Her Good Name, by Ruth Axtell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION: In the 1890 thriving coastal town of Holliston, Maine, the leading lumber baron's son, Warren Brentwood, III, returns from his years away at college and traveling to take up his position as heir apparent to his father's business empire.

Esperanza "Espy" Estrada, daughter of a Portuguese immigrant fisherman and a local woman, lives on the wrong side of town, surrounded by a brood of brothers and sisters and a careworn mother. She is unable to pretend she is anything but "one of those Estradas." When she overhears of a position to clean house at a local high school teacher's home on Elm Street, she jumps at the opportunity--to be able to run into Warren Brentwood now and again, but also to imbibe of the culture and intellectual atmosphere of the Stocktons.

Soon, scandal and drama rock Espy's world, and she must make decisions about her future--decisions that will affect many more people than herself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Ruth Axtell has published 13 romances under the name Ruth Axtell Morren with Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Books. She will have a single title regency out in March 2013 for Baker/Revell Books. Her books have been translated into Dutch, Italian, Polish, Czech and Afrikaans. She was a Golden Heart finalist in 1994. Her second published book, Wild Rose, was a Booklist "Top Ten Christian Fiction" selection in 2005. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America).

Ruth studied comparative literature at Smith College with a concentration in French and English literature, and spent her junior year in Paris. Since then she has lived in the Netherlands and the Canary Islands. Shortly after college, she committed her life to Christ. Fourteen years later, she committed her writing to Him.

Currently, Ruth lives on the down east coast of Maine with her three children and two cats. She enjoys the challenge of vegetable and flower gardening in a cool, foggy climate, long walks, reading and doing historical research for her novels.

MY THOUGHTS: What a sweet book! I couldn't stop until I'd finished this one. The characters were a bit predictable and I knew where it was going from the get-go, but this was an enjoyable read.  I loved the setting, loved the ending.

PARENTAL RATING:  PG-13.  This is one I will pass to my teen daughters, with a little discussion about how Espy was taken advantage of by her boss's husband.

Isle of Shadows, by Tracy L Higley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION: This book is revised and updated from the original, Christy-award finalist Shadow of Colossus.

Enslaved in a World of Money and Power, Tessa Dares to be Free.

Raised as courtesan to wealthy and powerful men, Tessa of Delos serves at the whim of her current patron, the politician Glaucus. After ten years with him, Tessa has abandoned all desire for freedom or love, choosing instead to lock her heart away.

But when Glaucus meets a violent death in his own home, Tessa grasps at a fragile hope. Only she knows of his death. If she can keep it a secret long enough, she can escape.

Tessa throws herself on the mercy of the Greek god Helios, but finds instead unlikely allies in Nikos, a Greek slave, and Simeon, Glaucus’s Jewish head servant. As Simeon introduces her to a God unlike any she has ever known and Nikos begins to stir feelings she had thought long dead, Tessa fights to keep her heart protected.

As an assassination plot comes to light, Tessa must battle for her own freedom—and for those to whom she has begun to open her heart—as forces collide that shatter the island’s peace.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tracy Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. After attending Philadelphia Biblical University, she earned a B.A. in English Literature at Rowan University. She then spent ten years writing drama presentations for church ministry.

A lifelong interest in history and mythology has led Tracy to extensive research into ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, and shaped her desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past.

MY THOUGHTS:  Tessa is a natural heroine, brave in the face of danger, yet vulnerable to the suffering she must endure.  Facing odds that spell disaster, she makes choices that, one at a time, bring her closer to her goal of freedom.  Along the way, she realizes that spiritual freedom and the freedom to love are even more important than being loosed from the men who have paid for her services.

This is historical fiction at its best.  With strong themes of atonement, grace, and forgiveness, historical figures meet fictional characters at a crucial time.  The book is set in the Silent Years between the Old and New Testaments, and an extra chapter at the end fills the reader in on important historical tidbits, separating fact from fiction.

The beautiful setting on the island of Rhodes, Greece, comes alive through vivid descriptions.  An interactive website makes Tessa's world even more real through photo tours of the island, videos and links to historic sites, the author's travel diary, discussion questions, and much more.

I really enjoyed reading this book and, even though I had a feeling how it would end, getting there was a lot of fun!

PARENTAL RATING:  Because the main character, Tessa, is basically a sex slave, parents are cautioned to preview this material.  There were no overt references to what she did, but lots of innuendo and several close calls kept the level of tension pretty high in this particular book.  I would not suggest it for younger teens, but perhaps some older readers would be able to handle it.  I would definitely recommend working through the extra links on the website, to take full advantage of how much can be learned from this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Loom, by Shella Gillus

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:   Lydia knew her fate. Like every other slave on the Maryland plantation, her life would end at the loom...

Throughout the pre-Civil War South, older slaves too worn out for anything else worked daily in the plantation's loom room, weaving and creating cloth for their families. Tucked away out of sight and forgotten by most everyone, the wisdom and hard-won experience of these slaves were often overlooked. But Lydia, a light-skinned house slave, listens to their words and dreams of a better life.

When running away leads to her recapture, Lydia discovers that with her pale skin, the right clothing, and pretense, she can walk into a world of freedom and wealth she has only dreamed of.

But Lydia struggles to leave behind the man she loves and the culture of a world in which she belongs. Drawing on the wise community in the plantation's loom room, Lydia chases freedom in a way no one ever expected and finds that she ultimately must choose between the love she has and the life she doesn't.

The Loom is a colorful tale of love linked to a lie and the discovery that life is not always black or white.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shella Gillus received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Arizona and earned her Screen Actor's Guild card while working in the film industry in Los Angeles. She has been crowned Miss Black Heritage and 1st runner-up Miss Black Arizona, and has done national media. The Loom is her fiction debut. She lives with her husband, Stacey, and their two children in Dallas.

MY THOUGHTS:  Lydia lives between two worlds. As a slave, she is part of those living on the plantation, owned by the Master. But she lives in the house with the family as a companion to their daughter, who is about Lydia's age.

She has a close relationship with her father and her grandmother, but she is also best friends with the Master's daughter, and Lydia's fair complexion doesn't make her African race obvious.  Her heritage is steeped in fear, death, hopelessness, and pain. Yet something stirs within her, what she refers to as a fire, something yearning to be free.

This allegory of the Christian life, of accepting our freedom and living in it, is rich in colorful symbolism, complicated characters, and intriguing secrets. The author delves into the heart of each of the main characters, giving us glimpses into what made them into who we see, thus revealing the events of the story from differing perspectives. I was riveted to every page of this book, although the maltreatment of the slaves was difficult to read about. An inspiring, dramatic, wonderful story.

PARENTAL RATING: This one is a bit too violent for my teen girls, and it does contain some scenes with sexuality.  But to be honest, I read worse as required reading in high school.  Should you decide to pass it along to your older child, you may want to read it first, as there's a lot to talk about in this twisty-turny plot.  Slavery.  Life choices.  Love.  Desire.  Freedom.  Family.  Honoring our elders.  Abuse.  And above all, the sacrifice paid for redemption.

Roanoke: The Lost Colony, by Angela Elwell Hunt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


SERIES: "Keepers of the Ring," #1.  The second book follows some of the children from this first book, so it would seem they can be read as stand-alone novels without much problem.


PARENTAL RATING (May contain spoilers):  PG-13   Although the physical act of marriage between man and wife are alluded to, as well as references to cohabitation, all was tasteful and spiritually sound. There were a few strong descriptions of brutal torture at the hands of a warring tribe, mostly towards the end of the book. I will encourage my girls to read this one, but only after we have a few chats about what they're going to find in its pages. Based on that, I’d rate Roanoke as PG-13 but encourage older historical-fiction fans to get their hands on this one.

As we follow young Jocelyn across the ocean to the English colonies, she becomes a capable member of the community. She accepts her role as the minister’s wife and loves her husband despite her misperceptions about his feelings for her. More than once I wanted to scream as the couple misunderstand each others’ words or actions and go through years of marriage never understanding how they truly feel about each other.

But there is much to be gleaned from this could-be-true story based on the lost colony of Roanoke Island. Finding freedom in God rather than being bound by tradition and laws of man was a constant theme. As servants are freed from the restrictions of being born to a lower class, and men and women shed the condemnation of their past mistakes to accept God's offer of new life, we are reminded of God's grace.

Along with beautiful examples of that grace are admonitions to live fully in the light of it, as we meet characters who waste their time in self-condemnation, guilt, and penance.

This books covers in pretty strong detail a period of about 20 years, so this won't be a quick read. However, the actual facts of history that come alive, the spiritual lessons, and the intense story make this book well worth the time.

This Scarlet Cord, by Joan Wolf

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from her webpage): "I have written forty-five books over a span of thirty years. They include regency romances, historical novels, historical romances and historical mysteries....  I was a high school English teacher for nine years before I retired to raise my family."   


Check out my review of another historical fiction by Joan Wolf, The Reluctant Queen.

PARENTAL RATING (May contain spoilers):  PG-13.  As much as I enjoyed this book, I can't pass it along to my teen girls. The main crisis of the book deals with the pagan sexual rituals that take place in Jericho, and while the author handled the details delicately, it was a large portion of the story. This is one you'd want to use your own discretion on, however, as the message was one of virtue and integrity, and Rahab's bravery and sound morals surely make her a great role model for young ladies.

What do we really know of the woman Rahab, the Canaanite referred to as a harlot, who played such an integral role in the Israelite's conquest of Jericho? How did she come to have faith in the One True God, this god of her enemies? Where did she find the boldness to betray her countrymen? How was she accepted into the chosen people and allowed to marry one of their men?

This story fills in the gaps between the Biblical facts with a well-told drama of danger, love, and bravery. I found myself rooting for young Rahab from the beginning of the book, and excited as the god she tentatively put her trust in continually came to her rescue. Knowing the end of the story from the Biblical account didn't keep me from holding my breath as the characters got into dangerous situations, and anxiously flipping pages to see how they'd escape trouble.

**I received an ebook copy for review from netGalley.com.

A Duke's Promise, by Jamie Carie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Duke's Promise is the third book in the Forgotten Castles series, scheduled to release on September 1, 2012. (I also reviewed book 2, The Forgiven Duke.)  We pick up right where the second one ends, just after the wedding of Gabriel, the wealthy duke of St. Easton, and the young lady he's been guarding for the past year, Alexandra. Alex is the daughter of the Featherstones, famous adventurers who neve returned from their latest treasure hunt and are now presumed dead. The duke, Gabriel, has promised that they will find and rescue her parents as soon as they can escape the watchful eye of the guards assigned to them by the throne.

The new couple find themselves further entangled in a web of competition between European powers for a manuscript that describes how to make a powerful war machine. They are being pursued at every turn, but must remain focused if they have any hope of finding this manuscript or Alex's missing parents. And if being hunted down by several different countries isn't enough, the newlyweds must also deal with Gabriel's deafness, Alex's issues over the years her parents abandoned her, and a powerful man who is obsessed with the Featherstone women.

I enjoyed the twists and turns in this romance, the mysteries and danger. Of course, the love story was pretty over-the-top at times, but looming secrets and trust issues between the lovebirds kept their relationship from being "too" perfect. Apart from the main story line, there were beautiful depictions of God's love, as well as interesting scientific information. An added section at the end makes the connection between historical facts and the treasure the fictional Featherstones sought. Without giving away too much of the book, let me add that some of the content was too mature for my teen daughters, especially as it pertained to an attack on Alex in the second book and the man obsessed with owning and "having his way" with the women. For that reason, this book won't be added to my girls' shelf, but I'd recommend it for more mature readers.

I received this book free from the publisher through netGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Highland Blessings, by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really, really well-written historical fiction. Two family clans in a war that's lasted for generations may find peace through the marriage of their "royal" children. But after so many years of hatred, is it enough?

Although I love this genre, I don't enjoy the predictability or the overdone physical attractions that usually happen in the first chapter of historical romances. Jennifer Hudson Taylor avoided both of these pitfalls and I definitely enjoyed her writing style. This was a feel-good, warm-fuzzy, rainy day book, made even better because I snagged it for free on Amazon.

Love Amid the Ashes, by Mesu Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this historical fiction, which connected the story of Joseph's sister Dinah with the tragic figure, Job. As always, the author takes certain liberties to make the story work, but this gal did her homework. I didn't find anything that wouldn't be plausible, and I was captured from the beginning in this tale of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. I have always been a bit confused by the long book of Job's story, and the conversations that take place between this tortured man and his well-meaning friends. I feel like I have a better grasp now on what actually took place, and I enjoyed the fictional embellishments that really weaved this tragedy into a beautiful tale.

The Forgiven Duke, by Jamie Carie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not only is this historical romance, but this is a tale of unraveling mysteries. Even though The Forgiven Duke is the second book of a series, I was able to glean most of what happened and catch on quickly to the plot.

A young lady placed under the guardianship of a rich, handsome duke refuses to believe that her parents are dead and runs away from his protective custody. Her vow to do whatever it takes to find her missing parents leads her into danger, bad decisions, and ugly consequences. Can she learn to trust God and His timing rather than taking matters into her own hands? Will the secrets she and the duke accumulate along the way keep them from the future they could have together?

The duke is a powerful man used to breezing through life on his terms. Now that he's deaf, he must learn to adjust to a life he can't totally control. He must overcome his handicap and find the runaway he's fallen in love with and sworn to protect. He grows in his relationship with God through the hardships he endures to complete the mandates of the king and of his heart. The imagery of this man reaching out to God without being able to hear is beautiful.

Throughout the story, the characters are faced with choices that demonstrate the level of trust they have in God. As they lean on Him, He comes to the rescue in His time, in His way. I liked that their mistakes were portrayed realistically, however, in that the characteers still had to face the consequences to their decisions.

This book strayed a little from your average Christian romance in going past the typical chivalry, social parties, and mild heroic rescues. We see a bit of that, but there are also murders, torture, battles, and--oops, I almost spoiled it for you! You'll have to see for yourself what else happens.

The ending gave enough resolution to satisfy some major questions but enough loose ends to leave room for the third book in the series, due out in September of 2012.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Into the Free, by Julie Cantrell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:  Just a girl. The only one strong enough to break the cycle. In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a “nothing mama,” she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring. The travelers lead Millie to a key which unlocks generations of shocking family secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie the tools she needs to break her family’s longstanding cycle of madness and abuse. Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness, can Millie finally make her way into the free?  

This is a book full of contrasts, of appearances that promise one thing but open up to reveal a totally different scene. Our heroine Millie's Mississippi in the 1930's and 40's is full of trees that sing, fascinating Gypsies, small farms, and enchanting forests. Look a bit further and you find drugs, gossip, abuse, and racism filling the beautiful land. Behind religious piety you find hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Within people on the fringe of accepted society you find honesty and compassion, and within those of the upper class, well, a lack of both. A creative young girl filled with life and energy turns out not to be a child at all, but an "old soul", as her mother has told her, who must forfeit childhood to survive the traumas of her everyday life.

I don't really care for novels with abuse, but I was so drawn into Millie's life that I couldn't help but keep reading. The words flowed like poetry, and I found myself smiling at the descriptions of how a character felt, how the landscape came alive, how the tree embraced the scared child.

The author's character development is superb. Millie's voice is so strong, so appropriate for a nine-year-old that I doubted the author would be able to continue making Millie believable as she aged. I was pleasantly surprised. I was so taken by Millie's story, by the cards she'd undeservedly been dealt in her young Life, that I wanted to jump into the pages and bring her into my own home. I cheered when people showed her kindness, raged when another hard knock threatened to rob her of any hope. I read straight through this book and was very disappointed when it ended. I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Desired: A Novel of Samson and Delilah, by Ginger Garrett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Publisher’sDescription:
Meet the legendary Samson as you've never known him before … through the eyes of the three women who loved him.


Before Samson was an Old Testament legend, he was a prodigal son, an inexperienced suitor, a vengeful husband, and a lost soul driven by his own weakness. This is his story as told by three strong women who loved him—the nagging, manipulative mother who pushed him toward greatness, the hapless Philistine bride whose betrayal propelled him into notoriety, and the emotionally damaged seductress—the famous Delilah—who engineered his downfall and propelled him to his destiny. Desired celebrates the God of Israel's to work powerfully in the midst of hopes, fears, desires, and sorrows.

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In this historical fiction that retells the famous love story of Samson and Delilah, Samson himself is practically a footnote to the main stories, which are of the three women of his life. The reader comes to know him from the impact he has on these women. I learned a lot about what life was like for women of that time and place. I learned about the relationship between the Hebrew nation and their neighbors, the Philistines, and about the Philistine’s god Dagon. Because this familiar story is retold from the viewpoint of the women, the lines of right and wrong, good guy and bad guy, are blurred a bit. Instead of faulting this person for his action or that person for her lack of action, the reader sees the possible “story behind the story”.

The circumstances that drew these characters to each other were so intriguing, and I found myself really hoping for a different ending than the one I knew was to come. Throughout the book, I was reminded that life doesn’t always turn out as expected. I think the summary in the lesson to be derived from this book is found on page 307, in the words of Samson’s mother:

Every winter, just before spring arrives, the almond trees bloom. They are a promise from God, each of those white blossoms, that He is watching and His words will be fulfilled in their appointed time. Sometimes, this appointed time comes before we are ready. Sometimes, it seems to come too late. We cannot understand His timing….

However, as we learn in this story, we can trust that He is faithful to keep His word and to work miracles for those who obey Him even when they don’t understand Him.

I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing. She is a gifted craftsman of poetic prose, with descriptions and phrases that make the story breathe. I never felt that she’d overdone it, nor that she could have developed a point further. This is the second book in the Lost Loves of the Bible Series, the first of which being Chosen, the story of Queen Esther.  I look forward to reading more by Ginger Garrett.  Desired does deal with adult themes that may be unsuitable for teens, but I’d recommend this book for my girlfriends who need to be reminded that God can redeem any situation, and that He finishes what He starts.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Daughter of Joy, by Kathleen Morgan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book begins with a young widow who has recently lost her son. She reluctantly accepts the position of housekeeper/nanny for a man whose reputation is that of a difficult, demanding boss with a spoiled, bratty daughter.

Early into the story, I almost stopped reading, thinking that this historical fiction would end the same way so many do, with the virtuous heroine winning the heart of the bad guy, who instantly changes his ways, comes to the Lord, and welcomes her into his affluent life. About the time the story was all wrapped up to end that way, a major plot twist jumped onto the scene and had to be resolved. Then another and another, and before I knew it, this simple, cut-and-dry romance had turned into a full-fledged drama.

As the characters work out the kinks and learn to trust God's hand through the tough times, we get to know people who are in various places in their walk with the Lord. We see their struggles--and even failures--to live what they're being called to, and there is encouragement in the reminder that God never gives up on us.

I ultimately enjoyed this book, even more once it got a little complicated and I couldn't predict exactly where it was going. Okay, okay, it IS historical romantic fiction, so I knew exactly where it was going, but I couldn't predict every step along the way. ;)

His Steadfast Love, by Golden Keyes Parsons

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With a brother serving in the Confederate Army and her small Texas town being invaded by Union troops, the Civil War years are not the best time for Amanda to fall in love with a soldier from the North. However, fate plays a hand in their chance meetings over the years, keeping the flames of their frowned-upon romance alive. Will it be enough to overcome to heartaches of war and family disapproval? Both will have to rethink their opinions on important issues and take stands for what matters if they are to get past their obvious hardships.

I learned a lot about the Civil War in this book, and about different sides of the battles that tore apart our nation. I was pleased with the way the characters developed as the years passed, being changed both by the atrocities they saw and their devotion to one another.

The parts of the book that involved fighting, torture, or death were descriptive enough that I understood some of what the characters went through, but not so graphic that I felt like I had to skip passages. And while this was a bit sappy and at times predictable, I appreciated the family loyalty and faith that God was in control, which were foundational to the story. I’d recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Unto These Hills, by Emily Sue Harvey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was particularly interested in this story since I’m a South Carolina gal, and it did not disappoint. The setting of this book came alive and became such a huge part of the story. Set in the mill hill town of Startex, SC, we follow the decline of the factory and its surrounding town over the course of several decades.

Sunny works to overcome the stereotypes and family baggage she faces, hoping to rise above what those around her expect her to turn out to be. With good intentions and a well-meaning heart, she makes some bad decisions that bring about horrible consequences. Throughout the story, we watch her try to correct or learn to live with these consequences, often making bigger messes. I identified with her to an extent, not just because she grew up in a small town in South Carolina, but because she felt responsible for those around her. She tried to keep her family and friends out of trouble and to make decisions that would not bring hardships to others.

Not all of the story lines resolved in a feel-good way, but the book did feel real. I was particularly happy with the dialogue among the characters. Often when I’m reading, I can’t help but think, “She’d never have used those words,” or “That phrase is out of place with this person.” In this book, though, the conversations seemed very believable and not at all stiff. I liked the message of forgiveness and redemption, and would recommend this book. Beware of getting this one for teen girls, however, as there are numerous incidences of sexual abuse with rather graphic descriptions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Babylon's Falling, by William G. Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We all know that Daniel was a man of integrity, his devotion to God eventually leading him to a den of lions.  We also know that his three Hebrew friends stood up to the king and faced the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol.  But what were these four young men like?  What did life as captives in Babylon really entail?  In Babylon’s Falling, we get a behind-the-scenes fictional look at events surrounding the Biblical stories we learned in Sunday School, beginning with the trip these four young men take as they’re led away from their homeland, Jerusalem, by their captors, the Babylonians.

I was pulled into this story quickly because from the beginning, Daniel and his three friends are shown sticking together in what could be tough situations.  However, because the span of this book covers about 80 years, sometimes the story felt rushed.  The major stories from Daniel’s life as told in the Bible are covered in enough detail to stay true to those historical accounts, but I felt like the author could have taken more liberty to develop those scenes a bit.  The plot developments that could have been tense (such as the lion’s den, the fiery furnace, the fall of Babylon) all wrapped up so nicely and quickly that there really wasn’t any tension.  I felt a bit like I was reading a story written for children, where the author purposefully kept the stress level low.  The whole book felt a little too clean for me, a little too “nice.”

On a positive side, I really liked the characters.  What we know of them from the Bible was that these Hebrew men were faithful to God and to each other, and that God blessed them even in captivity.  This theme of loyalty was well developed in the book.  I also learned a lot about the cultures and leaders of that time period.  I would recommend this book for a light read, one that will teach you about Daniel’s era and inspire you, but not one that will cause your blood pressure to rise.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Hardest Thing to Do, by Penelope Wilcox

Based in a fourteenth century monastery, this book is all about the everyday lives of the monks of St. Alcuin's Abbey.  This is the fourth book in Penelope Wilcox's series, The Hawk and the Dove.  I hadn't read the previous three books but had no trouble following the story line.  The handy list of the men and their positions at the abbey, found at the beginning of the book, helped quite a bit.

The book reads like a daily journal of the activities taking place in and around the abbey, and I did have a bit of a hard time getting into the story for the first few chapters.  The characters began to take shape, however, and soon these simple, humble men were faced with a test of real forgiveness.  

I can't say this was a book that really held my attention.  I was drawn in a bit with the mystery of a fire in a nearby town, and what this had to do with our quiet fellas at St. Alcuin's, but the plot never quite thickened enough for me.  I kept reading because, honestly, it was nice to escape into a world of bare necessities and devoted God-followers living in community.  There is a nice lesson in accepting our fellow man and offering healing through forgiveness, so it's worth the read.

NOTE:  Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a free copy of this book for review.

Havah, by Tosca Lee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Put aside the flannel-graph figures of the Adam and Eve, and the coloring pages of the Garden of Eden. This book fills in the details behind the well-known Sunday-school story, from the creation of Eve until almost a millennium later. Beginning at the moment that God ("the One") calls out "Wake!" to the woman he's just taken from Adam's side, Eve tells us the joys, pains, victories, and mistakes of her life.

The first part of the book describes life in the garden, showing us how the perfection of that world really looked. The animals and humans communicated with each other without the need of spoken words. Beautiful sights and sounds made up the paradise that housed these first inhabitants, and the author's descriptions were both detailed and poetic. (At this point let me caution future readers that some content is a bit mature. The marital relationship was handled delicately but with more candor than would be appropriate for teenagers.)

Hearing the story from Eve's perspective made so many points come alive, such as the first sin. I felt as if I was there with her as she neared the tree and fell into the serpent's trap. And even though I knew what she'd do, I was begging her not to. I felt the emotions along with Eve throughout the exile, in the adjustments she and Adam had to make in living outside of paradise, and the stages of life and death that she learned about. The child-like innocence she possessed and the fact that she'd lived in a perfect state, gave her a unique perspective.

As the story and the years go on, sin and its effects on the world are more and more prevalent. I was reminded of how truly sad this life is, in comparison to what the Creator intended.

Even knowing the important details in the Biblical account, I never became bored. I loved the way the author delved into the interesting extra things that the Bible doesn't mention. For example, how did the exile play out? How did Adam and Eve learn to survive after the exile? What did the mark on Cain look like?

The story showed things such as the beginnings of idol worship, the evolution of arts, how the Fall affected Adam and Eve's relationship. And none of these elaborations took away from the facts I know from the Bible. If anything, I finished this book with a greater understanding of God's love, the effects of sin in our lives, and how beautiful the second Adam's sacrifice was in reconciling us to the One.

A Reluctant Queen, by Joan Wolf

How many historical fiction retellings of Queen Esther can we have? Well, make room for one more that definitely earned its place on my bookshelf. The author makes it clear that she skews a little from the Biblical version for the sake of turning a short story into a novel, but she in no way takes away from the bravery of so many people in the incredible journey of this young queen.

What made this book different than the rest was the personal take on the characters. Esther wasn't depicted as the infallible, totally-submissive-to-the-will-of-God, perfect beauty we sometimes imagine. Instead, her conflicts and struggles are real, and she is a person we can identify with. She wrestles with her decisions, often very unsure of which way she should go and doubting her choices once she makes them. We feel her sense of being betrayed, of abandonment, of culture shock, and her fear and confusion in how to deal with circumstances that go from bad to worse before resolving.

Esther finds herself in the king's harem, earns the good graces of those working there and later of the king himself, and moves into the position of queen. She uses her position to affect change at various levels, from the castle to the harem. She eventually learns of a plot to annihilate her people, the very people she has neglected to claim as part of her identity. She must decide if losing the love and trust of the king she has fallen in love with is worth the risk she could take to possibly help her kinsmen. Her decision changed history.

I enjoyed this book on so many levels. Knowing the actual account in the book of Esther, I was touched by the challenges this real life hero had to overcome. I was engrossed in the fictional plots because they were well-developed. I found inspiration by realizing the source of Esther's--and my--strength. I look forward to reading more by Joan Wolf.

**I read this book courtesy of www.booksneeze.com, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I got the opportunity to read Redeeming Love for review, I was sure that it could not live up to all the hype it's garnered over the years. No way could any Christian historical fiction be THAT good. Okay, it's that good. This retelling of the Biblical story of Hosea and his straying wife spoke of divine grace and redemption and that forever-kind-of-love that reaches out to all of us and never gives up.

Set in the California Gold Rush of the 1800's, we find our heroine Angel working in a brothel as a prostitute, enslaved to the only life she's known since her mother's death. When a local farmer hears God's tell him to marry her, she must come to terms with a new lifestyle and the love this man is offering. Can she leave behind all that is familiar to take a chance on someone who promises something that seems impossible? Can she find the strength to hope again, after all her hopes have been crushed and destroyed already? Can she learn to let down her walls of defense in order to escape the horrible hell she has had to live in?

This beautiful allegory relates the agape love of God that causes Him to seek us out in our sin, draw us to Him, and be faithful to us no matter our shortcomings. The study guide included with this edition brings those lessons out, focusing on the practical applications of Michael and Angel's continuing struggles. This helps the reader to see herself in the characters, and to recognize how faithful God is even when we stray far from Him.

I would recommend this book to any of my adult friends, but especially to a ladies' book club or a Bible study group. And although the author was very careful about how she handled the sexual relations and abusive incidents that took place, they were very strong and should be previewed before offering this book to a teenaged reader.

In The Shadow of the Sun King, by Golden Keyes Parsons

Thomas Nelson Publishers once again supplied me with a wonderful book to read in return for my review of it. This book had to pass through a lot of hands to finally make it to me, though. I agreed to read it thinking it would come BEFORE we left the States. It came, in fact, the day after we left for Paraguay. So my mom retrieved it from our mailbox 2 weeks later, she passed it to my mother-in-law, who gave it to my sister-in-law, who'd heard through a friend-of-a-friend that someone somebody knew was making a trip to Paraguay. So my sister-in-law (God bless her) tracked this nice lady down and asked her to bring a care package to us in her luggage, including the book and some much needed pop-tarts.

The lady with the book happened to come and go while we were in Argentina, so she left the book with the missionaries she was visiting. My friend in the city agreed to go by the home of these other missionaries to retrieve the book, and we met her husband later to pick it up. The afternoon after I got it, we lost power in a thunderstorm that lasted well into the night. What was there to do but read? I devoured this book in one pleasant evening. So three months and a lot of hands later, I finally got to read In the Shadow of the Sun King, by first-time fictional author Golden Keyes Parsons. Let me say right off the bat that it was worth the wait, and thanks to all those who got it into MY hands.

The book is historical fiction, based in seventeenth century France. The French Protestants (Huguenots) are being persecuted by the Catholics and forced to convert or suffer the violent consequences. The story follows one noble Huguenot family through their persecution, including a visit to the king's court at Versaille and eventual fleeing to Geneva. Madeleine, the lady of the home, must come to terms with her past romantic relationship with the king in the process.

The author was sensitive in her details of the torture inflicted on those refusing to convert, giving enough description to understand the magnitude of the situation, without making me grimace over the finer points of the bloody truth. I definitely appreciated that. I also was a big fan of how human the heroine turned out to be. She was no Super-Christian, blameless and pure, but instead was a real woman struggling with real thoughts and fighting for the safety of her household, including her mother, her three young children, her husband, and a host of servants. I was pleased at how much suspense and adrenaline there was, mixed with love plots and girlie drama. A perfect mix! The author maintained a Christian worldview without being sappy and totally predictable, and without loading the pages with mini-sermons. The sermon was in the lives of these people, fictional characters based on the author's own family tree.

Enough of the conflict was resolved by the end of the story to feel good about closing the back cover, but there's plenty hanging in the wings for the next book in the series, due out August, 2009. Maybe I can get that one in my hands by next Christmas!!