Just Between You and Me: A Novel of Losing Fear and Finding God (Women of Faith) by Jenny Jones

Book Description:

The only thing scarier than living on the edge is stepping off it.

Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure. Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next. When Maggie's not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving. Nothing frightens her.

Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas, where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind . . . for a reason.

Forced to stay longer than she intended, Maggie finds her family a complete mess, including the niece her sister has abandoned. Ten-year-old Riley is struggling in school and out of control at home. The only person who can really handle the pint-sized troublemaker is Conner, the local vet and Ivy's most eligible bachelor. But Conner and Maggie keep butting heads--he's suspicious of her and, well, she doesn't rely on anyone but herself.

As Maggie humorously fumbles her way from one mishap to another, she realizes she's going to need to ask for help from the one person who scares her the most.

To save one little girl--and herself--can Maggie let go of her fears and just trust God?

_________________________________

Absolutely wonderful! I zipped through this novel today and enjoyed every moment! I sit here now after finishing the last page, with a grin on my face and a smile in my heart. This novel was drenched lovingly in truth, grace, hope and love - all without being preachy!

Looking for some encouragement, it's wrapped up in this tale. I loved the characters, the romance, the struggle our heroine faced. I would gladly again devour this novel! Add this to your must read list this year... it will be worth it!


***There were a few typos, but overall very well written.

The Seahorse Legacy (Eyes of E'veria, Book 3) by Serena Chase

Book Description:
a Pirate, bound by a centuries-old oath -- a Knight, determined to prove her calling -- a Legacy, demanding surrender 

As Keeper of the Seahorse Legacy, Cazien de Pollis is a King among pirates, divinely appointed to dispense justice on the seas. Bound by the sacred oath of a long-dead ancestor, he must fulfill a contract to wed the green-eyed Oracle’s Daughter named therein—or risk losing everything he and his people hold dear. But at nineteen, with the identity of his betrothed only recently revealed, Cazien resents the contract—and the urgency within him to see it satisfied. 

Erielle de Gladiel returned from the quest for the Remedy, changed. Not only are her formerly-blue eyes now a brilliant shade of green, but she must don gloves to hide inky evidence that her prophetically-bestowed title, the Oracle’s Daughter, demands more from her than the task already completed. Erielle’s dearest-held dream is realized when she is knighted by her King, but unbeknownst to her, that very honor jeopardizes the prophesied purpose to which she and Cazien have been called. 

Just as Cazien summons the courage to collect his bride, dark rumors and darker deeds crawl up the coasts, calling its guardians, the Seahorse Pirates, into action—and Cazien away from Erielle. But even though the Oracle’s Daughter knows nothing of the contract to which she has been consigned, Cazien’s enemies have somehow learned of his interest in Erielle. And if they reach her before his ancestor’s weighty oath is executed, the Seahorse Legacy will be forfeited . . . and darkness will be given reign. 

The third book in this series-within-a series, The Seahorse Legacy begins an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses which will conclude in Eyes of E’veria, Book 4: The Sunken Realm, coming in 2015. 

Want to dive deeper into the world of E'veria? Look for the first two-book set in the Eyes of E'veria series by Serena Chase! The Ryn (book 1) and The Remedy (book 2) retell the classic Grimm fairy tale Snow White & Rose Red on an inspirational and epic scale. 

_____________________________

I have been really looking forward to the release of this book! Cazien is one of those characters that both charms you and sticks with you! I was so excited to read his story and I was not disappointed, well except that I have to wait till 2015 to see it fully played out in Book 4! Anticipation, anticipation, anticipation!!!

This book picks up speed right from the beginning and continues to have you racing through it all the way to the last page! In fact there were some places that Chase reiterated things, maybe for readers who didn't read Books 1& 2, or she just went on again about something that I felt was established or really not important to the story. In those areas, I will admit I skim read, the anticipation to see our hero and heroine get to where they needed to be or to do what need to be done, was just too great. I will reread this story prior to reading Book 4 and I am sure at that point (hopefully) I will be able take it all in at a more leisurely pace! (Wink!)

I do so enjoy Chase's writing style and her characters. Her story is well written and you get swept up in it. Even the grand and magical, seem realistic and the story easily comes to life in your mind. So much so, that you feel as if you are a part of it.

Both our hero and heroine, have their own obstacles and issues to be fleshed out. Pride and longing for control of things are something that both will have to battle. Erielle has some other character flaws that can make you want to shake her but at the same time help make her character very believable.

What more can I say... If you are up for a grand, fanciful adventure, then this one will not disappoint! It really sets the stage for Book 4, where we will get to see more of our hero and heroine together! Which I have to say was something that didn't happen as often in Book 3, but when it did their interactions were so well written and definitely high points of the story! Absolutely enjoyed this tale!

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.

______________________________________

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.

_________________________________

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.

____________________________________

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.

______________________________________________

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!