A Girl's Best Friend (Book 2, Spa Girls Series) by Kristin Billerbeck

     In all honesty Book 2 just wasn't as good of a read (to me) as Book 1.  It was a little slow at first, but somewhere near page 60 things started picking up... However, I really found myself wanting to shake Morgan.  Yes, we all have our issues and no we are not perfect.  But sometimes you really need to open up your eyes and see what is before you, AND learn from your mistakes.  Granted part of the story is that Morgan will eventually do just that, but it was a little too slow going for me, and not quiet as humorous as Book 1.  That said, I know there are others who would not agree with me, as I have read their reviews online.  To some, this was their favorite book in the series.  I guess you will just have to read it for yourself to decide!

    I will add one last thought... She did wrap things up nicely in the end and left me with a smile and satisfied with the outcome. 

She's All That (Book 1, Spa Girls Series) by Kristin Billerbeck

 

 

 

     Still in the mood for some good, light hearted and humorous reading, I decided to open up She's All That, Book 1 in Billerbeck's Spa Girls Series.  I found it to be a delightful read.  It was a little slow going at first but you will soon find Lilly not only quirky and energized but also very lovable.  She finds herself in some humorous and trying moments but thankfully has the love and support of her "Spa girls" aka best friends.  Life is certainly never dull with Lilly and I am sure you will enjoy getting to know and experience life with not only her but with the other warm and engaging characters that make up this series.

 

    So pick up Book 1 to see if Lilly can not only find her footing in the fashion world but also to see if she can manage to learn to be, who God created her to be.  And somewhere along the way make room for a little romance! All in all I found this to be a fun read. One that I breezed through yesterday, enjoying the humor and wondering which of these three guys might be the right one for Lilly?!  AND would she ever like her hair!?!

 



Split Ends: Sometimes the End is Really the Beginning by KristinBillerbeck

 

 

   

    If your looking for a fun, light, humorous, flirty book in Christian chick-lit you've found it! I really enjoyed this read.  It was cute, quirky, fun and gave me some good chuckles!  Just what I was in the mood for. 

    Sarah Claire is a character that you will see come to life and one you will be cheering for as you see her struggle to stay true to her Christian beliefs, find herself in her new job and maybe see her dreams come true!  There are times you will want to shake her for her wishy washy ways of seeing herself.  At times she wants to be more than she has been told she is; she wants to believe there is good and wonderful things for her.  Then again, she will get down on herself and believe she is a "have-not" and that she is undeserving of the chance she has before her. 

    Amidst her struggles and hilarious circumstances you will find an encouraging and hope filled story.  Wonderful characters and some nice & clean but sizzling romance top it all off to be a delightful, light read that will leave you smiling.



Glittering Promises (Book 3, The Grand Tour Series) by Lisa T. Bergren

 

 

     This was an exciting and wonderful series for so many reasons... great characters, a really good plot with some unexpected surprises, adventure, romance, a little suspense and some good faith lessons to boot!  I found that Book 3 really had a little more spiritual reflection points and lessons within it's folds.  Cora is finally coming into who she really is and that her identity is not based on where she is from, what she accomplishes, others acceptance of her nor her circumstances but that her identity is found in Christ alone. 

 

    I have to admit there were moments you would find me grinning as I flew through the pages.  And then you would find me at other moments distraught!  I wasn't sure at one point I liked what she was doing with the story and a few of it's characters.  There seemed to be some incongruities between what was transpiring in the prior books and then in book 3. HOWEVER, Bergren had me dashing through the pages to see what would happen next!  A few things were maybe hinted at earlier in the story but you were never really sure.  All I have to say now is that I applaud Bergren for her masterful tale and for leaving me very happy with the ending!  Actually, my only regret is that the series is over... Might I request a short novella to be written!  I would love to see what happens next with Cora and the rest of the crew!  Maybe it could be a novella based on one of the other characters that brings us back into the lives of those we have come to care for and cheer on!  Well, that is probably a good sign of not only a great story but wonderful characters, when you can't stand to say goodbye!

 

An exciting, fast paced and pleasurable read!

 

 

 

Grave Consequences (Book 2, The Grand Tour Series) by Lisa T. Bergren

 

 

     Another exciting, pager turner by Bergren!  Grave Consequences picks up where we left off in Book 1.  You are pulled into the story quickly, wondering what will happen with Cora, Will, Pierre and the others on this grand journey.  The characters, the plot, romance, danger and more will capture you and propel you through the pages.  As much as I wanted to savor the story I found I couldn't slow my reading pace down.

 

    I will admit in a few places I did do some skimming of sentences.  There were a few repetitive themes of Cora with her struggle over Will and her love for him and how she felt about Pierre.  And there is so much I would like to say on this subject,  but since I don't like spoilers I will try to say enough not to give too much away.  Bergren has created two suitors that readers can easily cheer for, which makes it hard as you are not sure who you want her with and at times you may lean more towards one than another.  But just like Cora you will find they are both pretty wonderful guys.  I am not sure how Bergren is going to work this all out and hoping I like the outcome.  I am not thinking that it will be a shocker who she ends up with, but at the same time Bergren has some more work to do to get me, the reader happy about the ending.

 

    There was excitement and danger lurking for the group throughout this novel.  You will see hints as to where Bergren is heading with the storyline but not enough to know how she will bring everything out into the open and work things out.  I also have to add that there is one part in the story where one of the characters mentions believing in God but that going to Church is a few times a year thing.  This had me hoping to see maybe in Book 3, some heart changes and spiritual growth for this character.  In another novel maybe seeing another character's light and life shine being an influence.  Not that God and praying to Him is not a part of this book, it is - but it is not a big theme of the book.  Really, you see Cora struggling with finding out who she is deep down and sorting through does she have to be and do what others ask and/or expect of her? Cora will have moments of introspection.  Is she clinging to her past and who she thought she was?  Is that the real her?  Has this trip and lifestyle changed her?  Can she be open to the opportunities presented to her? Will she be open to what God has for her and let Him lead her?  Circumstances are funny things... you can let them define you, trap you or you can let them refine and strengthen you, propelling you into more.

 

    More and more excitement, romance, & mystery stirred in with a dash of suspense add up to a great read!  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

    

Updated Review on Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

 

     I just got through rereading Glamorous Illusions, as I am preparing to start book 2!  I have to say that I think I love this book even more the second time around!  If you would like to read my previous review click - here.

    Even though I have read this book before (about a year ago), it still captured and held my rapt attention from the beginning till the end.  I alternated between sympathy, wonder, suspense and found myself grinning too much at times.  It is a thrilling and wonderful read.  It does leave you hanging so... have book 2 handy.
  
    Bergren not only creates wonderful characters you will delight in but also a good plot that brings you not only suspense, romance, drama but spiritual insights as well.  Cora, is trying to figure out exactly who she is... Is she all she has previously thought? Is she who others say she is? Or is she something more?  Will she find her true identity in Christ? Are the grand illusions hers or other's?

    I think there is a lesson to be learned that despite our circumstances, what other's say or think, or even how we feel at times, God always knows who we are!  His understanding of things and of us never changes.  Just as His love for us is steadfast and true.  God sees, He knows, He understands and has compassion on us.  God holds us up and He brings light to illuminate the darkness.  God is with us, before us and He is our rear guard... but always, always He is with us!

An absolute pleasure to read!

Two Destinies (Book 3, Secrets of the Cross Trilogy) by Elizabeth Musser

 

     A really good read!  I have to say that it was a little slow going at first but that is mostly due to the fact that there are several different story lines going on and ground work getting established in what is to come.  However, around chapter 11 things start converging and you will find it near to impossible to put the book down.

 

    You will be held in suspense wondering how things will work out not only for Rislene and Eric but for several others in the novel.  There is so much good spiritual food to feast and think upon in this book I won't even begin to try to cover it all.  But I believe that Musser beautifully portrayed the issues dealing with the homeless and of those Christians living in Algeria and even in France at this time.  The issues of women living in a Muslim culture and of those that become Christians, with all they face are brought to light in this well written and thoughtful novel.

 

     It is not a light and fluffy read but it is a worth while read.  I come away from this novel, happy to have read it, feeling as if I have learned something and encouraged...  Encouraged to let my life and light shine!  Bravo, Musser!