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.)

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.) 

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.)

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.)

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.)

This Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf

This book was a retelling of Rahab the Canaanite prostitute in the Bible.  Basically, Rahab protects the men from the Hebrew nation who come to spy in the city of Jericho before the ensuing battle.  She does this against her country in faith of the one true God.  God honors her by allowing her to be an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

I have a particular interest in seeing the stories in the Bible brought to life through various author’s eyes in their fictional retelling.   I love looking for stories that stay true to the heart of what can be found in the Bible, while adding detail that moves one emotionally. Rahab is a difficult tale to tell because of how little information is given in the Bible; therefore, I have respect for the author for building such a rich story with historically accurate details.  However, the story feels more like a modern romance with a complicated storyline of coincidences. It feels as if the Bible account was stretched to fit her imaging of what could have happened instead of keeping it simplistic and changing her story to fit what the Bible has.  The power of the forgiveness of sin is overlooked by the way she explains how Rahab is a “prostitute,” which did not sit well with me. Otherwise, it is a very cute romance novel even without being connected to the Bible.

A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers

A Lineage of Grace is a compilation of five smaller stories; each story concerns one of the women who is mentioned in Matthew of the Bible as part of the descendants leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. The five women include, Tamar who was abused by her husband, Rahab the prostitute with faith who lived on the wall of Jericho, Ruth the faithful widow and daughter-in-law who was blessed by God, Bethsheba the infamous adulteress, and Mary the mother of Jesus.

I was already in love with Rivers' work on Redeeming Love and the Mark of the Lion series before I picked this book up at the thrift store. Rivers brings to life the stories of these women keeping true to the passages given to us in the Bible while adding in detail that she must have gained from research into the history and culture of each of those time periods and countries the women are from. Through Rivers' writing, she brings emotions to the characters making them relatable to present audiences. Through their abuse, circumstances, temptations, and flaws, she brings to light one of the leading themes found in the Bible; God used the most unlikely and flawed people to bring Jesus Christ into the world. I would recommend this book to all those who have longed to see the Bible as if they had been there. Remember, however, that the Bible is the only ultimate truth.

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund

A Daring Sacrifice was a sweet young adult romance novel with underlying Christian themes.  Just from seeing the front and reading the back cover, I was hooked upon this story. As a female version of Robin Hood, Juliana was a character that intrigued me immediately. Basically, the story concerns Juliana who is fighting to keep her people alive after her uncle stole the throne and murdered her father. However, her uncle does not know that she is alive or that she is the one stealing from him. Then, Juliana hides in a neighboring territory after barely escaping being caught and ambushes Lord Collin.  Their first meeting is humorous from Lord Collin's eyes as he lets himself be robbed.  When he later tracks her down and realizes she is someone from his childhood, the love story truly begins.  From then on, it is a battle for Juliana to keep her identity hidden from her uncle and keep herself from falling in love with Collin.

What I really liked about this story and about Jody's writing style in general is how she switches back and forth between the two main characters' eyes. Because of this, you truly get to see how the love grows between them, and how the story unfolds from all angles. However, the ending felt too similar to For Love and Honor, which is actually chronologically after A Daring Sacrifice. As a side note, I love how the books are connected by similar characters but how each story is it's own so much so that I can read the books backwards chronologically and still enjoy them.

Despite the similar endings, I still enjoyed reading A Daring Sacrifice as a quick light read. I would recommend this book to my middle school students and anyone who loves short romantic fairy tales.

For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

This is a book that I found while out thrift shopping yesterday. What immediately drew me to the book was the beautiful front cover and the summary on the back of the book.  When I got home, I picked up the book, not having read anything from this author, and could not put it down. I stayed up late just to finish it. It has been awhile since a story captivated me enough to take all of my attention for hours, especially as a first year teacher during the last few weeks of school. It was a much needed reprieve from the chaos at school.

What really drew me to the story was Lady Sabine's imperfection. She has a skin discoloration that in the 1300s she has to hide so people do not think that she is a witch.  Because of this imperfection, she pushes all potential suitors away, which is something I identified with, especially before I met my husband two years ago.  Most girls have some imperfection that they consider to make them less than lovable whether it be physical, mental, or social, making this story relate-able for its teen audience. Connecting to this idea, the story then focuses on how the inside is what makes a person attractive, a lesson that young adults need to hear.

Besides the underlying theme, the story included an interesting plot with twists and turns that I did not expect, comical banter that makes you smile, and characters that come alive with the authors well written words. Overall, I would not hesitate to suggest this book to my middle school students and any other book lovers out there who want an innocent and interesting love story to read.

Beloved Enemy by Al Lacy

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A romantic story about love, treachery, and war.  It's mainly about courageous Buck Brownwell, a union soldier, and attractive Jenny Jordan, a southern born.  Sparks run high when the two meet but can their love withstand such trying circumstances as the Civil War of 1861 in North America when their loyalties are divided?  When Jenny is caught as a spy in Buck's territory, her life is in his hands.  He must choose how to proceed when the law says that all spies die immediately without a court hearing.  The story also centers around a spy ring, the battle of Big Bethel and the Battle of Bull Run.

I chose to read this book when my attention was captured by the description on the back, but the story, other than what was on the back, did not pop.  I liked to be surprised so when there were only a couple twists and turns and I saw one of them coming, I was not completely taken with the story.  Thus, it is not ranked among my favorite books but it was an entertaining read.

  I have always found that reading history within a story is easier than reading it from a boring textbook.  When you read it in story format, you get to see the war from the people's perspective, and this book is no exception.  I also liked that in this book, you get to see from the point of people on both sides of the war; from northern and southern officials.  It shows the humanity of both sides and that brother was fighting brother in this sad Civil War.  The map at the beginning of the book of the Battle of Bull Run was also helpful when picturing all the advances in that specific battle.  On a negative note, I did not like that it kept switching to minor characters and the battles went on forever when I just wanted more of Buck and Jenny's story.  I was waiting forever for the plot on the back of the book to finally play out.  Though in conclusion, I would recommend this story to Historical Fiction and Christian Romance readers.

As a side note, I found the small insert, at the beginning of the book, about the author's stand against worldly influences on his writings, inspiring, especially as a Christian author myself (which is still in the works).  It got me excited to see what kind of writings he actually produced since this was the first book of his that I've read.

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(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)

Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales

I did not know what I was getting into when I picked up this book from the bookstore.  It's a very thought provoking story that makes your heart ache and realize exactly how we take for granted the freedom of worship.  The story's about Princess Valeria, daughter of Roman Emperor around 250 AD.  Valeria's first love is brutally murdered and made a martyr by the man her father is making her marry.  Can she find love in an arranged marriage to a man she despises?  How can she stand up for her faith in a life full of pagans?

This book is actually based on recorded dates and real people though the gaps are filled in by the authors, events are slightly changed, and things are inferred.  It's not a very good book if you are looking specifically to be entertained by romance.  I didn't really enjoy that part but I'm use to reading fantasy and fiction where anything is possible.  The authors of this book had to go with the events that really happened and were recorded so the framework for the story was already laid out.  It's a very melancholy and sad book so if you are looking to cry, like I did, then this is the book for you.  Not a light read or appropriate for young teens and kids.

Trails to Poosey by Olive R Cook

196 Pages: Life in the 1830s

Trails to Poosey was a very cute and suspenseful historical book.  I just kept holding on to my seat and reading, hoping that the story didn't end bad like some books do.  I can't tell you if it did but I can say that you should read the book.  The story's about a family who moves to Missouri to get away from the eastern states that were starting to become crowded.  Many people moved west to the great unknown in the 19th century and met hardships in the wilderness, just like the Robisons.  It's from Nathan's point of view, as a teen in the untamed land, that you get to see the story.  The main conflict is when his father goes to buy the land their family wants and never returns.  Why didn't he come back is the question Nathan sets out to answer.  Find out what happens by reading Trails to Poosey.

(This book was part of my Sonlight U.S. History curriculum and I recommend it to other home school families.)

Sequoyah and the Cherokee Alphabet by Robert Cwiklik

129 Pages: A early 19th century Indian Biography

A very interesting story even though it was a little boring.   Their were some very sad and descriptive parts but they were just part of the Cherokee way of life and life in general.  The story's about an Indian boy who grew up to create the first Indian alphabet and his journey to get there.  Sequoyah wants to be a warrior but becomes crippled and has bad blood from his white father who was a dishonest trader.  Can he still accomplish his goals even though everyone, including his wife, is against him.  Find out if he perseveres by reading this historical book about a real person in the 19th century.

(This book was part of my Sonlight U.S. History curriculum and I recommend it to other home school families.)

A Gathering of Days by Joan W. Blos

144 Pages: Journal of New England Girl

This story is set in the 1830s in New Hampshire of the young American nation.  Catherine's life has been tough and fraught with hardships including her mother dying.  In this book she has to reconcile her father's remarriage and the death of another person close to her.  There's also one really cool adventure of sorts she gets herself into.  It was a very touching and melancholy story about the rough life of the farmers and pioneers of the 19th century.  Get ready because her story may touch your heart.  It's perfect for young readers interested in the pioneer life.

(This book was part of my Sonlight U.S. History curriculum and I recommend it to other home school families.)

Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O'Dell

163 Pages: Sacagawea's Story

This story of an Indian Princess is well known to many but not the details.  Not even I knew that Sacagawea had a disturbing love story within the great westward expedition.  The story starts off with her capture by the Minnetarees when they attack her tribe, the Shoshones, which ends up leading her to join Lewis and Clark's expedition.  With trials around every corner, this Princess is forced to be strong and courageous against the odds and still be a mother to her young baby.  Though some parts are sad or brutal, you can learn from these mistakes of others.  All in all, this was an exciting book that piqued my interest and I gladly recommend it to other young readers.

(This book was part of my Sonlight U.S. History curriculum and I recommend it to other home school families.)

Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare

274 Pages: A French and Indian War Prisoner

The high strung and talented Miriam Willard's journey, from our past, was the interesting story of an indian captive.  This story tells of the hardships captives must go through as they are brought through the wilderness and sold in Montreal, Canada to the french.  Miriam goes through much on her journey and matures as a result of it.  Figuring out who she wants to have as her husband was an accomplishment of hers and you may be surprised who she ends up choosing.  This book was a very colorful and captivating story of a girl's struggle to survive.  It kept me reading it till the end and is great for young readers interested in suspense, indian prisoners, and history.

(This book was part of my Sonlight U.S. History curriculum and I recommend it to other home school families.)