Wildflowers from Winter

Since I have recently been reading a lot of historical fiction books, I decided to make a change and read a book set in the current time. So I set out to find a book in my LARGE stack of unread books, and I decided my next book to read would be my advance copy of Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert. I have to say I was not at all disappointed with my choice of books. Bethany Quinn has the perfect life; she has made her way out from the trailer park she was raised in and now lives in Chicago and workes for an arcitecture firm. Although everything in her life seems perfect, she finds herself traveling back to her hometown in Iowa after learning that her grandfather is having health problems. Upon inheriting land, she begins to face all of the things she was running from when she left her home: a preacher who tainted her view of Christianity, her best friend, and her family. In addition to coming to terms with her past, Bethany finds herself falling for the man who maintains her family farm, Evan Price. I was very glad I chose this book to read, and although I was looking for a light romance read, I got so much more than that. Bethany lived a difficult life, and she must begin to come to terms with what happened to her in the past. Throughout the book, I felt I could empathize with her, and I understood how a past like hers could cause someone to stray away from religion. I think the cast of characters who were placed in her life were perfect for leading her back to God. From what I read on Katie Ganshert’s website, it looks like a second book will be released in the year 2013. I am very excited to learn more about Bethany and the other characters who were brought into her life as she travelled back home. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah. 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."

The Discovery

I was so excited when I got the book The Discovery by Dan Walsh in the mail, and I started to read as soon as it was delivered. Book told the story of the aspiring writer Michael Warner. When his grandfather dies, they inherit his home and actually get so much more than just the house in Charleston. The Warner family never knew about their grandfather’s life before getting married, and the history behind his past becomes more intriguing as Michael finds an old manuscript. As Michael reads the book, he reads about Nazi spies, secret identities, and romance.

I don’t want to tell too much about the story, since I think everyone will love to read this book and read the hidden manuscript for themselves. I really enjoyed this book, as I did the first book I read by Dan Walsh. The characters in the story all care deeply about one another, and I loved the fact that Michael’s grandfather was reaching out to his family even after his death. He truly had deep love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. Although this book wasn’t a true story, I liked the fact that the history behind German Spies entering the US was true. I am going to be giving this book to others to read, and I would recommend it to everyone!

Available April 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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."

Shadows in the Sand

Shadows in the Sand: A Seaside Mystery, by Gayle Roper has all of the elements a good book should have: mystery, romance, a great setting, and compelling characters. The story takes place in “Carrie’s Cafe” which sisters Carrie and Lindsey own. There is a great cast of characters who weave themselves in and out of the story in the idyllic beach town of Seaside. Some strange situations start taking place at the cafe when a dishwasher is found dead and a server is missing. Carrie begins to wonder if her past, which she tried so hard to escape, is finally catching up with her. Mix in some romance between Carrie and local town resident Greg, and you have the perfect romantic mystery.

I really enjoyed this book, and I found myself reading late into the night to learn about all of the residents of Seaside and find out what was in Carrie’s past that she did not want to revisit. I also liked the Christian elements of this book. All of the characters relied heavily upon God to help them get through some of the toughest moments in their life, and I found that faith very refreshing.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review of my own words and freely expressed opinions.

Atracted to Fire

Since I love anything that has to do with Politics and Presidential figures, I was very excited to read Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. The book follows Agent Meghan Connors’ and her desire to protect the president of the United States. Meghan is assigned to the vice president’s daughter, who is a drug and alcohol addict. Meghan is less than thrilled to be working with the Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders, who reads as a little sexist since he does not want to have a female agent working with him. The book reads like a mystery as deaths begin to occur as the remote ranch faces a security breach. In addition to the mystery element, a romance begins to grow between Meghan and Ash, despite their differences.

I really enjoyed this book, and I liked reading about a woman in a man’s field. Meghan was very hard-working and had a set of goals in her life. I also liked the relationship between Meghan and Ash. Although they seemed like opposites, this books shows that some of the best romantic relationships are those between people who don’t seem to connect at first. I also liked the mystery behind the book. There were twists that I wasn’t expecting which kept me enthralled from page 1 until the last.

I received this book from the publisher, Tyndale House, in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Love's Sacred Song

Love’s Sacred Song is the second book I have read by Mesu Andrews, and it told the story which is found in the Song of Solomon’s. Arielah and King Solomon, the son of David, have their lives are laid out in this book, and I found It very informative and an interesting telling of this story from the Bible. The Shephardess, Arielah, knows from the young age of seven that she is supposed to marry King Solomon. Her father decides that the tribes of Isreal could be united if she were to be given to Solomon as a wife, and so she begins her relationship with Solomon. The book tells about the story of how Arielah’s life was spent, just one of the many women in King Solomon’s harem.

I enjoyed this book, just as I did Mesu Andrews’ other book I read. Arielah was brave, and was sure of the plans God had for her even at a very young age. I think that is something most people struggle with, and I found it refreshing that she was willing to follow God’s plans for her life. She was also a forgiving and understanding character. Overall, I think this is a good book for women to read if they are looking for a role-model for how they can follow God’s will in their lives and not become bitter when dealing with hardships.

Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received my free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. 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

Sarai

I recently had the opportunity to read the first book in the Wives of the Patriarch’s Series by Jill Eileen Smith. Sarai was the story of Abram and Sarai, which is a story I was surprised to learn I knew less about than I originally though. I was familiar with the story of Abram’s wife being unable to have children, but I didn’t realize all of the details the story of their life contained. We see the lack of faith on the part of Sarai, and the fact that Abram bases his decisions on God’s plan for his life while Sarai falls into many sins in her life, such as bitterness, anger, and lack of patience.

Overall, I liked this book, and I felt there was a lot of detail contained in the pages. This is both a positive and A negative. I felt like I learned a lot from reading this book, but, at times, it seemed confusing and maybe too in-depth. Although the details were very in-depth, I did find myself feeling for the characters. I empathized with Sarai and her feelings of sadness of being unable to have a son. She was very unfulfilled and unsatisfied with her life, which are feelings that many, if not all, of us have had at some point in our lives.
"Available March 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.

Heart's Safe Passage

Heart’s Safe Passage, written by Laurie Alice Eakes, is the second book in the Midwives Series. This is the second book in the series that I have read, and I enjoyed the second book as much as the first. Heart’s Safe Passage tells the story of Phoebe Lee who desires to be a midwife in the year 1812. Unfortunately, no one believes in her ability, but that doesn’t stop her sister-in-law from having her kidnapped in order to travel at sea with her to rescue her husband who is imprisoned in an English Prison. During her voyage, Phoebe and Captain Rafe begin to form a relationship despite both of their pasts. Phoebe is a widow while Captain Rafe has a child aboard his ship and is originally only interested in seeking revenge.

I really enjoyed this book, and I felt it was easy to follow even if you weren’t lucky enough to read the first book in the series. I really liked the characters (with the exception of Belinda), and I thought Phoebe was very brave in the face of everything she experienced during her travels from Virginia to London. I also really liked the setting of the book. I have always wanted to read a book that was set at sea, and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to read a book in this setting. The book was a relatively quick read, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in the Midwives Series.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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."