The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

I have had this in my stack of books and been waiting to wade through my stack to get to it and again Alison does not disappoint!  She took a difficult topic (domestic abuse) and handled it with sensitivity and insight.  Along with the topics of loss, in-law dynamics, guilt and more.... A compelling and well done story that keeps the pages turning!

Drowning Ruth (Book Club book of the month)

I recently finished reading our book club pick for this month, Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz.  This story takes place starting in the Winter of 1919 where Amanda Starkey is nursing soldiers from the war back to health.  However, circumstances cause her to leave her nursing duties and return to her family's farm on a remote lake.  She is there with her sister and three year old niece until one night when tragedy happens and her sister is found drowned beneath the ice covered lake... When her sister's husband returns home wounded from the war he finds things are a little strange and no one seems to know why his wife was out on the lake at night and drowned... not only that but his sister-in-law cares for his daughter with an intensity that is over the top. 

The story shifts from one person's perspective in the story to another and with flash backs to what led up to all the events... This is not what I would normally pick up to read but I will say that for this style of story it is very well written.  It is a tragedy with all the human failings and sadly not much redemption in the story.  It eventually grips you and you want to see how it will all work out.  Well written and engaging.  If I was scoring on that alone I would give it a higher rating but since again I am not a big tragedy reader where there is no redemption in the story, I liked it ok hence the lower score ( 3 1/2 stars).

Reclaiming Nick by Susan May Warren

I just recently finished the first book in Warren's Noble Legacy Series.  The story revolves around Nick the prodigal son who returns home and a journalist bent on proving he set up her brother for murder.  Piper Sullivan goes undercover at the Noble ranch as a cook to find the information she needs to prove Nick is the murderer... but what will she really find?  A story with some twist and turns, relationship intrigue and even more a story of redemption, forgiveness and healing.

To be honest at first I thought I liked it ok but then around chapter 10 she reeled me in and I couldn't wait to see how things worked out!  Some of the plot I did figure out ahead of time but I was wrong about a few things I thought were going to happen...a nice surprise.  I did really enjoy this read!

The Marriage Wish by Dee Henderson

Henderson weaves a wonderful story of loss, healing, faith and learning to trust God even when we can't see the "why" in circumstances that are tough.  I believe this is her first romance book and I enjoyed it.

The story centers around mystery author Jennifer St. James who has suffered much loss... her husband, parents, & a child in a short period of time. Still grieving, angry and hurt she encounters Scott Williams who has a wealth of friendships and faith and even success in the business world but is missing his other half... Join them on the journey through the ups and downs and the lessons God has for them to learn through all of this.

Against All Odds by Irene Hannon

Against All Odds is the first book in Hannon's Heroes of Quantico series and the first time I have read this author. FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner are assigned what might be a simple protection case but nothing is ever as it seems. Monica Callahan's life becomes threatened when her estranged diplomat father is dealing with a hostage situation in Middle East. Join the characters as they learn to "talk the walk" and what faith is... with rising danger, cunning terrorist who lack any mercy this is a good read!

Evidence of Mercy by Terri Blackstock

Evidence of Mercy is the first Book in the Sun Coast Chronicles by Blackstock.  I enjoyed the story and the character development... Lynda is a lawyer and a lukewarm Christian.  She is more wrapped up in herself and worshiping what God has given her than God.  Jake is a non-believer who is living life all out for himself, his own pleasure and gain... in one moment their lives will become intertwined and never be the same.  A story of learning to trust, to have faith, to love and serve others as well as to forgive.

Wonderful!