Merlin's Blade

by Robert Treskillard
Thomas Nelson Publishers

Merlin's Greatest Weakness Could Become His Greatest Strength 

When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow---a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uthur's kingdom, as well as the new Christian faith. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith's son named Merlin. 

As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger, Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil ... without losing his life? 

Book includes location map and detailed character index.

My Review:

For me, book covers are not a heavy influence on whether I pick up a book or not. If a cover is awesome, I will want to read it, but if a cover scares the living lights out of me, I tend to avoid it, if possible. This novel has such a cover. My first thought was "what in the world am I looking at?" I took it for an animal of some sort, and I almost skipped the novel. Bring geared towards the younger reading set, I didn't know if I would enjoy and appreciate the story. While I enjoyed it after all, I there were a few things worth mentioning... 

While there are a lot of exciting things going on in the story, I don't know that I would recommend it to the younger readers it was meant for. There is an enchanted demonic stone that makes trouble for everyone, and while God is thrown in there for good measure (called Jesu in the book) it really seems that evil is stronger than good. There are more books coming in the series, so I'm not overly worried that such will ultimately be the case. But it was depressing to see the constant prayer and no results. 

This story is filled with demonic worship, friendship, faith, betrayal, spiritual vision, loyalty, and forgiveness. A lot of things are covered in this novel that make you think twice about the traditional legend we all know a little bit about, and Treskillard brings new life into a story that has been retold countless times. Overall, it was an thrilling read, but if your children have nightmares and rather tender hearted, give it a few years before you hand them this book. Some graphic scenes were included, so definitely hold off if you've got squeamish ones. 

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Peril

by Jordyn Redwood
Kregel Publications

Dr. Thomas Reeves is at the pinnacle of his career. The Department of Defense has awarded him a lucrative contract for his new research into superior autobiographical memory, which promises the ability to create combat troops able to quickly learn complex battle plans and enact them perfectly under the most demanding battlefield scenarios.

An elite unit has received neural grafts from fetal cadavers of genetically altered brain cells with enhanced NMDA receptors. The results are remarkable . . . until the recipients begin suffering hallucinations, nightmares, paralysis, . . . and death. Dr. Reeves searches for answers, but DOD insiders want him to stop the search.

The situation becomes public when pediatric ICU nurse Morgan Adams, Dr. Reeves’s daughter, is taken hostage by three research subjects in an attempt to force Dr. Reeves into disclosing why they are sick. If answers aren't revealed within twenty-four hours, patients in the pediatric ICU will be killed.

This spine-tingling conclusion to the Bloodline Trilogy raises spiritual and ethical dilemmas torn directly out of today’s headlines. When does life begin? How far does commitment to family go? And can the sins of the father ever be forgiven?

My Review:

The medical authenticity in this novel was amazing! It is obvious that Redwood knows what she's talking about when it comes to her portrayal of the medical scenes and drama, and Peril is brilliantly written. It is not for the faint of heart, because if you're not willing to loose an entire night's sleep, wait till you have time to read it! I went 24 hours with no sleep because I stayed up to read this unforgettable and extraordinary story. I work in retail, and I must say, my coworkers were very patient with me in the aftermath! I was in no rush to read the book, but I was hooked from the very first page. 

Redwood weaves a story with characters I could relate to, a story line I could follow, despite not knowing a lot of advanced medical terms, and a setting that was fascinating the entire way through. The multiple story lines kept me turning pages frantically, involving me with everyone in the story. I was sad when it ended, but I know Redwood will continue to astound us with her talent and excellent writing in the future.     

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Emma of Aurora

by Jane Kirpatrick
WaterBrook Press

A Clearing in the Wild

When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850's Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.

A Tendering in the Storm

Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.

A Mending at the Edge

As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.

My Review:

The biggest appeal of this novel trilogy was that it was based on a real person. I already love Kirkpatrick's writing, but this trilogy was everything I expected - and more. I did notice that none of the books in the trilogy moved quickly, because Kirkpatrick  focused on Emma's thoughts, and Emma's feelings while trying to follow God's leading in her life and being a good wife. I typically don't care for stories that move along slowly, but when it comes to true stories, I will plow through the slow parts.

The characters and plots were well developed, and the story reads very accurately for the time period. I felt the writing was more on Emma's life as a whole, not specifically a romance or love story. The religious community in the wild Oregon territory had my attention with the constant struggles and difficulties they continually faced. I would say it leaned more towards a cult than than what a good church should be like, but I leave that to each reader's interpretation. I recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that is based on a true story.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

http://www.jkbooks.com

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226774

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/files/2013/07/SneakPeek_EmmaofAurora.pdf

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=15809

Snow On The Tulips

by Liz Tolsma
Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands, despite the fact that the war is almost over. Cornelia is a shadow her former self, and has come forth from the ashes a widow. Desperate to protect her brother, Johan, she is aghast when he brings home a Dutch Resistance member. Furious with her brother yet frightened by the implication of hiding Gerrit in her home; her faith  gives her no choice but to harbor the wounded fugitive.

As Gerrit recovers in Cornelia's home, she can't help admiring him for his passion and what he stands for. She wants to be more like him; bold and unafraid to proclaim the truth. She wishes she had the courage to stand up for what is right, no matter what the consequences. So when opportunity to become part of the Resistance with Gerrit becomes a reality, will she have the courage to become the person she's always wanted to be? Will she ever get to live free and unafraid of the price it will cost?

This novel opened up a whole new side of World War I to me. I saw things in a new light, from a fresh perspective, all masterfully done by Tolsma. While most of us may never experience the political struggle and danger that the characters in the story did, we all fear something - whether we admit it or not. Tolsma carefully takes her story and weaves a tale that will work its way into your sub-conscience and will become part of the way you will forever view this war of the past. The romance between Gerritt and Cornelia will make you ache for all the people that are separated because of circumstances, other people, or fate itself.

This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase your copy here: http://ow.ly/q92YR

Connect with Liz through her website: www.liztolsma.com

Our God Comes

Antioch Live Worship CD, “Our God Comes” Debuts at #2 on iTunes Waco, TX- Antioch Live, the worship band for Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, has signed with the new record label Clear Day Worship. As the music arm of Clear Day Media Group based in Waco, Texas, Clear Day Worship and Antioch Live debuted the new album OUR GOD COMES at the World Mandate Conference September 20 and the CD hit #2 on iTunes. “World Mandate 2013 was the perfect venue for launching this new CD. Everyday people were united by a passion for Jesus with a desire to worship God and change the world. That is what we are about,” states Clear Day Media Group president, David Seibert. “OUR GOD COMES is a passionate and thrilling worship release captured at Antioch Community Church in Waco, TX. We look forward to seeing how God uses this worship music to bless the Church.” continues Seibert.  Antioch is home to a worldwide church planting and worship movement, ministering to the needs of thousands internationally. Antioch Community Church currently has 30 church plants in the United States and another 40 in other parts of the world with more than 30,000 people involved with the movement. Antioch Live's “Forever Sound” CD released last year was #3 on iTunes. The worship music and lyrics on OUR GOD COMES expresses the heart cry, prayers and joy of the worship team, songwriters and musicians from Antioch, led by James Mark Gulley. From the opening strains of audience approval, joyous praise and worship floods the listeners’ ears and ageless unchanging truths find a new sound for today! The savvy musical arrangements and gifted song writing flow from “Come” to “Our God Comes”, and the glorious experience is documented from the choruses of “Wonderful Counselor”, “How Much More” and “Savior Forever”. Clear Day Media Groupcreates products to help people see God clearly and impact the world through Christ-centered content. The 72-minute, live recording was produced by James Mark Gulley and assistant Owen Wible, recorded by Randy Adams and mastered at Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, CA by Stephen Marcussen. Featuring songwriters James Mark Gulley, Stephen Gulley, Brandon Seibert, Thomas Wilson and Johanna Six, OUR GOD COMES also features worship leaders James Mark Gulley, Stephen Gulley, Johanna Six and Clare Berlinsky.

The full track listing for OUR GOD COMES is as follows:

1. Come
2. God And King
3. Wonderful Counselor
4. God Who Saves
5. How Much More
6. I Will Raise
7. …Response
8. Light Me Up
9. Awaken Us
10. One Hundred Three
11. …Return
12. Savior Forever
13. …Selah
14. Our God Comes

My Review:

Let me start by saying that the music on this CD was great. Good rhythms, solid worship songs. But I had a little bit of trouble getting past the audio issues with this recording. Normally, I just crank up the volume - no problem. But the sounds quality was bad enough that it was difficult to get into and enjoy. It is a Live CD, so I can't take stars away from my rating because of that. 

That being said, the songs would be wonderful for the younger set, (teenagers, young adults) or for contemporary congregations. The songs were engaging and catchy, easy to follow and sing along with. It's something the whole church can sing along with and enjoy. 

I would definitely like to to see some sheet music to these songs, as I know my church would enjoy using these songs as part of our worship on Sunday nights. 

This CD was provided by B&B Media for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Beloved

by Robin Lee Hatcher
Thomas Nelson Publishers

Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for seven years, Diana's infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom. He agrees with one condition----she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

My Review:

I have not read the first two books in the series, but this novel was easy to get into, and effortless to get lost in. The premise is funny to start with: Diana thinks her husband is dead (after seven years, what is she supposed to think?!) and when Tyson shows up, it throws a wrench in her well-laid plans. Diana was definitely my favorite character, and while Tyson is fun, he really irritated me at times. But that can be any man - real or literary! 

Other than the fact I wasn't crazy about Tyson, I really enjoyed that Hatcher doesn't get overly long-winded with the supporting characters. Sometimes having a story within a story is nice, but more often than not, I find myself preferring characters that support the hero/heroine instead of having their own story, their own drama, etc. In this case, since it is a wrap up of a trilogy, I was happy that it was to the point and fast paced. I'm sure I would have benefited from reading the first two in the series - but it's in the works! Happy reading to any soul that cracks this one open. 

This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase your copy here: http://ow.ly/qb0G2

Connect with Robin through her website: http://www.robinleehatcher.com

Plain Peace

by Beth Wiseman
Thomas Nelson Publishers

Anna loves the grandfather who raised her, but his strict adherence to the Ordnung is scaring away any boy who might be interested in her—except newcomer Jacob.

In normal circumstances Anna Byler would have her choice of any of the young men in her Amish community. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather, the bishop, the available suitors are afraid to court her. Then handsome Jacob Hostetler moves to Paradise and decides Anna is worth the challenge.

Anna sees that the bishop’s legalism is dividing the community and risking the lives of its members—but her grandfather doesn't. When she is forced to deception in order to pursue her dream of marriage and family with Jacob, Anna feels her own faith slipping. If only she could get her grandmother to help her stand up to the bishop. But Mammi is keeping secrets of her own.

Anna wants to honor her grandparents, the two most important people in her life, but her heart is divided by the rules that guide their little Amish community and the growing love she has for Jacob. How can she be true to both? 

My Review:

Legalism in the church setting I am all - too familiar with, so I have a whole lot of an opinion with this novel! Anna's desire to please and honor her grandparents, while being forced to be deceptive in order to pursue romantic possibilities, is also a theme I have personal experience with, so naturally, I loved this book. 

That being said, Wiseman creates a story full of likable, believable characters; complete with situations that are true to life (I've been there, done that!) and weaved a story of love, forgiveness, hope, despair, acceptance, rejection and second chances. It's a fine line that's drawn when a family forbids a relationship, yet the individual feels it's the right one. It doesn't always work out in the end, but it is a tough call to make when you love your family yet want that other person more than life itself. Anna faces this scenario among many other mini-conflicts, and Wiseman drew me to the story from the very first page. A triumphant novel for the world of Christian Amish Fiction, and recommended for any lover of reading. 

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

The Disappearances

by Linda Byler
Good Books Publishers

Healing and courage reappear in unexpected times and places in this concluding volume of the "Sadie's Montana" series by Amish author, Linda Byler.

Sadie may be married now, but she's as spirited as ever, and her life is no less tame. In fact, soon after she and Mark are settled into the farmhouse which Mark is renovating, she's visited by three FBI agents who question her about the two children who mysteriously appeared one day at the ranch. Before the agents leave, they warn Sadie that her beloved horse, Paris, is highly valuable, and that she and Mark may be in grave danger because of Paris.      

This news, on top of Mark's unexpected black moods, leaves Sadie sometimes wishing she could go home, "lay her head on Mam's shoulder, and ask why she hadn't warned her." But when Sadie is kidnapped at gunpoint by two men in ski masks, her stubborn strength is tested beyond her imagining. Mark disappears emotionally without warning. Now Sadie has disappeared, leaving Mark and her family wracked with worry. And Anna, Sadie's youngest sister, desperate for Neil Hershberger's attention, refuses to eat, plagued by an eating disorder as she fades away. And yet, Mark's younger brother Timothy appears, bringing unexpected life and hope to the family. 

My Review:

Being married clearly didn't settle Sadie down at all - on the contrary, she just has all the more drama in her life. Her initial reluctance with Mark in the last book was for a good reason, but she married him anyways, dark passenger and all. She is now paying for it as he withdraws from her emotionally, but she endures the consequences of her actions with grace. I am still not sure Mark was the best choice for her, but you cannot help who you love.

The story progresses wonderfully, with all the loose ends in the last two books addressed. There was a solid ending, and great writing by Byler, as always, throughout. Between the vague notion that they weren't safe because of their horse, then Sadie's disappearance, an epic conclusion to the series quickly comes to an end. There was so much going on in this book with Mark and Sadie; then Neil and Anna that there no lagging or slow parts! I enjoyed this series very much, and look forward to seeing what else Byler puts out in the future!

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Keeping Secrets

by Linda Byler
Good Books

There's horse trouble in Montana again in this second installment in Amish author, Linda Byler's, series, "Sadie's Montana." Someone is shooting horses and Sadie is determined to find out who it is. That is until she begins to suspect that Mark, her boyfriend, may be involved. Will Sadie discover the truth? Will it be too hard to bear?

Only this time, horses aren't being stolen, they're being shot. Snipers are driving a blue pickup and shooting selectively. No hard-working ranch horse or Amish horse and buggy is safe. Still, Sadie rides, despite daily warnings from Dorothy down in the kitchen of Aspen East Ranch. But Sadie's getting used to ignoring Dorothy's advice. Sadie's heart is set on Mark even though Dorothy tells her to steer clear after he ditches her in the middle of their first date. 

Then Daniel appears—a visitor from Lancaster County. With cornflower-blue eyes and a strong, square jaw, he is everything that Mark is not. He's funny, well-mannered, and completely dedicated to his family. Mark, on the other hand, finds it hard to tell Sadie the secrets of his past. He tells her pieces of the shadowy story, then won't speak to her for weeks. Sadie's troubles continue at home when she discovers that her youngest sister, Anna, is struggling with bulimia. As Sadie's world spins out of control, her palomino, Paris, remains her sole confidant. But does Sadie put Paris in danger every time they go riding? Or, together, can they discover who these mysterious snipers are? Will Mark help her? Or is he one of the horse-hunters? Why, Sadie wonders desperately, are there so many secrets? Will the truth surface, or is it too hard to bear?

My Review:

This novel had a twist that I didn't expect from this genre; it was an Amish mystery/western! Horses are being shot (like really, how many books have that sort of thing going on?) and our heroine Sadie, is on the case. No horse is safe - Amish or otherwise. Despite warnings from her friends, Sadie stubbornly keeps riding every day, and doesn't care that it could cost her everything.

My interpretation of Sadie's character is a young woman who listens to advice, and still does whatever she wants. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but when it comes to life or death - Sadie is as stubborn as they come! Every chapter of the book breathed excitement, adventure, and action. Byler kept my attention with her authentic interpretation of Amish life, ranch life, and bringing the characters to life with her overall portrayal and depiction of the story.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

To Know You

by Shannon Ethridge & Kathryn Mackel
Thomas Nelson Publishers

Julia Whittaker’s rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption as infants. Now she must find them to try to save her son.

Julia and Matt Whittaker’s son has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds—and his liver—crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a “living liver” transplant, but the transplant list is long and Dillon’s time is short. His two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer his only hope for survival.

But can Julia ask a young woman—someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spoken with—to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she’s never known? Can she muster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, face her choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing?

And what if she discovers in her own daughters’ lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself? Julia knows she’s probably embarking on a fool’s errand—searching for the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs something from them. But love compels Julia to take this journey. Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters to join her?

In To Know You, Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel explore how the past creates the present . . . and how even the most shattered lives can be redeemed.

My Review:

As an unwed mother with two daughters from different fathers, Julia wants to give them a better life. When Julia signed the dotted line, she slammed the door on ever knowing what would happen to them. Content to know they were living a better life without her, Julia goes on with hers. 

But when a need for a liver transplant arise, the things of Julia's past refuse to remain there. The only hope for her thirteen year old son with current husband Matt Whittaker, is to find the girls she gave up so long ago and see if either of them are a match. 

What Julia finds herself confronted with blows her away. If life is measured by our actions, she is putting everything on the line to save her son. Desperate to redeem herself in the eyes of the daughters that she didn't make the effort to save - Is it ever too late for redemption?  

This book was original, refreshing, and thought provoking. The way the book told the girls' stories in addition to Julia's made me feel that there were stories within the story, and I really enjoyed that. In this novel, the character I admired the most was Matt. He was so supportive of Julia's journey through her past, and he was the cornerstone of the story in the role that he played. Without Matt's encouragement, trust and reassurance, Julia would never have had the courage to do what was right and seek to repair the mistakes of her past. 

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase your copy here: http://ow.ly/qbiOA

Connect with Shannon through her website: http://www.shannonethridge.com

Connect with Kathryn through her website: http://www.kathrynmackel.com

Love Still Stands

by Kelly Irvin
Harvest House Publishers

Readers of Kelly Irvin's Bliss Creek Amish novels will be overjoyed to discover her new series for lovers of Amish fiction: The New Hope Amish. In the first installment, Love Still Stands, a group of dedicated families leaves Bliss Creek to establish a new community in Missouri. Among them is Bethel Graber, a beautiful young woman with a passion for teaching. But after being disabled in a terrible accident, overseeing a classroom is out of the question...and romance seems a long-lost dream.

Bethel begins physical therapy, determined to make a fresh start. But that won't be easy in the town of New Hope, where the locals seem anything but eager to welcome their new Amish neighbors. Amid growing intimidation from the community, Bethel must find the strength to face her many challenges and the faith to believe that God still has a plan--and a love--for her life. 

My Review:

While this book was not a feel-good, fuzzy/happily ever after type of Amish read, the characters and story are real to life. Not everything has a happy ending, and not everyone finds a pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow. (Realistically, none of us do.) I have not read Irvin's first series, but based on my research, this is a continuation of the stories told in that set. 

Bethel and Elijah are quite likable, and I felt so bad for Bethel as she tries to adjust to her new life. Luke and Leah had some serious issues going on in their lives as well, and it was with Luke I sympathized the most. He tried so hard to understand Leah and be there for her. Leah deals with depression and other problems, and throughout the book, life never stops for any of them. Overall, the best part of the book for me was that it was a new Amish settlement in the Midwest, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Looking forward to more!

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Gunpowder Tea

by Margaret Brownley
Thomas Nelson Publishers

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life. 

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom - an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch. 

But she isn't the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.  

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn't removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets - and no one on the ranch is safe. 

But neither are their hearts - the longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers - and their lives - depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

My Review:

This novel was a light, fun story. The interaction between "Branch" and "Annie" were fun to read, especially since they can't decide whether they are flirting or working their case! I found it amusing that Miranda was so drawn to Jeremy even though she was trying to consider him a suspect on her list. The title finally made sense when I read through their constant back and forth banter, and I found the dynamics of their quickly growing fondness of each other endearing. 

While I read the book completely out of context with the series, I did find myself confused a little bit by the details contained herein. I felt at times that I was missing something that may have been covered better in the two previous novels. When I read a trilogy from start to finish, I often find the repetitive details annoying. But when I read a trilogy our of context and those extra details are not there to help me out, I feel lost. Either way, the book was well written, with characters I can relate to despite the historical time period. Brownley does a good job connecting the reader with the story, and I was very pleased with the cop style humor that drew me in the beginning.  

This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Purchase your copy here: http://ow.ly/pS1iy

Connect with Margaret through her website: http://margaretbrownley.com

If The Shoe Fits

by Sandra Bricker
Moody Press Publishers

Julianne used to believe in fairy tales; she's been watching for Prince Charming to come charging in on his white steed ever since the day her mother read her Cinderella for the first time. But she's never come close to finding the perfect man-instead she's always tripping over her childhood best friend, Will. And who finds their Prince Charming on a 10-speed bicycle on the other side of the cul de sac? Well... Julianne does. Only she doesn't have a clue.

She and Will are attorneys now, and they've joined up in private practice in a beautiful Cincinnati office building that overlooks the Ohio River. And then one day Julianne is on her way to court, and runs right smack dab into Prince Charming. But when she looks again, all she finds is a metaphoric sign she is certain came straight from Heaven: The Prince's toolbox has fallen off the back of his truck, and a work boot along with it. What better way for God to grab the attention of a Cinderella-in-training than to show her a glass slipper...errrr, work boot?...waiting to be reunited with its owner?

So she sets out to track down the mysterious Prince Charming. He's the most gorgeous guy she's ever seen...and a caring animal rescuer, too. Surely he must be the soul mate God has prepared her for.

But, Julianne's prince is starting to look less and less charming all the time. No matter how she tries to romanticize him, he just keeps tumbling down off that dumb pedestal. And with the Bar Association dinner coming up that will honor her for her outstanding charity work over the year, Julianne wants so much for her friends and colleagues to see her with someone besides her best friend Will. To make matters worse, Prince Charming has no designs on wearing a penguin suit and attending a stuffy old dinner. With her pride pressing in on her like sticks from a cactus, Julianne sinks to the bottom of the proverbial barrel and actually offers to pay Paul to be her date.

Julianne is on a collision course with God's perfect plan for her life...if only she could open her eyes and see it before it's too late.

My Review:

I am going to start by saying that Julianne drove me crazy!!! For an attorney, she has got to be the most educated yet dumbest character I have ever met in the literary world!! If that was Bricker's intention to portray her "princess" in such a way, she did a really good job. I was hoping for more from her character; more depth, emotion, and satisfaction at reading her story. But Julianne was downright half-witted and simpleminded, and left me wondering how she defended clients on the stand. I'd be scared if she was my lawyer.

I found Prince Charming was anything but. Will was also quite the exasperating character, unwilling to admit he was in love with Julianne, and falling for every girl that looked like her. After 20 years, the poor man is still dragging his feet and unable to think outside the box that is the building of their shared law firm. Maybe he'll come around, and then again, maybe not. If you are up for the kind of fairy tale that leaves you screaming at the absolute dumbness of the characters, this book is for you. I enjoyed it, and it was a light read with some pretty funny scenes. 

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

A Marriage Carol

by Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman
Moody Publishers

On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm. This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, and divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they're traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer's office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Jacob is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs-and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?

My Review:

My only complaint about this novel is that it's too short!! It was such a good little book that I hated how it ended so soon. This was a beautiful picture of how marriage can become stagnant, and what it takes to restore it to it's former glory. This story is proof that it is never too late for love, and that it is never too late to change your future. 

Marlee and Jacob are two people I wish were real, that I could talk to and go to for advice. They took something that was broken and looked to God to help them through the hard times. They came out victors for it, and the Lord blessed their efforts. I do wish there would have been a few more pages so we could have gotten Jacob's perspective on what was happening, but the writers did a good job of giving Marlee a voice. A sweet little Christmas novel that will encourage you and aspire you to better all your relationships. 

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for a honest review. 

Fifteen Minutes

by Karen Kingsbury
Howard Books

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes a dramatic story about fame, true love, and the cost of having it all. 

Zack Dylan made a promise to God and his college sweetheart as he left his family’s horse farm in Kentucky to compete on the popular reality television show Fifteen Minutes: If he makes it, the fame won’t change him. 

Overnight, Zack is the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer with the looks and voice of a young Elvis. As his star rises, Zack is asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs, and also something more. Something Zack could never have imagined. Just as America is falling in love with Zack, just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. 

At the same time, Reese Weatherly, a therapeutic horse instructor, is no longer sure about her relationship with Zack, or the wedding they had dreamed about. While Zack advances from one round of the competition to the next, an offer comes to Reese—one that will take her to a home halfway around the world. 

Then Chandra Olson—reigning diva pop star and one of the Fifteen Minutes judges—intervenes. Chandra has suffered so much public pain and private agony since her days as a Fifteen Minutes contestant. Now she wants just one thing: meaning. 

Can Chandra’s private losses help Zack find his way, or will his fifteen minutes of fame cause him to lose the life he once loved? Fifteen Minutes is a story of character, compromise, and the cost of having it all. A story that raises the question: Who are the real winners?

My Review:

I would rather be a nobody loved by somebody, than a somebody that nobody loves. Fame comes at a price, and the price of admission may be higher than you're willing to pay. Zack discovers that having it all doesn't mean happiness, and that the dreams in life mean nothing when you no longer have anyone to share it with. Zack is driven to win, but when the pressure mounts, can he stay strong against all the temptations the world has to offer?

Something that struck me about this novel, is that Kingsbury manages to write a story about a hometown boy turned famous that pulled at my heartstrings. She made me see Zack's side of the tale; his struggles, his triumphs, his sorrows and his victories. Every chapter brought me closer an closer to the climax, and I stayed up all night anticipating the final throes of the death of either the old Zack or the new. A must read that demands to be noticed, Kingsbury gives us the picture of the price of fame, and the cost of standing up and for what is right.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. 

View the book trailer here: http://youtu.be/7WwZUfXNU84