I usually avoid books with a medical based storyline, but this is Charles Martin! How could I pass this book by? I am so glad that I didn't. The beautiful language in this book is a key reason for not missing out on When Crickets Cry. The intriguing storyline is another reason. It moves between the main character's earlier years and his present day circumstances, allowing readers to understand the decisions that led him to live the life he is currently living, a life that has seemingly lost purpose and meaning. The story explores the theme of hope, its perseverance in lives where one might see little reason for its continued presence, and its resurgence when it would appear all hope is lost. The heart in this story is viewed not only as an organ that gives the body life, but also as a spiritual organ that impacts how one lives the life they've been given. There are many lessons here for one whose heart is inclined to listen.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When Crickets Cry from Thomas Nelson without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh - A Book Review

  

Providence brings Kelsey and Georgina together in a totally unexpected way. The near-death experience of one and the imminent death of the other helps them forge an unusual relationship as they both contemplate all of the things they have missed in life by saying no. Walsh helps her readers understand the importance of saying yes when it means living life to its fullest. She also urges them to examine and adjust their priorities.

This story wasn't my typical read. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't say I was passionate about it. I did appreciate the themes of the story. The writing was crisp and flowed smoothly. I feel comfortable recommending it to readers who enjoy contemporary women's fiction. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Summer of Yes from Thomas Nelson without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Libyan Diversion by Joel C. Rosenberg - A Book Review

  

Non-stop action! Just when you think all is lost, there is hope. Once you think there is hope, the bottom falls out. Joel C. Rosenberg puts his characters and his readers through the wringer, but readers can't help but love it! Terrorists are once again posing a significant threat on American soil. Marcus Ryker and his team are the country's best hope of thwarting that threat, but sometimes the same government that he is working so hard to protect is the one that is tying his hands.

I give this book five stars and am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter - A Book Review

   

Autumn Skies is the third book in Denise Hunter's Bluebell Inn series. While a knowledge of the characters and backstory is nice, this book will work well as a stand-alone read. It focuses on Grace Bennett, the youngest of three siblings who completed their parents' dream of converting their historical family home into an inn. It is a love story between the fresh, young, outdoors girl and a Secret Service agent who comes to the inn seeking resolution to a horrific, life-changing event from his childhood. Hunter does a great job of writing passion that does not exceed the boundaries of Christian fiction. She deals sensitively with the importance of resolving childhood trauma, and extending oneself forgiveness and the freedom to joyfully pursue life.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes - A Book Review

    

Amanda Dykes' writing has a depth to it that one doesn't often encounter in today's contemporary fiction. It is special; it touches a part of one's heart and soul that is reserved for literature by classic authors such as Austin and Lewis. Set the Stars Alight is made up of stories leading to new stories, one the Greatest Story every told. While the reader knows a bit about where the story is leading, there are unexpected events all along the way. Once the end of the story is reached, one is likely to want to reread it right away knowing what they now know, to peek into the stories with a different lens. I most highly recommend Set the Stars Alight; once you meet this lost boy and matchstick girl and walk their path, you will be recommending it to your friends as well. I am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher – A Book Review

   

Fear. Worry. Anxiety. Do these plague you or someone you love? Through the lives of the Grayson sisters, author Suzanne Woods Fisher provides great insight and wisdom as to their root and the One who holds the answers to the havoc they wreak on our peace and contentment.

On a Coastal Breeze will be best understood and enjoyed by first reading On a Summer Tide, the first book in Fisher's Three Sisters Island series. The island is filled with quirky characters and even has some quirks of its own. There is enough fun and humor in this series to make the tough themes easier to digest. It is lighthearted enough to to be a great beach or vacation read, but meaty enough to make one feel like the times spent reading it was time well spent.

I am grateful to have received a copy of On a Coastal Breeze from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin - A Book Review

  

The Water Keeper is something special, powerful. While it embraces Christianity and a depth of love not many know, it is also raw and painful as the author tackles the impact of human trafficking. This book will appeal to male and female readers as the main character is a dichotomy of strength and vulnerability; his past pushing him to leave the ninety-nine to seek the one, a journey requiring monumental sacrifice. Along the way he collects a band, a fellowship of sorts, of those who need him, but who also have much to offer.

I cannot encourage you enough to step into the world of The Water Keeper. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Being Known by Robin Jones Gunn - A Book Review

   

Being Known is Robin Jones Gunn's latest book in her Haven Makers series. Like Becoming Us the story is highly emotional and stresses the importance of Christian fellowship, which is now often referred to as doing life together, and accountability. While many will enjoy Gunn's intense and insightful writing, this book and series seem to target women in their twenties to early forties who, like Gunn's characters, are balancing a variety of relationships from family to friends as well as distracting relationships, raising children, creating a haven at home, finding fulfillment in personal pursuits, and pursuing careers; all while growing in their relationship with Christ. There are times in this story when the reader will feel a great sense of contentment, and other times when she will feel like she is watching a train wreck about to happen. Robin Jones Gunn is a master at pulling readers in and tugging at their emotions.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Being Known from Multnomah via NetGalley, and for being included on this book's launch team. I was however asked only for my honest opinion, and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received no monetary compensation.