The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund

The next christian romance novel you should read!  After coming to the British Columbia settlement in North America, Arabella is faced with choosing a husband from among the numerous single men. Since she fled from an abusive relationship, she is worried about trusting again. Peter Kelly has left behind a life of rebellious living and is ready to do what is right.  Can they fall in love across different social classes and change their new world into something beautiful?

The way Hedlund handles love in this book is nothing short of amazing. The passion and tension she writes about between the characters is realistic for two people falling in love.  She does not shy away from developing healthy sexual feelings alongside the emotional connection between the two characters who may be husband and wife in the future.  As some christian fiction shies away from such topics, Hedlund faces it head on and brings glory to God in the process as God is the one who created all things including sex.  Along with this, I also enjoyed how the plot gives flashbacks at just the right times to develop the story.  This is a perfect addition to the first in book in the bride ship series, and it was nice seeing characters again that we met in the first book.  This book also further developed what life was like in the settlement in British Columbia. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series and will continue to read any books from Jody Hedlund.

(I received this as a free ebook from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.)

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.

You are Mine by Janeal Falor

A new dystopian book for lovers of The Hunger Games and The Divergent Series. An amazing book about a young girl fighting against the norms that society has placed around her. Serena just turned seventeen which is an exciting time for most young girls. However, Serena lives in a patriarchal society where at seventeen, girls are married off based on the magic flowing in their blood to birth powerful warlocks for their master since females cannot use the magic. Her father is one of the worst out there ready to marry her off to the highest bidder, and he does just that. Will Serena ever have a chance at deciding her own destiny and a chance at finding love?

The description of the book pulled me in, and I was not disappointed as I read this intriguing novel. I absolutely loved Serena's relationship with her family and especially her sisters. It brought depth to Serena's character as she made bold moves and decisions that could effect not only her future but each of her sisters' futures too. Seeing the world from Serena's point of view was at time ironic, hilarious, sad and/or crazy. Her worldview was so brainwashed and different from the way people view life in America nowadays, which was very realistic and eyeopening at the same time.

I actually found this book for free on amazon through bookbub.com. They are a free website service that email you about books from the genres that you pick when the books are on sale for cheaper than normal or completely free.  It is a great way to find new authors and series to read by trying an excerpt of their work for cheap before buying the rest.  Concerning, Janeal Falor, I will be looking to buy the rest of her books in the future.  It looks like this author is relatively new and her books are mostly online or ebooks. Let's change that; I want to see more print books out there! Share with your friends who love these types of novels.

The Story Collector by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Exciting and interesting children's book where you step into life within a library, literally. Viviani lives in the local library with her two older brothers and her parents. She learns valuable life lessons not only from her family and friends, but from the ghost of the library, all the while saving the day from the stamp thief.

I had a hard time adjusting to the didactic and narrative writing style in the first chapter, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked. I enjoyed the chapter headings that matched entries in a library catalog. It brought to life how the children live in a library and find adventure there everyday.  The vocabulary was also great for helping children grow in their reading ability while still catering to their reading level. I particularly loved how so many things said were profound, and I wanted to write them on my facebook as quotes.  I will be looking for this book for my personal and classroom collections.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.) 

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott

Adorable fantasy children's book perfect for bringing diversity to your classroom or school library. Jaxon is left with a woman called "Ma" when his mother abruptly drops him off with her one day. While trying to figure out who she is and what is moving in the box on her counter, he is met with time travel, invisible people, dinosaurs, magic, growing dragons, and a magical new land.

A book with simple structure and style fit for young readers in elementary school. Good challenging vocabulary found within the pages to help young readers grow. Loved the elements from Brooklyn that made the story come alive with real detail. Take a look if you are trying to find more fiction for your classroom, school, or personal library.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.) 

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Adventurous Mercy and her older loyal friend Matthew are transporting gold for the British army between an area torn by a French and British war.  They are forced to take traitor Elias along who is to act as Mercy's husband; however, he has plans to not make it to their destination because other people are counting on him. Can Elias keep his secret hidden or will losing his heart to Mercy, one bent on never marrying, cause his downfall?

I had a hard time getting through this book because the real action did not start until after 60% into the book. It takes its time with setting up the story and developing the characters through minor interactions the first half of the book.  I also did not care for the title of the book as it really does not seem to fit the story line. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the action and twists to the plot once I reached that section.  Additionally, Mercy had a good transformation emotionally and internally.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)

First Impressions by Debra White Smith

As a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, I thought this book was spectacular. I absolutely loved the irony of how the main characters were involved in a community play of Pride and Prejudice acting as the character in the play they are modeled after. The story unfolded in a realistic way as the two stubbornest people battle offstage and onstage and try to deny their attraction while ultimately learning from their mistakes.

The use of point of view added much to the story. It switched between Dave and Eddi (playing the roles of Darcy and Elizabeth respectively from Pride and Prejudice) allowing readers to see the emotion and life in every chapter.  I was also glad that a few chapters were shown from Linda's  (Eddi's little sister) point of view and side of the story; Linda makes terrible life choices and has to live with the consequences. Linda's part of the story brought to life the relationships between the three sisters while adding depth to the main characters and their transformations by the end of the book. I recommend this to Pride and Prejudice fans and to those who are not familiar with it as many will enjoy it as the beautiful love story it is.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it will not be the last. She has created an adorable romance novel set in a Medieval feeling background.  Aladdin is an orphan that has grown up in the local orphanage after moving there from a foreign country. Despite his difference in social status from Lady Kirstyn, the Duke's daughter, he has grown up with her and become fond of her.  He leaves her to find his fortune to one day come back for her; however, when she is kidnapped, his dream may not come to fruition.

The only part of the story that feels like Aladdin, since this is supposed to be a retelling of Aladdin, is how he starts out as a young boy stealing to survive. However, to be fair, the only experience I have with Aladdin is the Disney version.  Even without more of a connection, I was not disappointed with the story line but was also thrilled with the twists at the end. I found myself laughing at how childish the main protagonists were sometimes but loved the message of how no one is perfect. Overall, a fun read and beautiful cover art.


(The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)

Rise of the Fallen by Chuck Black

Chuck Black is a genius at writing so much meaning and heart into a small number of pages. I have read his Knights of Arrethtrae series which was intended for a young audience and felt more satisfied than reading some of the larger fantasy and adventure novels out there from other authors. The Rise of the Fallen is no exception to this.

Rise of the Fallen is the second book in a series of three. I still enjoyed and understood what was going on in the book even though I have not read the first book yet, but I plan to get my hands on it. The story follows the least of the angels from his creation, throughout history including the the Flood, the Tower of Babel, Jesus' birth and death, the Holocaust, and up to present times. The story switches between the past and present every few chapters as you get to know Validus. In the past, he rises through the ranks to become the warrior leader of North America in present times. However, the climax of the story centers around how Validus is resigned from protecting the whole continent to protecting one man. What is so special about one man?

This story is a masterpiece.  I absolutely loved the depth to the characters and the connection between the angels. Additionally, the author did a great job providing extra resources such as vocabulary definitions and timelines of history in the front of the book.  I also appreciated the section in the back explaining how pieces of the story connected to the Bible. He did a great job explaining how nothing is truth besides the Bible, but that he wrote a story to bring alive the spiritual battle that is going on based on Biblical evidence. I look forward to finishing the other two books in the series.

(I received a free ebook version of this from the publisher; however, this review is my opinion after reading the story for myself.)

Unwritten by Tara Gilboy

 I absolutely loved this childrens story with its unique take on storybook characters. Gracie and her mom are characters from a book that have escaped the harsh realities of their story and come to the real world. However, the real world is all Gracie has ever known. When she goes looking for answers, she get more than she bargained for and her world is turned upside down.

Tara Gilboy has something pretty unique here. While the story has a slow beginning, once the action picked up, I wanted to find out how the story would unfold. The more I read, the more I was pleasantly surprised with something different from classic story tales.  I am always looking for books with twists that take me by surprise which is hard after all the books I have read, and this book had exactly what I was looking for. The characters were interesting and relatable. The overall theme of choosing your own path no matter what anybody else tells you made this a worthwhile read. I will be looking to purchase multiple copies of this book, one for my classroom library and one for my personal library.


 (The publisher gave me a free ebook version of this book to review, but this opinion is my own after reading the book for myself.)

Last Descendants (Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants #1) by Matthew J. Kirby

I enjoyed reading this teen fiction story, which is usually a genre that has a hard time keeping my attention.  However, I bought this book at my school book fair and wanted to read it before putting it in my classroom library.  It helped that I enjoyed the Assassin's Creed movie that came out awhile ago.

Basically, the story is about a boy who wants to prove his dad's innocence of a crime even though his dad has already died in prison. An technology worker at his school allows him to get access to the Animus that allows people to go back into their ancestor's memories in a type of virtual reality. However, the boy and his friend find more than they bargain for when they come across something two agencies have been fighting over for hundreds and thousands of years.

Once I got past the first third of the book, the story took off. He did a good job setting and explaining the background; however, it kept him from starting the action and catching his readers' attention within the first few chapters of the book.  I also loved the historical detail present from real-life events; I could see this book or specific passages used in a middle school history class about the civil war.  He also did a good job incorporating diversity within his characters and story through race, disability and other prominent topics in adolescents and society. After reading it, I have decided to put it in my classroom library, but I almost kept it for my own book collection at home.

Egypt's Sister by Angela Elwell Hunt

A story about the journey Chava is set on after her best friend, Cleopatra, turns her back on her based on her unwillingness to worship other gods besides the one true God. It is about how their paths intertwine and are leading up to one critical moment.

Not much stuck out as unique within the plot except that the story definitely is set around the two girls and their relationship instead of a romance. I have read many similar stories about people going into slavery and coming back out again. However, the details from the time period brought the story to life especially around the historical figure Cleopatra.   The main characters were ones you were rooting for and wanted to see what ended up happening with each of them. Additionally, I would have liked to see some of the story from Cleopatra’s point of view since it was about both of them, which I understand would have been difficult with the amount of time that is covered in the story.  I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.

(The publisher gave me a free paperback version of this book to review, but this opinion is my own after reading the book for myself.)

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers

The Atonement Child is a story of redemption, healing, and forgiveness. It concerns the aftermath of a girl who is raped on her way back to her christian college from work. The truth slowly comes out about her family’s past and guilt when she finally has to go home because of unfortunate circumstances. 

Francine Rivers covers a hard topic from a Christian point of view. I found the story very eye opening when it comes to the hypocritical nature of people.  The story showed the ugly side of people who call themselves Christians but do not act like they should; however, it also showed the power of friendship, family, and forgiveness as people who love you do not give up on you including God. Many moments were tense including an almost attempted suicide.  However, these are real side effects of women who have gone through similar events to the main character.  Additionally, the characters, situations, and details were realistic and relatable for anyone who has been hurt, lost, and guilty. I absolutely love Francine Rivers’ books and I will continue to keep my eye open for them. If you have not checked out Redeeming Love or A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers, they are two of my all-time favorite books. You will not be disappointed.