Mini Reviews

Okay, it's time for another installment of "mini reviews" ... these are books I read and enjoyed, but feel like just making "comments" on rather than an actual, full-fledged review. Thus, mini reviews.

Just One Day
Gayle Forman
Dutton, 2013

I've been hearing a lot of buzz about this one, especially as the release date for Just One Year gets closer, and when I saw it listed on the New Arrivals list for the library system, of course I snapped it up. And devoured it. Wow. Just wow.

Basic premise is the idea that one day can change your life, can change who are are. Allyson's one day was in Paris (as "Lulu"), with the beautiful and slightly mysterious Willem as her guide into "living spontaneously". What began as a quick foray into rebellion became so much more, as Allyson began to see another side of life. Another side of herself. Every day after became a struggle between who she was and who she can be. Ultimately, she begins a quest -- to rediscover the glimpses of the girl who wandered Paris, to find Lulu, and see if that girl could possibly be real, and also to find Willem.

The story's engrossing, and while it doesn't seem like anything that'd ever happen to me, it still felt almost possible. I think we can all relate to Allyson's quest to find herself, on some level we've all wondered who we really are, deep down inside. And when it ended, I was really, really glad that Just One Year is coming out this fall, to fill in all the missing pieces!

Book provided by my local library.



Scarlet
Marissa  Meyer
Feiwel and Friends, 2013

Even though I'm not a big robot girl, I enjoyed Cinder, the first installment in the Lunar Chronicles. It had twists and loops and interesting characters. I like Scarlet even better! Scarlet is a firecracker of a girl (must be the red hair), on a mission to find her missing grandmother. Enter Wolf (no lie), who is a fairly hunky mystery, and to whom Scarlet is strangely drawn. They begin a journey to Paris, in attempts to find Gran, and end up finding ... well, unexpected developments. Meanwhile, Cinder has managed to escape from prison, and has picked up a fellow inmate as first mate, Thorne. As they struggle to avoid recapture, their point of destination is finding Scarlet. Which they do, in a pivotal moment, and suddenly everyone is on one ship. And things get interesting. And then they stop. Leaving us hanging and waiting for Book Three, Cress, coming next spring. The agonies.

I loved Scarlet as a character, and as an added layer of complexity to the overall story. This is a series that is building steadily, gaining momentum as it gains details. We learn more of Cinder's backstory, and continue to discover just how messed up the Lunar Queen is (seriously, that woman is insane). Wolf is also a super interesting character, and I loved the tension and chemistry between he and Scarlet. As much as everything is building, I have very, very high hopes for Cress.

Book provided by my local library.


The Chance
Karen Kingsbury
Thorndike Press, 2013

I've never read a Karen Kingsbury book before, but read this at the insistence of a coworker. Wow ... what a story. She was right, it was what I needed to read at the moment.

Ellie and Nolan have been best friends since, forever. But when Ellie's world falls apart, and she discovers she's being whisked away from Georgia all the way to California, they make a pact. Writing each letters, telling the whole searing truth, they bury them beneath one of Savannah's old live oak trees and promise to come back, in eleven years, and read their words. It's a promise of hope, something to hold on to during the painful days of separation to come. Over the years, it becomes both a mocking reminder of things that once were, and maybe, just maybe, a half-prayer of what could be. Ellie's world is so very different from Nolan's, he's an NBA star with a public faith and the nation's attention; she's a single mother with so many hurts and half-healed scars she doesn't know what she believes anymore. But fate's a funny thing, and one thing leads to another until Ellie finds herself back in Savannah. Face-to-face with Nolan.

It's a beautiful story. A story of second chances (or third, or sixth). A story of hope. A story that, like my coworker said, will make you believe anything can happen. And the Savannah setting? Oh, be still my beating Southern heart.

Book provided by my local library.

The Fairest Beauty

The Fairest Beauty
Melanie Dickerson
Zondervan, 2013

I could swear I wrote and posted this review (I even remembering going back and changing the name, because I wrote it as "Sophia" half the time and "Sophie" the other half, grrr), but when I was updating my "Year's Links" page (the one that goes up in January, showcasing the year at a glance), I realized it wasn't even on that list. Oops! Not sure how that happened, but better late than never, right?

The Fairest Beauty is a semi-sequel to The Healer's Apprentice, in that it features the son(s) of Wilhelm and his Rose. While the "star" of the story is the mysterious beauty Sophie, who has no idea of her true identity or that she's bethrothed to Valten, I felt like it was as much Gabe's story. If not more. (Possibly I fell a little in love with him ...) When a dying old woman appears on the doorstep of Hagenheim Castle, claiming the long-thought-dead daughter and heiress of an also-thought-dead Duke, who happens to be the bethrothed of Valten, is really alive and in mortal danger, Wilhelm and Company form a plan of rescue. Unfortunately, Valten is laid up with a broken leg and the plan cannot be put in action until he's healed. So Gabe decides to just sneak away and rescue Sophie himself. Because everyone is always flaunting Valten's valiance, and Gabe feels forgotten and misunderstood. Or something. His rescue begins as an act of familial rebellion, but turns into so much more once he meets Sophie - and Duchess Ermengard.

What happens next is fairly standard "Snow White" fare: they run away from the "wicked witch" and find refuge in The Cottage of the Seven, wherein seven "outcasts" demonstrate amazing love and acceptance, hiding and healing Sophie and Gabe. But the witch finds them, attempts to destroy the happy hideaway, and meets an unfortunate demise. The story is basic and familiar. The characters, and historical (rather than fantasy) setting, make it breathe. Sophie is, admittedly, a little "too perfect" -- but she's Snow White, who is perhaps one of the most painfully perfect princesses in fairy tale-land. She does however have the very human quality of doubt; all her life she's been belittled and lied to, and for her to grow to accept the truths surrounding her is a HUGE thing. Gabe and the Seven play a large role in this transformation, and Sophie is a more likeable version of Snow White than most. Now, Gabe. Oh Gabe ... He's headstrong, impetuous and stubborn. He fights first, asks questions later, and is a general, all-around Dude. I love him. And I love that so much of this story is the story of his transformation and growth. He matures and develops into quite the perfect "Prince Charming," but still seems so ... real.

A lovely addition to Dickerson's fairy tale series, and quite possibly my favorite offering so far. I'm also very intrigued by the upcoming release The Captive Maiden, which will star Valten.

Book provided by author for review.

Blog Tour: Eyes of E'veria

One of my favorite things about the book blogging world is all the connections you make -- like today's blog tour. Thanks to Lisa Bergren's totally awesome "Waterfall Wednesdays" blog event, not only did I get hooked on a medieval Italian story like no other, but since we both participated in that, Serena reached out to me to let me know about her new fantasy series The Eyes of E'veria. Voila! Just like that, I've got a new fantasy adventure, and have discovered a woman who might as well be my long-lost sister ... Sit back, and enjoy the blog tour offerings I've got on deck: a review, Q&A with Serena, and a chance to enter the big giveaway!
 

The Ryn
Serena Chase
2013
 
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a curse stole a Queen and sent a Princess into hiding. The Cobeld's curse - long feared - now destroyed the very hope of one day being freed from this evil. Or did it?
 
As the years pass, young Rose grows up - free and happy, if uncertain about her true identity - raised first by her uncle and then by a kind noble family in the remote province of Veetri. Here she is able to find a family, to find love and form bonds that help make the mystery of her separation more bearable. Once she is forced into a more active state of hiding, Rose starts to wonder: who is her father? Why does he not want her? Why is her red hair a threat? And why would the Cobelds want to harm her, of all people? Then one wintry night, a Bear Knight comes to the lodge, and all things become clear. Or, most of them. Rose is not merely Rose, the ward-daughter of a Veetri lord. She is the Ryn - the Princess, the heir to the throne that everyone thought dead. She is the Hope and Promise to beat the Cobelds' curse. With this stunning revelation comes the unlocking of her inherited Andoven powers, dormant for years as a safeguard.
 
As Rose - Princess Rynnaia - begins to balance the reality of her identity with all that entails, she sets off on a journey to the 'secret' isle of the Andovens, to begin the training necessary to harness and utilize her newfound powers. All of this is in preparation for the Quest she must soon take to seek the Remedy. As well as the practical aspects of learning to use her gifts, Rose finds herself struggling to make sense of truths within herself - fighting fear and doubt, wrestling with the ideas of Truth and Love. She has an amazing encounter with The First, and everything begins to fall in place.
 
This story ... it's so simple, on the surface. But it's masterfully wrought. Rose is a girl after my own heart. She's opinionated and outspoken, she's still getting to know herself, and trying to find out the whos and whys of her identity. And the encounter with The First ... oh ... It spoke to something deep within my heart, and I knew the Truth. After a beginning like this, introducing the characters and setting the stage for what I know must be an epic quest, I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, to see Rynnaia continue to grow in strength, grace, beauty and truth. To watch as the whole cast of characters develop more - to see how Rynnaia and her Father's relationship grows; to see if the Cobelds can be defeated; to see if Rynnaia's outspoken sense of fairness can change a kingdom; to see how The First will continue to move in His people. (And, on a lighter note, to get more Sir Julien!)
 
Inspired by "Snow White and Rose Red," which is a favorite fairy tale, there's a sense of what I call "light fantasy" to The Ryn. It's a world different from my own, with traditions, languages and religions (if I may) far removed from those I know - but not so very different. I just ... words fail me. I was swept away in this tale, and it touched my heart on many planes. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
 
eBook provided by author.
 
Serena was kind enough to let me send a huge list of random questions, that she answered, and I'm now sharing with you guys. Can I just say that I'd love to hang out with this lady? I have a feeling we'd get along great ... see for yourself why ...

Writing:
What was your inspiration, your spark, for this series?

I had just re-read Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and was reminded of what an original take it was on a fairy tale. I wondered, “Could I do that?” So I chose one of my favorite tales from the worn out pink book I’d had as a child, Snow White & Rose Red, and got to work! Needless to say, it became a bit more involved than I planned and . . . 7 years later, The Ryn and The Remedy are now published!

Are you a plot person or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants person?
I’m definitely most comfortable as a pantser. I have several completed novels that were totally fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants as well as another few works-in-progress that are still waiting for my pants to kick back in gear. But do you want to know what’s crazy? I actually have a working plan for Eyes of E’veria books 3 & 4—it’s rough, but it’s the closest thing to an outline (beyond the original fairy tale!) that I’ve ever had. This is new territory for me. But once I decided upon which fairy tale best fit the characters, the story just sort of started unfolding in my head and I started jotting down a rough outline. The outline has gotten rather detailed since and I’m really excited to be “writing with a plan” for once!

How do you write: listening to music? complete silence? snacking?
There is altogether too much snacking, as my jeans can attest, when I write! But I also listen to music. I bathe in it. I have playlists for the car that are songs (with words) that somehow feed scenes of the story or seem to represent the characters at specific times in the story, or the emotion I want to convey. For the original writing of The Ryn (first drafts, many years ago) I obsessively listened to Chris Tomlin’s Arriving album and I think a lot of imagery in that book was born from some of those very moving lyrics.  But generally, when I’m actually in the nitty-gritty of writing, I listen to instrumental movie soundtracks. I need to get some new ones, but for re-writing THE RYN and THE REMEDY, I listened to Pirates of the Caribbean, The Last Samurai, Eragon, and Thor.

Reading:

What are your top 5 books you've read in 2013 so far?
Oh, wow. That’s tough. I’ve read so many good ones in so many genres! In no particular order, I’d have to say my top 5 faves would be, Soul’s Gate by James L. Rubart, the Fractured Light series by Rachel McClellen, The Redeeming by Tamara Leigh, Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert, and  Aire by Lena Goldfinch. Quite a varied list, but that’s how I roll!

Do you have a favorite spot to read?

Not really. I read pretty much anywhere and everywhere. I actually do quite a bit of reading behind the steering wheel of my car while I’m waiting on my kids to come out of school or piano lessons, that sort of thing (not while driving, of course!)… In my head, my favorite place to read is from the deck of my beach house on the Gulf Coast of Florida, but . . . since I don’t actually have a beach house and I rarely even get to a Motel 6 on the Gulf Coast, that spot remains in my head!

While writing, do you avoid reading books in your genre, or keep reading what's available and out there? 
I get paid to read (Best. Job. Ever.) And working at USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog gives me the freedom to pick the sort of books I want to recommend to others (at HEA we do “recommendations” rather than reviews.)  I’ve been doing a lot of heavier reading lately for a contest I was asked to be a judge for, so right now I’m looking forward to summer and a list full of “fluffier” type, “beach read” books. I’m excited to see chick-lit coming back and I have several of those I’m looking forward to, but YA Fantasy will always be my favorite and, whether I’m writing fantasy at the moment or not (I do write other things, too!), oh yeah, I’m totally going to be reading it!

Random:
Favorite color? Pink. It’s just happy. I don’t care for “baby pink” or “Pepto pink” so much, but I love the deep, rich almost-red shades and the bright berry-pinks the best.

Cats or dogs (or some other animal)?
Dogs. I love cats, too. I’m pretty much an all-around animal lover. But I’m a dog person. Big dogs. The bigger, the better. I have a white goldendoodle (1/4 Golden Retriever, ¾ Standard Poodle, and 100% hypoallergenic!) right now and, due to my allergies, I can’t imagine having anything but a “doodle” in the future. I would love a Pyredoodle someday. (part Great Pyrenees, part Standard Poodle) they are giant, and I mean GIANT, teddy bears—but still hypoallergenic. Non-shedding is much appreciated when writing—less clean up!

All-time favorite cookie? Girl Scouts Samoas (Just discovered a Wal-mart knock off that’s a near-perfect imitation: Great Value  brand Caramel, Coconut, & Fudge cookies. And they’re only $1.86 a package! Woot!)

Salty or sweet snacks? Sweet. But when you combine both, as in CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS, I’m a goner.

Favorite/go-to/comfort movie?

Lost in Austen (a BBC miniseries I have on DVD. Amanda Price is a modern girl who loves Pride & Prejudice. One night she is magically transported to Elizabeth Bennet’s house, right about the time Netherfield Park is let—but Elizabeth isn’t there—because she is in modern London!-- and Amanda must somehow find a way to get Bingley and Jane together, but keeps messing things up, and then… Darcy. And, excuse me while I go fire up the DVD player...).

If you had any super power, what would it be?

The ability to eat anything I want and be thin without exercise! Oh, that’s not a superpower? Hmm. Then I guess I would say. . . teleportation (aka: Apparition, thank you Harry Potter) . . .  but the sort that accommodates guests, because I love to travel but I hate how long it takes to “get there” and back. I’d love to just grab a couple of my friends’ hands and say, “New Zealand!” and arrive on the coast. That would be awesome.

If you could go anywhere in the world (or out of it), where would you go?
Eachan Isle, the fictional monarchy of Captain Cazien de Pollis. It’s a tropical paradise, not too hot, and very laid back—which certainly fits, being that its monarch comes from a long line of pirates! As a matter of fact, I plan to spend a bit of time there this summer while writing Books 3 & 4! But in reality? Ireland tops my list of travel destinations. I’d love to spend a whole summer there, soaking up the culture, the scenery, and, of course, the stories.


Seriously, while I was reading this interview, I became convinced Serena's my long-lost sister. Gulf Coast of Florida? Pretty sure half my heart is there. Girl Scout Samoas? Yum! (Also, totally went to WalMart and found their store brand version, as well as snapping up a pack of their store brand "Thin Mints". Dangerous, people. Dangerous.) Lost in Austen?! That. Darcy! Smolder-swoon-and-stand-in-a-pond. Ahem. Yeah. We're sisters, I've decided.

And now, because I know you're getting antsy, here's the official blog tour Rafflecopter. Follow the directions, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Never Gone

Never Gone
Laurel Garver
2012

When her father dies following a lengthy battle to recover from a horrific accident, Dani is understandably distraught. Struggling to deal with her grief, and desperately missing her most understanding parental figure, Dani is shocked to discover that she can see her father. She thinks. After the first unsettling encounter, she begins to hope that maybe - just maybe - he's not really gone after all, and can help her sort through the family mysteries coming to light.

Never Gone deals with some pretty tough, raw, gritty emotions. Dani's grief over her father's unexpected death is compounded by the frustration she feels from trying (and failing) to communicate with her mother. She doesn't know what to do with all the hurt, nor how to handle the surprising secrets about her family history that are coming to light. To top it all off, she's been sent to Dad's hometown in ENGLAND?, where everyone's memories of him are crowding in and seeming to come to life. But Dani has a surprising source of strength and support in this, and his name is Theo. His gentle persistence, and keen perceptions, help Dani see things in a different light -- she even learns to see Theo in a different light. A story of redemption, of hope in the face of intense sorrow, and of great personal growth, Never Gone is a touching read.

eBook provided by author for review.

All Things New

All Things New
Lynn Austin
Bethany House, 2012

Normally, the Reconstruction period is not my favorite (perhaps because I had a particularly Reconstruction-obsessed prof for that course), but All Things New is a take on things that I really appreciated. Beginning just as the Civil War is ending, and Richmond is falling, we see the toll the War has taken on the Weatherly family. This dramatic shift in fortune is made even clearer when they return to their beloved home plantation, and struggle to make ends meet in this new way of living.

What I really liked about Austin's handling of a less-than-prefered time period is that in All Things New, she really is focusing on the new beginnings. How hard it must have been to know only one way of life -- for both the white plantation owners and their newly-freed slaves -- and suddenly have that lifestyle end. Just like that. The adjustment process would have been even more difficult when compounded with the huge losses people suffered during the Civil War. These very real struggles are realistically portrayed, as well as the inner struggles of the main characters. Getting to watch Josephine sort through all her own prejudices and mindsets, dealing with her griefs any way she can, and fighting for the right to recover and start again in her own way -- her story is real, and at times raw. She's human, very human. And that same humanness is seen in the other characters as well: Austin has a wonderfully created cast.

All in all, I finished this book wishing more Reconstruction texts were this interesting, and handled things in a way that focuses so much on the human heart, human recovery, human existence side of things rather than fighting to keep everything politicized (and yes, I know this is fiction. But still.).

ARC provided by publisher for review.

Blog Tour: All for a Song

Today, I'm happy to host my first blog tour stop of 2013! Tyndale House is promoting a wonderful new release - All for a Song - and I'm pleased to provide a review of the book and a little Q&A with author Allison Pittman. Enjoy!

All for a Song
Allison Pittman
Tyndale House, 2013

All for a Song is a story told on two levels: it opens with the 107th birthday of "Miss Lynnie", in a nursing home, and the story of her day and experience is interspersed throughout the novel, weaving in and out of Miss Lynnie's past. The life of Dorothy Lynn, a young woman coming of age in the 1920s, comprises the majority of the novel, and what a story it is. Dorothy is a preacher's daughter, destined to marry her late father's replacement, and settle in "for keeps" in her quiet hometown of Heron's Nest. But Dorothy has a secret yearning, an itch, a bit of wanderlust -- and when a chance encounter with handsome Ronald Lundi, manager of Aimee Semple McPherson's crusade, offers her the chance to scratch that itch and spread her wings, she takes flight.

Traveling with Sister Aimee and her crusading caravan, Dorothy is exposed to whole new ways of life, both in terms of 'secular' and religious experiences. As she struggles to reconcile her new experiences - and desires - with her background and beliefs, Dorothy stretches and grows. And discovers that what she really wants in life has been right in front of her all along. The cross-country, boundary-stretching journey just helped clarify her vision. So how does the story of Dorothy Lynn interweave with that of Miss Lynnie? Better than you'd expect, and together they form a beautifully complete portrait of growing up, living life, and discovering all the "Love" really means. To think, a whole life shaped and molded, for a song.

Rich - but not overwhelming - in historical detail, All for a Song is both the story of one young woman, and a glimpse of a part of church history I was unfamiliar with. Seeing the struggle to balance culture and society with an expanding sense of Christianity was a read that I think will also resonate with today's environment. Beautifully written, and featuring a cast of colorful characters, All for a Song is a must-read.

Book provided by publisher for review.

And now for a little Q&A with Allison!

Tell me about your main character Dorothy Lynn. Was her character based upon anyone in particular?
The young Dorothy Lynn, no, not really—not beyond any other singer/songwriter out there. She’s a young woman with a message and a voice, so maybe she’s a mash-up of every musician I know. The older Dorothy Lynn, Miss Lynnie, is somewhat based on the mother of a friend of mine. His mother went to be with the Lord while I was in the final stages of writing this novel, and at her funeral, I learned that she had a stroke years before her passing, during which she had a glimpse of Heaven, and had spent her intervening years longing to return. I remember going home from that celebration of her life and re-writing just about every Breath of Angels scene, incorporating that into Dorothy Lynn’s story. It was exactly what the story needed, and brought about a depth I couldn’t have imagined in the initial draft.

Although this novel is set in the 1920s, how does Dorothy Lynn’s story still resonate today?
The world today wants nothing more than to entice young women to exploit themselves in some way, and the enemy wants nothing more than to make us think that we are beyond redemption. We all make stupid, thoughtless, reckless decisions; we all get ourselves into such unbelievably embarrassing messes; we all disappoint our loved ones. The world tells you to move on; God tells you to go back.

As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?
Oh, my goodness. As a historical writer, I loved the time period—that sort of new, innocent fumbling with innovations of the time. One of my favorite scenes was when the 107-year-old Dorothy Lynn experiences her first iPad. (By the way, I had to make her that old in order to make all the history “fit.” I spent every day for a month watching the Willard Scott segment on the Today show making sure that her age would be believable. Wouldn’t you know? Every week there’s somebody that tops the 105th birthday!)

How has this novel helped you to grow as a storyteller?
My tendency (a very purposeful one) is to leave my stories with a bit of an “unfinished” edge. I like my characters to leave the page on the cusp of fulfillment, so that my readers can have the pleasure of imagining those final, satisfying moments. A good friend (and, coincidentally a fan) of mine said, “I love your books. I hate your endings. I’m just going to have to accept that this is what an Allison Pittman story does.” So—how fun was this to write the most definitive ending, ever! To open a story on the last day of a character’s life—so totally new for me.

A Path Toward Love

A Path Toward Love
Cara Lynn James
Thomas Nelson, 2012

Readers, I have learned something about myself. I would have totally been okay with spending my summers in the Adirondacks, wearing more-relaxed-but-still-beautiful dresses and spending my days enjoying the fresh air and country solitude (with all the comforts of home). Shoot, I'd *still* be okay summering in the Adirondacks, and it's my goal - one day - to find a pretty lodge and have a vacation. But I digress ... I love reading about the socialites and their rustic summers. Parties, expansive lodges, private piers. Yeah, that's my kind of rustic all right. But it's not just the atmosphere - I love reading about the people. Not just the glamour, but getting a peek inside the characters. A Path Toward Love gave me a wonderful look inside the hearts and minds of the members of this tantalizing and fascinating segment of historical society.

Katherine Osborne married young, against her parents' wishes, and has been paying the price for the last eight years. When her father arrives at her orange plantation in Florida (inherited upon her husband's untimely death), with longtime best friend Andrew in tow, Katherine knows things are fixing to change. Convinced to return and spend the summer at her family's lodge in the Adirondacks, Katherine finds surprising strength and comfort in being reunited with Andrew. He helps her sift through the baggage of her past and the surprising revelations and events still unfolding, showing her that God's Hand is on all things and He is willing to speak to His children's hearts and lives. Katherine's mother on the other hand is less willing to let God speak and is quick to point out the new plans she's made for Katherine's life, since her past decisions indicate the girl is clearly unable to make wise choices on her own.

Through a summer of struggling to find herself again, let alone figure out where her future is leading her, Katherine grows as a woman and as a Christian. Katherine finds herself torn between the leaning of her heart and the socially accepted norms she's always known. And the mom-guilt complicates her own confused sorting out of life. Her journey is realistic, and doesn't feel forced, and the supporting characters add much color and depth to the story itself. There's enough historical and social context to build the elite (but rustic!) world of summering in the Adirondacks, but not so much that the setting becomes the story. The characters - particularly Andrew and Katherine - are allowed to shine. And shine they do.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Blog Tour: Band of Sisters

Today's post is going to be a little different - it's a combined review + Q&A as part of Tyndale House's blog tour for Cathy Gohlke's new novel Band of Sisters. That in itself isn't too far removed from the ordinary, but I'll go on and tell you: there's going to be a healthy dose of reflection as well, because this novel ripped my heart to pieces. In a good way - mostly - I think.

Band of Sisters
Cathy Gohlke
Tyndale House, 2012

Maureen O'Reilly and her little sister Katie Rose arrived on America's shores desperate for the chance - the promise - of a new life. Maureen hoped the dark shadows of her past were safely behind her in Ireland, and Katie Rose had big dreams for a plusher, easier life. Neither expected what was awaiting them. From the beginning, the journey was rocky, and when she learned the man who had promised their father safe passage and a new start had died - and is unceremoniously dumped onto the streets by his son-in-law, Maureen's desperation reaches a new level. Following a lead from the man she met on Ellis Island, Maureen finds herself at a swanky department store - but lists the Wakefields as her reference, rather than the suspect Jaime Flynn. A deception that would end up saving her. You see, there's more to Darcy's Department Store than meets the eye, and as young women start disappearing - including her only real friend - Maureen's apprehension and distrust grows.

Meanwhile, Katie Rose has become a rebellious handful, determined that at almost-14 she's fully capable of making her own decisions and claiming her prosperous American life. She mistakes Maureen's reluctance to discuss her fears as an acceptance of sorts, and wastes no opportunity to grind Maureen's shadowy, painful past into her face. Unable to comprehend the magnitude of Maureen's experiences, when Katie Rose finds herself in a similar situation later, her tune changes (but it's a long time coming). With so many pressing fears and distractions, combined with a growing longing for the God of Mrs. Melkford and Olivia Wakefield to be able to accept her, in all her scarlet glory, Maureen struggles with who to trust. As tensions and mystery intensify at Darcy's, she finally concedes and tells all she knows to Joshua Keeton - the boy from home who'd come over with them, and is persistently appearing where she least expects, or wants. Joshua then accompanies her to his employer (also a would-be suitor of Miss Olivia), and the three begin to play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. The goal: catch Drake Meitland (Olivia's brother-in-law, and the man who threw Maureen out) and whoever else is involved in the "white slave" trading take place in New York.

Band of Sisters is one of those heart-wrenching novels, because while Maureen's story is fiction - it's also so very real. This stuff really happened. And it's still happening. And it broke my heart. The whole story did: from her escape from Ireland to the battle to survive in America to her struggle with trust and faith and a perfect God Who somehow seems to care about her. Maureen's struggles as a human, as an immigrant, as a woman - they're real. And she's just a fictional 'figurehead' for countless women who find themselves sucked into the dark vortex of human trafficking. It challenged me. I've known it exists - I have friends who have picked various organizations to volunteer/raise funds for - but Band of Sisters touched me. While Maureen isn't a victim of the trafficking, she is a woman scarred by sexual transgressions - a victim of a man's selfish acts. Her plight, her struggle, is every bit as raw and aching as the women stolen in the night and shipped across state lines. The whole story, every bit of it, tore at my heart. (Which, in retrospect, I should have expected considering the emotional investment Gohlke wrangled from me with Promise Me This). It's a rough read in that respect, but it's also so amazing.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Now for a little Q&A with Cathy - Tyndale House was awesome enough to submit a number of questions for Cathy to answer, letting we bloggers pick the ones we wanted to feature. (So if you're following the tour and see a "repeat," that's why.)

What motivated you to write Band of Sisters?
I’ve always been fascinated by the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement. But I was horrified to learn that there are more than twice as many men, women and children enslaved today than at the height of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This book was born of a passion to end modern-day slavery, and most of all, to ask, “What can I do to help in a need so desperate?”

Band of Sisters takes place in NYC. Do you think human trafficking is limited to large cities?
No. That is why raising awareness of the crime and education re. the methods used by traffickers is so important. Small, rural, isolated or poor communities are targets just as vulnerable as big cities. Traffickers often enter such communities with bogus offers of better jobs, modeling opportunities for young people, and offers for education. But those dreams are crushed when willing applicants are unwittingly sold as sex slaves or used for pornography, with no way to get back to their homes and families. In some cultures, once a girl has been so abused, she is no longer welcome to return to her family, thereby compounding the problem and sense of hopelessness. Education and understanding is desperately needed on all parts.

Issues of sex slavery and human trafficking are foreign to most of us and uncomfortable to discuss. How can Christians respond?
By speaking for those who have no voice. These are among the poor and needy of our day, in many cases the orphans that Jesus commanded us to care for.
We must remember that the discomfort is ours, and the desperate need is theirs. Being a Christian, a Christ follower, isn’t easy in a fallen world. Doing what Jesus did wasn’t easy or comfortable. He confronted demons and hypocrites. He stood against people who cared more about the monetary value of their livestock than they did about freeing one human being from demonic possession.
Jesus ate with “publicans and sinners” to the ruin of His reputation. Just as He is our example in loving one another and in protecting innocent young children, so He is our example in setting captives free, in loosening cords that bind, in rescuing women and children from prostitution, men from slavery.
In many countries of the world Christians pay with their lives for standing up for their faith and/or for protecting others. I’ve heard it said that only in America do we expect it to be easy to be a Christian. Talking about things that are uncomfortable to our sensibilities don’t seem so hard in comparison to the challenges our brothers and sisters in Christ face the world over.

If Band of Sisters was turned into a movie, which actors do you think would best portray what you imagined for your main characters? Can you describe a few main physical features that they have?
Maureen is striking—tall, slim, with thick, flaming red hair (tendrils escaping), and green eyes in a thin face. Victoria Smurfit, who played Hannah Randall in “Berkeley Square” could play Maureen’s role perfectly.
Joshua is also tall, broad shouldered, with black, thick curls, dark blue eyes, and the ruddy complexion of a man who’s worked outdoors all his life. Perhaps Hugh Dancy could play his role.
Olivia is lovely with dark upswept hair and brown eyes. She’s intelligent, with a quiet and cultured but determined air about her. I think Jessica Brown Findlay, who played Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abby, would be perfect.
Curtis is tall, slim, with dark brown eyes, curling dark hair, and alabaster skin. Perhaps Jamie Bamber could fill his role.

What spurs your writing?  

Writing has become my way of making sense of the world, of putting into perspective the struggles of humanity and of my own—past and present—of trying to see the world as God sees it, as He redeems it by pursuing and claiming one heart at a time. I want to know what gives Him joy, what breaks His heart—those are the stories that matter, the stories that bring me continually closer to Him.Frederick Buechner expressed it best, “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Finding that place spurs me on.

I hope this book has piqued your interest a little. It's not an easy read, but it's a good one. And I hope it reaches a place in your heart -- I know it did for me. If you want more information about the issue of human trafficking, or would like to know what else Cathy has written, check out her website:

http://authorcathygohlke.com/

Love in Disguise

Love in Disguise
Carol Cox
Bethany House, 2012

Maybe mysteries are starting to grow on me, or else I've lucked out and managed to select a couple of really good ones lately. Either way, Love in Disguise is another mystery to be added to the "I liked it"-pile, but it's also so much more. Ellie Moore has spent her whole life dreaming of the day she can be star -- star of the show, obviously (having grown up in the theatre), but also star of her own life. She's the girl who's always overlooked, lost in the shadows cast by the glamorous, beautiful women demanding attention.

When her fortunes turn and she finds herself stranded in Chicago with no employment and few options, Ellie pulls a desperate stunt to persuade the Pinkerton Agency to send her to Arizona on a trial case. The plan is simple: Ellie is to masquerade as the elderly widow "Lavinia Stewart", aunt to the senior detective on the case - "Jessie Monroe" - who will do the heavy-lifting of the investigation. But things go awry, and Ellie soon finds herself playing both roles. After getting off to an encouraging start, Ellie quickly discovers that not only is investigation tougher than she thought, but things are far more complicated than she expected. Especially as she gets to know handsome mine owner Steven Pierce. Maintaining the ruse that Jessie and Ms. Lavinia are separate people, and remembering who knows what, takes finesse and extreme mental alertness. Plus, this time of masquerading as a godly widow is leading Ellie to examine her own personal relationship with God -- and it's a very growing time, in addition to being a potentially dangerous time.

What I really appreciated about Love in Disguise is that the story is more than the mystery (which, by the way, is very neatly handled). It's really about Ellie, and her journey to grow into herself -- learning who she really is, and what she really wants out of life. With the help of Jessie and Ms. Lavinia, and the colorful cast of characters in Pickford, Ellie finds herself. And that's something I can definitely relate to. Add theatrical costumes, historical flavor and a trace of romance? And you've got a winner.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Tidewater Inn

Tidewater Inn
Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson, 2012

I'm not big on mysteries, but I enjoyed Blue Moon Promise so much I had to give Tidewater Inn a try. From the beginning, Colleen Coble had a story that caught my attention and gave me the shivers. When Libby witnesses her best friend and business partner's abduction via a webcam, while also discovering that she's just inherited a historic hotel from the father she thought long-dead, her life is suddenly spinning out of control. The dramatic and intense experiences that follow make Libby question everything: her life goals, her priorities, her faith, her heart.

Not only is Libby dealing with an intense investigation into the disappearance of her friend and associate Nicole, but she suddenly finds herself with siblings and a family she never knew existed. And they're none to happy to see her - or hear about her plans to sell the historic Tidewater Inn. Libby doesn't want to sell the old estate, but neither does she see how to keep it, a struggle that just adds more tension to an already stressful time. Through it all however, she finds unexpected help in the form of handsome Coast Guard officer Alec. Not only does he help her investigation, but he helps ease her into the slow-paced, close-knit Outer Banks community. Alec is also a pillar in the faith, and that's something Libby definitely needs as she seeks to fully understand what living for Jesus means.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Alec and Libby, their relationship evolves naturally from strained strangers to friends with the chance for more. Each has something to offer the other, and their differences complement. I also think Coble did a masterful job of weaving the various mysterious threads together - I had a hunch who was ultimately responsible for things, but when the resolutions all came together at the end? Well, I was a little surprised. That is quite an accomplishment to be sure. I'm definitely looking forward to the future novels in the Hope Beach series.

eARC provided by publisher for review.

My Stubborn Heart

My Stubborn Heart
Becky Wade
Bethany House, 2012

When Kate Donovan takes a three-month leave of absence from work, to help her grandmother restore the old family home in Redbud, Pennsylvania, all she knew was that she needed the break and was looking forward to spending time with her Gran. What she discovered was a treasure of an old home to restore and bring back to life, and a handful of colorful characters who would change her life.

Matt Jarreau is a heart-stoppingly handsome, ex-professional hockey player, with a tragic past. Pure heartthrob material. But he's not interested and not available. And Kate's not interested either - she's learned her lesson about really handsome guys. So the fact that he's the contractor for the renovation on her grandmother's home shouldn't present an issue. Except, Gran is an unstoppable matchmaker, and Kate's own stubborn heart won't let her see Matt's obvious suffering without trying to fix it. As the two forge an awkward and unlikely friendship, cemented with hard physical labor on the house, Matt struggles with himself - and Kate struggles with God. Both have to learn all over again what trust really means, and just how powerful Love is.

I enjoyed the story, though I felt like the timeline was a bit rushed at times. The bulk of the story takes place over three months, which isn't long I know, but sometimes in places I felt like novel-time was moving faster than real-time would. If that makes sense. I really liked the characters. Matt's a complex dude on the surface: all broken-heart and brick walls; but underneath is a guy that misses living - and hockey. (Even though I'm not a hockey fan, I loved the athletic slant to the story!) Kate's definitely a girl I can relate to - on so many levels. My Stubborn Heart felt real to me - and wasn't overly "preachy" (which I personally find very annoying), it was a real-to-life example of Christian fiction. Looking forward to Becky Wade's future novels!

Book provided by publisher for review.

This Scarlet Cord

This Scarlet Cord
Joan Wolf
Thomas Nelson, 2012

Oh. Wow. This is one of those books that sucks you in and doesn't let go until you've finished. And what a story it tells ... Anyone familiar with the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho will recognize the name "Rahab" - and knows that she helped save the lives of Joshua's spies, so in return her family alone was saved when the walls of Jericho fell. And that's where the Biblical account begins and ends - picking up briefly in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus to mention Rahab's son as a direct ancestor. But have have you ever wondered about Rahab, the woman? Who she was, why she'd risk everything to aid the enemy? That's the story Wolf tells in This Scarlet Cord - a beautiful, intricate imagining about the life of Rahab.

Rahab's story begins when as a spunky twelve-year old, she is rescued from bandits by Sala - a young Hebrew, living in one of the only Hebrew settlements in Canaan. Their connection is instant, as neither is like anyone else the other has ever met. Sala tells Rahab stories of Elohim, the One God, a God so very different from Baal and the other gods of her people. Once Rahab is returned to her family, well-to-do vineyard owners, years pass without any contact. But Rahab remembers, and in her heart of hearts, she wants a husband like Sala. As Rahab grows older, she becomes increasingly more beautiful, and her father decides to take her into Jericho to find a rich husband. And things begin to get interesting.

By chance, Rahab is reunited with Sala - in Jericho - and realizes that she doesn't just want a husband like Sala, she wants Sala. He loves her too, but their love is doomed - a Hebrew cannot marry a Canaanite. Besides, Sala and his father are working with Joshua, helping glean information to supply the Israelite army before their attack on the city. But true love conquers all, and who are mortals to question the plan of Elohim? Rahab (along with her sister-in-law Atene) turns to Elohim in her hour of greatest need, vowing to leave the gods of her people if He will hear her cry. Elohim answers, and Rahab's true story begins. Risking everything, she agrees to help Sala protect Joshua's spies - with the understanding her family will be saved. We know this part of the story, and after the fall of Jericho, Rahab and her family escape to the Israelite encampment until further arrangements can be made. Marriage arrangements, and the impossible coming true.

I loved This Scarlet Cord, truly. Knowing the story, I knew there was a happy ending (always a plus), but the build-up, the development, getting to know the characters ... Masterfully done. The story is told from both Rahab and Sala's points of view, giving a more fleshed-out tale, and letting us see what goes on in both hearts. It's a story of Love, of sacrifice and risk, but also of finding one's self. Rahab and Sala struggle with the religious chasm dividing them, but work through - and against - the prejudice to find truth and love. Their families are brought together in harmony. Rahab's journey from Canaanite daughter to ancestor of Jesus is remarkable - and human. Is this how it really happened? Nobody knows, nor will we know until One Day, but my heart likes the story Wolf tells.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Skip Rock Shallows

Skip Rock Shallows
Jan Watson
Tyndale, 2012

Lilly Gray Corbett grew up in the mountains of Kentucky, and when her first assignment after medical school sends her to a mining community not far from where she was raised, Lilly thinks things will fall into place. She wasn't counting on the people to resist so strongly to the fact she was a woman doctor however, and struggles to make sense of why she is even in Skip Rock. When an accident requires all her skill and precision to save the leg of an injured miner, Lilly starts to gain the acceptance of the community. It's slow going, but with the help of Ned - the injured miner's cousin - Lilly finds herself being accepted and respected by the people of Skip Rock. Even more than that, the community itself, particularly the women, begin to forge new bonds of friendship and a truer sense of community.

Skip Rock Shallows focuses not just on Lilly and her struggles with practicing medicine in a rugged Kentucky coal town, but also her fight against the past - and learning what it means to more fully lean on God, even when His ways don't seem to line up with her plans. And then there's the mysterious and handsome miner - Joe - who seems to be hiding something. As readers, we get to know Lilly and "Joe" (his real name is Tern) separately, seeing both struggle with reconciling their pasts with their presents. With every confrontation and incident that occurs, Lilly and Tern - and the whole Skip Rock family - learn to see the light of truth clearer, in a world dominated by the inky blackness of the coal mines.

The historical elements of Skip Rock Shallows I found to be particularly intriguing, as my familiarity with coal mining is limited to October Sky and The Rocket Boys. I also appreciated that the medical details were not too gory. Even though the story is split between Lilly and Tern's points of view, it's done in a way that is easy to follow and builds the story as a whole. Their interactions are real, and I loved Lilly's humanness. The people of Skip Rock are colorful characters, and each adds much to the atmosphere and flavor of the novel. On the whole, a very enjoyable read and I have discovered a new historical fiction author.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Tributary

Tributary
Lisa T Bergren
2012

Remember my gushing reviews of Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent and Bourne? Well, Lisa Bergren delivered another amazing dose of River of Time goodness with Tributary. As with my other reviews, I'm trying to be excruciatingly careful to avoid spoilers, so details may be a bit - missing. However, don't let that deter you! In fact, if you've somehow missed the River of Time series, you should go out - right now - and find them. Read them all, and then grab Tributary and devour it too. They're amazing. Simply amazing.

Now then, for a bit about what makes Tributary such a read ... First, that's Luca Forelli on the cover, and if you think he has shorter hair than perhaps a medieval Italian knight would have - you're right. But there's a really lovely scene where Lia cuts his hair. It'll make you swoon a little. But then, Luca is always a charmer. I love watching the continued evolution of his relationship with Lia. What really had my heart pounding was Rodolfo Greco. Whew, if I wasn't officially Team Marcello, I'd have just signed my heart away to Greco. Dude's amazing. And finally free - to live and laugh and love. We also meet a new character, the beautiful Alessandra, who slips across the border onto Forelli land hunting boar - and finds herself ensnared in the intricate, messy web of politics.

I devoured Tributary, and was left breathless at the end. It's a masterful story, and a very fitting "end" to the River of Time series. At this time, Lisa isn't sure if there will be more to the story - and as much as I love these characters, after Tributary, I am okay with the idea of the journey ending. Gabi and Lia have come so far, and even Marcello, Luca and Rodolfo have grown and stepped fully into their destinies. The story feels complete, somehow. My heart is happy with the way things stand. And what a story Lisa can tell! If I can write something half as engrossing and beautiful, I will consider it success. So while I am bidding farewell to the River of Time, I'm moving on to the rest of Lisa's novels - I hear there's another trilogy set in medieval Italy!

eBook provided by my personal library.

The Wedding Dress

The Wedding Dress
Rachel Hauck
Thomas Nelson, 2012

The first thing that caught my attention in the BookSneeze newsletter was the cover. That dress - it's gorgeous, especially when you hold the book in your hands and can really look at the lacework. I'd wear it in a heartbeat. The premise was intriguing too: four women, one wedding dress, and a mysterious connection. What I got was a beautiful story about love - the sacrifices and struggles we willingly endure in the name of Love, the power of Love, and that journey to discovery we all must travel.

When Charlotte suddenly found herself the new owner of a beat-up old trunk at an estate auction, she never expected to find a wedding dress inside. She's not even entirely sure how she ended up buying it, but feels an undeniable draw to the trunk. The dress inside is not just any dress - it is The Dress. And Charlotte knows wedding dresses (she's the owner of a chic bridal boutique). The dress, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding its acquisition, tempt Charlotte into tracing the dress's history - slowly and steadily following the threads of history, little clues, to a most unexpected source. The research is a welcome distraction, as Charlotte's own engagement dissolves, and she struggles to make sense of love - while also battling an intense longing to find her father, some sense of family identity.

But this dress has four stories to tell, and while Charlotte is slowing weaving together the clues, Rachel Hauck lets us see into the past. Beginning with headstrong, passionate Emily in 1912, the dress has a way of bringing out the best and truest in people's heart, particularly the best and truest of its brides. Emily, Grace and Hillary all have unique stories of their own: romance, discovery, growth, heartache, wrenching decisions. The dress finds them as they need it, touching their hearts, leaving a mark, and then showing them who needs it next.

I loved the intricacy of the story, the complex layering that added a touch of intrigue, a taste of the fantastic even, without overwhelming the main story - Charlotte's story. There's an attention to detail, and a sense of careful craftsmanship that fits neatly with the idea of a handmade designer wedding gown. It's a thoughtful read, without being heavy or weighty - just right for a summer evening.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Mini Reviews

Hiya! I'm back with another set of mini reviews...

Hope Rekindled
Tracie Peterson
Bethany House, 2011

While I liked the first two books in the "Striking a Match" trilogy (read my review of Book 2: Hearts Aglow), the final installment didn't keep my interest. In fact, I bailed on it. I felt like the storyline was going in too many circles, without moving forward enough. After going through so much with Deborah and the Vandermark family, I can't help but feel let down after such an ending. But maybe that's just me...

Book provided by my local library.

The Selection
Kiera Cass
HarperTeen, 2012

I really was not sure what to expect going into this reading, other than the cover is gorgeous. I've heard taglines like "The Hunger Games meets the Bachelor", but since I've neither read nor seen either, it didn't help me out any. What I got was a story with more depth than I expected. America is one of 35 girls selected "randomly" to compete for the hand (and heart) of Prince Maxon. It's the world's weirdest beauty pageant, if you will. But it's more than that - America, as a member of one of the lower castes, helps Maxon see what's really going on in the country he's to take over. They form an unexpected friendship, and in turn, Maxon shows America that not everything she assumed about him was correct either.

There's a lot going on in The Selection, and a lot of history and mysteries are only hinted at. It definitely sets readers up for the next novel in the series, and I for one will be picking it up to see what happens. America started out a little whiny and delusional (heh), but she started growing on me as she started engaging her brain. Prince Maxon I love. And Aspen...don't get me started. (Not a fan. However, I discovered that William Moseley is set to play Aspen in an upcoming television series based on The Selection, and if anyone could make me more sympathetic/reevaluate my decision, he could. Just sayin'.) Safe to say this was a pleasant surprise.

Book provided by my local library.

Prophet

Prophet
RJ Larson
Bethany House, 2012

Oh man. This book was amazing. Like, really, really amazing. I stayed up until 3am reading, and wanted to finish it but my eyes gave out. When I did finish it, I didn't want the adventure to end. It's a beautiful story, with living breathing characters, and it swept me away entirely. The happy part: it's book one in a series, and if you visit Larson's site, you get a teaser and cover for the second book Judge. I'm already swooning. Back to the review...

Prophet is fantasy, but it's also what I consider "Biblical fiction". It reads like an Old Testament story, but with a light brush of fantasy, and set in another world. It's beautiful, it's sweeping, it's not overwhelmingly fantasy - nor overwhelmingly preachy. Ela, our prophet, is a spunky and very human young lady. She knows the Voice of her Creator - Infinite - and though she doesn't always understand, and even questions Him at times, she is faithful to her calling. Her choice. Along the path of her mission, she meets Kien Lan Tec, and things get complicated. As the two become unlikely friends, Ela struggles with her perceived duties as Prophet and her human heart. Other characters flesh out the story, each bringing their own flavor and touch. And the horses - I'm such a sucker for a good horse, and the destroyers provide comic relief while also assisting the story.

I'm trying to find the best words to describe Prophet, but really - I think it's something you have to read and experience yourself. Know that the story is well-plotted and well-paced. There are twists and turns you don't expect, but they work. The characters live and breathe, and you want to root for them. They're human, they're flawed, but they're trying. As I said before, the fantasy element is presented with a light hand - it strengthens Ela's story rather than distracting from it. And the relationship Ela has with Infinite - their conversations - oh, they made something in my heart tweak. Larson has done a beautiful job of showing the love that God - Infinite - has for His people, how very involved He is with even the smallest details of human life. Watching Kien and others slowly come to understand what Ela is saying is so much like watching humanity struggle to see - to know - why an all-powerful being would care about little ol' me. It's beautiful, simply breath-taking. Now, I really need to get my hands on Judge and find out what happens next.

ARC provided by publisher for review.

Blog Tour: Hearts That Survive

The 100th anniversary of the Titanic's tragic sinking is very close, and this is the second Titanic novel I've read this year. Today I'm reviewing Hearts that Survive for a Pump Up Your Book! blog tour. If you'd like to check out the other stops on the tour, click the banner above. But wait until you read my review first, okay?

Hearts that Survive
Yvonne Lehman
Abingdon, 2012

Lydia Beaumont had it all: wealth, status, the company of a handsome and successful gentleman, the not-so-secret-love of an up-and-coming and kind young man, and a suite on the greatest of all ships' maiden voyage. With both gentlemen. And a secret that would change her life forever. This secret prompts Lydia and John Ancell - the young visionary behind Ancell (Toy) Trains - to plan a quick wedding aboard the Titanic. It's a perfect plan: a wealthy railroad heiress, wearing a brand new wedding dress from a renowned fashion designer, on the maiden voyage of the Ship of Dreams. And it is a perfect, beautiful wedding - the night of April 14th. But things take a shocking turn in the night hours following the reception, and history of a very different kind is made. Lydia escapes, as does her new friend Catherine, and Craven Dowd - the manager of her father's business, and her 'second suitor.' John stays on the Titanic.

What follows is a story that is poignant and very human. As they struggle to orient themselves in their new reality, Lydia and her friends must come to terms with who they are and what life means. And love - the thread that connects all the mismatched pieces of life is love. Always love. Even in the face of such wrenching tragedy, life goes on. Lydia marries Craven and finds herself in a fulfilling and, eventually, happy life. Catherine and her maid Bess travel north, to Nova Scotia, finding a place to call home, hearts to love, and the peace that passes all understanding. The survivors keep living, and have children who have children. And all the stories, from the ship and beyond, slowly come circling back together in a way that creates a beautiful story - and also reflects the intricate weave of life. When all the secrets are revealed at last, and lives are rattled on their foundations, the Love present in those foundations is strong enough to let life continue.

I don't want to give out too many details, while some of the secrets are revealed right away, others are a little more layered. Maybe less secrets and more tiny details that click into place. Hearts that Survive is an excellent exercise in creating a story that involves many separate stories gathered in one neat arc. With so many separate stories, there are a lot of perspective/point of view changes -- though most of them occur at chapter breaks, and it's normally easy to pick up and bounce between to the two main stories of Lydia and Catherine. Having read Promise Me This, earlier this year, I was better prepared for the emotional impact of reading a story where you know hundreds of people are going to die. And Lehman works in some beautiful historical details, with special attention to clothing and jewels, which my girlie-girl heart loved. All in all, despite the sad beginning, Hearts that Survive is a story of Hope, and of Love.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Blog Tour: Downtown Green

Today I'm happy to be a stop on Judy Christie's blog tour with Pump Up Your Book! for Downtown Green. After you check out my review, click the banner above to see the whole tour schedule and swing by the other posts.

Downtown Green
Judy Christie
Abingdon Press, 2012

Note: Downtown Green is the fifth book in a series about Green, Louisiana. I somehow managed to miss this detail until I started reading, but thankfully it can be read as a stand-alone.

As Downtown Green opens, the town is just preparing to celebrate the opening of a new bypass loop - one with more opponents than advocates. With a quicker way to get around town, downtown traffic drops off dramatically, with a direct impact on local business. Finding a way to restore downtown Green, Louisiana becomes Lois Craig's new mission (as if running a newspaper and adjusting to being a new mom weren't enough work). Along the way, she finds surprising allies and hits heads with old enemies - and unexpected tragedy - but never wavers. Green has gotten into her blood, and Lois is like a mama bear defending her cubs (or in this case, her town). This premise alone is an interesting read, and Christie does a wonderful job of fleshing out the characters - which results in even more layers to the story, as each player in the cast of characters goes through their own set of misadventures, linking everyone in ways that only happens in small, Southern towns.

What I really, really loved about Downtown Green was the realistic feel. Green, LA could have been any number of small towns in the Deep South - it reminded me of several I have experienced. Everyone knows everybody else's business, and actually cares. The town is more than just a group of people and shops, it's the heartbeat of the community, and as people rally around the common cause, they rediscover existing bonds and forge new ones - both with their town and with each other. Meeting these characters, peeking into their lives, made me want to take a stroll through Downtown and stop to chat with whoever I happened to meet. Well, with almost anyone, some of them I could happily avoid, but you'll have to read about them yourself. These are real characters, flawed but good. They're truly wanting to do what's right for their community and fellow man. There is an element of "God talk" to Downtown Green, but it's gentle and has the same sense of authenticity as the characters and town. This is the Deep South, after all. All in all, an easy read that I think a lot of people can relate to - even if they're not from the South.

Book provided by publisher for review.

Blue Moon Promise

Blue Moon Promise
Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson, 2012

While I have drooled over Colleen Coble's covers before, Blue Moon Promise was the first novel I've actually been able to read (thank you, BookSneeze!). Oh my. I know what all the excitement is about now! (And this also means I will be stalking my library and/or bookstore for more of her novels).

Elements of Blue Moon Promise reminded me of the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis (considering that there are multiple references to this story, I think it's fair to say we should make that connection). Lucy's father has died in a tragic accident, and her stepmother opted to leave her two children - Jed and Eileen - with Lucy while she moseyed off with her boyfriend. It's a bleak situation, made worse by the fact that Lucy suddenly finds herself unemployed, evicted, and being followed by a stranger. When one of her father's former friends shows up with a proposition, Lucy decides it's God's answer to her problems, and she agrees to marry his son - Nate - by proxy.

Upon arriving at the Stars Above Ranch in Texas, Lucy finds that she has her work cut out for her in terms of earning the respect - let alone love - of her new husband. Nate's first reaction to Lucy is loud and vehement: he's not interested in a wife, and especially not a wife his father picked out for him. And she's so tiny and from the city - how will she ever survive on a cattle ranch? As Lucy begins to work at making Nate's tiny cabin into a home, and they slowly get to know each other, each realizes they were wrong and God knew what He was doing when things fell into place the way they did. Eileen and Jed do a lot to smooth the transition as well, though all is far from perfect - and there are many struggles and obstacles to face. Obstacles like discovering someone has followed them from Indiana to Texas, and lingering uncertainties about their father's death. Every thing that occurs tests Nate and Lucy to their core, and each has to come to terms with their pride and need to control every aspect.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this story play out - I wasn't sure where it was going, and a few of the twists and turns caught me by surprise. There were enough details to flesh out the context without coming across as a super technical read on cattle ranching and frontier life. Lucy was a delightfully flawed heroine, as was Nate - where most Christian fiction characters come across as perfect (and thus my main problem with a lot of Christian fiction), Lucy and Nate are very human. I could relate to them, and their struggles - it was believable and realistic. And a truly beautiful story. Definitely looking forward to reading more of Coble's novels, if they're anything like this!

Book provided by publisher for review.