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Book Review: Dating, Dining and Desperation

28 Aug

679310Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.

But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child — whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

 

 

bio_photo5Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the True Colors series and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody’s website at http://www.melodycarlson.com.

 

My Impressions:

Dating, Dining and Desperation is the second book in Melody Carlson’s Dear Daphne series. (You can read my review of book 1, Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel, HERE.) It is just a few month after Daphne’s Aunt Dee has died and named her as her heir, with a catch. Daphne has one year to meet and marry or she will forfeit all claim to the estate. While Daphne feels the pressure from the will, her family and her friends to find Mr. Right, she is sure that the desperation she feels is just not what God wants.

New friends and old characters arrive in Daphne’s life. The perky, Southern divorcee, Sabrina Fontaine, offers comedic touches to the story, while young neighbor, Mabel, touches Daphne and the reader’s heart. I like that Daphne decides to step  away from her own life, problems and the parade of somewhat eligible men and gives her time, money and love to this child in need.

Dating, Dining and Desperation has a small town setting that provides a relief to busy and stress-filled lives. The charming town and its lovable residents will make you want more. I am looking forward to more adventures with Daphne as she discovers what is important and what God wants for her life.

Note: The first two books were published by B&H Publishers. Due to changes at B&H, Carlson will be publishing books 3 and 4 in an ebook form. I am hoping they will be available soon!

Recommended.

Audience: YA to Adults.

(Thanks to B&H for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this novel, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Merlin’s Nightmare

27 Aug

735093Haunted by the past, chased by the present.

Arthur is now eighteen, and Merlin, tired of hiding and running from his enemies, wants nothing more than to spend his days with his family and train Arthur for his rightful place as king. But when Arthur goes missing, a desperate Merlin must abandon all other quests to find him before a shadowy pursuer catches Arthur first.

Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxenow hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west.

At the same time, Mórgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets a horde of werewolves loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?

 

My Impressions:

Robert Treskillard‘s Merlin Spiral is an outstanding series featuring meticulous research of Britain in the 5th century AD — language, customs, warfare — as well as the traditions of the Arthurian legends he uses as its foundation. I am going to leave it to others on the tour to discuss the symbolic and spiritual aspects of the book. What impressed me the most is that Merlin’s Nightmare is a man’s book. Yes, there is a lot of warfare described in bloody, if not gory detail, but it is the strong male characters and their development that stand out the most. In this time of marginalization of men, when even TV commercials depict men as silly and weak, it is refreshing to see men acting like men, real men.

First there is Merlin, a now experienced leader and advisor. He is also a committed man — to family, country and king. He struggles with fears (don’t we all) and is reluctant to face them head on. But it is his commitment to God’s will and leadership in his life that causes Merlin to step beyond himself, his yearning for peace and comfort, and into the purposes and plans placed before him.

Arthur is now an eighteen year old — brash, reckless and a bit naive. His emotions spur him into action. But as the book progresses, Arthur learns the true costs of being a man. He has to make tough decisions and put others ahead of himself. Although he has a long way to go, this servant-king is committed to his people.

Commitment is the keyword for Merlin’s Nightmare. Loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness are on display, and what great lessons for the young men in our lives. There are some great female characters as well, but in this book the men shine. So go out and get all three books in The Merlin Spiral and make sure your sons and daughters read them. Girls need to know what real men look like too! 😉

Highly Recommended. 

Audience: Young adults and adults

(Thanks to Blink in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour for a review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

 

CSFF Blog Tour Participants:

Jeff Chapman
Vicky DealSharingAunt
April Erwin
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Emileigh Latham
Jennette Mbewe
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Audrey Sauble
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams

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Book Review: Deep South Dead

22 Aug

unknownLooking for peace and quiet to write a novel, Hunter Jones left Atlanta for a job at a weekly newspaper in Merchantsville, Georgia, a town so small that everybody knows everybody else’s business. She quickly discovers that gossip travels faster than the press can run, and she’s a bit of an outsider looking in until she goes to a grand old mansion for an interview with the president of the historical society, only to find that a murderer got there first. Now, if she can only get the best looking sheriff in Georgia, Sam Bailey, to take her hunches seriously . . . 

6fcaead0675c0ad8986cb4-l-_v378386162_sx200_Charlotte Moore is a lifelong mystery reader who has retired from a career in community journalism, having won numerous awards for both feature and news writing. She lives in Perry, Georgia with her two cats, Pepper and Emily Jane.

Deep South Dead is the first in her Hunter Jones series. The second novel in the series, Death Over the Dam is now available on Kindle.

My Impressions:

Those who love the South know that small towns are the best of places to live, or at least be from. Everyone knows everyone else and the welcome is always warm. But in Charlotte Moore’s first book in the Hunter Jones series, Deep South Dead, murder is right next door. Filled with regular, albeit quirky, characters, Moore manages to capture the down home feel while creating a mystery that will have you guessing until the end.

Hunter Jones is a young, big city reporter who moves to the slower-paced Merchantsville, Georgia, to write her novel. She thinks that working for the local weekly will afford her the time to spend pursuing her dream. But not one, but two murders get her investigative juices flowing, and she is on the case. Sheriff Sam Bailey, the best looking sheriff in Georgia, begrudgingly accepts her help. They, along with other colorful characters, add sass and spice to this cozy mystery.

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My church book club, Page Turners, had the honor of visiting with Charlotte last night. She shared stories from her days as a small town features writer of the local paper, as well as her venture in writing novels. She also filled us in on the process of publishing in the ebook format. My group loved her book. One member stated that she appreciated that Deep South Dead did not include scared-to-go-to-sleep images while still providing an entertaining mystery. Another member liked that the book was easy to read, providing an escape from the stress of real life. I liked that the characters could be my neighbors, although Charlotte assured us they were not! Deep South Dead was a thoroughly Southern novel — eccentric and colorful characters, small town feel and a definite Southern twang.

Charlotte has written two more books in the series and is at work on book 4. I’m looking forward to reading more in the adventures of Hunter Jones.

(Please note: there is some mild profanity.)

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this book on my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: The Word Changers

21 Aug

A place where words can change an entire world . . . 

Escaping from the turmoil of a broken family, fifteen-year-old Posy finds herself at her usual haunt … the library. This time, though, when she chooses an unfamiliar book from the shelf, she does not devour its words and pages as she usually does.

Its words devour her.

thewordchangerscoverartfinalPosy is pulled into the pages of a fairy tale, even mistaken for one of its characters. But all is far from perfect in this story’s Kingdom. Characters are whispering of rebellion against both their Plot and the deadly king who has seized control of it. And Posy must find a lost princess whose role in the story is crucial before her own story comes to a horrible end …

With the proud and haughty Prince Kyran as a reluctant companion, Posy ventures past the Borders of the Plot, into the depths of the gloomy and treacherous Wild Land forest that lies beyond. Secrets are buried there. Dark mysteries and shadowy creatures, dangerous and deadly.

Yet the deadliest danger of all is the one that Posy carries
within herself.

Soon it is clear that finding the lost princess is the least of Posy’s concerns. The Author of the book must be found. His Plot must be put to rights again, his characters reminded of who they were first created to be. Only then will the True Story be written, both for Posy, and for the tale she has now become a part of.

Courage and forgiveness are needed for Posy to find her way home again. But bitterness and shadows haunt her every step of the way.

 

7849640Ashlee Willis is the author of fantasy for young adults. She lives in the heart of Missouri with her husband and young son. While most of her days are balanced between writing, reading and homeschooling, she also finds time to enjoy tea with friends, forest walks, photography, and piano playing.

 

My Impressions:

Can a story be changed by its characters? Or does the author have the final say in how a story ends? These are some of the questions that Ashlee Willis poses in her debut YA fantasy/allegory, The Word Changers. An interesting concept wrapped in a fairytale setting, this novel should appeal especially to middle school and younger high school aged kids.

Posy is facing problems at home. Her parents are constantly fighting, and Posy and her younger sister are enduring the consequences. In an attempt to escape the turmoil at home, Posy flees to the library and the security found in a book. But Posy has no idea just what she’ll encounter within its pages. Finding herself literally in the midst of a story gone awry — missing and mutinous characters — Posy joins the Prince on a quest to restore order.

The Word Changers is filled with mythical beasts, talking owls, and characters determined to assert their own will on the Author’s Plot. There is a little bit of something for everyone — magic, battles, adventure and a little romance. It is also an allegorical look at life. Posy finds an Author that has not written a story and then left it alone, but an Author who loves his characters enough to let them make choices and impact the story. Posy also learns the power of love and mercy and how to apply it to her real world life. While the story bogged down a bit at the end and I would have liked a bit more emphasis on Posy’s real world, The Word Changers is, overall, a good debut.  Public school teachers: God is never mentioned by name in this book. An Author is, however. This one might be suitable for your classroom bookcase.

The Word Changers provides a lot to think about and is a good bet for your children ages 12 and up.

Recommended.

Audience: Ages 12+

Good for family reading.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Audiobook Review: A Deadly Business

19 Aug

549044A prosecutor of violent criminals. A detective on a dangerous beat. When these two pros take on an off-the-books case, the line between professional and personal becomes perilously blurred.

When a twenty-two-year-old convict walks into the courtroom, his eyes confirm what Mia Quinn already guesses: he blames her for his conviction. In seconds, he knocks her to the ground and holds a razor blade to her throat. While she manages to escape without injury, it’s just one more reminder that Mia’s job prosecuting Seattle’s s most dangerous criminals is far from low risk.

As a single mom, the last thing Mia wants is for her work to follow her home or discover that it already has.

Now Detective Charlie Carlson is suggesting the very thing Mia doesn’t want to believe—that her accountant husband’s deadly car accident was no accident at all. When Mia and Charlie encounter resistance to reopening the case, they take the investigation into their own hands. And they find much more than they bargained for.

Was Mia’s husband more than an accountant . . . and less than an honest man? As the truth becomes more shocking and the case grows more complex, her husband’s killers take note of Mia . . . and her children. How far will this prosecutor go to learn the truth about her husband—and how far will she have to go to protect her family?

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.

about_april_picAbout April Henry:

I write mysteries and thrillers. I live in Portland, Oregon with my family.

When I was 12, I sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He took it to lunch and showed it to the editor of an international children’s magazine – and she asked to publish the story! (For no money, which might have been a warning about how hard it is to make a living writing.)

My dream of writing went dormant until I was in my 30s, working at a corporate job, and started writing books on the side. Those first few years are now thankfully a blur. Now I’m very lucky to make a living doing what I love. I have written 13 novels for adults and teens, with more on the way. My books have gotten starred reviews, been picked for Booksense, translated into four languages, been named to state reading lists, and short-listed for the Oregon Book Award. And Face of Betrayal, which I co-wrote with Lis Wiehl, was on the New York Times bestseller list for four weeks.

I also review literary fiction, YA literature, and mysteries and thrillers for the Oregonian, and have written articles for both The Writer and Writers Digest.

In 2012, look for two books: The Night She Disappeared, a teen thriller, and Eyes of Justice, co-written with Lis Wiehl.

My Impressions:

The writing team of Lis Wiehl and April Henry is one of my favorites for creating riveting mystery/suspense novels. I especially like listening to their books during my morning walks. A Deadly Business, the second book in the Mia Quinn Mystery series, is another winner. If you are looking for a fast-paced novel with relatable characters and a complex and twisting plot, check this one out. (Read my review of book 1, A Matter of Trust, HERE.)

Mia Quinn is juggling a lot of things — career, single motherhood — and now threats in and out of the courtroom. Her life just keeps getting more and more complicated. Her boss is pressuring her to make a decision in a controversial case and friend and detective, Charlie Carlson, brings her evidence of foul play in the death of her husband. Add kids and a new romantic interest into the mix and you have a life that threatens to overwhelm.

I liked that the action took off from the opening. Mia is hit on all sides with stress, threats and confusing emotions. Fast-paced is an understatement! But the many plot lines never distract the reader; they just keep you on your toes. There is some unresolved issues at the end, but most of the story is satisfactorily wrapped up. I also really liked the characters in A Deadly Business. These are flawed people trying their hardest to do what is right despite the pressures of life. Do they mess up? Oh yeah. But don’t we all. Their very realness makes them credible.

A Deadly Business is good for all fans of mystery/suspense, and I am looking forward to the next installment in the Mia Quinn Mystery series.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults

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

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Book Review: A Bouquet of Love

18 Aug

721552Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her huge Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant location on the Strand–directly across the street from the Rossis’ popular pizza place–and they want Cassia’s full participation.

To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston’s premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family’s faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into Bella’s good graces!

Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .

Janice3-227x300Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” (www.freelancewritingcourses.com) has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. Janice Thompson also writes under the name Janice Hanna.

My Impressions:

My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Romeo and Juliet with a healthy mix of Texas twang and sweet tea — that’s what you get in the latest offering in the Weddings by Design series by Janice Thompson. A Bouquet of Love is a light and funny romance set in the very Southern and Texan Galveston Island. Filled with familiar characters, A Bouquet of Love introduces the Pappas family into the Rossi family mix.

Cassia Pappas is the oldest daughter in a very traditional Greek family. Having moved his family to Galveston from California, Cassia’s father, Babbas, expects all of the family to join him in making his restaurant, Super-Gyros, the most popular place on the island. But his tight grip on the family causes problems in new friendships, a budding romance and those trying to find God’s plans for their lives. The rivalry between the Rossis who own the pizza place, Parma John’s, escalates until drastic measures have to be taken.

A Bouquet of Love is first and foremost a romance. Thompson adds her trademark humor into the mix providing for some silly and sweet scenes. And it was the romance I liked. I am not sure if it was because I had not read the previous books in the series, but I had a hard time keeping an interest in the rest of the story. I kept thinking I was missing something — more information, more detail, more backstory. But if you are a fan of this series, I think you will enjoy A Bouquet of Love. It got a lot of great reviews on Amazon, so make sure to check it out.

Audience: Older teens and Adults.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: In Perfect Time

15 Aug

0720834Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.
Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go.

Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

SSundin-164Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

 

My Impressions:

In Perfect Time is the third and final book in Sarah Sundin’s Wings of The Nightingale series. (You can read my reviews of books 1 and 2 by clicking on the following titles: With Every Letter and On Distant Shores.) Meticulously researched and filled with favorite characters from the first two books, In Perfect Time follows Lt. Kay Jobson as she discovers the truth about God’s love. If you like historical romance set during WWII, this novel is a great choice.

Flight nurse Kay Jobson presents a sassy and confident front that covers childhood hurts and a sense of never being good enough. Dating five guys at a time ensures that she keeps up the good-time facade but keeps serious attachment at bay. When faced with rejection by pilot Roger Cooper as well as denial of her dreams for a future, Kay is determined to change her reputation from party girl to good girl. Roger has dreams too, ones that won’t let him be tied down to a wife and family. In the past he was also told he wouldn’t amount to much. But God has other plans. Along the way, both Kay and Roger discover their own strengths and the truth behind God’s love, grace and mercy.

The final chapter in the Wings of The Nightingale series includes some great action — white knuckle flying, a plane crash and escape from Nazi patrols. Sundin has used real life events as her inspiration and the scenes in In Perfect Time reflect her painstaking research. Her characters express real life emotions, doubts and fears. But it is the faith message of God’s grace and mercy in stark contrast to what the world thinks and says that takes center stage. The main characters, Kay and Roger, have been told lies, directly and indirectly, about who they are in God’s eyes. Exposing the lies frees them to live the life God has planned. It also is a good reminder of the impact words and actions can have on people, especially children. Well-meaning motivation can hurt as much as abusive words if based on human knowledge rather than God’s wisdom.

If you are looking for a WWII romance that embodies the era of the Greatest Generation — courage, faith, patriotism and strength of character — then make sure to get In Perfect Time. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. But I suggest you start with book 1 — a great series for historical romance fans.

Recommended.

Audience: Older teens and Adults.

(Thanks to Revell for review copies of this book. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Jonah And The Great Big Fish

14 Aug

732194“God told Jonah to obey,

said,‘Go to Nineveh this day.’

But, stubborn Jonah fled instead.

Didn’t do just what God said.”

Jonah’s disobedience landed him inside a big fish! And there he had time to think and pray. Children will feel the waves and hear the splash as Jonah sinks “down and down and down” into the belly of the fish. This story serves as an excellent reminder of how important it is to listen to God.

bio_rhondaRhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over twenty children’s books. A former elementary learning disabilities teacher, Rhonda holds a Master’s in Educational Media. Her first book sale was Barnyard Song to Simon & Schuster/Atheneum. Her books have received numerous honors, including School Library Journal Best Book.

 

Buzzeo.Toni (2)Margaret Spengler was born in Northern California and grew up playing and working with her two sisters in their family’s tiny grocery store. She graduated from Art Center of Pasadena with a B.A. Degree in advertising. Shortly after graduating she began her career in art as an art director in a large ad agency while living in New York City and later went into graphic design and illustration. Margaret is a international, award winning, illustrator, her work can be seen on everything from children’s clothing and candy to newspaper editorials and mystery covers. Currently, Margaret lives in Sacramento with her husband Ken and darling son, Matt.

 

My Impressions:

Written in rhyme and colorfully illustrated, Jonah And The Great Big Fish tells the story of Jonah and his disobedience in reaching out to the city of Ninevah. The well-known Bible story from Jonah 1 is faithfully retold for children ages 4-8. The rhymes keep the story going, but I loved the accompanying illustrations that reinforce the message. This beautiful hardback edition is a good choice for bed or story time.

Recommended.

Audience: Children ages 4-8.

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

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: Test of Faith

13 Aug

733265Elle Butler has managed to hold on to her politically-driven husband and her secrets until the unexpected happens. When one phone call rips her world apart, Elle will have to decide if the truth is worth the consequences. Especially when it threatens to destroy the world she’s so carefully built around her life and her marriage.

 

 

UnknownA true Southern woman who knows any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa Allan writes women’s fiction, stories of hope and redemption. Her upcoming novel, A Test of Faith is scheduled to release in March of 2014. Threads of Hope, one of the books in Abingdon’s Quilt Series, released in March (2013). Walking on Broken Glass (2010) and The Edge of Grace (2011) were also published by Abingdon. Love Finds You in New Orleans (Summerside Press) released in 2012.

Christa is the mother of five, grandmother of three, and recently retired after teaching twenty-five years of high school English. She and her husband Ken live in New Orleans in a home older than their combined ages.

 

My Impressions:

Test of Faith by Christa Allan is my book club’s August selection. If you have read this novel, please let me know what you thought.

Elle Butler has a secret that she thinks will never need to be disclosed, even as her husband Logan begins his campaign for State Representative. But an unforeseen tragedy exposes the long hidden truth with repercussions felt in her marriage, relationships and her husband’s political future. Elle gave up faith long ago and is not sure what to expect from God — can she trust that He will be there for her?

Test of Faith is another great book from Christa Allan. I love how she takes difficult subjects and personalizes them with flawed and very real characters. This is the greatest strength of the novel. Some characters, like Elle’s sister, shine. You just have to love her support and wisdom throughout Elle’s life. Others, like those in real life, disappoint with their hardness and unforgiveness. And others will surprise you, making you smile at the revelation of their true colors. Test of Faith also elicited many emotions too. I was in turn mad, frustrated and touched. The faith journey that Elle takes is true to life as well. I liked how she reached out to God even though those who represented Him had let her down.

I can’t wait for our group’s discussion. I know we will be have a lot to talk about — judgmental attitudes, forgiveness, sanctity of life. I loved this book and think my group will too.

Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I bought this book for my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below.

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Book Review: The Reluctant Detective

12 Aug

640684Former cop Faith Morgan may have quit the world of crime, but crime has not let her go. Now a priest in the Church of England, she is assigned to the improbably named village of Little Worthy, and within an hour of her arrival she witnesses the sudden, shocking death of a fellow priest. To her distress, the detective assigned to the case is Ben, her former partner and former boyfriend.

As she meets her parishioners she learns some surprising details about her apparently well-loved predecessor, and starts to suspect a motive for his death. The cop may have donned a clerical collar, but the questions keep coming. How will she reconcile her present calling with her past instincts? Is she in danger herself? What should she do about Ben?

ockleyMartha Ockley is the pen-name of Rebecca Jenkins. She read history at Oxford University, and spent several years working alongside her father, the Rt. Revd. David Jenkins (Bishop of Durham 1984-94) during the turbulence of the 1980s. She lives in Teesdale in the North East of England where the landscape and history provide the inspiration for her Regency detective, F R Jarrett. Since September 2009 she has been Royal Literary Fund Fellow and Writer in Residence at York St John University. She is a full-time author, writing both fiction and non-fiction.

 

My Impressions:

The Reluctant Detective is the first book in the Faith Morgan Mystery series by Martha Ockley. I read and reviewed book 2, The Advent of Murder, last year, so I was eager to go back to the beginning of Faith’s journey as a member of the clergy following her career in the police. What I found was an interesting and puzzling mystery and an even more interesting and complex character in Faith. If you are looking for a cozy mystery that has more depth than the standard fluff often found in the genre, then check this novel out.

The Reluctant Detective opens with the murder of Alistair Ingram as he performs the communion rite. The shocking crime for the parish of St. James in the quiet village of Little Worthy propels Faith into the midst of the community and the investigation. Former boss and lover, Detective Ben Shorter grudgingly includes Faith in his quest for the murderer, but Faith is the reluctant one. Just how can she serve the people of her congregation while viewing everyone through a lens of distrust and suspicion?

I really liked the characters in The Reluctant Detective. They exhibit real life emotions, doubts and fears. Main character Faith is the most developed, but secondary characters are fleshed out as well. The mystery keeps the reader thinking and guessing, and though I figured out just whodunit, it was only a few pages before it was actually revealed. But I think the best part of this novel is the juxtaposition of earthly crime and punishment and the eternal mysteries of God’s love and grace. Faith struggles with justice and mercy in the face of sin. The novel is also very British and should appeal to fans of the classic English mystery novel. I found The Reluctant Detective a quick and satisfying read.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults

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

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