Scent of Lilacs

Scent of Lilacs is the first book in the Hollyhill Series of books by Ann H. Gabhart, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series set in Hollyhill, Kentucky. Since this book is a re-release (it was originally released in 2005), I won’t have to wait too long to read the other books in the series!!

 

Jocie Brooke is 13 years old in the early 1960s, and she is being raised by her single father who desires to be a pastor. Jocie’s mother and sister left when she was very young, but during the summer of 1964 her sister, Tabitha, returns home, pregnant and divorced. The summer of 1964 turns out to be a very eventful one for Joci her family. Jocie’s family is hiding a secret, and she begins to uncover the past.  

 

I liked the way that this book was written, switching from the voice of Jocie and her father, David. Allowing the reader to see the perspective from different characters differentiated this book from others in this same genre. Joci was a great main character, and it was great to read about her strong faith at such a young age. Like I said, I cannot wait to read more books in the Hollyhill Series!       

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

“Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Love in a Broken Vessel, by Mesu Andrews, looks at the life of  the prophet Hosea and his unlikely marriage to a prostitute, Gomer. God directed Hosea to this marriage, and this book looks in depth at the relationship between them. Hosea continues to show compassion to Gomer regardless of her actions and the fact that she returns to the sins of her past.

I really enjoyed this book, and I liked that it make me re-think my views on an unlikely heroine. Gomer faced difficulties in her life, and the writing, which showed insight into Gomer's life, enabled me to understand why she acted the way she did. She continually returned to the only lfe she knew, the one she was sold into at a young age. The actions of Hosea teach everyone a helpful lesson in forgiveness. Overall, I really liked reading this book. Although it was very in-depth, the descriptiveness made the book even more interesting to read. I cannot wait to read more books by Mesu Andrews.      

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Moonlight Masquerade

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell is the most recent book I read , and I'm really happy I was able to read this Regency romance book. Lady Wexham is a French born widow who had been married to a cruel English Earl. After his death, the government feels she may be a spy for France. Due to their thoughts, they have a man, Rees Phillips, pose as her butler to basically spy on her. As you could imagine, romance begins to grow between Lady Celine and Rees.

I really liked this book and the historical aspect of the book which was during the time of Napoleon. I also liked that the book centered around spies, since I am very interested in those types of books and TV shows. Overall, I really liked this book and cannot wait to read more books by Ruth Axtell.  

Available March 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received this book free from BAKER REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.