“For everything there is a season. A season for joy. A season for sorrow. A season for testing.” With these words written on the back cover of a real-event-based novel, readers can be fairly certain that it will not be a happy, carefree story, but rather one of hardship and overcoming. “Whither Thou Goest I Will Go” was written by Naomi Dathan and published by Kirkdale Press in 2016. As the author explains in a note to her readers, the novel is based on the infamous blizzard of January 12, 1888, that swept across the great plains with no warning. It’s name? The Children’s Blizzard. An estimated 1000 people spent that night lost on the open prairie. Many of them perished. Many were children. Continue reading
Christian Historical Fiction
A Remarkable Yet Difficult Sequel
Have you ever read a book containing an irresistible setting and characters you adore, but that was built around a storyline that just didn’t align with your morals and principles pertaining to Christian Fiction? Well, that is my dilemma with Roseanna M. White’s newest book in the historical “Ladies of the Manor” series, entitled “The Reluctant Duchess”. Published by Bethany House in the spring of 2016, this story contains many recurring characters, sub-plots, and themes from the previous book in the series, and should definitely be read in the order intended by the author. Continue reading
Intriguing Premise, Disappointing Details
The Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, as told through the eyes of a young Egyptian girl… Truly, Biblical Fiction doesn’t get any more unique than this! “Counted with the Stars”, the first book in the “Out from Egypt” series, was written by Connilyn Cossette and published by Bethany House in the spring of 2016. As you step into the pages of the story, be prepared to witness the historic plagues of Exodus, and the fascinating culture of Ancient Egypt, as never before. Continue reading
Michael Phillips NEVER Disappoints!
“Past and present collide in master storyteller Michael Phillips’ dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace.” Undoubtedly, this beloved author truly is a master storyteller. With decades of experience and dozens of unforgettable novels to his name, it is always a pleasure to read a new book with “Michael Phillips” written on the cover. Classic, timeless tales that slowly and meaningfully unfold into incredibly detailed, interwoven, faith-filled stories are his specialty, and his newest book from Bethany House entitled “The Inheritance” is perhaps one of his finest accomplishments yet. Continue reading
The Final Story is Always Bittersweet…
The bittersweet moment has come. At least, that is how I always feel when I reach the final book in a beloved series. Naturally it holds both sweetness and a touch of sorrow, good-to-see-you-agains and final goodbyes. Delia Parr’s “At Home in Trinity” series, published by Bethany House and comprised of “The Midwife’s Tale”, “The Midwife’s Choice”, and now, finally, “The Midwife’s Dilemma”, is just such a series. It draws you in, envelops you with the love and warmth of the tiny town of Trinity, and is very difficult to say farewell to. Continue reading
A Sparkling, Comedic, Winsome Story
Do you like surprises? I know I do, if they are pleasant ones! When I first discovered Siri Mitchell’s new Historical Romance novel from Bethany House entitled “Flirtation Walk”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Delightfully, it turned out I was in for a sweet surprise. Within the first few pages it captured my imagination, and by the end of the book it had become one of my favorite historical novels so far this year. Just what was so special about the story? Well, let me share 3 of my favorite aspects with you… Continue reading
Unrealistic, Uninspiring, and Unlikely
The “Old West” is a setting familiar to all and beloved by many. In Maggie Brendan’s newest book published by Revell, entitled “A Sweet Misfortune”, all of the prerequisites for a great old-time western story are clearly in place. But is that enough to allow the story to leap out of the pages and come to life in our imaginations? Continue reading
Deborah’s Story Comes to Life
If you favor historical fiction of any kind, and ESPECIALLY if you enjoy Biblical fiction, you are certain to adore Jill Eileen Smith’s newest release from Revell, entitled “The Prophetess: Deborah’s Story”. As second in the “Daughter’s of the Promised Land” series, this book is also a standalone novel that will capture your attention and imagination from the first page. Continue reading
“Witness the Manhunt that Changed the Course of Human History” – “Risen”, the Novelization
“The Story of the Resurrection as You’ve Never Seen It Before”.
This is the tagline for a new movie entitled Risen, releasing in February of 2016 and just in time for the Easter season. It sounds intriguing, don’t you think? Only a few weeks earlier, the novelization of this major motion picture released from Bethany House Publishers as a precursor to the movie. The novel was written by Angela Hunt and based on the story by Paul Aiello, who also created the screenplay along with Kevin Reynolds. As the tagline suggests, this IS a resurrection story that is unique, unexpected, and compelling in many ways. Unfortunately though, it contains several less-than-desirable qualities as well. Continue reading
A Second Visit to Trinity
Don’t you love it when you get the chance to become reacquainted with old friends? Of course, in the case of fictitious friends you don’t actually visit with them face to face, but watching their new stories and relationships unfold is almost as much fun. If you enjoyed meeting Martha Cade in The Midwife’s Tale by Delia Parr, you will be delighted to discover her continuing story. The Midwife’s Choice is book two in the At Home in Trinity series, and was published by Bethany House at the end of 2015. In this story, we discover new dilemmas and secret pasts to many recurring characters, and meet several 
newcomers, as well. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 