My Foolish Heart - Susan May Warren

I've been in desperate need of a good book lately. I am a teacher and 15 hours from now, I will be on summer break. In my excitement for the impending summer, I started dreaming about all of the wonderful books I was going to read. And in that excitement, I couldn't help but get started a bit earlier than I probably should have. I was so lucky to start my summer reading off with Susan May Warren's My Foolish Heart. While this books is part of a series, it does not need to be read in order to understand what is going on. (Turns out I had read one book in the series...didn't even realize it until partway through!)

I love a good story with good guys and bad guys, but I love it even more when you're not really sure who is good and who is bad. I loved that about this book. There is one character in particular who you just want to not like, but you can't help it, and you can't decide if he's "good" or "bad".

In the end though, it is not just a quick, fun read. Yes, it's quick, yes, it's fun, but there's a lot more to My Foolish Heart than is seen from the back cover. There are issues of faith and issues that have great depth. I appreciated going on the journey with Issy, Caleb, Lucy, and Seb and discovering my own areas of crippling fear along with them.

Thank you to Tyndale for the review copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.

The Lightkeeper's Ball - Colleen Coble

I first fell in love with the cover of Colleen Coble's newest novel The Lightkeeper's Ball. From there, it only got better!

Olivia Stewart's sister is killed under mysterious circumstances while out west. Olivia has to get to the bottom of it and along the way gets to know the suspected murderer. With lots of twists and turns, this book kept me on my toes and guessing the whole time. I was sure I had it figured out toward the end (and I was close :)) but I was surprised when the truth was revealed.

It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but I really enjoyed this novel. Coble is a great writer: I enjoyed her descriptions and her character development. I have not read either of the two other books in the series, but The Lightkeeper's Ball was a good stand alone novel. I could tell that there were references to the other two books but the story wasn't lost on me due to that. Overall, an interesting read!

Thanks, Thomas Nelson, for a review copy. The opinions above are my honest opinions.

Journey to Riverbend - Henry McLaughlin

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about Henry McLaughlin's Journey to Riverbend. My skepticism mostly came from the cheesy cover. I even got made fun of by my sweet cousin while on the plane to Hawaii.

"You are reading that book? From the cover, I thought that was a book that Grandma brought with her."

I agreed with her that it was a dumb cover, and that I was a little hesitant to read it. The description on the back cover and the pictures on the front cover made me feel like I was being set up to read a cheesy Christian romance.

Oh, was I wrong! This book had everything I was (secretly) hoping for: adventure, intrigue, (some) romance, growth, mystery, suspense. Michael and Rachel are both portrayed as beautiful examples of redemption, and their story carries all of the subplots throughout this lengthy novel. I was sad when it ended.

While some of the bad guys seemed all bad, with no redeemable qualities, McLaughlin carefully wove humanity through all of his characters. It was an engaging and captivating read and I appreciated the redemption emphasized.

A great debut novel; I look forward to reading more of McLaughlin's work as he continues his writing career.

I was given this book (thank you!) by Tyndale and have expressed my honest opinions in this review.

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes - Robin Jones Gunn

I have a soft place in my heart for Robin Jones Gunn. Through her Christy Miller series, I got to know God and grew in my faith every single time I reread any of her books. That still happens when I read the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, or Glenbrooke series.

I recently received a review copy of Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn that I read in a span of three hours. Big type, somewhat surface, and overall a very quick read. It was interesting to read, as I enjoyed the Dutch history and culture woven throughout the two Sisterchicks' adventures.

Throughout the story, Gunn weaves a theme of overcoming fears, of both the past and the future. Summer has an abnormal test result...definitely scary. Noelle has a past that she hasn't addressed and an estranged relationship with her father. Both address their issues and their fears as they are loose in Holland and ridiculous adventures follow. I felt like this book was very surface...there were only a few parts of the story that went beyond surface level in terms of the characters and their lives and their growth.

Overall, a good, quick read. Enjoyable. I received this book for review from WaterBrook Multnomah (thank you!) and have expressed my opinion in this review.

Lady in Waiting - Susan Meissner

I have had my review copy (thank you, Waterbrook Multnomah!) of Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner for the last week and a half. Every evening, I look at the book then look at the clock. I typically finish most books that I start before I fall asleep that night, and with teaching the next day most days, it's hard to find time to start a book early enough in the evening. I know that's weird, but it's how I do things because I get so invested in the characters.

Anyway, FINALLY, tonight was the night. And I am so thankful I waited and gave myself a full evening to read, stop, process, read, enjoy, read, etc. this book. What an incredible story Susan Meissner weaves!

Jane and Jane are two women, centuries apart but similar in many ways. I was amazed as Meissner brought each Jane story to a semi-climax then moved on to the other Jane just when I couldn't stop reading! I must admit that I contemplated skipping ahead to find the next section of the Jane I was devouring.

Jane Lindsay, Jane Grey, and Lucy Day are complex women but Meissner writes their stories with beauty and grace. I was impressed with the attention to detail, as well as, simply put, the good storytelling.

I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and Christian fiction. While it wasn't too overtly pushed, I felt like I grew and was challenged in my own faith as I read this book. Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for the review copy of this great book. I was not asked to write a positive review...it's positive due to Meissner's lovely story.

Save the Date - Jenny B. Jones

The last book I read by Jenny B. Jones (Just Between You and Me) had me, like my ten year old self, huddling with a flashlight and hoping no one would notice. And while this time it was an iPad and I was hoping my husband wouldn't notice, it felt the same to be so engrossed in a good book that I couldn't put it down. Reading Save the Date felt the same. I could NOT put it down.

Lucy needs money. Alex has money. Alex needs popularity for his election, and Lucy seems to provide it when she's near him. Let the mayhem begin. While I was a little put off by Clare and her continued presence, by the end of the book I was rooting for her and her hilarious companion.

Funny, heartwarming, and engaging...everything I hope for in Christian chick lit. I laughed aloud more times than I can remember and, at the end of it all, I really appreciated the deeper themes of trusting and abiding. Way to go, Jenny B. Jones. And, most impressive, she is a teacher! AMAZING! I can barely manage sleeping and eating, not to mention just thinking about thinking about maybe writing a chapter or a sentence. Or thinking about writing a blog post/book review for this book that I loved reading OVER two weeks ago. :)

Thank you to Thomas Nelson BookSneeze for providing a complimentary review copy of Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones. I really enjoyed it and, although I was not asked to write a good review, I can't say enough about how much I loved this book.

The Truth of the Matter - Andrew Klavan

Wow. I waited anxiously for this book after reading the second in the series, The Only Road Home. When I first saw that The Truth of the Matter by Andrew Klavan was up for review on BookSneeze, I practically squealed with joy. I really enjoyed the second book and was curious as to the truth of what really had happened to poor Charlie West. He awoke one day to find himself wanted for the murder of his best friend, on the run from a terrorist group he had once been a member of, and confused as to who the good guys were.

The Truth of the Matter begins and ends with suspense and the middle of the book is fraught with it. I read this book quickly, gobbling up the mystery and intrigue of Charlie's life. I was pleased to find out more about what had happened to Charlie and to get some answers! Finally!

Klavan writes suspense so well. While some of the plot devices seemed somewhat ridiculous (Milton 2?), this was a great read. My only issue was that I was not expecting another cliffhanger!!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this lovely reading to me for free. This is my honest opinion about the book.

fear

A few months back during the summer, I received a free book from Thomas Nelson Publishing. It was a book by one of my favorite authors, Lisa Samson, and I was amazed at the power in its pages. I read it quickly, something I typically do with all books, and hadn't thought too much about it until recently. Last week, my husband was at work for two days one with a late shift, the next with an early shift. Since we live quite a distance from his work, it made sense that he should sleep there. During the evening while he was gone, I really enjoyed the alone time. I had dinner with a good friend (leftovers -- so I didn't even have to cook!), and after she left I wrote some more of my thesis, graded some papers, tried to bring myself to read a book that was just so hard to focus on, ate cookies and popcorn, and sang along to some of my favorite music. As it started getting dark, I closed the curtains and holed myself in, trying not to think about the darkness outside. I finally forced myself into bed far later than usual, and laid in fear for quite some time.

While I was laying there awake with my heart pounding and fear filling me, I thought of the book by Lisa Samson, Resurrection in May. I was scared, while alone in my home in Pleasantville, USA with locked doors (and even a garbage can hidden behind the door so I'd know if someone was breaking in) and windows. I said "Jesus" aloud to remind myself of the power of his name, then began to thank him. The fear I have is ridiculous. The likelihood of something "bad" happening to me was tiny.

All over the world, people live in honest fear. They are fearful of militias waiting outside their door in Darfur, of imprisonment if their government disagrees with something they say in China. They fear attacks on their lives in Mogadishu, attacks by people who are terrorizing a city to regain political control.

Our world is a place of fear, but it doesn't have to be. I know I can say this and it might not mean much because of the situation I am in: the city I live in, in the country I call home. But I believe that the paralyzing fear that I often feel can be and will be overcome by God, my God, the one who faithfully carries me (us/all) through all things.

Code Triage - Candace Calvert

I LOVE getting books in the mail (especially when they're free! Thank you, Tyndale!). This book, in particular, was anxiously awaited - I practically ran to the mailbox after arriving home from work each day. I don't know why I was so excited to get this book, Code Triage, by Candace Calvert, but I was stoked when it finally did come. Unfortunately, I was somewhat put off by the somewhat (I think) ridiculous cover photograph; but after reading the first two chapters, I was hooked!

Calvert's writing draws the reader into the story quickly, and her descriptions are clear and concise. She weaves a somewhat predictable story; however, her characterization makes the reader thirst for more of what will happen. I appreciated the focus on truth and the faithfulness of God, and the oh-so-common human desire for space. I may be the only person to think so, but I did not like how evil Sam was made out to be. While I completely agree that her actions and desires were horrible, I wonder if maybe Calvert could have still made her out as the "bad guy" without the twirling of the mustache and "muah-ha-ha"-ing. Overall though, an enjoyable read! Thanks, Ms. Calvert!

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale. My review contains only my opinions!

Outlive Your Life - Max Lucado

I have to confess: I judged Max Lucado. I've never been a big fan of the (what I considered) Christian "self-help" books. They were usually filled with cliches, numbered lists about how to improve your life, etc. So, when I received an opportunity to review a copy of Max Lucado's latest book, Outlive Your Life, I was hesitant to even request the book. I am thankful I did. I was pleasantly surprised, and almost feel like I should send an apology to Mr. Lucado (!). He has written a Scripture-based book that is a challenge to all Jesus lovers. I am passionate about social justice and I tend to be very compassionate. So, with that, his book spoke directly to my heart.

I sincerely hope his message penetrates the hearts of the church of America. When I read the title, I was sure the book was going to be lists of ways to get closer to God. I love that Lucado equated outliving life with loving people as they are Christ. I am looking forward to reading more of Lucado's books, and I owe him a sincere apology!

I received a review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, thank you! My review is filled with my thoughts and opinions; I was asked to be honest about my experience with the book, and I was! :)

Resurrection in May -Lisa Samson

I was so intrigued when I first saw Resurrection in May posted as one of the review books on Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze. I waited anxiously for the book to arrive, thinking back on other books by Samson I've enjoyed. When it finally came, I was nervous to get started as I knew May, the main character, lives through the Rwanda genocide (something I am interested in, but also struggling with) and then cannot bear to live life as a typical American. I was amazed as I read this book, though, how real May was; how her struggles with PTSD and the American life were understandable. I rejoiced as she grew, cried as she lost battles against God and herself, grieved as her heart broke, winced as her pain washed over the pages.

Samson is a gifted storyteller, as evidenced in her past novels, but reinforced in this stunning novel of redemption and freedom. I would consider this book to be a new favorite, one I don't think is going to drop off my list anytime soon. Thank you, Thomas Nelson for the review copy. These views are my own, and I'm so thankful to have received such an incredible book free!

Love on a Dime - Cara Lynn James

What a good pick for my first book of the summer! I just finished reading Love on a Dime by new author, Cara Lynn James. The last day of school, while amazing, is always a long day and requires extra patience. While most definitely given that supernaturally, it also came from the excitement that I had a new book waiting for me when I got home. I was not disappointed!

Lilly, author of (horror!) dime novels, is torn between her allegiance to her family, her long lost love, and her "obligations" to society. I enjoyed the realistic emotions Lilly felt and the ways she interacted with the people around her; I felt it was true to life when so many novels lose that reality. I did not like the portrayal of Lilly's sister-in-law, Irene, or what felt like a sudden shift in Irene's character. I was also shocked by the number of typos I found, come on, Thomas Nelson! Overall, this was an enjoyable, quick read -- nothing too heavy or thought-provoking, but a fun story to get lost in for a few hours.

This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for a review. These views are my own. Thomas Nelson, thank you for the book!

maps, maps, maps! Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, Third Edition

I love maps. They've been an interest of mine since I was little. I remember looking at the atlas my family had for hours and hours, enthralled with all of the places. I am the same way now. We have a world map shower curtain (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=114153&RN=382&) that is my excuse to take looong showers ("Honey, I'm not wasting water, I'm learning! Did you know that Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar?") and it just draws me in every time I'm in the shower or bath.

So, when I saw that my next book from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze was Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, I couldn't wait for it to arrive. Things seem to come alive to me when there is a map involved. Stories that had previously been somewhat confusing to me are clarified, which was my main excitement about this book.

I flipped open the book and was excited to see clearly marked colored maps. I paused for a moment to think back to the last confusing Bible Study I'd been in: 1 & 2 Kings popped right up. I opened to the section on 1 Kings and was amazed to see Elijah's life mapped out: different locations, and something resembling a timeline. Cool! And, wow, the summary of each book is well written and interesting. I had no recollection that Elijah's name meant "Yahweh is my God" (115). Besides the maps and timelines, there is another great piece to each sections: Themes and Literary Structure. As an English teacher, my heart smiles when I see this.

I do have to admit, though, that my favorite section is the New Testament. I love the stories of Jesus' travels with his buddies, but they were always moving...always heading somewhere new and different. It's helpful to see just where each of their adventures took them and to picture them there. I love seeing maps of the area and seeing the original names. Two of my favorite books are from The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. How amazing to see the places Hadassah and Marcus walked on their journeys with the Lord. (Okay, I know they're fictional, but they feel very real!)

Anyway, the book is intriguing -- the maps for books of the Bible I haven't read yet will no doubt get me to open my Bible and read. The tables are helpful and informative. And, I can't lie: I love timelines. A great help for us visual learners. This book was right up my alley. Thank you, Thomas Nelson for this book! I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I'm so thankful for this book and I cannot wait to use this book more and more as I dig into my Bible. It's a great resource for the visual learner and often-confused Bible reader!

WHOA - The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan

I'm not going to lie...I'm not much of a mystery/suspense fan.  I get nervous when I'm home alone, I jump at every bump or creak the house makes, loud cars that go by at night startle me.  So, with all of that in mind, I was a little nervous when I picked up Andrew Klavan's latest young adult novel, The Long Way Home.

Charlie West does not remember the last year of his life.  His best friend is dead and he has been convicted.  He is running, though from the good guys or the bad guys, he is not sure.  All he knows is that his life is on the line and he needs to keep moving.

Boy, was I blown away.  I had decided I wasn't going to read it until the weekend because my husband would be home then and I wouldn't be as scared, but when my friend who is coming to visit for the weekend said he would be here this evening, I decided it would be a great way to start my relaxation as the semester is coming to an end (giving and grading a scantron freshman final tomorrow then I'm done! :)  Woo hoo!).  I got in the bath with the book to read for half an hour, an hour max.

Two and a half hours later, I emerged, pruny as could be, and I sat on my bed in awe.  During my two and a half hour bath, I entered a world of intrigue, lies, truths, chaos, love, fear, friends,  hope, but most of all, teenage boy.  Charlie is real and the life he is living jumps off the pages.  His faith is real, his doubts are real.  His passion for truth is inspiring.  And, boy, can he fight!

What a tangled, beautiful web Klavan weaves.  His storytelling is seamless and seems to go by frustratingly quickly.  I wanted the book to never end, but end it did with my interest piqued for the third book in the Homelanders' series.  My only complaint is that the next book doesn't come out until November 2010.  So far away!