Downfall

Downfall

Terri Blackstock

Emily is a recovering drug addict. So when life around her starts to fall apart, it's very difficult for her family to believe that she has nothing to do with it.

Murder, drug addicts, and love are all in this thriller. It's the final book in the Intervention series and while I haven't read the first books, I'd have to say it's a winner.

The story plot kept me guessing the entire time. I enjoy a mystery that keeps me guessing or throws in the unexpected. It was fast paced and yet had time to weave in a beautiful story of redemption.

Terri Blackstock has a gift of being able to write a captivating story with the salvation message included.

I have not read the previous books in the series yet. There were a couple of places that felt a bit vague and I'm sure would have been more clear if I'd read the other books. But it didn't detract from the story. Will definitely be checking out the previous books in this series.

I received this book free of charge from Shelton Interactive in exchange for my honest review.

Beauty for Ashes

Beauty for Ashes

Dorothy Love

Carrie is a widow with an understanding between her and the local bookseller. When she's ready to marry him she'll set a date. She's been living with her brother since her husband died. The book begins with her brother getting married and a new man coming to town.

I had a hard time getting into this book. It felt like I had read it before. I could predict how the issues with her brother were going to work out, I knew which man she would choose and what would happen to the other one. I could even see what was going to happen during the horse race. It was so like some other books that I've already read that I had to check to see if it was really a new release.

It wasn't a bad book. It was just a bland story. It's the second in the series and if you haven't read the first book, it can get a little confusing. I liked Carrie, but was frustrated with other people in the plot. Both of the men in the story seemed weak and cowardly, I wanted her to get rid of her family and some of the women were annoying. My favorite character was the preacher's wife; probably not the character I was supposed to like the most.

This is the type of book I would recommend if you enjoy historical fiction and want a quick, easy read. It won't inspire you or make you run for the next book, but it will be a pleasant read.

I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Behind the Iron Curtain

Behind the Iron Curtain

Maxim Starchenko

This book details the life of a boy on the Druzhba-78 Hockey team from the Ukraine. The coach used every abuse tactic in the book to "motivate" the boys. He, the coach, was a monster that shouldn't have been allowed around children. But for some reason the author endured eleven years of his abuse before he was able to get away from him to go to college. His parents weren't aware of the problem and forced him to stay with the team. The author wrote this book to reveal what type of coach is still teaching children in the Ukraine. But I also believe he wrote it as a therapeutic measure.

This book was very well written. Considering that the author is writing as an ESL (English as a second language) the grammar, spelling and wording were great. I was impressed with the writing style even before I knew who wrote the book. The story ends on a positive note, which is nice considering what you will have just read. The details of the story are what brought it down for me. As a mother, it is very hard to read of the abuse to children. If you have a weak stomach then don't read this book. The author mentioned that he felt similar to Dave from "A Child Called It". I definitely saw similarities between the two books as far as the abuse went.

While I can say that I completely understand the reasons for writing the book and enjoyed the the writing style, I can't say as I enjoyed reading the subject matter. I just hope that the author uses his writing skills to write another book.

I received this book free of charge from Dorrance Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

Julie Klassen

Margaret is being forced by her step-father to marry a man she despises. She knows he is marrying her for her money so she runs away. The only way to survive in London with no money is to become a maid. She soon realizes that life as a maid is completely different from anything she's ever known.

This book is over 400 pages. But I never noticed once I started the first page. The reader will be pulled in and enthralled with not only the story line, but the engaging characters. The descriptions and dialogue is fascinating and I couldn't put the book down.It's romance, intrigue and fun all in one book. Some of the reviewers commented on the dialogue not fitting with the times or her actions being more American. But honestly it was a great story and I didn't notice these things until they were pointed out. If you enjoy a good story and get caught up in the plot then these things are not even going to be noticed. I have enjoyed both of books I've read by this author and will definitely be reading more by her.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Crossing

The Crossing

Serita Jakes

Claudia is married with a wonderful family. But after a miscarriage she keeps remembering what happened her senior year in high school. Her best friend dies and two other people are shot. It brings adultery, murder and lies into her life and leaves her shaken. Her husband can see her downward spiral and re-opens the case to bring her closure. It opens up more than just one person's death.

This book was written from the dead woman's perspective as well as from the other people involved. It was an interesting way to tell the story and helped to keep the story from feeling too deep and depressing. The story was well told and had very engaging characters. It has some interesting parts that I didn't see coming. Definitely a book I would recommend. I can't wait to read more by this author.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.

Give-Away

I have been given a free copy of the book that I just reviewed -

A Cold Creek Secret

RaeAnne Thayne

(see review here)

If you are interested in the book please leave a comment on this blog post and I'll send you the book.

The first person to comment and leave me their email address gets the book. So hurry!

A Cold Creek Secret

A Cold Creek Secret

RaeAnne Thayne

Mimi is running away from the paparazzi and becomes stranded during a snow storm. Brant rescues her and recognizes her immediately. But since she's using a different name he decides to play along. He thinks he can never be with someone so high-maintenance and she is sure that she'll never get her dream of living a quiet and peaceful life.

This book is a typical romance. It is going end with the couple together. So if you are looking for a sweet romantic story with a bit of drama in the middle than this is a fun little read.

I received this book free of charge from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Cindy Woodsmall

Annie is an Old Order Mennonite. She is staying with her grandfather when she falls in love with Aden, an Old Order Amish. According to the "rules" the two can not marry without being shunned by their church and family. 

This book loosely follows The Christmas Singing, with a brief mention of some of the people. But it can definitely be read alone. I enjoyed this book. It was a light, fast read. But it didn't seem to have the depth that the other books by this author seemed to have. I was also confused in quite a few places by the differences between the two orders. I'm sure if I had read more Amish/Mennonite books it might have made sense. But as it was, I was left confused for large portions of the book.

If you are into Amish books then this book, and definitely this author, is one to check out.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.

The Exceptional Life

The Exceptional Life

8 Powerful Steps to Experiencing God's Best For You

Stephen Arterburn

The author takes eight things that keep us from having a wonderful experience with God and explains in each chapter how to get rid of the problem and strength our relationship.

The book was very well written with amusing stories and thought provoking statements to get the points across. But for some reason I just couldn't get into the book. It just wasn't my style. It would make a great devotional or a study group book for someone that can relate to the information. I just wasn't one of them.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Now That We Are Married

Now That We Are Married, What Should We Do?

A Cookbook with Scripture, Prayer, Suggestions, and Praise

Jackie Lucas-Buck

This book is supposed to be a cookbook peppered with the author's advice on marriage. It begins with a list of random advice, some of which  includes getting regular check ups, adding Coke to beans to get ride of gas and making coffee ice cubes.

After each recipe is an author statement (ie: I love pineapple, family favorite), scripture verse and some random comments from the author that don't seem to go with the recipe.

Some of the recipes seem to be more ideas than recipes. For example, one of them is how to arrange a fruit tray with the comment that she arranged it with her sister-in-law. Not very helpful to me.

The book is, as usual for Dorrance Publishing, peppered with typos and grammar errors.

Wouldn't recommend this book.

I received this book free of charge from Dorrance Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Blue Moon Promise

Blue Moon Promise

Colleen Coble

Lucy is taking care of her half siblings after the death of her father and the desertion of their mother. But she's lost her job, their home and their safety is questionable. So when an offer of marriage, however strange it might seem, comes her way; she accepts.

But her husband is less than happy with the arrangement and wants to send her packing.

Lucy and her husband Nate have a lot to learn about each other and their families. But with a little patience and trust, the marriage might work.

I enjoyed this book. It flowed smoothly and the characters were likeable. Lucy was definitely not perfect, but her flaws were real and I was able to relate with her struggles.

I've enjoyed other books by Colleen Coble and will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.

I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.