Book Review: Judgment Day *Win FREE Copy*

Title:  Judgment Day: A Novel
Author:  Wanda L. Dyson
Publisher’s Synopsis:  Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.

The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions..

Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.

Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.

I’d never heard of Wanda Dyson before I read Judgment Day, but I will be reading her next book, Shepherd’s Fall.  This book is exactly the kind of book I enjoy reading.  As I started reading, Suzanne (a reporter for a sensational “expose” type show) does an extremely sloppy job of “reporting” that made my skin crawl.  At first, I was ticked at the author.  After all, I wasn’t invested in the story enough to be lost in it, but it didn’t take me long.  My anger transferred to the selfish, narcissistic reporter and then I followed the story, disgusted at the lies, corruption, and so-called justice that the book showed.  And that is exactly how it should be.

Judgment Day is a fast-paced, story with numerous subplots that don’t leave you lost and confused.  That alone is very difficult to accomplish.  I thought I had one of them figured out (hard not to say which, but I don’t want to give away the story), but I was wrong.  To be honest, I’m glad.  The red herring was a bit cliche for today’s books, so the real “Story” in the book packed a much more powerful punch– an apt metaphor considering the number of physical attacks in the book.

This book reads like a suspense/thriller movie.  You watch the scenes unfold, almost begging the characters not to enter the dark alley, the house, the woods.  You want to become a champion against black market everything and political corruption.

In my opinion, the weakest part of the book is in the relationships– they seem a bit token.  However, I don’t know if that’s a bad thing for this particular story.  The plot drives this story and the vehicle is the characters.  Characterization is brilliant.  The fact that the relationships seem inserted because that is what you’re supposed to do didn’t really bother me.  In fact, I didn’t even notice until I started thinking about it.  I particularly loved that one in particular wasn’t explored until the last page.

Now, at the risk of being considered morbid etc., one main character really did bother me, though.  I think it was a little too “neat and clean” that this one lived.  I tend not to be of the “kill ’em off” camp, but I think the book would have had stronger impact had the one character died where appropriate.  Then again, that character’s influence on that last page wouldn’t have happened and it was quite hilarious.

Wanda Dyson is a wonderful writer.  If you like Mark Mynheir or Dee Henderson, you’ll love this gal.  Get the book.  Just do it.

This book was provided by Water Brook for review.  The opinions are mine and unbiased by the free book.  Furthermore, I like to share the wealth, so I will be giving this copy away.  Just leave a comment and tell me if you’ve ever read anything by Wanda Dyson.

If you’d consider ranking my review at Water Brook, I’d appreciate it.  Just click HERE.  It seems as if the number of rankings tend to improve the selection of books I am allowed to review and that means it improves the selection I get to give away!

Book Review: The Ale Boy’s Feast

Title: The Ale Boy’s Feast
Series: The Auralia Thread
Author: Jeffrey Overstreet
Publisher’s Synopsis: The king is missing.  His people are trapped as the woods turn deadly.  Underground, the boy called Rescue has found an escape.
Hopes are failing across The Expanse. The forests, once beautiful, are now haunted and bloodthirsty. House Abascar’s persecuted people risk their lives to journey through those predatory trees. They seek a mythic city – Abascar’s last, best hope for refuge – where they might find the source of Auralia’s colors.
They journey without their king. During a calamitous attempt to rescue some of his subjects from slavery, Cal-raven vanished.
But his helper, the ale boy, falling through a crack in the earth, has discovered a slender thread of hope in the dark. He will dare to lead a desperate company up the secret river.
Meanwhile, with a dragon’s help, the wandering mage Scharr ben Fray is uncovering history’s biggest lie – a deception that only a miracle can repair.
Time is running out for all those entangled in The Auralia Thread. But hope and miracles flicker wherever Auralia’s colors are found.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity of reviewing the previous book in the Auralia Thread, Raven’s Ladder.  That book introduced me to Mr. Overstreet’s work, and I loved it.  As with much of great fantasy, the book is a journey– both a physical and a personal one for many of the characters.  In my review of Raven’s Ladder, I said that if you enjoyed books such as the Ranger’s Apprentice, Lord of the Rings, or even Andrew Peterson’s books, you’d enjoy these.  I stand by that.  In here, more so than that last one it seems, the symbolism found in good fantasy is there.  Good vs. evil, friends vs. foes and in this, sometimes those are not as clear cut as you might have thought.

Again, I loved Mr. Overstreet’s rich characterization.  What I seemed to notice in this book that either wasn’t in or was harder to appreciate in the last (since I read the third in a series first) was his uniquely lyrical writing.  He isn’t flowery or verbose in his writing, and yet there is a definite poetic-ness to it.  I need to read the entire series together to see if he has just expanded himself in this book or if I missed it in my previous reading.

Mr. Overstreet tells a fabulous tale in vivid detail almost as if you are viewing it on the page– much as books written long ago did- and yet unlike some of those older stories, his are not tedious to read.  You feel the despair and then the hope as things go all wrong and somehow are righted even when it seemed impossible.

I know these books were written as “children’s stories,” but it is my opinion that they are excellent books for any age.  If you have not read the first books, don’t read this one.  Wait until you’ve read the first books.  Even though I’d read the third (I have the others but haven’t had time to read them), there were still parts that were hard to wade through, and I’m certain that it is due to needing a refresher course in all that has happened.  Don’t let that discourage you.  Buy the books– they’re worth it.  And if you can’t afford them, get them from the library.  You won’t regret it.

I want to thank Water Brook for providing this copy of The Ale Boy’s Feast for review.  My opinions, for what they are worth, do not do the book justice.  Sorry, I’m not giving this one away.  That should tell you something about how much I enjoy this man’s writing AND his stories.  Oh, and Jenna would kill me.

Even though I’m not giving a copy of this one away, I would really appreciate if you’d take a moment and hop on over to Water Brook and rank my review.  I’m finding the selection getting slim again.  I really want a chance at Josh Harris’ new book!  Oh, and stay tuned for next week.  I think I’ll be able to review The Runner from Ravenshead movie!  I will also be giving away a copy of that movie… on my own dime!  Stay tuned… no pun intended of course.

Book Review: Indivisible **Win a FREE Copy**

ATTENTION:  I found this review in my drafts folder.  This blog tour is a good month or two old now (the emails are on my old computer).  However, I felt obligated to post it now anyway and to offer my apologies to WaterBrook for my error.

Title: Indivisible

Author: Kristen Heitzmann

Publisher’s Synopsis: An inseparable bond.
An insatiable force.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone.

Follow Kristen Heitzmann online at http://www.KristenHeitzmann.net.

I’ve loved Kristen Heitzmann for quite a while.  She has a strong writing style that sets her apart from a lot of Christian fiction writers.  I love the way she sees into the human soul to see beyond the simple to the heart of an issue.  Usually, I’m most drawn to her plot lines and just really like her characters.  This time, the characters shine so brightly that I almost forgot that there was an incredible plot!

First of all, the plot got me.  I usually figure things out fairly early, and a lot of this one I did too, but there was one major plot point that I did not get until I was supposed to.  THAT is some awesome writing.  She writes of complicated people with complicated problems… that are also very common and ordinary.  In other words, you can absolutely believe that the people and scenes you read about are really happening.

So, back to the characters.  I absolutely adored Miles.  She took a person like Miles and made me want to hug him.  Read the book.  You’ll see why that is such a big deal even aside from my own personal issues with hugs.  To be honest some of the main characters annoyed me, but I think they were supposed to!  They did their jobs.  I loved that Sam wasn’t who he seemed to be– yet was– all at the same time!  That’s awesome!

I really can’t say more.  If I tell you, I ruin the story.

I want to thank Water Brook for providing TWO copies for review.  I’m going to give both copies away so that everyone can enjoy them!  So, to enter, what minor character in any book do you wish you could read more about?

We Have a Winner!!! *The Bridegrooms*

Two winners tonight!!!  Congratulations Sharon and “Kin”.  Snort.

Book Review: The Bridgrooms

Title: The Bridegrooms

Author: Allison Pittman

Publisher’s Synopsis: It Only Takes an Instant for Love to Strike

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grew up overnight and raised her three younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland’s fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.

Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms’ handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn’t felt since his wife’s disappearance. Vada’s sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada’s life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

This book was not at all what I pictured.  I imagined the American version of “bonnet drama”– the wide open prairies, bonnets, and mail order brides.  I avoided reading it for a while.  I looked at it.  I didn’t even bother to read the back.  I wanted to read it… but I dreaded the review that would follow if I didn’t like it.  Enter, this afternoon.  I was tired, didn’t feel well, and after making half a card before crashing, I decided to take the book and go to bed.  I read it.

Now, maybe it was just the perfect day to read the story, but I liked it.  There was so much depth to each character.  That is always a difficult thing to achieve when there is a large supporting cast of characters.  If you give them too much attention, you take away from the soul of the book and leave the reader floundering from person to person.  If you don’t give them enough attention, the book falls flat.  This book tugs you in, fills you up, and leaves you smiling at the end.  There were times during the story that I wanted to slap every single character in it.  It ended quite satisfactorily, which is a feat in and of itself.

This is one of those rare books that has a very deep undertone.  On the surface, it’s just a light fluffy story for a balmy spring afternoon.  However, if you immerse yourself in it, there are deep and amazing spiritual truths played out before your eyes.  Be careful… they could just change your life.  I know in a tangible way, this book changed mine.

So, obviously I recommend it.

Furthermore, I have two copies to give away thanks to the generosity of Multnomah who provided it for review.

So, if you’d like to win a copy, just post and tell me if any novel has made a significant impact on your life!  I’ll draw soon.  I’m needing to get stuff out of the house!

We’ve Done It! 100 Facebook Fans!!!

Thanks for securing the page for me!  I appreciate it.

Go HERE to see if you won!

Techno-Author~

Back in October, I got on Amazon and started the process to becoming Kindled.  Now, Kindling isn’t the kind of thing you’d think.  While some books might light a fire under you, I’m talking about the Amazon electronic book thingie, “The Kindle.”  Let’s just say, it was a nightmare.  I filled out every question, answered every one, and waited.  I got an email.  “Please prove that you are who you say you are.”  Oh gee.  How thoughtful of you to ask.  Well, I can spell the name correctly.  Shouldn’t that be enough?  You’d think, right?

Well, then I found a new POD publisher.  I like Createspace.  It’s my friend.  I have a much FASTER trek to Amazon and I don’t have to pay to get on Barnes & Noble with them.  The Amazon thing makes sense.  After all, they own Createspace.  What I didn’t get was why they made it fast and easy to get on their competition.  Whatever.  I’m thrilled.

Well, last night, I was doodling around Amazon and decided that since I’d moved all my books to Createspace, maybe it’d be a faster process to do the Kindling now.  So, I tried it.  They tell you it takes 24-36 hours.  HA.  Twelve hours later, I’m officially Kindled!  YIPPEE!

Check it out!  We’re talking the latest thing in books!  I’m on the cutting edge of technology with my un-techy stories!  So, here they are!

Ready or Not

Noble Pursuits

Argosy Junction

Ain’t it just COOL!

Book Review: Forget Me Not

Title: Forget Me Not

Author: Vicki Hinze

Publisher’s Synopsis: Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family.  Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away.  His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith.  Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too.  Why had he survived?  He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan.  A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill.  Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly.  Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

WOW.  What a page turner!  I loved this book.  I’ve never read anything by Vicki Hinze before this, but I’ll be looking for more.  This book starts you off on the edge of your seat and won’t let you up until the end.  I couldn’t stop reading, even when I wanted to.  When forced to do it, I went to bed and dreamed up scenarios.

The main character’s faith is wonderful.  She has that kind of faith that all of us want, need, and respect.  She also, thankfully, is real.  She’s not perfect, she has her moments, but she’s CHARACTERIZED by a complete and abiding faith in the goodness of God.  Oh, and I didn’t mind having my theory that a person with memory loss would still have the Holy Spirit in them and they’d know that they knew the Lord.  My own character, Ella, was just validated by this book.

This isn’t an easy book to read.  There are several subplots going on at one time and she literally drops you into them all almost at once.  As you read, you peel back the layers of this story until, at the end, you see the whole picture.  I found myself rereading portions to be sure I understood what I read and to find out who someone was again.  There are a lot of characters.  There are a lot of plots.  She does a great job of juggling it and keeping the book moving forward, but this is not a lazy read for a hot summer afternoon.  Save it for a day when you’re ready to engage your thought process as well as your heart.

I loved how the relationships developed, but I’ll admit, it did feel awfully sudden.  It’s a personal pet peeve of mine to read about people falling for each other within hours/days of meeting… particularly when there are murder attempts, amnesia, and deep grief in play.  Just sayin’.  That part seemed a bit implausible to me, but I’m not a natural romantic, so what do I know?  Aside from that little quibble, and a few places where the writing was awkward (minor minor quibble but I tend to tell all), Ms. Hinze did a masterful job of telling this story in a way that kept you reading… long after you should have been sleeping.

Would I recommend it?  OH YES!  I definitely do.  Without caveat.  Buy. The. Book.  Period.  If you don’t like tension and suspense, well then maybe not, but otherwise, you’ll be entertained, your mind engaged, your sympathy alerted, and your soul nourished by the example of Susan/Kelly/Karen’s faith.

I want to thank Multnomah for providing this book for review.  They’re nice that way.

They also provided a copy for giveaway.  I’m here to give that book away.  So…  post a comment and tell us if you’ve ever known anyone who suffered from amnesia of any kind!!!  I’ll draw soon.

Book Review: Lady Carliss

Title: Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue (Book 4)

Series: The Knights of Arrethtrae

Author: Chuck Black

Publisher’s Synopsis: Lady Carliss faces the challenge of her life. Can she save the kingdom before it’s too late?

Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue.

While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out.  She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.

Lady Carliss didn’t disappoint.  From poisonous lizards, to allegorical ‘drugs’, to the adventure of a lifetime, the book spins a tale that leaves you breathless with its meaning and action.  I first became acquainted with this series when I was asked to review Sir Kendrick and since then, I’ve enjoyed Mr. Black’s fantasy world.  The book is an allegorical fantasy, but the allegory isn’t excessively preachy.  This isn’t Pilgrim’s Progress– it’s closer to Narnia.

I have little to quibble over.  The book is exciting, action-packed, a little drippy at times, but all in all, I loved it.  Jenna keeps eying me to see if I’ve finished yet.  Well, I have.

I want to thank Multnomah for providing this copy for review, and I do apologize… this baby’s mine.  Not giving it away.  If you want to read it, you’ll have to snag one for yourself.  Go for it.  I doubt you’ll regret it.

Book Review: Raven’s Ladder

Title: Raven’s Ladder (book 3)

Series: The Auralia Thread

Author: Jeffrey Overstreet

Publisher’s Synopsis: A DEADLY MENACE IS BREAKING THROUGH THE GROUND. THE PEOPLE OF ABASCAR MUST ABANDON THEIR STONE REFUGE AND FLEE INTO VULNERABILITY IN THE FOREST. BUT THEIR KING HAS HAD A VISION…

Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.

But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.

Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.

If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.

As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

Ok, so I didn’t read the back of the book.  I picked it up, read the introductory part before flipping to the prologue and, start reading.  It took me about 13.4 seconds to realize that this was a sequel.  As I glanced at the back of the book, I then realized it was book THREE in a series that I now realize will have at least one more book.

So, to say that the book was hard to follow was a bit of an understatement.  Characters appear out of nowhere and you are supposed to know who they are and care about them.  I’m sure I would have, if I’d read the previous books, but it was really hard to invest myself in them without that gentle introduction you get in a new story.  That being said, I liked the characters.  They have depth that you don’t always find in Christian “children’s” books.  That alone made me keep going.  At the end of the book, I found a list of people and where they belong… it would have been nice to know it was there… maybe they could put it at the front of the next printing so people would know that it was there for their use before they wade through the book without it?  Just a suggestion…

Now, I’m sure it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the book.  Hogwash.  The book is well-written, engaging, has a fabulous map (but not nearly as fabulous as the one my illustrator did for Shadows & Secrets) and a story I’m dying to read for myself.  Yep.  I’m going to buy the first two books.  Jenna is waiting eagerly to jump into them too.

Speaking of my illustrator, maps, and Shadows & Secrets.  I was a little thunderstruck to see a Christian Fantasy book with the series name “The Auralia Thread”.  Kind of threw me.  I mean, Auralia isn’t Aurelia… but man it’s close.  Furthermore, there’s a young man in this book… Wynn.  I kid. you. not.  I nearly whimpered at him.  Seriously,I did.  And, for the record, Firefox wants me to correct the spelling of Auralia to Aurelia.  I think it’s funny.  Fortunately, the similarities end there.  This is a very long, complicated plot.  And I love it.

I can’t say a lot about how things went and what I liked and didn’t like.  So much of it will change/depend upon how I see things after I read the first books.  And I will.  I’m putting in my order for them as soon as I’m done writing this review.  It’s my guess, that if you enjoy books like The Ranger’s Apprentice, Narnia, or Andrew Peterson’s On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, you’ll love these.

I want to thank Water Brook for providing this copy for review.  Sorry, I’m keeping it.  Considering how few books I keep that they send (even ones I love) it might be an indicator of whether you want to grab one for yourself or not.  Just sayin’.

Book Review: Deep Harbor ** Win Copy**

Title: Deep Harbor

Series: Northern Lights Series

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Publisher’s Synopsis: As they build new lives in America, Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl each experience a personal tragedy that threatens to destroy everything they left Norway to find. Tora’s web of lies has cost her a successful future with the man she loves. When tragedy strikes, Elsa must draw upon her faith and the strength she can muster to discover who she is and the path she must follow. After her husband’s disappearance, Kaatje struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm, and Karl finds himself caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Only by placing their trust in God—and in each other—will they pass through these rough waters and find the safety of the harbor.

From the richly forested banks of the Washington Territory to the burgeoning city of Yokohama and across the turbulent, danger-filled waves of the open sea—experience the epic saga of perseverance, pain, faith, and calling in the Northern Lights series.

Well, I confess.  I didn’t think I was going to like reviewing this book when I discovered it is the sequel to the book The Captain’s Bride, but fortunately, and unlike me, Ms. Bergren knows how to write a continuing story that can stand alone.  I was suitable captivated by the Norwegian women.  After all, if they were real, they could have been my children’s ancestors.

While Historical Fiction is not my favorite genre, Ms. Bergren did an excellent job creating a tale that grabbed and then held my interest.  I love her flawed but endearing characters.  Too often, authors seem to give their characters token faults, but these women, as admirable as they are, had serious character flaws that made them believable and helped the reader grow sympathetic.

There were a couple of minor historical errors… I THINK… I haven’t looked them up so I won’t say what, but they were minor and honestly, if I didn’t have parents that were closet etymologists, I doubt I would have noticed one of them.  So, I really don’t have much complaint at all with the book, but I can recommend it and do.  I think one of the nicest things about this book is the ability to disappear into a different place and part of history.  Instead of Victorian England or  the American Prairies, this book takes you onto the open sea with people from a place not often found in Christian fiction– Norway.

I want to thank Waterbrook for providing this copy for review.  I would also like to share the bounty and offer a chance for someone else to enjoy it!  So to enter, simply post a comment and tell me what part of history or place in history you’ve never read fiction about and would like to OR that is where/when your favorite book is situated.

Book Review: Secrets

Title: Secrets

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Series: Glenbrooke Series

Publisher’s Synopsis: Jessica ran from her past…but can she hide from love?

Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the place to start over—Glenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meets—including the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her.

Will Jessica’s deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all?

This heartwarming bestseller, book one in the Glenbrooke series, introduces the fascinating people of Glenbrooke in a compelling tale of romance and spiritual truth.

Well, reading this book was like picking up an old friend.  I read this series probably ten years ago.  First, may I say I love the new covers.  L.O.V.E.  Just sayin’.

Ok, the book.  Well, since I’d read all of the series in the course of two days the last time I read it, I made sure I reread it.  I enjoyed it as much as I did last time.  The story is clean, interesting, and has a few nuggets to really inspire you to be the person that GOD wants you to be.

However, I found myself shaking my head in the same places as the last time.  The “realization” that she needs salvation was very convenient, happened early, and she sure knew an awful lot about what she needed in regards to salvation when she didn’t know the simplest things about the Bible before that moment.  The main male character, Kyle, managed to fall for her awfully quickly.

So, suffice it to say, it isn’t going to go down in history as one of the finest works in Christian literature.  Hey, most people wouldn’t call it literature at all.  It’s just a really nice story about likable people, and a plot that is a lovely escape.  Will I read it again?  Probably.  Sometimes you just need an enjoyable story to lose yourself in for a while.  This is that story.

Get yourself down to the local bookstore, over to Amazon.com, or to Randomhouse.com and buy a copy.   Then, next time you have a rough day and want to disappear into another world, it’ll be waiting for you.  Welcome to Glenbrooke… you might not want to go home.

Thank you Random House for providing this copy for review.

WINNER!!! Shadows and Secrets~

So I woke up this morning to some absolutely HYSTERICAL comments.  I’d almost decided to offer a second for the funniest.  However, the winner happens to be one of my best friends today because not only did she make me laugh, she saved me money by winning in the first place!

Congratulations Sharon.  Hope your In-laws enjoy their read aloud.  SNORT.

Winner! Diary of a Teenaged Girl

Jennifer!  You won again!  YIPPEE!

I’ll put both books in the mail!

Winner! Limelight

Congratulations Dell!

I’ll ship Limelight with the rest of these!