Saturday, March 17, 2012

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

Monday, March 12, 2012

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.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

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."

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Words Spoken True

Words Spoken True, written by Ann H. Gabhart, is a book that looks at Adriane Darcy during the 1850s in Louisville. Adriane’s father has a newspaper, The Tribune, where Adriane likes to spend her time and also writes as a journalist. Unfortunately, since she is a woman, she doesn’t have the same opportunities as others to work for the newspaper. In order to save her father’s newspaper, she must marry Stanley Jimson, the son of a wealthy businessman. When competition starts with another newspaper in the town, even more romance and suspense ensues as Adriane and Blake, from the competing newspaper, find themselves feeling attraction to one another.

I enjoy reading historical fiction books, and this story was no exception. Adriane was a brave character who was willing to do whatever was necessary to save her father’s newspaper. She was strong in her faith, and she also set a great example for women in that time who were unable to follow their dreams. I also liked the relationship between Blake and Adriane; Blake felt protective over Adriane and felt her relationship with Stanley would not be the best fit for her. This truly shows his feelings for her, even when she is supposed to be his “enemy” because they are running competing newspapers.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book, and I really enjoyed learning more about what life was like for people trying to recover after the Civil War. I will definitely recommend this book to others, and I look forward to reading more stories written by Ann Gabhart!!

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 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."

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Summer of Promise

Summer of Promise is the first novel in the Westward Winds series, and it was written by Amanda Cabot. The book follows Abigail Harding as she travels to Fort Laramie in Wyoming based on concerns over her sister Charlotte. What was supposed to be a trip to see her sister during 1885 turns into one adventure after another. There was a stagecoach robbery, robberies, and a romance which was not in the plans since Abigail is practically engaged with a co-worker in Vermont. Ethan Bowles, who is Abigail’s romantic interest in Wyoming, is an Army Lieutenant whose last plan is to fall in love. Although neither wants to enter into a relationship, it seems that the attraction between Abigail and Ethan is going to be difficult to ignore.

I enjoyed this book and how realistic the characters were. I found myself really wanting Abigail and Ethan to forget their past heartaches and start a relationship with one another. Abigail’s bravery also impressed me; for a woman to travel in the 1880s was very difficult due to the dangers of stagecoach travel. The book was not as predictable as some romantic novels can be, and I found myself wanting to find out what would happen next at Fort Laramie. In addition to liking historical novels, I have also found myself recently reading many books set in the late 1800s. I have come to find a greater appreciation for this time in America’s history, and I am glad this book taught me even more about the 1880s and life on the frontier. I cannot wait to read more books in this series, and I am hoping to learn more about some of the other characters in Summer of Promise who were introduced in this book.

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 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."

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Where Wildflowers Bloom

Ann Shorey’s newest book, Where Wildflowers Bloom, is the first in the Sisters at Heart series which looks at Faith Lindberg dealing with life after the Civil War in the year 1866. Her family fought in the war as she lived her life in Noble Springs, Missouri. After the completing of the War, and the loss of her father and brother, Faith tries to convince her grandfather to leave the only home they have ever known and their family mercantile to travel and start a new life in Oregon. When the man she wanted to marry before the war returns home, she must decide what she really wants out of her life. In addition to deciding what she wants her future to look like, she also wonders about the strange occurrences that are taking place in the town.

As with most books I read, I’m drawn to anything that is historical in nature. This book was no difference. I enjoyed reading about how a family copes with the losses from war and how they go on with their lives. The various characters played different roles in the military, a militia-man, a nurse, and a soldier suffering from PTSD. Faith also deals with prejudice due to her being a woman, and difficulties in running a family business. I felt the characters of Faith’s grandfather and Curt Saxton were especially endearing, and I can’t wait to hopefully hear more about these characters in future Sisters at Heart books.

Available January 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."

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Love Lifted Me

Love Lifted Me: A Songbird Novel, by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck, is the third novel written by Sara Evans. Since I am a fan of Sara Evan’s music, I have read all of her books, and I was excited to have the opportunity to read the newest addition to her series. This book again looks at the life of Jade and Max and their marriage which has some difficulties. After Max’s drug problems and his time spent in rehab, he decides to leave his law practice and moves to Colby, Texas for the opportunity to coach a High School football team.

I liked the relationship between Jade and Max, and that Jade was willing to forgive her husband’s mistakes and even become closer due to the circumstances they went through. Also, they learn to grow with one another as they are attempting to find their place in a new city. They have to learn to move on from the past, both their past mistakes and their past home. I think this is something everyone struggles with at some point in their life, and I liked how this aspect of moving on was addressed. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I would most likely only recommend it to an older-aged audience.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson 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."