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.)