Fiction

Review of Peril by Jordyn Redwood

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Genre: Medical Drama/Suspense

Series: Bloodline Trilogy 3

Recommended.

Peril is a medical suspense novel dealing with the strange phenomena of memory transference in organ donor recipients. Morgan Adams is a suicidal pediatric nurse struggling with the challenges of dealing with kidney failure, the toil her health takes on her work and family, and the raw memories of the anniversary of her infant daughter’s death. At the same time, Morgan’s husband, Dr. Tyler Adams, is involved in some cutting edge research experimentation that does not quite go as expected. The plot twists as patients, a police investigation, fascinating medical conditions, and a high risk hostage situation bring new meaning and thought to some of life’s difficult questions, including the lines between morality and science.

This is a thrilling and intriguing story. I especially appreciate that the medical side of the narrative is accurate. The author, Jordyn Redwood not only has twenty years of experience working and teaching in a hospital setting, but she also dedicates her free time to researching medical texts and advising writers to medical accuracy on her blog.

Some of the medical details within the story set my mind reeling and pondering the biblical and moral applications of certain medical procedures. The revelation that organs carry a “memory” also gives me new meaning to the battle between the flesh and the spirit. It has been awhile since fiction has caused me to think so thoroughly, and to ponder such a variety of subjects and applications. I have not yet read the first two books in this series, but am interested in adding them to my collection.

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

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Review of Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis

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Genre: Romance

Not Recommended.

As Adam Colby is running an estate sale, he finds sixty years worth of postcard love letters in an old photo album. Struggling to understand how his divorce went wrong, he gets caught up in the old time love of Pearl and Gabe Alexander. Every Friday for sixty years Gabe had written Pearl a love poem on the back of a postcard, and within those postcards the secret of their passionate marriage is revealed. The parallel events of the Alexander’s early twentieth century love and of Adam’s present day reflections are tied together more intricately as the narrative unfolds.

The story is very romantic and emotionally riveting, but I do not recommend it for two reasons: 1) The end was too abrupt for me; there was heavy symbolism so that the reader would know what comes next, but I would have liked the story to play out at least a little more than it did. 2) I do not think the faith element within the book was strong enough considering this is Christian fiction. It does not usually bother me when Christian fiction has subtle themes of faith. In this narrative, however, the supernatural realm (angels, ghosts, eternity) had a fairly significant role, but was presented in a way that made me a little uncomfortable (on the line between Christianity and other religious/spiritual ideas). I would have liked to see the characters depend on God (rather than praying to angels), and also would have liked faith to have been a greater part of their marriage. Essentially the couple worships each other, and while a lot can be learned from their selflessness, they go overboard by not allowing God to be the one uniting them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press.

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Review of The Church Builder by A.L. Shields

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Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Series: Book One

Recommended.

When small-town lawyer Bethany Barclay is framed for murder, she finds herself on the run and caught between two mysterious organizations plus the government’s own investigation. She quickly realizes her best friend Annabelle Seaver had been involved in something big–and upon Annabelle’s recent death, Bethany is the only one who can connect the pieces of the puzzle to discover what her friend was up to, and decide for herself if she wants any part in it. The narrative twists from dangerous men, through a religious cult, rumors of an ancient religious artifact, and a political and spiritual battle bigger than anyone could anticipate.

The Church Builder reads like a fast-paced blockbuster hit–in line with The Da Vinci Code or maybe a John Grisham novel. (I actually think it could be more successful as a movie than as a novel.) It is Christian fiction, and yet I do not know I would have recognized that if I were unfamiliar with the publishing company. The Christian themes are subtle even though faith in general is a large part of the book. Also, the writing has an abruptness to it that is more characteristic of secular popular fiction, and I mean that as a compliment: the story moved quickly, and reeled me in. I have enjoyed the characters and am interested to read the rest of the series as it becomes available.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan.

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Review of City on Fire by Tracy L. Higley

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Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended.

Ariella has witnessed the destruction of her beloved Jerusalem, the loss of her family, and death of her people. Now a runaway slave, she disguises herself as a male gladiator, fighting for the hope of winning the crowd and her freedom. Wealthy politician Portius Cato, is also running away in a sense–he has left Rome and the political sphere hoping to live a peaceable life in Pompeii as a winegrower, but is immediately caught up in politics as he begins to fight against social injustice and the personal affronts to his family. Cato and Ariella’s paths cross as they separately encounter a group of Christians, and each learn to surrender their individual challenges and stubbornness for a greater hope and purpose.

This is the third of Higley’s books that I have read, and while they were all good, I enjoyed this one best. I enjoyed the characters’ personalities, the suspense of knowing that Mt. Vesuvius would erupt at some point in the midst of their plans, and the historical setting of Pompeii, which has always interested me. I connected with Ariella’s strength, Cato’s sense of justice, and the Roman world, which is not far off from our own.

The author also has a very cool website with photos of her journey through Pompeii and the surrounding areas during her research, details about the writing of the book, and all sorts of other things. I love that Higley puts so much thought into portraying the historical elements of the story accurately, and enjoy following her on that adventure.

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

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Review of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

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Genre: Historical, Romantic Fiction

Highly Recommended!

Redeeming Love is a fictitious retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer, set in 1850s California gold country. Sarah was sold into prostitution at a very young age, and is given the “working” name Angel. Over time, her heart has hardened, and she is very good at her job. Then she meets Michael Hosea, a godly man who truly loves her and insists on marrying her. Analogizing both the Prophet Hosea, and the Father God himself, Michael demonstrates again and again that he will never stop loving, forgiving or pursuing his beloved wife.

I first read Redeeming Love immediately after becoming a Christian. At that point I had a negative view of Christian literature in general, and did not expect to enjoy this narrative; however, it instantly became my new favorite book. Reading it again today, this story still captures my heart. It is one of the few books that I could read again and again, and is still amongst my very favorite books of all time.

The depth of the characters is incredible. It does not matter that readers familiar with the biblical story may anticipate the movement of the narrative, because the story itself tugs on the heart and brings its own suspense. I do not think there is any novel that better expresses God’s deep unconditional love and investment in each one of us.

This 20th Anniversary Edition includes a Reader’s Group Guide; and while I cannot recognize if any significant changes or additions have occurred from former publications (I have long since passed forward my previous copy), it is so exciting to celebrate the anniversary of this truly life-changing book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.

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Review of Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

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Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian Gothic

Series: Book One of the Price of Privilege Trilogy

Recommended.

As an unmarried woman in 1838 England, recently orphaned Julia Elliston is left under the care of an anonymous guardian, who plans to carry out his ownership of her by sending her to Scotland as a servant. Desperate to control her own destiny, Julia travels to the estate of her best friend, hoping to reconnect with her childhood beau, Edward Auburn. Finding that Edward has chosen to enter the ministry, Julia (an atheist) is heartbroken and desperate for any match that will improve her social status. But as she entangles herself with the social elite, Julia begins to discover secrets about her family’s past that have serious implications for her future.

This is one of the most mysterious and suspenseful novels I have read in awhile. The strong Gothic writing, combined with the elements of Victorian England make for a chillingly grotesque, yet beautifully charming story. I felt myself caught up in the characters, the scenery, the mystery, and the wit. The romance was on the steamier side considering this is Christian fiction, but completely in line with the mood of Romantic and Gothic literature.

While it is obvious Dotta is well versed in the classics (e.g. Austen, Brontë, Poe, Dickens, Radcliffe, Shelley), she has her own unique style–and I like it! This is an excellent debut, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy! This one ended with just enough of the story wrapped up, and much more mystery to look forward to in the coming sequels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Tyndale Blog Network.

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Review of Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

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Genre: Historical Romance

Highly Recommended!

I love historical fiction, especially when it is based on the lives of real people. Rebellious Heart is inspired by the early years of John and Abigail Adams’ courting relationship in Colonial America (Massachusetts, 1763). Susanna Smith (Abigail) and Benjamin Ross (John) become unlikely friends and lovers when they work together to illegally assist an indentured servant in escaping her abusive master. The main plot of the story is fictitious (but realistic); however, many of the details and personalities of the characters closely parallel the discoveries of the author’s historical research of the Adams’ relationship and personalities.

The wealthy Susanna is wonderfully strong-willed and uniquely intelligent and witty–especially for a woman of her time. Benjamin, on the other hand, is a poor lawyer with almost nothing to his name, but with an equally feisty and intellectual spirit and an influential role within the rebellious activities against the Royal Crown. Together their challenging discussions on how to respond as Christians to the unfair treatment of the British authority bring the struggles of the Colonial Period to life, while also being relevant for similar contemporary deliberations. Moreover, the novel is a great mix of suspense, excellent dialog, steamy romance, and, of course, rich history.

I also enjoyed Hedlund’s novel, The Preacher’s Bride, based on the story of John and Elizabeth Bunyan, but this one was even more enjoyable to me. I look forward to more historical fiction from this author!

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

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Review of Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl

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Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mennonite Fiction

Series: Road to Kingdom: Book Three

Recommended.

When a dead women is found within the Mennonite community of Kingdom, Kansas, matching the MO of an unidentified serial killer, the residents of the small town are startled. Worse, it seems the killer may be connected to the soon-to-be pastor, Levi Housler, which sets his fiancée, Callie Hoffman, on edge. As the mystery unravels, Callie struggles between her past and the present to define her true identity, and to solidify her trust in God and in her future spouse.

Unforeseeable is a romantic crime mystery that is just suspenseful enough to keep a reader’s attention without inducing nightmares, or including gory or unsettling images. This is the first Mennonite story I have read (and I have yet to read any Amish fiction), so at first it was an adjustment for me to consider the differences in the characters’ lifestyles as opposed to my own urban Californian culture. I found myself caught up in the beautiful simplicity of the Mennonite culture, and in the lives and emotions of the characters.

I have not read the first two books in this series, but found it was easy enough to follow the narrative and understand the characters. I also appreciated the pace of the story, which is a perfect balance of suspense, reflection, and light romance.

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

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Review of King by R.J. Larson

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Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book Three of the Books of the Infinite Series

Highly Recommended.

The Books of the Infinite series is excellently written Christian fantasy. Larson has created a world that is reminiscent of the Old Testament, complete with fantastic creatures (like the dreaded scaln and the dinosaur-like destroyers), that is also realistic and enthralling to the contemporary reader. I have been anticipating the release of King since finishing the second book, Judge, and it did not disappoint.

This third book, King, wraps up some of the themes from the first two narratives, while also being a complete story. I do, however, recommend reading each book in order as there is so much character development in the first two stories, as well as subtle moments of reflection upon past events that would otherwise be missed.

The central character in King is Akabe Garric, who is chosen to be King of Siphra despite his wishes. Akabe makes some hasty decisions, putting his kingdom in grave physical danger. As he struggles to wait for the Infinite’s direction there are battles, miracles, and both physical and emotional challenges. Beloved characters Ela and Kien also play large roles within the story, and struggle with some obstacles of their own. The story is packed with action, strongly reflects the themes and events of several Old Testament Bible stories, and even has a bit of romance.

I know R.J. Larson has mentioned she prefers writing historical fiction, but her ability to write such brilliant biblical fantasy is truly a gift. I hope she delves deeper into this genre!

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

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Review of Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

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Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction

Recommended.

Set in a Nazi occupied part of the Netherlands toward the end of WWII, this is not only a suspenseful wartime romance, but one inspired by the true story of the author’s own relatives. The characters and high-stake narrative are so emotionally engaging I could not put it down.

Cornelia de Vries is a wartime widow who lost her husband on their wedding night at the beginning of the war. Now she hides her younger brother, Johan, in her home–doing all she can to keep his youthful spirit out of the wartime action he desires. When Dutch Resistance worker, Gerrit Laninga, comes to her door wounded and in need of help, she reluctantly takes him in. But Cornelia must come to terms with her own fears, grief, the expression of her Christian faith, and her budding romantic feelings.

This is a story of redemption, love, overcoming fear, and finding the courage to do God’s will even in the most dangerous of circumstances. Each major character portrays a unique perspective and role, which combine to create a thought-provoking and encouraging work of fiction. There is also a list of study questions in the back of the book for use in a reading group.

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

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