King (Books of the Infinite, Book #3) by R. J. Larson

Book Description:
Fantasy Meets the Old Testament in a Novel That Will Reach Readers of All Ages

Against his wishes and desires, Akabe of Siphra has been chosen by his people to be King. But what does a warrior know of ruling during peacetime? Guided by the Infinite, Akabe seeks to rebuild the Temple in the city of Munra to give the sacred books of Parne a home. But dangerous factions are forming in the background. To gain the land he needs, Akabe must forsake the yearnings of his heart and instead align himself through marriage to the Thaenfall family.

Meanwhile, Kien Lantec and Ela Roeh are drawn still closer together...while becoming pawns in a quest to gain power over the region. As questions of love and faith become tangled with lies and murderous plots, each must seek the Infinite to guide them through an ever more tangled web of intrigue and danger.

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This truly is the crowning touch to this series! I really enjoyed this novel, where I believe Larson stepped things up a notch. While continuing to maintain a very clean romance read, she still added a little more to play in that area; as she also upped the suspense and built a faster paced read. This novel really engrossed me from the beginning and even as I had to put it down, found it continued to play on my mind.

Definitely a worth while read for both YA and older adults as well! I enjoyed seeing her mix the fantasy elements with that of OT subject matter. I found the world she created to be very believable, the characters well developed and likable, and all in all just a nice paced read!

Book Blogging

For those of you who follow this blog, you may have noticed my reading trend is slowing down. And that does tend to happen on and off with me. Never fear, I am still reading! The news I wanted to impart to you, is that while I am reading and checking out new authors all the time, I am not going to be posting on all of them. Let's face it, our time is valuable and just like you don't want to read a book that isn't really worthwhile, I also don't want to post on one either. SOOO, if I feel the book is worth your time to read it, I WILL post on it! However, those that are just okay or fall below being okay, I will not be posting on. UNLESS I feel there is a need to let you know something about the book/author. Let's hope I have more postings than not - right!?!

Judge (Books of the Infinite, Book #2) by R. J. Larson

Book Description:
A Fantasy Saga Fueled by Adventure and Faith

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs to the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne?

Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has been corrupted by her enemies and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading and hope He will reunite them again soon.

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Judge picks up where Book 1, Prophet left off. I enjoyed getting back into the story, continuing on with the characters and the suspense of seeing how Larson would work things out. This is fantasy meets OT, and in this novel there were some heavy influences from OT prophet Jonah. Enough that you knew where this part of the storyline was headed but still not quiet sure how she would plot it all out. While I was quiet engrossed while reading, this was not one of those novels that I felt unable to put down. Not to say that it wasn't good, because it was a very likable book. The romance was nice, but it is really a back story, and the humor is still there, popping in and out at the right time. All in all, a good read. I am curious to see where Larson will take things in Book 3!

***Note this is a YA novel and a cleanly written/safe read.

Prophet (Books of the Infinite, Book #1) by R. J. Larson

Book Description:
Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to hear the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. There she meets a young ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela battles how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.

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Wow, this was a nice surprise! I will admit, that while the first half of the book was likable, the second half of the book really shines, and I loved it! From the beginning, the book held my interest and I found the characters and story well written. Prophet gives you some wonderful parallels from the OT, while at the same time staying fresh and keeping you guessing as to what will happen next. So yes, there is some thought provoking subject matter, but there is also adventure, romance and wait for it - humor!  From Ela's sweet little sister to a most humorous destroyer (horse), this cast of characters is sure to draw out your heart and some laughs. I cannot wait to see what happens next in Book 2!

***And as and added bonus this book is currently free as an Ebook! This is a YA novel, and it is very cleanly written.

Remnants: Season of Wonder (A Remnants Novel) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Book Description:

Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness. Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came. They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us. And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered. Called until we breathe our last … to save the world.

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While I have thoroughly enjoyed many of Bergren's novels, for some reason I was hesitant to start this one, but yet eager too. I know that makes no sense! However, I am so glad I did start this novel, which I also thoroughly enjoyed! Remnants is another foray for Bergren into the YA genre. It is however, a different type of novel than her previous River of Time series. Remnants could best be classified as a futuristic, post-apocalyptic novel also tapping into some fantasy elements, and it is Christian fiction. While the last part is not over done or preachy, I felt it added the element that is so often missing in most non-christian, YA fiction books of this type - hope, redemption and the feeling that there is a bigger story at work than just the pat romance and danger. 

This novel, is told through the perspective of one character, Adrianna. This did not bother me; I actually felt that it added a little bit more mystery to things since I didn't know what the other characters were thinking. I am not sure if Book 2 will continue things from her perspective alone or will it open us up to viewing things from another or multiple perspectives...? We will see! All I know is, I will eagerly await Book 2 to release (sadly not for quiet some time). 

All in all, this story was well written. I grasped the time, the environment, the characters and the dilemma with no problem. The characters are well written and easy to care for. And there was a nice flow to the story. The beginning didn't grip me but held my interest and then just a little further in I was hooked. What more can I say except that I recommend it!

Silenced (Alaskan Courage, Book #4) by Dani Pettrey

Book Description:
A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna's route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake's past now revealed, he's ready to use his talent for investigation again--but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.

Kayden's climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine. 

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For fans of Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series this will be a must read; it not only reunites us with the characters we love but it will also serve as the bridge into Book 5. I enjoyed this read, with its' dash of romance and suspense. However, I didn't feel it stacked up as well as the previous novels. I just wasn't held in suspense or captivated by a mystery, and the romance was pretty low key. At times Pettrey seemed a little repetitive in some parts (communicating something already said or established just previously in the story). At some points the flow of thought would switch from one character to another in the next paragraph. This did not bother me and I was able to flow with the story without problem but for some this may be an issue. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, I was just expecting a little more after books 2 and 3.

Meant to Be Mine (A Porter Family Novel, Book #2) by Becky Wade

Book Description:
Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel. 

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood. 

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

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This novel is sweet, romantic, spunky, fun and hard to put down! From the cast of characters, to the storyline, the romance, humor and the dialogue, I fell in love with this novel and was happily engaged. I could tell early on in this story, that this would be one of those books that I did not want to end and it was! Even as I finished the last sentence with a big grin on my face, I still wanted more.

Meant to Be Mine is all about 2nd chances, forgiveness, love, grace and let me say it again, romance! Quiet simply this novel is delightful and a keeper! Wade has once again crafted a well done story and I cannot wait for her next novel!

BRIDGE TO HAVEN by Francine Rivers

Rivers knows how to write a sweeping saga; one that delivers both meaning and hope! Thus far, Rivers's novels have all, without fail, moved me, delighted me, ministered in some way and/or brought to life a deep & compelling truth. I am, one of those readers who will pre-order her novels and wait patiently for its arrival! 

Bridge to Haven is a hefty novel but well worth the time to read it. In fact there were moments when I wondered if there would be enough pages to tell the tale or if a sequel would be needed! Never fear, Rivers wraps the story up nicely in this one book. Inspired by Ezekiel 16, "where God speaks of His chosen people as an unwanted newborn whom He cared for, watched over, and eventually chose as His bride, despite their rejection of Him.", this novel has shades of Redeeming Love in it. Not that it is the same story, not at all! However, the theme of both the prodigal and steadfast love yoked with grace are painted throughout both novels. 

For some, this book might be a little edgy. As Abra is running from God and seeking to be "somebody" she moves through some tough things, unhealthy relationships and there are sexual aspects that while written cleanly, might not be for everyone. This novel did not have a hard time holding my interest, however, it was one that didn't hold many surprises for me. Nor did it move me as much as Redeeming Love or the first two books in the Mark of the Lion Series. Still, it was a really good read! And one that lingers with you even when you step away from its' pages or close it after finishing the last.