In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar {CFBA Blog Tour!}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In The Field of Grace River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2014) by Tessa Afshar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi's love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.

But God has other plans for her life. While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor.  Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel's destiny and the future of the whole world.

If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Field of Grace, go HERE.

My Review: 
Oh, my! Another amazing release from Tessa Afshar!!

I have loved every book I've read by Ms. Afshar, and this one is no exception! To make things even better, she writes about Ruth and Boaz in In the Field of Grace! The story of Ruth is a long time favorite of mine. I was so thrilled to discover that's who I'd be reading about. I love how Ms. Afshar tries to stay true to the Bible while also threading in fiction where there are gaps or "loose ends" in the story. She did this in a truly amazing way.

I loved how she characterized Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. She fleshed them out, gave them dreams, gave them fears... In essence, she breathed life into them. One day when I'm in Heaven I'm going to ask Ruth to tell me her story. (As well as ask many other people, but I digress...) It wouldn't surprise me if Ruth reveals many of the same emotions that Ms. Afshar portrays in the story. It's beautifully done. This is another book that will have a permanent place on my shelf to be re-read, and lent to people who I think need the story brought to life. I'm very picky with what Biblical fiction I read, but I'm proud to say Tessa Afshar's works have made the cut. ;-) I recommend this novel to fans of Biblical fiction anywhere from adults to the teenagers of fifteen.

I received this book from River North through CFBA in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Paige Turned by Erynn Mangum {CFBA}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Turned TH1NK (April 1, 2014) by Erynn Mangum

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Despite her valiant efforts, Paige Alder seems stuck in chaos. Her new job as youth intern keeps her hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop all summer long, but at least she’s loving the one-on-one time she gets to spend with the girls. The unfortunate side-effect is that now, four weeks of laundry fills her apartment. Plus, she barely has time to help her sister and best friend with their weddings! And even worse? Something is definitely wrong between her and Tyler. She apologized for what he thought he saw happen with Luke. Can’t they move past it? Or could there be something he’s not telling her—something that could change everything?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Paige Turned, go HERE.

My Review:
A fun conclusion to the Paige Alder series!

I was thrilled to read and review Paige Turned after I enjoyed Paige Rewritten back in November. The saddest part about returning to Paige's world is knowing that it's for the last time. I didn't want the book to end! I can honestly say that I had no idea how Mangum would wrap things up for us. Am I pleased with the end result? Not entirely, but that's only because I suspected a different outcome. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything, but Mangum did offer us a positive ending.

Moving past my personal minor disappointment, Paige's hilarious personality kept me smiling throughout. I adore her character in so many ways. Not only that but I could also relate with many of Paige's internal struggles, especially having struggled myself. I liked how she eventually answered her questions using Scripture.

If the previous books were three quarters of Paige's journey, this book completes it in a beautiful way. I will definitely miss further adventures with Paige, but I will be certain to reread her books every now and then. Mangum has done a wonderful job crafting Paige and writing from the first person POV. The supporting cast are completely their own, though we see them mostly through Paige's eyes. I am really impressed with Mangum's skill. I readily recommend this book to teens fifteen and older.

I received this book from TH1NK through CFBA in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum {CFBA}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Rewritten NavPress (October 8, 2013) by Erynn Mangum

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.

First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?

This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Rewritten, go HERE

My Review:
A cute, entertaining, read!

I missed out on reading Paige Torn, the first in the Paige Alder series, due to a busy schedule, but I jumped in when I received the chance to review Paige Rewritten. I don't remember enjoying such a fun, humorous, story since I read Janice Thompson's books!

Mrs. Mangum is a wonderful storyteller and really brings Paige to life. More often than I would rather admit I saw myself in Paige and I found myself relating to her on a deep level. I've been where she's at and I like to believe that I came out of it hand-in-hand with God. I sincerely hope Paige finds the right path as well.

I love novels written in first person simply because I love the intimate look inside a character's head. I feel like I get to know them on such a personal level. Mrs. Magnum pens first person in such an amazing way. Paige comes right off the page (no pun intended) and sounds real. Her circumstances and her situations are real. She doesn't have a perfect, pristine, life. She struggles. I think that's why I like her so much.

Fans of Thompson will certainly enjoy Magnum's books. I highly recommend to teenage girls ages fifteen and older for both readability and content.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden {CFBA}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Into the Whirlwind Baker Publishing Group (August 15, 2013) by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.




ABOUT THE BOOK

After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Into the Whirlwind, go HERE.

My Review:
A wonderful, whirlwind, of a story!

I was swept away into Chicago, 1871. We follow the story through the Great Fire and into the rebuilding of the city. I found myself fascinated by Mollie's watch company and how business, among other things, was conducted. Camden did fabulous with her research. The emotions Mollie and Zach experienced after the fire were the perfect amount, enough to be realistic but not too much  for the reader to lose interest.

There's nothing quite like getting lost in a historical setting and enjoying the characters, the conflict, and their personal journeys. Mollie truly felt real. She's level-headed, intelligent, and likable. She has her flaws, but she strives to do the right thing by her employees, most of whom are veterans from the Civil War.

Into the Whirlwind hosts many side characters, but I never felt there were too many or that they were imposing too much on Mollie. It's a hard balance but Camden pulled if off expertly. As for me, I liked Declan and Alice best and I'm hoping that maybe we'll see Declan again in a future book...?? ;) Ahem.

In sum, I believe Into the Whirlwind is my new favorite, of the works I've read, from Camden. I teared up more than once. There were many times I didn't know how things would work out. Times I had to set the book down and reflect on the characters, on the decisions they made. I would love to read about these characters again. The book was that enjoyable.

I received this book from CFBA through the publisher in return for an honest review of opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering {CFBA}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rules of Murder Bethany House Publishers (August 1, 2013) by Julianna Deering
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, 2014).



ABOUT THE BOOK

Downton Abbey Meets Agatha Christie in This Sparkling Mystery

Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.

Soon, financial irregularities at Drew's stepfather's company come to light and it's clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer--and trying harder to impress Madeline--Drew must decide how far to take this game.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rules of Murder, go HERE.

My Review:
An exciting, 1930s mystery!

When I first heard about Rules of Murder I fell in love with the cover. The style and the font fit the story setting very well. But, as we all know, we cannot simply judge a book by its cover. I'm happy to say what I found inside the cute cover is a fabulous mystery that befuddled me further with every new clue. Though I will note with some pride I did see one of the twists coming... Ahem. Anyway.

Deering did her research well. Drew, Madeline, and Nick's accents, and even the way they talked, popped off the page. She crafted the setting very well, also bringing it off the page, reminiscent of Downton Abbey. I don't think she could have made the story feel any more real and for that, I praise her.

Drew and Madeline are positively adorable together. I loved the banter between them and between Drew and Nick. The three of them make up a great cast and I cannot wait to read more about them in the next novel Death by the Book!

If you enjoy mysteries or any of Agatha Christie's works (note: I have not read any of her novels) then I can guarantee you'll like this one. With an escalating mystery, true to the times characters, and a tangible setting, Deering's debut is one you won't want to miss. I recommend to 15+ for some minor violence surrounding a murder.

I received this book from CFBA, through the publisher, in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar (CFBA)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Harvest of Gold River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2013) by Tessa Afshar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy, too. There is another point she did not count on in her marriage-Sarah has grown to love her husband. Sarah has wealth, property, honor, and power, but her husband's love still seems unattainable.

Although his mother was an Israelite, Darius remains skeptical that his Jewish wife is the right choice for him, particularly when she conspires with her cousin Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ordered to assist in the effort, the couple begins a journey to the homeland of his mother's people. Will the road filled with danger, conflict, and surprising memories, help Darius to see the hand of God at work in his life-and even in his marriage?

A hidden message, treachery, opposition, and a God-given success, will lead to an unlikely bounty.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Harvest of Gold, go HERE.

My Review:
This is the best Biblical fiction novel I have read in a while!

From the very beginning I knew I was going to enjoy this book. I don't know if it was Sarah or the story that won me over but nonetheless, this book is going on my keeper shelf. I confess, it wasn't until I was half-way through the story that I realized Harvest of Gold is technically a sequel to Harvest of Rubies; however, Harvest of Gold can be read as a stand alone. I only felt confused twice.

Oh, mercy. I loved Darius. I loved Sarah. They are an awesome couple. Both characters are beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. I loved how she portrayed Nehemiah, I thought she did an excellent job bringing to life the man God called to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He wasn't perfect. He was concerned. But though everything, he trusted in God.

All in all, this is a marvelous tale! Afshar represents the time period well. I hold such a deep admiration of her characters and I can't wait to see what she releases next! In the meantime, I'll be tracking down a copy of Harvest of Rubies to read. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy Biblical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through CFBA, in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson (CFBA)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013) by Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.

My Review:
A sweet, sweet prequel to the O'Malley series!

Now, I have not yet read the O'Malley series, it is on my TBR list and I'll eventually get to it. But as a girl who knows nothing of this interesting family, Jennifer's story was the perfect place to start. While this book remains under one-hundred and fifty pages, it possesses a nice tug to keep me reading and interested.

This book was very different for me to read. As I mentioned, it is much shorter than other books out there and left for some conflict to be desired. It felt like things were too perfect on a few occasions.  All that said, Henderson blows a big bomb, and I don't mean literally, right before the end of the book. Readers of her series ought to have a clue, but I didn't.

Jennifer and Tom are both doctors. Jennifer works among kids in the office while Tom preforms  surgeries to make these children better. Jennifer is a giver, who keeps on giving when she's already given her all. Her heart is for her patients whom she calls her kids. Her compassion makes her a hero in a white coat for many of the children. Tom was a very likable hero who brought his cards to the table. He was very gentle with Jennifer when it came to his faith and her lack thereof. I thought he handled the situation stupendously.

To briefly sum up, it was a quick, cute read. Past and present readers will like this one. :)

I received this book from CFBA through the publisher in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Guardian Bethany House Publishers (March 26, 2013) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

ABOUT THE BOOK

When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.

As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Guardian, go HERE.

My Review:

An engaging, cute tale!

Jodi Winfield lost her sister, Karen, six months ago. Six months ago, Jodi abandoned God. She is insistent that she will have nothing to do with Him and refuses to entertain the thought of having kids. Why have them when you could lose them? Her stance begins to alter, however, when she comes across a seemingly abandoned Amish child on her morning run. I loved watching Jodi slowly return to God's arms. The "prodigal son" stories always bring a big smile to my face.

This story is so easily to get caught up in. Once again I'm not disappointed with the fabulous characters brought to life in this installment. And it is truly satisfying to visit Hickory Hollow again. I can't tell if it's Beverly Lewis's excellent writing or if it is simply her portrayal of the Amish that draws me to the book. That all being said, the ending fell short for me. It felt rushed and seemed all too soon. Other than that, there's not much more to be said. :-)

{Though this is a part of the Home to Hickory Hollow series, The Guardian can be read stand alone just like the others, though I did miss seeing the earlier characters.}

I received this book from Bethany House through CFBA, thanks!