If We Make It Home

I love finding a new novel from a debut author that is simply so great I feel the need to tell everyone. If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson is one such novel. It is a novel that conveys friendship, loyalty, faith and hope as its central themes. The novel is about sorority sisters from Emery House, that find themselves strangely all returning back to their house based on an invitation that the house is about to be closed. Each of them has a very different reason for attending.  For Ireland, a tree-hugger, vegan, activist, she has been offered a speaking position at the local college and is strongly advised to do so by her present Professor who is trying to deal with a potential lawsuit involving Ireland and a former student.

For Jenna, a middle aged, empty nester who can't seem to find the meaning and purpose to life now that her three kids have left home. She is overweight, but happily married and struggles with self esteem issues even though her husband Mark supports her in everything she wants to do. She feels like her only purpose as a mom raising her kids is over and doesn't know what to do. For Victoria, a successful wife and mother who heads up one of the leading ministries devoted to marriage and family, suddenly learns that her husband is having an affair with her assistant and leaves town without a note, hoping they might get worried enough to find her. She knows once word gets out about her marriage, her career is over.

The one thing that didn't plan on, was the unexpected and unannounced news that their sorority sister Hope, has passed away from breast cancer. They learn from Hope's daughter that she always wanted to take a survival trip into the Oregon Cascades with trail guide Glenda who operates this trips, but was too ill to ever go. The three sisters, who have not spoken in 25 years, decide to take a trip in honor of Hope. However, these three are the worst prepared to undertake this journey. Jenna is completely out of shape and her only real fitness challenge has been walking around her home as of late, Ireland is a vegan who is probably the only one who might make the trek considering they have to live off the land, and Victoria, a beauty queen who can't live without looking perfect has bought just about everything they would need but hasn't figured out how she plans to carry it all. The group is in store for more than anyone could ever bargain for and I will leave this review at that, because this is where the novel gets going and never lets up until the very last page.

I received If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson compliments of Kregel Publications. This is such a great novel because as a reader, I found myself a part of this group having to endure everything that happens to them. I could smell the pine trees and struggle with the rocky terrain they have to hike in. I found myself relating quite a bit to Jenna's character because I am facing that empty nest soon as my youngest will be leaving home very soon. I could understand the struggle of wanting to give up and dealing with friends you thought you knew in college but lost touch with afterwards and now find themselves struggling to truly be themselves as they once were. I will be adding Christina Suzann Nelson to my watch list, because if this is her debut novel, I can't wait to see what comes next. 5 out of 5 solid stars for this novel!!!

For more information about If We Make It Home, Christina Suzann Nelson, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson 

You can find Christina Suzann Nelson on Facebook to stay up to date with her latest books.

To read more reviews on If We Make It Home, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

Book of Days

"All of my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began." ~ Psalm 139:16

Cameron's dad was in the hospital because he was forgetting pieces of his life, like who his son was, who his wife was and where he was. Just days before he dies, he asks Cameron to visit. In a moment of clarity, he tells Cameron to find the book. He has seen it and touched it. He promises that what is happening to him will happen to Cameron too. If he doesn't want to lose his memories and be restored, he must find the book.

Eight years after his father dies, Cameron's wife, Jessie dies in a plane crash. In the moments remaining of her life, she tells him about the book. That he must find it. It will tell him things he needs to know. She also gives him a necklace with a rock on it. She tells him it provides the clues to help him find the book.

How could both of them have known about a book, and yet had never bothered to mention it until they are dying? Just what is in this book? Does it really exist?



In the suspense novel, Book of Days by James. L. Rubart, the reader is taken along with Cameron to search for a book known to some as the Book of Days. In it, are all the days of every persons life, past, present and future. But does it really exist? Combining his efforts with Ann Bannister, Jessie's best friend, the two embark on a journey that will lead them to places some wish to remain a secret and others will stop at nothing to find that mysterious book.

Once more James L. Rubart does the unthinkable and takes the reader on a journey of mystery and along the way, we all learn a little bit more about ourselves and the future that lies ahead of us. Very believable and even possible to imagine, that's what makes a great read for me. Once again 5 out of 5 stars and now can't wait to begin another journey soon with The Chair!

For more information about the book, the author and where to pick up his incredible books, click on the link below:

Book of Days by James L. Rubart

You can also follow James on his Facebook page by clicking here.