I listened to audiobooks this week while I worked on a number of household, quilting, sewing, and crafting projects. These are some of my favorite contemporary writers of Christian fiction in a variety of genres, and they were all first-time reads. No One to Trust, audiobook by Lynette Eason I always watch my library for Ms. Eason’s new books. Her plotting is exceptionally tight. This one does have a good storyline, but the characters were not her best. I wanted to slap the heroine and shake the hero. She never stopped harping on the fact that he had lied to her, even when the reason was clearly and repeatedly justified. I would have liked him better if he was just a little assertive. That said, the plot, action and mystery were good. The resolution was creepy. Nothing but Trouble, audiobook by Susan May Warren A fun summer read, but don’t underestimate it. The mystery is solid. The family characters and their relationships are enjoyable. The history between the first hero and the heroine creates a sensitive tension that gives them depth but doesn’t overshadow the lightheartedness of the book. I found the second hero kind Read More
Category: Reviews
Bite Size Book Reviews
I have some kindle freebies in this week’s list! (Correct as of this article. Check the price before ordering) It’s an even more eclectic collection than usual, with settings in first century Rome, 1880 New York City, turn-of-the-21st-century Egypt, and pre-civil war Missouri as well as modern American settings. Audiobook, kindle and paperback! 1. Chasing the Lion, audiobook by Nancy Kimball **This reader is one of the best I have ever heard. The audio version is a finalist in the 2015 Audiobook Publisher’s Association Audio awards in the Inspy/Faith-Based Fiction category** The Christianity in this book is a primary theme. It’s set in 35AD, when Christianity was serious business. The romance was developed gradually and naturally. Again, faith played a pivotal role in all of the book’s relationships. The violence was horrific at times, but it was appropriate to the setting of the book, as were the attitudes toward slavery and (very minor) descriptions of sexual behaviors. This was a long audiobook – 15 hours! – but definitely worth listening to. 2. The Edge of Light, kindle, by Ann Shorey This was an interesting antebellum novel set in Missouri, among slaveholding middle-class tradesmen. We often see slavery associated Read More
Bite-size Book Reviews
Another eclectic collection of books this week. While Christian fiction – especially romantic suspense – is my favorite, I also enjoy some “clean” secular books. I usually find those in the Golden Age authors, especially Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Agatha Christie. Clive Cussler and Elizabeth Peters, although their writing styles are entirely different, are also enjoyable. The first book in this week’s list is FREE in Kindle version! 1. A Bid For Love, kindle, by Rachel Ann Nunes This fast-moving story has all the right elements for a romantic suspense novel: the hero and heroine have similar jobs at art galleries, they are at an art auction and both want the same unusual statue, they both have friends and family support networks, and they are both Christians. The bad guys are street thugs and the FBI agents must be avoided until the hero gets the statue back to his boss. It was a little confusing at times, but I enjoyed it. The scenes with the family of young children were especially appealing. 2. Night Train to Memphis, paperback, by Elizabeth Peters The second-to-last book in the Vicki Bliss series shows a significant improvement in character Read More
Bite-Size Book Reviews
It was another week or reading and rereading some of my favorite authors. I even read a nonfiction book! 1. The Rose of Winslow Street, audiobook, by Elizabeth Camden Another creative historical romance from this author. The heroine and the boys are good characters. I liked the way the hero was training up his sons, and his ability to identify fragrances was interesting, but otherwise he wasn’t very appealing. (That doesn’t mean I didn’t like the book; I don’t judge a book by whether or not I personally like the characters.) There is a secondary storyline about the father and his inventions that leads to changes in family dynamics – nicely done! My favorite scene in the novel is when the hero meets his next door neighbor and they compare battle scars. Funny! 2. Back on the Streets, paperback, by Deborah Ross This nonfiction book is a testimony of God’s redemption. The author’s story of childhood poverty, neglect and abuse – and the healing, transforming grace and power of God – should be read by every human being. I met Deborah at a local ACFW meeting and purchased her book directly; it is not easily available. There Read More
Bite-size Book Reviews
Do you like audiobooks? I get so much more work done, around the house and in my sewing room, if I have an audiobook to listen to! I could never just sit down and listen to one, but I like them when I’m working or driving or at the gym! 1. Dawn of Christmas, audiobook, by Cindy Woodsmall The main characters in this book are not your average Amish folks. The heroine is interesting, obedient and also willful. When she meets a like-minded man, they construct a false courtship scenario to escape the pressures of their family-oriented community. They like each other, but they have trouble trusting each other. In addition to being an entertaining novel, it’s a thought-provoking story about lies, relationships, and seeking God’s will. I liked this book. 2. Daughter of Time, paperback, by Josephine Tey RETRO READ! Last week, I micro-reviewed Elizabeth Peters’s novel, The Murders of Richard III. It was a fun read, but it made me want to investigate further. As a homeschooling mother, I enjoyed teaching history to my sons, but none of us remember the War of the Roses in any detail (or with any enthusiasm.) So instead Read More
Deepest Roots of the Heart
Deepest Roots of the Heart by Chautona Havig My review: Loved it. Looking forward to the next book. Okay, okay…. I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. The reader, Thom Rivera, was very good. His rich Hispanic accent was perfect for creating the right atmosphere for the story. This book is a fascinating story in an unusual setting. I learned more about history in that part of the country while reading this book than I did in school! The characters are complex and convincing. The transitions between 1945 and 1836 are smooth. I enjoyed the relationships between the main characters. Amelie is particularly charming. The plot includes several deeper subjects, including PTSD, which is portrayed with sensitivity and accuracy. Deepest Roots of the Heart is apparently a prequel/sequel to a new series – the foundation and resolution – and I am looking forward to reading all of it. I have never been disappointed by a Chautona Havig book.