TITLE:  By Grace Draw Near
AUTHOR:  JoAnn Durgin
DATE:  2016
STARS:  *****
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Eric Masterson never expected to be promoted from cyclist to an executive position in his friend Sawyer Mancini’s successful pedicab business. His new job includes scouting out locations in Indianapolis and introduces him to many people with inspiring stories. One of the more fascinating individuals is beautiful Grace Warner, the owner of a downtown art gallery. She demonstrates compassion for others, interprets for the deaf in her church, and seems willing to help everyone else. So why won’t she give him the time of day? 

Grace Warner doesn’t know how many ways she can turn down the pedicab executive. No matter how handsome and appealing he is, she knows it’s best to ignore the man’s charms. While drawn to Eric, she can’t seem to get past their brief but memorable meeting a few years prior—a time when they both lived a much different, freer lifestyle. Although he seems a changed man and shares her faith in Jesus, Grace is determined not to remind Eric even as he seems equally persistent in wearing down her resistance. 

Can these two find a common ground or are they destined to go in opposite directions? 

Sometimes, especially when life gets crazy, you just want a sure thing. Since I’ve read many of author JoAnn Durgin’s books, I felt confident I would enjoy her latest novel, By Grace Draw Near, and I wasn’t disappointed. What a wonderful escape from the turmoil of the last few weeks. Since this is the third installment of Ms. Durgin’s Wondrous Love Series, I’d already been entranced by the characters from the first two books, so it was fun to see continued progression in their relationships. Eric and Grace had also been introduced –briefly, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them.

One thing I can count on with Ms. Durgin is the Good News of Jesus Christ woven seamlessly into her stories. And in By Grace Draw Near, she showed Eric’s temptations with compassion and sensitivity, without dipping down into sensationalism. I appreciate that.

Grace, in spite of her apparent self confidence, has her own dark secrets. Her often bumpy journey to forgiveness and wholeness kept me riveted, as did Eric’s need to prove himself worthy. Ms. Durgin has once again created multi-layered and realistic characters, surrounded them with a fantastic supporting cast, and brought salvation into clear view.

Highly recommended. I award By Grace Draw Near five stars. I purchased this book via Amazon. 

TITLE:  Where Two Hearts Meet (Prince Edward Island Dreams)
AUTHOR:  Liz Johnson
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS:  ****1/2

In her kitchen at the Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful. 

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets. 

When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart. 

When Adam shows up in Caden’s kitchen at the Rose’s Red Door Inn, not only is her composure shaken, but also her world. Adam, with his kind smile and mysterious past, has the power to bring up all Caden’s insecurities, not knowing she makes him want to be a better man.

I loved Caden. Always second-best—at best—she cannot believe a man like Adam could possibly be interested in more than her scrumptious baking. But he sees what she is unable to recognize in herself, her courage, determination, and compassionate heart.

And I adored this story of family dysfunctions, secrets and misunderstandings, realistic (and sometimes grating) characters, and descriptions of Prince Edward Island that put it high on my bucket list. Where Two Hearts Meet is a fabulous, mouth-watering story of second chances and the grace that grants them. I award this story four and a half stars.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Where Two Hearts Meet by the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion.

TITLE:  The Morning Star Rises (The Seven Trilogy Book 3)
AUTHOR:  Sara Davison
DATE:  2016
PUBLISHER: Ashberry Lane
STARS:  ****1/2

In the midst of all the fear and confusion, only one thing is clear … This isn’t over yet. 

Jesse Christensen is out of the army, but the real battle has just begun. As martial law continues in Canada in 2054, Major Gallagher has taken over the city. His oppression of believers intensifies in response to a so-called radical Christian group that claims responsibility for more terrorist attacks. But is Gallagher acting in a professional capacity, or is he carrying out a personal vendetta? 

Meryn O’Reilly faces a dark and uncertain future after shocking revelations devastate her life. She is determined to follow God’s call, but her plans could cost her everything. She and Jesse struggle to surrender everything to a God who is always in control, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. 

With the world descending into chaos around them, Meryn and Jesse face the greatest barrier to their love yet--a barrier that may prove too strong to breach. 

Be sure you’ve blocked out a period of time before you begin reading this book, because The Morning Star Rises, like the two earlier books of the trilogy, demands to be read in one sitting, if possible. Danger condenses life, emotions and even love. Sara Davison’s trilogy portrays this reduction in a powerful manner.

After reading The End Begins and The Dragon Roars, most of the characters were already familiar, as is the fear and danger that threatens everything they hold dear. The tension is palpable, and I’m not sure if my blood pressure has recovered yet.

The message of this trilogy is beautiful and can be summed up in the words of John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This is the theme verse for this book but also fits the entire series.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the author, without compensation.
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Tense, heart-pounding, and at times wonderfully sweet, I enjoyed The Morning Star Rises and award it four and a half stars. Recommended.