Book Review: Serenity to Accept // by Elizabeth Maddrey

Book // Serenity to Accept
Author // Elizabeth Maddrey
Published // 2013 Hope Springs Books

Serenity to Accept is the 3rd book in the Grant Us Grace series by Elizabeth Maddrey.

There's a new E.R. doctor in the hospital where Karin works as a nurse in the NICU wing and Karin thinks he's a hottie! The problem? He's a Christian...and he's clearly stated he won't date anyone who isn't a Christian. Karin isn't a Christian, so she figures she can rule out any possibilities of that relationship ever happening. But when her brother and his fiance practically kidnap her into visiting their church, she starts questioning her own lack of faith. She starts attending church more regularly and soon finds her new relationship with Dr. Jason Garcia to be more than just a friendly interest. As she sorts through the questions she has about God and comes to her own conclusion in her own time, Jason has some struggles of his own. Their relationship grows, but not without its own low points. Jason and Karin both have to decide who comes first in each of their lives. Will they be able to discern God's will for them?

I enjoy reading books with a distinct Christian perspective. Serenity to Accept definitely fits that description. Karin learns to accept God's Word by faith, Jason seeks to honor God in his decisions and in their relationship, and their friends are supportive Christian characters. I liked that the author made the point that just because someone becomes or is a Christian, it doesn't mean that all their problems suddenly go away. The author used situations and characters within the storyline to answer questions that many unbelievers may have about faith and life circumstances.

I will say that it did take me awhile to get into this story. Throughout the first half of the book, the characters seemed a bit more stiff and unrelatable and the dialogue seemed a little forced and dry. I wasn't drawn in from the beginning of the story. However, once the plot really seemed to kick in, I found that I was no longer forcing myself to keep reading and I did end up enjoying the book. There were a few minor editing errors, but nothing that took away from the storyline. I would recommend this book to Christians who enjoy a strong Christian viewpoint in their fiction.

print // kindle

**I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via BookCrash in exchange for honest feedback. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: For Love or Loyalty // by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Book // For Love or Loyalty
Author // Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Published // 2013 Abingdon Press

This book made it into my Top 10 Favorites List. It is excellent!

Everything is on the line in this tale. Lauren's father has committed a fatal and very personal crime against Malcolm's family. What begins as an act of revenge leads to a plan to trade Lauren for the freedom of his mother and sister. It won't be without challenges, though. They must cross the ocean together to begin looking for his family and they may not be prepared for the obstacles that wait for them.

As Malcolm's feelings for Lauren begin to change, he questions his original plan, but what choice does he have? By the time he decides he cannot bear to indenture Lauren, she makes a heart-wrenching decision herself and her choice leads to circumstances worse than either of them could have imagined. Now, Malcolm has to find Lauren and a way to rescue her, along with his family.

This book is one of the best books I have ever read and I heartily recommend it to everyone. Jennifer's characters are so real and well-developed and I've found myself missing reading about them since I finished the book. Jennifer carries us through their story so well. Just when things look like they're going to be okay, the next heartbreaking trial enters and we are left wondering how they are going to survive it. While I find most books somewhat predictable, this one was not. When I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was surprised by what did occur. This book kept me up well into the night because I just couldn't put it down. It's well-written, entertaining, pulls at your heart, and is sure to be your next favorite. I can't wait to read more of Jennifer's books, as this was my first.

print // kindle

**I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback. I was not required to write a positive review. I enjoyed this book so much that I want to purchase a printed copy for my library and I intend to read it again.

Book Review: If the Shoe Fits // by Sandra D. Bricker

Book Name // If the Shoe Fits
Author // Sandra D. Bricker
Published // 2013 River North

Review //

If the Shoe Fits is a lighthearted, easy read by Sandra D. Bricker. Julianne is a bright young attorney who has just opened her own law firm with her partner and life-long best friend, Will. The two of them are happily single with no love interest in each other…well, at least Julianne doesn’t have any interest…or doesn’t think she does…well, you never know. Will, on the other hand…

The story begins with Julianne rescuing the tool box (and boot) of a handsome and heroic dog rescuer from the threat of the merciless oncoming traffic. The guy ran into that traffic to rescue the poor animal, so he must have a kind, animal-loving heart. Actually, he’s practically Prince Charming. At this point, Julianne is convinced he’s the man for her. Never mind that he never did see or speak to her. She’ll take care of that. We don’t really have much time to think about it right now, though, because we’re too busy following Julianne into court with a live goldfish. We’ll get back to that in another chapter.

I found myself thoroughly amused by all of Julianne’s humorous (and endearing) quirks and antics as she and Will figured out what everyone else already knew about them…they belonged together. Of course, they had to go through quite a lot before they figured it out, but along the way their firm makes it into a tabloid, Julianne is nominated for a prestigious award and acquires a new member of the family (named Charming, of course), and Will discovers something about himself through a couple other gals he’s known. Overall, the book is slightly unrealistic and completely entertaining. I had no problem reading through it in one day and never did want to put it down! I thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a way to read the afternoon away with a smile. 

buy the book: print // kindle // free sampler

Book Review: The Secret Keeper // by Beverly Lewis

Book Name // The Secret Keeper
Author // Beverly Lewis
Published // 2013 Bethany House

photo courtesy of goodreads.com

Review //

In this delightful tale by Beverly Lewis, we get to see a glimpse of what it would be like to join an Amish community as an “Englisher.” For those of us who spend our days inundated by electricity and media and busyness, the simple, wholesome life of the Amish can seem quite appealing when we read about it in books. I am sure that I am not the only person who has read a story set in an Amish community and sort of wished I could live there with the characters. Don’t get me wrong…I’m not ready to trade in my cozy fall clothes and my curling iron, but a life without phones and Internet and cars, spent working the land and growing pure food and building a community with neighbors really does have a sort of desirable charm. Jennifer Burns certainly thinks so in this new story.

Jennifer never did quite fit in with her family or friends. She was always described as someone with “an old soul” and her love for simple life and vintage treasures eventually led her to Lancaster County, PA. It was there that she met Marnie, an Amish girl who lived there with her family, and the two began corresponding. Now Jennifer has made a life-altering decision. She has sold her car and almost all her possessions (she never did have a cell phone) and is moving to Hickory Hollow to join the Amish community there. Her pen-pal has arranged for a place for her to stay and be mentored during the time of her “proving” and everything seems like it’s going to go smoothly. While much of it does, Jennifer soon finds out that not all Amish are as accepting of her as her friend Marnie. The trials she faces vary from small to great and she still hasn’t told her family where she is. Will she be able to restore her relationship with her own family? Will the Amish people accept her? How is she going to be able to do what she wants to do if she has to carry the weight of secrets? And what of the young Amish bachelor (Andrew) who seems to have taken an interest in her?

When I first started reading this book, I thought that it moved along pretty slowly. I felt that I was reading so much about doing laundry and cooking food and doing routine chores…things that I find pretty uninteresting to read over and over again. I found that the characters were not especially likeable, with the exception of Andrew, who, it seemed, we rarely saw in the book. I wanted to see more interaction between Andrew and Jennifer and when their time together was so spread out and brief, I was kind of disappointed. That being said, I eventually realized that this book is not primarily about a love story. It is about a young woman learning a new culture and striving to navigate through her new life. The love story is only a secondary theme within the book…maybe not even that…maybe more of a filler. So as I was reading the book expecting it to be about how Jennifer fell in love with an Amish man and found her happily ever after, I was irritated that I didn’t get to see more of that happening. When I adjusted my mindset (and expectations) and realized that’s not what the story was primarily about, but was rather more of a bonus for Jenny, I found the book much more enjoyable. I would recommend this book as an enjoyable and insightful read, but I would also suggest that you read it without the expectation of a primary love story theme. As a book about a young girl who experiences a variety of realistic circumstances that go along with joining an Amish community as an outsider, this one is excellent. 

buy the book: print // kindle

Book Review: The Pursuit of Lady Banning // by Olivia Newport

Book Name // The Pursuit of Lady Banning
Author // Olivia Newport
Published // 2012 Revell

photo courtesy of goodreads.com

Review //

The Pursuit of Lady Banning is the first in Olivia Newport's Avenue of Dreams series. The third book in this series is being released this month. Read more about it here.

Lucy Banning is a member of the prestigious Banning family. Her life on Prairie Avenue is filled with luxury, beaded gowns, elite social circles, and...living up to the expectations of her family. Her upcoming marriage to a successful banker was arranged by her parents when she was just a child and her family has brought her up to be an excellent wife. She should have no need for anything else!

But Lucy's heart longs for something more and even she has her secrets. How long will she have to wait before she can tell Daniel about her plans? What will happen when her family discovers that she has not been spending as much time at the orphanage as they think...and when they find out the reason she really goes into town two extra times a week is to attend a course at the new University? Her family does not understand her commitment to the children at the orphanage and Lucy regrets that even Daniel does not approve of her volunteer work.What will she do when things start going missing in the house and she discovers the new kitchen maid's secret? Then there's Leo's friend, Will - a pleasant young architect who is new to the area and seems to be able to bring out the best in Lucy. Can she trust him with her secrets? When Daniel's behavior leans more toward dangerous than dashing, will they be able to help him or will his bitterness lead to his demise?

I have always loved stories set in this time period. They leave me wishing, for a few moments, that I had lived in that era. The elegant clothing, adherence to etiquette, and the fine poise and grace women put on full display sometimes sounds so appealing and otherworldly. This story was no exception. Olivia chose such a beautiful setting for her story and I found that I could fully picture the Banning home, the neighborhood, the University, and the orphanage in my mind...even their food sounded delicious! The author brings her characters to life and I can't help but like them. The use of American history is cleverly woven throughout the book and it's easy to imagine the excitement of the significant events of that decade. Aunt Violet is a loveable character and I admire her gumption and support for Lucy's ambition. I only wish I could have seen more of the interaction between Will and Lucy, but since this is only the first book in the Avenue of Dreams series, I'm sure this isn't the last I'll be seeing them. I'm looking forward to reading more of Charlotte's story in Book # 2 and, of course, to meeting Sarah in the 3rd book.

Overall, I recommend this book. It's a charming, easy, and enjoyable read.

Get your copy of The Pursuit of Lady Banning today.

Book Review: Sweet Mercy // by Ann Tatlock

Book Name // Sweet Mercy
Author // Ann Tatlock
Published // 2013 Bethany House

photo courtesy goodreads.com

 Review //

When Eve’s father announces that their family is going to be leaving St. Paul and moving to her uncle’s lodge in Ohio, she couldn’t be more thrilled. As a young girl, she’s grown weary of witnessing crime and murder. Living in a city filled with gangsters and bootlegging has imprinted memories in her young mind that she wishes weren’t there and she looks to the lodge in Ohio as a safe place to start over. 

At first, Eve enjoys being around her generous uncle Cyrus and easily makes friends with guests at the lodge and with her cousin, Jones. She helps with the duties of the lodge whenever needed and cheerfully feeds the poor men from the nearby shantytown. But when she begins to realize that things at the lodge are not what they seem, how can she know who to trust? Are her new friends who they say they are? Who can she turn to in this world of secrets and betrayal? And dare she risk endangering those closest to her by revealing what she learns? 

Ann Tatlock weaves intriguing bits of history into this Prohibition Era novel and draws us into the story with her fascinating characters. We see Eve’s friendships develop (and, some of them, die) and can’t help but hope that Link will be the one person she can trust. As we watch her summer unfold, Ann captivates our attention as one surprise after another keeps us turning pages. Sweet Mercy is a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read that left me pondering bits of our nation’s history in ways I did not expect. I enjoyed Ann's character development and the plot of her story is intriguing, while somewhat expected. I found myself predicting what certain pieces of information would mean later in the story (for example, Jonas' radios), but still guessing what would happen next in the story. It was the perfect mix to keep me reading. Thank you for an enjoyable read, Ms. Tatlock!

Get your copy of Sweet Mercy today (the link on the left is for the printed edition and the link on the right is an ebook/Kindle version).