Review: "Under Scottish Stars" by Carla Laureano

I'm not sure if, at least among my reading friends, I've ever seen a book be as anticipated as Carla Laureano's Under Scottish Stars! It finally released earlier this week, and I'm thinking it lived up to the hype!

Review: "Moments We Forget" by Beth K. Vogt

Earlier this week, I (finally) read Beth K. Vogt's excellent Things I Never Told You. It had been on my TBR shelf for nearly a year, but with the upcoming release of Moments We Forget (and the looming deadline for this review), I finally picked it up. I was captivated. I loved the introduction to the Thatcher sisters, and I was so glad to be able to move right into this book once I finished Things I Never Told You. (Also, you didn't miss it—I haven't posted that review yet. Coming soon, I promise!)

Review: "Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe" by Carla Laureano

Happy Valentine's Day!!! Could a book scream "February" more than this one? The font makes it look romantic, and sweet treats bring Valentine's Day to mind. Basically, I'm saying that this is a perfect read for your Valentine's Day.

Review: "How the Light Gets In" by Jolina Petersheim

In How the Light Gets In, author Jolina Petersheim takes the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz and transplants it into a modern-day Mennonite community.

Review: "Hidden Among the Stars" by Melanie Dobson

In the last several years, split time (time-slip, dual timeline) novels have become quite popular. When done well, the combination of contemporary fiction with historical feels like it's the best of both worlds! One author who writes excellent split time fiction is Melanie Dobson, so I was quite eager to get my hands on her new book, Hidden Among the Stars.

Review: "Just Let Go" by Courtney Walsh

I've heard about Courtney Walsh's novels for years now. Figured I'd enjoy them. But until yesterday, I'd never read one. And now I'm ready to go back and read all the others that I've been missing!

"The Saturday Night Supper Club" by Carla Laureano

Fans of foodie novels—like Hillary Manton Lodge's Two Blue Doors series—will love The Saturday Night Supper Club!

"High Treason" by DiAnn Mills

Middle Eastern and American cultures collide when an assassination attempt is made on a Saudi prince. An FBI agent and a CIA operative are tasked with keeping the prince safe and uncovering the plot. But the assassin may be closer than they expect ...

"you're the one that i want" by susan may warren

I've had You're the One that I Want in my possession for several months now, but I just finally got around to reading it. Why? Because I have adored Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series, and this is the final book. I just didn't want the journey to end!

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Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.

Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after―especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama―and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

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You're the One that I Want is Owen Christiansen's story. Owen, the prodigal son, the family black sheep, the character I most disliked throughout the series. Yet, in a testament to Warren's great writing, as I began the book, I found myself rooting for—and even really, really liking—Owen!

While the book focuses on Owen and Scotty's relationship, it also ties up loose ends from the other Christiansen books—especially regarding Casper. I was surprised to find that I was not "Team Casper" for most of the novel ... and that brings up something that I've greatly appreciated about the Christiansen Family series: the Christiansens are most definitely not perfect, even after a "come to Jesus" moment. The characters mess up—sometimes in major ways—yet they remain a family and love each other, while also not excusing bad behavior. This is especially evident as the family deals with the fallout of both Owen's and Casper's actions throughout the series.

Not only is You're the One that I Want a fabulous conclusion to the Christiansen Family novels, but the entire series is wonderful, and I highly recommend all of the books! 5 stars.

Note: This series is one that is best read in order. Start with Take a Chance on Me, and then work your way through the rest. This is one of my favorite series of all time!

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other Christiansen family novels: When I Fall in Love (5 stars); Evergreen, a Christiansen family novella (5 stars); Always on My Mind (5 stars); and The Wonder of You (5 stars).

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Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels, with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She can be found online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and reviewed it by choice. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the wonder of you" by susan may warren

The Wonder of You continues Susan May Warren's wonderful Christiansen Family series.

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Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance—even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

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The overarching theme in The Wonder of You is pursuing the life God has called you to, wherever that may be and however that life may look.

After returning home from Europe with her heart broken, Amelia wonders if God's plans for her really include more than Deep Haven. Maybe she should settle down with Seth, her high school boyfriend, and live out her days in Deep Haven. But her heart continues pulling her toward Roark, even though she's not sure she can fully trust him. She struggles to understand what God wants for her.

Max Sharpe, Grace Christiansen's fiance, also struggles to understand God's plan for his life. Knowing he faces declining health and eventually death due to Huntington's disease, he decided that children could not be in his future. But when an orphan practically falls into Grace's lap, Max begins to realize that God may have something bigger in mind for him and Grace.

I love the way that Susan May Warren seamlessly weaves spiritual truth into a completely gripping family drama. One thing that has stuck with me, even several days after finishing the book, is a conversation that Amelia has with her best friends about following God's call. One of her friends says that if God called her to missions, she would just say no—after all, people say no to God all the time. That got me thinking—in what ways have I said no to God, and how much richer would my life be if I had said yes? Food for thought, for sure.

Of course, I enjoyed the novel for more than the deep thinking it provoked! The romance between Amelia and Roark was sweet (if a bit frustrating at times), and I loved how Roark fit into the Deep Haven community. I also enjoyed looking in on most of the other Christiansens again, as well as Jensen and Claire (from Take a Chance on Me).

Though it was the "B" plot of the novel, I absolutely adored the story surrounding Max and Grace. They are my favorite of the couples so far, so I was thrilled to jump back into their story and see how their relationship progressed since they fell in love in When I Fall in Love.

I feel like a broken record whenever I review one of the Christiansen Family books because I have only good things to say about them! This is a series that you absolutely don't want to miss, and The Wonder of You is just as gripping as all the preceding books in the series. 5 stars.

Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other Christiansen Family novels: When I Fall in Love (5 stars), Evergreen (5 stars), and Always on my Mind (5 stars).

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Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. 

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"always on my mind" by susan may warren

Warren's excellent Christiansen Family series continues with Always on my Mind.

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After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?

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Not since Karen Kingsbury's Baxter saga have I been so engrossed in a book series. (We all know how that turned out, but I don't think this series will have the same fate.) In the Christiansen family, author Susan May Warren has created characters who are realistically flawed yet wholly likeable. (With the exception of youngest son Owen who, at this point, isn't very likeable at all. I have no doubt he's redeemable, though!)

Casper Christiansen and Raina Beaumont's story, which began in When I Fall in Love, takes center stage in Always on my Mind. Casper and Raina are both lost souls, though in different ways, and in each other they find someone who causes them to become better versions of themselves. Isn't that what we all want in a partner—someone who loves us as we are, yet pushes us to be better?

Though I loved the preceding novels in the series, I soon realized that Always on my Mind had the potential to be supremely annoying. (Don't worry: it wasn't!) Raina made decision after decision that I didn't agree with, and I tend to have a low tolerance for heroines (or heroes) who make "stupid" decisions. Here, though, Raina's decisions—while not what I would choose—were understandable. Warren did such an excellent job of fleshing out Raina's past, both here and in When I Fall in Love, that while I wanted her to be with Casper and tell the truth about certain events, I understood why she was so hesitant.

I went into Always on my Mind with one idea of what would happen, and the book's actual events turned out to be completely different, yet wholly satisfying. Of course Susan May Warren had a better idea of what should happen to her characters than I did! Also, there's a delicious set up to the next novel, The Wonder of You, which will finally let us know what on earth happened to Amelia Christiansen in Europe. I can't wait! 5 stars.

Note: The Christiansen Family series is one you'll want to read in order. Each book leads into the next, and you could be pretty lost if you don't go in order. You probably could get away with skipping Evergreen, which is a novella that falls between When I Fall in Love and Always on my Mind, but why would you want to?

Read the first chapter.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of When I Fall in Love (5 stars) and Evergreen (5 stars).

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Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors.

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"evergreen" by susan may warren

Fans of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series will love this glimpse into the lives of John & Ingrid, the Christiansen parents.

An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn't be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He’s sure she'll love it. What’s more romantic than Christmas in Paris?

Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then—because disasters strike in threes—an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts.

As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.

I'd be hard pressed to name a series I'm enjoying more than Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series. Each of the novels focuses on one of John & Ingrid Christiansen's adult children. Up to this point, we've seen glimpses of John and Ingrid, but we haven't really gotten to know them. But Evergreen, a novella that falls after the third book in the series (When I Fall in Love), rectifies that.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this novella. After all, how interesting could empty nesters be? Well, I shouldn't have doubted; Evergreen is every bit as engaging and heartwarming as the novels about John and Ingrid's children. There's also a depth of emotion—both good and bad—that I didn't anticipate. Yes, I cried. Twice.

Through the pages of this novella, John and Ingrid became more than the wise, supportive parents we saw in the previous novels. They became real, fleshed out characters who I wanted to both hug and smack at various times. I'm sure I'll look at them differently when they appear in future Christiansen Family novels. 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Read Susan May Warren's blog post about Evergreen.
Read my review of When I Fall in Love.

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors.

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers and the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"when i fall in love" by susan may warren

About the book: Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she'd vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled-or maybe yanked-away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace's faith will face its toughest test yet.

My take: Words cannot express just how much I love this series! After flying through Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You in one weekend, I couldn't wait to get my hands on When I Fall in Love. It did not disappoint.

While I always love Warren's novels, When I Fall in Love hit a bit closer to home, probably because I saw shades of myself in Grace. A homebody by nature, Grace faces several moments that require extreme bravery, and her life becomes better for it. Likewise, I've made and followed through on several decisions that stretched me and molded me into the person I am today ... but at the time, I would rather have stayed curled up in bed. How fitting that I read this book on the heels of Annie Downs' Let's All Be Brave. The two books definitely complement each other.

Of course, Grace's journey wasn't the only aspect of this book I loved—it also features a phenomenal love story! Grace and Max's story is one of those toe-curling, sigh-inducing romances. There's also a subplot featuring Grace's brothers Casper and Owen and her friend Raina that took a major turn at the end of the novel, and I can't wait to see how that story line will turn out. While I'm sorry to reach the end of this novel, I'm eagerly anticipating the next in the series!

My rating: 5 stars

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other Susan May Warren novels.

About the author: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors.

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter,Facebook

About the giveaway:  Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen Family Collection, When I Fall In Love,  has won over readers' and critics' hearts alike. With critical reviews like, ". . . an exquisite romance. Profoundly touching on the topic of facing fears, this book is a true gem," and more than 60 five-star reviews at Amazon, When I Fall in Love is sure to please.

Susan has teamed up with some amazing food bloggers for a fun food challenge and a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway!

  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A KitchenAid Mixer
• The first three books in the Christiansen Family Collection.
• Melissa Ringstaff’s Kitchen Planner
• Jackie Brown's Freezer Inventory sheet

Grab your aprons and wire whisks and buzz on over to the When I Fall in Love website to learn more and enter the Hawaiian Chef Showdown! Susan is challenging you to make a Hawaiian-inspired dish using coconut, mango, or one of the other ingredients mentioned in the book. You’ll get extra points for creating your own recipe—plus she might share it on the When I Fall in Love site! Or if you're not up for an adventure in the kitchen just click one of the icons below for easy entry.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on August 10th. All winners will be announced August 13th at Susan's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Susan's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"claiming mariah" by pam hillman

About the book: After her father's death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father's farm, the only home she's ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father's rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade's careful eye, he unearths more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal, and murder threatens the well-being of the ranch, endangering those who hold it dear. As the days dwindle until the rest of the Donovan clan arrives at the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed changes their futures forever.

My take: A touching story about truth and forgiveness, Claiming Mariah is a very enjoyable historical romance. I enjoyed getting to know both Slade and Mariah and watching their relationship develop throughout the novel. But my favorite character was Buck, Slade's younger brother. He was such a gentile, wounded soul, and I would have loved to spend more time with him.

There was a fitting villain in Mariah's would-be suitor Cooper, and the plot had a few twists I wasn't expecting. I did think that the truth about Mariah's sister's schooling remained a secret for far longer than seemed credible, and the suggestion of who might fall in love with Buck seemed a bit too ... convenient. (Sorry, I don't want to spoil it—but if you read the book, you'll know what I mean!) That said, I would very much enjoy reading Buck's love story, even if it does go in the direction hinted at in Claiming Mariah. I hope Hillman writes that story next!

My rating: 4 stars

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Hillman's Stealing Jake.

About the author: Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of!

Learn more about Pam at http://www.pamhillman.com.

About the giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"safely home" by randy alcorn

About the book (from Amazon): Is this the day I die? Li Quan asks himself this question daily, knowing that he might be killed for practicing his faith. American businessman Ben Fielding has no idea what his brilliant former college roommate is facing in China. He expects his old friend has fulfilled his dream of becoming a university professor. But when they are reunited in China after twenty years, both men are shocked at what they discover about each other. Thrown together in an hour of encroaching darkness, both must make choices that will determine not only the destinies of two men, but two families, two nations, and two worlds.

My take: I first read Safely Home about five years ago on the recommendation of my sister. I thought it was a great story, and I even added it to my list of books I highly recommend to those who visit this blog. When my book club picked Safely Home as its August book, I was pretty excited. I didn't remember much of the plot beyond the basics, so I welcomed the chance to read the book again.

Now that I've read it again, I'd say I didn't like it quite as much as I did the first time. If you'd asked me then, I would have given it an enthusiastic 5 stars. But when we discussed it at book club a few weeks ago, I gave it a solid 4. Here's why:

1. The book has a great plot. It shows persecution in a way that we in America haven't ever seen, and it opens the reader's eyes to the world outside of the American Christian bubble. I would definitely give the story five stars.
2. Alcorn's description of heaven is nice. But I'm not sure that it's accurate. It may be—I know I certainly haven't studied heaven as much as Alcorn has. But, as one of the ladies in my book club mentioned, I think it might be dangerous to present it as, "This is what heaven is like." (Yes, I know that this is fiction, but the "earthly" story is presented based on real facts, so the "heavenly" portion also feels like it should be real.)
3. When I first read the book, I wasn't used to analyzing how a book was written ... I just paid attention to the story. But this time, with more than 200 book reviews under my belt, a few things struck me. First of all, the conversation often feels stilted. Alcorn weaves in lots of important facts about the persecuted church, mostly through dialog between Quan and Ben. Often when Quan throws out a fact, it doesn't seem like it would naturally flow from the conversation—it's like Alcorn had the facts he wanted to get across and then wrote the dialog around them. Also, there are long sections of Scripture in the book. That's fine, but when you have nearly a page of Bible verses, you either get pulled out of the story, or you start skipping over the verses and going back to the story. Either way, it doesn't make for a great reading experience.

I still would recommend that Christians read Safely Home, as it brings the persecuted church to life; expect a great story, but not a great literary experience.

My rating: 4 stars

Buy the book. 
 
About the author: Randy Alcorn is an author and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit ministry dedicated to teaching principles of God's Word and assisting the church in ministering to the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled, and unsupported people around the world. His ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity. He accomplishes this by analyzing, teaching, and applying the biblical truth.

Before starting EPM in 1990, Randy served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has an MA degree in Biblical Studies from Multnomah University and an Honorary Doctorate from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and has taught on the adjunct faculties of both.

A New York Times bestselling author, Randy has written more than forty books, including Courageous, Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home. His books in print exceed seven million and have been translated into over fifty languages. Randy has written for many magazines including EPM's issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives. He is active daily on Facebook and Twitter, has been a guest on more than 700 radio, television and online programs including Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, Revive Our Hearts, The Bible Answer Man, and The Resurgence.

Randy resides in Gresham, Oregon, with his wife, Nanci. They have two married daughters and are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research, and reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and reviewed it of my own accord. I was not compensated in any way. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"you don't know me" by susan may warren

About the book (provided by Litfuse): Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

My take: You Don't Know Me is an enjoyable return to Deep Haven. (It functions well as a stand-alone novel if you haven't read any of Warren's other Deep Haven books.) The plot—about a woman in Witness Security whose long-buried past comes back to haunt her just as secrets her family members are carrying come to light—is fascinating. The characters are great, especially Frank and Helen. And I loved having faces to put with several characters—if you follow Warren's blog, you know she "cast" Keri Russell and Scott Foley (Felicity's Felicity & Noel!) as Annalise and Nathan, with Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Milo Ventimiglia, and Rooney Mara in supporting roles.

While You Don't Know Me is an enjoyable read, I didn't find it quite as engaging (or, as I like to say, "unputdownable") as the previous two in the series. Still, it's a great story—worthy of the Susan May Warren name. 4 stars.

See what other reviewers are saying.
Buy the book.
Read an excerpt.
See my reviews of the Deep Haven books My Foolish Heart and The Shadow of Your Smile.

About the author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!

Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.

About the giveaway: Note: The Author Chat Party has been moved to December 12th, but the giveaway still ends October 22nd!

Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22. Winner will be announced at the "You Don’t Know Me" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/12. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 5-17-12 edition

Not too much in the mail these last three weeks. One of my review books seems to be perpetually lost in the mail (it's been sent to me twice, and I still don't have it!), and another was originally sent out to the wrong mailing list and should arrive next week.

Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Little Bites Flavored Cinnamon Roll, 15.8-Ounce (Pack of 4)
I got this through Vine. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is some of the best cereal I've ever tasted. I love it! It has a really great cinnamon punch—I always use more cinnamon than is called for in recipes because I love the flavor so much, and this cereal has the perfect amount! You can see my review here.

Glamorous Illusions: A Novel by Lisa T. Bergren
Lisa Tawn Bergren wrote some of the first romance novels I ever read. (Anyone remember the Palisades line? It's hard to even find anything about it on the internet ... here's a list of Palisades books I found on Goodreads. I've read most of them!) I absolutely loved her "Full Circle" series—Refuge, Firestorm, Torchlight, etc.—and I really enjoyed the "Northern Lights" series when I read them a couple years ago. Anyway, Glamorous Illusions will release June 1, and I'm on the Litfuse tour. Set in 1913, it's about a young woman who goes on a "Grand Tour" of Europe after learning a secret about her heritage. Sounds good to me!

Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury
Can you believe I've never read this book? Me either! A Moment of Weakness, the sequel to Waiting for Morning, was the first Kingsbury book I ever read. I think I may have checked Waiting for Morning out of the library and flipped through it, but I'm certain I never actually read it from beginning to end because I already knew how it was going to turn out. But since it's been a good ten years since I read A Moment of Weakness, I can barely remember what happened in that book, let alone in this one! I'm very excited to read it now! I got this book through Blogging for Books.

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley
This is another Vine pick. I'd never heard of Brownley before, but I thought I'd give it a shot! (Another of Brownley's books, A Long Way Home, is free for Kindle right now.)

Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot
This book doesn't release until tomorrow, but I got a copy through Tyndale's blogger program. I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I learned it was set during World War II. It looks to be full of suspense, intrigue, and romance!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"accused" by janice cantore

About the book (from the publisher): Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she's eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly's ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He's determined to show Carly that he's a changed man and win her back, but she isn't convinced he won't betray her again. As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

My take: Accused is an engaging suspense novel that kept me guessing throughout. Each time I had to put the book down, I wanted to keep reading, and the pages seemed to fly by, especially as I got into the second half of the book.

Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed the plot, I can't give this book five stars. Basically, the story is excellent, but it needed firmer editing. Cantore tends to tell rather than show, especially when emotion is involved. And Carly's thoughts—which are written in first person to get the reader inside her head—sound too scripted. This might work if the entire book was written in first person, but since it's not, jumping into Carly's thoughts only served to draw my attention away from what had been happening.

Still, I enjoyed reading the book (I just stopped to roll my eyes at the writing a few times), and I will probably continue reading this series. 3 stars.

About the author: A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She's always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today's Christian Woman before tackling novels. A few years ago, she retired to a house in the mountains of Southern California, where she lives with two Labrador retrievers, Jake and Maggie.

Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Accused is the first book in the Pacific Coast Justice series, featuring Carly Edwards. Janice also authored the Brinna's Heart series, which includes The Kevlar Heart and The Heart of Justice.

Visit Janice's website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"not in the heart" by chris fabry

About the book (from the publisher): Truman Wiley used to report news stories from around the world, but now the most troubling headlines are his own. He's out of work, out of touch with his family, out of his home. But nothing dogs him more than his son's failing heart.

With mounting hospital bills and Truman's penchant for gambling his savings, the situation seems hopeless ... until his estranged wife throws him a lifeline—the chance to write the story of a death row inmate, a man convicted of murder who wants to donate his heart to Truman's son.

As the execution clock ticks down, Truman uncovers disturbing evidence that points to a different killer. For his son to live, must an innocent man die? Truman's investigation draws him down a path that will change his life, his family, and the destinies of two men forever.

My take: Every so often, a book comes along that grabs you and won't let go. Not in the Heart is one such book. I read it quickly, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. From the beginning, I assumed Terrelle (the death row inmate) was innocent, and as Truman came closer to the truth, I felt like I was searching for clues right along with him. And once I reached the epilogue, I read the sad-but-satisfying conclusion with tears running down my cheeks.

Truman Wiley is not your classic protagonist. An unemployed gambling addict who abandoned his family, he is certainly no hero—and he does things throughout the book that made me want to shake some sense into him. However, I found myself pulling for him, not in a "boy, he sure needs Jesus to fix his life" way but in an "I care about him so much that I wish he could see how much God loves him and get his life back together" way.

As I read the book, I thought a lot about Truman. We all know someone like him—someone whose addictions and fears control his or her life; someone we would desperately love to see trust in Christ. While no one close to me is a Truman, I do have friends and family members who have spent hours on their knees praying for their own Trumans. Reading this book reminded me again of the importance of prayer—praying for the Trumans who seem unreachable ... because no one is unreachable to God!

Rarely have I been so emotionally invested in a book that it brings me to tears. Not in the Heart is a fantastic book that I highly recommend with 5 out of 5 stars!

About the author: Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and Not in the Heart, have won two Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.

He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR. Visit his website at www.chrisfabry.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from The B&B Media Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the shadow of your smile" by susan may warren

In the three years following their daughter Kelsey's murder, Eli & Noelle Hueston's marriage has become strained nearly to the point of fracture. Eli has turned to his friend Clay's widow Lee for companionship, and Noelle has returned to painting—and neither knows what the other is up to. After Noelle is injured in a robbery, she loses her memory, thinking she is a 21-year-old art student rather than a 46-year-old wife and mother. As Noelle desperately searches for the missing 25 years of her life, Eli senses a chance to start over with his wife.

My take: As a longtime fan of Susan May Warren's writing, I had high expectations going into this novel. I was not disappointed! I know I've said this about Warren's other books, but I'll say it again: her characters come across as real people. Eli, Noelle, and Lee are all deeply flawed, and they each were headed down a dangerous (yet completely realistic) path before Noelle's amnesia forced them to truly weigh their actions and consider the cost. I also enjoyed the sub-plot of Eli's son and Lee's daughter falling in love—and I thought the effect their parents' actions had on their relationship was also quite realistic.

Last but not least, I absolutely loved the way the book ended. I don't want to spoil it for you (because you really should read it for yourself), so I'll just say that Warren didn't take the story where I expected, and for that, I'm grateful. Her ending is much more powerful than mine would have been!

I give The Shadow of Your Smile 5 out of 5 stars—my first 5-star review of 2012! Read the story behind the story here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/the-shadow-of-your-smile. You can also buy the book or see what other reviewers are saying.

About the Author: 
Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church. Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at www.susanmaywarren.com.

About the Giveaway:
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)

• The entire set of Deep Haven Books 

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I a digital copy of this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."