"When it rains, it pours!"

Over the last few days, the weather has played havoc on parts of this nation, and it continues to do so now. My thoughts and prayers go out to those of you who were, who are, or who are about to be caught in the midst of one of these storms. May our Mighty God watch over, protect, shelter and carry you through... He is with you! Take shelter under His wings! Check out Psalm 62:5-8; Luke 8:22-25, and Psalm 17:6-8.

This weather made me think of the phrase so often used, "When it rains, it pours". For most this is used with a negative connotation. However, today I am using it in a positive light! Last week and this week, I have received via mail or downloaded electronically, several new books! I am super, super pumped! All I need now is the time to read them - (smile)! Seriously, why is it they all come at about the same time and my reading time is short to nonexistent!?! Oh, I don't care, I have been on the look out for these books for months or longer! So, where there is a will there is a way - lol! Be on the look out, I plan to post on these books as soon as I am able! (Coming soon, new books from: Francine Rivers, Lisa T. Bergren, Becky Wade and Dani Pettrey!!!)

Doing my little happy dance (wink)!

The Longing (Age of Faith, Book 5) by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:
In The Unveiling, The Yielding, The Redeeming, and The Kindling, the lives of the formidable Wulfrith family unfold during Duke Henry’s battle for the English throne and his succession. The fifth book in the series, The Longing, belongs to the last Wulfrith brother, the enigmatic Sir Everard, and the much maligned Lady Susanna de Balliol. 

THE ONE HE CAN NEVER FORGIVE 
For years, Lady Susanna de Balliol has borne the blame for betrayal—well-earned, though not as believed by the man she can never forget. Now her nephew must prove his legitimacy or lose his claim to his father’s lands. When Susanna is forced to flee with the boy following an attempt on his life, will the one man who knows the truth of her nephew’s birth grant them sanctuary within his walls? More, will he aid the woman whom he believes cost him the love of his life? 

THE ONE SHE CAN NEVER FORGET 

Eleven years—a long time to have loved and lost. Certain he will not love again, Everard Wulfrith has committed his life to the command of Wulfen Castle. But when the girl whose betrayal he can never forgive appears to him as a grown woman and demands he atone for his sins, can he lay bare his past to aid her nephew? And what of his unexpected feelings for the scandalous Susanna de Balliol whose indiscretions may very well put his own to shame?

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I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Tamara Leigh's Age of Faith series! Each book has been entertaining and touching, with characters that are a delight to care for and cheer on. Book 5 in this series, The Longing, was a well written tale and one that was delightful! A nice conclusion to the series... or is it?!? Leigh hints that Sir Durand's story might still come about and I for one would love to read it!

Now, back to the book at hand... The Longing is a tale of love and truth, triumphant! There are of course hurts, lies, plots, danger and risks that seek to stand in the way and so the story goes, and so the pages fly! Another good read from Leigh, who's books not only thrill but also leave me eager for her next book!

Daughter of the Promise (Numbered Among the Stars, Book 1) by Alicha McHugh

You may be more familiar with the biblical stories of Jacob, Rachel and Leah, and of course Joseph and his coat of many colors, but tucked within these stories is that of Jacob's daughter, Dinah. Daughter of the Promise is a fictional story based on the biblical accounts of Dinah, her family and some historical research that McHugh did on Ancient Egypt. This novel, told from Dinah's perspective, is both thoroughly engrossing and insightful! McHugh eloquently paints a picture with her words, not only of a time and place but of a people that will come to life, and seem to breath along side you as you read through the pages. Though this story is one that is not new (Biblical account), McHugh's use of imagination and facts not only captivate you but bring a freshness and a deeper look at this family, and the motivators that move and impacted their lives. Dinah and her family, are not perfect people, though they follow a perfect God. They are like us, sinful; a group battling pride, hate, fear, hypocrisy, jealousy, anger and I could go on. But also like us they are a people who hunger for love, approval, purpose and belonging. 

Now for those of you, who like me, think you know how this story will play out, you may be surprised - I was! This was not the tale of Dinah I was expecting and at first that bothered me but it also caused me to do a little research and pull out my bible a time or two. At the end of the novel McHugh explains why she choose to write this story from the perspective she did. She too did her research and sought to look at the biblical facts given to her with fresh eyes and prayerful thought and research. She even goes into more of an explanation, specifically on Dinah's defilement, on her blog -posting. I would encourage you to read what she wrote! Maybe you too, might want to do more digging of your own. Or maybe you will just want to read the book alone. Either way, this is a novel not to be missed! I picked it up late yesterday afternoon and read it as time allowed, and staying up late to finish it! 

This is Alicha McHugh's first novel and she has done a fantastic job! I cannot wait to read more from this author. I encourage you to read this one and hope it fascinates you too!

(Update to this review- I was not aware when I wrote my original review, but have since discovered that Alicha McHugh self-published this novel. I have to applaud her for taking the leap of faith to do so and for sharing this story with all of us.)

*** This book was sent to me for a fair and honest review, and that my friends is what I have given you!

Blessings,

Arena by Karen Hancock

Book Description:
Callie Hayes is living a life of fear and disillusionment when she volunteers for a psychology experiment that promises to turn her life around. As her orientation proceeds, Callie becomes frightened by the secrecy and evasion she encounters. When she demands to be released from the program, she is suddenly dropped into a terrifying alien world and into a perilous battle between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie embarks on a life-changing journey. Will she decipher the plans the Benefactor has established for her escape, or will she succumb to the deception of the Arena?

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This was definitely and unusual novel, at least for me. And I don't mean that in a negative way. In fact, I really enjoyed this novel. Arena was a fast paced, fantasy read that continued to keep me in suspense. I say it is unusual, because I am not really sure how to describe it to you, especially without giving too much away. However, I will try ...

Once our heroine lands in the Arena things get interesting and very confusing for her. Much like life for us. We have choices to make, people we place trust in, circumstances not of our choosing and those we get ourselves into, but do we chose wisely or do we err. This story has a good bit of allegory in it, which I happen to like. Our heroine and others she encounters in the Arena are given instructions and even a manual to help guide them safely through... Much like we are given guidance in God's Word. The thing is do we use what we have been given, do we trust or do we let our pride, fear and desire to be in control win out?

I will say that in the Arena, there is danger, there is evil and the battle isn't always a physical one but a mental one as well. While there are some gruesome things that happen there, Hancock does not go into gory details. She gives you enough info to hold the suspense but not too much that you can't sleep at night. I hope that makes sense!

Hancock is very imaginative and wove a good tale. For those who like Sci-Fi or things like the Matrix but done in Christian allegory, this is right up your alley. Interesting & though provoking!

All For Anna (Letting Go, Book 1) by Nicole Deese

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

If guilt is a prison; Victoria Sales has given herself a life sentence. 
Held captive by regret, 23 year-old trauma RN, Tori Sales, has seen the reality of many nightmares. But there is one nightmare she will never wake from—her last memory of Anna. 
Her efforts to save the little girl were not enough; she was not enough. 
After a year of living alone, Tori is forced to return home—a place where heartache, loss, and broken relationships lurk around every corner. Isolation is her only solace; running is her only escape. 
But she cannot outrun the truth forever.
When a handsome, compassionate stranger enters her world, Tori is inspired to deal with her past and focus on the future—one she never believed possible. But before her quest for closure is complete, a new revelation surfaces, tainting her world yet again. 
Will she accept the recovery she so desperately needs? Or will she choose the escape she knows best... 

***This is the first book in the Letting Go series. It CAN be read as a stand-alone, as each story-line will feature a new main character.
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This book was like opening a gift expecting one thing, but instead receiving something even better! If you follow my reviews, you may have noticed that for the first time I read a series out of order. For some reason, the book's description just didn't pull me and gave me the impression this would be a really sad novel. And since each book in this series said it could be read as a stand alone novel, I thought why not try one that seems to hold a little more interest for me. Especially since this was a new author for me to read.

All I can say is that I could not have been more wrong! Yes, this novel deals with some issues that are tough and sad, but (just as I said in my review of book 3) this novel speaks to you on so many levels. It speaks hope, life, love, faith, redemption and more! I really liked all the books in this series, but to me this one really shined. It was amazing! All for Anna was deeply moving and insightful, taking a look at the lies we believe, the chains of fear that bind, and the truth and grace that sets us free.

This romance was so sweet! Wow, who wouldn't fall in love with a guy like Kai. His love reminded me of 1 Corinthians 13 - "Love is patient, love is kind... it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..." I do believe that this love is what we all seek and want. Love that God offers us freely. So why do we run from what we most need and want?

Bravo Nicole Deese, what an awesome debut novel!!! I am SO glad I read this book and your entire series! Once again, your book managed to keep me up way past my bedtime and I still keep thinking about it! Loved it!

All Who Dream (Letting Go, Book 3) by Nicole Deese

Book Description:
***All Who Dream can be read as a standalone.*** 

Angela Flores is a survivor. 
Struggling to rebuild her life after she was brutally attacked and left her for dead six years ago, Angie takes comfort in the quiet life she’s created with her son Cody in the suburbs of Dallas. It’s a simple existence: managing a florist shop, leading a weekly recovery group, and blogging about the joys and challenges of being a single mom.But simple just became a lot more complicated. 
When Angie’s blog goes viral, the unexpected begins to happen. Suddenly, she’s signing with a publicist and heading to New York City for the summer, where she meets brooding bachelor Jackson Ross. Though she is drawn to the mysterious CEO of Pinkerton Press, her instincts are as unreliable as her heart. 
She won’t fall victim to a man ever again. 
Jackson is well-versed in the art of denial. His perfect facade has been nearly impenetrable—until now. When the details of Angie's past are targeted by scandal, Jackson urges her to confront her fear despite his refusal to do the same. But neither of them can move forward without first uncovering one vital truth... 
That while some keep fighting to survive, all who dream will find the courage to live.

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Someone recommended this Book and to be honest when I looked at the series as a whole, I just wasn't sure I was up for reading it (yet). I thought maybe the books would be a little depressing or too heavy on the drama/trauma side. Having read both Book 2 and now Book 3, I can tell you that I was SO pleasantly surprised. These novels have depth, yes touching on some hard knocks/wrong choices, but that in no way is what these novels are all about. They are about hope, redeeming, love and so much more. The romance is sweet and the characters are wonderful!

I had no trouble digging into this novel, but I did have trouble setting it down. I have to say that Deese has really done a good job in crafting not just a story and engaging characters but in weaving in truths, encouragement and just a tad bit more. This book takes you to a level above entertaining and it engages you in several facets... To understand what I mean you will just have to read it! I am gearing up to read Book 1, but I have to say, I do believe I have found a new author to add to my must read list!



*Note there are some typos, but not that many and they do not take away from the story. One of the most memorable ones for me was towards the end where a character was referred to as a brother but the word should have been Father.

All She Wanted (Letting Go, Book 2) by Nicole Deese

Book Description:
Choices. 

They determine how we live, who we are, and what we want. Some choices are made for us. 

Others we must make for ourselves. 

Charlie Lexington is a living consequence of both. Everything about the feisty redhead represents a second chance—even her name. Though she was rescued at the age of five, her past is a lingering reminder of what she longs for most. 

And the one thing she has spent a lifetime trying to find. 

After a series of less-than-stellar choices, her Performing Arts Scholarship now hangs by a thread. Her sudden suspension has not only resulted in her father’s disappointment, but in the loss of her freedom as well. 

She is forced to face the music: four weeks house arrest. 

Briggs is the carefree, charming, yet all-too-mouthy fireman who is asked to keep an eye on the pretty little spitfire. He quickly learns, however, that his first assessment of her was off—she’s tougher than she looks. When her stubborn resolve pushes his sanity and intercepts his heart, his loyalties are put to the test. 

Sometimes the hardest choice we make, is the one we must make for love...

** This is the second book in the Letting Go series, but it can be read as a standalone book **

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All She Wanted, is a beautiful, touching and sweeping story that encompasses so much more than entertaining. This novel will touch your heart. Deese did a wonderful job of not only creating real and heartfelt characters, but ones whose story reaches out to you on several different levels. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing not only friendship but a lot more bloom in Charlie and Briggs relationship. Their interactions and feelings seem very real and easy to relate to. There is a deeper message woven into this novel, that is so sweet and touching, and not at all preachy. I just finished this novel and I keep thinking - wow, that was so good! It left me feeling happy and encouraged.

This is a wonderful novel! And it is the first novel I have read by Nicole Deese. However, it is part of a series (Letting Go) and the second book in the series. I have to say this is also the first time I have NOT read a series in order. Still, as touted, you do not have to read these in order, they are good as a stand alone novel. Still, I will eventually go back and read Book 1, but for now Book 3 is calling my name (wink)!

God's Daughter (Vikings of the New World Saga, Book 1) by Heather Day Gilbert

Book Description:

One Viking woman. One God. One legendary journey to North America. 

In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. Clinging to her faith, she joins her husband, Finn, on a journey to North America. 

But even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives, she realizes her greatest enemy is herself--and the secrets she hides might just tear her marriage apart. 

Almost five centuries before Columbus, Viking women sailed to North America with their husbands. God's Daughter, Book One in the Vikings of the New World Saga, offers an expansive yet intimate look into the world of Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir--daughter-in-law of Eirik the Red, and the first documented European woman to have a child in North America.

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An amazing, insightful, engaging and well written debut novel by Heather Day Gilbert! Although this is a work of fiction, it is based off of real historical figures and places. Not only was I being thoroughly captivated by this tale but I was learning along the way. Glibert had me from the beginning and she never lost my interest. Even when I HAD to put the book down, I was still thinking about it.

Gilbert's characters are well fleshed out and so well written, it is as if you are in the room with them. Gudrid was an early Christian in a very pagan culture, and a woman admired by many. Though there is much to applaud her for, she is human and is constantly battling internally. She battles with feelings of neediness, loneliness, feelings for a man who is not her husband, and so on. Early on I wanted to shake her and say look at this wonderful man you are married too, stop all these dreams for another! I won't spoil the story for you, but just hang in there with Gudrid, Glibert knows what she is doing. In truth Gilbert shows a depth of insight into the mind, heart and struggle that many can identify with. Keep in mind this is a woman who has heard the message of the good news of Christ, but is without the benefit of Scripture to read or a Church family/Spiritual Leader. Even without these benefits, she seeks to honor God. Sure she messes up, but her heart is for God.

I will warn you, that at times the names make it hard to keep all the characters straight. As there are several men with names that start with Thor in it. However, these were the real names of the people they portray, so the author was being true to their story in that way.

God's Daughter, is a story I am not soon to forget and one I am very glad that I read. One that if you pick it up you will find it hard to put down (warning).  I look forward to reading more of Gilbert's work in the future. All in all, very well done!  Enlightening, entertaining and educational!

Claim: A Novel of Colorado (The Homeward Trilogy, Book 3) by Lisa T. Bergren

Book Description:

Sent west by their father to make a new life, the St. Clair siblings have done so—but hardly as he’d wished. Beautiful, headstrong Moira, after pursuing a career on the Paris stage, has returned to Colorado Springs—older, wiser, and certainly much poorer—to see if there’s anything left of a relationship she’d left behind. Older sister Odessa and her husband, Bryce, are struggling to rebuild their ranch after a devastating winter. And then Nic, the prodigal son, turns up—broken, haunted, and sick about leaving his sisters.

At last the family is reunited. But Dominic is still at loose ends, seeking a peace that has always eluded him. Only as he mines an old claim deep in the Rocky Mountains and begins a romance with a local schoolteacher does he begin to understand how passionately he is loved—by God, his family, and a good woman. But even as he relinquishes his fury, Nic discovers there is one last battle to fight…

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I have to say this series never lacks for excitement! There constantly seems to be some force causing havoc for our prodigals, either with an internal struggle or with the evil in the world. I enjoyed seeing these prodigals return "home", finding themselves and their footing with God. Bergren has no trouble keeping the pages turning and creating a cast of characters that you are drawn to. Overall, it was a well done series and I really enjoyed it.

I do have to say that while all the drama (external forces and bad choices) kept the pages turning, part of me would rather have seen a little less of that and a little more on the relational development between the love interest. I say that in part, because in all three books there was one or more "bad guy" at play in the story and while it does heighten part of the suspense, I also like to see more of the internal and relational take a more prominent role. I would say this was a highly entertaining read with some good truths peppered throughout. I did however, see the potential for more. Still a good read!

Sing: A Novel of Colorado (The Homeward Trilogy, Book 2) by Lisa T. Bergren

Book Description:
Moira St. Clair has done exactly what her father forbade her to do: chased her dreams to sing on the stage. But even as her star rises, she becomes more vulnerable to those who wish to use her—or bring her down….

It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets.

Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God—even in the face of tremendous loss—and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.

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Sing, Book 2 in this series, took things up a notch! These three siblings each have their own share of trouble, growth and life to live. And it is a journey you don't want to miss out on! Bergren grabbed hold of my attention early on and held it, not only that but she grabbed a hold of my emotions as well. SING is about how we are all imperfect, all hungry and seeking something or someone to fill that hunger inside, and how we can either choose to fill that hunger with what is good for us or not. There are consequences to our mistakes but there is also grace if we will cry out for it.

So for all of you who have ever messed up, who have ever wondered when will I get things right, can I be loved, forgiven... well this is a story for you. You can never fall too far to be reached, loved, redeemed, forgiven and embraced by the grace of God. This story has punch to it. Bergren has written real and deep characters, characters that feel very alive and who can and do, many times mess up. Moira and Nic certainly know how to run, fall, and sink down in the pit; but what you the reader want to see, and what pushes you on is the hope to see them get up and walk! I cannot wait to see what Bergren has in store for them (and for us) in Book 3!