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Book Review: Darkness Rising

13 Oct

51CeSyzf2+L._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_The evil in East Salem is no longer content to hide in the shadows. The stakes ― and the darkness ― are rising.

Dani Harris thought there wasn’t much left that could surprise her after serving as a forensic psychiatrist in East Salem. And Tommy Gunderson has faced few challenges in his life that he couldn’t overcome by either physical strength or his celebrity status.

But as they race to uncover what’s really happening behind the high walls of St. Adrian’s Academy, it becomes clear that supernatural forces have been at work here for generations. And now their focus is on making sure Dani and Tommy don’t interfere.

When the unseen becomes seen, faith is the only weapon strong enough to fight in a battle involving not just murder and betrayal ― but angels and demons.

 

logoLis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.

Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.

Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.

Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.

She lives with her husband and two children in New York.

fea4e03ae7a06dbcacda3210-l-_v192614257_sx200_Pete Nelson lives with his wife and son in Westchester, New York. He got his MFA from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1979 and has written both fiction and non-fiction for magazines, including Harpers, Esquire, MS, Outside, The Iowa Review, National Wildlife, Glamour, Redbook. He was a columnist for Mademoiselle and a staff writer for LIVE Magazine, covering various live events including horse pulls, music festivals, dog shows, accordion camps and arm wrestling championships. Recently he was a contributing editor and feature writer for Wondertime, a Disney parenting magazine.

 

My Impressions:

Darkness Rising is book 2 in Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson’s East Salem series. The action begins where Waking Hours left off (my review HERE). Filled with demons, this supernatural thriller definitely registers high on the creepy meter. If you like scary this one is for you. If not, I’d give it a pass.

Dani Harris, a forensic psychiatrist, and Tommy Gunderson, ex-football player turned PI, continue to investigate the bizarre murder that has rocked the quaint town of East Salem, New York. Evidence mounts up implicating the local academy that prides itself on teaching future leaders. As Dani and Tommy get closer to the truth, the action ramps up, including demonic activity that is determined not to be stopped.

Darkness Rising features new and returning characters. The bad guys are not well-developed, but Wiehl and Nelson make sure the good guys’ emotions, motivations and background are explored. The emphasis of the novel is the struggle of good and evil and uses an interesting framework to portray the ancient battle. Demons, as well as angels, play a major role, and the book does not shy away from the violence of the battle. The theme of Christ’s redemptive work is portrayed along with God’s plan and purposes in His people’s lives. Even as the demons work to separate Dani and Tommy, God turns those efforts to work out His plan.  I did have one problem though. A character who is a believer becomes demon-possessed. This is contrary to my understanding of scripture. I believe in demonic attack and oppression, but never possession in a believer. 1 John 4:4 states — But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (NLT). *For this reason I would not recommend this book to non-believers.

Darkness Rising ends with a battle won, but the war is definitely not over. The characters are united and committed to uncover truth and expose evil, but it will be a daunting task. I look forward to the conclusion of this series.

*Recommended. (Please see note above.)

Audience: adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Love’s A Stage

9 Oct

Unknown-2Grad student and future marriage counselor Aly Brewster had a perfect childhood with perfect parents. Now she’s heading into her own perfect life: Finish her Master’s. Build a successful practice. Husband at twenty-six. But when her parents blindside her with the news they’re getting divorced, her perfect world shatters.

Actor Nick Armstrong has been in love with Aly since they met during freshman year. He’s happy to accept his assigned place in her Friend Zone because it lets him be close to her. But it’s been over five years — time to move on. Then the usually-unflappable Aly comes to him begging for help to save her parents’ marriage. Nick has the perfect plan: fake an engagement to each other to inspire her parents to fight to save their marriage. And who knows? It might trigger Aly’s feelings for him. But when Aly takes the ruse to the next level — planning a wedding in her parents’ backyard and hiring additional actors to play his family — enough is enough!

As the lines between acting and reality grow decidedly blurred, these two improvised fiancés must decide: are they going to finish the play . . . or exit stage right. Alone.

 

Rene-Gutteridge-low-res-2Rene Gutteridge is the author of over 25 books and has been writing professionally for almost two decades. Her writing ranges from comedy to suspense and from freelance writing to novels to screenplays. Her first feature film, SKID, is due out next year. Her latest two fiction projects are collaborations with screenwriter Cheryl McKay and are romantic comedies.

Cheryl-McKay-lower-resCheryl McKay began writing stories and plays at five years old based on pictures on her lunchboxes. She’s been writing since. Both a screenwriter and author of non-fiction and fiction books, her most notable film to date is The Ultimate Gift (James Garner, Abigail Breslin). Cheryl’s favorite genres are family dramas and romantic comedies. One of Cheryl’s favorite writing alliances is with Rene Gutteridge. The two partner on novelizations of Cheryl’s screenplays. (Never the Bride for Random House, Greetings from the Flipside for B&H.) Cheryl and her husband live in Los Angeles. She’s avid scrapbooker, day-tripper, and chocolate addict.

 

My Impressions:

Love’s A Stage is a light, romantic comedy with a bit of slapstick thrown in from the writing duo of Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay. The setting is Massachusetts in the fall, complete with a Pilgrim-themed wedding (yes, that’s right, a Pilgrim wedding) and will get your Autumn romance reading off to a good start. The characters are likable — Aly is idealistic, Nick is devoted and the assortment of secondary characters range from loyal to clueless. But it is the underlying message that a marriage takes real work that resonated with this reader. As Aly and Nick planned their fake wedding to reunite Aly’s parents, it is apparent that for a real marriage to work, a couple needs to keep their eyes on the husband/wife relationship. A happily-ever-after follows near disaster that will have you chuckling. A quick read, Love’s A Stage is fun reading.

Recommended for fans of light romantic comedy.

Audience: adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Redbud Press for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Children’s Corner: The Good Samaritan

7 Oct

UnknownEver wonder why they called him the “Good” Samaritan? Find out why in this level 2 I Can Read, written in the tradition of the popular Adventure Bible.

Jewish people and the Samaritans were enemies … they would never have considered helping one another. So what happens when a Jew is robbed, and left on the side of the road to die? Who stops to help? Read as Jesus tells a remarkable story about a man who serves his neighbor as God would want. Perfect for beginning readers ages 4-8, learning Bible stories on their own.

 

Born and raised in Michigan, David Miles spent his childhood sloshing through creek beds, climbing trees, and creating numerous baked goods. That spirit of adventure and curiosity often finds its way into his illustrations through quirky characters and hidden surprises. After spending a decade in Philadelphia and New York pursuing his artistic dreams, David has moved back to the familiar surroundings of Michigan. Now, when he’s not drawing and painting he still enjoys a good romp through the woods.

My Impressions:

For early readers, the I Can Read! series is always a good choice. The latest in this series, The Good Samaritan, takes its story and illustrations from The Adventure Bible. Geared towards developing readers, this book combines challenging sentences and vocabulary and gets kids reading Bible stories for themselves. What a great accomplishment! I really like this series and wish it had been around when my kids were learning to read.

Recommended.

Audience: grades K-2.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Audiobook Review: Double Cross

6 Oct

51496RmgNIL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington―and what she sacrificed to put him away―he is now her best lead.

Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family―even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

d-mills-about-picDiAnn Mills is a best-selling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than fifty-five books published.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and 2011.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and is the 2014 president of RWA’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

 

My Impressions:

Double Cross, the second book in DiAnn Mills’ FBI: Houston series, is a standalone novel that combines fast-paced action, characters with great chemistry and a great message of grace. I listened to the audiobook and could not quit listening! The mystery kept me guessing while I grew attached to the characters. This book is a winner I can recommend.

Laurel Evertson was done with God when her parents were killed. Now an FBI agent she is determined to seek justice for the most vulnerable of society. When Morton Williamson, a man she helped put in jail, professes to have found God, she is more than skeptical, but the two are brought back together to uncover those involved in a scheme to rob Alzheimer’s patients. Daniel Hilton has a similar background to Laurel, but loving grandparents made a big difference in the course of his life. This Houston police officer joins the case when it becomes personal. The danger ramps up and its unclear just who can be trusted.

If you like an action-packed suspense novel, Double Cross is a good choice. There’s danger around every corner and the good guys are targets to be eliminated. But as good as the plot is, the characters were what kept me turning the pages. Laurel and Daniel have great chemistry as partners and as a couple. They have baggage to be sure, but their attraction is undeniable. Then there is Morton Williamson — a complex character that keeps you on your toes. I continually questioned if his conversion is the real deal or if he is the consummate con man. No spoilers here; you’ll have to decide for yourself! Daniel’s grandparents are also wonderful characters displaying love, grace and commitment. The novel also made me look at my own judgments concerning whether people really do change.

Another hit from DiAnn Mills, Double Cross is highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense. The plot, characterization and subject matter are complex enough for a great book club discussion as well. The audio production is well-done, so be prepared for a great listen.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Good for book clubs.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(I purchased this audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: The Methuselah Project

5 Oct

51JpnMaMUvL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_In World War II, German scientists began many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed―until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success―but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America―just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015―and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller ― crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle ― offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

5168721Rick Barry is the author of Gunner’s Run, another World War II novel, Kiriath’s Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick and his wife Pam live in Indianapolis, Indiana. Visit him at facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry, or on Twitter (@WriterRickBarry).

 

My Impressions:

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry starts off with a great premise — what could happen if an American pilot is captured by Germans during WWII and experimented on by their mad scientists, and the end of the war does not signal the end of their experiment? The result of Barry’s what if is a novel that includes suspense, history and romance. It is a very light and quick read with an ending to please romantics.

Barry’s premise is intriguing. Could a shadowy, international group really pull off clandestine experiments without the world finding out? And could their quest for a New Order survive modern detection? For those who love conspiracies, The Methuselah Project fits the bill. And for those who like romance and history, the book includes those elements. However, it fell a bit flat for me. A great framework was there, it just didn’t seem fleshed out enough. I wanted to know more about the Heritage Organization. I also felt the characters were a bit 2-dimensional. There is a message of the power of prayer in the book and that is good. About 2/3 of the way through the action heats up and that did keep me turning the pages.

Well, as you can see, I found The Methuselah Project to just be an ok read. I didn’t hate it, but I closed the covers thinking it could have been better. I am definitely in the minority with my opinion — it has great reviews on Goodreads. So be sure to check out what others are saying there.

To purchase this book, click HERE. 

(Thanks to LitFuse and Kregel for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Audiobook Review: Murder As A Second Language

2 Oct

51f99xIfhGL._SX304_BO1,204,203,200_Her foray into French cooking was one type of disaster. But when Claire attempts to give back to her community by volunteering as an ESL tutor with the Farberville Literacy Council, she finds herself railroaded onto the Board of Directors  . . . and confronted with an epic to-do list including but not limited to responding to acts of vandalism, fighting charges of embezzlement, and the murder of a female Russian student. Now it’s up to Claire, with the help of her new husband, to solve the brutal crime-one as difficult to translate as the Cyrillic alphabet itself.

 

 

 

 

hess(From Wikipedia) Joan Hess is an American mystery writer, the author of two popular mystery series: The Claire Malloy Mysteries and The Maggody Mysteries (also called The Arly Hanks Mysteries).

Hess has been nominated for the Agatha Award five times, and won once, for her 1990 short story “Too Much to Bare”.

A longtime resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Hess now lives in Austin, Texas.

 

My Impressions:

I am a sucker for good cozy mysteries, and Joan Hess’ Claire Malloy series is one of the best. I started at the beginning and have read a good number of the books, but I have missed the last few. I chose Murder As A Second Language for my morning walks and am glad I did. Light and engaging with a main character who is smart, savvy, sassy and a bit sarcastic, this novel kept me laughing and guessing as I racked up the miles. This is the first book I have read since Claire’s marriage to hunky Deputy Chief of Police, Peter Rosen. But not much has really changed; Claire is on her own quite a bit with her daughter Caron’s independent high school activities and Peter’s long hours on a murder case. Claire is especially nosy inquisitive and inserts herself wherever trouble is. The murder at the Literacy Council with all its feuding board members and international students is puzzling and kept me on my toes. Murder As A Second Language is a fun read, but please note it is not a Christian novel. There is a bit of bad language and adult innuendo.

Recommended for fans of secular cozy mysteries. (There is some bad language and adult situations.)

Audience: adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Children’s Corner: God Made All of Me

30 Sep

God-made-me_frontcover“God made every part of you!”

It’s easy to convey the message to children that their bodies—or particular parts of their bodies—are shameful. This misconception fuels confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy, and often prevents children from recognizing or reporting sexual abuse.

God Made All of Me is a simply-told, beautifully-illustrated story to help families talk about these sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. Because the private parts of our bodies are private, the home is the ideal environment where a child should learn about his or her body and how it should be treated by others.

God Made All of Me starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth—the doctrine of creation—to kids and their bodies. It equips parents to talk with both boys and girls about their bodies and to help them understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others. God Made All of Me allows families to build a first line of defense against sexual abuse in the safety of their own homes.

God Made All of Me is the first children’s book written by Rid of My Disgrace authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse and are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face. Their simple and relatable story, designed to help children protect their bodies, will be an important resource for every family with young children.

JLHolcomb-327Justin Holcomb, PhD, is an Episcopal priest and professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He is the author of “On the Grace of God,” “Know the Heretics,” and “Know the Creeds and Councils,” as well as the coauthor of “Is It My Fault?” and “Rid of My Disgrace.” He also serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments).

Lindsey Holcomb, MPH, counsels victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Lindsey has provided crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and conducted a variety of training seminars to service providers. She is also the coauthor of “Is It My Fault?” and “Rid of My Disgrace.”

To learn more, please visit their website — godmadeallofme.com.

My Impressions:

What an excellent book for parents to use to teach their children about personal safety. God Made All of Me emphasizes that God made us — all of us — and it was good! It goes on to help children understand good versus bad touching, secrets versus surprises and the child’s power to say NO. The book also helps parents to broach the subject of sexuality — something that may be uncomfortable for them to express. Handled in such a natural manner, children will feel empowered, not scared to speak up. The emphasis of the book is on safety and security for the child. It also contains a parent’s section detailing ways to protect a child from sexual abuse. I was impressed with the insertion of God’s word throughout the book — a good reminder for both parents and children. A final reminder comes from Psalm 28:7 — The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

I whole heartily recommend God Made All of Me. The bold illustrations will appeal to children, the message is straightforward and backed by Biblical principles and it gives parents an easy way to talk to their kids without embarrassment. And what could be more important than protecting our kids, especially in an increasingly scary world. God Made All of Me is perfect for the home or church library.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: for child and parent joint reading.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to LitFuse for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Last Chance Hero

29 Sep

UnknownThe inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she’s never seen a football game, isn’t really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn’t know a first down from a home run.

Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it’s not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player–whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field–they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

With the flair that has made her Last Chance books a favorite among readers of contemporary fiction, Cathleen Armstrong draws on the passion Americans have for the traditions of small-town high school football.

 

Cathleen-Armstrong-hi-res-199x300Cathleen Armstrong is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction in 2009 and the first volume in the series A Place to Call Home. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi, but her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives.

 

My Impressions:

Cathleen Armstrong returns to Last Chance, New Mexico in book 4 of her A Place to Call Home series, Last Chance Hero. In this contemporary romance novel old characters are joined by new as the town prepares for a return to the Glory Days of Last Chance football. Small town feel, endearing characters and a budding romance mix together to provide a very satisfying read.

Dr. Jessica “Jess” MacLeod is living her dream of practicing medicine in a small southwestern town. And while everyone in Last Chance is welcoming, they are not flocking to her office for appointments. Andy Ryan is returning to Last Chance after 10 years playing football in college and the NFL. As the newly appointed coach of the high school team, Andy has to battle expectations that may not align with reality. The two hit it off, but Jess doesn’t know anything about football and is not interested in learning. In a town where football is King, can the two find common ground?

Last Chance Hero is the fourth book Armstrong has set in the quaint and quirky southwestern New Mexico town, and I have to say I have not gotten tired of returning again and again. Secondary characters from previous books keep it familiar, and the introduction of new characters keep it fresh. I really liked Jess and Andy. They have a bit of the opposites attract story going on. I can really identify with that. My husband and I have such dissimilar interests its a wonder we ever got past dating! But after 35 years of being a couple with 30 of those years married, I can say that opposites can attract and thrive! Armstrong hits on the secret of success when she creates two characters that have the same goals and values. The football framework is fun — perfect for Fall reading. High School football is big here in middle Georgia, so I could certainly relate to all the hoopla surrounding the Last Chance team. I could also relate to Jess’ preference to a good book in front of a fire instead of sitting on cold bleachers! But Jess is a plucky heroine; her determination to learn more about football produced a few chuckles. Andy is more complex than his jock persona and I enjoyed his unfolding personality and emotions. Relationships are the center of this series, and Last Chance Hero explores the most important relationships — parent/child and God/His people. The importance of a close relationship with God is stressed, but never preachy.

Last Chance Hero can be read as a standalone novel, but the books are so good that I suggest you start at the beginning. An interesting storyline is introduced that I am hoping will be developed more fully in the next book. Each successive book in the series has been my favorite, and this one is no exception. All in all, a great read that I can recommend.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: No Safe Harbor

28 Sep

UnknownNew York City, 1897

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she’s found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She’s then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother–but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke… a man she’s grown to love?

741feb081762589663e2be0dbf3ecb3aElizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel
Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll be Home for Christmas”, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.

In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

My Impressions:

Looking for historical romance with mystery and intrigue? Then No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig could be for you. Set amidst the bustling immigrant population of New York at the end of the 19th century, it has danger and suspense and an enduring love story. A perfect read for the cooler nights of Autumn.

Cara Hamilton believed she had lost everyone she loved until receiving a mysterious letter from her twin brother she had presumed dead. Summoned to New York City, Cara braves the Atlantic crossing determined to find her brother and discover the reason behind his flight to America. Rourke Turner/Walsh believes Cara is the key to finding his father’s murderer, but as their relationship strengthens, he is torn between family duty and love.

Cara and Rourke are great characters. They each struggle with faith and loyalty to family. The mystery surrounding Cara’s brother Eoghan leads them into danger. And you can never be sure whom can be trusted. I liked the New York that Ludwig recreates — streets busy with vendors and carriages and wagons, dark alleys filled with secrets and danger and a boarding house with women hurt by the past and determined to make a new life in a new land. Ellis Island is a central landmark and familiar to all of us whose great-grands passed through its gates. Irish politics makes its way to New York as well, and I was glad for the lesson on Fenians and the role of immigrant support in the quest for Irish Home Rule. The theme of revenge vs. forgiveness runs throughout the No Safe Harbor. It is clear that revenge leads to bitterness and corruption, yet forgiveness leads to freedom. And God is never far from His people. I loved how Clara recalls her mother’s words — God’s help is closer than the door.

No Safe Harbor is the first in the 3-part Edge of Freedom series (all are currently available). I am looking forward to more with those I met in this book.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Bethany House and Library Thing for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Book Review: Only with Blood

24 Sep

41el4NC2BwL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_When dying Jack Flynn decides he needs a bride so that he can father a son, his young wife Caitlin proves far more than he intended to buy.

Jack Flynn, strong and aggressive but slowly dying of tuberculosis on his farm in Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland, decides to acquire―purchase―a young wife who can bear him sons to inherit his family’s land. His choice, Caitlin Spillane, is less than half his age, attractive and intelligent, and resents bitterly the obedience that is forced upon her.

When a young firebrand, a supporter of the IRA, arrives in the village, he and Caitlin are drawn together in their detestation of Flynn. Flynn, traumatized by his own insurgent IRA experiences twenty years earlier, is secretly convinced that Eamonn de Valera’s more diplomatic, peaceful approach to Ireland’s problems is the only sane one.
Could Caitlin be won for the cause, and leave her unloved husband?

A novel set against the struggle for the heart of Ireland in the Second World War, when the IRA notoriously sought assistance from the Nazis, Only with Blood explores flawed characters placed in extraordinary situations.

Therese-Down-01-1-150x150Therese Down is currently working as the Head of English at a High School in England and has been teaching English Literature and Language for over twenty years in a range of schools and colleges. She holds a MA in Employment Law and is experienced in personnel management.

 

My Impressions:

The subtitle of Therese Down’s debut novel, Only with Blood, is A Novel of Ireland, and that is exactly what you get. Billed as historical fiction, I would add that this is literary fiction with a voice as unique as an Irish brogue. Beautifully written, though stark and sometimes depressing, Only with Blood is exceptional. It is, however, not what I would categorize as Christian fiction.

Only with Blood traces the stories of three main characters: Jack Flynn a 40+ year old farmer finally thinking of taking a wife, Caitlyn Spillane a 17 year old girl sold to Flynn by her father, and Donal Kelly a twenty-something idealist turned patriot turned terrorist. The backdrop is Ireland in 1943, a country torn apart by the fight between the IRA, Britain and the Irish government. Neutral during WWII, its people are definitely not at peace. The novel takes place amidst the mud and rain of rural Ireland and its cities full of socialist/communist/nationalist sentiments. Not an easy read, but definitely one that captures the imagination.

The characters that Down has created are developed through memories and recollections as well as contemporary (1943) circumstances. Each is a fascinating study of hopes, dreams, failures and fears. I didn’t like them much at the beginning of the novel, but they certainly grew on me. Jack is an especially compelling character who is burdened by a past of abuse, abandonment, and guilt. Caitlyn is definitely headstrong, but needs that in her survival within an archaic system of arranged marriage. Donal was my least favorite, but his sacrifice at the end redeems his character. The novel is dense with unfamiliar language and history, at least to me. I had no idea of Ireland’s history past the potato famine. But it was the foreign words and natural introduction of culture and history that gave this novel a great deal of authenticity.

Earlier, I stated that this is not a Christian novel, at least by American standards. Religion is a central part of the novel, as well it should be, as the the majority of those in southern Ireland were Catholic. Characters attend mass, nuns and priests are secondary characters, and Caitlyn’s sister enters the convent. It is pervasive, but there doesn’t seem to be any real connection between the characters and the God they profess to believe. It is more institutional than relational. There is a scene close to the end of the novel when Jack is assured of God’s forgiveness. That was a powerful scene, but really the only one of its kind. And being a British novel, there is mild profanity throughout. That seems to be fairly common for Christian novels published in the UK, though generally frowned upon in the CBA here in the US (although that is changing). (I added the mild designation after the author commented and people in a FB discussion showed there are widely varying definitions of what constitutes profanity. The words in question can be described as swear words.)

Although Only with Blood is relatively short, coming in at just over 300 pages, it took me a while to read. I had to stop to look up unknown phrases and words and the history of 20th century Irish politics. It is also dark and depressing, and I needed to take breaks to dispel the gloom. I know that doesn’t sound very positive. But while I didn’t really enjoy the novel, it certainly gave me a lot to think about. So while there are negatives, I still recommend it. I look forward to more books from Therese Down.

Recommended. (please note use of mild profanity, i.e. swear words)

Audience: adults.

Good for book clubs.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Lion Hudson and Kregel for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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