How the Light Gets In by Jolina Petersheim

How the Light Gets In is an unorthodox retelling of Ruth from the Bible.  Ruth has experienced the worst life has to offer as she struggled in a broken marriage and then lost her husband, Chandler, without the chance to fix it. Chandler runs from his struggling marriage only to lose his life in a bombing at the hospital he was serving at. Ruth decides to take her two daughters back to his hometown Mennonite community in the states for the funeral.  She connects and grieves with her mother-in-law, who is staying with Chandler's cousin, Elam. Slowly a tentative relationship forms between Elam and Ruth. Can she learn to love again or will everything be tested when Chandler is found alive?

 First of all, I was completely blown away by the unexpected ending.  This unique plot was well developed on an emotional level.  I laughed, I cried, and my jaw dropped multiple times. I was completely enveloped in the story even as the story took a turn that my emotions did not agree with. I loved the Biblical values on marriage, love, and healing that even challenged the way I looked at the world and life. Something deep was stirred inside as I looked at my husband in a different light.  The book challenged me to be the best wife that I can be for him. Check this book out. You will not be disappointed. 

(I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a review, and this is my honest opinion after reading the book.)

American Omens by Travis Thrasher

    Twenty years in our future, the world's leaders have outlawed Christianity. Christian leaders have been disappearing quietly without a trace.  A group has researched these happenings and is determined to bring these sinister happenings into the light. Centering around a genius searching for her father, a lost celebrity, an assassin searching for his life, and a dad from a history of lies, their stories merge all based on one person. The Reckoner is ready to make his announcement.

    I enjoyed the references to the 2010s culture and technology. The descriptions of how technology changed from present day to Thrasher's designed world helped add to the reality he was trying to create, which made it believable to me as a reader. Other references to the past such as Bible stories or even 1800s or 1900s famous people helped remind the audience that even though the story was in the future, its past was the same as ours.

    However, I had a hard time getting excited about the plot. It was slow, disjointed, and confusing. I felt like I was left guessing even after the book ended. It was not the suspense filled chase I was expecting and hoping for. There could have been more close calls to give it that feeling of peril. With so many characters, the depth to the characters or growth throughout the story was missing for me.

(I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion after reading the book.)

A Love Undone by Cindy Woodsmall

Jolene lost her parents to a flood when she was young and gave up her life with her fiance to keep her siblings together under one roof. Years later, after many interested men, Jolene has not found someone to steal her heart again. However, then Andy walks into her life. He takes up a job rehabilitating horses for an animal rescue and ends up working with Jolene because no one else is available to help him. However, Jolene misunderstands Andy's position as a grass widower (one where the spouse up and left but is still alive) and does not realize that he cannot remarry in the Amish Community. Stuck, these two make a path forward doing the best they can to not fall in love.

Compared to her past books, this entry in her repertoire seemed more raw and real.  From the quick death of the Keim family parents in the first chapter to the struggle Ray (mentally delayed from being struck by lightning as a kid) has with himself and society, I felt I was reading a story from real-life.  Cindy Woodsmall had me holding my breath to find out what would happen and cheering for the lovable well developed characters. The character arcs were engaging, and the ending was satisfying.  The only problem I had was the plot was slow at times and stretched out.  However, I highly recommend for romance lovers and fans of Amish fiction.

(I received this ebook for free from the publisher in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion after reading the book.)

A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return of Devotion is a spectacular sequel in the Haven Manor series by Hunter. In book one, you saw Kit's story of finding love, but in this book, it is Daphne's turn.  They are best friends whose mistakes lead to their exit from high society. Then, they created a new life together by saving other women who were also pregnant without resources, and then they raised the children at Haven Manor. This story starts when Kit has gone away to her honeymoon, most of the illegitimate children have been placed in homes, and the owner of Heaven Manor is moving in with no idea with what the house was being used for. The first chapter, he tries unsuccessfully to walk in the front door passed the human road block. Daphne's life is changed forever in more ways than one because of his remarkable resemblance to someone else in her life.

Hunter has created a stunner.  This is the craziest climax I have ever read; it was like all of book one and book two lead up to the climax of this book. I absolutely love her unusual characters, as well; the main female is unlike any that I have ever read. For the first time, I saw social anxiety and anxiety in general demonstrated well in a character in such a way that it effects everything she does. Despite this, she grows and blossoms by the end of the story. I look forward to reading Hunter's next novel, which I hope is about Jess, the third friend.

(I received this ebook for free from the publisher in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion after reading the book.)

Kalahari by Jessica Khoury

I went into this story excited to get my hands on one of Khoury's books, and she did not disappoint.  I was primarily excited because I actually attended the same college as she did, which is saying something because it is a small private college that very few people know of.  I saw her speak at one of our campus events several years ago after she graduated, and I have been aspiring to have a similar career someday.

The Kalahari takes you on an adventure to the semi-desert where a family of zoologists is studying the animal population. You find yourself attached to Sarah as the story is from her point of view, and you watch the story unfold as she is separated from her father.  She is left with a bunch of city kids her age who do not know the first thing about surviving in the wilderness when they are left alone without help or anybody they can contact. Soon they discover a white lion and secrets that endanger their lives and countless others.

The first thing that drew me into the book was definitely the plot. It was well thought out and executed with definite plot points that had me reading to find out what would happen next. The characters were also entertaining as very different personalities clashed within the group. Additionally, the detail was gorgeous and not overused. At the end of the book, I was not surprised to find that she had actually gone to the Kalahari, which she mentioned in her acknowledgements. I can definitely see this being used in a classroom to educate children not just on climate and ecosystems, but on several science concepts that were integral to the plot (even with the science fiction woven in there).  I will definitely be looking into her other books and will watch as she publishes more.