Friday, July 30, 2010

Book Review - "Hurricanes in Paradise"

Be ready to be swept away to Paradise Island in the Bahamas once you pick up Denise Hildreth's "Hurricanes in Paradise." Vacations are supposed to be just that - a vacation - a time to rest, relax and recharge. However, it is not easy to escape from reality and "hurricanes" that are being dealt with in one's life.
Riley is the director of guest relations at a 5-star resort and loves her job! Riley is preparing for the arrival of three different guests - a widow, a fashion model and an author. What Riley does not know is that these guests are all brought here by God for a reason, reasons that the four women will discover as they are trying to escape from reality at the resort when a hurricane is brewing.
Hildreth will have you laughing, crying, and working through life with these four women. This is a fun summery read, how can it not be with the setting of the novel! But, it is also a book that will take each reader on a journey along with these four women who find healing and unexpected friendships.
*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book - thank you! *

Book Review - "The Seeker"

Set in the time period of the Civil War, "The Seeker" by Ann H. Gabhart will take you on a journey of love, friendship and discovering more about one's self and beliefs.
Charlotte is preparing to marry a man Edwin, however he suddenly shatters her plans and dreams when he shares that he is going to join the Shakers. Edwin is going to join a religious group that stands firm in their belief of not being married. If this is not enough, Charlotte has just been shocked with the marriage of her father to a woman who is young enough to be her sister and the fact that she is a woman from the North. Desperate for an escape from the changes in her Southern home and holding desperately onto the chance that she may still be able to convince Edwin to marry her, Charlotte decides to join the Shaker community. Charlotte joins the Shaker community at Harmony Hill; however she is completely oblivious to how her life will change and how decisions and plans do not always end up as planned.
This is the third book in a series; however if you have read the first two books, it is fine. But, this is a series you do not want to miss out on, so all three books are worth taking the time to read! Gabhart ties in historical aspects along with details pertaining to a community that may not be well-known to the readers. You will be quickly drawn in to the story and you will not want to stop until you finish the book!

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Book Review - "Resurrection in May"

Award-winning author Lisa Samson has released a new novel, "Resurrection in May." May has just graduated from college and is searching to find herself. An unexpected relationship is formed between May and Claudius, a kind old man. After witnessing a horrific scene in Africa on her missons trip, May returns to the sanctuary she found before her trip at Claudius' home. During this time May meets up with a former flame and the turns that his life have taken force May to think about life, choices and the path that she is taking. Thus begins May's resurrection.
If you are looking for a light read, this is not the book for you. Samson has filled this novel with hurt, heartache and very emotionally draining scenes. However, this is also filled with forgiveness, love and grace as the characters bond and work through the issues in their lives. This book is thought-provoking and the story is one that will be remembered.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Book Review - "The Faith Dare"

Ladies be prepared to be drawn into “The Faith Dare” once you start this book! Debbie Alsdorf ‘s book “The Faith Dare: 30 Days to Live Your Life to the Fullest” is an excellent resource to use individually or in a small group with other women. This dare is split into sections focusing on different areas, for example your relationship with God and then another section focusing on your relationship with other people. The lessons are relatively short and have scripture woven into them. There are guided questions that will help you to focus on and think about each lesson as well as provide an outline for journaling your thoughts. This is thought-provoking and well worth your time!
“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Courting Morrow Little"

Laura Frantz’ latest historical novel, “Courting Morrow Little” is a must-read for historical fiction readers. This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last. I am hoping to get a chance to read Frantz’ “The Frontiersman’s Daughter” as the main character is referred to in “Courting Morrow Little” and I would love to know her story as well.
Filled with historical detail of the late 1700’s involving life in Kentucky on the frontier, hostility toward and from the Shawnee Indians and the British occupying cities, this book creates a vivid picture of life during this time. Morrow is faced with challenges and heartbreak at a young age as her mother and sister are killed by the Indians and her brother is kidnapped, leaving her alone with her father. Still after several years, Morrow lives in fear and is sent to live with her aunt where she will be safe. Upon returning to Kentucky, Morrow is faced with dealing with her father’s ailing health and also those in a group she has never forgiven. Morrow is of a marrying age, and living on the frontier there are many suitors , but only a few that are worthy. Morrow is faced with choices and must make choices of the heart and mind. This novel is a great story of love, forgiveness and redemption.
“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Book Review - "Touching the Clouds"

Bonnie Leon has a new series out here for those of us who enjoy historical romance fiction! "Touching the Clouds" is book #1 in the Alaskan Skies series and is different from any book I have read!
Kate Evans is looking for adventure in the 1930's. Kate lives with her parents in the state of Washington and has grown up flying with her father and working in their apple orchard. This is not enough for Kate, she needs something more and also needs to escape from memories that continue to haunt her. Following her dream to be a bush pilot in Alaska, Kate is faced with several challenges, challenges ranging from not being accepted as a woman pilot to losing her heart to a native who harbors secrets as well. Kate learns to place her trust in God as He continues to protect her in the midst of trials and also while making decisions in regards to the men in her life.
Leon has created a story that ties in historical detail from this time period, as well as the setting of Alaska along with romance and characters working through their guilt as to incidents in the past. This is an enjoyable read and I am greatly looking forward to the next book in this series!

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”