TITLE:  Rescuing Finley (A Forever Home #1)
AUTHOR:  Dan Walsh
DATE:  2015
PUBLISHER: Bainbridge Press
STARS:  *****

Amy Wallace has made plenty of mistakes in her young life, but she didn’t see this one coming. Chris Seger is a marine serving in Afghanistan. His life is forever altered by a single, fateful step. A mother of another Afghan war vet suffers a devastating loss, which changes the course of Finley’s life for good. Finley is a mostly golden retriever, who suddenly finds himself alone and confused in a dog shelter.

Later, he’s brought to a local prison to be trained in a special program for female inmates. Could this prison actually become the place where Finley finally finds his freedom? Rescuing Finley tells the story of how one rescue dog powerfully impacts three tragic lives and puts all of them on a road toward redemption and healing.

Rescuing Finley is more than an enjoyable story; it spotlights a marvelous program that changes many lives. While this story is fiction, the remarkable programs are real. Here’s a link to just one YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zpb7l_CapQ. Search “prison inmates train dogs for veterans,” and many more show up.
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That’s the main reason I loved this story, and the sweet romance simply added to my pleasure. Author Dan Walsh has written a wonderful and enlightening tale of redemption, and I’m happy to recommend Rescuing Finley. This book earns five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through an advertised giveaway; all opinions are my own.
 

TITLE:  A Twist of Faith (Mitchell’s Crossing #1)
AUTHOR:  Pepper Basham
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Firefly Southern Publishing
STARS:  *****

Dr. Adelina Roseland has worked ten years in research as an accent reduction specialist to attain her dream job. But a secret wager to transform Appalachian cattle farmer Reese Mitchell into corporate material challenges Adelina in ways she never expected, threatening her new position. 

For one, Adelina didn't plan for the faith and friction of Reese, or the unexpected influence of his chaotic family. Now, drawn into a culture she'd tried to forget, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past. 

But when Reese discovers that he's a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina's deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives? 

Uptight and driven, Adelina (Dee) arrives at the Appalachian town of Ransom under duress. She intends to fulfill her duties, impress her superiors, and achieve her dream: a research and teaching position in Charlottesville. Just like her father had done. In order to fast-track her career, Dee wagers she can transform the speech of one of the locals, and the fun begins.

Reese is a family man in the best sense of the word, and as he and Dee work together, the gears of their pasts mesh and jam in fits and starts.

A Twist of Faith is a treasure, and I will read this story again and again. The sheer beauty of the author’s prose stalled my reading at times to ponder the word pictures. Rather than taking me out of the story, they deepened my appreciation. For example, Reese’s silent observation that Dee “wore lonely like a raincoat.” Makes you think, doesn’t it?

I fell deeply in love with the entire Mitchell family, but of course Lou and Brandon leapt right into my heart. Children add such a delightful dimension to a story!

Although Dee’s wager was to transform Reese from mountain man to suave professional, her own life undergoes an even more dramatic transformation. And the journey is delightful, heart-warming, and soul-stirring.

A Twist of Faith is a wonderful, beautifully told story, and I look forward to the next in this series. This book easily earns five stars and is highly recommended.
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Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, with no expectation of a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

TITLE:  Love, Lies, and Fireflies
AUTHOR:  Jan Elder
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Prism Book Group
STARS:  *****

Didi O’Brien is engaged—at least she was an hour ago. Now she’s not so sure. Her fiancé, the suave Kevin Cabot, has just revealed that he’s been unfaithful, and he’s not the least bit sorry. Reeling from the betrayal, with her plans for a happily-ever-after life in doubt, she prays for direction. The answer comes as a complete surprise. God has someone better in mind. 

Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he’d felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he’s been running hard in the wrong direction. 

Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?

Have you ever read a book that resonates in your psyche, as though you and the author are on the same wavelength? Love, Lies, and Fireflies is one of those treasures for me. Author Jan Elder dares to tackle hard subject matter like stalking and controlling personalities, yet her prose is sprinkled with delightful bits of humor, creating a thoroughly captivating story.

Didi exhibits self confidence in her career as a writer for a local magazine, but when it comes to relationships, her naivety endangers her. Jake is a truly swoon-worthy hero, handsome but unassuming, a true gentleman. But he has secrets of his own. The supporting cast is fantastic; different personalities sparkle off the pages. I could easily imagine some of Didi’s friends having their own stories. (Hint!)

The relationship between Didi and Jake blossoms, but thorns threaten to destroy them both. Journeying with them to complete surrender to God touched my soul and encouraged me to follow their example of faith.
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Love, Lies, and Fireflies is a great, worthwhile read and earns five stars. Highly recommended. Disclaimer: This review is my own honest opinion. I have in no way been compensated for it. 

TITLE:  Always With You
AUTHOR:  Elaine Stock
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Elk Lake Publishing
STARS:  ****

Can she move forward without knowing her past? Will he enjoy his present if he can't free himself from what he left behind?

In the heart of the Adirondacks, Isabelle lives in the shadow of a dark family secret whose silent burden strips her family of emotional warmth and faith in God. Tyler belongs to the religious sect called The Faithful, which Isabelle's father dislikes immensely. Yet, because Tyler belongs to this group, Isabelle sees only a man devoted to his family and faith. She wants it; she gets it; they marry.

And when the truth comes out, Isabelle faces two choices: Staying could endanger her child. Leaving could cost her life. 

At eighteen, Isabelle wants to move out of her father’s home, tired of his and her grandmother’s demands and lack of affection. She knows they carry secrets, which makes her feel detached from the family unit. But as this compelling story opens, a detour to the local park brings her face to face with a gang of young thugs intent on evil.

Tyler, a handsome stranger, rescues Isabelle with no regard for his own safety. What girl wouldn’t fall for such a hero? But Tyler belongs to a group abhorred by the townspeople, including Isabelle’s father. She ignores his warnings, eager to know everything about her brave hero.

Author Elaine Stock skillfully brings her characters to life, and in spite of the whispered dangers surrounding The Faithfull, I found myself hoping these two young people could rise above their pasts (and present) to find God’s grace and love.

Always With You is one of those rare novels that purposely strides where few novels dare to tread as it deals with the bondage and warped perceptions within a cult. While the faith element is subtle, its message is clear: God’s grace is of utmost importance.
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I believe Always With You carries important lessons, and I am pleased to recommend it. This book earns four stars. Disclaimer: I have not been reimbursed for this review; all opinions are my own.