Sigh… I am quite sad. Why? Because one of the most intriguing, compelling and well-written novel series I’ve read in a long time has reached the end. Finished. Over. Forever. Isn’t that tragic? Roseanna M. White’s “Ladies of the Manor” series, published by Bethany House, began a year ago with the release of “The Lost Heiress”, followed this past spring by “The Reluctant Duchess”, and now concluding with “A Lady Unrivaled”. Each of these stories is built upon each other, and the characters, mystery, and basically the entire plot is interwoven very closely. My recommendation is NOT to read these books as stand-alone novels, or out of their proper order, because the full effect of the story will undoubtedly be lost. Continue reading
Love
You Will Be Changed
Lyrical. Honest. Inquiring. Beautiful. I could continue, but these four words give you at least a partial picture of the depth and power held in the pages of a new book by Charles Martin, entitled “Long Way Gone”. Published by Thomas Nelson in 2016, this is the first novel by Charles Martin that I have ever read. It won’t be my last! Rarely do Christian novels probe as deeply into the human heart and touch readers in as many profound ways as “Long Way Gone” does. Quite simply, once you read it you won’t forget it. It may even change you as a person. Continue reading
A Story That Will Stay With You Long After Reaching “The End”
Controversy. Scandal. Desperation. These words were not ones I expected to use when describing the newly released Bethany House book entitled “A Heart Most Certain”, written by new-to-me author Melissa Jagears. The lovely cover image, the series name of “Teaville Moral Society”, and even the back-cover synopsis did not reveal what this book was truly about. While the storyline and plot did surprise me greatly, I was not, however, disappointed in my hope for a wonderful story. It was simply wonderful in unexpected ways. Continue reading
A Healing Balm for the Heart
Rejection. We’ve all experienced the ache of this word in our lives to varying degrees. How do we overcome the deep, almost physical pain that rejection forces into the deepest parts of our souls? Well, Lysa TerKeurst has a tonic for our hearts that feels like a warm hug and a chat with a friend over a cup of hot tea, but is actually in the form of a book. “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” was published by Thomas Nelson in the late summer of 2016, and will undoubtedly prove to be a healing balm to women everywhere who have ever felt “uninvited”. Continue reading
Valuable Insight, but Difficult to Wade Through
Have you ever tried reading a book that had a strong message and worthwhile intentions, but you just couldn’t get into it? That was the case for me with Dr. Larry Crabb’s new release, entitled “A Different Kind of Happiness: Discovering the Joy That Comes from Sacrificial Love”. Without question there are many jewels of wisdom found within the pages of this book, but at times the language feels so deep and lengthy that those gems are difficult to uncover. Perhaps a slow and thoughtful reading is what is needed, with plenty of time between chapters to ponder and consider the author’s message… Continue reading
A Fascinating Sequel
It isn’t very often that the second story in a series outshines the first, but that is exactly what has happened with the “Hawthorne House” series by Kristi Ann Hunter! “An Elegant Facade” is the new 2016 sequel to “A Noble Masquerade”, both published by Bethany House. According to Ms. Hunter’s website, the series will carry on for at least two more books, meaning that each of the four Hawthorne siblings will have their own story. Who is “An Elegant Facade” about, you ask? Well, it reveals the secrets of Georgina Hawthorne, and what a story it turns out to be! Continue reading
Changing the World, One Woman at a Time!
Are you a Christian woman who desires to serve God to the best of your ability, and to align your life with God’s perfect design? If so, I want to share with you a new book that holds the ability to permanently transform your life from the inside out… “Girl Defined: God’s Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity” was written by sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird, and published by BakerBooks in mid-2016. Because they explain it so well, I’ll let Kristen and Bethany give you a little background info: “The reason we wrote this book is to give you a radically better vision for what true womanhood is all about. The only hope we have as women is to stop defining ourselves according to other people’s standards and start defining it according to God’s Word. In order to become all God created you to be, you have to gain a vision for what true God-defined femininity is all about.” Continue reading
Charming and Simple – Give it a Try!
Do you enjoy poetry, especially short poems with universally applicable ideas and themes? If so, I invite you to give a new book by a new author a try. ‘Fits of Tranquility’ by Robert Lampros is described as ‘a book of poetry and prose about hope, healing, perseverance, and joy, as well as faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and falling in love.’
Containing over 20 unique poems and short stories, this book ranges in topic from inspiring images of nature to thought-provoking stories filled with charming dialog and everything in between. With some portions, the intent of the author is very clear while at other times the meaning is more vague, leaving readers to bring their own perspectives to the words. A few of my favorite selections include: ‘Verdure’, ‘For What It’s Worth’, and ‘Invisible Arms’. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 