The Amish Seamstress

by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould
Harvest House Publishers

Bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould provide an unexpected surprise in The Amish Seamstress, Book 4 in the Women of Lancaster County series, which tells the stories of young Amish women as they explore their roots, connect with family, and discover true love.

Izzy Mueller is an exceptional listener and gifted caregiver. She's also a talented seamstress. As the young woman sits with her elderly patients, she quietly sews as they share their stories. She's content with her life until circumstances reconnect her with someone she once loved. Zed Bayer, a Mennonite, is not what her family is hoping for in a spouse, and his creative interest in film making is definitely at odds with her Amish upbringing.

As Izzy is swept up again in Zed and renews her friendship with his sister, Ella, she begins to ask questions about her own life--her creative longings and historical interests, her relationships and desire for romance, and most importantly, her faith. What is the path God has for her? Can she learn from the past of both her family's and Zed's--or must she forge a completely different future of her own?

My Review:

This was quite the sweet story. Izzy is the girl next door type that you can't help but fall for, and Zed is the man she can never have. Forbidden romances tend to be the stuff of Amish fiction, and I can honestly say that I actually enjoy that particular element about the genre. Something forbidden in general appeals to everyone, but it is definitely prevalent in stories about the Amish.

The authors easily bridge the distance between Zed and Izzy. Amish versus Mennonite certainly puts them in a quandary when it comes to romance, but it is always interesting to see which way the tides will turn. There was lot's of genealogical details and history that made this novel what it is, and I have to say that was my favorite part of the story. A wonderful conclusion to the series, An Amish Seamstress captures the voice of The Women of Lancaster County, brings their story to a close, and leaves you touched by all you have read. 

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

The Quilted Heart

by Mona Hodgson
WaterBrook Press

Like a beautiful patchwork quilt, the three novellas in The Quilted Heart tell stories of lives stitched together with love and God’s unending grace. 

Once a week, Elsa Brantenberg hosts the Saint Charles Quilting Circle at her farmhouse on the outskirts of the riverside town of St. Charles, Missouri. The ladies who gather there have all experienced heartache related to the intense hardships of the Civil War, and together, they are facing their painful circumstances with friendship and prayer. Can the tattered pieces of their hearts be stitched together by God’s grace? 

Dandelions on the Wind

When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren, and she feels compelled to find another job. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan? 

Bending Toward the Sun

Dedicated to her education and to helping her father in his general store, Emilie Heinrich is convinced she doesn't have time for love. But when a childhood friend returns to St. Charles, Missouri, after serving in the Civil War, his smile and charm captures Emilie’s eye and her heart. Will she be forced to choose between honoring her father and a future with a husband and family of her own? 

Ripples Along the Shore

Change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone's Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed Caroline’s husband. Despite her dislike for him, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new, but when Mr. Cowlishaw forbids her—a single woman—to travel with them, will one man’s prejudice destroy Caroline’s hope for a new future? Or will the ripples of God’s love bring the answer she needs?

My Review:

All three stories tied in very well together, while keeping the story moving along at a good pace. I felt as if I was in Saint Charles, Missouri, as Hodgson did an excellent job in conveying her settings. Capturing the essence of the past can be quite the feat, and she did a stellar job of not only conveying her character's emotions, but also drawing me in as the reader no matter what was going on in the book. 

The spiritual lessons in this book is not the only reason I love these stories, but makes it a book I will recommend to fans of Christian fiction, quilters, and history buffs alike! Hodgson is not shy with making God the center of the story, and clearly portrays her characters as people who need His guidance. Her stories are thoughtful, attentive to historic details, and just a wonderful read overall. This omnibus is a sweet collection of incredible stories that are not to be missed! 

This book was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Mona!

No One To Trust

by Lynette Eason
Revell Publishers

Summer believes she knows her husband, until she wakes up one morning and finds him missing. There are men on the hunt for Kyle, and she has no answers for their queries. Her biggest question is who he is - the loving husband who is a computer programmer, or this man they seek? 

The answers she finds are worse than thinking her husband is a liar. Organized crime is the norm in his world, where human life is is discarded without a second thought. Who is this man she believes to be the one her heart loves? Is his love enough for her to trust that whoever he is - and that there is a good explanation? Shattered by the lies of the past and Kyle's subterfuge, Summer has no choice to hold on to hope until the truth is told.

I loved the pace of this novel, fast and head-spinning. The only negative point for me was how long Summer whined and had trouble accepting her husband's past. I know it can be hard to trust when trust is broken, but this girl really took it to the extreme for the longest. Other than that, the characters were exciting, intriguing in their pasts, and constantly finding themselves in trouble of some sort. The heart-stopping action never stops, and it's a wild ride until the very end. Very good for intrigue, suspense, and mystery fans. 

The Dancing Master

by Julie Klassen
Bethany Publishers

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

My Review:

Regency England is my second favorite time period in history to read about. Klassen's novel is a masterpiece that literally took me back in time and transported me right into the story. The characters in this book are second only to Jane Austen. Big as life, and so true to the time period, the people contained within these pages became alive, breathing remnants of the past. Klassen weaves each one to life; carefully crafting them one by one, piece by piece, layer by layer, and created this masterpiece. 

What got me about this novel was the Austen "feel". It was unique with Klassen's mysteries elements and in-depth character sketches, yet had a very classic vibe. I felt as if I was reading a book from someone who lived in that time period and was writing from a first-hand perspective. An amazing novel that I can't say enough about, it's a recommended read for any Austen and Klassen fans.  

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

The Painted Table

by Suzanne Field
Thomas Nelson Publishers

The Norwegian table, a century-old heirloom ingrained with family memory, has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget—a childhood disrupted by her mother’s mental illness.

Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother’s obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint and heavy with unsettling memories.

After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. She must confront her mother’s torment if she wants to defend herself against it.

Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is a beautiful portrait of inherited memory. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact—like a family member—can bear the marks of one’s past . . . as well as intimations of one’s redemption.

My Review:

Having personal experience on the topic, Field brings a beautiful story to the table. Traveling through the past, present, and hope of the future, makes for a wonderful premise for this story. Add a family touched by the ravages of mental illness, and it becomes the reason why everyone you know should read this novel. A powerfully touching, deeply emotional and unforgettable drama that will stay with you.

What caught my attention about this story was the stark honesty of the writing despite the pain. Reading about Joann's decent into madness, April and Saffee fighting to keep their sanity - if there were Oscars for books, this one would make the cut. A wonderful story that will continually haunts my thoughts, and gave me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to rely on the One who is always there for us.

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/rIosh

Connect with Suzanne through her website: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneFieldThePaintedTable

Walk With Me

by Annie Wald
River North Fiction

Peter and Celeste choose to travel as one on the lifelong journey to the King's City. They are blissfully in love and bound to each other by the Cords of Commitment. Shortly after visiting the Moon of Honey they discover that the journey proves much more difficult than they expected. When they find themselves laboring through the Swamp of Selfishness, crossing the dismal Plains of Distance, and nearly becoming separated by the River of Unfaithfulness, their love for each other and for the King is challenged. They must choose whether to continue on together, not knowing if they can be warmed again by the Kindling of Affection, or visit the Valley of Cut Cords to journey alone once more.

Inspired by the timeless classic Pilgrim's Progress, Annie Wald's Walk with Me exposes the journey of marriage as the epic passage that it is and the refining process it can become. 

My Review:

A modern twist on an old classic, Walk With Me is Pilgrim's Progress re-imagined for couples. While I am not a fan of old favorites being changed, Wald paints a completely different story that only serves to add to Bunyan's work. An allegory, the writing doesn't flow like a normal novel would. Peter and Celeste are a couple that have every good intention in the world - but good intentions and reality are never the same thing.

For me, what makes the book so fascinating and  enchanting, is how Wald makes the connection between marriage and the Christian life. It is creative, imaginative, and filled with timeless truths. Marriage is a journey, not a destination. We can't "arrive" and proclaim ourselves accomplished. The language of this novel reads easily despite the style, and I highly recommend it to anyone; married or not. Very insightful and a resource that goes a long way in understanding marriage. 

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

Shades of Mercy

by Anita Lustrea & Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira
River North Publishers

It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine - is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is, as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.

When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.

My Review:

A sore subject even in the best of times, racial tensions run rife in this book. And while we think we as a society are way past this sort of behavior, Lustrea and Rivadeneira portrayed the racial prejudice towards Indians in the 1950's very well. I did feel that the story was very slow paced, but ultimately it makes food for thought in a different sort of way then we're used to getting in a Christian novel. It's a very traditional story, and I ended up enjoying the details of life on the farm, Mercy on the verge of womanhood, and many other little details. 

And of course, we must talk about the romance. Forbidden love, no matter how taboo, will always inspire readers to cheer the couple onward. In this case, we have advanced enough as a country to know that keeping two lovers apart because of race and or culture is just plain wrong. But back then, some things just weren't done, and Mercy and Mick's romance was one of those "off limits" things that no one wanted to see happen. While a little slower than I would have liked, I would definitely recommend it to the younger crowd for a reality check, as well as anyone who enjoys a story that portrays the true meaning of love. 

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

Carolina Gold

by Dorothy Love
Thomas Nelson Publishers

The war is over, but at Fairhaven Plantation, Charlotte's struggle has just begun.

Following her father’s death, Charlotte Fraser returns to Fairhaven, her family’s rice plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry. With no one else to rely upon, smart, independent Charlotte is determined to resume cultivating the superior strain of rice called Carolina Gold.  But the war has left the plantation in ruins, her father’s former bondsmen are free, and workers and equipment are in short supply.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to tutor the two young daughters of her widowed neighbor and heir to Willowood Plantation, Nicholas Betancourt.  Just as her friendship with Nick deepens, he embarks upon a quest to prove his claim to Willowood and sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that uncovers a long-held family secret, and threatens everything she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19th-century woman rice farmer, Carolina Gold pays tribute to the hauntingly beautiful Lowcountry and weaves together mystery, romance, and historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.

My Review:

Charlotte is a remarkable young woman with perseverance that spans the annals of time. Her ability to keep going despite her circumstances is a true example of what the human spirit is capable of. What captured my attention the most about this story was how everyone pulled together to rebuild after the Civil War. and Love. I was blown away with the way the author portrayed the unity and harmony of the Fairhaven Plantation despite such trying times. 

Love relates in perfect detail the time period that this novel is set in. I learned many new facts about rice plantations, the time after the Civil War, and the concept of living near the beach during the summer. I enjoy novels that open up to worlds to me, that teach me about things I've never heard of, and take me places I can never visit. Love does an excellent job of doing all of these things, while also writing a romance as a beautiful backdrop to the story. The author never overwhelms us with the romantic side of things, and that makes this a novel an exemplary piece of fiction that belongs on every historical fiction fan's bookshelf. 

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/s2Q5l

Connect with Dorothy here: www.dorothylovebooks.com

Rest Not in Peace

by Mel Starr
Lion Fiction

Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle. Sir Henry—with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants—has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.

The next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to do with the potion.

The sixth tale following Hugh de Singleton, Rest Not in Peace is sure to find its place among fans of detective and medieval historical fiction.

My Review:

I absolutely love murder mysteries. Especially those set in creepy castles in far away lands that I will never see with my own eyes. But when you throw Starr into the mix, you've got a mystery to die for. (Slight pun intended.) Starr's knowledge of medicine, vocabulary, and medieval history make this novel ring true with authentic turn of phrases and characters that feel realistic to the setting. Even though I have not read the first five novels in this series, I am absolutely going to backtrack and catch up.

So now comes the part where we talk about Hugh. Hugh is a surgeon with a quick, careful hand, and he knows how to take care of his patients. But when it comes to solving the death of Sir Henry, Hugh is ever-cautious about where the clues will take him. He doesn't over-examine the reason why one man would kill another, but tries to find the truth out before it's too late.

The details Starr adds to this drama truly adds to the narrative of the tale. I feel that even the most reticent reader will enjoy this novel thoroughly, and will find themselves just a little wiser for it. 

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

Hurt

by Travis Thrasher
David C. Cook

His Rebellion Will Soon Turn to Hope.

When Chris Buckley first encountered the mysteries of creepy Solitary, North Carolina, he had little idea how far he would fall into the town’s shadows. After losing the love of his life, Chris tried to do things his way. He hunted answers. Then he gave up trying to find them.

But now Chris comes back to Solitary knowing there’s a purpose for his being there. As he watches his place in a twisted and evil bloodline become clear, Chris waits for the last battle—and wonders who will be left when he finally makes his stand.

The fourth and final book in the Solitary Tales shines light into deep darkness as Chris’s journey to Solitary comes to a dramatic close.

My Review:

Turning that final page of Hurt really makes me feel like my life is over. My life in Solitary has come to an end, and never again will I be a first-time spectator. The ending isn't at all what I expected it to be, yet I was pleasantly surprised that there is a hole left by the absence of my daily forage into the town of Solitary. 

At this point, I am pretty well acquainted with Chris and his turmoil, and I was just as anxious to find out where Thrasher was taking me. This amazing author doesn't disappoint. Chris's vision is finally clear, and he understands where he falls into the past and future of Solitary. I've very literally dragged this series out for eight weeks. As a reader who reads at least a book a day, that was a tough thing to do. But I wanted to savor every word, every page, and every new experience. 

I have to admit that for the first time in my life, I've slightly fallen in love with a male literary character. And a man-child no less. I've read about Chris's deepest fears and biggest mistakes, and I am going to miss the quirky fellow. Chris is a guy who tries to do right, and often ends up involved in something he had no intention of being a part of. I am going to miss him, his friends and family, and the town of Solitary. I've never been so emotionally involved in a story as much as I have this one, and for that Thrasher, I thank you. 

And finally, for those of you reading my words, give this series, this genre, and this author a chance. Thrasher will not disappoint you or let you down. His words will inspire you, teach you things you will never forget, and take you places that you will never regret.  

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

Temptation

by Travis Thrasher
David C. Cook

The third book in the Solitary Tales series for young adults, Temptation follows the soul-wrenching twists of Chris Buckley’s journey as he heads deeper into a darkness that threatens all he loves best.

As a reluctant student at Harrington High’s summer school, Chris meets a fun-loving senior girl who offers a welcome diversion from Chris’s past. Soon Chris no longer searches for the truth about the town of Solitary. He no longer tries to pierce its shadows. He no longer questions his role in its mysteries. He makes a new choice: he runs. What he doesn't realize is that he’s running the wrong way—and is very close to being beyond any choices at all.

My Review:

In this stunning third installment to the Solitary Tales Series, Chris's experiences in town are escalating to a breaking point. Solitary is nonchalantly covering up murder, dabbling in the occult, and a multitude of other sins. Chris is numb to the idea that evil lurks within, and rather than continue his search, he just lets it go. So many times in this novel I just wanted to scream at him to dig deeper, to look harder, to not give up.

The answers Chris was searching for have finally found him. Unwillingly, he is drawn to the secrets that have seemed to evade him from the beginning, and he is powerless to keep from being sucked under. Supernatural elements are at play, and Thrasher portrays everything in a completely believable light despite the absolute impossibility of some situations. 

Thrasher continues to amaze and enthrall with his stories, and you will never see the world in the same light again. That dark, foreboding feeling stays with you throughout the book as it has done from the beginning, and no matter who you are, or what your age, everyone can enjoy and take away something from the Solitary Tales.

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

Gravestone

by Travis Thrasher
David C. Cook

His Fear Will Soon Turn to Anger….

At first, Chris Buckley was simply warned. And watched. But as Chris unravels the haunting riddles of the town of Solitary, he finds that much more than the life of a town is at stake.

Whether facing a pastor with a house full of skeletons or a cousin he never knew existed, Chris is forced to choose between light and darkness, life and nightmarish death. Every choice he makes reminds him that the unthinkable has already happened—and if he trusts the wrong person, it may happen again.

This second book in the Solitary Tales continues Chris’s journey toward finding out who he is and what his own role is in the darkness suffocating his tiny new hometown. Filled with shocking twists, Gravestone is a tale of a teenager thrown into a battle over a town, a secret—and ultimately his own soul.

My Review:

I'm not going to lie. Thrasher scares me. He's not just a scary, good writer, but he actually terrifies me with his stories. I am blown away by the level of reality Thrasher brings to his novels with just words, and what depth of terror he invokes with a stroke of his pen. So many questions were left unanswered with the first novel in the series, and though Gravestone answers some of them, we are still left with an eerie sense of disquiet and unrest. 

The atmosphere of this novel was dark, and ominous. So much in fact, that I read during daylight hours only. Thrasher pushes us deeper into the turmoil of Chris's life in Solitary; that dark, frightening, little town where absolutely nothing makes sense, yet feels like a safe haven for many. Chris is still a little whiny, but after all he's been through, I really don't blame him!

The biggest question of all remains, and it is to my credit that I have the rest of the series at my disposal. I am fearful to continue reading, yet the mysteries not yet revealed call to me through me through the pages of modern literature, beckoning me to enter therein and discover all their secrets... 

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

Solitary

by Travis Thrasher
David C. Cook Publishers

His Loneliness Will Soon Turn to Fear….

When Chris Buckley moves to Solitary, North Carolina, he faces the reality of his parents’ divorce, a school full of nameless faces—and Jocelyn Evans. Jocelyn is beautiful and mysterious enough to leave Chris speechless. But the more Jocelyn resists him, the more the two are drawn together.

Chris soon learns that Jocelyn has secrets as deep as the town itself. Secrets more terrifying than the bullies he faces in the locker room or his mother’s unexplained nightmares. He slowly begins to understand the horrific answers. The question is whether he can save Jocelyn in time.

This first book in the Solitary Tales series will take you from the cold halls of high school to the dark rooms of an abandoned cabin—and remind you what it means to believe in what you cannot see.

My Review:

Thrasher, as always, creates a story that you cannot help but fall in love with. He creates a world set apart, a word that cannot be escaped, and a world that will always be a part of you. I can't even begin to describe the feelings that arose from reading this novel; of mystery, madness, evil, darkness, derangement, and a fear that clutches at you just by continuing to read. 

Thrasher always puts out good material. No fluff or minced words, but solid characters, settings that are believable, and a final chapter that will leave you disturbed. I'm not certain that being disturbed is a good way to end a novel, but to Thrasher's credit, he is consistent with all of his work. I can't say I've ever walked away from one of his stories with a clear head mind and clean conscience. He makes me doubt that I am living a Godly life, and convicts me to greater heights. 

Thrasher forces me to think, to re-evaluate all that I know and believe. He examines the human condition at it's very heart, and he is a relentless hunter that always finds his mark. I would highly recommend this novel to young people of all ages, as it has a powerful message that will speak to readers everywhere.  

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

Katie's Forever Promise

by Jerry S. Eicher
Harvest House Publishers

In book 3 of the Emma Raber's Daughter series, Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher brings the faith-filled journey of Katie Raber to its happy conclusion.

Katie Raber is trying to put her life back together after Ben Stoll's devastating betrayal of her love. When she is baptized into the church, she receives a surprising offer that will keep her close to her Amish community--much to her mother's delight.

But soon Ben is back in her life again--and at the same time she finds interest from another young man, though his bumbling efforts at winning her heart show him to be a far less desirable suitor than the more polished Ben Stoll.

Readers who have followed the saga of Katie and her attempts to escape the stigma of being just "Emma Raber's daughter" will be charmed by her new look at life as a young woman with important decisions to make. 

My Review:

Faith is a big part of this novel. I really enjoy that, and I appreciate an author that isn't afraid to do that. In Christian Fiction it's expected, but Eicher made it clear that it was the heartbeat of Katie's life. While the pace of the story was a little slower than the previous two in the series, but it made a very nice wrap up to the story as a whole. 

There were a lot of elements in this story that aren't part of your typical Amish fiction. Jail, abuse, drugs, are the tip of the iceberg of subject matter, and I have to say I was very pleased with this addition to the usual fare. Eicher provides a lot of insight and inspiration for anyone who is a believer, and tucks a road map into his story that is a compass of direction on how true Christians act.

Despite being Amish, Katie is a shining literary character that is a good example for all of us. She looks to the Lord for answers for life's biggest questions, and despite her fallacies as a human being, Eicher writes Katie as a person we can all look up to no matter what our present situations. 

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

Merlin's Shadow

by Robert Treskillard

Blink Publishers

Betrayal. 

After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control, Merlin finds himself to be a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young ruler safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. Relentlessly pursued by his nemesis Vortigern, Merlin and his band make for the fortress of Dintaga. 

But dangers multiply when Merlin realizes that Vortigern is not his only enemy. Even his own sister appears bent on Merlin's destruction. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil.

My Review: 

The single thing that makes this book great is the fantastic attention to detail in laying the groundwork for the novel. Everything, no matter how large or small is brought to life by the Treskillard's wonderful depictions of everything. From the dungeons to the weather conditions, the words jump right off the page and soak into your subconscious as if it was really happening. 

It is not often that I feel a book that is part of a series can be read alone, but the author brings you up to date easily and without confusion. The clarity and vividness of the writing impressed me so much, I have to keep writing about it. You never feel as if you are reading another version of the oft-told tale, but as if you are reading it through new eyes, and as if you are discovering it for the first time.  

This novel is masterfully told, with an original voice that never once is repetitive or incessantly long winded. Merlin is a character you can actually respect and admire, not someone that is just part of the required reading for the tale. You live everything as it is happening, and it is a full body experience; not just an exercise of the mind.  

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

Connect with the author through his blog and website:
http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php 
http://www.KingArthur.org.uk 

Check out some other blogs who reviewed this book:

http://tessbissell.wordpress.com; Red Bissell
http://www.oerkenleaves.blogspot.com; Thomas Clayton Booher
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com; Beckie Burnham
http://jeffchapmanwriter.blogspot.com; Jeff Chapman
http://paulinecreeden.com; Pauline Creeden
http://projectinga.blogspot.com; April Erwin
http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com; Victor Gentile
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com; Ryan Heart
http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com; Timothy Hicks
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com; Jason Joyner
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com; Carol Keen

http://www.jlmbewe.com/index.php/blog; Jennette Mbewe
http://thewonderingsofoneperson.wordpress.com; Amber McCallister
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com; Shannon McDermott
http://www.bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com; Meagan @ Blooming with Books
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com; Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com; Joan Nienhuis
http://linalamont.blogspot.com; Nissa

http://asimplelifereally.blogspot.com; Jalynn Patterson

http://www.christsbridge.blogspot.com; Writer Rani
http://dadscancooktoo.com; Nathan Reimer
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com; Chawna Schroeder
http://familyreads.blogspot.com; Jacque Stengl
http://www.jojosutiscorner.wordpress.com; Jojo Sutis
http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog; Robert Treskillard
http://stevetrower.com/blog; Steve Trower
http://www.shanewerlinger.com; Shane Werlinger
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog; Phyllis Wheeler

The Advent Of Murder

by Martha Ockley
Lion Fiction

Faith Morgan, former policewoman and vicar of the small English village of Little Worthy, goes to visit one of her parishioners at his farm, only to discover the house surrounded by police cars. A body has been found in the local river and farmer Markham is charged with murder.

Though busy with preparations for Christmas, Faith is called on to investigate when it’s found out that the victim is also a member of her congregation—Lucas Kemp, a member of the choir.

Faith’s informal inquiries lead her to uncover a hotbed of tensions and romantic rivalries in the choir, questions about drugs, and a run-in with an unsavory uncle—which leads to a dramatic rescue by Ben, Faith’s former detective partner and ex-boyfriend.

In the tradition of Father Brown and Miss Marple, The Advent of Murder brings readers an authentic picture of English rural and church life combined with a satisfying mystery that will keep readers guessing until the end.

My Review:

While I am not a bog fan of rural life in England, the setting of this novel really set the stage for the story. I appreciated the author's style of relating her story, and I was struck by how simple everything was. The characters and the setting were just so simple to get into, with no long explanations or tedious descriptions. The book was an effortless read because of Ockley's smooth writing, and I've got to say it was a mystery I didn't want to end. (Well, sort of.)

The hardest part for me was trying to figure out who was the killer. I usually have a good guess as to who it is, but this time I just drew a blank. I thought I had the culprit pinned at one point, but I was wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who like cozy mysteries, and this is a very refreshing British version that just keeps you turning pages. 

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

Captives

by Jill Williamson
Blink Publishers

One choice could destroy them all. 

When eighteen-year-old Levi returned from Denver City with his latest scavenged finds, he never imagined he'd find his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many---including his fiancee, Jem---taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe. 

Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago ... and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar's dreams. 

Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands' walls. Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands' facade before it's too late?

My Review:

This was quite the disturbing book. I like writers that think outside the box, and challenge me mentally, but Williamson took the cake with this one! This is a book that will definitely appeal to teen readers, and older readers as well. The characters are interesting, the setting is is wonderful, and the plot is possible and impossible all at once. I was impressed by how many times I had to remind myself that it was just a story, and then scoff and think that the story line was completely improbable. While that seems like a negative thing to say, I enjoy a novel that draws me in, yet has elements that aren't altogether plausible. I enjoyed this book because it was creative, interesting, and ingenious. A very stimulating read for readers of any age and genre. 

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

Winter In Full Bloom

by Anita Higman
River North Publishers

Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades-Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily-with her fear of flying-boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by an imprudent Aussie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

My Review:

There is something wrong with all the people in this story, and for that, we the readers, thank Higman from the bottom of our hearts. I've read some stories where the characters had past hurts, past sins to hide, and things they were still dealing with that affects them at the time of the story. A little baggage is necessary for dramatic stories, and for setting a backdrop to the tale. 

But this novel just blew me away with the family drama and terrible pasts. While a little bit of not-so-great past is what makes novels great, Winter In Full Bloom just takes the prize on messed up families and damaged relationships. I couldn't believe that people so damaged can even function, much less forge new friendships and renew family alliances. 


There is something wrong with each of the characters - desperately wrong. I wanted to fix them all, but I was helpless to help them as I watched them traverse the waters of new life. So many times I wanted to shake them and demand that they look to the One who could heal them of their pain, but I am not so good at that myself. I related to so many themes in this book, and despite the ugliness of life, there was also healing from the God who watches over us no matter where we walk. A somewhat depressing and dark novel, but one of those books you just can't put down. 

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

The Captive Maiden

by Melanie Dickerson
Thomas Nelson Publishers

Happily Ever After ...Or Happily Nevermore? Gisela's childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father's death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke's son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

My Review:

Let me start by saying that I really don't care for the traditional Cinderella story. Even as a child I really wished someone would create a story that had all the traditional elements, then mix it up for a completely different re-telling. Dickerson has done it. She has created a story that fairy tale lovers and haters can both enjoy and relish for different reasons. 

First, Dickerson did not stick to the Cinderella script/road map. I liked this primarily because while the novel is familiar, it is in no way an imitation of the original. It is a clever retelling, with all the familiar markers that make it such an appealing fairy tale to millions. 

Second, the characters in this book are very well written, despite the main characters being portrayed as almost perfect human beings. But "fairly tales" are two words that are supposed to allude to perfection, beauty, and second chances despite impossible situations. Even with the almost perfection of Valten and Gisela, the secondary characters are something to rave about. ALL of them. (Nope, not going to tell.)

Lastly, I was impressed by how much "preachy stuff" was in this writing. This is something books can never have too much of, and what might be considered as excessive by the world, was just right for me. Dickerson wrote Gisela and Valten as Believers, and watching them grow in faith was amazing. Just the right sort of book to give your young adults, and something I can't wait to share with my future teenage children.  

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

Bound To A Promise

by Bonnie Floyd

Creative Enterprises Studio

At six o'clock on a cold, foggy morning in Fresno, California, Bonnie Floyd's horrific nightmare began . . . but she was wide-awake! This may sound like the beginning of a fiction thriller, but it isn't. This is a true story, and the nightmare was all too real. Life as Bonnie had known it was over, and the future she faced was unimaginable . . . unspeakable. Bound to a Promise is a nonfiction novel, told in fascinating, page-turning fiction style. This astonishing true story will grab you with the first sentence and hold you captive until the very last page. Based on Scotland Yard's investigation, newspaper reports, court transcripts, and eyewitness accounts, Bound to a Promise has it all-exotic settings, courtroom drama, real-life adventure, convicting testimony, and puzzling mystery. The key to this disturbing drama hangs on a very crucial and binding promise made to Bonnie. Did the promise maker keep that promise or was there a chance it was broken? The answer to that burning question had everlasting consequences both for the one who made the promise and to whom the promise was made. This shocking story is like an exciting action movie played out in powerful print. Don't be surprised if it captures your heart and you, too, become bound to a promise.

My Review:

This story was amazing. It is drama, intrigue, suspense, redemption, and forgiveness that will blow your mind. I was surprised how I felt about this book, considering I'm not a fan of memoirs. But this one was really different, and I thoroughly enjoyed the writing. 

I really liked how Bonnie included some background stories; stories of her childhood, of the early years. It really lent voice to her parents as people before they were killed, and I appreciated how Bonnie portrayed everything with honesty and frankness. 

Forgiving someone of a crime like this seems impossible, and especially since her parents may not have been believers. But the grace of God is a wonderful thing, and He always keeps His promises. Bound To A Promise is a book that is realistic, and shows what the human capacity for love truly is. 

This book was provided by the publisher through B&B Media for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Like Moonlight At Low Tide

by Nicole Quigley
Zondervan Publishers

When high school junior Melissa Keiser returns to her hometown of Anna Maria Island, Florida, she has one goal: hide from the bullies who had convinced her she was the ugliest girl in school. But when she is caught sneaking into a neighbor's pool at night, everything changes. Something is different now that Melissa is sixteen, and the guys and popular girls who once made her life miserable have taken notice. When Melissa gets the chance to escape life in a house ruled by her mom's latest boyfriend, she must choose where her loyalties lie between a long-time crush, a new friend, and her surfer brother who makes it impossible to forget her roots. Just as Melissa seems to achieve everything she ever wanted, she loses a loved one to suicide. Melissa must not only grieve for her loss, she must find the truth about the three boys who loved her and discover that joy sometimes comes from the most unexpected place of all.

My Review:

This was a really depressing story. That said, I found it to be very interesting as well. Maybe I'm too old for stories like this, but I found it to be rather profound and deep for YA fiction. This is just how high school is for some teenagers, how bullying affects the victims, and all I can say about Quigley's writing is WOW.

You can feel the pain in the writing. You can feel how every mistake that is made affects Melissa's life, and how she responds to that hurt. I got sucked into Josh and Melissa's stories right away, and I loved the characterization of Melissa's family and friends. I felt as if I knew the characters from somewhere, and they all felt like family. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, despite the dark feel of it. Not everything needs to be "happily ever after," and for this, I thank the author from the bottom of my heart. A dose of reality that every young person needs to read. 

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