Fiction

Review of Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

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Genre: Romantic Historical Fiction

Not Recommended.

51wZz3hh67L._SX321_BO1,204,203,200_It’s 1917, and wealthy British suffragette, Grace Mabry, desires to help her country’s WWI efforts in any way she can in order to bring her brother home from the trenches of France safely. At a costume ball she hands a feather of cowardice to Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke–a man she believes should be fighting for his country rather than attending balls and absorbing female attention. But Jack has secrets of his own, and is involved in a circle of espionage. As their paths cross again, they are each forced to confront true courage, vulnerability, and the romantic feelings budding between them despite him being engaged to another.

I chose to read this book based on the stunning cover art of the mysterious woman in a brilliant green dress. The mystery and enchantment of the cover, unfortunately, did not translate for me into the narrative. This is a cute, light-hearted story, but it progressed too slowly for me, and without real depth. There are some twists–the backbone of the story is good–but it was not written in a way that created much suspense or mystery. I easily anticipated what would happen based on the direct character cues and details. I also did not love the characters, and would have liked more historical detail.

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

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Review of Mind of Her Own by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

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Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Recommended.

Mind-of-Her-Own7Louisa and Collin Copeland are struggling in their marriage. Then a kitchen accident causes Louisa to wake up in the hospital with amnesia and an alter identity. With her memory gone, Louisa no longer identifies as a trophy wife and mother of three. Instead she believes she is Jazz Sweet–a renowned romance writer from Florida. This disruption of their normal lives allows both Louisa/Jazz and Collin to re-discover who they are, independently and in marriage, and to bring healing to the past in moving forward to a more lively future.

This fun narrative explores deep pain and real issues while managing to keep the tone uplifting, inspiring, and even humorous. The mystery surrounding Louisa’s dissociative personality is a bit predictable, but also realistic and healing. I enjoyed reading about how this fictitious couple reinvented their marriage while learning to live authentically and fully as themselves.

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

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Review of Day of Atonement: A Novel of the Maccabean Revolt by David A. deSilva

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended.

9780825424717The intertestamental period is one of my favorites to study, and one that has continued to be mysterious to me. David deSilva has done an excellent job of fictionalizing many of the historical forerunners in a well researched look at the tensions between the Torah-abiding Jewish community and ever expanding Hellenistic world.

There were some slow moments–especially in the beginning as so many characters were introduced so quickly. But once I had the characters and their motivations straight (some of which I was already somewhat familiar with from history, and many others that were completely new to me), the story began to escalate quickly. This is one that gets better as it goes along, and it was well worth pushing through some of the earlier slower moments.

I have a clearer understanding of the Maccabean revolt and the tensions of assimilation after reading this. The thematic issues are also germane for our world today as Christians, Jews, and other religious groups struggle to preserve the important aspects of their identities within an expanding secular world. The dialog at times seemed almost more Christian and/or contemporary Jewish than of the intertestamental time period, but this was not a negative point for me as it emphasized the contemporary relevance and gave me even more to think about. It is not so much light fiction, as it is historically dense, so I recommend this to lovers of history.

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

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Review of Wilderness Rising by A.L. Shields

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Genre: Action/Suspense

Series: The Church Builder, Book Two

Recommended.

_225_350_Book.1564.coverWilderness Rising is the sequel to The Church Builder; and it is important to read these books in order as there are many characters who build on each other that it would be difficult to keep track of everyone, even though the mysteries are otherwise separate and could stand alone.

In this one, the quick-witted and resourceful heroine, Bethany Barclay, is on the run in Europe, searching for an ancient religious relic that may or may not exist, and also to the answers of a mystery left behind by her deceased friend Annabelle, who was previously murdered due to her risky involvement and knowledge with these dangerous people and circumstances. The stakes are high as Bethany must rescue her kidnapped friend, Janice, as well as keep herself alive. Meanwhile, it is hard to sort out the ‘good’ guys from the ‘bad’ guys as everyone seems to have an agenda, secrets, and hidden motivations.

These are fun books: fast paced, suspenseful, realistic, mysterious, and action-packed, with intriguing characters. Bethany is a strong and very lovable female protagonist, and I enjoyed the character of her brilliant and quirky hacker friend, Janice, even more. There are hints of a budding romance between two of the characters that could have been developed more for a stronger emotional side to the narrative; but the action, suspense, and deeper meanings embedded into the conflict are right on point, making this a very enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan.

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Review of The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

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Genre: Futuristic/Dystopian

Series: A Seer Novel, Book 1

Recommended.

The Choosing is set in a futuristic, dystopian society where a perverse version of legalistic “Christianity” dictates the land, and each member has a life-long role and function in the community. For young women, like heroine Carrington Hale, the highest goal is to be “Chosen” in marriage; and to fail to catch the attention and be chosen by a mate points to the utmost personal failure and a lifetime serving as a “Lint” (social outcast and blue collar laborer). Carrington’s failure is especially surprising, and leads her into a journey of personal discovery as she encounters rebels to the state faith, then finds herself in one unexpected position after another.

I love this genre, and the faith and identity issues that the characters and narrative address. The theme of finding God’s love is at the heart of the story, and I cannot think of any subject more important or more difficult to express.

Considering that this is Rachelle Dekker’s debut novel, I think it came together very well. I did find the plot a bit predictable, and would have liked more development of the characters. The “seer” aspect of the book was also very subtly introduced, but intrigues me. Since this is the name of series, I look forward to seeing how that unfolds in the coming novel(s).

My final criticism is that the alternative “rebellious” spiritual movement seems a little “New Agey” to me–riding the line between truth and the possibility of being misinterpreted as the characters emphasized the truth within themselves without a strong focus on God’s part in the redemptive process. Nevertheless I was caught up in the writing, and enjoyed the unfolding of Carrington’s self-reflection in recognizing who she is, and that her identity is not tied to what she does, rather who she is according to her Father God. This is a message we all need; and, I think, would be especially powerful for teens.

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

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Review of Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Recommended.

22504485When Kelli Huddleston’s father and step mother are killed in a car accident, she discovers amongst her father’s things that nothing is as she thought. He had been hiding newspaper clippings and other evidence of a man and his one year old daughter who had been missing after a boating accident and declared dead, and she realizes he had faked their deaths, and that–contrary to the story he had told her of her past–her mother and siblings may still be alive. Set on finding the truth about who she is, Kelli travels from her California home to the South to unobtrusively check out her family as a stranger, and to discover herself all over again.

This is an introspective novel, with a captivating storyline and characters. The suspense is in watching the known elements of the narrative unfold, while reflecting on issues of identity, life, and how to respond appropriately within interesting circumstances. I appreciated the emotional depth of the writing, and found myself learning more about myself through the reading experience.

I also thought the spiritual aspects of the story were particularly strong–touching but not overdone. There is also a bit of light romance, although this was not a major theme.

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

 

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Review of Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

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Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Historical Romance

Series: Valiant Hearts, Book One

Not Recommended.

dauntlessMerry Ellison was raised as the daughter of a Baron, but now she is the fearless leader of “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest”–a group of bandit children who have been outlawed due to their parents’ crimes, and who now survive in the forest by stealing from the wealthy. Before going into hiding, Merry had been engaged to Timothy Grey, who now works as an assistant to the local earl, in service to the King. When their lives re-connect, they must each decide where their loyalties lie, and allow God to direct their futures.

I took a class on the mythology of Robin Hood as an undergraduate, and read tale after tale of various legends written mostly in Middle English and/or Early Modern English, so the idea of this kind of story was really interesting to me, especially with a strong female lead and Christian perspective.

I felt like the narrative was missing the expected edge. I cannot explain my disconnect, except that the tone seemed off. Merry seemed a bit soft, and too emotionally driven. I did not like the love triangle, which I felt was cheesy, distracting, and put Merry’s focus too much on romance and not enough on her strong female identity (not that strong females are not also emotional and romantic, but that there should be more depth in addition to those elements). I also struggled to connect with the characters in general.

The theology was also interesting. The question comes up regarding whether stealing and violence are sins, or to be precedented in certain situations. The novel presents the latter, but I was a bit uncomfortable with this considering the young adult audience. I did like the second theological message that God is always with us, even when we are not with Him.

This is a story with lots of potential, but it did not come together for me as well as I would have liked. I do hope there will be more Christian stories written within this genre and time period.

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

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Review of Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

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Genre: Romantic Historical Fiction

Recommended.

_225_350_Book.1507.coverAfter reading Liz Tolsma’s previous two WWII fictions, I had been looking forward to this one, and was not disappointed.

This one is set in the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, Philippines under the rule of the Japanese. Rand Sterling was a wealthy American club owner, but now is in the camp along with everyone else. Irene Reynolds was raised by her aunt doing missionary work in the Philippine jungle, and works in the camp retyping the letters that had been censored by the Japanese. When Irene recognizes that a letter to Rand is warning him not to escape, she rushes off to find and warn him, thus beginning an interesting relationship between an unlikely match.

I connected really well to the characters, and learned so much about the nature and economics of the Japanese internment camps. Tolsma has done her research, and was inspired by an interview she had with a survivor of Santo Tomas Interment Camp, who was there as a child. The themes of honesty, vulnerability, and forgiveness also touched me as the characters learned to be open and merciful to the people in their lives, whether close friends or enemies. And I was most inspired as the characters held onto their hope until the end of the war, as I am also walking through a difficult season with my health.

The narrative covers so much time: from Oct. 1943 (though starting with an earlier, Dec. 1941, prologue) through Feb. 1945. There were a couple places where the transitions were a little choppy (although it was also really great to see the effects of the camp over this longer timeline). There were also a few places were the spiritual themes felt a bit awkward. Even with these few bumps here and there, it was a meaningful and educational narrative for me, and one I would recommend to lover’s of historical fiction.

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

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Review of Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl

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Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Finding Sanctuary, Book Two

Recommended.

dechoesSarah and her sister, Hannah, are finally united again as adults after witnessing the murder of their parents years ago from their hiding place under the staircase of their family home. The murder had been entered in the system as a burglary, and the case closed. But when Hannah is unexpectedly killed in a very similar manner after looking into her parents’ death, Sarah begins to do some investigation along with the help of her handsome friend, Paul.

I really enjoyed this story. It is a little predictable, but not lacking in suspense or depth. Also, Sarah lives in the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary, and I really like the dichotomy of a murder mystery set against glimpses of the beautiful simplicity of the Mennonite culture.

As the narrative unravels, Sarah learns how to love herself, and to recognize her unique, God-given, beauty and talents apart from the sister she admired and revered above herself. It’s a touching story that has the added elements of mystery and light romance. I really enjoyed reading it.

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

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Review of Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt

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Genre: Historical/Biblical Fiction

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Recommended.

Happy Purim! Esther is one of my very favorite biblical heroines, so I’ve read several fictional renditions of her story. Angela Hunt provides a fresh look at the book of Esther. This unique narrative creatively pulls together one potential historical scenario, beginning with a young teenaged Hadassah, and sharing details beyond the biblical record based on the author’s research (especially of the Greek historian Herodotus).

I did not love Hadassah’s character in the opening chapters: she is immature and annoying, focused on girlish fantasies of living in the wealth of the palace as a lover of the King, and as one assimilated into the Persian culture. I set the book down after only a couple chapters because I was having trouble getting into it. But when I resumed reading, I began to quickly engage in the story. Esther soon becomes a very likeable queen, and the transformation in her persona makes her more relatable, and emphasizes God’s work in her.

I also enjoyed the dual perspective that this narrative is written from: half from the perspective of Hadassah, interspersed with chapters from the perspective of one of the King’s eunuchs, Harbonah. Almost all of the story is “new” and from a unique and interesting viewpoint, so the details stood out and caused me to think beyond the story to consider the characters (especially the motivations of the King) in a new light. I found it a particularly interesting twist that Esther desired the company and affections of the King, since I’ve typically heard the story differently–but realized that if God gives us the desires of our hearts, why not also give Hadassah the desire to fulfill her calling as the Persian Queen?

This was enjoyable to read, would be interesting to discuss in a group setting, and–because it did not have a strong message beyond painting the historical picture–has the open-ended gift of speaking to different people in different ways.

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

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