Category: Christian Fiction

When the Meadow Blooms

By Ann H. Gabhart

MY REVIEW

Such a sweet story. This story was a good one for me. I’m bedridden much of the time, and my daughter has done so much of the work. I have had a difficult time with that so I really relate to Rose. It is hard to rest while one’s daughter is working, yet it must be done. I loved the attitude of the girls as they worked. My daughter handles the responsibility so incredibly well. I could so relate to that part of this lovely story.

This was a great read to come after a mafia story! I grew up in the city and now live in the country. I can totally relate to wanting to live or just visit a beautiful meadow. The girls are so sweet, and even as a reader I wanted to give them a hug.

Such a terrific faith theme woven in this book…hope, faith and forgiveness. Friendship and family, good times and tough times, all the things that make up our journey of life are in this story. It’s a sweet , heartfelt story…probably a new favorite from this author. 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Shadowed Loyalty

By Roseanna M. White

MY REVIEW

One thing I really did like about this book was that it was quite different from most books in this genre. This is the first historical I’ve read about the mafia. Some of the history and the beginnings of the mafia was quite fascinating.

I really couldn’t connect with the characters in this book, but I think that would be normal. I grew up in a very sheltered environment. These children did too, in a way, but the knew there was definitely something different about their families.

I liked Lorenzo , though I found his conduct hard to understand at times. The rosary bead mentions were a bit much for me, but I know that was holding to their history as well.

The storyline was well done and definitely keeps the readers turning the pages. It had a strong faith theme of forgiveness and hope, and though different-family was incredibly important. It was paced very well and will keep the readers attention to the very end.

One thing I really did like about this book was that it was quite different from most books in this genre. This is the first historical I’ve read about the mafia. Some of the history and the beginnings of the mafia was quite fascinating.

I really couldn’t connect with the characters in this book, but I think that would be normal. I grew up in a very sheltered environment. These children did too, in a way, but the knew there was definitely something different about their families.

I liked Lorenzo , though I found his conduct hard to understand at times. The rosary bead mentions were a bit much for me, but I know that was holding to their history as well.

The storyline was well done and definitely keeps the readers turning the pages. It had a strong faith theme of forgiveness and hope, and though different-family was incredibly important. It was paced very well and will keep the readers attention to the very end.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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To Tame a Cowboy

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

The characters are vivid and well done in this third book of the Colorado Cowboys. This author always does such a great job of making her characters come alive. Even the secondary characters become interesting for the reader.

The setting is a beautiful one. I’ve never been to Colorado, and this book may be the closest I get. 

I read historical fiction for the history. I love to learn as I read fiction. This book, to me, seemed much more about romance and the attraction between the main characters than it did about anything else. Since I’m not a reader of just romance novels that was not a bonus for me,

If you like historical fiction with swooning romance then this is definitely a book for you.

There is a faith theme present in this read which is what gave its value to me. Christian fiction should have something of Christian in its pages. It isn’t a large one, but it is present and well woven into the story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Written on the Wind

by Elizabeth Camden

MY REVIEW

This was a wonderful read with the backdrop of the Trans-Siberian Railway. I have always been fascinated by Russian history so I was looking forward to this read. It did not disappoint.

For me,the characters are what made the story. The author did such a good job of bringing them to life and making them real. Both of the main characters are fantastic. They are not copycats, and they cause this story to be different from so many other historical fiction books. I can’t say more or I take the chance of spoilers.

The storyline is a good one with a Russian viewpoint, American viewpoint, and a good faith theme. This authors books are always interesting. This one is definitely my favorite in the series so far…I’m looking forward to book three! 

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Master Craftsman

By Kelli Stuart

MY REVIEW

This book starts with some Russian history and a treasure hunt. That alone intrigued me. It was a split story line. The historical one was interesting, and the present day one was fast paced. If a deep storyline isn’t for you the treasure hunt may keep you engaged. I enjoy history so the historical Russian history was fascinating. 

The biggest problem the story had was the language and the lack of any faith theme. I expect a faith them from this Christian publisher, yet there was none. At one time, I would have been shocked at language in a book like this. Unfortunately, it isn’t as rare as it use to be. I did read a quote for the author that the book wasn’t a Christian one…which made me wonder why it was published by Revell.

If you are not bothered by the above, then you may find this read interesting and fitting for you. I honestly cannot think of an author I read to compare her writing style. Many reviewers do that, but I’m unable to come up with one for this particular book. Perhaps because it is the only one I’ve read by this author. I thought the storyline was well done as was the twist and turns in the book…especially a huge twist close to the end of the story. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, but this book was far more about story than people.

If the language or lack of faith theme doesn’t bother you, and you enjoy a fast paced mystery then this book might be for you. It just was not my type of read. There are plenty other reviewers who disagree.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Spark of Love

By Amanda Cabot

MY REVIEW

This was an enjoyable book. I have enjoyed each book in this series. The characters are really enjoyable. The reader knows that secrets will come out eventually so it makes it interesting to find out how and what is going to ensue afterwards.

Then the book is full of suspense/mystery of things the reader doesn’t know. This kept me reading for a long while and finishing quickly. However,the town of Mesquite Springs and its interesting cast of characters is what really keeps the book moving…and intriguing. I really enjoy the relationships here…father and daughter, lovers, and all the interesting relationships that make up life.

The faith theme is good, and is a natural part of the story. It is well done.

I really enjoyed this book. I think the growing relationship between father and daughter is what really touched me. It was sweet. I’m close to my own daddy so this part of the story was what really kept me from wanting to put the book down. I enjoyed this series and recommend all three.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Lady of Galway Manor

By Jennifer Deibel

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were enjoyable. I especially liked the change of the heroine’s thoughts of who the Irish were…and then who she really found them to be. Much of the story deals with reality verses what people having heard about other people.

The author mentions having lived in Galway. That comes through the book in so many ways. You feel as if you are walking the streets there as you read the book. Many places are mentioned, but they aren’t mentioned as if they are at a distance or out of the ordinary. We see it as an Irish individual who feels so at home with the culture and food when seeing it through Stephen’s eyes. It’s written as though going for lunch for fish and chips is perfectly normal. I loved that. I also like the pronunciation and unique words that make it feel like one has traveled there.

I enjoyed the faith theme that was well done. The plot itself is quite predictable, but the characters kept me engaged in the story. I loved the history in the book as well. Another lovely story from this author.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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To Disguise the Truth

By Jen Turano

MY REVIEW

An absolutely witty, amusing, and fantastic read from this author. I have read them all, and this is definitely one of my favorites. There are a lot of characters…so many fun ones- from Eunice (who has so many names) to Arthur to Ivan to Aunt Hazel. There is lots of entertainment and intrigue to be had with this cast. 

The plot was fascinating, the mystery was terrific, and the themes of love and forgiveness were very strong. I really enjoy this author’s books as she always gives a lot of humor. Her books are an amusing and lively escape. This one is no exception.

So, jump at the chance to read any of hers, but this truly is one of her best!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Ever Constant

By Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

MY REVIEW

The final story in the Treasures of Nome series is fantastic! I really enjoyed all the characters in this series. In the final book Whitney feels alone, confused…and tries to be strong. Being the oldest in the family, I do understand that part of her personality.

The story is incredibly well done. Life’s struggles are there, but God is always there as well. This story has a sweet love story; wonderful, vivid characters: and a deep faith theme that is so intrinsic to the story and magnificently done.

The final story in the Treasures of Nome series is fantastic! I really enjoyed all the characters in this series. In the final book Whitney feels alone, confused…and tries to be strong. Being the oldest in the family, I do understand that part of her personality.

The story is incredibly well done. Life’s struggles are there, but God is always there as well. This story has a sweet love story; wonderful, vivid characters: and a deep faith theme that is so intrinsic to the story and magnificently done.

I really enjoyed each of these novels, and I’m rather sad to see their tale come to an end. Go got your copy of the series-wonderful reads!

I really enjoyed each of these novels, and I’m rather sad to see their tale come to an end. Go got your copy of the series-wonderful reads!

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A Heart Adrift

By Laura Frantz

MY REVIEW

I always look forward to a novel by Laura Frantz. She puts forth beautiful novels with exquisite prose that sings like poetry. This tale didn’t disappoint, and it is definitely among my top favorites of hers.

I love the characters! I really connect with Esmee. I love simple things, simple dress, nature, and it’s beauty. The hero is typical of this author-a wonderful one. I truly enjoyed the faith theme and how the characters use the scriptures to bring them direction and comfort. The main cast is surrounded by a terrific secondary set of characters that I loved.

The scene and all that it entails is fabulous. This story appeals to all ones senses, and the reader truly feels as if they have been to Colonial Virginia.

From the front cover to the last word, this book is beautiful, marvelously beautiful. The scenes and characters so real that the reader is not reading a story, the reader is IN the story, a part of the story. One wants to shed tears with them and cheer with them. The storyline is intriguing and engaging. The faith theme is heartfelt and incredibly well done. It has all the great elements for a marvelous novel. Do not miss this five star read!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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