CFBA Blog Tour: Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wings of Glass Tyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Gina Holmes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire.

Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign-town, Penny’s happily ever after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.

When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to grow her own.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of Glass, go HERE.

Tastefully Written and Emotionally Transparent - Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman/5 Stars

Having firmly ensconced herself among some of the best authors in Christian historical fiction, Allison Pittman has penned another winner that fans of American and religious history will certainly appreciate. Immediately picking up where she last left her readers, Forsaking All Others concludes the story of Camilla Deardon Fox and her freedom from the early Mormon church.

Knowing that she must leave the falsehoods of the Mormon faith and return to the Christian teachings of her childhood, Camilla flees her husband and two young daughters as the US is on the brink of war with Utah and the Mormon church. Intending to seek refuge with her sister-in-law, she is stranded in the cold and faces the dangers of frostbite. Thanks to a compassionate Army officer, Camilla gains a safe haven to plot her next move and recover. After several convincing arguments, she persuades Colonel Brandon to take her to Salt Lake City so she may beg housing from her relatives. After having the door slam in her face, she resigns herself to staying with the one woman that won't turn her away--Sister Evangeline. This charity does not come without a price, however, and betrayal becomes the next foe she must face.

With a contrast so stark you could touch it, Allison Pittman has masterfully created a character in this novel that has grown from her impetuous youth into a woman of considerable grace and strength. With the entire story told in first-person point of view, Camilla's thoughts and emotions were completely transparent, and as a reader, I could identify with her longings to give herself completely over to God and His plan for her life. Compared to the previous novel, For Time and Eternity, Forsaking All Others was less about the strange teachings of the early Mormon church, and more about the journey Camilla took both spiritually and physically. There were times when I wanted to weep for the heartache that Camilla was experiencing, and alternately, I wanted to rejoice in the hope that her future was going to be better than her past.

While probably a strange backdrop for some fans of Christian fiction, The Sister Wife Series shares something that is indeed a part of early American history. Sadly, many were deceived by it's teachings and the enthusiasm of it's members. I applaud Allison for tastefully creating a fascinating story that I will not soon forget. Highly recommended!

5 Stars  

Southern? No
Sass? No

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of Forsaking All Others for review.

**Click here to read my review of book 1, For Time and Eternity.

**For more info about Allison and The Sister Wife Series, please visit her website.

Deeply Emotional - The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren/5 Stars

Noelle and Eli's marriage is on the skids, thanks to a difficult period filled with grief over the murder of their daughter. Now, they're sleeping in separate rooms and each one has secrets that would be devastating if they were brought to light. To make things even worse, Noelle develops amnesia after a severe blow to the head, and the past 25 years of her life have suddenly disappeared. Noelle and Eli must now work together to piece their lives back together, and decide whether or not their marriage is worth saving.

Emma Nelson wants nothing more than to recapture the song of her heart. She feels as though it should've been her and not Kelsey that met the end of a shooter's bullet. Since then, playing the music that she and Kelsey created together just isn't the same anymore. If only she could capture the lyrics, the song that keeps running through her head would be complete. It will take a trip back home to Deep Haven, as well as the help of a special friend, to find what's she's been missing all along.

Once again, Susan May Warren has created a masterpiece of a book wrought with deep emotions and personal struggles. Those suffering through a period of grief or those who have strayed from their first love (both literally and spiritually) can find hope in the pages of this novel. The Shadow of Your Smile is not a book to rush through reading, but rather, one that is worth the time it takes to savor the wisdom contained within.  Highly Recommended!

5 Stars

Southern? No
Sass? No

Summary of The Shadow of Your Smile:

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage. After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?

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

An Emotional Journey - Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry/5 Stars

Chris Fabry has penned another winner with his latest book, Not in the Heart.  From the back cover description, I thought I had prepared myself for what would be between the front and back cover, but honestly, I was not prepared for the emotional journey that I took through this story.

I imagine most folks know a "Truman" in their circle of friends.  Me?  Yeah, I have one, too, and he struggles with an addiction that only God can heal at this point.  It's difficult to watch someone I love succumb to fleshly desires, and sometimes I can't help but wonder, "If only..."  "If only he hadn't made this decision," "If only he hadn't met this person," "If only he hadn't gone down this road," yada, yada, yada...  But when I feel overwhelmed with those questions, I can do nothing but lay my concerns at the foot of the cross, and pray for his deliverance.

I guess in some way it was easy for me to identify with Ellen, Truman's wife, as well.  She had been let down so many times over the years because of Truman's actions, decisions, and absence in their family.  After awhile, it became human nature to think that nothing would ever change.  But somehow, she concocted a plan with the wife of a death-row inmate to lure Truman back into her heart and life, and more importantly, back to their son who was struggling to hold on just a few more days for a heart transplant that could save his life.

I also connected on a small level with Terrell who was on death row for murder, yet still maintained his innocence.  Before he landed in jail, he was nothing more than a no-good drunk and beggar, trying to bum a dollar from any Tom, Dick, or Harry that had it to spare.  But once he got to jail, he found the Lord, and before too long, the death sentence that he was facing in 30 short days meant that he was that much closer to seeing Jesus face to face.

Now, some may think that a jail conversion is just a ploy for some inmates to butter up their family members or friends, but truly, many of them are genuine.  While I was reading this book, it was on my calendar to re-certify as a volunteer at a local prison.  Once a year, some of the inmates get together and host a banquet for all the volunteers that have taken time to come and minister to them at the prison.  During the banquet, several of them stood and shared their testimonies of how they were on the wrong path when they got there.  One guy in particular shared his story of being in a gang, and when he got to jail, he didn't want to have anything to do with some fellow inmates that were trying to witness to him.  But they, as well as a couple of the chaplains, kept working on him, and before too long, he gave his life to the Lord.  Now, he's a completely changed person.  When new inmates come in, some of them that he knows personally from his old life, he continues the cycle by being a witness to them.  He makes it a priority to go to the chapel services that are held throughout the week, mostly run by volunteers, so he can continue to learn more about God.  That was just one of many testimonies shared, and it's so encouraging to know that a difference is being made in the hearts of so many, most of whom society has ignored and forgotten.  It made Terrell's story believable, and while I've never personally met someone on death row, I could identify with his honesty and sincerity as he shared his story with Truman.

Once again, Chris has found a way to create such a unique story that is bound to penetrate the hearts of several readers.  I can attest that it has penetrated mine.  And there's something for everyone here, too...a little drama, a little mystery, a little sadness, and even a touch of humor that I never expected.  So, if you're already a fan of Chris Fabry, then I have no doubt that you'll enjoy his latest. It's already earned it's place on my keeper shelf.  :o)

5 Stars

Southern?  Set in Florida, but not what I would consider a Southern novel.
Sass?  No

Summary of Not in the Heart:

Truman Wiley used to report news stories from around the world, but now the most troubling headlines are his own. He's out of work, out of touch with his family, out of his home. But nothing dogs him more than his son's failing heart. 

 With mounting hospital bills and Truman's penchant for gambling his savings, the situation seems hopeless...until his estranged wife throws him a lifeline--the chance to write the story of a death row inmate, a man convicted of murder who wants to donate his heart to Truman's son.

As the execution clock ticks down, Truman uncovers disturbing evidence that points to a different killer.  For his on to live, must an innocent man die?  Truman's investigation draws him down a path that will change his life, his family, and the destinies of two men forever.

**Many thanks to B&B Media Group for providing a copy for review.

Do You Like Your Plots Served with a Twist? Comin' Right Up! - Accused by Janice Cantore

Going into the new year, it's my intention to read more books outside of my historical fiction comfort zone.  With that said...what a great way to end 2011 in this excellent new suspense novel by Janice Cantore--Accused.

Before reading Accused, I had never even heard of Janice, and had no idea that she's been writing books for a few years now.  I thought I would be getting an early peek at a debut author (considering this book doesn't release for another month).  Well...no debut here, but nonetheless, Janice is definitely an author I'll be reading more from in the future!  She does what all authors should do, in my opinion...write what they know.  Being a veteran police officer-turned-author, her knowledge and expertise in law enforcement shines through much of this story.

Accused is also a very appealing read for those who want a little romance with their suspense, and the mix here is just right--not too much so that it's corny, but not too little to make you think no one has a heart.  :o)  It is all-the-more believable since Carly and Nick are divorced, and Carly still carries a great amount of bitterness toward Nick because of their split.

But the icing on the cake here is the plot itself!  It is so twisted that you won't come up for air until the very last page!  The bad guys in this story are all over the place, too, and just when I think I've got one pegged, another one rears his ugly head.  To me, that's what makes a good suspense novel.  Give me a little something to figuratively chew on, while keeping me glued to the pages at the same time, and I'm a fan for life.

If there's anything to dislike here, it would be the spiritual elements.  Now, since I read nothing but Christian fiction, you'd think I wouldn't have a problem with this, but this is the first book that I've read in awhile that is as preachy as this one is.  Carly has some major issues with anything concerning God, and her disinterest initially is a little repetitive.  It's not until after the funeral that the preachiness starts to become overwhelming.  I understand that everyone in her circle wants to be a witness to her, but it's all just laid on a little too thick here.  I think if maybe just one character, perhaps two, had not shared their personal testimony, it would've helped the overall flow of the story a great deal.

So, with a mixed bag of thoughts, Accused is still a great read, and gets a high recommendation from me if just for the suspense alone.  Out of 5 stars, it easily gets 5, but the preachiness causes me to bring the overall rating to a 4.  I am so glad there is a sneak peek into book 2, Abducted, included in the back because I'm anxious to see how Carly performs in her usual element of patrolling the streets, a job she was not allowed to do in Accused.  Oh, and not to mention what happens between her and a certain someone...gotta get the juicy details on that.  :o)

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Summary of Accused:

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

**Many thanks to Tyndale House through NetGalley for providing a copy for review. 

CFBA Blog Tour: A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Marriage Carol Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011) by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman



ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

CHRIS FABRY is a graduate of W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and Moody bible Institute's Advanced Studies Program. Chris can be heard daily on Love Worth Finding, featuring the teaching of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. He received the 2008 "Talk Personality of the Year" Award from the National Religious Broadcasters. He has published more than 60 books since 1995, many of them fiction for younger readers. Chris collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye on the children's series Left Behind: The Kids. His two novels for adults, Dogwood and June Bug, are published by Tyndale House Publishers. Chris is married to his wife Andrea and they have five daughters and four sons.

GARY CHAPMAN is the author of the bestselling Five Love Languages series and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio program airs on more than 400 stations.





ABOUT THE BOOK:

On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm. This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they’re traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer’s office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Paul is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs—and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of A Marriage Carol, go HERE.

CFBA Blog Tour: Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Attracted to Fire Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2011)
by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010. DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website at: www.diannmills.com or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

Watch the book trailer:



If you would like to read the first chapter of Attracted to Fire, go HERE.

Book Review: Disaster Status by Candace Calvert/4 Stars

About the book:

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she’s put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department’s handsome incident commander, who thinks her strategy is out of line. 

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he’s learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he’s forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

My thoughts:

I will forever stand by the opinion that authors always deserve a second chance. Truly, I did not enjoy Candace's first novel, Critical Care. I thought it was a copycat version of Grey's Anatomy that was unrealistic and over the top.

However.... :o)

Disaster Status was oh-so-much better! I was a little nervous going into the first few chapters that Candace was still on the Grey's Anatomy kick, but she quickly proved me wrong. This story was much more genuine, and had realistic characters that slowly crept into my heart. I got to reconnect with Erin, and watch as she grew into a "woman of strength." And I also got to meet hunky Scott McKenna, and cheered him on while he struggled to make the right decisions for himself and his family. Last, but not least, little Cody stole my heart with his sweet disposition and brave front--all the while not knowing if he would lose his leg because of a dangerous infection.

It was very apparent that Candace knew her stuff when it came to ER procedures and patient care. Those portions of the book were expertly written. On the flip side, I didn't enjoy her sentence structure. There were far too many sentence fragments for my taste, and with a little more work (or a better editor), I believe she could get her point across more effectively with complete sentences. Also, I wish that Scott's occupation had been mentioned more. All I knew throughout the story was that he was a fire captain who had some medical training, but there were no scenes that had him actually on the job putting out fires.

Candace shows a lot of promise as a Christian fiction author, and clearly, medical dramas are her forte. I'm eager to see how she progresses with her writing, and I plan to search out the next and final book in this series, Code Triage.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

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

Book Review: False Witness by Randy Singer/4 Stars

About the book:

Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife's life. He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor in possession of the Abacus Algorithm—an equation so powerful it could crack all Internet encryption.

Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she and two colleagues learn that their clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the encrypted algorithm in their possession. After a life-changing trip to the professor's church in India, the couple also has the key to decode it.

Now they're on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who will do anything to get the algorithm. Caught in the middle, Jamie and her friends must protect their clients if they want to survive long enough to graduate.

An adrenaline-laced thrill ride, this retelling of one of Randy Singer's most critically acclaimed novels takes readers from the streets of Las Vegas to the halls of the American justice system and the inner sanctum of the growing church in India with all the trademark twists, turns, and the legal intrigue his fans have come to expect.

My thoughts:

I can now safely say that Randy Singer never fails to amaze me with any book he writes. He's got a knack for creating these larger-than-life tales that make me feel like I just watched a whole season of 24 non-stop. Granted, I've only read two of his novels, but simply put...he's just awesome. End of discussion. :o)

False Witness was an action-packed thrill ride, and that's no joke! There's the mob, the FBI, a bounty hunter, and this one little algorithm that everyone wanted. The problem was that if it fell into the wrong hands, chaos would ensue in no time flat. Then, there were the kidnappings, the torture, the money demands, and well...you can seen why it was an addictive read!

But the one strike this book had against itself was all the legal stuff. I was able to keep most of it straight initially, but toward the end, my brain was on overload. I think if it had been toned down just a little bit, False Witness would have been 5-star worthy, for sure.

In spite of that one little irritation, I still highly recommend False Witness as an incredible read. Just a warning that you may burn your dinner, have a pile of laundry waiting, or not get enough winks at night until you get it finished. :o)

4 Stars

Southern?  Mostly; the last 2/3 was set in Georgia.
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to The B&B Media Group and Tyndale for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren/4 Stars

About the book:

Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

My thoughts:

Ok, so don't shoot me, but I've never read a Susan May Warren book before.  *ducking for cover*  It's not intentional or anything.  She just happens to be one of many authors that I just haven't gotten around to yet.  But ya know, I think I'll be coming back for more...and soon, too.  :o)


My Foolish Heart is part of the Deep Haven series, although it's come along several years after the original 3 books were released.  Being that this was my first book by Susan, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be in the loop about this sweet little town.  Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about.  I jumped right in with both feet to read about Issy and Caleb, and got a bonus with Lucy and Seb's story thrown in.  And I won't lie...the romance was enough to make me down-right giddy, butterflies in my stomach, holding my breath--the whole nine yards!

The intro was a little slow for my taste because Issy and Caleb both came with a lot of baggage.  Issy suffered from agoraphobia, which meant that panic attacks were a frequent occurrence for her.  Caleb was a vet from the Iraq War, and came home a scarred and wounded soldier.  As a reader, it was necessary to really get into their characters before reading their introductions to each another, but I think it could've been done effectively in less than the almost-100 pages it took.

What impressed me the most was the story's realness.  Never before have a read a novel that dealt with these types of issues (agoraphobia, PTSD, etc.).  Everything felt so current, especially with the references to Caleb coming home wounded from the Iraq War.  The book also addressed struggles with fear and pride, and how those two tiny words had the power to control a life. 

All in all, I liked that My Foolish Heart had a good mix of the funny with the serious.  For readers like me who read books for an escape from everyday life, it's such a pleasure to read a book that not only brings a smile to my face, but can also bring a tear to my eye.  And believe me...both happened quite frequently.  ;o)  I am very happy to give My Foolish Heart a solid 4 star rating, along with a promise to read (many) more of Susan May Warren's books in the future. 

Southern?  No-set in Minnesota
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Litfuse and Tyndale for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Critical Care by Candace Calvert/2 Stars

About the book:

After her brother dies in a trauma room, nurse Claire Avery can no longer face the ER. She's determined to make a fresh start--new hospital, new career in nursing education--move forward, no turning back. But her plans fall apart when she's called to offer stress counseling for medical staff after a heartbreaking day care center explosion. Worse, she's forced back to the ER, where she clashes with Logan Caldwell, a doctor who believes touchy-feely counseling is a waste of time. He demands his staff be as tough as he is. Yet he finds himself drawn to this nurse educator . . . who just might teach him the true meaning of healing.

My thoughts:

Medical dramas are not usually my thing. I've read one or two over the years, and while some are good, those stories don't tend to stick with me in the long run. But because I was a fan of Grey's Anatomy (until recently), and because of all the reviews that say all the drama is there just like in the tv show, I decided to give it a shot.

Well.....

I didn't like it. I didn't like it one bit. There seemed to be zero creativity, and instead, seemed to be a book that wanted to copy everything from the tv show (not everyone has seen Grey's, ya know). Now, I know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but really... McSnarly? Giving the one lone male doctor in that hospital that nickname showed no imagination at all. And wait for it...we get a glimpse of another guy later on in the story named McMuffin (he, thankfully, didn't stay around long). The "Mc" names were so irritating, and really, could've been left out of the book altogether.

Then, there was the drama. This book was loaded with it, but that wasn't necessarily a good thing. One review I read prior to reading this book said that all the characters needed a good dose of therapy to get through all their problems, and she hit the nail on the head with that statement. Therapy was never mentioned one single time. I don't know if that's because the author intended for her audience to see that all problems can be solved through prayer and relying on God to see them through, but that seems a tad unrealistic. Don't get me wrong when I say that because I believe God answers our prayers, I believe He meets us in our times of need, and so on. BUT...He gave us doctors (whether that means physical or psychological) for a reason, and sometimes, they are the ones to assist us through life's storms and heartaches, along with our trust and faith in God.

I cannot give more than 2 stars for this book. The issues I've mentioned really just scratch the surface as to why I didn't enjoy this book. The only reason I gave it more than one was because out of all the characters, Erin was the one I liked the most. The end of this book gave a good intro to the next book which will center on her character.

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

Book Review: Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

About the book:

A New Chapter

With the demands of Hollywood life behind them for now, Dayne and Katy Matthews continue to adjust to life in Bloomington as they look forward to a new chapter together - expanding their family. Meanwhile, the entire CKT staff is busy preparing for the first production in Dayne and Katy's theater.

A Time of Uncertainty

The Flanigans rally to support Bailey and Connor as they try out for lead roles in the musical, but then the family receives tragic news that weighs heavily on everyone's mind. At the same time, Jim Flanigan faces a decision that could drastically change his family's life.

A Beautiful Beginning

As John Baxter prepares for his marriage to Elaine Denning, one of the Baxters enters the most trying season of all. Will a time of renewed love and hope be strong enough to establish the sacred ground of marriage and chart a course for the future? And when the time comes to finally sell the beloved Baxter house, memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today, proving that only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.

My thoughts:

Wow, I cannot believe that this is the end of the Baxter saga!  14 books devoted to a specific cast of characters was very reminiscent of the Left Behind saga (16 total books), but I enjoyed every second.  While I must admit that the first set of 5 books that made up the Redemption series was my favorite, I'd have to say that this final book was probably my favorite of the last 9 books.  It tied up (most of) the loose ends for the Baxter family, and even had a very nice surprise at the end that I was not expecting. 

When there are sooooo many characters to shuffle through, it's typical to want to know more about specific ones and less about others.  I found that to be the case with Luke and Ashley.  I wanted more of the Luke/Reagan story and less of the Ashley story.  Ashley has been featured so prominently throughout the whole series, and by the time I finished this book, I was tired of her.  Her life was full of ups and downs that, after awhile, became unbelievable.  Luke's story, on the other hand, was one that I couldn't get enough of.  At the beginning of the book, he and Reagan were on the verge of ending their marriage.  Their journey through this one book had me in tears by the end.  And if their story wasn't enough for me to have an all-out sobfest, John's complete reconciliation with Elizabeth's death and his upcoming marriage to Elaine was enough to do me in.  Yes, the stories are so sappy that they're syrupy (sp?), but they're a great escape from real life.

I will always stand by my opinions that Karen Kingsbury's first few novels were some of her best, but this was one of her newer ones that was quite good.  It did seem to be a little preachy, but those moments tied in well with the overall story.  My rating for Sunset is 4 stars.

Book Review and Bonus Interview: Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers

About the book:

In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother's Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.

Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.

College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.

Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.

Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

My thoughts:

Just when I think I've read the best that Francine Rivers has to offer, she surprises me with yet another fantastic novel!  I don't know how she does it, but her books always have a way of keeping me from doing anything else (eating, sleeping, working....you get the picture) until I've finished the story.  Between this book and the one before it, I don't think I've read anything better in Christian fiction in all of 2010. 

I was anxious to see the continuation of Hildie's story from the first book, Her Mother's Hope.  After Her Mother's Hope left me hanging just a tiny bit regarding Hildie and her relationship with Marta, I absolutely did not expect Hildie to take on such a dramatic personality change, both with her relationship with her mother as well as her young daughter.  Not 40 pages into the book, my heart was already broken.  Carolyn, Hildie's daughter, visited a neighbor's house, and a parent's worst nightmare was the result.  Carolyn never spoke of these events to either of her parents until much later in her life, and after this incident, she and Hildie began to drift away from one another.  The only place Carolyn could find a confidante was with her grandmother, Marta.  Hildie was not crazy about this arrangement at all, but she let it go, and Marta practically filled in as a mother for Carolyn during her early years.

As the story progressed, Carolyn left home to go off to college, and met a girl there who was the life of the party.  This relationship also had a huge impact on Carolyn's life, and Carolyn ultimately felt responsible for her.  Then, due to some bad decisions by Carolyn and this friend, Carolyn's life was forever changed with the birth of May Flower Dawn.  What Carolyn didn't realize was that things were about to start looking a little bit familiar when it came to the women in her family tree.

I think the thing that blew me away more than anything in this novel were the secrets that everyone kept.  No one wanted to share there feelings for fear of what someone would think of them.  They didn't want to be honest with one another, and instead, chose to keep things bottled up inside.  Oh, what turmoil this caused everyone in the overall picture of their lives.  Their lives could have been so much different if they'd just sat down and talked things out.  It was at this point that May Flower Dawn really emerged as the glue that held this family together.  I don't want to get too ahead of things and spoil the story for anyone, but if Dawn had not been attentive to the voice of God, there would have been a never-ending generational problem that could've gone on for years and years.  Her resolve to restore her family, although it was one of the hardest things she had to do, really blessed my heart.

Her Daughter's Dream gets another HUGE 5-star rating from me just like Her Mother's Hope did a few months ago.  Both books challenged me to re-evaluate the relationships I have with both my mother and my grandmother.  Even though they're both 500+ pages each, I never noticed it.  In fact, I read each book in about a day.  You'd think that 2 books that cover a period of 50 years each would be too rushed, and not having much detail, but neither is a problem because Francine Rivers is such a skilled author.  As is the case with all of her other novels, both books in the Marta's Legacy series have earned a permanent place on my keeper shelf.  I have no clue what she has in store for her next novel, but I have to wonder if it will even possibly be able to compete!  So, run, drive, click, whatever, to your nearest bookstore, and bring these books home with you...you will not regret it for a second!



Bonus Interview with Francine Rivers!!

Q:  How has exploring the relationship between your mother and grandmother helped you understand yourself?

A:  This is a question I would love readers to ask themselves at the end of Her Mother’s Hope. I realized early in the story that I have many of my grandmother and mother’s character traits, both good and bad. They both had tempers. So do I. They both had low self-esteem. I’m always striving to “measure up”. They both chose spouses who respected them. So did I. Both women had strong faith and servants’ hearts, something they encouraged in me. My mother extended grace to others -- a trait I want to cultivate to the end of my days. By holding onto her anger, Grandma lacked the peace and joy she could have had in her last years. I tend to relive past hurts. Writing about Marta made me decide to let go, forgive and move on. For whatever reason, Grandma couldn’t and missed out on so much joy in her last years. Sometimes people deeply hurt as children take offense where none was intended. Holding a grudge causes suffering, especially for the one who won’t let go. Jesus said to forgive one another as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness frees us, even if the other person refuses to join in the process of reconciliation. As I examine my own life, I see how much I’ve been forgiven. How can I not extend God’s grace to others? The best way to experience the fullness of God’s presence in my life is to surrender it to Him. And in that surrender, we are made more complete and joy-filled.

Q:  Writing a novel is not for the faint of heart. What was the most difficult part of writing this family saga? What came the most naturally to you? 

A:  The most difficult part of writing any novel is getting out of my own way. I have to get rid of preconceived notions about themes and characters and plot. The first draft of this novel came in at over 1000 pages and was too biographical. I wanted the story to shift back and forth from present to past, trying to show what happened to create the rifts and valleys between Hildemara, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. I was too cautious, too afraid to harm to my grandmother and mother’s memory. 

A wonderful editor wrote me an insightful letter in which she listed what she wanted to know about each the characters. Her letter got my creative juices flowing. She helped me look at the story in a new way. I set the first manuscript aside and started over. I found it better to move from one generation to the next in a linear story. This time the characters followed my grandmother and mother’s timeline, but took on a life of their own. They became unique individuals rather than the shadow of real people. 

Q:  After readers finish this series what do you want them to remember? What questions and feelings do you want it to provoke on a spiritual and emotional level? 

A:  I hope and pray readers who have had difficult relationships with their mothers or daughters will let go of the pain and anger and allow God to work in their lives. God can work all things together for good for those who trust and love Him. Following Jesus’ example changes the way we see people. It changes the way we relate to one another. Even when the chasm is too deep to cross, we can decide to forgive. Some people wear grievances like a dirty coat. With God’s strength, we can strip it off and be free. When people finish reading Her Daughter’s Dream, I hope they will want to extend God’s grace and forgiveness. I hope they will tear down their walls and use their life experiences to begin building a bridge. 

Q:  Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of HER DAUGHTER'S DREAM? 

A:  I would love for you to visit my web site at http://francinerivers.com/, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page; please click here.

One more thing....don't leave yet!!

There are two giveaways being hosted for a free copy of Her Daughter's Dream.  Click either this link or this link for more information and to sign up for the chance to win!

**A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at http://www.christianspeakerservices.com/ for more information about blog tour management services.

Book Review: For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman

About the book:

When Camilla Deardon hears their songs coming on a breeze, they sound just like the songs in her own church. This is all she knows of the Mormons camping near her family's farm. Mama and Papa warned her to stay away, but she doesn't understand their fear, especially after meeting a young Mormon man named Nathan Fox. So handsome. So charming. His eyes hold the very image of this Zion he talks about, and his step seems a promise to take her there.

Though Camilla knows she should obey her parents, she can't refuse her heart. But Nathan's promises can never prepare her for what she will face in Utah. She's been willing to share her husband's faith, but can she share her marriage with another woman?

My thoughts:

Allison Pittman can flat write a book...period.  If it had not been for a suggestion from a friend of mine several years ago, I doubt I would've ever discovered Allison's books.  Since then, though, I've become a fan through and through.  Her historical novels always seem to have some a little different from all the rest--sometimes, it's unique characters, but almost always, it's a story that pulls at my emotions from start to finish.


For Time and Eternity was a novel I wanted to read from the first moment I read the description.  I've been on a little bit of a kick with this particular book "style" lately, and I knew Allison's take on this point in history would not disappoint.  It also helped that she had first-hand knowledge of the Mormon church and their practices.  Now, I'm not Mormon, I don't know any Mormons, but I do have a basic knowledge of their beliefs.  What really saddens me is how many people were drawn into this religion in it's early years, maybe before they were fully aware of what they were getting into.  Honestly, what sane woman wants to share her husband?  Um, not me.  Thankfully, as a church they have eliminated all practices of polygamy, but it's still a part of their history.  Now, only the FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints) participate in polygamy.


I felt all of Camilla's emotions through this entire book.  Camilla had more on her young shoulders than most people have when they're twice her age, and she had so many decisions that she had to make...some that were split-second.  One came when she had to choose between her parents and this new boy, Nathan Fox.  She barely knew him, and she didn't understand why her parents didn't want her around him.  After time, their reasons became very clear.  And thankfully, Camilla's mother insisted that she read her Bible daily, and journal a verse every day.  This early nurturing in Scripture would be the difference maker in Camilla's adult, married life.

If you decide to read For Time and Eternity, let me warn you that this is not your typical novel--not just because it has both Mormon and Christian elements, but because it will literally have your emotions on overdrive from page one through to the very end.  It was an excellent story that was heartbreaking, but beautifully told.  My only complaint was that it didn't last long enough!

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Glass Roads PR for providing a copy for review.

**Click here to purchase a copy of For Time and Eternity.

Waiting on Wednesday: For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

For Time and Eternity by Allison Pittman scheduled to release 9/1/2010 (not far away...yay!!!)

About the book:

In an effort to escape her stern, legalistic upbringing, Camilla Deardon runs away from home with a handsome young Mormon man, Nathan. Married in the church, they raise their daughters and hope for more children. But their lives take a sudden turn when her husband, whom she loves deeply, is designated for special honor by the church elders. Nathan is given the honor of taking a second wife and soon a new “sister wife” comes into their home.

Camilla is heartbroken and remembers the faith of her childhood. She begins to question this revelation and is charged with unfaithfulness to the Mormon teachings. She enters a struggle for her life when elders call for blood atonement for her disobedience. Forced to abandon her children, she leaves them in the care of a Paiute Indian woman who shares her faith. Camilla knows they’ll be safe until she can return for them.

Book Review: Through Thick and Thin by Sandra Byrd

About the book:

Savvy Smith, 15, sees her chance to write a full column in the paper, making her name and making her way in her new hometown near London, England. But the choices she faces when given the chance to choose between friends, family, and fame may turn her dream into a nightmare.

London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

My thoughts:

Sandra's style of writing is at the top of the list...seriously. I love how she can take a seemingly ordinary story, add a little pinch of quirkiness, and create some of the best books I've read in a long time. Oh, and I failed to mention, ahem....London!

Even though Through Thick and Thin is a young adult novel (and I've certainly passed that stage in my life), there is something here for everyone regardless of age. In this series, Savvy has to learn to navigate a whole new way of life in a foreign country and a new school to top it off. A tad daunting, right? But ya know, Savvy has got more maturity in her pinky finger than I did when I was her age. Granted, this is fiction, but it's still nice to read about a girl that has some respect for her parents, and knows how to learn from her mistakes.

And uh, I'm sure it's obvious that I can't wait to read the rest of this series! If you've never checked out any of Sandra's books, the perfect one to start with would be Let Them Eat Cake for an adult novel, or book one of this series, Asking for Trouble, for a young adult novel. Either way, you won't be disappointed!

Click here to read my review of Asking for Trouble.

CFBA Tour: Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Crossing Oceans Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 1, 2010)


by Gina Holmes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in southern Virginia. To learn more about her, visit May 2010's issue of CFOM at Interview with Gina Holmes or Novel Journey.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But being told you’re dying has a way of changing things. Years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter, Isabella, must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank–toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter. As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love and its ability to change everything—to heal old hurts, bring new beginnings . . . even overcome the impossible. A stunning debut about love and loss from a talented new voice.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Crossing Oceans, go HERE.

Watch the Video Book Trailer:

Book Review and Bonus Interview: Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers

About the book:

From the beloved, best-selling author of Redeeming Love comes a powerful epic that spans continents and generations in an unforgettable story about family and faith, dreams and disappointments, and ultimately the resilience and tenacity of love.

Best-selling author Francine Rivers pens a sweeping and lyrical two-book saga that explores the depths of grace and forgiveness in one of life’s fiercest bonds—the love between mother and daughter.
Near the turn of the twentieth century, fiery Marta Schneider is torn between her father’s declaration that she’ll never be more than a servant and her mother’s encouragement to chase her dreams. Determined to fulfill her mother’s hope, Marta leaves home for a better life. Young and alone, she earns her way with a series of housekeeping and cooking jobs that bring her ever closer to her dream of owning an inn.

Heartbreaking news from home strengthens Marta’s resolve as she moves to England and eventually to Canada. There, she meets handsome Niclas Waltert, a man just as committed as she to forging a better life in a new place. But nothing has prepared her for the sacrifices she must make for marriage and motherhood as she travels first to the Canadian wilderness and finally to the dusty Central Valley of California to raise her family.

Marta’s hope is to give her children a better life, but experience has taught her that only the strong survive. Her tough love is often misunderstood, especially by her oldest daughter, Hildemara Rose, who craves her mother’s acceptance. Amid the drama of World War II, Hildie falls in love and begins a family of her own. But unexpected and tragic events force mother and daughter to face their own shortcomings and the ever-widening chasm that threatens to separate them forever.



My thoughts:

Finally, the wait is over! Francine Rivers has a new, full-length, fabulous novel, and it has been worth every day I've had to wait for it! And no joke...I read it in 24 hours. It was that good!

Francine creates some of the most memorable characters in her books, and out of all the Christian fiction authors I read, her characters and their stories stay with me more than anyone else's. In Her Mother's Hope, it felt like I was reading about real people because they faced genuine problems, and sometimes, didn't always handle them the way that they should have. Marta, for instance, truly despised her father, and at first, didn't believe her mother when she said that she (Marta) and her father were more alike than she realized. As Marta grew older, it became more evident that she had indeed picked up a few of her father's traits, and not all of them were good. Unfortunately, some of these bad traits molded her into the type of mother that she did not want to be, especially to her second child, Hildemara.

Another thing I love about this book (as well as what's to come in book 2) is that they're going to cover entire lifetimes, and not just a few months or years, or one point in history. The book began in early 1900, and ended with the Japan bombings of World War 2. Books that cover so much history like this one does just adds so much to an overall reading experience, in my opinion. Like I said earlier...it only took me 24 hours to read this one. I don't mind reading another 24 more of the rest of this story!

As much of a fan as I am of her first book, Redeeming Love, I have to say that this one comes a very close second, if not a tie, for my favorite Francine Rivers novel. But oh, how I wish that I didn't have to wait 6 months before I can complete this saga! By far, this is my favorite book of 2010!

5 Stars!!

Bonus info straight from the author!!

Tell us about your current work.
I have just completed the second in a set of two books about mother-daughter relationship over four generations. This was intended to be one long novel dealing with the different ways generations have lived out their faith – but became so long it needed to be divided. Her Mother’s Hope will be released March 16, 2010. Her Daughter’s Dream will follow in September. There are numerous family and personal details woven into both books and I plan to share those things on my blog.

Which is your favorite book of those you’ve written?
My favorite book is Redeeming Love. It was my first as a born-again Christian, my statement of faith, and the most exciting year I’ve spent writing anything. I felt God’s presence throughout the months of work, as though He were telling me His story through thousands of Scriptures as well as explaining the inner heart-ache and quest of each “my” characters.

Which book was the hardest to write and why?

The Atonement Child was the most personal and difficult to write because I had to face my own abortion experience. Added to the considerable research I did, and women who shared their experiences with me, I went through an intensive post-traumatic stress Bible study for post-abortive women at our local pregnancy counseling center. Reliving all aspects of my abortion decision and experience was excruciating – but healing. After twenty-six years of being imprisoned by guilt and shame, I was free through the power and love of God. Though the book was the most heart-wrenching to write, it also proved to be the most life changing. I’ve received countless letters from other post-abortive women and have learned my experience is not unique. Our nation is filled with wounded men and women. The character of Hannah is based on my story, Doug is based on Rick’s, and Evie is based on my mother’s.

**PLEASE NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided to the me as a blog tour host by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

**Click here to purchase a copy of Her Mother's Hope.

FIRST Wild Card Tour and Book Review: Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Sandra Byrd

and the book:

Asking for Trouble (London Confidential)

Tyndale House Publishers (March 4, 2010)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Sandra Byrd has published nearly three dozen books in the Christian market, including her latest series, French Twist, which includes the Christy Award finalist Let Them Eat Cake (WaterBrook Press, 2007) and its sequel, Bon Appétit (WaterBrook Press, 2008). Many of her acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books target the tween and young adult markets. She has also published a book for new moms entitled Heartbeats. Several of Sandra’s shorter works have appeared in periodicals such as Relevant, Clubhouse, Pockets, Decision, and Guideposts. For the past seven years, she has shared her secrets with the many students she mentors through the Christian Writers Guild. Before turning to full-time writing, Sandra was an acquisitions editor in the ABA market. She lives in the Seattle, Washington, area with her husband and two children.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $6.99
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414325975
ISBN-13: 978-1414325972


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

I hung back at the doorway to the cafeteria of my new supercool British school, Wexburg Academy. Most of the lunch tables were already packed, and the room was buzzing with chatter. The populars, whom I'd secretly nicknamed the Aristocats, commanded an entire table right in the center of the room. Their good looks and posh accents made up the sun around which all other tables orbited. The normal kids were in the second circle, arranged by friends or clubs or activities. The drama table was on the outer edge of the room, and so were the geeks, the nerds, and the punk wannabes--way out there like Neptune, but still planets. Most everyone had a group. I didn't.

Okay, so there was one table with lots of room. The leftovers table. It might as well have been the dark side of the moon.

No way.

I skipped lunch--again--and headed to the library. One of the computers was available and I logged on, desperately hoping for an e-mail from Seattle.

There was an e-mail from my grandmother reminding me to floss because British dentists only cleaned adult teeth.

Spam from Teen Vogue.

An invitation to join the Prince Harry fan club--​I opened it and gave it a quick scan. I'd consider it more later.

And . . . one from Jen!

I clicked open the e-mail from my best friend at home--well, it had been my home till a couple of months ago--hoping for a lunch full of juicy news served alongside tasty comments about how she missed me and was planning stuff for my next visit home. I craved something that would take me the whole lunch period to read and respond to and remind me that I did have a place somewhere in this universe.

From: Jen
To: Savannah


Hey, Fortune Cookie, so how's it going? Met the Queen yet? LOL. Sorry I haven't written too much. It's been so busy. Samantha took the position you'd been promised on the newspaper staff. She's brand new, but then again you would have been too. It seemed strange without you at first, but I think she'll do okay--maybe even better than okay. And hey, life has changed for everyone, right? Things are crazy busy at school, home, and church. We hang out a lot more now that a bunch of us are driving. Will write again in a few weeks.

Miss you!
Jen



A few weeks! My lungs filled with air, and I let it out slowly, deflating like a balloon with a slow leak. I poised my hands over the keyboard to write a response but just . . . couldn't. What would I say? It had already been weeks since we'd last e-mailed. Most of my friends texted instead of e-mailing anyway, but texting across the Atlantic Ocean cost way too much. And the truth was . . .

I'd moved, and they'd moved on.

I logged off the computer and sat there for a minute, blinking back tears. Jen hadn't meant to forget me. I was simply out of her orbit now.

I pretended to read Sugar magazine online, but mostly I was staring at the clock, passing the time till I could respectably head to my next class.

Five minutes before class I swung my book bag onto my shoulder and headed down the hall. Someone was stapling flyers to the wall. “Hi, Hazelle.”

“Hullo, Savannah.” She breezed by me, stapling another pink flyer farther down the wall. We had math class together--oh yeah, maths, as the Brits called it--first period. I'd tried to make friends with her; I'd even asked her if she'd like to sit together in lunch, but she'd crisply informed me that she sat at the table with the other members of the newspaper staff.

She didn't bother with small talk now either, but went on stapling down the hall. I glanced at one of the flyers, and one sentence caught my eye right away: Looking for one experienced journalist to join the newspaper staff.

I yanked the flyer off the wall and jammed it into my bag. I was experienced. Wasn't I?

A nub of doubt rose inside me--the kind that popped up, unwelcome, anytime I tried to rationalize something that wasn't exactly true or right.

This time I swallowed it back. I thought back to Jen's e-mail that kind of felt like a polite dismissal. I lived in London now.

It was time to take matters into my own hands.

My thoughts:

This was such a fun and enjoyable read! Of course, anything by Sandra Byrd is just fabulous anyway...whether it's adult or YA fiction.

This book had me wanting to go to London just like Sandra's French Twist series had me wanting to go to Paris. This book is full of British lingo, which I think is something a lot of Americans find rather interesting simply because it's different...I know I do. :) I loved learning a bit more about the food, and that there are ways that you don't address the Queen. The theatre scene with Savvy and her mom and sister was informative, too, and apparently, not much has changed since Shakespeare's lifetime in regard to theatre houses and their patrons...very interesting little tidbit since my hubby is a theatre buff.

Asking for Trouble had a lot of life lessons for anyone regardless of age--the biggest ones being friendliness and honesty. Savvy had a lot thrown at her all at once, especially a whole new culture change from America to London. Add to that the often impossible task of making new friends as a teenager, and you've got a book that shows we all have things in common as we try to navigate our own social circles. But she persevered through it all, including the uphill battle of trying to make it onto the newspaper staff at her school.

I'm so glad that book 2 in this series, Through Thick and Thin, was released right along with Asking for Trouble. I've got to get on the ball to get my next British book fix from Sandra Byrd! Cheerio!

5 Stars

**Many thanks to Christy Wong of Tyndale House Publishers for providing a copy for review.

**Click here to purchase a copy of Asking for Trouble.