TITLE:  The First Love
AUTHOR:  Beverly Lewis
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****

It's the summer of 1951, and Maggie Esh is in need of some hope. Sweet-spirited and uncommonly pretty despite struggling with chronic illness, she is used to being treated kindly by the young men of her Old Order Amish church district. Yet Maggie wishes she were more like other courting-age girls so she could live a normal, healthy life.

To make matters more complicated, Dat has recently remarried, less than a year after her mother died. And while her stepmother is kind, Rachel is much younger than Mamm, and she simply doesn't understand Maggie or her illness the way Mamm did.

When tent revival meetings come to the area, Maggie is curious, and the words of the Mennonite preacher challenge her to reconsider what she knows about faith. Can she learn to trust God even when hope seems a distant dream? 

The First Love is a sweet story, gently told, of Maggie, a young Amish woman crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. I appreciated this unusual choice for a heroine and related to her in many ways. While Maggie suffers pain and sometimes discouragement, her faith remains strong. Her pluckiness in doing whatever she can, day by day, inspired me to persevere.

Her new stepmother, Rachel, fights an uphill battle, too, as she tries to win the hearts of her husband’s children, still mourning their mother. Hers is a sympathetic character, and while the Amish way of quick remarrying puzzled me, it held my interest.
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The author used quite a bit of telling in this novel, but it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. Faith is a crucial part of the story, woven in like a well-planned tapestry. The First Love earns four stars. This book was provided courtesy of Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing.

TITLE:  The Cost of Betrayal
AUTHOR:  Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****
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In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayal," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

My review: Unlike this author’s well-known and acclaimed older series, Betrayal did not fit the suspense category. Slow in pace and lacking in suspense, this story barely held my interest. I did appreciate the character of Greg, but never got to know Janelle as her point of view was not mentioned. Disappointing. It could have been a great story, but I can only award it two and a half stars.

In Dani Pettrey's "Deadly Isle," Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?

My review: I loved this one! Danger held me captive from the first sentence, and Teni and Callen made terrific main characters. The culprit’s identity remained a mystery until the planned reveal, a sign of a well-written suspense story. The unusual setting added to the mystery and intrigue. Deadly Isle easily earns five stars from me.

In Lynette Eason's "Code of Ethics," trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him. 

My review: I’ve read most of this author’s St. John family series and enjoyed each one, so getting to know Dr. Ruthie St. John delighted me. This story also grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go until the satisfying end. Suspense is high, and the budding romance between the main characters played well and realistically. Since the St. John family sticks together through all circumstances, rekindling acquaintances with them added to my enjoyment. Code of Ethics also easily earns five stars and brings the overall rating to four.
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This book was provided courtesy of Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing.
 
 

TITLE:  Fake or Follower: Refusing to Settle for a Shallow Faith
AUTHOR:  Andi Andrews
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Baker Books
STARS: *****

We live in a culture where many identify as "Christian" without fully embracing what it looks like to follow Jesus day-in and day-out. After gathering on a Sunday, do we simply go about our business, void of true transformation? Is the gospel simply a self-help tool, the church just a place where our needs can be met? It's time to ask ourselves, "Am I really following Jesus? Or am I just faking it?"

With eye-opening personal stories, Scripture, and thought-provoking questions, Andi Andrew lovingly invites readers to examine their hearts to discover whether their faith is a genuine, life-giving marriage of belief and practice in response to Christ's life and sacrifice, or if it is just a lifestyle choice on par with any other. She encourages readers to surrender their whole lives to Jesus daily, grapple with hard questions they may have been avoiding, and discover a life fully alive, following in the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus Christ.

I usually read a book in a day or two, but Fake or Follower kept me busy for several weeks. Why? It’s not that long, only ten chapters. But each chapter is a banquet of challenges, and I needed time to contemplate my response, my responsibilities and faith. I needed time to digest, to internalize the truth spoken and decide whether or not to heed it.

This book created a longing within me for more—more faith, more sacrificial love, and some close friends to walk with on this journey toward eternity. It’s all available, but I have to reach out and make it mine.

Andi Andrews shares her heart in Fake or Follower, and I appreciate her transparency. This is a book I want to read again and again. I would love to share it with a small group, to discuss the questions raised and commit to one another in a spirit of love…to lean together toward eternity.
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Fake or Follower resonated in my heart, and I give it five stars. I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing Group.

TITLE:  A Christmas to Remember
AUTHOR:  Kimberly Rose Johnson, Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey, Ginger Soloman, Elizabeth Peterson, Julie Arduini, Deb Kastner, Janet W. Ferguson
DATE:  2018
STARS: *****

Eight novellas by premier authors for less than a dollar? What a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! Each of these stories was a sweet, fun read. I love tight-knit families, adorable children, and flawed main characters. This collection more than fulfilled my wish list. I did wrestle with the premise of an arranged marriage in the fourth story, but the overall quality of this collection earns five stars. Recommended!
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Until I Met You by award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson
After a difficult breakup, Brandi Prescott is taking a hiatus from men and focusing on her career, the Lord, and getting to know herself. Everything is going according to plan until one fateful, rainy morning in Seattle when a passing car drenches her and everything changes.

The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion by USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer
The Cowboy Santa program is supposed to be a chance to help his neighbors. When Kade Delgado’s ex-fiancée, now a single mom, shows up on his list, neither of them are thrilled. Is there any hope for a second chance at love?

Hope for Christmas by Elizabeth Maddrey
When he arrived at the ranch, he wasn’t sure what he was looking for. She wasn’t looking for anything beyond stability for her son. Christmas might be a season of hope, but do they dare risk everything for love?

Can’t Live without You by Ginger Solomon
Clarissa Harding’s fiancé’s betrayal doesn’t hurt as much as learning her best friend, Sawyer Chasin, knew his brother’s secret and didn’t tell her. The marriage would have been fake, but her feelings for Sawyer aren’t.

Beautiful Heart of His by Lindi Peterson
Two wrongs don’t make a right has never been more true. Will Mason’s past wrongs push Scarlett away or help her fall in love with him?

Restoring Christmas by Julie Arduini
Filled with grief and regret, Holly Christmas returns to Geneseo Valley and the family business, The Christmas Mansion. Can Kevin Holt restore her love for the season and the memories she left behind?

The Cowgirl’s Christmas Gift by Publishers Weekly bestselling author Deb Kastner
Cowgirl Maisey Gray knows horses, not six-year-olds. But when her socially-awkward, VR glasses-wearing neighbor needs help creating the perfect Christmas for his nephews, it’s up to Maisey to make sure Cam and the boys have a Christmas they’ll never forget.

Falling for Grace by Janet W. Ferguson
Grace Logan needs a place to pick herself up now that her ex is marrying her former best friend. Grief drives Seth Gibbs to his family’s vacation home, and three years later, he has no plans to leave. Until Grace falls into his life.
 

TITLE:  A Secret to Die For
AUTHOR:  Lisa Harris
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

Psychologist Grace Callahan has no idea that she has a secret--one worth killing for. But when she finds out one of her clients has been murdered, she quickly realizes that the computer security specialist wasn't simply suffering from paranoia.

Detective Nate Quinn has just been cleared for active duty after a bombing killed eighteen people, including his partner, and left him dealing with PTSD. His first case back on the job involves the murder of Stephen Shaw, and his only lead turns out to be an old friend, Grace Callahan--and her life is in grave danger. Someone believes Shaw gave his psychologist information before he died. Information they are willing to kill for.

If you enjoy heart-pounding suspense with some tingling romance, you’ll love A Secret to Die For. The only problem I had with this book is that I couldn’t sleep after reading it! Non-stop tension kept me flipping the pages until the end.

Both Gace and Nate make compelling and endearing heroes. Friends long ago, too many years and too much sorrow came between them, until they’re forced to lean on one another to survive and unknown enemy.

Faith plays an important part in this story without becoming preachy, as they cling to the only One who can save. I found the far-reaching evil disturbing in its realism, but it made the need for God abundantly evident.
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I was given a copy of A Secret to Die For by the publisher, and it earns FIVE stars. Recommended!

TITLE:  A Christmas by the Sea
AUTHOR:  Melody Carlson
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ****

When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

I’ve read other books by Melody Carlson and looked forward to some light, sweet storytelling. I was not disappointed, and the length warned me not to expect too much depth. Also true. A Christmas by the Sea was an easy afternoon read, enjoyable and non-challenging.

The setting of a seaside town and cottage drew me, and since I love renovations, Wendy’s quest to improve her inheritance kept the pages turning. While Wendy and Caleb are charming and attractive characters, the one I appreciated most was Wendy’s son, Jackson. His emotions are clearly shown, and I yearned for his dreams to come true.

The romance between the main characters was told more than shown, making it less real. The faith element is light, also, but I appreciated its inclusion.
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A Christmas by the Sea is a sweet story suitable for all ages. I received this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own. This story earns four stars.

TITLE:  The Hope of Azure Springs
AUTHOR:  Rachel Fordham
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

The Hope of Azure Springs came to me as an unexpected gift, and reading it was another gift. From the beginning, Em’s story tugged at my heart. I’d read other books about the orphan trains of the 1800s, where orphaned children rode west on appointed trains to whoever would take them in. For some, their new home became a prison. Em’s story begins in hers.

But her pluckiness and determination to be honest in actions and emotions endeared this “mighty plain woman” not only to me, but to those who came to know her. I loved how she encouraged her friends to face their grief—an emotion she knew too well—to allow healing to soothe its pain.

An honorable man, Caleb’s strength and insecurities touched me as well, and watching the friendship grow between Em and him was a joy. I especially loved the scenes at his parents’ home, where revealed true colors surprised each person involved.

Faith is not preached in this story but is shown clearly. Em’s faith carried her through many trials, and while her knowledge lacked, her conviction of God’s goodness inspired me.
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I received this book as a gift from the publisher. I loved this story and will read it again. The Hope of Azure Springs earns five stars. Highly recommended. 

TITLE:  The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond
AUTHOR:  Jaime Jo Wright
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****

For over a century, the town of Gossamer Grove has thrived on its charm and midwestern values, but Annalise Forsythe knows painful secrets, including her own, hover just beneath the pleasant facade. When a man is found dead in his run-down trailer home, Annalise inherits the trailer, along with the pictures, vintage obituaries, and old revival posters covering its walls. As she sorts through the collection, she's wholly unprepared for the ramifications of the dark and deadly secrets she'll uncover. 

A century earlier, Gossamer Grove has been stirred into chaos by the arrival of controversial and charismatic twin revivalists. The chaos takes a murderous turn when Libby Sheffield, working at her father's newspaper, receives an obituary for a reputable church deacon hours before his death. As she works with the deacon's son to unravel the mystery behind the crime, it becomes undeniably clear that a reckoning has come to town--but it isn't until another obituary arrives that they realize the true depths of the danger they've waded into.

Two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their own town before it's too late and they lose their future--or their very souls.

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a haunting tale of past, hidden sins and their cascading effect on future generations. Swinging from one century to the next, we meet two troubled young women, each hiding a devasting secret. While both their stories are shadowy and tainted by death, the courage and growing faith of these heroines shine a light into the dismal haze of circumstances.

I enjoyed getting to know both Annalise and Libby, so different yet similar. The plot held me captive until the very end, with each chapter revealing just a bit of the mystery. The supporting casts in both centuries were well defined. Finding out from the author’s notes that the wild twin revivalists were based on characters from the time added even more realism.

This story will linger in my mind, and I award it five stars. Recommended. Book was provided by Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing.

TITLE:  The Lady of Tarpon Springs
AUTHOR:  Judith Miller
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: ****

Much to the dismay of her Greek family, Zanna Krykos makes a living as a lawyer in Tarpon Springs, Florida. When her friend Lucy needs legal advice about the business she inherited upon her father's passing, she ends up asking Zanna to run the business instead so she can focus on her medical career.

Nico Kalos is a Greek diver who has worked on sponging boats in the Aegean Sea since the age of 14, giving him a vast knowledge of the trade. When he hears of an opportunity to lead a group of spongers to the United States, he seizes it. But his excitement is quickly quelled when he arrives only to discover that a young woman with no experience in the business will be in charge of the new crews. 

But as Zanna and Nico face even more complications than they could have imagined, they must learn to work together or risk everything they've worked so hard for.

I enjoy unusual heroines and heroes, and the combination of a lady lawyer and sponge diver in the early 1900s certainly fit the bill. The amount of research the author must have done is impressive! Learning a bit about the sponge diving industry of that time was fascinating, and the growing relationship between Zanna and Nico held my interest.

The supporting cast of The Lady of Tarpon Springs added much to the atmosphere of this novel. I especially enjoyed Zanna’s Yaya, a forceful yet loving grandmother. The antics of the three Rochester sisters added comic relief with their complicated relationships.
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Faith was assumed, almost as though an afterthought, and there were times I wished the actions were shown more than told.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading The Lady of Tarpon Springs and award it four stars. This book was provided courtesy of Graf Martin Communications and Baker Publishing.

TITLE:  Called To Protect
AUTHOR:  Lynette Eason
DATE:  2018
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****

For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiance for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She's over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

When US Marshall Blake MacCallum's daughter goes missing, he's ordered to kill the judge he's protecting and tell no one about his daughter's disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

I’d been introduced to the St. John family in Oath of Honor, so I expected a fast-paced thriller. No disappointments there! Called To Protect takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride of tension, heartbreak and romance. The subject matter of human trafficking isn’t easy to consider, but the author deal with it skillfully, with enough details to make the scenes vivid without going over-the-top in violence.

Both the hero and heroine of this story have a huge personal stake in catching the monsters who steal and sell young women, and their plight kept my heart as well as my head engaged. I believe the author showed a realistic picture of how easily girls can be trapped, and that’s going to haunt me for a long time.
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I received a copy of Called To Protect from the publisher, and all opinions are my own. I award this story five stars. Recommended!