After finishing Ted Dekker’s new release “The 49th Mystic”, I was eagerly anticipating its sequel “Rise of the Mystics”. After experiencing the profound nature of the 49th, I wondered if this sequel would live up to my expectations. The answer is yes – a hundred times yes. Continue reading
Christian Contemporary Fiction
A Journey of Fantasy
Fantasy novels are a huge leap outside of my comfort zone… There, it’s out in the open and we are all aware of it! Therefore, when I accidentally received a new fantasy novel for review from Revell, I was a little apprehensive about this unfamiliar genre. In the end, though, it was an enjoyable experience. “The Edge of Over There” was written by Shawn Smucker, and is actually a sequel to his previous book entitled “The Day the Angels Fell”. I had not read this pre-story, and while I think it would have been helpful in fully understanding the continuing saga, there was enough history sprinkled throughout the pages for newcomers to follow along as well. Continue reading
A Thrill Ride of a Story
I’ve never before read a novel by Carrie Stuart Parks, but with the unique synopsis of her newest release I was excited to give it a try. “Formula of Deception” is a complicated, hair-raising, and fascinatingly detailed suspense novel from Thomas Nelson Publishers that had me reading long into the night as I quickly flipped the pages to discover how the story was finally resolved. Continue reading
Words Cannot Describe “The 49th Mystic” Adequately… Guest Review by Hayley
Ted Dekker’s “The 49th Mystic” – easily the most unique and profound novel I have read in years and perhaps ever. I did not know what to expect. And yet even without clear expectations, it still managed to surpass them. Honestly, I believe I could read this book ten times over and still not be finished learning from it. Continue reading
Beautiful Dual-Time Story of Redemption
Best-selling author Rachel Hauck never ceases to amaze me with the fascinating plots of her stories – where does she come up with her unique ideas?! “The Love Letter” is her newest release from Thomas Nelson, and is a dual-storyline novel that weaves together the lives of four people… Two are from the glamorous but shallow, modern-day world of Hollywood, and two are from the tumultuous unrest of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Their connection? A simple letter – a love letter… Continue reading
I’m Torn About This One…
Becky Wade is an amazing author whose stories sparkle with wit and whimsy, as well as characters who walk off the pages with their lifelikeness – from internal struggles to joyful triumphs and everything in between. Ms. Wade’s newest release from Bethany House is entitled “Falling for You”, and is the second full-length novel in the “Bradford Sisters Romance” series. Continue reading
A Poignant and Unforgettable Novel… It Will Take Your Breath Away
Have you ever read a book by an author who possesses the incredible ability to tell a story that crawls into your imagination and comes to life with the vivid clarity of a movie? Does that author also have the ability to plumb the depths of the heart and soul, bringing to light some of the questions we all have inside? For me, Charles Martin is just such an author. Although I’ve only read two of his books so far, both affected me deeply, and I don’t think I will ever forget the poignant tales that he shares or the quotes that are so filled with truth. Mr. Martin’s newest work is “Send Down the Rain”, and was published by Thomas Nelson in the spring of 2018. Continue reading
A Fantastic Start to a New Series by New-to-Me Suspense Author Lynn H. Blackburn
I will admit, I am quite discriminating about the Christian Romantic Suspense novels that I read. They need to be well-written and believable, fast-paced but not too difficult to follow, and contain the right amount of suspense without being extremely graphic and/or troubling. . . I don’t ask for much, right?! So you’ll understand my excitement when I DO find a novel in this genre that is as good as I hoped for, especially when it is written by a new-to-me author! “Beneath the Surface” is the first book in Lynn H. Blackburn’s new series of “Dive Team Investigations” published by Revell, and is certain to impress fans of Lynette Eason and Irene Hannon. Continue reading
The Hope Harbor Saga Continues. . .
It’s the time of year I’ve come to anticipate for four years in a row… when we can grab a cup of tea, find a shady spot in the backyard, and take the journey to the sweet little (fictional) town of Hope Harbor, “where hearts heal . . . and love blooms”! The newest installment in Irene Hannon’s beloved, ongoing, contemporary romance series from Revell is “Pelican Point”, and brings us the story of two unlikely people brought together in a quest to save a town landmark – a lighthouse – and perhaps find healing for their hearts at the same time. Continue reading
A Heartfelt and Reflective Adventure
“She always wanted a different heart. But she never expected the adventure that would come with it.” After reading this tagline, who could resist learning more about the story it describes? “The Heart Between Us” was written by new-to-me author Lindsay Harrel and published by Thomas Nelson just in time for Spring, 2018. As readers step into the pages of this sweet novel, they will be swept along on an adventure of growth, challenge, discovery, and love. Continue reading