The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale

Another treat for you, Friends! The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale is one of those books that reaches down and touches your soul.

Carrigan, Ella Rae, and Laine have been best friends since kindergarten. Told from Carrigan's POV, the story follows these inseparable women as they do life together, through the good, the hilarious, the bad, and the heartbreaking. This book will make you belly laugh on one page and weep on the next. It will touch your heart, and force you to step back and reexamine your own life. It is raw, it is real, and it is beautiful. Well written, it flowed nicely, and was a quick read.  I was captivated from the very first page, and I literally stayed up all night to finish it. I have no regrets.

This book touches on the best and worst parts of life - the joy and depth of friendship, the humor of daily life, the struggles of marriage and relationships, and the pain of hardships. In doing so, the characters do mildly curse occasionally (a**, d***, h***), but it is not gratuitous and done in a way that sounds like a normal conversation. There is also not overt Christianity, but the themes are there in the background, though at times it felt as though a little more would have been helpful to the characters (though again, it goes back to it being real).

Overall a fantastic book that most will enjoy. Again, it seems to be geared more towards the mainstream audience, rather than the Christian one, but I think both can find things to like about this book.

*** I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***

I hope you all enjoy it!

Sarah K.

Review ~ The Confessions of X by Suzanne M. Wolfe

Hello Friends,

I have a treat for you today! I just finished an incredible book called The Confessions of X by Suzanne M. Wolfe.* This beautiful work of fiction brought the life of St. Augustine of Hippo, and his unnamed concubine to life in an incredibly poignant and heartwarming way.This is her story told in her voice, a play on Augustine's own work Confessions. 

Now, before you get all hung up on the word concubine and wonder how this could possibly be Christian fiction, or how a saint of all things could have something as seedy as a concubine, let me explain a few things. 

Let me begin by sharing my love for history, in particular my love for early church history. I didn't always enjoy it. In fact, for much of my life I thought it was incredibly dull - until I took an early church history class in seminary taught by Dr. Ed Smither. I was fascinated by the history and the stories of these men and women. I realized they weren't just barbarians who stumbled around until they found the Gospel, or only understood the most basic principles, nor were they all pagans who had no knowledge of Jesus Christ. Instead, many were highly intelligent, well learned men (and a few women), who not only knew philosophy and theology, but helped shape it. 

In a second class I took by Dr. Smither, we focused specifically on the early church fathers, their lives, and their teachings. This also included many of the sects, cults, and heresies the early church dealt with. I was fascinated. I learned all about Athanasius and Arius and their verbal sparring, which lead to the Council of Nicaea in 325,  Constantine and his conversion a few years before, Cyprian, Iraneus, Origin, John Chrysostom, Basil, Perpetua and Felicitas (two women martyred for their faith) and many others. I realized much of the theology we believe and debate today was the same ideas debated and written about by these men. Many of the cults and heresies are the same too - just under different names. 

But what I really remember is learning about Augustine of Hippo. (Dr. Smither even wrote a book about Augustine, entitled Augustine as Mentor which you can buy here). We learned about his life before his conversion, his mother's faith and lifelong prayer for her son's salvation, his love of philosophy, and learning, his association with the Manicheans, and eventual conversion to Christianity. We also learned about his personal life, his son, and his concubine, which brings me back to The Confessions of X.

As Ms. Wolfe points out in the Author's Note, a concubine in Augustine's time was not what it implies today. It was almost always a monogamous relationship, usually between two people of different social classes where were not allowed to marry. Many women were buried with the title on their tombs as a point of honor. It did not mean mistress, prostitute, or anything untoward. While it did not guarantee a woman the same rights as a wife, and any children would be the man's not her own, it did give her security, and provision. It is very much like a common law marriage today. We must also realize that Augustine took X (her name has been lost to history) as his concubine many years before his conversion to Christianity, and therefore, he cannot be expected to have obeyed the laws of traditional marriage as defined today, particularly since laws were also different then. We also do not know if she was a pagan, or a Christian, or if she converted somewhere along the line. What history does tell is is that she and Augustine were in love, they were faithful to each other, and they had a son together. Eventually, X was put away from Augustine as his mother arranged a marriage for him (he later refused that marriage to become a celibate priest in the Christian church), as she was not a legal wife, Augustine kept their son. Augustine and their son both converted to Christianity, and their son died as a teenager soon after. 


What I liked: Normally, I don't care for flowery or poetic type prose, but this is an exception. Beautifully narrated, the voice of X is clear. I could feel her presence, could see the pictures she painted with her words. I loved that the story followed her entire life, and while the majority was focused on the thirteen year period she was with Augustine, the rest was fascinating as well. X brought the late fourth century to life. It is so easy to forget that people lived then like they do now: get up, go to work, make dinner, take care of the house, pay rent, etc, but they did. I enjoyed getting to see what North Africa was like during this time. I also enjoyed seeing a different side to Augustine. While I realize this is fiction, it still makes him, and her, more real. I felt the pain of their son as he was told his mother was leaving him. I felt her fears of abandonment that were all too soon realized when she was put away. I felt her joy at knowing true love, and the love friendship. I feel as though I know her, and hope she is in Heaven someday so I can meet her, and finally learn her name. 

What I didn't care for: Honestly, I really can't think of anything. It was a little slow at times, but in a mostly good way. It flowed with time more than anything. Also, I wish there had been some conclusion as to her faith, but since history is mute, I guess The Confessions of X should be as well. 

Warning: While not graphic as some have said, there are a few lines here and there that imply sexual situations, which considering they were married in their minds, is understandable. The inclusion here may make some readers uncomfortable, but it is literally just a sentence or two in a few places and easily skipped over.     

Overall, this is a beautiful story of who Augustine's love might have been. It is filled with the wanderings of life, and gives a fresh look at the humanity of one of Christianity's greatest theologians. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves history, or who wants a fresh perspective on Augustine's life. 

Happy Readings,

Sarah K. 

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review ~ Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

Some books are read. Some books are devoured. Not by Sight by Kate Breslin is to be savored. As much as I wanted to read this book and not put it down, I kept finding myself slowing down as I read in order to enjoy the wonderful writing and compelling story Kate Breslin gave us in this treasure, Not By Sight,

Grace Mabry, the daughter of a tea shop owner in London in 1917, and the twin sister of a brother fighting on the front lines for his Great Britain, is appalled and disgusted that any able bodied man would stay home from the Great War to laze around when so many are giving their lives for their country. Compelled by these emotions, Grace and her lovely companion sneak into a costume ball filled with many of these war dodgers in order to shame each man with the white feather of cowardice.

Jack Benningham appears to be the greatest coward of them all - at least on the outside. Upon receiving one of Grace's feathers, he is amused by her gall, and transfixed by her beauty, so much so that he loses track of the real reason he is attending the ball - a far more important one than just helping the Red Cross.

First, I really enjoyed learning more about WWI. As someone who generally sticks to WWII history, I am slightly embarrassed at how little I know about WWI - especially in England. It was fun to learn about the Women's Forage Corps and the suffragette movement in England and Europe, as well as hints at Mata Hari and the use of spies throughout Europe during the war.

I really loved the character development in this book. Everyone had such depth, both the main and secondary characters. Everyone also had a secret of some kind that they were hiding. While the overall story was about Grace and Jack, there were many side stories that played out throughout the book, that pulled me in as a reader and made me want to know more about each one. They did not detract from the main story, but instead helped it along in some rather surprising ways.

These stories also helped with the theme of the book: not by sight. As someone who has had poor eyesight her entire life, I really related to this theme, and its various meanings throughout the book. Sight can refer to physical, emotional, relational and spiritual aspects, and all three are dealt with in Not By Sight. While I've always dealt with the physical aspects of poor eyesight, I'm only really just now exploring it's meaning when it comes to emotions and relationships, and even sometimes, how my spiritual walk needs work. I've come to realize how blinded I am at times when it comes to these parts of my life, and it was interesting to see how the characters in this book dealt with their blindness in these areas, and how they changed because of it.

A truly beautiful tale full of glorious scenery, suspense and intrigue, and even a Beauty and the Beast-esque romance, readers will find themselves captivated by the wonderful story, complex characters, and the importance of living by faith and not by sight in all aspects of life.

Happy Reading!

Sarah K.

Review ~ Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

Today's book is a first historical romance by an author who normally publishes hilarious contemorary romance and mystery/spy thrillers that I absolutely adore!  Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot aka Camy Tang is an incredible historical romance.  I love this author's contemporary works, and her first venture into historical is fantastic! Alethea, a spinster who was left nothing after her family died, is forced out of her home to live with a relative she barely knows in order to survive. While there, she meets the mysterious Lord Dommick - a man who shares her love of the violin. As she gets settled into her new life, the thing she treasures above all else - her violin - is threatened by an unknown thief. Alethea must discern who she can trust all while secretly sharing her love for the violin and her growing interest in Lord Dommick. Together they must keep her violin safe and catch the dastardly villain who is trying to destroy everything they have.

I loved this book! It captured my interest and kept me up into the wee hours trying to finish it. The side characters are delightful as well, and I do hope they get their own stories - especially a certain two who are destined to fall in love - at least in my opinion. The villain(s) are well written, and there is even an icky suitor that is disposed of delightfully - though not in the way I imagined! I cannot wait to read more from the lovely Camille Elliot!

Review ~ A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears

A Bride in Store   by Melissa Jagears is the second book in her Unexpected Brides series. I wrote a short review last year, and hope you enjoy it!

Such a wonderful sweet story with a slimy slimeface villian thrown in for fun. I loved that Ms. Jagears added in a bit of mystery to this delightful mail order bride story. This book is a wonderful historical romance full of fun characters, plenty of sparks, and a train robbery! I loved Eliza and William. Getting to know them was a joy. All Eliza wants is to marry her betrothed, and all William wants is to run his store while helping those who are ill. Knowing she has a head for business, William agrees to let Eliza take over the business side of things, which makes for some interesting situations with customers. Meanwhile, William has everything he needs to become a doctor - except the degree, and the courage to go get it. Both Eliza and William must hear and obey God's call in order to be happy, but in doing so, they just might have to give up their dreams for the future...or will they?

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

Review ~ Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman

Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman is the second installment of her The Heart of San Francisco series. I wrote a short review of it last year, and am happy to share it with you now. :)

Fantastic read as usual! I loved Allison and Nick and little Lottie. Allison's fierce independence is both inspiring and convicting at the same time. Her need to prove herself struck home with me, but also reminded me that it is ok to ask others for help. I loved Nick as well, and his drive to clean up the city of San Francisco.

The chemistry between him and Allison was delightful. It was also great to hear more from Allison's mother and uncle Logan's story. I hope those two eventually get together. They both deserve a happily ever after.

Finally, I'm looking forward to the last book in the series, though I do think the rest of the family needs their stories told as well - especially Allison's brother and the secretary at the law firm. :)

Review ~ The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Another short review here< this one is a WWII and current day story. The Butterfly and the Violin


Excellent book! I loved the way Ms. Cambron jumped back and forth between today and WWII. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, and their stories, as well as the story behind the painting. The only thing that could have been a bit better was the transitions in time. I felt that we missed stuff at times, that more story could have been on either side, especially the modern day part, but was cut in order to keep it to a certain length. Overall, it was a fantastic book, and one of my favorites for this genre. Excited to read more.

Review ~ A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

Friends,

These next few reviews are shorter than those I've written in the past, but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless!

This is the fourth book in Jen Turano's Ladies of Distinction series, and by far my favorite. A Match of Wits: 

AAAHH! I totally loved this book. I'm sad it's the last in its series, but it was a wonderful conclusion to the Ladies of Distinction. Jen did a fantastic job telling Zayne and Agatha's story. I LOVED Matilda, and I now totally want a pet pig of my own. She added so much excitement, laughter, and character to this book - she totally stole the show. The story itself was great, and the romance was dreamy. :) I also loved the mystery, and had fun trying to figure out who was behind all the dastardly deeds!

Keep up the great writing, Jen! Looking forward to reading more!

I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did.

Happy readings,

Sarah K.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review ~ The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Hello Friends! Sorry for the long absence. I've got a few reviews I've written over the past year, and will be uploading them shortly. I apologize if they aren't as fancy as my previous ones. I'll try to get back into that style soon!

Up first: The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck


I have looked forward to this book for quite some time. I love Rachel Hauck's Royal Weddings series, and I enjoyed The Wedding Dress as well. I had a feeling I'd like this one too, and I was right.

This book switches back and forth between both time periods and point of view quite often. Ms. Hauck weaves back and forth between today and the 1940's-50's, and the story is told through the eyes of four characters - Coach Jimmy and retired actress Colette, and Taylor and her husband Jack. These characters are all intertwined, though at first it isn't quite clear how, their story of love and heartbreak, sacrifice and turmoil speaks clearly throughout. While this may sound confusing, Ms. Hauck does a great job of helping the reader keep track of who is speaking and when at the beginning of each chapter.

The story itself is beautiful, and spoke to me. Taylor and Jack are newlyweds struggling to figure out how to make marriage work. At times I wanted to smack them both and tell them to just communicate already! It caused me to sit back and look at my own marriage, however, and reflect on my own communication skills with my husband.

The other issue that was important in the story was that of sibling rivalry, and the idea that there are two sides to every story. It reminded me, yet again, that it is easy to judge someone when you don't know the whole story, and while sometimes that information doesn't change things, often times it does. Taylor's grandmother and Colette were sisters, and didn't get along at all. Many characters in the book didn't think well of Taylor's grandma, but she had a good relationship with her. This spoke to me, and reminded me to find the good in those around me.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Wedding Chapel, and recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with history thrown into the mix!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

Review ~ For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Hello Friends!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!! Sorry I've been away for so long. Life has been crazy!

Today I have a fantastic book for you by debut author Kate Breslin. It is entitled For Such a Time and is an incredible re-telling of the story of Esther during World War II.  I received my copy in exchange for my honest review from the publisher, Bethany House, but this is a book I will gladly go buy for myself and for others. This is one of those books that I couldn't put down, and absolutely enjoyed! I cannot believe that I'd never thought of writing Esther during WWII before, but I'm sure glad somebody did - and so well at that. Ok, on to the review:

Summary (as provided by the publisher): In 1944, blonde and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz. Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy. Stella pours herself into her efforts to keep even some of the camp's prisoners safe, but she risks the revelation of her true identity with every attempt. When her bravery brings her to the point of the ultimate sacrifice, she has only her faith to lean upon. Perhaps God has placed her there for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she is unable to save herself? 


What I liked: First, I loved how closely the book followed the biblical story of Esther. It was fun to refresh myself on the original version and then kind of see where the book was heading, but still wondering how it would all actually play out. The story itself was engaging and unique. I've read dozens of WWII stories both fiction and non-fiction, and this is in my top three favorites for sure, and probably the most innovative of them all.

The character development was great too. Ms. Breslin brought Stella(Hadassah), Aric(Xerxes) and the rest to life. I felt like I really got to know each character, both good and bad, and it really helped me get a better feel for both what happened to the Jews in WWII and what happened to them during the life of Esther.

Stella and Aric's romance is wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. I loved getting another glimpse of what might have happened with Esther.

I also enjoyed the spiritual aspect of the book. Stella struggled with the idea of the Christian God and reconciling it with her Jewish faith. Aric also had to reconcile his beliefs with his allegiance to the Nazi Party.


What I didn't care for: There wasn't really anything that stood out to me that I can recall. However, at times the story did get a bit graphic. Nothing out of the ordinary for books such as this, but it might be a bit intense for younger readers. I'd recommend they be at least teens.

This is one of those books that has stayed with me in the months since I have read it, and it is definitely on my re-read list. Ms. Breslin showed me a side of the Holocaust I hadn't really seen before, and told the story of Esther in an intriguing way that kept me reading until the wee hours of the night. She had me weeping at times, and sighing at others. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves WWII, Biblical, or romantic fiction.

Happy Readings!

Sarah K.

Review ~ Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell

Hello Friends,

Today's book is a cute historical romance by Siri Mitchell called Love Comes Calling, which I received from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review. Taking place in the 1920's, it's a fun read that will keep you entertained until the last page. 

Summary (from the publisher): Dreaming of becoming an actress, Boston socialite Ellis Eaton captures Griff Phillips' attention. But while filling in for a look-alike friend at the telephone exchange, she overhears a call that threatens Griff's safety. With handsome policeman Jack Flanigan investigating - and her heart in a muddle - will she discover what might be the role of a lifetime?

What I liked: This is probably one of my favorite time periods in history, and it is so much fun to read about! One thing I love about Siri Mitchell's books is how well researched they are and how much I learn about the time and place in which they occurred. I loved learning about the "Hello Girls" and the difficulties of their job. It was also interesting to see into the lives of the wealthy elite of Boston during Prohibition. I also didn't know that there was a woman's college across the lawn from Harvard that had the same professors teaching the same classes for women, who didn't actually receive a Harvard degree. 

I also really liked Griff. He was sweet and caring, but not overly so, despite Ellis' fears. Ellis was well written also, but more on her in a minute.

It was also fun having a bit of a mystery thrown in as well. Bad things can happen when you accidentally overhear a conversation you weren't supposed to.


What I didn't care for: There is just one word to describe Ellis Eaton: whirlwind. She was written to have ADHD, which obviously wasn't diagnosed back then, and Ms. Mitchell does a fantastic job with that. However, it got a bit overwhelming and somewhat frustrating at times trying to keep up with Ellis. I'd say that means she did a fantastic job writing her. Ellis was likable, just so scatterbrained it drove me nuts! I definitely have a better understanding of what it is like to have ADHD after reading this book! So, I guess this isn't really a bad thing, more than a preference thing. :) I also wish Ellis had gotten more support from her family, but Griff more than made up for that, in my opinion.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn't my favorite by her, but not my least favorite either. It was sweet, and fun, and high energy. If you like 1920's era stories, or want to learn more about Boston during Prohibition, or a fun mystery involving a "Hello Girl," this is the book for you! 

Happy Readings!

Sarah K.

Review ~ The Advocate by Randy Singer

Good Afternoon, Friends!

Today I have a very special book for you. This book is going down on my top three favorite books of all time - not to build it up too much or anything. ;) While I did receive a copy from Tyndale House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion, this is one of those books that I would have reviewed anyway because it was that good. I have read every book by this author, and this is by far his best. I love this book so much, I really hope I can do it justice.

So, with no further ado, I give you The Advocate by Randy Singer, a fantastic legal thriller meets biblical fiction.

Summary (as provided by the publisher): At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young "assessore" raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, "Offer to release Barabbas." The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths--Roman crucifixion.Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant's quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero's deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution? The advocate's first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

*While I normally write my own summaries for books, I chose to use the publishers in this case, because I did not want to give too much away.

What I liked: First, the story was well thought out. Very little is known about who Theophilus was, or if he was even a real person. Mr. Singer did a fantastic job of creating this man's story, and fitting it in with Scripture and history. You can tell that Mr. Singer is well versed in the law, and Biblical history, as both parts are portrayed well.  The story flowed nicely and every piece made sense and had a purpose. While there were parts that didn't make sense at first, once I got past them, I saw how they fit into the overall narrative perfectly. 

Second, I really enjoyed that the majority of the book was written in first person. There are two ways this can be done. The first, you know you are reading first person and it is somewhat distracting. The second, it is no longer about reading, you become that person, and it's like you are really there. This is what The Advocate does. I felt like I was Theophilus, that I was in first century Rome and Jerusalem. I could see the places and hear the conversations around me. Mr. Singer made it so REAL. He brought it all to life in a way I have never experienced in a book before. He reminded me that the people in the time of the New Testament were the same as you and me. They went to sporting matches, they gambled, they drank, they played politics, they had to pay rent, they had friends and enemies, and they fell in love. 

Third, I loved the characters themselves. They were all so well written. Everyone was more than a character, they were real people. I often found myself looking things up to find out if that person really existed or not, because of how real they seemed. From what I can tell minus Theophilus, his love interest, and a few other minor characters, the majority of the people in this book really existed. Caligula was entirely too creepy to me, until I realized that Singer didn't cover the half of it! Many other well known first century people appear as well. Seneca, Tiberius Caesar, Nero, Paul, Luke, Jesus, Pilate and Procula, along with pretty much every person that Paul and Luke mention as being in Rome in their New Testament works. 

I also really appreciated how historically and biblically accurate this book was. I learned so much about Roman culture and law without it feeling like I was learning. As I mentioned earlier, I often found myself pausing to go see if something was real or not, and almost every time, it was, down to the names of the people involved. As for biblical accuracy, it was fun getting to see the author's theories on things that scholars have wrestled with for years. For example, there is a nod to the theory that Luke used Mark as a source document, the reasoning behind Paul's abandonment by several "friends" in Rome, why Luke wrote the Luke-Acts, and why Acts ended so suddenly. He even throws out a theory about what happened to Paul after his trial with Nero - whether he was killed or went on to Spain. My favorite though, is the explanation of Romans 10:9-10. All of these things are woven into the story in such a way that if you didn't know about them before hand, you would never notice them. . 

What I didn't care for: The only complaint I had actually answered itself later on. The first quarter of the book follows Theophilus' growing up years, and his time in Jerusalem. The next half of the book returns to Rome and there is no mention really of Christianity or the Way or anything. It is entirely about Roman life, religion, and culture, with some legal stuff thrown it. It is great, but at first I was confused as to why it was there. I kept reading, and it all made sense with the last quarter of the book, where Christianity comes back to the forefront. I realized that you need to have that middle section in order to understand Rome, and why things happened they way they did. The last quarter of the book takes place under the rule of Nero and the rise of Christianity and persecution in Rome, which I understood better because of the middle.

Takeaway: I already mentioned some of the cool biblical stuff thrown in up above. One of the other ideas I found interesting was not spelled out in the book, but was something I was able to infer because of what I had learned about Roman law and culture. All my life, I've heard that tradition states that Peter was crucified upside down, and Paul was beheaded, but I never really knew why that was what tradition said. Why was Peter crucified, but Paul wasn't? It wasn't until reading this book, that I was able to piece together a theory. Crucifixion was the worst death Rome could inflict on someone, and was reserved for their enemies. No Roman citizen could be killed by crucifixion. Granted, Nero found a way around this, but that was the law. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he was probably beheaded, because beheading was considered the most humane death. Crazy stuff.

Aside from trivia, this book challenged me to live my faith to the fullest. It reminded me that confessing with my mouth is not just speaking aloud, but is me claiming that my life if forfeit. When Rome conquered a new area, they forced everyone to confess Caesar as lord, or be killed in the spot. So when Paul speaks of confessing Jesus as Lord, this is what he is referring to. It was the potential for a death sentence then, and many places around the world, still is. Is my faith strong enough to withstand that? Am I really saying my life is forfeit but for Jesus when I call him my Lord and Savior? If that day comes when my life will depend on my answer, will I give the right one? Will you?


This is one of those books that I think every Christian should read. It does have some very intense (and sometimes creepy) scenes, so I'd say it is for teens and older. The end is so powerful, I wept the last several chapters. If you want a fantastic read that will challenge you and bring the New Testament to life, you will love this book! I also want to point out that while this has a bit of legal drama in it, it is not just a legal thriller. It is so much more than that. This is a story that makes faith come alive. It challenges the reader to live their faith to the fullest, to understand what "confess with your mouth" really means, and what the true cost if salvation is. 

Please tell me what you think about it! If you don't like it as much as me, I totally understand, but I still want to hear your thoughts! 

Happy Readings,

Sarah K.

Review ~ The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Hello Friends!

Today, I've got a historical romance for you by one of my favorite authors in this genre: The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen. I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.

Summary: After losing his father, Alec Valcourt, along with his mourning mother and sister, move from London to a small town in Devonshire to live with his uncle. A dancing and fencing master, Alec expects to pick right up where he left off in London, only to find out that this small hamlet has unofficially banned dancing for the past twenty years. Determined to get people dancing again, Alec does his best to find pupils for his new business with little success. Humbling himself, he takes a job as a clerk with Lady Amelia, the patron of the village, and the one behind the moratorium on dancing. Hoping to get into her good graces, Alec does his best to obey her wishes to keep away from her beautiful daughter, Miss Julia Midwinter, and to drop the silly idea of teaching dance again.

Miss Julia Midwinter, on the other hand, feels trapped in this small village under what she believes is her mother's iron fist. So in revenge, she does whatever she is told not to. She flirts with men, she walks on the roof of an abandoned church, and she does whatever she can to disappoint her mother, since it would happen anyway. When she meets Alec, she is instantly smitten, and not just because her mother would disapprove. Captivated by his dancing abilities, she begins taking private lessons from him with her best friends, all while trying to unravel the secret that started the ban on dancing to begin with.

What I liked: First, I liked the characters. Alec and Julia were wonderful leads, and their interactions were sweet, though somewhat brief in my opinion. I also enjoyed getting to hear Lady Amelia's story. The overall plot was a bit slow at first, but picked up around page 75 or so. I really enjoyed the mystery woven into the story, as well as its conclusion. Finally, I enjoyed getting to learn a bit about 19th century English dances.


What I didn't care for: As I said, it was a bit slow at the beginning, but did eventually draw me in. I felt the romance was a bit lacking as well, but the story didn't really suffer because of that, so that's good.

Overall, a good read. If you like 19th century England, and learning about the local history with some romance and mystery thrown in, you will enjoy this book.

Happy Readings!

Sarah K

Review ~ The Turning by Davis Bunn

Hi Friends!

Today I have the newest book by Davis Bunn called The Turning.*  This will be the third book by Mr. Bunn that I have reviewed since starting this blog. The other two, Strait of Hormuz, and Unlimited can be found here and here. This book is completely different from the two mentioned above. It is contemporary fiction that addresses the idea that a single act of obedience to God's promptings can literally change the world.

Summary (as provided to me by the author): The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable.

A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within.  Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command.  And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey.

Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand.  Only later would they see a pattern emerge - one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation.  They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility.  And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions.

But power and money are at stake.  Malicious elements soon align themselves to counter the trend.  To succeed they must also undermine its source.  Can we really believe that God speaks to people today? 

 Surely this must be dismissed as superstition or delusion.  These well-intentioned but misguided individuals should not be allowed to cast our society back into the Dark Ages.

The public debate and media frenzy place an unprecedented spotlight on knowing and doing God's will.  The five encounter threats, but try to remain steadfast in their faith.  Had God indeed imparted wisdom on selected individuals?  Is this sweep of events part of his divine purpose? 

The movement may herald a profound renewal - one that some are calling The Turning...

What I liked: Great story. I enjoyed how all the pieces fit together. I also enjoyed the characters and learning about their struggles. I liked that it challenged me to think about my life, and whether or not I will respond if/when God speaks to me. It was a fast read, but it also made me stop and think at the same time. I also enjoyed that Mr. Bunn let you know where and when things happened, and gave you warned when you jumped between characters. 

What I didn't care for: I felt it was a bit choppy at times, and the fact that all these people suddenly ended up in the same place was kind of glossed over. The story still worked, that part just left me wanting a little. I also thought it was odd that of the ENTIRE multi-billion dollar company, the only two people that had a problem with the Hope is Dead campaign were from a recent acquisition, and that even if there weren't other believers, that everyone went along with the idea. 

Spiritual Application: Although no one has outright come out with a "Hope is Dead" campaign, the idea is very prevalent in our society today. Look at the top best sellers on the NYTimes or Amazon lists. They are dystopian, vampires, or sex related. None of those things offer hope. In fact, they offer the exact opposite. They say that there is no hope, so you may as well live it up while you can. How depressing. Yet, this is the message that people are buying into every day. People have lost hope. They have given up on God, and the church, and believe they have no way out - or don't want to find one. This is why this book and its message matter. More importantly, this is why the Bible matters - because it is the only true source of hope.

The other main spiritual theme running through this book is the idea of a turning point. What would happen if we listened to God's voice, and obeyed his promptings - even if what he asked us to do was the hardest thing we had ever done? Obedience to God is just as important as listening to him. The Bible commands us to be not just hearers of the Word, but doers also. When God speaks we ought to listen, and when he tells us to do something, we ought to obey. God won't let us down, and he will work things out for his purposes. In the book, the main characters had the choice to obey God's promptings, and look what happened! God did great things. They weren't forced to obey. There's a section where the believers talk about feeling not complete - like there were supposed to be more people there, but those people didn't respond to God's call. I've totally had those times in my life, where I felt God prompting me to do or say something. When I've obeyed, it's been pretty cool. When I've disobeyed, I felt sad, and knew I had missed out on something really great. So, when that call comes - how will you respond? How will I? Are we ready?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and have rated it five stars on Amazon and Goodreads. It challenged me, and forced me to think about my relationship with God and his plan for my life. It has made me want to look for ways to be used by God, and I hope it does for you, as well. Also, if you check out www.theturning.com, you will find videos explaining the book, it's need, and a free devotional to go along with it. 

Happy Readings!

Sarah K

*I received a complimentary copy of The Turning from River North Fiction in exchange for my honest review.

Review ~ Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

Hello Friends!

It's gonna be a busy month here on my blog. I've got a bunch of reviews for you over the next few weeks ranging from murder mysteries, biblical fiction, contemporary, and some good ole fashion historical romance.

Today's book is Death by a Book, the second in Julianna Deering's Drew Farthering Mysteries series, which I received from the publisher, Bethany House via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  The first book, Rules of Murder, can be found at your local bookseller, and is a fun mystery. This book is even better than the first! These books take place in England during the 1930's, and are quite enjoyable! While the mysteries are separate, the main characters are the same, and some of the previous mystery is discussed in the second book, so I'd recommend reading it first. You don't have to, but it helps with side details.

Summary: Some say that meeting with a lawyer can be hazardous to your health, but Drew Farthering didn't expect it to be deadly - especially not to the lawyer! Arriving to meet with his late parent's solicitor, Drew arrives to find him dead - murdered - with a nonsensical message attached to the body with a hatpin. Dubbed the "Hatpin Murderer" by the locals, Drew suddenly finds himself pulled into the murder's web, and feels compelled to help the police solve the mystery before more people end up dead.

Meanwhile, Drew is still waiting for the lovely Madeline to agree to marry him, which becomes complicated further by the arrival of two Americans. The first, Madeline's Aunt Ruth, is a grumpy spinster who has the disposition of a porcupine, and who believes Drew's only motivation is to ruin and destroy her niece's reputation and break her heart. The second, a handsome American who is on holiday, takes an interest in Madeline as a fellow American - too much of one in Drew's opinion. Drew must balance his quest to find the truth with his desire to woo Madeline while avoiding her aunt's barbs and prickles. Hopefully, our dashing hero can do it all while not falling victim to the "Hatpin Murderer"!

What I liked: First off: GREAT mystery! For those of you who have read my blog, you know that i'm generally pretty good at figuring out the whodunit, or at least the motive, fairly quickly. Well, not this time! Ms. Deering totally stumped my on both counts this time. Her first book, I figured out pretty quickly, and was expecting the same thing here. Boy was I fooled! I had NO CLUE who the murderer was or why, and for that reason alone, I LOVE this book! The clues were awesome, the murderer was a surprise - but at the same time, it totally worked. There were several plot twists, and in the end I am completely satisfied with the overall story. I also enjoyed the wit and the one liners. The characters were well developed, and while some were annoying, they served their purpose.

What I didn't like: Aunt Ruth grated on me for a bit at first. She was almost too well written, if that makes sense. Her grumpiness and general behavior was frustrating, especially since she was a guest! However, she eventually mellowed out, which was a VERY good thing. Also - I had to stop myself from googleing the clues to find out where they came from. I realized if they couldn't use Google, then I couldn't cheat and use it either!

Overall, a fun murder mystery with plenty of plot twists, red herrings and just a touch of romance! This book is for anyone who enjoys mysteries, and since it is written from a man's perspective, it might draw in male readers as well. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Happy Readings!

Sarah K

Review ~ Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman

Hello Friends, another historical romance for you today!

I truly enjoyed this book by Julie Lessman. (Note, while I did receive an ARC of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, I used my own copy for this review). This book is the first in her The Heart of San Francisco series.

Summary: Cassidy McClare is a Texas girl through and through. Moving to San Francisco to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins is about to change her life. Upon arriving, she meets "pretty boy" Jamie McKenna - a man she knows she can't fall for, or he will break her heart. Jamie, a poor boy from the wrong side of town, is determined to make a name for himself and marry a wealthy socialite so he can save his family and the people he grew up with from poverty and shame. After meeting Cassidy, he decides that she is his new goal. Sparks fly as these two spar back and forth over just about everything - the most important being Jamie's lack of faith - a deal breaker for Cassidy. Full of twists, turns, drama, and lots of wit, this book will keep you rooting for them both, and longing for more!

What I loved: As usual, Julie makes her characters come alive! I also loved the romance between Cassidy and Jamie. I also appreciated that there wasn't quite as much drama/love triangle in this book as her others. This book was definitely lighter than her other series, but still super enjoyable. Cassidy's strength was also inspiring. She held on to her convictions and never let them go for anything or anymore.

What I didn't care for: One thing I noticed that I felt was odd, was although faith plays an important role in the story, and there is even a "conversion of sorts" there is never any mention of the name of Jesus. The characters only mention God. I get that some people get turned off by preachy-ness, but if you are going to share the salvation message, why wouldn't you just say the name of Christ. It made it feel watered down to me. Whether this was an intentional choice, or just how the author writes, I don't know, and it isn't THAT big of a deal, but I did notice it it, and thought I'd say something about it. :)

Overall a fantastic read, and one I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance!

Happy Reading!

Sarah K.

Review ~ A Match Made in Texas by Karen Witemeyer

Hello Friends! Just in time for Valentines Day, I have a wonderfully romantic novella collection for you by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Carol Cox called A Match Made in Texas. I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This set of four novellas is Bethany House Publisher's first attempt at a novella collection, and I think it is probably one of the best I have ever read.

Summary: These four stories take place in a little town in Texas in the 1800's. Dry Gulch is a fairly normal town, until a matchmaker suddenly appears on the scene. Secretly helping three couples find love in the fourth story, the tables are turned on her, and she is matched with a wonderful man as well! In the first story, "A Cowboy Unmatched," widow Clara is shocked to see Neill on her doorstep. She thinks he is there to fill an ad for a husband, and he thinks he is there to repair her barn roof. As he fixes her roof, they find themselves falling in love.

In "An Unforeseen Match," Grace, the town's schoolteacher finds herself out of a job and dropped into Clara's old farm as her new home. Going blind, the school board doesn't know what else to do with her, so they give her the land as compensation. Meanwhile, Clayton is just passing through on his way to the land rush in Oklahoma, when he is hired by a classified ad to help her out. As Grace's eyesight fades, she finds herself drawn to Clayton as the one who can help her live a more normal and less lonely life, but will Clayton see that while he is so blinded by the need for land of his own?

"No Match for Love" follows Andrew and Lucy, and Andrew's sweet aunt, who seems to be losing her mind. When odd things start happening around the ranch that only his aunt sees, he hires Lucy to help care for her, but when Lucy sees them too, he is baffled. Are both women crazy, or is something more sinister going on?

In "Meeting her Match" the matchmaker is caught in her own web, and finds herself being set up by her friends in the town. Will she finally be able to catch the eye of the man she has loved secretly for years?

What I Liked: First, I have read dozens of novella collections and it is extremely rare that all of the stories, or even most of them, are good. Usually, there are one or two stories that I want to re-read, but that's it. This is the first time that I can recall that all four stories were enjoyable, and ones I would go re-read. I enjoyed that many of the characters appeared in all four stories, and that they were interwoven. I also enjoyed the individual stories themselves. They were so romantic and sweet.

I will admit that the second story is my favorite. I related to Grace in a very personal level. I've had  poor eyesight all my life, and for a while, thought I was going blind before my vision stabilized. Many mornings I would wake up, wondering if this would be the day it would go completely. Thankfully, God has had other plans thus far, and I can still see. :)

I also enjoyed the mystery in the third story. That was a fun change of pace. Each book had great lessons about faith as well, especially Grace's story. The reminder to rely on God first hit me hard.

What I didn't care for:  I honestly can't think of anything I didn't like.

Overall, these were well written novellas and as a whole made a very sweet book. If you are looking for a good read for Valentines Day, or any day, this is a great historical romance collection, and I will be reading it over and over again.

Happy Readings!

Sarah K.

Review ~ Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

Hello Friends!

Sorry I have been away so long! Life got nuts! Christmas was awesome, and then I finished my M.Div - yay! And now, I have nothing to do but read for a while. WIN! I also got behind on my reviews, so over the next week or so, hopefully I can catch up. I've got several great books I really want to share with you.

The first one is Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson, which I received as an ARC in exchange from my honest review from the publisher vie NetGalley. This is my first book by him, and I really enjoyed it! It is kind of a legal thriller with some mystery/suspense thrown in.

Summary: Hanford Nuclear Facility in Washington State was used for decades by the US Government to grow its nuclear arsenal. After the Cold War ended, however, it was shut down, and mostly abandoned. That is, except for those few who stayed behind to make sure nothing "explosive" happened. Then, one Fall night, something does. Nothing major - no mushroom clouds or anything, but major enough to set off the radiation lights, and release an eerie green cloud to the buildings and their immediate surroundings. Hanford authorities claimed it was nothing, but its now a few months later, and those exposed are feeling a bit funny, even though their tests are coming back negative. Oh, and a couple of people have disappeared, or died suddenly. Is it natural, or is something more sinister going on?

Enter famed trial lawyer Ryan Hart and his newly barred daughter Emily. Emily hears of the situation from an old college friend who was there the night it happened, Kieran Mullaney. Kieran is one of those experiencing problems, and decides to sue the owners of Hanford. After one lawyer backs out, Kieran relies on Emily and her father to get to the truth of what really happened at Hanford. Ryan, meanwhile, is skeptical that anything can be done with so little evidence, but as time goes on and things get more mysterious, he too is drawn into the case. As the case heats up, so does the mystery behind it. A dirty judge, a smarmy cooperate lawyer, and someone willing to go to great lengths to keep Hanford's secrets safe. What is really going on at Hanford?

What I liked: This was the first book I read by Mr. Johnson, and I really enjoyed it. I liked that it was a combination legal thriller and mystery. There wasn't too much of one or the other - a perfect combination. I enjoyed meeting the characters and hearing their stories. I also enjoyed learning about Hanford. Even though I grew up in WA state, I had never heard of Hanford, and was surprised to know it was only a few hours away from me my whole life. I also enjoyed the suspense Mr. Johnson kept us in throughout the book. He did a great job keeping the bad guy's motives hidden for the majority of the book - a rare treat!

What I didn't care for: This is one is definitely my personal opinion - it drove me nuts how many times characters would pass by each other or have short conversations but not actually share information. Now, I realize, that is probably realistic, but as the reader who already knows what each character does, it was aggravating watching them interact and not share their knowledge! AAAHH!!! Things could have been figured out so much sooner if that had happened. However, I know that isn't how real life works, and for the story line, it worked too. For example, one security guard, Paddy, who is also experiencing symptoms but is not a part of the lawsuit, interacts several times with Kieran, whom Paddy knows is suing, yet does not bother to share his suspicions, or research about the missing guard. I know, it fits the story, but for the reader, it is a bit frustrating. I wanted to reach in and throttle the characters...which probably means Mr. Johnson did a fantastic job making them realistic and true to life. :)

Overall, a very intense and enjoyable read. If you like legal thrillers, suspense, or mysteries, you should enjoy this book!

Happy Readings,

Sarah K

Review ~ Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Hello Friends!

I've got another fantastic historical romance/mystery for you today! It's Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley. (I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review of this book) This is another book that I read about a month ago, and am just now getting to writing about, so I apologize for the delay. This book is the third in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series, and while you can read them in order, this is the only one I have read, and everything made sense. You meet a few side characters who were main characters in the previous books, but it doesn't take away from this story. I really enjoyed them actually, and now can't wait to go back and read the first two books.

Summary: Bank robberies, heiresses, secrets, Oh my! Miranda Hunt, aka Annie Beckman is one of the best detectives the Pinkerton Agency has to offer. After hearing about a group of bandits that have been getting away with bank robberies, train hold ups and general mayhem caused by the Phantom near Last Chance Ranch, Miranda decides to go undercover to the ranch as its newest heiress to try to draw out and capture the Phantom and his gang once and for all!   

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo detective, Jeremy Taggert is also undercover at the ranch for the same reasons. Originally suspecting each other, they soon realize there is more to this story than just a few bank robberies and hold ups. As they wade through the deception and danger, Jeremy and "Annie" find themselves falling in love. Who can they trust? Everyone is a suspect, even the people they think they can trust the most. 

What I liked: The mystery was great! It kept me guessing, and I really appreciated that. The characters are also really well written and I loved getting to know them! I really enjoy Ms. Brownley's style too. Her writing is engaging, suspenseful and humorous at all the appropriate times.

While I'm not a tea person, it was fun to learn about the different types of tea and what they can be used for. And yes, there really is a tea called gunpowder tea.  

What I didn't like: I can't recall anything I didn't like. :)

Take away: I loved how much history was in this book, and how much Ms. Brownley made me want to learn about the Pinkerton Agency. I spent a lot of time on Wikipedia reading about the family and the agency. For example - did you know that the Pinkerton agency still exists today? Or that they there the first organization to hire a female detective - and did so over thirty years before any other police force or organization did so? Pinkerton realized that at that time, women made the best intelligence agents because most men at the time did not consider them capable of understanding most issues, and therefore spoke freely in front of them. This allowed for many female spies to gather critical information (such as the plot to assassinate President Lincoln in Baltimore).

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There is romance and intrigue, a historical western and a mystery. If you like any of these genres, you really should enjoy this book!

Happy Readings!

Sarah K.  

Review ~ A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Hello Friends!

I'm so sorry it has been so long since I last updated! I've had crazy life stuff happening! My eyes have been acting up, I'm about 3 weeks away from finishing my M.Div and a lot of family stuff going on. However, I have finished several fantastic books over that time, and over the next few days, I plan on posting the reviews for them.

Today's book is a fantastic historical romance called A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears. (I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review) This is her debut novel, and the prequel can be downloaded in ebook format for free. (It's called Love by the Letter) and it too is super cute!

Summary: Everett Cline has had the worst luck EVER trying to find a mail order bride. His brides have arrived dead, already married, left him at the alter because he wasn't wealthy, and some just found a better looking man! He has sworn off brides for good...or so he thinks. Meanwhile, the wife of his best friend has secretly been writing to a girl back east, Julie, and convinced her to come to Kansas to be Everett's bride. Arriving under the impression that she is to be married, Julia is shocked when Everett knows nothing about her! As they get to know each other, they decide to marry for convenience. Though their baggage gets in the way at first, Ms. Jagears does a wonderful job showing how two people can work through their issues as husband and wife, and eventually fall in love.

What I loved: Ms. Jagears writing style is wonderful! She drew me in from the first word, and I felt like I was a part of the story. Her characters are well developed and I cared about them deeply. I was so sad to see the story end, and I cannot wait for more! I also loved her humor sprinkled throughout the book. The book is also very balanced between Everett and Julia's point of views, so you really get to connect with both characters and their inner struggles.

What I didn't like: This isn't so much of a not like as a wish for more - Julia's past was mentioned a lot, but not much was done with it. Part of me is glad, because it kept the story from getting too intense, but part of me wishes there was some closure there. Perhaps in a future book?

Take Aways: Ms. Jagears spends a lot of time dealing with issues that come with marriage, though not in a way that detracts from the story. Rather, it makes the story more real. While few Westerners have been in an arranged marriage, most of us can relate to the struggles that Everett and Julia dealt with: feeling loved, and showing love even when you don't, helping those around us even when we don't want to, putting the needs of our spouse ahead of our own. She also dealt with the issues of spousal abuse (in another couple), and how to help someone be safe from that, which was handled quite well.

The character's struggle with their faith, and God's plan for their lives was also very touching and convicting. Seeking out his will, and trying to better understand his love for them, so they could better love each other, was a good reminder to me as well.

Overall, this book is probably one of the best new books I've read this year. I really loved it! It was romantic, and funny, and made me re-examine my marriage and relationship with God. I fell in love with the characters and cannot wait to hear more from them - especially Helga, and her new adventures back east! If you love historical romance, you will really enjoy this book!

Happy Reading!

Sarah