Start Here Next if You're a Fan of the Mark of the Lion Series - Christianus Sum by Shawn J. Pollett

Ever since I read a *great* review of Christianus Sum by Canadian author Laura Davis, I just knew that I had to get my hands on a copy of my own.  Having been a huge fan of the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, I had an inkling that Shawn Pollett's debut novel would offer something similar, and I was not mistaken.  This book had it all--history, romance, and suspense paired together with unforgettable characters--and I couldn't help but be amazed that it wasn't published by one of the big Christian publishing houses!

My biggest takeaway from this book was the suffering of the Early Church.  I have read so few books focusing on their martyrs and trials, and this book really helped to open my eyes to the horrible torture that the early believers were victims to.  It made me think that it is so easy to give lip service, but it is another thing altogether to be willing to sacrifice your own life for the cause of Christ.

I enjoyed Pollett's debut novel a great deal and now, can't wait to get my hands on the second and third books in the series (yes, there really is more)!  He took me on an engaging journey through ancient Rome that left me frustrated once or twice, but ultimately, left me quite satisfied.  Take my word for it...if you loved the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, this is where you need to start next. 

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Summary of Christianus Sum:

The year is AD 249 and the Roman Empire stands on the brink of destruction. Barbarian hordes swarm the frontiers, desperate to feed on the vast wealth of an empire paralyzed by rampant corruption, immorality, and a string of incompetent emperors. Out of this chaos emerges a new emperor, the "Divine Decius," who plans to save the empire by annihilating the people he believes are responsible for angering the gods-the Christians.

Now the fate of the empire rests on the slim shoulders of a simple slave girl, Damarra Valensia, the obsession of two of the empire's most powerful men: Valerianus, Decius' depraved lieutenant and the architect of the Decian persecution of the Christians, whose lust for Damarra will not be denied; and Julius Valens, the handsome and respected senator, who wants only to win the beautiful Damarra's heart. As the battle between the two men escalates, Damarra becomes the pawn in a game that threatens to tear her life apart and bring the once mighty Roman Empire to its knees. Will she deny the Christ and live out her life with the man she loves? Or will she stand with her fellow believers and proudly proclaim the very words that demand a death sentence in her world: Christianus Sum . . . I am a Christian?

**Many thanks to Laura Davis for the giveaway copy I received from her blog.  :o)

Book Review: A Steal of a Deal by Ginny Aiken

About the book:

It Was Supposed to Be a Simple Trip . . .

When gemologist Andie Adams gets a chance to go to the Kashmir region of Pakistan for a mission trip, she jumps at the opportunity to spearhead the efforts. But her boss at the S.T.U.D. home shopping network wants to turn the trip into another on-location shoot for the station. And that means Andie's hunky but irritating co-host Max is part of the deal--can't a girl get a break?

When a mysterious death lands Andie and Co. in hot water, it's only the beginning of their problems. Between Pakistani prisons, suspicious gurus, and tension in the S.T.U.D. family, this trip is turning into a disaster.

Will all of Andie's worst fears about Max be realized? Does she really want the know-nothing pretty boy out of her life? Or is it already out of her hands?

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed book 1 of this series, and had really high hopes that the next book would be just as good. Sadly, I was slightly disappointed. One of the main things that endeared me to book 1 was that much of the storyline was set in the south, which is where I'm from. I picked up on so many little nuances like sweet tea and antiques, and it was so easy to relate to. So, the fact that 2/3rds of the book was set across the globe in Kashmir just wasn't as exciting for me.

During the time the gang was in Kashmir, I found myself struggling to read the book, and it was more than just not liking the setting. Everyone's dialog seemed a bit disjointed, and there were times that I had trouble following along. Also, the "who-done-it" was very predictable, and I knew who it was very early on.

I do plan to read the last book in the series, A Cut Above, just to finish out the whole story. Book 3 so far picks up immediately where book 2 leaves off, and I'm just hoping that I'll like it a lot more.

3 Stars

Book Review: Drawing Marissa and Forgiving Sean by Jessica Adriel

Back cover of Drawing Marissa:

When Marissa Gladstone's father dies, she runs to her neighbor, Sean Moffit, for comfort. Three years later with a ring on her finger Sean suddenly skips town and Marissa wakes up in the emergency room. Her heart takes its final blow when she learns the truth and tries to hold her shattered life together. But the only one who can heal her wounds is God, and getting to Him is the last thing on her mind. That is, until Sean's college buddy reveals a drawing that holds the key to her heart.

Back cover of Forgiving Sean:

Marissa Gladstone is happy and in love, or so she thinks. When her ex-boyfriend returns home after a two-year absence, he has plans to win her back, that is until he sees her with his arch nemesis, Hawke Davies. Faced with Forgiving Sean and reopening an old wound, Marissa confides in Hawke who has more secret of his own to reveal. Will Sean's troubled past finally release Marissa from his old or will Sean's old ways rekindle a flame that died way too soon?

My thoughts:

Young adult fiction has changed A LOT since I was a teenager. I was about 11 or 12 when I started reading books on a regular basis, and I started off with the Trixie Belden books and the Babysitter’s Club books. From there, I started to discover Christian YA fiction, and found books by Judy Baer, Robin Jones Gunn, and Patricia Rushford. I pretty much devoured everything by these 3 authors, and loved every minute of it. The books were great, but most of the time, they were pretty sugar-coated. In hindsight, I wish I’d had the opportunity to read some YA back then that had a little more depth.

Jessica Adriel is a YA author who has a great sense of what teenagers are facing today, and it shows in her writing. From what I have been able to glean from her website, she has “been there, done that,” and lived to tell about it. She currently has 2 books available—Drawing Marissa and Forgiving Sean—and she’s definitely given a picture of the real world of a teenager in both books. I was so impressed that she didn’t hesitate to show her characters as flawed individuals who didn’t have all the answers, but who needed to rely on God for their strength. Not only did she portray the kids that way, she cast the parents and other adults in the same light. One parent in particular really caught my attention. It was a dad who pretty much let his daughter do whatever she wanted as long as it wasn’t anything illegal. The sad thing is that I have known kids with parents exactly like this who care nothing about their child’s morals or their integrity.

These two books would be very high on my list of recommendations for anyone, but particularly teens, simply because they are the real deal. You won’t find summer trips to the beach or sleepovers with friends. Instead, you’ll get a look at the real world that some teenagers face daily, full of struggles, heartache, and love.

4 Stars for both books

Southern?  No
Sass?  No
_______________________________________________

There is also an interview with Jessica that I posted on my blog a couple of days ago. Click here if you're interested in reading it.

Book Review: Not Far From the Tree by Ruth Smith Meyer

This month, the CFRB is featuring Not Far From the Tree by Ruth Smith Meyer.

About the book:

Those who lived in the twentieth century saw more rapid changes than any previous century. Born at the beginning of this era, to a family that had already faced dramatic change and challenge, Rina seemed to come into the world with a zest for the revolution the 1900's would bring. Based on the story of a real person, the narrative alternates between the daily activities of a still spunky 99-year-old Rina and her vivid memories as she relives vignettes of her life. The impetuous and sometimes capricious nature of young Rina almost exasperates her parents Jake and Ellie.

When she is barely a grown woman, marriage to an imaginative and sometimes impractical dreamer husband, the arrival of babies, the great depression and life in general take over, moulding her into a strong woman not unlike her parents, proving the apple indeed does not fall far from the tree. The unbelievable twists in the lives of Rina and her beloved David will keep readers fascinated with the indomitable strength of the human spirit when there is a solid foundation of love and faith. Although this is a sequel to Not Easily Broken, it can readily stand on its own.

My thoughts:

Not Far From the Tree is a great book if you're looking for something a little different. It's based on a true story of a family with ten children (yep, you read that one right). Being a mother of so many is a calling that not many women have, but after the first few come along, Rina starts to get the hang of things and is a good example to learn from. What amazes me most about her is her patience. Obviously, raising 10 children could try anyone's patience, but on top of that, she has a husband who, while wonderful, really asks a lot of her. David is definitely a dreamer, and always has to try something new, particularly jobs. This forces the family to move as much as a military family would. Rina's patience is really put to the test when she sees some of the places they'll be living (I think I read it right when I saw "semi-trailer" somewhere along the way).

It is also encouraging to see how much Rina relies on the Lord to see her through trials and difficult circumstances. One of my favorite portions in the book tells the story of Rina being worried sick that there won't be enough money to feed the family until the next paycheck comes in. Rina takes her concerns to God, and depends on Him to see her family through. Not 2 minutes after she utters that prayer she gets an answer....actually 3 answers! My eyes welled up with tears after that because, even though I've never been that poor, I have had my faith shaken to the core that my only hope was that God would hear and answer my prayer. No doubt about it....He still does!

I truly hope that I'll be able to read the book that came before this one (Not Easily Broken) some day. If it's half as good as this one, I know that I won't be disappointed!

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info:

Book Review: The Voice and Angel of Wrath by Bill Myers/4 Stars

This month, the Christian Fiction Review Blog is featuring a wonderful new book by Bill Myers--Angel of Wrath. Angel of Wrath is book 2 in his Voice of God series.

Synopsis of book one, The Voice:

Charlie Madison is a burned out Special Forces Agent and his world is about to be turned upside down. When his 13-year-old niece barges into his reclusive life, Charlie must come out of retirement to rescue her parents and a computer Program that has recorded the actual Voice of God--the implications of which have shaken the world's religions to their core. Together, with the help of the attractive and mysterious Lisa Harmon, Charlie and his niece circle the globe, tracking down the religious radicals who have kidnapped his sister and brother-in-law. But, there is far more at stake than the safety of the parents or even religion. If the Voice of God created reality, It can destroy it. If controlled, It would become a weapon of mass destruction making all others obsolete. Soon the trio not only fights against various religious powers, but major governments as well . . . until the Program is discovered and played back with unimaginable results.

My thoughts on The Voice:

I am no stranger to Bill Myers' books. My first experience was with The Face of God, which had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. The Voice was no exception. It was a roller-coaster ride of emotions, both good and heart-wrenching, as well as non-stop, heart-pounding action. I felt as though I was experiencing an entire season of 24, only in book form.

The only problem I had with The Voice was that I didn't feel a connection with the main characters, which I attribute to the very fast pace of the book. I felt for Jazmin all the way through simply because she's got more to deal with than most teenagers. On the other hand, Charlie and Lisa's abrupt romantic connection at the end didn't seem very realistic to me at all. In spite of that, I was still very anxious to read the next book, Angel of Wrath.

Synopsis for Angel of Wrath:

Thirteen-year-old Jazmin, her ex-Special Ops uncle Charlie, and former FBI agent Lisa are reunited in the second of the Voice of God series to stop a an assassin driven to murder members of a megachurch led by Lisa's brother. This assassin has drawn in a coven of teens toying with satanic practices to support his efforts. The naive youth engage in ceremonies that appear to usher in the death of each of his victims. When their rituals open a portal into the spiritual realm, a terrifying and mysterious entity crosses over to our world.

The battle culminates with the capture of Lisa's father as the next target and a Black Mass requiring both their deaths as a sacrifice. The team will, once again, have to rely on all their wits, strength, and faith to survive in this action-packed, unearthly warfare.

My thoughts on Angel of Wrath:

While I did enjoy The Voice as a whole, I absolutely LOVED Angel of Wrath. I read this entire book in one sitting because I just could not put it down. Spiritual warfare is not a topic I come across very often in fiction, and Bill Myers' portrayal in this book was very reminiscent of Frank Peretti's earlier works on the same topic.

As with The Voice, I felt the same way about Angel of Wrath being similar to watching 24 on tv. There is one scene in the book where Charlie is hunting down Kristof (the bad guy). Charlie has managed to put a tracking device on Kristof, and has chased him down to a local carnival. Charlie then relies on a friend of his to help him locate Kristof in a massive crowd of people. Just reading lines like, "Two meters ahead, two o'clock," and "He's right on top of you, don't you see him?" made it so easy to visualize, and compare to a tv show. (Sorry, you'll have to read the book to see if Charlie caught up to Kristof.) :o)

To sum it all up, if you want some good, heart-pounding, action-packed couple of books, then here you have it. I would very much love to see a third book come out in this series as I think it would help to tie up a few loose ends.

4 Stars for both books

Southern?  No
Sass?  Yes



Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

Book Review: In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons

About the book:

Madeleine's shared history with the king holds the key to her family's life...or death.

Seventeenth century France is an unsafe time to be a Huguenot. By order of King Louis XIV, all French Protestants must immediately convert or face imprisonment--or death. The king's dragoons ferret out the nonconformists, pillaging villages and destroying homesteads.

When the king's soldiers descend on the Clavell estate, the family's fate hangs in the balance. Quickly, quietly, they send their two sons into hiding, trusting that the young age of their daughter will guarantee her protection. But the dragoons will not be dissuaded; they hold the manor hostage looking for clues of their guilt or innocence. However, Madeleine Clavell, the lady of the manor, holds a secret--one possible chance to save the family. She and the king share a past.

Once a beautiful young lady in the French court whom Louis loved, Madeleine travels to Versailles to plead for mercy from the fickle king, hoping to regain his favor and save her family. It's a gamble, but she is left with no other choice. Madeleine soon faces an agonizing decision--one that changes her family forever.

My thoughts:

There are not enough words to describe how great I think this book is. I love it when I discover a new author, and their first work is a masterpiece. That was certainly the case with In the Shadow of the Sun King. It is a book rich with history and detail, and one that will be on my keeper shelf for years to come.

I have a limited knowledge of French history, and don't typically read books that are written for that point in history. I've only ever heard about the Huguenots by name, not about what they went through for what they knew was truth. I cannot even fathom what it would have been like to live then, and be persecuted for my beliefs. I also cannot comprehend the constant fear that soldiers could be nearby at any time, waiting to raid homes and separate families.

With all that in mind, my heart was deeply engrossed in this family's story. Madeleine's stubbornness is something that I see in myself, and I know I would've insisted as much as she did about making the trip to see King Louis to plead for protection from the dragoons. Francois' gentle spirit even reminds me of my own husband, who, in the face of adversity, would never renounce his faith in Christ. This is a story that you definitely want good to triumph in the end, and it does not disappoint. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this great series, which is scheduled to release sometime later this year.

In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons is published by Thomas Nelson and was released in 2008.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Book Review: Vengeance by Donna Dawson

This week, the Christian Fiction Review Blog is featuring

Vengeance by Donna Dawson.

About the book:

FBI agent James Benedict thought he was going on vacation. He thought he would have two weeks of relaxation and rest aboard the cruise ship bound for Hawaii. But he was wrong. Within hours of setting sail, a passenger dies, covered in horrendous boils that have eaten deep into flesh and bone. When more and more of the ship's inhabitants die of the same strange condition, it is feared that a virus has been let loose. James is the only one who can find out if there is a connection between the select victims--if he doesn't fall prey to the illness himself.

Dr. Julie Holding struggles to focus on her own FBI appointed tasks while the man she loves is stuck in the Pacific aboard a floating time bomb. Little does she know that she too will become embroiled in the conspiracy and intrigue that has taken hold of the ship and its passengers.

Vengeance will keep you on the edge of your seat as you discover the atrocities hidden in the pages of history and the struggle to keep faith and focus in a crazy world.

My review:

Wow, what a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, don't-you-dare-put-me-down book! It only took me all of one day to read this awesome book because I literally could not put it down. I thought the characters were solid, the suspense was amazing, and the ending was something I never could have predicted. It was evident that a LOT of research went into this book. While most of the terminology went straight over my head (and most of it I couldn't even pronounce), I appreciated the time and effort the author took to include it in the book.

The Christian aspect of this book was not in your face. However, the message was not something that could be ignored. I easily got the point that vengeance belongs to no one but God even though popular opinion says otherwise. It is not our place, certainly as Christians, to try to get revenge when someone has done us wrong. Those who have done wrong will be held accountable when they stand before God, and that is all we need to worry about.

On a side note, it is always fun when a personal connection can be made to any book. That's not something that happens too often. So, when I read that Dr. Holding was a stamp collector on the side, I couldn't help but smile. I've been collecting stamps since I was in high school, and it was a hobby passed down by my brother. Also, I got a little chuckle that James Benedict liked knitting! Personally, I abhor anything to do with yarn, but there's plenty of other crafts that can take it's place. :o)

(Back to the point here...) Reading Vengeance has whetted my appetite for more from this talented author. I'm very eager to read more of her books in the future! Be sure to visit some of the other pages of those participating on this blog tour!

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

____________________________________________

Read a free excerpt from Vengeance

Purchase Vengeance from Barnes & Noble or Amazon

Visit Donna's Website

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

Book Review: The Falcon and the Sparrow by MaryLu Tyndall

About the book:

When Mademoiselle Dominique Dawson sets foot on the soil of her beloved homeland, England, she feels neither the happiness nor the excitement she expected upon her return to the place of her birth. Alone for the first time in her life, without family, without friends, without protection, she now faces a far more frightening prospect, for she has come to the country she loves as an enemy-a spy for Napoleon.

Forced to betray England or never see her only brother alive again, Dominique has accepted a position as governess to the son of Admiral Chase Randal, a harsh man, still bitter over the loss of his wife. Will Dominique find the strength she needs through God to follow through with the plan to rescue her brother? Will Chase find comfort for his bitter heart in God's arms and be able to love again? And what new deceptions will they both find in France when they arrive to carry out their plan?

My thoughts:

The Falcon and the Sparrow is like no other book I have read in a long time. It had all the elements that I like in a story: passion, suspense, and a character with a deep faith in God. Oh, and a setting in the 1800’s helps, too, as I love a good historical novel.

Ms. Tyndall’s storytelling ability is amazing! I didn’t need to get very far into this book before I was hooked. Her broad vocabulary shines on each and every page. I couldn’t help but be transported to London, and see, hear, and smell everything as I was reading each page. She also did a masterful job with the tension between the characters. There was incredible passion between Chase and Dominique…so much so that I could practically hear Dominique’s heart pounding during the kissing scenes!

Finally, I simply loved the title for this book. Even though this is a fictitious story, it proves that God cares for each and every one of us, even the littlest sparrow.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Seed of Seerling by Amy Kennedy/4 Stars

Seed of Seerling by Amy Kennedy

About the book:

An act of compassion in her childhood forces Astril and several of her fellow Seerlings into slavery to the Harkans. Once she finds that her new owner is taking her to Augur, a priest in the service of the One True God, Astril seizes the opportunity to fulfill a promise to her beloved grandmother. Augur teaches her of true sacrifice and helps her to see clearly the horrors of her family line. Her new passion and belief push her further from her destiny to become the next High Priestess of the evil Great Goddess and into the saving arms of her new God. Meanwhile, Astril is haunted by her past and shocked to find out what her future as the Seed of Seerling will require.

Toren is in constant rebellion to his grandfather, King Kortan’s plans for his future. After studying under Priest Augur for more than two harvests, the prince returns to Harkan ready to begin his service in the King’s army. The unexpected capture of a group of Seerling soldiers brings back the memory of a kindness shown him as a child. Staring into the large, gray eyes of the Seerling girl, Toren is overwhelmed with a desire to protect her. His desire to protect his new slave leads him on a journey of self-discovery and true love. Toren faces the hardest decision of his life when he finds that her past will conflict with the future he has planned.

My thoughts:

First off, let me say that I do not typically read anything in the Christian fantasy genre. However, when I read what this book was about, I was intrigued, and I was not disappointed. Amy Kennedy's debut novel was simply fabulous! 


Come to the land of the Seerlings and the Harkonians where you are taking your life into your own hands if you cross into the enemy's territory. The Seerlings have a deep heritage in an old magic that has taken hold of nearly everyone that lives in their land. Astril, a Seerling, has been borne into the bloodline of the High Priestess, and her mother greatly desires that Astril follow in her footsteps of evil. Astril's grandmother, on the other hand, desires that Astril follow the One True God.

In the Harkonian lands, Toren is the grandson of the current king. As a young boy, Astril saved his life, and he vowed that he would always protect her and not let any harm come to her. One day many years later, everything changes completely. The Seerlings and the Harkonians engage in a battle, and many of the Seerlings are taken as slaves, including Astril. Toren recognizes her, and remembers the vow he made. He begs his grandfather, the king, if he can have Astril as his own slave. The king agrees to this, and Toren takes Astril to live with the priests of the One True God. What Toren does not know is that evil is now lurking right under his nose.

As I mentioned before, I don't typically read this genre, but I know it must be good when I managed to read it in 24 hours!! I would love to read a sequel to this book if there is one planned.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.

You can also visit Amy on ShoutLife: http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=102238

Book Review: Sisters of Holmes County Series by Wanda Brunstetter/2 Stars

About the book:

Lose yourself in Holmes County, where romance, suspense, mystery, and faith-filled Amish ways rule the day! Martha Hostettler is concerned about the continuous attacks being made on her Amish family. With a definite motive and a myriad of methods, Luke Friesen looks like the culprit. Determined to clear his name, Martha decides to play detective. What will the search for truth cost her?

My thoughts:

I've read this entire series, and I didn't want to share my thoughts until I read all three books. Each book is based on one of three sisters in the Hostettler family. The first book tells Grace's story, the second tells Ruth's story, and the last one tells Martha's story. After reading book one, A Sister's Secret, I had very high hopes for the two remaining books because I couldn't keep my hands off of the first one. I loved the story line, and was not expecting what Grace's secret turned out to be.

The second book, A Sister's Test, dealt with Ruth's story. She is engaged to another Amish man in their community, and he feels a sense of urgency to marry Ruth as soon as possible. Ruth's faith is about to be tested to the hilt when things change that will affect the rest of her life. However, this book was such a slow read, and there were times I wanted to throw it up against the wall!! After I continued to read about all the attacks that are still happening to the Hostettler family, it was all I could do to finish the book.

Finally, book three, A Sister's Hope, shares Martha's story. I was a bit intrigued to know how the author would wrap up the story just because I felt that it had been going on far too long. Martha decides that she is going to play detective to try to solve the mystery of who is responsible for the attacks on her family. Meanwhile, she's starting to fall for the community's resident bad boy, Luke. Martha's father detests Luke, and if he knew that Martha cared for Luke and he for her, he would be in an uproar. Luke wants to help Martha figure out who's the guilty party so he can clear his name with Martha's father since he suspects Luke is the one responsible.

Thoughts on the series as a whole:


I really enjoyed the first book, but that was about it. I just could not get interested in the storyline anymore once I started the second book. To have acts of vandalism committed against a family for 2 years solid with no answers just doesn't make sense, especially in the last 2 books where they seemed to happen more frequently. In addition to that, I found the characters to have hardly any depth, and the conversations were so simplistic and seemed to lack emotion. Just to be fair, I want to try to read another book or two by this author because I have heard good things about her past novels. We shall see, I suppose.....

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

2 Stars

**Special thanks to the publisher for providing these books for review.

   

Book Review: Come to Me by Laura Davis/5 Stars

This month, the CFRB is featuring Come to Me by Laura Davis

About the book:

Journey back in time and rediscover the Jesus you never knew. See Him through His mother's eyes as she tells the story of her son. Share in Mary's joy at the birth of the Saviour and mourn with her at the foot of the cross. Come to Me is a story about the faith and obedience of a young girl whose absolute trust in God set in motion a chain of unprecedented events. It is a moving tale of the life of Christ from the mother who raised him to become the Saviour of the World. (Taken from Bordersstores.com)

My thoughts:

Come to Me was like no other story that I have ever read that portrayed the life of Christ. At first, I admit that I was a bit skeptical because biblically-based historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and I've read so many versions of Christ's story as told by other authors. But then, there's Laura Davis...... She wrote about the life of Christ through Mary's eyes, and it was simply amazing! When I finished it, I couldn't help but think to myself, "This book would be such a great witnessing tool! If I knew someone who was lost, I would just hand them this book!" There is so much Scripture packed into this book, but it is not preachy. It is just told as a story from Mary's point of view, and as you are reading, it almost feels like you're there.

Mary's character is so engaging, a little bit of a tease, as well as a bit like the girl next door. I enjoyed getting more of a glimpse of what might have been Jesus' younger years before the incident at the temple when he was about His Father's business. Joseph and Mary's relationship also seemed more like how I would picture them....young and in love, but at the same time, nervous about their duties as parents to the Son of God.

So many other portrayals of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus seem to be uptight (whether it's in a book or movie format), but this book is so refreshing, realistic, and natural. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from Laura Davis in the future!

5 Stars!

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.



_____________________________________

If you'd like more information about Laura Davis and her debut novel, please visit her website at
http://www.authorlauradavis.com/

Book Review: Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist/5 Stars

About the book:

Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she’s known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man’s eye.

And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer’s oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune--not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn’t know if she’s driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.

That’s how life is ... Deep in the Heart of Trouble.

My thoughts:

I thought this book was a wonderful conclusion to Essie's story! While I didn't think there was as much humor in this book as there was in the last one (or in her first two novels), I did still find myself laughing in quite a few places. The other characters in the story were portrayed beautifully, especially Mrs. Lockhart with her romantic novels. :o) Also, there was a bit of a twist at the end that I did not see coming. Part of me almost wishes there was another book about this wonderful town in the works!! I'd love to read about Anna Morgan. Sadly, though, I think we've heard the last from the town of Corsicana.

Southern? No
Sass?  Yes

5 Stars

Book Review: Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner/4 Stars

About the book:

Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art–but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lucy is eager to find it.

From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.

What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.

My thoughts:

I generally shy away from reading books by a brand new author, but I was glad I made an exception in this case. Ruby Among Us is a positively beautiful story! I loved the vivid descriptions throughout the book of the gardens, the vineyards, and the town of La Roseleda itself. The author kept me turning the pages waiting to discover secrets that had been kept in this family for many years.

The only thing I thought lacking in this book was the Christian message, which was just far too subtle for my tastes. I noticed the themes of grace and forgiveness, but there was very little shared about personal relationships with Christ.

3 Stars

Southern? No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.