let Jane sacrifice her future plans of marriage to a affluent family in his world of politics and law. Despite all her begging, he sends Elizabeth away to an orphanage and keeps Jane locked up until she is unable to locate the child.

Now 18 years later, Elizabeth is struggling to find her way in a man's world in Alaska trying to find her own claim now that the gold rush is on. The last thing she had expected to find was an unexpected blizzard and her completely unprepared. With her last ounce of energy, she sees a fading light in the distance, if she can only make it a little further. She barely whispers a plead for help at what she believes might be the door to a cabin before she collapses into the snow.

Noah Wesley isn't sure what he hears while in his remote Alaskan cabin in the woods, but when he feels God's call on his heart to move to check it, he finds a women barely alive buried in the snow. As he attempts to save her against the elements, he wonders just who she is and why a woman would wander all alone in the wilderness so unprepared, but those questions will have to wait until Elizabeth is conscience. But will Noah be able to save her from not only the effects of the blizzard but from the past she is running from? Who is Elizabeth really?

I received Snow Angel by Jamie Carie compliments of B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are my own unless otherwise notated. This heart-warming novel takes a look at the Gold Rush in Alaska during the late 1800's as thousands moved west in hopes of seeking fortune and glory with the discovery of gold. For a woman to attempt to find her own claim during this time especially unmarried, but Elizabeth knows enough about gold mining to give men a run for their money. After the foster parents she lived with, she learned enough to help them find their own claim, but after discovering her father murdered the man whose claim he had stolen, she learned they were planning on pinning the murder on her. Now she has to fight harder to discover not only gold but who she really is in the process. For those that love historical romance, this one is definitely a 5 out of 5 star recommendation in my opinion.

For more information about Snow Angel, Jamie Carie or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Snow Angel by Jamie Carie

You can find Jamie Carie on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Snow Angel, please visit B and H Publishing Group's website.

Return to Exile

There are some disadvantages to reading series. I guess for me is that it is often so long between books, that you have to reread the first or hope that the author provides enough insight at the beginning of the second or third books to help you remember where you left off. Another is how they end. I personally hate cliff hanger endings, but as a writer myself, I know that is just how I would leave each book in the series. Kinda like the television or movie series we see. It makes you disappointed at first, but then hungry for more. You just have to come back to see how it all turns out.

If you love time travel, romance or historical fiction, or like me, a bit of all three, you will want to pick up The Carthage Chronicles from best-selling author Lynne Gentry. Her first novel in the series, Healer of Carthage is about a 21st century doctor whose father has a love for archaeology. Couple that with a bit of mysterious paintings in a cave in Egypt, known simply as the Cave of Swimmers. Dr. Lisbeth Hastings lost her mother in the Cave of Swimmers and never knew what happened to her until she herself fell into the watery cavern. Turns out it transports people back into the third century in Rome, not the place you'd want to be as a woman.

In Return to Exile, we pick the series back up after Lisbeth had returned back to the 21st century at the conclusion of the first novel, in love with a man she left behind as her husband. In order to protect her, she was thrown back into the cistern which took her back to present time, where she learned she was pregnant with Cyprian's child. Knowing her daughter is extremely claustrophobic, she knows taking her daughter Maggie back in time, won't be easy. Her father insists on accompanying her to see the wife he thought died so long ago. Turns out she has become infamous for her healing abilities and remains the slave/wife to a cruel dictator named Aspasius, whose goal is to control all the Christians still dwelling in the providence. He has successfully exiled Cyprian and during Lisbeth's escape, her mother managed to flee into the hills where she remains hidden trying to control the spread of measels which is becoming a pandemic of epic portions.

Just as Lisbeth realizes she can't take her daughter with her in time, Maggie jumps into her arms at the last moment, just as the watery portal takes them both back to Rome. Her father didn't have the chance to make it. This time when Lisbeth returns to Rome armed with medical supplies to help her mother control the diseases killing the poor, she learns the despite keeping her heart open to loving Cyprian again and sharing the joy of his first child with him, she learns he didn't believe she was coming back and has married her best friend Ruth. Does Lisbeth stay or will she take Maggie and head back to the life she left behind in Dallas? You'll have to pick this one up to find out.

I received Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own personal opinion. I was so thrilled to see what the outcome would be for Lisbeth and Cyprian and was not prepared for what Lisbeth had to face heading back to Rome. I felt so sorry for her and completely understood how difficult things would be on both ends. I am super excited to see what the outcome will be when the next novel comes out Valley of Decision, and be warned this one does leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger ending but also a sneak peek into the next novel to help calm your nerves a bit. For me, I LOVE this series and this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A Reader Discussion Guide is included as well as a Q and A with the author at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Return to Exile, Lynne Gentry or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

You can find Lynne Gentry on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Return to Exile, please visit Howard Books website. 

Lynne is also hosting a Facebook Launch Party on January 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM CST where you can talk to Lynne and possibly win some incredible prizes. 

A.D. 30

I've been a huge fan of anything written by Ted Dekker. In fact, there hasn't been anything I've read that I haven't loved. Now whenever I get a request to review any novels from him, I don't even have to read the synopsis because I am already so excited to get my hands on another of his exciting series. His latest novel A.D. 30, was inspired by his wife, whom he references as Maviah, the main character in this novel. She has to utilize all her strength going beyond what she feels and pulls from an invisible source to deal with what life hands her throughout this novel.

But it wasn't so much the story that captivated me as much as Ted's chapter "My Journey into A.D. 30" at the beginning of the novel that really hit home for me as a believer. I too have struggled in my life as a believer so many times, when adversity hits home and we struggle to find that strength in Christ to measure up and move forward often times failing worse than a non believer might. It's a brutal honesty of his heart that resounded with me and made me want to venture into my own personal search in reading this novel. "What about you? You're saved in the next life as a matter of sound doctrine, but do you often feel powerless and lost in this life? Without a doubt, the answer for me and I am sure plenty of other readers will be a huge "Yes!"

Ted references Jesus in this novel as Yesua, the name He was called in His day. He takes readers into the search through this novel to discover "His Way through the lens of a foreigner - a Bedouin women who is cast out of her lofty position in the deep Arabian desert by terrible tragedy. Her epic, unnerving journey forces her to the land of Israel, where she encounters the radical teachings of Yeshua, which once again turn the world upside down." (5). As the alliances in which Maviah's people has broken down and betrayal runs rampant, she is the last hope, much like Esther was to her own people, to find salvation and restoration in meeting with Herod to broker an agreement that might save her father as well as her town of Dumah.

Along the way, her loyalty will be tested, her beliefs in the gods of Ancient Egypt will be questioned, and the faith and unconditional love she finds when she encounters Yeshua is bound to affect you in a remarkable way. It truly is a story of sacrifice for those you love and how far you might be willing to go, what the costs of revenge truly are, and how we can find strength in the midst of the darkest places in our life. Now I can't wait for the next novel A.D. 33 to come out. What an amazing novel that will impact you long after you finish the final page.

I received A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker compliments of Shelton Interactive and Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups,  for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. I absolutely love the richness of the details in this novel. I actually felt like I was part of Maviah's small caravan as she and her companions headed out across the desert oasis relying on the stars and the sand to help navigate the way to Sepphoris to reach King Herod before she is hunted down by the Thamud who are trying to stop her. It truly allowed me as a believer to experience the Way of Jesus as I never had until reading this novel. I love the interaction between Yeshua and Maviah and how she conveys how He literally saw not only her but through her to the deepest places of pain in her life, much as I would expect Yeshua would if we encountered Him. Well done again Ted Dekker, and now I wait anxiously for A.D. 33 in anticipation!!! Hands down a 5 out of 5 star novel!

For more information about A.D. 30, Ted Dekker or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A.D. 30: A Novel by Ted Dekker

You can find Ted Dekker on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on A.D. 30, please visit Center Street Publishings website. 

Season of Forgiveness

Emma Johnson believes that in order to reach some people, she has to live out what she believes. If Jesus dined and associated with sinners without judging them, than that is just what Emma will do and teach her growing family of seven boys. To say she is strong in her faith is an understatement and it permeates everything she does and says in raising her boys while her husband Jake drives the cattle on their growing ranch. But not everything for Emma has been easy. As a daughter of a white father and Indian mother, some of the people in the town of Riverbend can't see past their own race prejudices and treat her as less than worthy of God's kindness.

While Jake and her two older twins Jed and Jerry are on their way back from a long cattle drive, Emma is faced alone with caring for her five younger sons. Knowing how to shoot and take care of their needs, she still has an unsettled feeling, danger is lurking nearby. As she plans to head out for a picnic with the boys in hopes of adding some coneflower roots to her medicinal supplies, she encounters a man who has more on his mind than cause Emma harm. He plans on having a little "fun" before he takes her life. Only he wasn't counting on Emma being trained in how to use a gun and finds himself shot before he can do anything to do. Not only once in the shoulder, but when he failed to take her warning seriously, she shot him in the knee as well. But Emma isn't planning on letting him die. After she ties him up, she begins to treat his wounds.

Daisy Carson is trying to understand just where she keeps going wrong. Her father seems to find fault in everything she does, no matter how hard she tries. After losing her mother, it seems like her father can't seem to find joy in anything, except drinking, finding faults and insulting Daisy, making sure she understands she is worthless and if the punishments need to take on a physical nature to get his point across, he doesn't hesitate. Along with his drinking, he takes to assaulting Daisy at night when he visits her in her bedroom. Just when she thinks it couldn't get any worse, her brother believes that since their father can get away with treating Daisy that way, so can he. But just before he assaults her, the hired hands that work for her father, manage to arrange a rescue. They arrange to raise some money to ensure Daisy no longer has to be treated like that by her family. She takes a train and heads west in hopes of finding a new life in the mountains.

In the novel Season of Forgiveness by author Templa Melnick, each of the women in the novel find themselves in different circumstances that teach them just how powerful prayer is, and how the act of forgiveness can work to heal them in ways they could never imagine no matter how hard it is to do. With God's help each of the women learn the strength that comes from their faith as well as how important prayer is in helping them move forward in their futures despite what others may think of them. I received Season of Forgiveness compliments of Cladach Publishing for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. I love how each of these women find their own strength in their faith and no two examples are exactly alike. Emma has to struggle with racial prejudice, Daisy has to deal with finding her own self worth, Dee, will need to come to terms with starting over with other's preconceived notions of who she was in her past despite trying to move forward and Sally needs to learn how to move on when her husband abandons her in search for gold. It is a testament to what we all have to deal with in learning to forgive others who have hurt us and realize that God's love supercedes what others may think. I easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is the first novel in the Seasons of Riverbend series as well as the debut for Templa Melnick, and I personally can't wait for the next one!!!

For more information about Season of Forgiveness, Templa Melnick or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Season of Forgiveness by Templa Melnick

You can find more reviews and ways to order the book at Cladach Publishings website.

To order the novel on Amazon and view more reviews on Season of Forgiveness, please click here.