Fiction

Review of The End of Law: A Novel of Hitler’s Germany by Therese Down

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Genre: Historical Fiction/Holocaust

Recommended!

9781782641902

In 1933 Berlin, Hedda Schroeder is wealthy, naive, and caught up in her superficial life of jazz clubs, dating, and fashion. She dates two men: Karl Muller, a medical student and engineer, who bores her; and Walter Gunther, who is attractive, charming, and ambitious in his mysterious work as a newly hired SS officer.

In 1940, Hedda is married with two children to Walter, who is abusive in both his marriage and political work. Hedda also reconnects with Karl, as he and her husband work together as SS officers within the secret T4 euthanasia programme–its mission to kill those unworthy to live, including those with physical and mental illnesses.

This dark, fast moving narrative is informative and powerful in graphically detailing some of the horrors within the T4 euthanasia programme. It captures “adult material” that is not always easy to read, yet very important to remember and take as a warning.

The characters respond differently under the pressure of their circumstances–but each in a very human way. I especially enjoyed Hedda’s transformation from self-absorbed to aware and courageous. I enjoyed the end-note that Karl is loosely based on a real person. And I was challenged to consider the depth of evil, and the ethical and practical responsibilities of those who recognize it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lion Hudson.

 

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Review of The Calling by Rachelle Dekker

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Genre: Futuristic/Dystopian/Suspense

Series: A Seer Novel, Book 2

Recommended.

978-1-4964-0227-1The dystopian setting of the Authority City continues in this sequel to The Choosing with an increasingly dangerous regiment of experimental vaccinations to control the people, and a plan to find and exterminate the rebel camp of the Seers, lead by Remko Brant. Against high stakes and multiple disappointments, Remko struggles to work through his anger and fear in order to realize his identity, and discover his calling.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, and was glad to resume the story with this one, which I found better than the first. It reads as popular teen fiction, with relatable characters, a good amount of suspense, and lots of action in the second half (the beginning was interesting enough to keep me reading, but slower paced). The end was particularly good, and left me wanting to read the final book of the series!

I especially liked the juxtaposition of the corrupt society’s initiatives to control and manipulate the people, compared with the spiritual teaching of the rebels to surrender to God by finding their identity in Him. The spiritual metaphor, on this note, is very positive, although theologically it is a bit shallow. I had a small issue with this in the first book as well, in that the story presents a partial truth in its portrayal of salvation–presenting salvation as something that one simply realizes as one’s identity, rather than the biblical process of dying to oneself through repentance, in order to be exalted as a new creation through Christ (a transformation into salvation, rather than an epiphany that no transformation is needed because one has already been made perfect). This is an important difference to me, and one I would emphasize to my kids before letting them read this. But from a story perspective, it is very good. And the process of surrendering one’s fears is also strongly presented.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Review of The Confessions of X by Suzanne M. Wolfe

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Genre: Historical Romance

Highly Recommended!

_225_350_Book.1814.coverSt. Augustine of Hippo wrote an autobiographical work called Confessions; and within this he mentions his pain in parting with his concubine, whom he loved dearly. The Confessions of X brings to life a fictitious rendering of this anonymous women’s story–her own autobiography unknown to history, yet having made a permanent impression on Augustine who thus influenced the early Christian world. The historical aspects of the book are well researched, and the author’s minor liberties with the factual account and chronology achieve her goal of dramatic storytelling without taking away from the historical richness.

Truly, this is one of my favorite narratives of the year as the characters touched me–even to tears, which is very rare for me while reading. It is a brilliantly written novel that captures the human condition, and reaches the soul, while also providing a poignant doorway to Northern Africa and Rome in the fourth and early fifth centuries.

Augustine was not a Christian until later in his life, and this is not a “Christian” novel in the tradition of lightheartedness and censoring, but an honest one that tells the truth in every detail: not shying away from pagan worship, sensuality, the brutality of the games, or the pains of childbearing, illness, and loss. The poetic writing evokes the emotions and brings each setting to life–for better and worse, and however graphic to the mind and senses.

I was most touched by the exploration of human and divine love, and was left with a greater sense of Jesus’ love through the multi-faceted metaphor of these characters’ lives, and the impossible choices they make along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

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Review of Risen: The Novelization of the Major Motion Picture by Angela Hunt

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Genre: Biblical Fiction

Not Recommended.

COL_BILL_TEMPLATE_17Yeshua’s (Jesus’) resurrection is told through the paralleled perspectives of Roman Tribune, Clavius (who is tasked with overseeing the crucifixion and tracking down Yeshua’s body when it mysteriously goes missing), and a Jewish widow, Rachel, with whom Clavius is having an affair.

Risen starts strong: it is well contextualized within its authentic historical setting (with a couple very minor exceptions), has interesting characters with relatable flaws and struggles, and offers new perspectives of Yeshua’s death and resurrection.

Unfortunately, the emotional development of the main characters is not carried through to the end of the narrative, and toward the end the story fell flat. The final chapters felt like an attempt to fit as much of Scripture as possible into the story, and were awkward to read. I also wanted more development and conclusion of some of the dramatic plot moments leading up to the end. Likewise, I was disappointed by the glaring omission of Yeshua’s ascension into heaven, which is theologically one of the most significant aspects of His resurrection.

I have heard great things about the Risen movie, and understand that the book is quite a bit different–adding characters and content. So while I did not love the book, I am looking forward to seeing the film when I get the chance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason

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Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Courage to Dream, Book 2

Recommended.

25822027This is a double love-story set in New York City in the early 1900s. Maggie Montgomery and her fire-fighter brother Gabe sail from Ireland to America to visit their married brother and his family.

Convict, Adam O’Leary, is freshly out of prison, when he finds himself falling for Maggie–a match that is dissuaded by both families, especially since Maggie has just escaped a bad courtship in Ireland. The woman Gabe has eyes for is a likewise implausible match as she is above his station.

This charming story is a quick read that held my attention all the way through. While the romance is intentionally predictable, there were several surprising twists in the end that made the story more exciting.

Adam’s character was the most developed, and I enjoyed the development of his Christian faith, his struggle to find his place within his family, and his process of embracing forgiveness and new opportunities.

I would not say this is a “deep” story; but it is fun to read, lighthearted, and would go well with a bubblebath.

I did not read the first book in the series [Irish Meadows], and did not feel that I missed anything necessary to enjoying this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Step by Step by Candace Calvert

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978-1-4143-9034-5Genre: Romance/Medical Drama

Series: Crisis Team, Book 2

Recommended.

ER nurse and crisis team volunteer, Taylor Cabot, relocates to San Diego to get away from the painful memories of her late husband’s death and to have a fresh start. She has her new life nearly in control with a tight schedule, diet, exercise plan, and new romantic interest, when she is confronted by two acquaintances from the past: a fellow nurse who used to work with her in Sacramento, and the crisis team chaplain who had comforted her after her husband’s accident. The medical emergencies the team faces parallel the characters’ own struggles as they each deal with their own crises–and as Taylor especially learns to open up her heart to pain, healing, and love.

I enjoy reading lighthearted Christian fiction when I need to relax, and this one met that need, plus had a little depth with portraying the chaplain’s “ministry of presence,” and the grieving process.

The characters were vibrant, the romanic tension was palpable, the numerous medical cases were interesting additions to the story, and I enjoyed that the setting happened to be within cities I am familiar with.

This is a great book for those who love medical dramas, and want a Christian perspective and appropriateness. It has a great balance between light and fun, and truthful and relevant. This is the first of Candace Calvert’s books that I have read, and I would definitely read another.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Review of A Thousand Shall Fall: A Civil War Novel by Andrea Boeshaar

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Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Shenandoah Valley Saga

Recommended.

unnamed(3) Set in 1864, a few years into the Civil War, the quick-witted and day-dreamy, Carrie Ann Bell, feels responsible for her family as she carries forth her missing father’s newspaper, and labors at the Wayfarer’s Inn to care for her ill mother and sisters after a fire destroyed their home. So when her younger sister runs away with a peddler, she protectively runs out to find her, disguising herself as a Yankee soldier to look for her in the northern Yankee territory. Unfortunately, she is caught before completing her mission, but sparks fly between her and the Yankee Colonel.

I enjoyed this story, especially for the historical element. I have read very little of the Civil War era, and was able to get a better grasp of who the major militarily and political leaders were on both sides of the war. I also appreciated Boeshaar’s use of authentic historical clippings interspersed throughout the narrative.

The romance was light, fun, and predictable, which is what I expected from this genre. The war aspect (violence, brutality) was also very light and easy to read, despite the many references to horrific events. I am generally drawn toward darker war history, as it seems more authentic in that style. But the historical descriptions, people, and locations, are strong and well researched.

The tone and “appropriateness” of the story make it ideal for teen readers, who would enjoy the story while also learning a bit of relevant history.

Carrie Ann is a charming character, especially for her open-minded intellectual approach to the war, and willingness to consider both sides of the conflict, including the questions of faith and humanity.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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Review of The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan

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Genre: Christian Suspense

Series: Jerusalem Prophecies, Book 3

Recommended!

9780825443893In the first book, The Sacred Cipher, a team of amateur’s uncover the mystery of a scroll hidden within an ancient mezuzah, and in searching out the truth of the message in archaeological tunnels under the Temple Mount, come across a phenomenal discovery!

Then in book two, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, the team recognizes a new coded message on the mezuzah, which takes them on another unbelievable high-risk adventure.

This third book of the trilogy leaves off immediately after the second book finishes, and so the stories should not be read separately! This time the team uses clues from the Aleppo Codex to search for the most powerful weapon in history: Aaron’s staff. But they are not the only ones looking for the staff: a league of evil men have been on the hunt for this power for generations, and will do anything to steal the power of God.

This is a fun series rich with actual historical and archaeological details amid the fictitious mystery, lots of high-paced action and suspense, and a deep and genuine glimpse into the Christian faith (and its struggles) in action. Some of the plot points seemed a bit far fetched, and yet the way the characters were written, the narrative quickly felt almost plausible. There is also a relevant underlying theme of how God works things out for His purposes. I felt like each book of the trilogy was stronger than the one before, and look forward to reading what Terry Brennan comes up with next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book (as well as the first two books in the series) from Kregel Publications.

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Review of Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Highly Recommended.

25154582Hannah Sterling never had the close relationship with her mother that she desired; but when her mother, Lieselotte, dies, Hannah begins to uncover the war secrets that divided her family and plagued her mother.

Two parallel storylines complement each other in this beautifully written work: Lieselotte’s WWII love-story, and Hannah’s journey to Berlin in the 1970s to visit the grandfather she did not know she had, and uncover her family’s identity.

The romance, history, and complex themes are accentuated by the depth of the characters and film-worthy suspense. The reality of the Shoah can be difficult to remember, yet I did not want to put this one down. Gohlke has crafted a powerful portrait of courage and forgiveness in the face of hatred and darkness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Review of Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty by Angela Hunt

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Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: Dangerous Beauty (Book 2)

51ximKyn5jL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_This narrative of Bathsheba’s life covers a large portion of Scripture from the moment that King David spies and acquisitions Bathsheba to the moment when Solomon is finally crowned king. It is carefully written not to contradict Scripture, while creatively adding in character and plot details to capture the larger picture of the biblical story.

Those familiar with these Scriptures will remember the prominent sins (lust, rape, murder, jealousy, pride, etc.) that may not be appropriate themes for younger readers. The opening chapters were pretty sensual compared to other fictitious Christian works (i.e. beginning with Bathsheba’s marriage to Uriah, her subsequent rape by the king, and an oddly misplaced moment of the prophet Nathan envisioning Bathsheba while being intimate with his own un-loved wife). The story is told in the first person from both Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan’s perspective in succinct alternating chapters. The author’s choice to cast Nathan as a love-struck guardian over Bathsheba felt inappropriate to me even with the human plausibility factor.

The story also lacked anticipation at times. That is, it moved slowly–not because the details were uninteresting, but because the character motivations were not always strong enough to create enough suspense to pull the story along. It is a captivating narrative because it provides an interesting take on familiar biblical characters; but if it were not for the Bible, the story would not have enough substance to move it forward.

Overall I enjoyed reading this for its intriguing perspective–not just of Bathsheba, but of David, the politics of his kingdom, and the relationships within the royal household. It motivated me to revisit the biblical stories, and (for the most part) kept my attention. But, I also think these characters and this story could be fictionalized better.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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