Book Review: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

The first book in the bestselling Mark of the Lion series, A Voice in the Wind brings readers back to the first century and introduces them to a character they will never forget—Hadassah. Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, this young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.

My Thoughts...

I have taken ages to finally get these books and pick them up; I truly do not know why I have not read them before now. A beautifully written book that is I describe in so many ways, A Voice in the Wind remains favourites of so many Christian readers. Following the life of the slave girl named Hadassah, readers will get a picture of why Christians are here on this earth, and their purpose. Readers will also recieve a renewed view on their faith and dwell on questions that every Christian should wrestle with. The events that unfold are captivating with encounters that will change hundreds of lives. Words are not adequate to describe how powerful this book is; it is truly a prized pairing from beginning to end. 

Hadassah is now one of my favourite characters I have ever read about. Her morales, her servitude, and her trust in the Lord never failed to leave me in awe. She trusted the Lord with all of her heart and put her faith in Him until the very end of the book. Every Chrstian reader needs this book to reflect on their own beliefs, and learning to put their faith in the Lord when troubles come. 

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Beguiled by Deeanne Gist

Rylee Monroe walks dogs in old-money Charleston, a part of the city recently targeted by a daring thief. Logan Woods works the crime beat for the local paper but dreams of a life as a nonfiction writer. When the string of robberies takes a strange twist, Logan sees the making of a once-in-a-lifetime book that seems to circle around this charming, eye-catching dogwalker. But pursuing the truth means ignoring that he seems to be falling for her. And what is she hiding in her past that could crack the story wide open?

My Thoughts...

Veering off into a different path of reading, I did not know what to expect when cracking open a mystery romance novel. I was interested in the first few chapters, and soon after to my disapointement, discovered that I had just turned the last page. This was my first Deeanne Gist book and also my first J. Mark Bertrand, so I curiously read this short novel. It was a lukewarm read, not too romantic, not too action packed. It had suspense and a sense of curiousness, but did not seem like a heavy book. The characters are somewhat developed, but lacked extra depth, like a drawing that is 2D, but not as good as 3D. I adored the dog walking as it was different and the lavish setting of the flapper era. The ending was also a bit much, and rushed to conclusions in the last few pages. These pages build up anticipation for the ending, but seemed overdone. Beguiled is an enjoyable, but not demanding book. Even non mystery lovers will read this one!

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

Scarlett Blaine's life in 1960s Georgia isn't always easy, especially given her parents' financial struggles and the fights surrounding her sister Juli's hippie lifestyle. Then there's her brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there's no denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money means baking pies, and the farmer's son, Frank, agrees to provide the peaches if Scarlett will help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett really enjoys her time with Frank, and finds herself wondering if, someday, they could be more than friends. Just as she thinks everything might be going her way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans, but shakes Scarlett's view of God. As the summer comes to an end, Scarlett must find a way to regain what she's lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother's dream

My Thoughts...

Another marvelous read by a brilliant author, Rachel Coker brings creativity to life! I ran to the second book after finishing Interrupted, and devoured it in a day or so. Personally, I thought this book gets better than the first. From the first page, I knew this book would be different than all other formulaic books I have encountered, and was anticipating the plot. Each character has weird quirks that would sometimes irritate the other characters to no end; not one character had a lack of depth to them. Every chapter uncased new and creative events that made this story one of a kind. This novel goes through each problem and success with ease and a sense of  energy that possesses the plot. The ending was nothing what I had expected, and had a bit of difficulty getting through the ending. The story had the perfect amount of emotion and lots of action, a fantastic novel that turns the everyday life into weird and real events that will forever change ones life.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Interrupted by Rachel Coker

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie s heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved."

My Thoughts...

Interrupted is quite the novel for an author who was fourteen when she wrote it. The entire plot grabbed my attention and had me flipping the pages near the end. In the first few chapters though, the plot is slow and a bit too drawn out. The main character's mother seems a bit more sick than what the readers knew. The fact that it is in the 1940s makes it doubly more interesting. The main character, Allie, is a times, too annoying to cooperate with. She is stubborn and thinks she knows what is best for her, and these traits were written into her character most of the time easily. Sometimes she would go a bit overboard with her emotions and constantly chooses what she thinks is best. In the second half of the book, most readers might get a bit tired by Allie's refusal of love and Sam's attempts to get her attention. She seems too oblivious to the fact that someone like her can be loved. Sam Carroll was so nice and always happy. Even though at times one might think he would be too happy, there are others who are like that in real life! The ending was sweet and perfect with a touch that is hard to master; Rachel Coker did it perfectly.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart

Charleston's past is full of romance. Does Anne's future hold the same?

Charleston's Anne Brumley has long dreamed of love while ringing the bells at St. Michael's, but those dreams are beginning to fade. Her sister Alisha and cousin Della encourage the thirty-six year old to move somewhere new for a fresh start.

Widower Roy Summerall has happily ministered to the country folks of Church of the Good Shepherd for years. So why would the Lord call him and his daughter away to Charleston--the city that Roy remembers from his childhood as pretentious and superficial? Surely the refined congregation of St. Michael's won't accept a reverend with a red neck and a simple faith.

Meanwhile, Anne's sister, Alisha, struggles with her husband's ambition, which seems to be taking him further from their dreams of a happy family. And Cousin Della's former fiance has returned to Charleston, making her wonder if she chose the wrong path when she married her gifted but unemployed-artist husband.

Family, friendship, and faith converge in a beautiful story about how God's transforming love works in the Holy City of Charleston. 

My Thoughts...

A story that starts off differently than the back description, the tale of three women take the stage, and learn through their struggles, mistakes, and helping others through patchy ground. This tale rook a look at multiple subjects, but unfortunately readers did not not connect with the characters because of the large time span between events. Thee are two narrators and at times, one might get confused with who is speaking. But the scenes with Roy and Anne were magical in that they had so much in common that they did not need to try to have a firm relationship. Those scenes with them were the highlight of the book whereas some others are not as wel, written and a bit harsh. Loos after loss falls upon a character and at times, seems like too much, and that the author is trying to get across the point that the character is struggling and seemed to have it all together. The scenes would have had much more impact than more drama and grief.

Every reader will be taken on this journey through the well known Charleston, experiencing all three of the women's stories with different thoughts. Love, Charleston is a very light read that may not be deeply impacting, but motivate you to get through exceptionally hard struggles and habits in life.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Garden of Madness by Tracy L. Higley

The untold story of King Nebuchadnezzar's daughter

For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.

Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an opulent yet oppressive life in the palace. But her husband has since died and she relishes her newfound independence. When a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own freedom is threatened.

As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family's secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband's brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.

In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, Tia must decide if she is willing to risk everything-her possessions, her gods, and her very life-for the Israelites' one God. Madness, sorcery, and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist's deadly potion as Tia chooses whether to risk all to save the kingdom-and her family.

My Thoughts...

The first sentence of this book hooked me from the very beginning and would not lose it's hold on me until it was done. I could scarcely out it down and kept reading to find out what happened to a very mysterious murder. The main character, Tiamat, was a likeable character even though she had faults such as presuming too much at first glance or judging someone based on their social status. At times this made Tiamat all the more like a princess, and others it seemed that she was just a little bit too immature for her age. I enjoyed her times with Pedaiah, which was unfortunately too few because of their constant bickering and judging. When they got along, you got a sense of a true relationship regardless of the disagreements and faults that they both had. The culprit was thought to have been the enemy but instead, the plot had a couple of twists that were unseen and surprising. 

Garden of Madness incuded historical facts and family lines like the rest of Tracy L. Higley's books. The ending was very satisfying with great characters from the Bible finishing it off with a great message. The Christian elements were very evident in this novel like the others and offered a positive, yet realistic view of humanity and human nature, and God moving in their lives.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Gone With the Wind by Maragret Mitchell

Gone with the Wind is a novel written by Margaret Mitchell, 1st published in 1936. The story is set in Atlanta Georgia during the American Civil War & Reconstruction era. It depicts the experiences of Scarlett O'Hara, the spoiled daughter of a well-to-do plantation owner, who must use every means at her disposal to come out of the poverty she finds herself in after Sherman's March to the Sea. A historical novel, the story is a Bildungsroman or coming-of-age story, with the title taken from a poem written by Ernest Dowson. Gone with the Wind was popular with American readers from the onset & was the top American fiction bestseller in the year it was published & in 1937. As of 2014, a Harris poll found it to be the 2nd favorite book by American readers, just behind the Bible. More than 30 million copies have been printed worldwide. 

My Thoughts...

I hope this paragraph is not as long as the book itself! Many readers refuse to read this novel because of the length (yes, it is 960 pages) or reading about two careless characters who put on such an emotional show. But for the avid readers who push through the lengthy descriptions, the novel turns into a masterpiece and in the end, finishes the painting perfectly. The main character is not a likable person at all, which is hard for an author to do. Scarlett was quite the character, but a character that you will remember for years. Most people will say that the novel is just a soap opera and too feminine for the men. It is a story of not only two lovers, but a tale of war and the folks of Georgia and surrounding areas just trying to survive. It is a tale of so much more than this giant book seems.

Scarlett O'Hara was a character who had her own opinions and goals. Underneath her prissiness, Scarlett had stamina and unknown strength and persistence. She did the things that any reader would yell at her for. Yet, there is a love hate relationship that every reader has for this character. At times, one would sympathize with her or agree with her seldom positive choices. Readers grow attached to Scarlett unlike any other character. Vivien Leigh potrays Scarlett perfectly in the movie and portrays the personality flawlessly. Rhett Butler seems to go hand in hand with Clark Gable. Like Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable in the movie portrays Rhett, and is very much alike this fictional character. Every movie fan knows the most memorable movie line in cinema history that Clark Gable announces in the last scene, and the book is just as memorable. Rhett Butler was the perfect, adventurous, devil like charaacter who comes into Scarlett's life and is not afraid to break the laws. He was one of my favourite characters who had knowledge but mixed it with his opinions, which wer edge finally more risky than society's. Rhett's and Scarlett's relationship makes the reader wonder where it would go and why their relationship was not always stable. Their relationship is probably the most iconic love story next to Romeo and Juliet's. 

The movie adaptation closely resembles the book with a few exceptions and shows readers a deeper picture of some scenes with very memorable actors and actresses. One of the most read classics of all time, Gone With the Wind is definatly a book every reader needs to put on their list!

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Endless Night by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie's genius for detective fiction is unparalleled. Her worldwide popularity is phenomenal, her characters engaging, her plots spellbinding. No one knows the human heart or the dark passions that can stop it better than Agatha Christie. She is truly the one and only Queen of Crime.

Endless Night

Michael Rogers dreams of a rich, beautiful wife and a perfectly designed house. He finds the woman, and they build the house. Then sudden death strikes.

My Thoughts...

This is the first mystery novel that I have read and it is something that was quite different that what I normally read. Since I have never read any other Agatha Christie books before, I do not know if they are the same as this one. Endless Night was not really a mystery, and, rather, became a study on the thoughts of humans. Michael Rigers gave me a funny feeling throughout the book and acted very strangely in a subtle manner. But I always got an impression that this narrator was not reliable because of his options, especially at the end. The couple were realistic and had plenty of depth to them, but they could still gave a reader a queer feeling that you could not trust a single person in the story. Many times I would get a feeling that this might be all a dream or some trick of some sort that the narrator, Rogers, would plan. 

Overall, the story did not impress me in the end with a ending that you would feel tricked, although the clues added up with additional foreshadowings. Maybe this book is different than Agatha Christie's others such as Miss Marple, but this one seems more of an absurd plot.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: City of Fire by Tracy L. Higley

Pleasure-seeking Romans find the seaside town of Pompeii the perfect gateway. But when the rich patrician Cato escapes Rome, intent on a life of leisure, he is unprepared for the hostility he encounters. In the same place, but at the opposite end of society, Ariella has disguised herself as a young boy to be sold into a gladiator troupe. Survival is her only ambition.

But evil creeps through the streets of Pompeii, and neither Ariella's secret nor Cato's evasion is immune to it. Political corruption, religious persecution, and family peril threaten to destroy them, even before an ominous mountain in the distance spews its fire.

As Vesuvius churns with deadly intent, Cato and Ariella must bridge their differences to save the lives of those they love--before the fiery ash buries Pompeii, leaving the city lost to the world.

My Thoughts...

What a story about courage, faith, and of course, love! The plot starts right from the first page, describing the Israelites fleeing from the invading Romans, emotions seeping from the very pages. Loss, triumph, doubt, and terror are the strong emotions that the reader experiences in the first few chapters. Following a strong willed and likable character on her journey, readers get a sense of what it was like in Pompeii during that time of sin and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Even though the antagonist was clearly identified and was showed as a tyrant who believed in a polytheistic religion, it was still thrilling as the evil character revealed yet another level of his powers over the citizens and those whom he had targeted. 

At times, one would question if there would be any inappropriate scenes because of the vocabulary used. But if any true history fanatic knew anything about Pompeii, it would have been about the evil sins the citizens committed, careless people who did whatever they pleased. The main character, Ariella, was quite the gladiator. She had extreme levels of courage and both physical and mental stamina. She did not seem at all immature like many protagonists many readers encounter, but instead, is very mature for her age. I love how she has trouble trusting anyone, let alone a Roman politician because of the many problems plaguing the characters one after another. This book is not a light read with a spark of casual events but rather a dramatic take of learning to trust after negative experiences and leaning on God instead of holding your ground. The book was well written overall and the character development that takes place is phenomenal. Ariella goes through many good changes throughout the novel which is always fun to look at at the end. Overall, one of the best books I have recently read with a beautiful plot that takes each reader on a winding journey to read about faith and courage like they have never before.       

-ShewolfLia17  

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Winning will make you famous. 

Losing means certain death.

The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. 

My Thoughts...

There is a tv show called Hunger Games in Panem. There are twelve districts in Panem. There must be one male tribute and one female tribute from each district to join the Hunger Games. On,y one of them can be the victor which means only that person can be alive.

Katie's replaces her sister's place and join the Hunger Game as the female tribute from district twelve. Katniss is such a brave, smart and obstinate girl. She never gives in to her fate. She resists evil in Panem all the time.

So in the first book of the Hunger Games, we can see Katniss's change. We can see how she becomes stronger and stronger under the evil environment. 


-chocolate 

Book Review: Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare

The action is set in Sicily, where Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, has recently defeated his half-brother, the bastard Don John, in a military engagement. Apparently reconciled, they return to the capital, Messina, as guests of the Governor, Leonato. There Count Claudio, a young nobleman serving in Don Pedro's army, falls in love with Hero, Leonato's daughter, whom Don Pedro woos on his behalf. The play's central plot shows how Don John maliciously deceives Claudio into believing that Hero has taken a lover on the eve of her marriage, causing Claudio to repudiate her publicly, at the altar.

My Thoughts...

This book is about two pairs of lovers.

One is the handsome soldier Claudio a beautiful girl Hero's love story. They fall in love with eachother so quickly and decided to marry eachother immediately. Everyone in the town was very happy that they will wed except one person. Don John, he'd plan to make some trouble with them...

The pair of lovers used to argue and didn't like eachother. But one day, heir friends had a secret plan with them...

The book is very interesting because of the funny dialogues. But I have my own opinions about this book. I think the characters are not serious enough about love and marriage. For example, Claudio fell in love with Hero and just met her once and they decided to marry! I can't imagine! They hadn't known eachother yet! I don't agree about this way to marry. But my small doubts can't hide Shakespeare's big success in this book. It's still a really good comedy to read!  

-Corrine

Book Review: the Shunning by Beverly Lewis

The best-selling story of Katie Lapp, who longs for things forbidden to a young Amish woman. But an unexpected discovery reveals her true past. Heritage of Lancaster County book 1.

My Thoughts...

This was my first Amish book, starting off with the popular author, Beverly Lewis. Although this starter in a trilogy was enjoyable and at times, beautiful, the text felt fake at times. It was just too predictable for me, I knew almost all of the things by the middle of the book by simply guessing...and I was right! After correctly guessing, the text was long and included many unnecessary details with very plain writing. Now, there are probably many avid readers who like simpler writing but I was wanting more descriptions and longer sentences! Some of the action so the Amish actually surprised me though. I did not know that they were that hard and they enforced many strict rules that I would have never thought would be a part of their living. The plot just did not have any huge twists and was too predictable the whole way through. The main character was simply too rebellious when she was curious, and she kept bothering her mother to the point where I wanted to slam the book down and say to her "just leave the problem alone!" She was clearly not suppose to inquire, it was for her own good. This book was okay, not good or great...I might be reading some of her books in the future If they are different plot wise but for now I might move on and come back. This book is the first one in a trilogy series with two movies released.

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Brian's Winter by Gary Polsen

He would have to find some way to protect himself, some weapon. The fire worked well when it was burning, but it had burned down. His hatchet and knife would have done nothing more than make the bear really angry -- something he did not like to think about -- and his bow was good only for smaller game. He had nver tried to shoot anything bigger than a foolbird or rabbit with it and doubted that the bow wouuld push the arrow deep enough to do anything but -- again -- make the bear really made. 
He bundled in his bag that night, the end of the two weeks of warm weather. He kept putting wood on the fire, half afraid the bear would come back. All the while he tried to think of a solution.
But in reality, the bear was not his primary adversary. Nor was the wolf, nor any animal. Brian had become his own worst enemy because in all the business of hunting, fishing and surviving he had forgotten the primary rule: Always, "always" pay attention to what was happening. Everything in nature means something and he had missed the warnings that summer was ending, had in many ways already ended, and what was coming would be the most dangerous thing he had faced since the plane crashed.

My Thoughts...

It's about a boy who survived himself in the wild after an experience with an airplane. In this situation, he must face the dangerous nature and winter himself. It's a big challenge for him! In this time he grows up and gets more mature. Finally, he gets rescued. 

The boring is a little boring because the whole book just describes the boy's daily life. But it still has a very meaningful message; the relationship between human and Mother Nature. After reading it, you have a new attitude about how to treat nature. It's worth a read! 

-Corrine

Book Review: The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson

Mary-Margaret yearned to dedicate her life to the Lord. Jesus had another idea.

When Mary-Margaret Fischer met Jude Keller, the lighthouse keeper's son, she was studying at a convent school on a small island off Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude--gorgeous, rebellious, promiscuous Jude. But Jude, driven by demons no one really understood, disappeared into Baltimore's seamy red-light district. Mary-Margaret moved on with her life, preparing to serve God with her sisters as a teacher and artist.

Then Jude comes home--but now he's bitter, dissolute, and diseased. And Mary-Margaret receives a divine call that shakes her to the core, a call to give up her dreams for the troubled man who befriended her so long ago. For Jesus' sake, can she forsake the only life she ever wanted for a love that could literally cost her life?

My Thoughts...

Lisa Samson is one of my favourite authors and a Christy award winner. (What is a Christy Award? It is an award given annually to novels of excellence that are written from a Christian worldview.)  I had already read her book “Quaker Summer” and loved it so I was ready for “The Passion of Mary-Margaret.”  This book is a bit gut-wrenching for the reader as we follow Mary-Margaret through her life; first as an orphan, in love with the wild boy Jude, then as an idealistic young woman seeking to follow her vocation as a nun, and finally as a mature Christ-follower who is not afraid to obey that which God has told her to do, especially as it concerns the man that Jude has become. Mary-Margaret was an inspiration to me and hopefully will be to each of you who read about her.

-Bookworm55

Book Review: A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Laura Rose White's late father taught her everything he knew about piloting a Missouri River steamboat. He even named their boat after her. Despite that, it seems that Laura will forever be a "cub pilot" to her brother Joe, because in 1867, a female riverboat captain is unheard of. That is, until tragedy strikes and Laura must make the two month journey from St. Louis to Fort Benton and back in order to save her family's legacy, her home, and the only life she's ever known.

The only way for her to overcome the nearly insurmountable odds is with the help of her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight, a skilled pilot with a terrible reputation. Laura loathes having to accept MacKnight as her co-pilot, especially when she learns she must also provide passage for his two sisters. Straight-laced Fiona has a fear of water, and unpredictable Adele seems much too comfortable with the idea of life in the rough and tumble environment of the untamed river and the men who ply it. Though they are thrown together by necessity, this historic journey may lead Laura and the MacKnights to far more than they ever expected. 

My Thoughts...

This novel surprised me more than I would have ever expected. Seeing that it was a popular hoped for book that released this last spring, I was excited for it. Readers thought this a fantastic book for the most part. My thoughts were actually quite different. The very first page starts off slowly. Knowing how many books take time but can be delightful reads, I kept reading. But characters took forever to come to a conclusion and seemed stuck in situations. I was looking forward to the endless, dangerous action that was supposed to take place on the Laura Rose. Finding little to no action and characters needlessly dying, I started to doubt that this was a worthwhile book. 

Beginning with the first character, Laura, she was brave and a very intelligent woman. She was the only character with any depth. She was determined and possessed no silliness in some situations, unlike Fiona and her sister. The two were too annoying and too clueless to figure any situation out without the help of someone else. The author had tried to paint some kind of wild adventure, but instead, seemed too boring to enjoy. There was a small amount of action, but hardly any that interested me for any amount of time. There is a mention of God and how He teaches the main character a special kind of lesson, which was thought provoking. In the end, I labored hard to finish this short novel, dragging through some scenes. It was overall an neutral type of book without much emotion poured into it. It just did not suit my taste, whereas, it might suit others!



-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Deluge by Lisa T. Bergren

IT'S ONE THING TO BATTLE FOR LIFE...BUT WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN DEATH ITSELF COMES HUNTING? 

The Bettarinis and Forellis have found rich fulfillment together in medieval Italia. But after fighting off countless enemies, they now must face the worst foe of all. As the Black Death closes in upon them, threatening everything and everyone they hold dear, Lia and Gabi–and the knights they love–must dig deep within to decide how they might remain safe…and if they need to risk it all in order to truly live as they’re called. 

My Thoughts...

Okay, so many readers got a little scared that everyone would die in this amazing ending to a beloved series such as this one. And I was one of them! After countless reassurances by the author, I had to find out what became of these brave and courageous characters. The beginning of the book will seem very slow as the plot starts building up and I began to think that this book would not be the same as the rest, and I didn't know if I would like that. But as the story progresses, I realized that the author put that slowness in for a special reason, the only time for peace before the plague. Reaching for my Kleenex box as I finished the two last parts, the characters are forced to learn that every moment of life is precious, instead if wasting it, enjoy and celebrate each and every moment with the people we love. Following each character through some exceptionally hard times was challenging as they waited out the plague. The ending was beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time, leaving a beloved series that I have read throughout the years. 

The characters are older and therefore, face different kinds of problems than in the earlier books. The themes are more mature as Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, and the others navigate these especially challenging years, and what lay ahead for them in the future. I laughed and couldn't stop crying in the second half of the book, constantly wiping my eyes. For readers who are looking forward to reading this book, be emotionally prepared and have a box or two of Kleenex at your side! 

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

My Thoughts...

I am very surprised this novel was not turned into a series, but it was perfect in writing and length. Since I have a history class that will focus on ancient times, I gladly picked this novel up for a taste of what I was going to learn! Tracy Higley's writing was not only very descriptive but fast paced, taking you back to Egypt and surrounding lands, experiencing it as though you were really there. Characters were drafted according to the real people who had a strong hunger for land and power. Battles, relationships, and events were accurate to the history of ancient Egypt with a few exceptions. This novel spills with plenty of history about these sometimes savage people that roamed the earth, the author has done much research to make this wonderful book. The Christian element is there too, not preachy but since many if the characters are Jews, their religion is displayed. A divine read for a historical fanatic!

The main character, Lydia, is a very relatable person, shy, but has a deep gift for helping people. She distances herself from everyone she meets because she will have to soon say goodbye. Lydia was a brave woman in no need of a man to save her, but still did not seem invincible. There are many characters like Cleopatra whom you would read about and see their thoughts as if you knew the same thoughts that she had in real life. I loved getting into these real characters and seeing just what they really thought of themselves. It is like learning history but on a whole new level! I loved all of Lydia's friends whom she tries not to form a relationship with. I especially loved her relationship with Simon, neither of them focusing on deepening their relationship but only focusing on their devotion for whatever leader they would serve. The ending was promising, neither extremely happy nor sad, but just the right amount. A rich display of history with fantastic writing, what more could you want?

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

Anne "Perri" Singleton's world is defined by the security of family, the camaraderie of friends at an exclusive Atlanta girls' school, and an enviable social life. She isn't looking for new friends when Mary Dobbs Dillard arrives from Chicago. Besides, "Dobbs," the passionate and fiercely individualistic daughter of an itinerant minister, is her opposite in every way.

But just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets....

With her endearing characters and poignant storytelling, Atlanta native Elizabeth Musser vividly re-creates the charm of her beloved city amid the poverty and plenty that shaped the 1930s.

My Thoughts...

The era of the 1930's was made up of poverty, dark news, but also of dazzling and profound actors that brought memorable entertainment with other little joys. This book reveals both sides of living in the hardest times, and how the people made it through. The Sweetest Thing portrays the characters as they navigate life's hardest questions about life...and death. In this enthralling tale that Musser has intricately woven not only showcases her creative writing and ideas, but how she sees life through a Christ follower's eyes. History lovers will especially appreciate her knowledge of the past, and telling a beautiful tale full of lessons. 

The main character "Perri" Singleton, has known comfort all of her life. Member of a preppy sorority club with tons of friends, parties, and even a thousand men to date per year, she doesn't give a thought about having to sacrifice any of it, until her world falls apart. Forced to dwell on matters and realize the truth, Perri meets Mary Dobbs but is completly her opposite and looks down upon her with distaste. But as high class society starts to collide with middle and even lower classes, Perri forms a friendship with "Dobbs", even with her spiritual ideas that Perri is so skeptical about. I could not really relate to Perri except for the end of the book, when she had learned some lessons. At times I got a little frustrated with how she acted and went back to old habits that she had worked hard to get rid of. I would then read about Dobbs and really relate to her about her doubts and confusion in the midst of tragedy and troubles. Sacrifice, friendship, and especially love are the three most important things at the heart of the story, along with a great mystery to top it off. The characters had an amazing depth to them, making it feel like you were interacting with them, sucked back into time. The lessons included will all relate to each reader in such a personal way, even a stunning cover compliments this pleasant tale that everyone should read.

-SheWolfLia17

Book Review: The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

And then came war . . .

"Today." Sera James spends most of her time arranging auctions for the art world's elite clientele. When her search to uncover an original portrait of an unknown Holocaust victim leads her to William Hanover III, they learn that this painting is much more than it seems.

"Vienna, 1942." Adele Von Bron has always known what was expected of her. As a prodigy of Vienna's vast musical heritage, this concert violinist intends to carry on her family's tradition and play with the Vienna Philharmonic. But when the Nazis learn that she helped smuggle Jews out of the city, Adele is taken from her promising future and thrust into the horrifying world of Auschwitz.

The veil of innocence is lifted to expose a shuddering presence of evil, and Adele realizes that her God-given gift is her only advantage; she must play. Becoming a member of the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz, she fights for survival. Adele's barbed-wire walls begin to kill her hope as the months drag into nearly two
 years in the camp. With surprising courage against the backdrop of murder and despair, Adele finally confronts a question that has been tugging at her heart: Even in the midst of evil, can she find hope in worshipping God with her gift?

As Sera and William learn more about the subject of the mysterious portrait--Adele--they are reminded that whatever horrors one might face, God's faithfulness never falters.

My Thoughts...

This story was very original, two plots connecting over a span of 70 or so years with emotion seeping out from the pages themselves. It is a story about courage, determination, and love as the readers transfer back in time to experience like never before a painting that told of a remarkable woman. This inspiring tale focuses on the beauty that God has placed uniquely in each persons lives. That gift, when blossomed, brings unknown beauty to even the darkest corners of the earth and brings glory to God. 

It seems very hard to write two totally different plots, let alone connect them in such as way as Cambron did. As a completly original storyline, I was delighted and rushed to pre-order it. After finishing it, I then handed it over to another person, who also enjoyed it immensely. The characters of both plots were realistic, each one having baggage from their pasts and worked it out, not one character was perfect and lived that pure Christian life. The main character, Adele, was a brave figure who fought for the weak and with the help of God and Vladimir, did what she knew was right in her heart. I absolutely loved Vladimir Nicolai who was a vulnerable, selfless, but also relatable character. He wanted to save the Jews with Adele, but needed to protect her from the dangers of hiding and transporting Jews, which could have been a death sentence. Sera James was a like able character, but not one of my favourites. She seemed to jump to conclusions way too often and wreck a perfectly good part. William Hanover was very handsome (as the leading males usually are) and had a large amount of baggage that he slowly reveals all throughout the book. These main characters and supporting were exceptionally strong with a passion for Christ.

This novel was truly a masterpiece, very original, with moments throughout it when you want to say "awwh". This book would be suggested to everyone, a fast paced read, but especially for fans of historical fiction. There is a second book to this masterpiece series that will come out in 2015, I will be watching out for that one and others by this new author!

-ShewolfLia17

Book Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed. 

With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers.

Our Thoughts...

The only reason I picked this book up at the library was because of the historic setting (I have a passion for history). Thinking this book would not satisfy and instead, become bored and quit, I was reluctant. But as chapter by chapter zoomed by, the storyline was riveting and the suspense thrilling. Secrets upon secrets are built, Charlotte Brontë did a wonderful job of ending this tale and did not leave a single hint or question answered. The characters were very realistic, Jane herself, was the most relatable character, practical and plain. Her life was not fine, but she matured and became a moral woman who was not afraid of talking back to men like Mr. Rochester about her choices or advising him. She also never gave in to sinful desires and did not become swayed by beauty or temporary happiness. Mr. Rochester was an extremely interesting man who seemed at times, too stubborn and cocky, but slowly learned from his mistakes. He was not a fine and remarkably built gentleman, presumably very ugly, but he listened to Jane when no one else liked her, and related to her in such a personal way. He was not a Christian though and since he had everything he could want, he kept God out of his life, even while Jane would talk to him about her faith and keeping her morals and standards in line with what she believed in. At times, I felt that Mr. Rochester was too careless and did not know how to treat Jane, buying her pricey dresses and outfits, even when she refused. The story, however, ends up perfectly and everything ties together for one emotional ending. 

This classic novel was thought provoking, bringing you to realize the important details of life and how people can change lives by just caring about others and sacrificing themselves another persons sake. There are multiple Jane Eyre movies out and also a tv show that follows Jane, perfect to see after reading this book!

-ShewolfLia17 

Book Review: Christian Heroes: Then and Now series by Janet and Geoff Benge

This post is coming from a lover of fiction.  Historical fiction, romantic fiction, whatever!  So it's a bit surprising for this fiction lover to have become so completely enamored by a series of non-fiction entitled Christian Heroes: Now and Then.  This set of well-written books is published by YWAM and  is about Christians who have done unusual things or had God do unusual things through them.  Gladys Aylward is probably my favourite of the series so far, and takes place about the turn of the century. Gladys was an uneducated housemaid in London, England, when she decided that God was calling her to China to spread the Good News about Jesus.  People thought she was crazy!  What follows is an amazing story of her steps in faith and an unreal trip by train across Siberia during a war between Russia and China! I have this vivid picture in my imagination of this small woman hiking along the railroad tracks with her cardboard suitcase with a kettle tied onto it, in the middle of a Siberian winter.  The train would take her no farther as they were getting too close to the war zone.  She went on to do amazing things, like helping an entire region to abolish the foot binding tradition, and rescuing hundreds of orphans during the next war.

This book has been made into a movie entitled "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" which, while not completely accurate, is still a beautiful film to watch. Read the book first though!

If you aren't interested in China, there are stories about people who have gone to Africa, Central America, South America, Mexico, and many other countries around the world.  Books about men and women, professional people like doctors and uneducated people like Gladys.  Take a look at this series soon.  I am sure everyone will find a book to interest them.

-Bookworm55