"from russia with love" by susan may warren

From Russia With Love, then known as Ekaterina, is the book that made me fall in love with Susan May Warren's writing. I'd read a few of her other novels before (Reclaiming Nick is the first I read), and while I liked them, I didn't love them. But I liked them enough to look for her other work, and the Heirs of Anton series grabbed my attention. I've been devouring Warren's novels ever since.

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Upon receiving an unusual package in the mail, Ekaterina "Kat" Moore boards a plane to Russia, her ancestral home, to seek some answers. What she finds leads her on a perilous journey through time as Kat must flee the Russian underground. To further complicate matters, she finds herself falling in love with FSB Captain Vadeem Spasonov, a man trying to forget the nightmares of his own past. When Kat's secrets lead to the answers Vadeem needs, the treasures they find unleash an avalanche of God's design. A trip to her ancestral home of Russia thrusts Ekaterina "Kat" Moore into a web of ancient conflict and family secrets.

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As I said before, when I first read this novel, I absolutely loved it. Time, which has led to my becoming a more discerning reader and Warren becoming a better writer, has diminished my love. On this second read (I just read it again last week), I definitely loved it much less. It's not that it's a bad book, but it didn't captivate my mind and emotions in the way I've come to expect of Warren's novels, and I found myself skimming quite a bit.

The story itself is intriguing as Kat seeks to learn about her past. Not too much is revealed, which is why you need to read the next book to discover the answers!

One thing I love about this series is the way it's written in reverse. From Russia With Love is set in the early 2000's. The next book, The Spy Who Loved Me (aka Nadia) is set in the 70's, and the third and fourth books are set before that. Even though I didn't love From Russia With Love on the second read, I'm still looking forward to rereading the rest of the series. 3 stars.

Buy the book or the ebook (The ebook is available exclusively in the Much Ado About Love romance collection--and at 99 cents for six books, it's a pretty good deal!)
Read my reviews of other Susan May Warren novels.

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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."

"the girl from the train" by irma joubert

When I picked up The Girl From the Train, I wasn't sure I'd like it. Normally, I enjoy World War II fiction, but something about the description didn't interest me (though I immediately loved the cover). I'm glad I didn't let my hesitance deter me, as I ended up absolutely loving this novel!

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Six-year-old Gretl Schmidt is on a train bound for Aushwitz. Jakób Kowalski is planting a bomb on the tracks.

As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Germany and Russia. They intend to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl’s unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.

Gretl is the only survivor. Though spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people. When Jakób discovers her, guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her in. For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.

But she can’t stay with him forever. Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families—so long as Gretl’s Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered.

Separated by continents, politics, religion, language, and years, Jakób and Gretl will likely never see each other again. But the events they have both survived and their belief that the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war have formed a bond of love that no circumstances can overcome.

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Spanning more than a dozen years, The Girl From the Train tells the story of an orphan and the man who rescued her. When Gretl and Jakób aren't together, the action goes back and forth between them, though the majority of the novel focuses on Gretl.

One thing that surprised me about The Girl From the Train was its positivity. Yes, Gretl's life was hard—even horrific—before Jakób took her under his wing, and Jakób's life was not easy, either. But rather than focusing on the bad, Joubert found a way to bring light to the story. As I read, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop—for Gretl's life to become unbearable. But that never happened; instead, Gretl's life changed for the better when Jakób decided to send her to South Africa. I loved following along on Gretl's journey.

The novel contains a touch of romance near the end (and it's a romance the reader will see coming long before it materializes), but overall, The Girl From the Train is about a little girl's search for belonging, which she finds in a diverse South African family. Gretl's new family is one of the highlights of the book. I especially loved Grandpa John, who understood Gretl perhaps better than anyone else.

The Girl From the Train is an international bestseller that was originally published in Afrikaans in South Africa. The only indication that this is a translation is that sometimes, conversations seemed a bit awkward—like something got lost in translation. But that could just have to do with the way different cultures communicate, too.

Overall, I loved The Girl From the Train. It is absolutely fascinating, and it lends itself to discussion, making it a great book club selection. (In fact, it's Target's November 2015 Book Club pick!) I highly recommend it. 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.

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International bestselling author Irma Joubert was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing. Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail. She's the author of eight novels and a regular fixture on bestseller lists in The Netherlands and in her native South Africa. She is the winner of the 2010 ARKV Prize for Romance Novels. Follow her on Facebook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through The Fiction Guild. 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."

"valley of decision" by lynne gentry

Lynne Gentry's exciting time travel series concludes with Valley of Decision.

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Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision---leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can't---secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie's surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

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I have greatly enjoyed Lynne Gentry's Carthage Chronicles—and I'm sorry the series has come to a close! Before I get into my review, a caution: If you have not yet read the first two novels in the series, you'd be better off reading those reviews, rather than this one, as I can't help but mention some of the things that happened in those books. (Healer of Carthage, Return to Exile)

Valley of Decision picks up 13 years following the events of Return to Exile ... at least that's how long Lisbeth and her daughter Maggie have been back in our time. In Carthage, mere hours have passed, which leads to a lot of confusion when a grown up Maggie appears.

Maggie, having Googled her father Cyprian, knows his fate, and she's determined to save him. Lisbeth and her father follow Maggie to Carthage, determined to bring Maggie and Lisbeth's mother Magdalena home for good. The question is, is it possible to change history? Can Cyprian be saved from certain death?

It's difficult to review this novel without including spoilers, so I'll just say that Valley of Decision features a sweet, budding romance, heart-tugging family moments, and  look at what it really means to stand up for your faith. (Now I'll include some info that could be considered spoilerish if you don't know anything about the real-life Cyprian.)

SPOILERS BELOW (if you're not familiar with 3rd Century Carthage)
Because Cyprian was a real person who really was martyred for his faith, I didn't doubt where the story would end (though I did kind of hope Gentry would find a way around it). But I did not expect how emotionally connected to Cyprian's story I would become. Gentry wrote Cyprian's final scenes in a way that made me want to simultaneously cheer and sob ... and I did a little of both!
END SPOILERS

I began reading The Carthage Chronicles because I love time travel romances, but what really kept me engaged was reading about Christians in the third century. These novels have vividly brought third-century Carthage to life, and it's definitely a time travel journey worth taking. 5 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Healer of Carthage (4-1/2 stars) and Return to Exile (4-1/2 stars).

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Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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."

"love in the details" by becky wade

If you've been hanging around here very long, you know that I'm a huge fan of Becky Wade's novels. (See the #1 books on my best of 2012 and best of 2014 lists.) One thing I hate? She only releases one book each year. (Not that I blame her—I realize that the publishing process takes time. I just wish I could somehow magic up more Becky Wade books.) Anyway, I was thrilled to discover that she had written one of Zondervan's Year of Weddings novellas. An entry in a series I love written by an author I love? Win-win!

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Holly ended things to give him a better life, but she was the future he’d always dreamed of. 

 Eight years have passed since Holly last saw her high school sweetheart, Josh. Now the wedding of Josh’s best friend has brought him back to Martinsburg, Texas. His duties as best man and Holly's as the church's volunteer wedding coordinator link them together. As they work behind the scenes to plan a beautiful November wedding for their friends, they're forced to confront painful reminders of what might have been. 

 Holly broke up with Josh all those years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. However, she never told him the true reason behind her actions and now must decide whether to keep her secret hidden. She's terrified of letting herself fall for him because she barely managed to piece her life back together after losing him the last time. 

 Not a day's gone by since Josh parted from Holly that he hasn't thought about her. The pain of the past eight years has been too much to bear and he doesn't want to make himself vulnerable to her again. But the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to deny the love he still has for her. Will Josh and Holly risk their hearts on the hope that God's timing really can be best?

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Love in the Details is a sweet "second chance at first love" novella that features characters not connected to Wade's other novels. Holly and Josh are both incredibly likable characters, and, in a departure from Wade's most recent heroes, Josh is fairly undamaged and really borders on perfection. Normally, I don't like "too perfect" heroes, but in this case, with this short novella-length time to get to know Josh, it works.

I loved watching Holly and Josh's relationship develop from the first awkward "nice to see you again" moment through the sigh-inducing happily ever after. And I may have giggled a few times along the way, too!

If you've never read a Becky Wade novel, Love in the Details will give you a nice introduction to her writing. And if you're a longtime fan like me, this novella is just what you need to hold you over until her next novel releases! 5 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of My Stubborn Heart (5 stars) and the Porter Family Series: Undeniably Yours (5 stars), Meant to Be Mine (5 stars), A Love Like Ours (5 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas. 

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Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

Find Becky online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an influencer copy of this book free 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 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.”

"chivalrous" by dina l. sleiman

In Chivalrous, Dina L. Sleiman has created a heroine that teen girls can look up to without making their mothers cringe.

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With Her Future In Jeopardy, This Unforgettable Heroine Won't Go Down Without a Fight!

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers, but her parents view her only as a marriage pawn. When her domineering father makes plans to see her wed to a brutish man, Gwendolyn must fight for her future. 

She's surprised, however, for that clash to include a handsome, good-hearted newcomer. Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, but he finds in Gwendolyn the most unexpected of women. 


Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

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Dina L. Sleiman returns to the world of medieval England in Chivalrous, book two in her Valiant Hearts series. Chivalrous is set in the fictional North Britannia, a kingdom ruled by a Christian duke. However, not everyone in the kingdom follows the duke's Christian principles, including Gwendolyn's father, a hard, abusive man. When Gwen hears God referred to as a father, how can she trust Him, since the only father she has ever known treats her horribly?

Allen of Ellsworth (one of the "Ghosts of Farthingale Forest" from Dauntless) is welcomed to North Britannia with open arms. When tragedy strikes, Allen is presented with an opportunity he never expected...but at what cost?

Chivalrous is a fun, action-packed "girl power" kind of novel that also deals with some weighty issues. I absolutely loved Gwen's spunky character and her desire to follow her dreams, no matter what was expected of her as a woman. And Allen made a perfect complement to her—his esteem for women and acceptance of Gwen for who she was made him a great romantic hero. (He was not flawless, however; his pride was an issue throughout the novel.) Gwen's maid Rosalind also played an important role in Chivalrous, and I was excited to learn that she will be the heroine of the next Valiant Hearts novel.

While I didn't enjoy Chivalrous quite as much as I did Dauntless (probably because it took a bit longer to really get moving), it's still an excellent read. This would be a great book for mothers and daughters to read together, as it brings up issues such as obedience, abortion, abuse, and respect—issues that teen girls deal with today. 4 stars.

Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my review of book one, Dauntless (4-1/2 stars).

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Dina L. Sleiman holds an MA in professional writing from Regent University and a BA in communications with a minor in English from Oral Roberts University. Over the past eighteen years, she has had opportunities to teach college writing and literature, as well as high school and elementary classes in English, humanities, and fine arts. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children. She can be found online at www.dinasleiman.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. 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 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."

"a.d. 33" by ted dekker

Several weeks ago, I was able to read the abridged version of Ted Dekker's A.D. 30. I loved it, so I was eager to pick up A.D. 33. These two novels are biblical fiction at its best.

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New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker delivers the gripping story of Maviah, a slave who becomes a queen in Arabia, A.D. 33. 

They call her the Queen of the Outcasts. Maviah, a woman whose fate was sealed on her birth by this world-unwanted, illegitimate, female, a slave-subject to the whims of all. But then she met a man named Yeshua who opened her eyes. She found strength in his words, peace from the brutal word around her. Because of what he taught her, she has gathered her own traveling kingdom of outcasts deep in the desert, wielding an authority few have seen. But when her growing power threatens the rulers around her, they set out to crush all she loves, leaving her reeling as a slave once more. She must find Yeshua to save her people, but when she does, she will be horrified to discover that he faces his own death. 

Enter a story full of intrigue, heart-wrenching defeat, uncompromising love and staggering victory-one that re-examines everything you thought you knew about the heart of Jesus's stunning message and the power that follows for those who follow his easily forgotten way. 

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A.D. 33 continues the story of Maviah, a woman trying to save her people from an evil conqueror. After her encounter with Yeshua (in A.D. 30), she has become a leader of outcasts. When her son is taken captive, she and her faithful companion Saba go in search of Yeshua once more, and they find him just in time to witness the events leading up to and directly following his crucifixion. If Yeshua is dead, how can he save her son...and how can she follow the Way?

Once again, Ted Dekker has written a powerful novel that clearly points the reader to Christ. What I found so appealing was viewing the events from the triumphal entry through the crucifixion through the eyes of an outsider. Maviah is not a Jew and knows little of Jewish tradition, and seeing her interpretation of Yeshua's words and actions helped me see those events not as someone who has been around the Bible her whole life but as someone hearing the story for the first time. The shift in perspective is important, I think.

Reading A.D. 33 was a very personal experience. What I mean by that is I could see shades of myself in Maviah—in her lack of trust, in her faith, in her confusion, and in her surrender. I felt like I was experiencing all of those things along with her. This is a book that will cause you to think about your own faith.

While I loved this novel, I did struggle through some of the sections, especially near the beginning before Maviah found Yeshua. However, you should not let getting bogged down at the beginning stop you from finishing A.D. 33. It's a powerful novel that is definitely worth reading. 4-1/2 stars.

Note: While I definitely recommend reading at least the abridged version of A.D. 30 prior to A.D. 33, Dekker has written A.D. 33 in such a way that you could pick it up without having first read A.D. 30—you just won't have a full understanding of the characters.

Follow the blog tour.
Read a preview.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Dekker's A.D. 30 Abridged (5 stars), Green, Immanuel's Veins, Forbidden (written with Tosca Lee), and Tea with Hezbolla (written with Carl Medearis).

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TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels with a total of more than 10 million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review. 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 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 imposter" by suzanne woods fisher

Long ago, I grew tired of Amish fiction, and now I rarely read it. But I always, always, always make time for Suzanne Woods Fisher's Amish novels. I can't get enough of them!

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A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She's been deceived once before, and she isn't planning on experiencing it again. 

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a tale of love, uncertainty, and trusting God to write your story.

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When it comes to reviewing Suzanne Woods Fisher's novels, sometimes I feel like a broken record, always talking about relatable characters, spiritual lessons that aren't preachy, and laugh out loud moments. The thing is, it's true—her novels always contain these elements. The Imposter is no different. In fact, I was only about four pages into the novel when I laughed for the first time. Many more laughs followed, most due to the beloved Hank Lapp, who has appeared in many of Fisher's novels.

The Imposter is the first book in the new Bishop's Family series, which is set in the familiar Stoney Ridge Amish community. This first novel focuses on titular bishop David Stoltzfus (who isn't actually a bishop in this book—I'm guessing that's to come later), a widowed minister who recently moved to Stoney Ridge, and two of his children, Katrina and Jesse. Katrina is reeling after the breakup of a relationship she thought would result in marriage; Jesse is a 16-year-old boy who means well but has a lazy streak and a knack for getting in serious trouble. Jesse reminded me very much of Jimmy Fisher, who, like Hank Lapp, frequently pops up in Fisher's novels. Since Jimmy Fisher is only present in a small portion of The Impostor (though he's mentioned more frequently), I enjoyed having another Jimmy-esque character to take up the mantle of wayward, well-meaning boy.

While I loved these characters (and others), the plot is what really hooked me. You won't get this from the book summary, as it speaks only of Katrina and her possible romance with Andy, but much of the plot is focused on the pull within the Stoney Ridge Amish community to modernize and give up some of their long held traditions. Basically, it's a war within church leadership, and I found that fascinating—and not something I've ever before encountered in an Amish novel.

Fisher's long-time readers will enjoy checking in with beloved characters (and finally seeing Hank's love life take a giant step forward), and new readers will discover what those of us who have long been on this ride already know: Stoney Ridge is a special place, and it's always worth a visit. 5 stars.

Buy the book.

Read my reviews of Fisher's Inn at Eagle Hill series: The Letters (3-1/2 stars), The Calling (5 stars), The Rescue (novella: 4-1/2 stars), The Revealing (5 stars); her Stoney Ridge Seasons series: The Haven (4-1/2 stars), The Lesson (4-1/2 stars); her Christmas books: A Lancaster County Christmas and Christmas at Rose Hill Farm (4-1/2 stars), and her Amish Beginnings novel: Anna's Crossing (4-1/2 stars).

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Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna's Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. 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 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."