Cloak of Light by Chuck Black

Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It seems like life is destined to be hard for Drew Carter. Tragedy just seems to follow him. When he loses his eyesight in a physics lab accident the doctors have no hope of him ever seeing again but they were wrong. As his vision begins to return he begins see dark and light "invaders" from another dimension in a battle over the world of men.
Only one other person will understand, his friend Ben Berger but he has disappeared and finding him without drawing attention to the dark invaders is a daunting and seemingly impossible task... they know he can see them and they will stop at nothing to destroy him.
I really enjoyed this story! Having read the Knights of Arrethtrae I was afraid that an "adult" book would diminish the straight forward and concise writing style of his other books. Not a chance!
This is such a thought provoking book it will satisfy any philosophical reader and enough adventure to entertain the most demanding science fiction lover!
I highly recommend!!!!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own! 



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A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I began reading this book earlier in the month but as my grandmother's health was declining, I was too distracted to read during those last precious days. Coming back to this book was really special at such a time!
"Rather than remain a sealed jar, she sought only to pour herself out to others. Everything she did mirrored her faith. It was as though every waking hour of the day she was devoted to pleasing her God by serving others. This God that she worshiped consumed her. It didn't ask for a brief visit to a temple, or a small votive offering of food or coin, or a few prayers every now and then. This God wanted all of her." ... such was true of my grandmother! <3 br="">
Having read and LOVED "Redeeming Love" I was afraid my expectations wouldn't be met in A Voice in the Wind, was I ever wrong!!! What can I say about this lovely book that hasn't already been said? This book changed the way I look at my commitment to Christ and His call to serve a dieing world! I was humbled, inspired, and deeply moved to the core of my being! Francine Rivers is truly a God given gift to the world of Christian Fiction!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 



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Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish

Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Liesl McNamara is consumed with her bakery and her bread. It is her life! She doesn't need anything else to complete her, or so she thinks. Then by random circumstance she meets a divorced bachelor and his six year old daughter Cecelia, and her life begins to take a different turn.
Being around Seamus and Cecelia make her feel more complete then she has ever felt hiding away in her bakery, guarding her heart and her future from any harm. But then she receives an offer that is everything she has always believed shes wanted and a devastating family secret is revealed. Choices must be made!
Christa Parrish is truly a master of crafting stories and people we want to connect with. And I really enjoyed the history of bread making that was woven seamlessly throughout the book, who knew that even bread has an interesting story behind it?!
Definitely a book that will stay on my bookshelf with my favorites collection. I have enjoyed all of Christa Parrish's books so far!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.



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Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis

Forever Friday: A Novel by Timothy Lewis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When Adam Colby an estate seller is going through an estate sale he comes across photo albums full of post cards, sent every Friday for sixty years from a husband to his wife.
As he begins to wonder what the secret is to lasting love and where he went wrong in his own marriage that ended in divorce.
What is the secret to finding your "soul mate"?
As he delves into the story of Gabe and "Huck" Alexander's lasting romance and Gabe's theory of "Long Division" he begins to understand there is no secret formula it's a life of choosing to be selfless, "two hearts commanding devotion".
I really liked this book. There were parts that seemed a bit superfluous but for the most part the only thing I didn't really much care for was the frequent use of alcohol by "christian" people but it is such a good book, in spite of that I still have to give it 5 stars.
I liked the way the romance was real and passionate yet clean.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own. 




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An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling

An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Ingeborg Strand is not the kind of young lady that falls for every handsome face and smooth tongue. But when she does fall in love she falls hard, on a handsome university student from Oslo. This is more than she had ever hoped for, to be truly "in love".
But when an untimely accident claims his life she begins to despair. Is God really in all of this? Is there really a purpose for everything she has been through?
It all seems too cruel when a widower with a young son asks her to go along with him to America because his son needs a mother. But can she settle for a marriage of convenience after knowing what it feels like to be truly and passionately in love?
I have the unique "advantage" of not having read the Red River of the North series yet so my opinions are based solely on this book as the *first* book in the series.
For the first time in my life I've got to say, MORE ROMANCE! Seriously I felt that the romantic interests in this book seemed to shallow, too out of sight out of mind.
I also found the everyday details seemed to have more preeminence than the main character's emotions and observations.
The cover is stunning! I love it, and I really wanted to love the story but I would find myself actually skim reading for pages, something I never do, just to get past how the fixed their pancakes and jam for breakfast.
I do not think I will read An Untamed Land. This book is O.k but nothing special.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.



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Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of the hardest reviews I have ever tried to write!
Redeeming Love is different from any book I've ever read. If I had to describe this book in one word it would be, Powerful! Powerful imagery, powerful allegory, and powerful writing.
This book provoked so many emotions as I read it. Gratitude, sadness, mercy, joy...
As I was thinking about this book the little chorus Deep and Wide kept coming to my mind.
I know it's a child's chorus but this book just stirred it to the surface of my heart.... "deep and wide, deep and wide, there's a fountain flowing deep and wide.." A fountain of love, healing and amazing grace.
Before you read this book I highly recommend you read the story of Gomer and Hosea in the book of Hosea to get a proper prospective on the story.

I would recommend this book for 18 and over as sex is implied quite frequently. There is child prostitution, and adultery in this book as well.
Also I recommend this article on Gomer and Hosea from Bible.org  https://bible.org/seriespage/undying-...

My favorite quote from Redeeming Love.... “You said go to her, and I let pride stand in my way. You said she needed me, and I didn't believe. You said love her, and I thought it would be easy.”

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.




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Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Seventeen year old Eve Marryat is only too happy to leave the crime ridden streets of St. Paul Minnesota and move to her Uncle Cy's vacation lodge in Mercy Ohio.
A staunch supporter of Prohibition, Eve can't imagine why anyone would break the law! After all she is a "good" person, her family has always been "good" people!
But things aren't always as they seem, and maybe her self-righteousness is only a mile wide and a inch deep!
When Eve finds out her very own family is involved in bootlegging all of her idealistic views are suddenly threatened. Is anyone truly good? Can anyone be trusted?

What a wonderful book about "Mercy"!I was touched by the sincerity of the characters in this book. Some surprising plot twists, and a understanding of the verse "love covers the multitudes of sins" (1 Peter 4:8)

Sweet Mercy comes to such a sweet and beautiful conclusion.... "no one is all bad, just as no one is all good" but the love and mercy of Jesus can still cover the sins of even the vilest sinner who will believe on Him!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Bethany House Publishers. The views expressed here are solely mine.




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Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Espy Estrada lives in Holliston Maine at the turn of the 19th century. Born to a low class family Espy desperately desires to further her poor education. She enthusiastically accepts a job as a house maid for a local professor and his wife, she is thrilled with the opportunity to learn from the professor's wealth of knowledge and extensive library but eventually the professor seems to be noticing more than just Espy's aptitude for learning.
When rumors begin flying concerning the much respected Mr. Stockton, Espy's reputation is ruined before she even knows what has happened. She is determined that everything will be figured out and her reputation restored but then her own beau Warren, a wealthy and respected young man of society who has eyes only for Espy loses all faith in her she gives up and leaves town without an explanation.
Will the truth ever be revealed or will her chances at true love and her good name ever be the same?

I thought this book looked boring! Imagine my surprise when I was absolutely hooked about 10 pages into the story!! I would highly recommend this book as a Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance!
Usually I'm not really that into romance novels but I have to say Ruth Axtell threw me for a loop on this one!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review!



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Gone South ~ Meg Moseley

Gone South by Meg Moseley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Tish Mccomb is enthralled with the quaint Civil War era home that was once owned by her relatives in Alabama. Deciding to take a chance she moves from her comfortable apartment in Michigan and moves to a small town in Jackson Alabama with hopes that old family ties will make fitting in easier. Unbeknownst to her, is a family secret that has ruined any chances of a happy welcome home!
It seems the only people willing to give her a chance is the local antique dealer and a homeless girl Melanie that Tish takes into her new home despite her shady and somewhat checkered past.
Sometimes she is determined to stay and other times loneliness sets in and she wonders why she ever left her home in Michigan to become an object of scorn for the whole town!

I found myself rooting for Melanie through the whole book. Something about a second-chance story that draws me in every time!!
This book is fresh, not a different twist on a popular genre or a retelling of a New York Times Bestseller.. totally unique and innocent. I appreciate that in a book!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated here are my own.




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Barefoot Summer ~ Denise Hunter

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Madison and Bekket are totally incompatible. He's the son of the town drunk, the "Bad Boy of Chapel Springs" and she is a McKinley, one of the most respected families in the whole county.
Bekket has had a crush on Madison since highschool but he knows he'll never be good enough for Madison McKinley. Not only is he a known trouble maker but he also holds a secret concerning the death of Madison's twin brother Michael.
Madison is determined that the good looking, howbeit infamous Bekket O'rielly doesn't even know she exist much less like her. Also she blames him for the disappearence of her sister Jade.
Determined to fulfill her dead brothers dream Madison signs up for boating lessons to compete in a local sailing competition, ironically her "substitute teacher" is none other than Bekket O'rielly. Thrown together by circumstances friendship and eventually love begans to blossom but can thier love grow in the soil of guilt and distrust or will it wilt under the scorching light of secrecy?

O.k, I thought this book read like a soap opera. There's really no plot other than Madison and Bekket finally falling in love and overcoming thier past.
I also thought that for a Christian book the romance could be just a little steamy. While there was no sex the passion did go farther than a goodnight kiss and a warm hug.

I recieved this book free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.



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The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshal Strom

The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved everything about this book! The cover is absolutely stunning, the story captivating(howbeit emotional), and the writing is flawless!
Grace Winslow is the daughter of a English slave trader and an African Princess. Raised as a "proper English lass" Grace has always been protected from the horror that her family has imposed on the lives of so many African families. Until a "slave" insist that he is not the true slave but she is. A slave to her fancy privileged lifestyle, her powerful mother and her greedy father.
Determined to prove him wrong she sets out to prove her independence and discovers a tragedy that cannot be ignored. Can she turn back to the life she "can't live without" or take a stand against evil? The choice is not easy and it is not one that can be made without sacrifices either way.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you in an emotional grip from the first page to the last this book should definitely be considered!

I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up.



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Sir Bentley and the Holbrook Court ~ Chuck Black

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court by Chuck Black

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


First of all I'll say I LOVED Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione but if it is possible to be better than perfection Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court is even better than the first book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series!
These books are truly a work of art. All for the glory of the Prince.
This book will speak to your heart on a much deeper level than just another "good, clean book".
I found my heart crying out along with Bentley's when he says, "I want to know You my Prince. I want to follow You, no matter what the cost. My heart is Yours, my life is Yours, my sword is Yours.
Whatever happens my Prince, please don't be a stranger to me".
Thank God for authors like Chuck Black who do not write to merely entertain but also to bring light into dark places.
THE KING REIGNS... AND HIS SON!



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The Ezekiel Option ~ Joel C. Rosenberg

The Ezekiel Option by Joel C. Rosenberg

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the first book I have read by Joel C Rosenberg. I do wish I had taken the time to read The Last Jihad and The Last Days as they are a continuing story.
First of all I have to say I thought this was going to be another Left Behind story, or more accurately an apocalyptic adventure novel. I was actually very pleasantly surprised.
I could not believe how understandable and exciting he made such a complex prophecy as is found in Ezekiel! I learned SO much about Biblical prophecies and also an extraordinary new understanding of the End Times!! I have to say I'm quite impressed!!
The ending of this book is simply put, POWERFUL! You will get cold chills reading about the the power of God so soon to be revealed to the world!
I would highly recommend this book!! I'm a fan!!

 



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Clouds by Robin Jones Gunn

Clouds by Robin Jones Gunn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Shelly and Jonathan were best friends as long as they can remember. It seems like fate has put them together since childhood. But when Jonathan proposes Shelly doesn't want to commit yet, she wants to chase her dreams for a little while before settling down.Jonathan feels crushed and betrayed and they part ways. Eventually Shelly realizes her ideas and dreams weren't as fulfilling as they seemed from the distance.
Years later she meets Jonathan by freak accident and tries desperately to start over where they left off but has it been too long? Are those feelings even really there anymore?
I actually really liked this book, which surprised me a little bit because the last book I read by Robin Jones Gunn I thought was a little too childishly romantic. This story was actually quiet heartwarming! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is definitely a great book for YA readers! The Biblical perspective on love and dating is really straightforward and to the point!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review!



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A Cast of Stones ~ Patrick W. Carr

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer-*This book is so extraordinary I'm afraid my review will fall embarrassingly short in it's description.*
Young Errol Stone is little more than a drunk doing anything to earn an extra crown for ale until one day a mysterious messenger sends him with a letter that nearly ends in his assassination.
King Rodran is dying and their is no heir to the throne. It will be up to the Readers to reveal the next king but they are disappearing at an alarming rate! Errol sets out for the capital, Erinon, with his friends Martin and Luis, a priest and a Reader, and Liam, the perceived future king.
However it is Errol that is being hunted by unknown assassins and otherworldly beasts. But why?
Their enemies obviously know something they don't!
I absolutely cannot believe this is Patrick W. Carr's first book!! If you like fantasy, medieval, or even historical fiction, you will LOVE this book! I can't recommend A Cast of Stones enough!!!!
In my opinion Patrick Carr has all the potential of J.R.R Tolkien!!

I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.



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Though Mountains Fall~ Dale Cramer

Though Mountains Fall by Dale Cramer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Caleb Bender is determined that God has led their small Amish community to Paradise Valley Mexico but it seems that everywhere they turn they are faced with more loss and heartache.
When bandits begin to threaten their community they plead with the haciendado to send for soldiers to protect their families. However they soon learn that a uniform does not change the hearts of evil men.
Facing persecution, the death of two sons, and the shunning of his daughter Miriam, Caleb believes that he has failed not only his family but God as well.
This book honestly surprised me. I wasn't expecting such an emotional ending after a rather slow start.
I learned so much from Caleb's daughter Emma! Lessons of forgiveness, doing whats right even when most people think your wrong, and love that reaches beyond the laws and traditions of men.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.



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An Angel by Her Side ~ Ruth Reid

An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


At 29 years old, Katie Bender has never been married but at least her job as "teetshah" keeps her from feeling like an old maid. But all that is changed when a tornado takes away her school and job, suddenly Katie feels alone and unneeded.
Then she meets Seth Stutzman who is just visiting long enough to help his brother in-law Amos get resettled after the passing of his wife.
Both Katie and Seth begin to fall in love but they both hold secrets from their past. Will the let pride and pretense keep them from the future that God has planned for them? Or will the learn from their new and mysterious friend, an angel named Elias who is on a mission from God to save both of their hearts, if they will just let go of the past and have faith in their future.
Seth and Katie both learn that when God takes everything away from you it's only because He's got something so much bigger and so much more perfect!
I am not usually a fan of Amish fiction. I'll admit I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about reading this book but about halfway through I was intrigued!
I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed this book! A lot can be learned about forgiveness, prayer, love, and helping others.
I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.




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Echoes ~ By Robin Jones Gunn

Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Lauren has an unusual amount of bad luck, but just as things seem to be looking up her fiance leaves her for a better job in New York.
When her brother Brad hears about his sisters plight he shows up with a computer in hopes of cheering her up. While teaching her how to use a chat room he randomly introduces her to a complete stranger who goes by K.C.
Through their online correspondence she learns that, like herself K.C is a fellow "God lover" and a fan of her heroes Robert and Elizabeth Browning. After a year of corresponding via email, they both decide it's time they meet each other in person. But Lauren fears that she will be heartbroken and abandoned once again and cannot face "the other half of her heart".
If I had to describe this book with one word it would be.... LAME!
The story plot may have had potential but the book itself was seriously cheesy! 
First of all, the romance was way too unbelievable, I mean who's first kiss really happens like this??

" 'How say you?' he whispered the familiar Browning line. 'Let us, O my dove, Let us be unashamed of soul, as earth lies bare to heaven above! How is it under our control, to love or not to love?' Before the last word was out of his mouth, his lips had met hers in a lingering kiss that was full of love."

Second of all, the story moved so fast it felt like she contacted him a few times and they instantly
knew they were soul mates! Also there was almost no side stories and Laurens everyday life became quite boring after awhile! "She went grocery shopping", "she needed to finish this paper for school", " she stopped at the garage sale and brought a new book".... and on.... and on...
Needles to say I personally was not impressed!



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The Witness ~ Josh Mcdowell

The Witness by Josh McDowell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Marwan Accad is the owner of a private security business. Danger and mystery are a way of life for him, but when he is hired by Rafeeq Ramsey, one of the richest men in Egypt to find his kidnapped wife, what looks like an open and close case takes a dramatic twist when he finds a piece of evidence that incriminates some of the most respected and powerful men in Europe.
Rafeeq Ramsey is gunned down by sniper fire only seconds after he is shown this evidence and Marwan Accad is in their cross hairs.
Accused of murder he did not commit and tracked by murderers that no one suspects he seeks refuge in Cairo where he finds true love for the first time in his life.
The only reason I id not give this book 5stars is some of the parts were a little bit unbelievable. Also while it was a great story it was a little lacking in plot. There was pretty much a "good guy verses bad guy" story with no true side plots or unsuspected revelations.
I would recommend this book, it's a fast action story that really does hold your interest but it's not as complex as I had personally hoped.   



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Gideon's Gift ~ Karen Kingsbury

Gideon's Gift: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn't read this book in a long time, I knew I liked it but it was even better than I remembered it!
Gideon is dying of Leukemia but when she is told she is in remission the first thing she wants to do is help feed the street people at the local mission. Here she meets "Old Earl", who has given up on life after he loses his wife and little girl. Gideon is determined to help him believe again but she knows her time is running out so she prays for a miracle so big that it could only be a Christmas miracle.
This is such a heartwarming book! The kind that leaves you feeling more thankful and aware of less fortunate people around you.
Add this book to your Christmas reading list! You won't regret it!

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