Recently Stephanie from Graf-Martin Communications and the Nuts About Books program shared a video and a question with bloggers in the monthly newsletter. First, here is the video by Jocelyn Green, author of “The Mark of the King” (read my review for this book here). Isn’t it a delight?!
It’s been a while since I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed a heartwarming Christian Historical Romance, but I’ve just finished one that definitely fits that description… Although “A Stolen Heart” is the first novel I’ve read by Amanda Cabot, it certainly won’t be my last! Published by Revell in the spring of 2017, this story is the first of the “Cimarron Creek Trilogy”. Without question, this story contains all of the elements that fans of Historical Fiction love and expect, including memorable characters, a western setting, and a heart-melting romance, but with an added dose of mystery and drama woven in as well. Continue reading
From the moment I saw the title and read the synopsis, I was enthusiastic to read “The Mark of the King” by Jocelyn Green, and could hardly wait for Bethany House to release it. When the opportunity came to review the novel, I was delighted! While it wasn’t quite what I had been expecting, in many ways it was even better. Powerful and engaging writing, vibrant imagery, and unforgettably dynamic characters combine to make this book a classic in the making. It wasn’t an easy story to read, nor was it a light, humorous, or “happy” novel, but it was powerful. Oh my, was it powerful. . . Continue reading
“Fear Fighting: Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears”. The title alone sounds like a book worth reading, wouldn’t you agree? Written by Kelly Balarie and published by BakerBooks, this Christian Living non-fiction book is a volume that promises to help readers transform into fear fighters, and “women breaking free of trepidation to find bold dedication to God’s peace-, purpose-, and joy-filled callings”.
Without question, there are gems hidden inside the pages of “Fear Fighting” that will speak to your heart and inspire you… The only problem? For me, those gems were very few and far between. Unfortunately, the majority of the book was excessively wordy and rather boring. Continue reading
Wow… just, wow! This was basically my first impression after reaching the end of Kristy Cambron’s newest novel from Thomas Nelson Publishers, entitled “The Illusionist’s Apprentice”. As the second stand-alone story of Ms. Cambron’s “Jazz Age Entertainers” series, this book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the inner workings of 1920s vaudeville entertainment, and the art of illusion – both of which were very unfamiliar to me. With numerous references to the infamous Harry Houdini, and a plot filled with mystery and secrets, this novel is certain to appeal to all fans of Inspirational Historical Fiction. Continue reading
If you are looking for a fresh, inspiring new way to study God’s word, I have a wonderful suggestion for you! “His Last Words: What Jesus Taught and Prayed in His Final Hours” was written by Kim Erickson and published by Moody Publishers early in 2017. This unique book is a 7-week Bible study of John 13-17, and takes readers through these chapters verse by verse. Because of the content and focus-verses of the book, it would make a wonderful study to delve into during the Easter season.
Each chapter or “week” of this book is divided into 5 sections, effectively forming a 5-day study week. The week opens up with a brief word from the author, and then gets right into the work of the day. Each day’s assigned reading is placed, verse by verse, into a chart with space where you can easily write down what you learned from the verse, and what the Holy Spirit revealed to you as you read it. Continue reading
What fun it is to open the first book of a new series with no expectations, and then discover a lovely story that captures your heart and imagination! “In the Shadow of Denali” was written by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, and is the first book in “The Heart of Alaska” series. Published by Bethany House in 2017, this book weaves fascinating facts about the history, geography, and biology of the untamed land of Alaska in the early 1900s into a story filled with memorable and dynamic characters. Continue reading
When the first two books in a series are enjoyable, humorous, inspirational, and contain clean Christian content, isn’t it a logical conclusion to assume the third book will continue in a similar direction? I thought so… But I was proven wrong – quite wrong. “An Uncommon Courtship” is the third book in the “Hawthorne House” series written by Kristi Ann Hunter and published by Bethany House. Because each of these books are closely connected with each other, and the characters are recurring, it is easy to imagine the excitement of a new release. Equally easy to imagine is the disappointment when expectations remain unmet. Continue reading
Oh dear… the time has come. The last book of the “Waves of Freedom” series has finally been released, and what a finale it is. But – that’s just it. It’s the end to a series that truly does proud the Christian fiction genre. While I’ve “patiently” waited for this book ever since reading the previous two in the series, it is heartbreaking to realize that the stories of Jim and Mary, Arch and Lillian, and Dan and Quintessa have come to a finish. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and these books were definitely a very good thing. Continue reading
Are you familiar with the Bible story of Boaz and Ruth? I’m guessing you probably are. If you are like me, you’ve probably read numerous retellings based on this timeless story of love, grace, and redemption. While many of those retellings are well-done, none can compare with the new version by Jill Eileen Smith, entitled “Redeeming Grace: Ruth’s Story“, published by Revell in 2017. I have only read one other Bible-based novel by this talented author, but it is clear that her writing style and impeccably researched historical details are unrivaled in her genre. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 