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

Book Review: Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa t. Bergren

In the first book of the new futuristic dystopian series from author Lisa T. Bergren, the chosen remnants must work to redirect humanity’s course.

The year is 2095. Gifted teens known as Remnants have been chosen and trained to act as humanity’s last hope to rectify the horrors that are now part of everyday life.

The Community has trained these teens as warriors and assigned them Knights of the Last Order as protectors. Together, they are a force that will be difficult to bring down.

But the Sons of Sheol, of course, are determined to do just that. As the Remnants begin their mission to course-correct humanity by saving and protecting key individuals, their enemies move to stop them, placing the entire world in peril.

Bestselling author Lisa T. Bergren presents the first book in her new YA futuristic dystopian series—The Remnants Novels—fitting in with the current dystopian trend in the marketplace.

Our Thoughts...

After reading so-so books for a few months, I decided to give Remnants a try, since it was to be launched in a few days. I'm not a fan of futuristic novels and have never liked the themes written in those books but since Mrs. Bergren never fails to write an amazing book, I knew I had to read it. While reading this book I felt as if I could really connect with the characters, it drew me in to join the Ailiths on their dangerous adventure to save the world and redirect the confused people to the Maker, who is God. While reading many parts I cried, laughed, and yelled as my characters faced difficult situations, made it through unbearable times, and connected with God. The reason I read this series was not only because of Lisa Bergren's writing but the Christian theme put into it. 

The characters blew me away with their unique personalities, Andriana, Ronan, Vidar, Niero, Tressa, and the others. They each had weaknesses and strengths, relying on either their Knight or Remnant to survive and come out strong in the end. The only confusion that I had was pairing a male and female together, Knight and Remnant. That just opens up the option of being attracted to either your Knight or Remnant, allowing a forbidden romance that could wreck everything. But I'm also glad that they were paired up that way, it made things more interesting. Andriana was a tough and courageous main character, a mature seventeen year old who had trained her whole life for this mission. Her and Ronan have a beautiful relationship that I hope continues to blossom as the series progresses. I just wish that they had more moments together throughout the book. Vidar was the funny warrior that made me laugh when things were so serious, I really enjoyed his sense of humor and character. Season of Wonder was so creative, there were twists in the plot that I never expected, the characters were emotionally challanged but so was I reading about what they faced. This is one book that needs to be on every bookshelf, it was that incredible. The second book to the series, Season of Fire, comes out in winter of 2015. 

-ShewolfLia17