Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Blue Skies Tomorrow: A Novel by Sarah Sundin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In the Wings of Glory series you will feel as if you have stepped back in time to the WWII era as the deep characters bring to life both the joys and sorrows of one of our counties most trying times. In this third book we read the story of yet another Novak boy while wrapping up more details in the stories of the other two brothers.

I really enjoy Sarah's wholesome writing while still dealing with some very deep and challenging topics. The theme of this book surprised me to say the least, especially after reading the past two books. However, it was a good surprise and I enjoyed the book as my emotions went from sad to happy and back again several times until reaching a happy ending.

This is a book, and a series, that I both enjoyed and would recommend for and adult woman wanting a dose of fiction to read. However, due to the theme in this book - abuse - I would not recommend it for young readers or those already sensitive to this topic.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return? Filled with daring and romance, Blue Skies Tomorrow will capture readers' hearts.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Litfuse but the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

The Snowflake by Jamie Carie

The Snowflake by Jamie Carie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MOM'S REVIEW:

This 1897 romance takes place during the Alaska gold rush. Ellen and Buck overcome incredible obstacles to survive a wilderness trek after their steamship can sail no more. It is a good look into life during the gold rush with good spiritual lessons, but too predictable for me.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christmas 1897. Ellen Pierce and her brother are determined to reach the Alaska gold rush. But when ice stalls their steamship, all seems lost, until Buck Lewis makes a decision: he'll lead all who dare to follow on foot toward Dawson City.

Buck is determined to leave behind a heartbreaking past. No amount of ice or weather will stop him. But he never counted on a woman joining a dangerous wilderness trek--or on falling in love with her.

As their journey unfolds and Christmas approaches, Ellen and Buck discover that the greatest gift of all can't be wrapped in paper and tied with a bow. It comes from, and is received in, the heart.

Come share in a soul-deep romance that gives a joyful reminder of a redeeming God who makes us each unique, yet loves us all the same.

A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant

A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

A Path Less Traveled should be a book well read! This is the second Miller's Creek Novel and just as wonderful - if not better! - than the first one, Texas Roads.

This is a simple and sweet story that is not complicated to follow, yet holds many twists, turns, and surprises along the way. The characters are easy to relate to and seem so real as they each face various hurdles in their lives. I enjoyed Andy's patient thoughtfulness and wanted to shake Trish many times through out the book for her stubbornness!

The thing I appreciate the most about Cathy's writing is her wholesome stories. Not only do they entertain and encourage the reader, but they are all that in a perfectly God-glorifying way. It is a romance that makes you think about our amazing God and His perfect timing.

If you want a good fiction book to read...or just simply need a few hours to unwind this Christmas season...I highly recommend you read this absolutely wonderful book!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart?

Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career.

Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Cathy Bryant but the opinion expressed is my own.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter

Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Some say Amish Fiction books all blend together - but I say this one stands apart! I loved listening to this wonderfully read audio version of Wanda Brunstetter's Lydia's Charm.

The story overall was a great mix of "classic love story" with unexpected twists. Some of these twists were wonderful surprises and others were so shocking that I was in tears as I listened. I felt connected to all the characters in one way or another and even fell in love with the "unlovable" ones.

Not only was the story deep and real - beyond a feel-good romance - but it also dealt with such probing topics such as grief and prejudice. It was a longer book but with short, easy-reading (or easy-listening) chapters that kept you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what was next.

I would highly recommend this book in print form or audio version. The audio version was smooth to listen to and I enjoyed hearing the dutch words rather then attempting to read them myself! If you are looking for a heart-warming novel that will also challenge your soul while making you both cry and laugh - Lydia's Charm is the perfect book!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lydia King is suddenly a widow and moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. But is her heart ready for romance when gifts begin appearing on her porch from a mysterious source? Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. He has come to realize that, though he doesn’t think he’s ready to love again, his sons need a mother. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism, and he has dedicated his life to caring for them. Though determined never to marry, he is always willing to be of help to others. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life? And when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver
be there to support her?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the opinion expressed is that of my own. You can buy your own copy of this great book at OasisAudio.com.

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Grace by Shelley Shephard Gray

Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

MY REVIEW:

GRACE is a simple story that will warm your heart!

I enjoyed the simplicity of the story as well as the characters with stories to be told. Gray's writing is truly enjoyable and the story is uplifting. There were a few parts that were a little hard to believe as, but not so much so that it took away from the story. Despite any weakness in that area it still remained a light, yet touching, read for pure enjoyment.

My favorite part was the multiple story lines going on between various couples.  It was not overly complicated, yet kept me on my toes as I turned the pages.

Due to a bit of the content I would recommend this for older teens (16 & up) and women only.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday.
Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it's their first Christmas with baby Stefan. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.
But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can't bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won't open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant.
Anna, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn't trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday. But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, as well as snow that traps them in the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built, and the boundaries of family to be extended.

To purchase this book, click here.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance but the opinions expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Sarah Sundin has once again given us a wonderful WWII novel!

I enjoyed reading this 2nd book in the Wings Of Glory series that takes you back to the early 1940's. The storyline is thick and rich and the characters are raw with real-life emotion. You walk away with not only entertainment, but with new friends!

I greatly appreciate how A Memory Between Us is more than a relaxing read but also a spiritual challenge and encouragement with it's strong message of forgiveness and God's grace. Even if you don't identify with any of the character's exact positions and problems in life you will be encouraged by the message of hope.

While I really did like this book I do need to give a word of caution due to some of the content dealing with the rape of a young woman. I think Sarah handles the scenes well considering all, but in my opinion this is not for a teen to be reading. And depending on your own history and life you may want to take this into consideration before reading it yourself. This story shows God's faithfulness even in our darkest moments and how God can heal even the worst of our wounds.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

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This review copy was provided by Litfuse Publicity but the opinions expressed are my own.

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You may also want to read about the first book in the series by clicking here.

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen {with video trailer}

The Mailbox: A Novel by Marybeth Whalen

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Since last Fall I have enjoyed reading Marybeth Whalen's blog and have anxiously awaited the arrival of her first novel - The Mailbox. Marybeth is a talented writer and this book is truly a piece of artwork in black and white.

In The Mailbox, Marybeth creatively weaves together a story that crosses the past with the present as you learn of the old and the new all at the same time. The main characters were easy to relate to and understand as they grappled with serious life choices. Their emotions came alive and swept me into the story. I also enjoyed the unexpected twist that came towards the end just when you thought everything was being wrapped up neat and tidy.

Overall, this is a great summer read to pack in that beach bag or tote bag for any adult woman. I do stress that fact that I think this is an adult fiction read that needs to stay in the adult audience and not young teen girls due to some small references and conversations that while not inappropriate, are still best for adults only. I also rated this book with only 3 stars because of some theological differences I have with some of the content. I think it's an amazing storyline and an incredibly fascinating fictional plot with a sprinkling of fact; but I can not give it 4 stars because I think that the ideas expressed on divorce need to be read with caution and not with complete acceptance as is our tendency when we become emotionally attached to characters.

So while I have some reservation on the spiritual side of this book, I will not throw out the baby with the bath water. The Mailbox is a unique story, a relaxing read, and makes the reader want to slip away to Sunset Beach and find the real mailbox!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

A rural mailbox stands alone on an isolated North Carolina beach, and within its unobtrusive confines lay the hopes and dreams, the heartaches and joys of countless strangers. Tending the lone mailbox on this deserted beach is an anonymous reader called the Kindred Spirit…drawing hearts toward healing and hope. Marybeth Whalen’s debut novel, The Mailbox, is set around this real-life landmark. She explores the possibility that this isolated and mysterious message center can reunite two people who have been separated by a lifetime of regret and confusion. Because of the mailbox, second chances arise in the face of painful loss, and the promise that enduring love and faith can overcome the destruction of long-kept secrets rings true.

Lindsey Adams begins her visits to the Kindred Spirit mailbox as a young teen. There, she finds her first love, Campbell Forrester. But twenty years later, she returns to the beach as a woman whose husband, Grant, has divorced her after a string of infidelities. Remembering her first love, and wondering whatever became of Campbell, Lindsey allows the salty beach air to reengage her sense of hope. She begins to imagine that Campbell might not be long lost after all.

Meanwhile, Campbell faces his own hardships—including his broken relationship with his daughter and his longing to undo his inadequacies as a father. When Campbell learns that Lindsey has returned to the beach, he cannot help but feel hopeful that he may discover love again.

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This review copy has been provided by the courtesy of The B&B Media Group, Inc. 

Related articles by Zemanta

• 4 Stars From Romantic Times! (marybethwhalen.blogspot.com)
• Publisher's Weekly Liked The Mailbox!! (marybethwhalen.blogspot.com)
• Bookplates and Book Club Conference Calls (marybethwhalen.blogspot.com)
• Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant {GIVEAWAY!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)

The Homecoming by Dan Walsh {Giveaway!}

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

The Homecoming: A Novel by Dan Walsh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The Homecoming is the wonderful sequel to the book The Unfinished Gift. Dan Walsh picks up where the first book left off and continues to delight readers with a story that expertly weaves together the harsh reality of war with the tender love of a family.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one as details are revealed and characters deepened. The balance between the action of war and a budding romance is perfect and well suited for listening to the audio format as a family.

The story takes a few predictable turns but holds enough suspense to keep you turning the page or listening to the next CD. I really enjoyed this audio book and the superb narration of Roger Mueller who added greater life and depth to the entire book.

While this book is listed under General Christian Fiction, I think it would make a great audio book to entertain a family with older children - 12 & up - on a long road trip. It's mix of action and love will appeal to both guys and gals alike and make a long ride seem like an adventure in World War II history!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

A reluctant war hero returns home and encounters a new chance at love. No sooner has Shawn Collins returned home from the fighting in Europe than he is called upon to serve his country in another way—as a speaker on the war bond tour. While other men might jump at the chance to travel around the country with attractive Hollywood starlets, Shawn just wants to stay home with his son Patrick and his aging father, and grieve the loss of his wife in private. When Shawn asks Katherine Townsend to be Patrick’s nanny while he’s on the road, he has no idea how this decision will impact his life. Could it be the key to his future happiness and the mending of his heart? Or will the war once again threaten his chances for a new start? Dan Walsh does not disappoint in this tender story of family ties and the healing of a broken heart.

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You can read about the prequel to The Homecoming by click here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

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This week I have a huge giveaway package for one very lucky winner!

This package is worth more than $90 and includes the following:

3 audio books, 2 children’s books, 2 youth reads, & 1 book for mom!

To enter this giveaway – going on al this week! – please leave a comment on this post or any of the Resources For The Road posts!  You can comment up to once a day!  And becoming a follower of this blog will get you 2 extra entries – just leave a comment saying that you just became a follower through google friends or facebook.

Morning for Dove Book Review

Morning for Dove by Martha Rogers


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Set in a time when Oklahoma was only a territory, Morning for Dove by Martha Rogers is a compelling novel depicting the nature of love and the racism and intolerance which defined this time period. Falling in love with a Native American is looked down upon in Barton Creek, even if it is only a Native American heritage the object of one's affection possesses. That does stop Luke Anderson. As he falls deeper in love with Dove, he can only hope that his parents can learn to see past Dove's skin color to the beauty that lies beneath. Unfortunately Luke's parents' judgement stops short at the telltale color of Dove's skin and hair. Does their relationship even stand a chance? Will Luke's family change their mind or will Luke have to choose between Dove and the people whose blood courses through his veins? In the face of fire, Luke will decide....who will it be?

Morning for Dove is an enthralling novel that I could barely put down. It also brings to the forefront an often forgotten prejudice against Native Americans that at one point was unfortunately quite prevalent. Mrs. Rogers weaves a tale that will make you wish you could jump ahead to read the ending, but I challenge you to wait it out and savor the details. The beauty of this tale is contained in the details between the artistic covers. This novel was clearly written and easy to follow. I also appreciate that Mrs. Rogers dives directly into the story line in the beginning. She is to be commended for her skill of depicting the setting while hooking the reader into the story all within the first few pages of the novel. Well done!

A copy of Morning for Dove was provided by Glass Road PR for review purposes. This has in no way altered the content of this review.

View all my reviews >>

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Stephanie Grace Whitson makes you feel like you are back in the year of 1871 with this post civil war novel. The book takes you for a ride with 16 women who are moving west for various reasons only to find out that the men out west may have other plans for them.

At first I found this book to be very confusing hard to follow with the immediate introduction of 16 women plus other main characters. However, for various reasons the story soon slows down with only 6 women to follow. The tale is engaging and fun with a wide range of emotions and situations. You get a good long story for the cost of the book!

It is a good story, some wonderful history woven in, and some great biblical truth sprinkled through out - primarily from one of my favorite characters, Jeb Cooper. There are a few situations that are intense and may not be appropriate for a teen girl to read.

Sixteen Brides is full of twists, turns, and tender friendship, but can be a challenge to keep up with!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishing.

The Pastor’s Wife by Jennifer AlLee

The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Okay Ladies, here's the deal about this book...

It is a fun, witty, and charming story of forgiveness and reconciliation between a Pastor and his wife. And it has one wonderfully appealing cover, too! I enjoyed the simple story line and the unexpected twist it took. The characters were likable and the story brought to life the real challenges of a ministry couple. It was a fun and touching read that I enjoyed especially since I am a Pastor's wife.

However, while I liked the overall book, there were some details that I didn't appreciate as much. I hold to some differing theological beliefs than what where conveyed in this story and I thought that there were some points that could have been stronger. Also, I recognize that this book is intended for adult woman, but I know that many teens read adult fiction and so on that note I would caution teen girls not to read this book due to one conversation that takes place. It's not that the conversation was wrong, but simply not appropriate for teens.

The author’s writing is enjoyable and is an entertaining read, but this book may not be for everyone or may be one that you just borrow.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Abingdon Press, but the opinions expressed our strictly my own.

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Other Books for Pastor’s Wives:

• From One Ministry Wife To Another by Susie Hawkins (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, by Lisa McKay (readornotread.blogspot.com)

Not A Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols Review

Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mary is scared and in over her head. Not knowing where to turn, she escapes, however the freedom she finds is only partial as she is haunted by the sins of her past. It isn't until she reaches out to a troubled young girl from a family stricken with pain that she begins to piece her disjointed life back together and in doing so learns what it means to love again. In Linda Nichols book, Not a Sparrow Falls Mary Washburn leaves behind her given name and assimilates to the name of her mother, Bridget--Bridie for short. Follow Bridie on her emotionally charged journey to save a young girl and in doing so, save herself.

I applaud Linda Nichols for her work on Not A Sparrow Falls. So many authors shy away from topics such as drugs, alcohol abuse, and suicide, but Nichols broached them with sincerity and truth. She portrayed the dangers of substance abuse and the lifelong impact with great clarity and truth while not crossing any descriptive lines that could compromise the integrity of the reader. At the heart of it all is Christ's redeeming power, the love of Christ for those whom have sinned beyond what they believe he could forgive and lastly, the power of prayer. I could easily recommend this book to any of my friends and be confident that they would enjoy it!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing this copy of Not A Sparrow Falls for review purposes.

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant {GIVEAWAY!}

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Attention Ladies! Not many fiction books around here get awarded with 5 Stars. However, this is one that did and now I want to tell you all about it!

When Cathy Bryant asked if I would consider reading and reviewing her book, Texas Roads, I was not quick to take the offer. I have quite a stack to get through and wasn't sure if I should take the time to add a fiction title to my pile or not. But something in what Cathy wrote to me grabbed my attention and made me say "yes" and now, well, I'm so glad I did!

Texas Roads is a novel set in the good old state of Texas. When the main characters, Steve and Dani, meet in the first few pages it is hard to imagine what might happen in the next 284 pages. But this book, while somewhat predictable, takes unexpected and unpredictable twists and turns until you close the book with happy tears on your cheeks. The plot is simple yet complicated. It has a sweet storyline tinged with a hint of heartbreak and characters that are real: like-able one minute, and frustrating the next!

I greatly appreciated how Cathy penned a story that was honest, fresh, realistic, and romantic - to name a few! - without compromising the quality with sensual or unnecessary details. This book, while geared for an adult audience, could be read by a 15-year-old without concern.

This was an enjoyable read with a message of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the tight binding that made it harder to read while laying down! Texas Roads is the perfect book for a relaxing read on a rainy day or for taking to the beach with you on your next vacation.

AUTHOR BIO:

Cathy Bryant’s debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis competition and is available at Amazon. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy lives with her husband in a century-old Texas farmhouse, complete with picket fence, flowers, butterflies, and late summer mosquitoes the size of your fist. Learn more about Cathy at www.CatBryant.com.

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Thanks to Cathy Bryant for the courtesy review copy provided.

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GIVEAWAY!

You can enter this giveaway by leaving a comment here!  (I changed my commenting system so it should be even easier for you to do so.) 

For an additional entry you can use your Facebook account to link to this post and then leave me another comment saying you did that.

The drawing will end on Saturday, May 1st!

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

MY REVIEW:

A Distant Melody is one of the best fiction books I have read recently. It is a beautiful love story with several spiritual lessons sweetly woven in the tender and twisting storyline.

I enjoyed the historical setting with a glimpse into the life of a fly-boy and the depiction of the time period without compromising the quality of the book. The characters were portrayed with believable emotion and interaction and I quickly found myself relating to them and feeling like I knew them.

This sweet story is 415 pages of friendship, love, failure, and forgiveness. Anyone, adult to middle teen, would enjoy this first book in a new series by Sarah Sundin.

AUTHOR BIO:

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of LitFuse Publicity.

Value Fiction by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Colorado Springs, CO — Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.

Full-length novels offered include:

Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?

The Golden Cross by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her  on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.

Deep Harbor by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii , Japan , and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen , Norway , each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.

Faithful Heart by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California . Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.

Yesterday’s Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa . In England , his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.

I was given the opportunity to review these two titles for this Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing blog tour:

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For those who follow my reviews or know me personally, you know that I am not a big fan of romance fiction and that I try to be very careful of what novels I do read. So imagine my delight when coming across this jewel in a simple "Value Fiction Blog Tour"!

This story is riveting as you witness the unthinkable happen to a young missionary widow who is both grieving for her husband and celebrating the new life of her daughter. I really enjoyed this tale of tragedy and God's amazing grace and strength to live through the hardest moments a human can imagine.

Due to a few reference remarks, I personally would only recommend this book to adult women and not teen girls.

Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Yesterday's Promise is the second book in the East Of The Sun trilogy and yet it is possible to read it as a stand alone and still enjoy the story. Set in the 1800's, it's the story of aristocrat Rogan Chantry and Evy Varley and their love that is separated by mystery, blame, and intrigue until finally the truth sets them free. The plot is thick, the mystery deep, but if you enjoy historical romance and suspense this is a good read for a great value.

The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sierra Madrid.

Mary Kathryn McMurray.

Two woman who share some family ties, yet who are separated in history. Yet God used the journal of one to bring encouragement from the past to the current life of Sierra. Can both woman find the hope that is in Christ through the difficult trials of life?

I enjoyed how Francine Rivers wove together the lives of two woman who shared family heritage but never met face to face. She created a touching story of forgiveness and reconciliation with Christ as the scarlet thread that ties it all together.

This book is a bit slow starting out and I found that the audio version was the best fit for me in reading this great novel.

The Sweet By And By, by Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck

The Sweet By and By by Rachel Hauck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the story of a girl named Jade who is getting ready to be married in only weeks while at the same time sorting through her very painful past. Her mother is free spirit, her father has been out of her life since she was 8, and she was forced to grow up way to fast and face heartache after heartache.

I enjoyed the story for the simple pleasure of reading. The story line was believable due to the craziness of today's world. It also has it's touching side of reconciliation and healing.

However, despite the feel-good message and charming characters, along with the not-so-charming ones, this book was overall shallow. It pains me to say this...but even with a cute cover and a well-known celebrity as the author, this book leaves much to be desired.

It's a fun story line to follow if you have nothing else to read and it's a lazy day (or sick day as was in my case) but if you have a list of books to read, save this one for last.

I would NOT recommend this for teen girls and would prefer you use your time to read something that will leave you with thoughts to "chew on" rather than just purely entertain...although this sad story is anything but "entertaining".

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This review copy was courtesy of Thomas Nelson.

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For some really good books, browse these reviews.