Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River by Stephanie Reed – My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Kregel Publications (November 25, 2004 & April 30, 2008)
Reed takes readers both young and old on adventures through time and events to the underground railroad opening the doors of freedom to the slaves of the American south. Her stories revolve around the Rankin family living just north of the Ohio River where “free territory” began for the poor souls who had been brought over to work themselves to death for the wealthy plantation owners of the southern states and often be torn from family and home in the process. The first book follows Lowry one of 13 children in the family and the second follows one of his younger siblings Johnny as they assist in the family role of ushering these people into the freedom this country was founded to offer to all. In Johnny’s case aspiring to help but stumbling over his pride at the family business and blurting perhaps to the wrong parties secrets that could sink the entire operation. Reed’s narratives although intended for a pre-teen and early teen audience are rich with historical detail and characters who actually lived the events presented in these pages that capture the imagination of all ages. These vivid accounts would even make an inspiring read aloud series for younger children able to comprehend some of the historical significance and themes in the stories but not quite up to reading at this level on their own.

These would make great history lessons for a variety of ages both as a supplement to public school curriculum or included in the history curriculum of homeschool families. The characters and detail make this as close to a living history lesson as you’ll be able to find covering the events and politics that spawned the Underground Railroad as it came to be called. Though thankfully this era is past, experiencing it to the depth that Reed portrays in her books is a much more effective tool than just hearing stories or reading a history text from third and fourth hand narrators. The only more personal connection to slavery and the craving of freedom those slaves endured would be first hand accounts from ancestors who lived the nightmare or befriended those who did despite the atmosphere and societal mores placing blacks and whites in divergent categories. (ISBN#9780825435768, 176pp, $9.99) & (ISBN#9780825435744, 216pp, $10.99)

See what other CFRB bloggers are saying using these links:

Codicil:
Visit Stephanie’s website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcovers above to purchase your own copies of Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River or read more about the books.

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay & Rene Gutteridge - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge
WaterBrook Press (June 2, 2009)

Reading has been a bit of a chore lately for me not because the material was poor quality but because its just been one of those slumps in concentration and ability to track with the story that I experience from time to time. These make the books go slower for me regardless of the writer's talent and skill at weaving a tale that entices me to continue to the end.

Never the Bride has been a slow read for me however the comedy of errors these authors have spun was exactly what the doctor ordered for a gloomy gus. While my concentration was extremely poor I still had to talk myself into putting the book down when I started rereading paragraphs multiple times that didn't sound familiar. Gutteridge and McKay have composed such rich characters that I would love to see more of Jessie, her sister Brooklyn, Malia (who is not only the mother of Jessie's childhood buddy and secret crush but an adopted mother and incurable matchmaker), Malia's latest match for Jessie, and Jessie's closest girl friend - Nicole along with the other colorful and intriguing residents of this small, homey burg Jessie considers home.

You'll just have to get your hands on your own copy of this book to find out more about Jessie and the rest of these entrancing characters. Read all about the flubs and flops in Jessie's love life and the crazy attempts she makes to control the things only God knows the plan for in her life. Its amazing what we (myself included) put ourselves through when we refuse to admit we don't know everything and won't release the control we never really had because its our security blanket when life feels out of control. Oh and believe it or not Jessie learns that we can really screw things up when we start trying to twist the desires of our heart into what we think they should be instead of sitting back to let God do the steering and trusting that the author of those desires really does know what He's up to. (ISBN#9780307444981, 320pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
I apologize for being late getting this written and posted. You can also search for other blogs featuring this book using an author or title key word search online or check out the bookseller page for more reviews. Use the Title or Book Cover to read more about the book on the bookseller page or to buy a copy. Don't forget to visit the author sites and learn more about these authors by clicking their names as well.

Angel of Wrath by Bill Myers - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks
This week CFRB presents Angel of Wrath by Bill Myers.
FaithWords (April 8, 2009)

Like all our life stories and the scriptures this is a story of redemption for many characters as well as an illustration of the consequences of unrepentant attitudes and behavior. As humans all of us are imperfect and these characters certainly fit that description and then some yet many of them find salvation in Christ as well as a true relationship with Him that they were lacking at the start. As many of us, myself included are wont to do, a few of Myers' characters are the do-it-myself types who behave under the mistaken belief that they have to control everything because they forget or don't believe that God is truly in control. As Townsend and Cloud would put it we have boundary issues with God and are confusing our responsibilities and His or worse aren't trusting Him to carry out His end of the deal. Anyway although the story itself is rather dark, the ending does display God's power in a pitched spiritual battle in a very descriptive and unique way. Myers as usual dishes up a riveting narrative for readers and characters that become lasting residents of the imagination once you have discovered them. Being a sequel I was a bit uncertain as to reading it alone but Myers has managed to weave in enough backstory to keep a new reader up to speed without bogging the story down with extra details that turn off those wanting to keep moving with the plot. Overall I would say for fans of Myers' writing and those who enjoy a psychological thriller but don't mind a bit of gore in the process this is worth your time to read. I must admit though that although I found the story intriguing, this definitely isn't my usual fare. (ISBN#9780446698009, 336pp, $13.99)

Check out what other CFRB Bloggers are saying:

Codicil:
Visit the authors site by clicking on his name and click the bookcover or title to purchase your own copy and read more about the book.

Deceptive Promises by Amber Miller - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Barbour Publishing, Inc (October 15, 2008)
Margret Scott inadvertently finds herself rescued by a British officer in the midst of the American Revolution and ironically her family plays pivotal roles on the colonial side of this historic duel for freedom or control. Little does anyone, even her family know what upheaval will ensue and how pivotal a role this perceived representative of their sworn enemy will play on their own side of the future battles facing them all. Though he tells Margret to trust him and gives some assurance of where his true loyalties lie, she still wonders if she is being deceived by the man she has come to respect and love through the span of their brief acquaintance. Since she is sworn to secrecy about his true identity at his insistence she is unable to ask for input from those older and wiser who might help her navigate this rocky path of romance and alliances. She does try as we all do to trust the Lord and His nudgings as to the veracity of what little Samuel is able to divulge without endangering his ultimate mission in the war or the army he is working for.

While this book was too short for my tastes and third in a series of companion stories, it did manage to include much more character development and detail of the story than I would have imagined possible in its short format. Also for those who haven't read the other stories in this series (as is my case), this stands alone and I didn't find myself feeling like I was missing something as I usually do with companion or series books when I haven't read previous installments. (ISBN#9781602601895, 176pp, $2.97)

Codicil:
Visit Amber’s website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Also see what other CFBA bloggers are saying by visiting the participating blog links posted on the main blog.

Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Tyndale House Publishers (April 2, 2009)
Poor PJ Sugar, from the first meeting she is plagued by a nose for nuisances. Trouble like her nickname says seems to surround her at every turn especially when she retiurns to her hometown for her sister's wedding and to care for her nephew during the honeymoon.

PJ is also hounded by the local law enforcement over every little misstep and just her luck the officer on her case happens to be her highschool sweetheart who also precipitated her hasty departure for the farthest possible point from home when her mother cut a deal with his father after she was blamed for a fire that destroyed a portion of the local country club which the aforesaid father manages.

Warren's characters are so realistic that barring my reticence to take even minimal risks most of the time I could almost have landed in PJ's shoes as I was reading. Along with PJ we meet the foreign inlaws, an overprotective perfectionist mother that PJ thinks she only succeeded at disappointing in every attempt she made as well as the small town cast of characters that populate mid america in this particular locale. Be sure and grab up this first installment featuring PJ and her exploits for a reading experience you will not soon forget and if Susan May Warren is new to you this book will join your favorites list after you experience her writing and storytelling abilities. (ISBN#9781414313122, 352pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit PJ's website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. And follow the blog tour to read more opinions and thoughts links and schedule are here.

And don't forget about the contest in conjunction with this tour:

Hunt up Trouble!

PJ Sugar's first novel - Nothing But Trouble is popping up all over the country! Go Hunting for Trouble, and let me know where you see the book.

Send me the Name of the Bookstore where you found it (and the city, please), and we'll put your name in a drawing for a preview copy of

The Great Christmas Bowl my Christmas Novella, coming out this fall! (Promo coming soon!) And…send me a PHOTO of you and the book in the bookstore, and we'll add your name 5x!

And you'll also be eligible to win a cool SUGAR Personal SPA BASKET!!

So go....Hunt up Trouble! All the details here.

The Ark, The Reed and The Firecloud by Jenny L Cote - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This week CFRB presents The Ark, The Reed and The FireCloud by Jenny L. Cote. Here's some of my thoughts on this story.

Living Ink Books (September, 2008)
In this series debut, Max (a Scottish terrier) and Liz (an elegant feline) become responsible for a small band of animals who are instructed by a voice to follow the fire cloud. Eventually readers discover the voice is attributed to God and the animals are lead to the Ark as part of the preservation of species God planned to repopulate the earth following the flood. This particular adventure takes place as they travel on the Ark during the flood and come to know one another, Noah’s family and the other animals during the months of being stuck on this boat. We see the bad guys too of course though this is a children’s book and the mysteries encountered are at a level that would be appropriate for younger readers or listeners. While the story premise is intriguing, the book starts out rather slowly and the main plot lines show up well into the narrative. The message of trusting God and obedience that is illustrated through the adventures of the animals is clear yet doesn’t detract from the flow of the plot. This book would be a good read aloud for younger children that have an appropriate attention span or a book to read together with an older child capable of reading on their own. It is written at a level that many readers 8 and up could manage although the length may be a difficulty for some at the younger end and the simplicity may frustrate some more mature readers. It was an interesting read and a nice change of pace however for me and I understand it is being converted into animated film format as well. I suspect the film version will be enticing to those who have read the book as well as those who simply enjoy a good children’s story on screen. (ISBN#9780899571980, 464pp, $14.99)

See what other members are saying this week as well:

Codicil:
Visit the Max and Liz website or click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy and read more about the book.

The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2009)
After reading Linore’s Before the Season Ends, I was impatient to get my hands on a copy of this book being as I am an avid historical fan and enjoyed reading Jane Austen books when I encountered them as a teen. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed when this book arrived. It took a chapter or two to get into it but by then I was back with old friends experiencing their new adventures and struggles. Ariana is set to marry Mr. Mornay, otherwise known as the Paragon. Mrs. Bentley has her eyes on Mr. Pellham but thinks he wouldn’t want her. However he is just as smitten or perhaps more entranced by her than she by him. At the start of this narrative the weddings are planned as a double ceremony with all the trappings incumbent to Mornay and Pellham’s positions and incomes though they do try to keep it small in terms of guests. Mornay has however incurred the displeasure of Wingate by foiling the attempt to do away with someone he lost a huge sum of money to. Wingate despite being of the titled nobility is a nearly penniless cad and attempts to support his gambling and other pursuits through petty thievery and other crimes. His latest scheme is revenge on Mornay through absconding with Ariana and demanding a ridiculous ransom. Will the scheme succeed, will Mornay discover who is behind it in time and discover the whereabouts of his beloved after Wingate gets his hands on her? Who wins and who loses in a game of cat and mouse where the roles seem to change by the moment?

Burkard’s characters once again take center stage in flowing prose that transports the reader to not only a foreign locale but a distinctly unique era in world history especially for the British inhabitants in their homeland. I sincerely hope there are more books on the way starring the Mornays and Pellhams with their entourage of friends and family. The double wedding that is alluded to early on in this chapter of their story is really only a new beginning all and I would love to experience more of this story especially written in Linore’s distinctive style so apropos for the setting and era she has embraced in her novels. As suspected from reading the previous book, the details are woven into the narrative such that there is little disruption for explanation and the reader is encompassed by the sensations of the Regency, the ton, the events and the everday life in London. As historicals go this is among those that keep me coming back for more of the people and time being shared through fiction. While many of my favorite books do not focus on specific events along the historical timeline or even real people, they are written by authors who research their material down to the minutest details then have discovered how to strain that information and stitch it into their plots to the best effect and nearly invisibly to the reader. I so enjoy being able to read fictional stories that bring the people and their lives to the fore of any given era rather than recounting events or biographical data as if reading a reference work or history text that tend to put me to sleep rather promptly. Burkard has proven twice now that she is an author uniquely suited to writing just the types of historical novels that first fostered my love of the genre. (ISBN#9780736925655, 348pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit Linore’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Also come back tomorrow ro read an Excerpt.

Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt, Community, and Craft by Jane Kirkpatrick – My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (December 16, 2008)
Being a lover of historical novels especially those by Kirkpatrick and having fallen in love with the characters in her Change and Cherish series, this book quickly grabbed my attention when I heard of it. A chance to learn more about the real Emma Giesy and her people as well as some “living history” narrative was something I couldn’t pass up. After going through the photos and narrative from Aurora’s commune days, I feel almost as if I’ve been through an entrancing museum exhibit on the era and these people in particular. Of course I also crave a visit to the real museum which thankfully is convenient for a day trip from my home with plenty of time to explore and experience the exhibits and activities offered.

The book was only about two hours worth of being carried away to another time and lifestyle but knowing how I am in museums especially those that focus on something which has gripped me such as Emma’s story and time frame, it may take a couple trips to truly satisfy my yearnings to take everything in and absorb all the details. For those that can’t visit Oregon but enjoy the experience of a museum visit or who were entranced as I was by Emma’s story, this book is the next best thing to actually travelling to present day Aurora and seeing, hearing, reading even experiencing a small taste of Emma’s life in the late 19th century. History buffs this isn’t your typical textbook, it is so much better than that because it spins the facts from a textbook and intricate years of research into a gripping narrative style that could even be read aloud a few pages at a time with children studying the era or just with an interest in the times and people. Once again Kirkpatrick has outdone herself and impressed an avid fan. (ISBN#9781400074280, 168pp, $17.99)

Codicil:
Visit Jane’s website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Also visit the publisher's website

A Flickering Light by Jane Kirkpatrick - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (April 14, 2009)
Kirkpatrick like many of the women she portrays in her novels is often trying something new, attempting to stretch the limits of convention and the constraints of society on what is accepted. This book is a successful example of doing things differently just as the heroine Jessie Gaebele (Jane’s grandmother) does things her own way though not always successfully. Jane has written a biographical novel of Jessie’s coming of age years, the narrative covers approximately ages 15 to 19. However this isn’t just a cookie cutter novel, besides being the story of an immediate relative, the novel chapters have been interspersed with commentary from the heroine on some of the photographs that captured her imagination – some her own others taken by different photographers. Included in the commentary on these photos are snippets of the story itself as well as tips and concepts Jessie learned about photography throughout her career behind the camera.

As a fifteen year old just finding her legs in the world of work and blooming womanhood, Jessie discovers a passion for photography thanks to the gift of a small camera from her Uncle. The camera becomes her constant companion even to the point of sneaking out before sunrise one morning to capture a scene she has imagined as a stunning landscape image but requires several ingredients that are incredibly time sensitive to make the picture she has envisioned preserving for posterity. This particular adventure is waylaid for a number of reasons and she nearly misses the interview her mother arranged for her to apply as the assistant to a local portrait studio’s owner. While this turns out to be a dream job in many respects it also presents trials and temptations both for herself and for her employer that soon endanger her self respect and his family’s cohesiveness. In identifying with Jessie’s desire for affection and belonging I also began to understand how the photography as well as a dangerous and forbidden relationship with her employer could entice her from more practical pursuits and a fulfilling relationship that wouldn’t compromise anyone’s integrity or hurt those they ought to care for the most. As with most historical novels I’ve read and loved this one drew me into an era, the lives lived within its span and their impact on those around them as well as history itself. Jane always seems to not only choose women figures with unique independence of spirit and feisty personalities but ones who blaze a new trail for those who follow in their footsteps in days, months and years to come. Jessie is one such heroine who probably not only portrays a woman unique to her times but also exhibits a spirit that was inherited by at least one grandchild who went on to share it with many readers in this novel and many other books. (ISBN#9781578569809, 400pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit Jane’s website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Also visit the publisher's site. This book begins a new series titled Portraits of a Woman – book 2, Shimmering Grasses is expected to release from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group next Spring. I wish I didn’t have to wait another year for more of Jessie’s story.

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Avon (June 26, 2007)
If you’re a historical romance fan and don’t mind a bit of detailed spice along the way you’ll probably enjoy Julia Quinn’s books. So far I’m finding them to be good light reading despite being a bit formulaic. They aren’t however pure formula plot as Quinn tweaks each one with her style and its own unique twists so that I still want to continue reading her work and don’t feel as if I’ve just picked up the same book over again.

Miranda has grown up with the neighboring titled family’s twins, sharing lessons and playtime while her father is distracted by his manuscripts and translating work leaving her mostly to her own devices. Olivia Bevelstoke has become Miranda’s best friend, chief confidant and adopted sister. By association her twin and their much older brother are “adopted” siblings as well though Miranda has never met Nigel who is destined to inherit the Bevelstoke estate and title from his father. Despite the decade of difference in their ages and the gap in their stations, Miranda fancies herself in love with him after meeting him the day of her playmates 10th birthday party. His kindness and friendliness toward her as he escorts her home, melts her heart and claims it forever. Life and trials change the eldest Bevelstoke through the years and when Miranda meets him again during her coming out season, he is no longer the gentleman and friend she fondly remembers from childhood. She tries to convince herself it was a childish crush and douse it while he is just beginning to realize that she is probably the only woman he wouldn’t feel trapped living with. Will her childhood connection with his family and the difference in their positions amongst society foil any chance of marriage? Will Nigel’s pain and troubles squelch any ability he has to recognize and make his feelings known to Miranda and will seeing him so changed aid in her putting her feelings and desires in the past and moving on or will their mutual attraction finally strike sparks that ignite a lifetime flame? (ISBN#9780061230837, 384pp, $7.99)

Codicil:
Visit Julia’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book.

Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Grand Central Publishing (August 1, 2008)
This was an interesting read though murder mysteries and missing babies are generally not my style the story itself drew me under Letts’ spell and the characters with more than cameo appearances to fill a need of the plot entranced my imagination. When Gaylene Harjo’s murder is discovered and her infant son’s pajamas found on a nearby creek bank, DeClare is horrified that their small town has been so rudely shattered by these tragic crimes. After nearly 3 decades a strange young man appears in town claiming to be visiting from California. His striking family resemblance and persistent digging into the Harjo incident so many years gone begins to raise suspicions both among would be friends and the enemies who will go nearly any length to keep the truth buried that implicates them or those closest to them.

I highly recommend Letts to readers who enjoy a good murder mystery or human interest style novel. Though not my favorite type of book I am definitely impressed by the skill this author displays for riveting prose, a detailed yet coherent plot and characters so realistic they cling to the reader’s attention and imagination like mountain climbers on a vertical cliff face. If this sounds like your type of book be sure and grab a copy to add to your reading list. And for my readers looking for “clean novels” this is mainstream fiction but the language is minimal and there aren’t graphic scenes portraying violence or other offensive material. I would say this is probably a PG or mild PG 13 primarily for language. (ISBN#9780446401142 , 368pp, $7.99)

Codicil:
Click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book.

Blaggard's Moon by George Bryan Polivka - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2009)
In my first foray to the world of Nearing Vast and the Warm Climes, I was transported to foreign yet entrancing locales and treated to a taste of flowing prose I will not soon forget. Needless to say I am now quite anxious to sink my teeth into the Trophy Chase Trilogy for more adventures in this new world I have just discovered while meeting more new friends and the pirates that plague the seas of the land. Polivka stages many a battle that is choreographed on the page in the exquisite detail of an intricate dance. While these battles are either a pitched sea battle involving cannons and hand weapons from a ships deck against the same on an opposing ship or face to face firefights, the lack of hand to hand combat or sword duels was not missing any elegance in the descriptions. Polivka’s story not only transports readers to times, places and events that would not otherwise be experienced at all, his prose carries an intrinsic sense of mystery and adventure that is only heightened by the actual events transcribed for the readers eyes in this narrative.

The Jom Perhoo, Onka Din Botlay and other creatures have been penned with such detail I can nearly see them as if I were in the place of those actually there to see. Even the key players. Pirates, Gatemen and others are such realistic characters I still question if perhaps this strange world of yesteryear could truly exist in the here and now rather than just in fertile imaginations of a talented writer and then those of his readers riveted by a tale of adventure, love, faith and discovery for all involved. Pick up a copy today and meet Jenta, Autumn, Damrick, a few boatloads of Pirates and their nemeses, the Gatemen, our guide for this journey, Ham Drumbone (a pirate storyteller), and the second narrator as well as a captured sailor turned pirate, Smith Delaney as you visit their world and live the adventure through their eyes. (ISBN#9780736925372, 384pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit the Nearing Vast website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Don’t forget to read his Trophy Chase Trilogy as well: The Legend of the Firefish (Book One), The Hand That Bears the Sword (Book Two), and The Battle For Vast Dominion (Book Three). Also vist my friend Deena to read a review of The Legend of the Firefish and an interview with the author.

Shadows On the River by Linda Hall - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Steeple Hill (April 14, 2009)
I’m not a huge fan of suspense or the brevity of the Love Inspired category lines. However I have still discovered a few gems amongst these authors along the way and the books make for a quick read when I need a break from the intensity of much of my other reading. Alicia witnessed the death of her best friend as a young teen. Despite attempts to discourage further investigation and bury her observations in lies with their money, Alicia cannot deny that what she saw incriminates the son of the wealthiest family in her hometown. No one believes her and all seem to think her mind is warped to even insist on what she claims to have seen but two decades later fingers begin to point in Larry Fremont’s direction once again and Mark Bishop encourages Alicia to risk coming forward once again with what she saw so many years ago to try and protect not only herself and her daughter but those closest to Larry and his victims who could be next on the hit list if he does indeed dispose of those who foil his design. While I miss the deeper development of both plot and characters in bulkier books, I still found this to be an intriguing story that held my attention. Hall also managed to draw me into her characters to a degree that I rarely encounter in such brief narratives. I just may have to seek out other titles by this author when I am digging for a quick read with sufficient meat to satisfy my reading appetite when I tire of the more intense novels. (ISBN#9780373443369, 224pp, $5.50)

Codicil:
Visit Linda’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book.

Forsaken by James David Jordan - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

B&H Fiction (October 1, 2008)
Taylor Pasbury, a former government agent still beset by her own past, is hired by Simon Mason to head up security for his productions and family. Amidst her first experience of a Simon Mason event, his collegian daughter disappears en route to the airport when returning to school. In addition to Mason’s request to hire her, she insists on being fully involved in the attempts to locate and rescue the girl who quickly became like a younger sister. Through their association Simon and Taylor find themselves forming a personal attachment as well as the professional one and discover they both have pasts they’d like to hide and in some cases ones they’d like to escape as well.

Although I’d say suspense is not among my favored genres, I am discovering authors who are new to me that have opened a new type of reading that I am beginning to find quite appealing in some cases. Jordan has quickly risen to my favorites list in a type of book that is hard to please me with. His style and characters not only hold a similar appeal to my favorite genres but move at a pace that kept me turning pages late into the night with my desire to discover the next twist or event in this plot despite my reluctance to end the association with his characters and story. I sincerely and impatiently hope to see more of Taylor and Simon as well as more from this author. (ISBN#9780805447491, 400pp, $14.99)

Codicil:
Visit The author's site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book.

The Secret by Beverly Lewis - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Bethany House Publishers (March 31, 2009)
Lewis has redeemed herself as a favorite author with this debut in her newest series. The pace of the story kept moving and there were enough twists to keep me on my toes throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thoroughly engrossed in the character’s lives while reading this book and not wanting to put it down as Grace’s mother disappears and the family begins to discover the truth behind her past that drew her to leave and make right the wrongs she couldn‘t fix so many years ago.

Once again I am drawn to a new group of characters and the trials and struggles they face throughout the narrative. I look forward to the subsequent books in this series as I did with some of Lewis’ older works. I believe she has managed to surmount the mediocre performance in her previous series with this new batch of books if The Secret is any indication of the quality in it’s upcoming sequels. Grace Byler and her family have become new friends that I look forward to revisiting as soon as possible. Lewis maintains her traditional style of writing and story telling but brings a bit more modern flair not only to the book and Englisch characters but also to the Amish setting while still maintaining its authenticity. The secrets and suspense she develops in this book also kept things moving at a pace that made me want to continue turning pages quickly after a bit of a slow start. I am anxious to follow the continuing story as it unfolds in this series. (ISBN#9780764205712, 368pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit Beverly’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book.

Magic, Mensa, and Mayhem by Karina L. Fabian - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Swimming Kangaroo Books (March 4, 2009)
Impatiently awaiting Vern and Grace’s latest adventures after meeting them in their debut short story featured in Firestorm of Dragons, I’ve been stalking Vern’s Dragon Eye site since it debuted last year for news and sneak peeks. Now that the novel is finally here, I want another one – LOL.

As for the book, mix smuggled brownies (the creatures not the food), artificial flavoring that effectively poisons nonhuman species of Faerie (at least some anyway), a Mundane convention of geniuses that invites a number of Faerie folk to attend and participate as honored guests, a guitar convention at the same hotel, nosy reporters, and an assignment for Vern and Grace to be the magical mishap cleanup brigade. Now if that combination doesn’t sound like a recipe for disaster and enough to keep Vern and Grace busy for months rather than just the week long Mensa conference then you’d better read this book just for the education on the cultural differences between Faerie citizens both human and otherwise and Mundane inhabitants. Just the misunderstandings are a laugh a minute once you know the Faerie folk and experience the Mundane personality quirks of Karina’s characters. Oh and of course don’t forget that two opposing tribes of the Elvish House of the Eternal Winds have their top members at this convention just when the tribes seem to be on the brink of war with one another (granted the brink probably means centuries in most cases with Faerie Elves – read the book and this will make perfect sense). Can Vern and Grace avert an Elvish civil war amongst the house and Mundane politics from taking sides with either party? Will everyone survive the neatnik attacks throughout the convention and can Mundane and Faerie coexist in the same square mile of space without major catastrophes due to culture shock or worse?

Collect your own copy of Vern’s full length prose tale from the Dragon Eye PI files as transcribed by Karina Fabian for your daily dose of mystery, fun, laughter and even the occasional mental challenge for those so inclined. In fact I think I need to ask Vern more about this Sudoku variation with the new numbering system used to complete a puzzle book. (ISBN#9781934041789 , 232pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit Vern’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. You can also experience Vern and Grace’s adventures in their first short story featured in Firestorm of Dragons as well as looking for downloads at Vern’s Dragon Eye site – link is above.

When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

WaterBrook Press (September 4, 2007)
Woodsmall’s first Amish novel that I read, When the Heart Cried quickly climbed to a spot amongst my favorites because of her storytelling skill and ability to trap the reader’s imagination in the characters’ lives. While I enjoy Amish fiction few authors in this genre have captured my fancy and transported me as Woodsmall is able to within the first few paragraphs and sustain that atmosphere of page turning anticipation beyond the final page of the book. Thankfully I had all three of this series to read at once and am impatiently awaiting more from this author’s pen.

In this second installment of her Sisters of the Quilt series, Hannah has fled the constraints of her Amish community because the people who matter most insist she admit wrongdoing where she is innocent. Rather than compromise her morals and skew the story to match what they believe happened, she leaves home to find an aunt who she has never met but she senses could be a kindred spirit in this trial. When she discovers her aunt in Ohio, she finds much more than what she was hoping for and is also thrust into a lifestyle she has never desired or truly understood. However this new lack of restraint on her pursuits provides the opportunity to pursue a dream that seemed impossible when it first entered her consciousness. She has lost so much that focusing on this dream may prove to be the distraction she needs to move on and start a new life away from the pain and betrayal that she so recently endured. Where will Hannah finally land and will she discover her true purpose in life along the way? Will her family ever come to recognize their erroneous accusations for what they are? Read on in this riveting saga of Amish life for more insight into Hannah’s story. (ISBN#9781400072934, 336pp, $13.99)

Codicil:
Visit Cindy’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Don’t forget to start at the beginning of Woodsmall’s Sisters of the Quilt series with When the Heart Cries.

Save My Children by Emily Wierenga - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Castle Quay Books (Sept 5, 2008)
This book although a fictional account of some of the children at Bethany Homes over a span of many years is presented more as a series of anecdotes from various lives compiled in a non-fiction anthology. The author does however write a compelling story and gives readers a glimpse into the lives of not only children and families who were touched and ministered to by this organization but also the lives of the staff and the Jespersen family who founded the home and lived a very different life as a family than the traditional expectations of the time. Wierenga addresses the tensions and stresses along with the Lord’s hand on the Jespersen family and especially their biological children in this unique ministry as well as the struggles and growth of the children and families the ministry has served over the years and the staff that supported the Jespersen’s efforts to provide a home and guidance to so many children who desperately needed a safe haven. The perseverance of many of the characters in these stories will encourage and inspire readers to find their own purpose and role that God has in store for them. The Jespersen’s faith and hope despite their circumstances not only provided a confident model for the children surrounding them, it also helps readers to experience God’s faithfulness in impossible situations along with them. (ISBN#9781897213353, 304pp, $18.95)

Codicil:
Visit Emily’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Check out other CFRB member posts throughout this week using the buttons above. Visit the Bethany Homes website for more info about the real life ministry this novel is based on.

The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Multnomah Books (September 6, 2005)
I had read this book a few years ago but it never hurts to reread something as applicable as this. Not currently being in a financial position to “throw money around” I know how hard giving up anything extra is especially in American society. However regardless of finances we all can still give perhaps of our time and talents but when we do we are providing something that can prove more valuable than money to the recipient. Making time to volunteer or to share our talents where they are needed may not be easy either but I have found that when I have time on my hands and I put it to good use I am much happier even if I’m not receiving financial compensation for it. I have a purpose for that bit of time I have invested and I am providing something needed by the people or organization that receive my time be it friends, family, church etc.

This book focuses primarily on the money aspect of giving but in our current economic climate other ways of giving back to God are probably even more important. I do not think we should be looking for ways to avoid giving money but when circumstances prevent us from having the means to do so rather than feeling guilty for something beyond our control we can give in other ways or increase those non-financial contributions until we are once again able to give financially. This author does make some good points but I do disagree with the position that most if not all advocates of charitable giving seem to present that firstfruits and the tithe are always money or product related. In my own reading I have not seen time and talents addressed except in passing or as a secondary giving medium. This would be my only real argument with many authors and speakers. Though I do not believe the tithe was scripturally intended to be other than money or crops in the context that it was first approached, but in today’s economy money and crops are not necessarily what we have to give from but our attitude and management of the finances and other gifts or contributions we make is definitely important regardless of what the medium of giving is. Be sure and check this little book out for some insights into the rewards of giving with a generous heart as well as some pointed questions for self investigation and study of the principles and scriptural commands regarding giving and our attitude towards money and things. (ISBN#9781590525081, 128pp, $9.99)

Codicil:
Visit Randy’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book.