Fiction

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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Review of Misery Loves Company by Rene Gutteridge

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Genre: Suspense/Mystery/Thriller

Recommended.

Grieving widow, Juliet “Jules” Belleno, follows a staunch routine with very little outside contact. Instead, she focuses her attention online: blogging, facebooking, and dreaming of publishing her own book someday. But shortly after writing a negative book review of her favorite author’s most recent work, he kidnaps her and takes her to a secluded cabin. Upon her disappearance, it is up to her alcoholic father and her husband’s best friend and former police partner to locate her and bring her home; but there are many obstacles and some interesting twists along the way.

Rene Gutteridge writes with an edge, humor, and quirkiness that is really fun to read. I’m a big fan of her unique style. The character’s are well-developed and come to life on the page, and the story reflects Gutteridge’s creativity and distinctiveness.

Misery is particularly special as it is both a suspense novel and a meta-narrative about the writing process. Although I enjoyed the suspense element, it was a bit predictable for me (I read constantly, so maybe I’m just familiar with patterns). The dialog about writing, however, really moved me–I would even say it challenged me to think differently about my own writing process. I did not expect this experience from suspense fiction, which made it all the more enjoyable. I will continue to look forward to Gutteridge’s new releases.

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

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Review of Gone South by Meg Moseley

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Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Recommended.

Ready for change after the death of her near-finance, Tish McComb buys her great-great-great-grandparent’s Civil War-era home in a small town in the Deep South with romantic desires of finding solace in understanding her family’s history. But when she arrives in Noble, Alabama, she finds the small town holds a deep grudge against her relatives. And she only intensifies the local gospel by taking in homeless teenager Melanie Hamilton–who, unknown to Tish, is a reputed deviant, disowned by her parents after an unfortunate series of events.

This is Christian fiction, but the religious undertones are quite subtle. Moseley elegantly depicts small-town life and the deeply felt challenges that come with living and finding personal peace and confidence within a hostile environment. I have never lived in the South, so I cannot comment on how accurate that portion of the story was, but the characters, emotional responses, and storyline were wonderfully alive within the writing. The narrative also has a bit of romance and mystery, although the more prominent themes are of forgiveness, mercy, reconciliation, friendship, and learning to give second chances.

Gone South was enjoyable to read and held my attention throughout. I would love to read more from Meg Moseley.

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

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Review of Damascus Countdown by Joel C. Rosenberg

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Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction/Action & Adventure/Suspense

Series: Book Three of the Twelfth Imam Series

Recommended.

Damascus Countdown is the third and final book of the excellent Twelfth Imam Series, which focuses on the eschatological elements of the current situation in the Middle East with many believable creative liberties. This is a series to read in order as the storyline and spiritual message is heightened in each new book, creating suspense and action from a Christian perspective. The Twelfth Imam introduces the coming of the Islamic Mahdi, the major characters (including the story’s hero: undercover CIA operative David Shirazi), and the spiritual and physical conflicts. The character development and political situations deepen throughout The Tehran Initiative. Finally, the Damascus Countdown brings the trilogy to an end with catastrophic military developments, the search for two missing Iranian nuclear warheads, and the finale of each of the smaller character dramas.

Rosenberg’s writing is realistic, suspenseful, action-packed, and brings the current new’s headlines to life. There is also a bit of romance, which adds scope to the characters and balances the action-oriented plot. Also, the narrative is both apocalyptic and contemporary, making it especially riveting.

The ending was not what I would have expected, but–without giving away any details–I do think it worked well within the circumstances of the text. Christian eschatological fiction is difficult to write well since there are so many variables, differing opinions, and unknowns. Considering this, Rosenberg did an excellent job of weaving together believable yet intense situations without bringing in too much controversy. The prophetic scriptures mentioned within the narrative are also appropriately and insightfully utilized.

Those who do not believe that Israel is the focal point of God’s eschatological plan and covenant relationship, and those who do not believe that the Middle Eastern conflict has a spiritual root, will not care for this fictitious series. The Christian worldview and gospel message are direct, but well contextualized within the story. As a Messianic believer myself, I appreciate and relate to the major characters’ expressions of faith. The trilogy as a whole gave me a lot to consider in regard to Muslim/Christian/Jewish relations; and this final book especially was quite encouraging and invigorating to read.

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

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Review of Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn

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Genre: Romance

Series: Book Three in the Glenbrooke Series

Recommended.

After reading the first book of the Glenbrooke Series, I was interested to read more from Robin Jones Gunn. Echoes introduces the new character of Lauren Phillips (Wren), a recently heartbroken romantic, who is hoping love will come right to her door. When her brother sets her up with an old computer, the nontechnical Wren develops an unexpected email relationship, which grows into a budding romance. The majority of the story is not set in Glenbrooke, which surprised me, but it does creatively connect with Glenbrooke as the story weaves along, making a great addition to the series.

The beginning of Echoes was a bit slow for me, and I was unsure where the story was going; but it soon picked up, and exceeded my expectations. I think the careful start actually accelerated the romantic intensity toward the finish. I found the end quite romantic, and the various twists in the plot kept me on edge. I also enjoyed the way the story connected back with the familiar Glenbrooke characters.

This Christian series is light, romantic, has great, relatable characters, and is the sort of refreshing read that soothes and encourages.

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

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Review of Judge by R.J. Larson

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Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book Two of the Books of the Infinite Series

Highly Recommended.

Judge is Christian Fantasy at its best. The writing is reminiscent of Tolkien’s style, but more closely parallels the history set forth in the Scriptures.

Destruction is about to come on the city on Parne, but the Infinite calls Prophet Ela Roeh to warn the citizens and urge them to repent and turn their hearts back to Him. Meanwhile, Tracelander Judge, Kien Lantec, is called to step out of his usual role, and prophesy over a city he does not particularly care for. Kien’s feelings for Ela complicate matters as he worries about her while also discovering his own new calling and purposes. Ela, likewise, tries to stifle her feelings for Kien in order to remain focused on the Infinite and her very dangerous mission. It’s a story of romance, action, and suspense, discretely laced with biblical and theological insight.

The story also explores the biblical positions of Prophet and Judge, along with the relationship between the people and their Creator, the Creator’s love and faithfulness amidst disaster, and even the supernatural gifts that are given to those who serve Him. The story has tons of biblical parallels, which I appreciated. And I also found it easy to identify with the characters, and the honesty of their thoughts and experiences.

I do recommend reading this series in order, as I found it a bit difficult to keep the many characters straight in the few few chapters, having not yet read Prophet (the first in the series). I look forward to reading the novels to come.

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

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Review of Isle of Shadows by Tracy L. Higley

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended!

Isle of Shadows is set in ancient Greece. Tessa of Delos serves as a hetaera (educated prostitute) to a powerful man; and when he dies, her welfare is threatened. As the sole witness to his death, she will either be held responsible for his death, or she will be sent to serve an even worse man. Desiring both physical and emotional freedom, Tessa searches for a way to escape. But as more complications arise, she finds herself with only two allies: a Jewish servant, Simeon, and a mysterious Greek man, Nikos.

This story is actually one of a few books inspired by the author’s interest in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Isle of Shadows centers on the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue to the Greek god, Helios, which was destroyed in an earthquake. In fact, the book was first published as, The Shadow of Colossus.

I enjoyed both the story, and the historical element. I really emphasized with Tessa’s character: she reminded me a lot of how I felt before I encountered Jesus. The dynamic between the characters, and the swift movement of the story also made for a captivating read.

An added bonus is the author’s interactive website, which provides pictures and videos of Rhodes, Greece, so readers can better envision the location and historical context of the story. I anticipate more from this excellent storyteller.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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Review of Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn

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Genre: Fiction/Contemporary/Romance

Series: Book One of the Glenbrooke Series

Recommended.

Secrets is a light, relaxing, romance, set in small-town Glenbrooke, Oregon. Jessica Morgan is new in town, and running from her past secrets. As she struggles to both make friends and hide her true identity, charming firefighter, Kyle Buchanan, makes it hard for her to simply slip into the background. The story progresses as Jessica comes to terms with her feelings, explores her beliefs, and becomes confident in her new identity.

Readers who, like me, enjoy the somewhat clique, lightly romantic atmosphere of the Christian Romance genre will enjoy this book. The characters were excellently developed and provided just enough in dialog and interaction to keep the story interesting. Readers who want a bit more depth or suspense probably will not care for it as much, as it is a light story with a predictable storyline.

As a side note: I am confused by the cover picture. The main character, Jessica, is described as having shoulder length blond hair and a peachy complexion; so who is the long-haired brunette model on the cover? It’s a small thing, but I found the cover art distracting and bothersome.

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

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Review of Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

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Genre: Fiction/Suspense

Not Recommended.

When former Olympian Trevor MacDaniel rescues a toddler from a mountain lion attack, his life entwines with the child’s aunt Natalie. Natalie has a gift for seeing deep into people’s souls–it’s so powerful for her, she can hardly look at people and can only remove the images and feelings she sees through her gift of sculpting. Together, Natalie and Trevor’s friendship helps each of them work through their wounds to find courage and peace. Meanwhile, strange and evil things begin happening, and Trevor and Natalie find themselves right in the middle of it.

I’m surprised so many people like this book. I just couldn’t get into it. I did enjoy the major characters and the way they interacted, and Heitzmann did an excellent job portraying the personalities of the characters through their unique artistic and athletic abilities. But I otherwise did not enjoy the storytelling. The grammar and syntax were sloppy (and distracting) in many places (especially in multiple character scenes). I did not find the story suspenseful (the ending, in fact, was a bit anti-climactic). And I especially disliked her attempt to parallel the antagonist’s journey with Milton’s Paradise Lost.

After each chapter were mini chapters from the antagonist’s perspective, each beginning with a stanza from Paradise Lost, then describing the villain’s activity in a terribly written poetic prose. I think these short chapters intended to build the suspense and mystery that evil was on the move. Personally, I thought they were so poorly written that it killed any bit of suspense. I was distracted by the grammar and found many of the Paradise Lost quotes to be contextually misplaced. I’ve noticed that a handful of other reviewers greatly enjoyed the addition of Paradise Lost, which makes me wonder how many of them have actually read it!

I actually think Indelible could have been more successful as a romance novel. There were many romantic elements between Trevor and Natalie and also several of the minor characters; and the health (or dysfunction) of relationships in general was very central to the story line. Heitzmann did such a good job with the internal story and character development that it’s unfortunate the suspense plot line, poor attempts to be poetic, and weird Paradise Lost references had to get in the way.

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

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Review of Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

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Genre: Fiction/Suspense/Crime Mystery

Series: Book Three of the Triple Threat Series

Recommended.

This is the first book I’ve read of the Triple Threat Series, and I enjoyed it. It was light reading, suspenseful, with interesting characters–and it takes place in Portland Oregon, which happens to be one of my favorite cities.

The “triple threat” is made up of Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce, FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges, and crime reporter Cassidy Shaw. These good friends are able to investigate and solve crimes, and also support each other through every-day-life.

Heart of Ice is unique from other crime mysteries in that the perpetrator, Elizabeth, is introduced from the beginning–as someone the other characters know well. There is plenty of suspense, however, since the reader has inside information into the killer’s background and sociopathic mindset which the characters do not have. A few scenes were almost too intense/graphic for me, and since the book does realistically present situations of theft, murder, manipulation, arson, fraud and a bit of sexuality, I wouldn’t recommend it to teen readers.

It’s not obvious that this book is Christian fiction, though one character does have spiritual convictions (which are subtly displayed). Had I picked this up in an airport (for instance), I wouldn’t have guessed it was Christian at all, though the language was clean, and I suppose the darker elements (murder, etc.) could have been even more graphic. I’m interested to see if there may be Christian themes in the series overall.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

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