Sixty-five year old Ally Green has been all over the world as a flight attendant, but she has finally returned to her home in Lowcountry to bury her past for good -and her father. However, Vesey Washington still lives across the creek, and while he was her best friend...he is also the reason that Ally has stayed away for such a long time. When Ally finds a note that her father left her asking her to stop running away, she realizes her past still is still not through with her.
While Ally's wandering spirit is wrestling with the desire to run away again, a young woman escapes slavery in the quarries of Nepal. A sketchbook causes Sunila Kunari to believe that there is more to her life than she has ever been told, and she is determined to find the truth at all costs.
There is a mystery that connects Ally, Sunila, and Vesey - will they find freedom from the past, faith in God, and friendship from one another, or will they continue to run and hide from their pasts?
Beyond Molasses Creek was full of unexpected connections and suspense. The storyline was masterfully written, describing and connecting the characters in great detail.The description and overall tone of the book reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird. The book was written mostly from the perspective of Ally, with only a couple chapters told from Vesey's perspective, and then intermittent chapters throughout chronicling Sunila's journey. This format allowed the reader to figure out the truth about Sunila before the other characters or even Sunila knew. It also revealed some background on Vesey's feelings which the other main characters never realized.
There were several important themes and topics addressed in Beyond Molasses Creek. This novel revealed some of the horrors that occur for the untouchable caste in India and Nepal and the slavery that occurs. One of the other topics mentioned in this novel is the injustice of the segregation of the South and how it hurt black families as well as killed love between white and black lovers. The themes of Beyond Molasses Creek included faithfulness to your family and friends, loving despite the costs, and not running away from life.
There were a couple of aspects that I did not like about the novel. First of all, the novel implied that little while lies that hid the truth when it was hard was alright. Ally's father lied to her when she was young and then tried to continue the lie as he was dying in order to try to make Ally believe in heaven and God. Ally committed a similar lie later to save someone she loved from knowing the uncomfortable truth about something. There were definitely more moral ways to inform the person than lying. Secondly, there was little to no mention of God in the book, other than both Vesey and Ally's father believed and Ally did not. That would have been fine by me other than Ally supposedly comes to some kind of belief near the end. However, the 'conversion' is brushed over and felt really fake when it could have been used for so much more.
Overall, Beyond Molasses Creek was an excellent book that brought up some interesting questions and really tugged at my heart. I was brought to tears several times. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slow, heart-tugging romance that also resonates with the soul.
I received this novel for free from Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall
Sylvia Fisher knows that most Amish women her age spend their days doing housework and raising children, but she has only one goal -taking care of her family's dairy farm. However, when a relationship with an old beau threatens her family, she is forced to move far from home and to begin work anew reviving another family's debt-ridden farm.
After months in Paul Waddell's rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to convince his family to sell their failing farm and begin an easier life. Only two people stand in his way: his father who refuses to see that Aaron has changed and the stubborn farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on his parents could ruin his plans to escape the farm and begin a new life.
Will Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their beliefs in two different goals blur the bigger picture - a path to finding forgiveness, grace, and love?
Harvest of Grace was a very interesting and enjoyable read. The plot line was expertly woven, continuing the stories of Cora, Ephraim, Grey, Lena, and Aaron, while beginning the story of Sylvia. This novel is the third book of the Ada House series, so it was neat to see the growth of character and love in previous characters as well as to watch how they interact with newer characters. Harvest of Grace really emphasized topics such as respect, true forgiveness, love, and honor. Cindy Woodsmall truly did an excellent job revealing the depths of human emotion through her characters and the importance of following after God's will. Overall, Harvest of Grace was a wonderful books with a satisfying conclusion.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for a review.
After months in Paul Waddell's rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to convince his family to sell their failing farm and begin an easier life. Only two people stand in his way: his father who refuses to see that Aaron has changed and the stubborn farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on his parents could ruin his plans to escape the farm and begin a new life.
Will Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their beliefs in two different goals blur the bigger picture - a path to finding forgiveness, grace, and love?
Harvest of Grace was a very interesting and enjoyable read. The plot line was expertly woven, continuing the stories of Cora, Ephraim, Grey, Lena, and Aaron, while beginning the story of Sylvia. This novel is the third book of the Ada House series, so it was neat to see the growth of character and love in previous characters as well as to watch how they interact with newer characters. Harvest of Grace really emphasized topics such as respect, true forgiveness, love, and honor. Cindy Woodsmall truly did an excellent job revealing the depths of human emotion through her characters and the importance of following after God's will. Overall, Harvest of Grace was a wonderful books with a satisfying conclusion.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for a review.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl
Welcome to East Salem. In this deceptively quiet town, old supernatural forces are awakening.
And they cannot be controlled.....
An East Salem high school girl is found murdered in a park amid horse farms and wealthy homes of northern Westchester County, New York. The manner of her death shocks the town and intrigues Dani Harris, forensic psychiatrist, who becomes determined to solve the mystery. All of the suspects were teenagers at the same party, yet none remember what happened. Is one of them the killer, or is the death linked to a darker, more ancient and sinister evil?
However, Dani is being plagued by her own nightmares. Each night at 2:13 Dani is awakened by troubling noises and dreams. Dreams of blood, water, and destruction. Is it a clue, or a supernatural sign?
Meanwhile former NFL linebacker Tommy Gunderson finds an elderly woman who has somehow breached his state of the art security system. Cursing at him in Latin, the woman attacks him with uncanny and unnatural strength. Before Tommy even has time to process the attack, someone close to him is implicated in the girl's murder at the park. Tommy agrees to help solve the murder, then finds himself working with Dani, the only girl who did not respond to his charms in high school.
Will Tommy and Dani be able to put past differences aside and solve this murder? And will they realize in time that they are a facing a deeper and darker evil than a mere human killer?
Waking Hours was a thrilling and scary roller coaster ride of a novel, filled with demonic murmurs and cold blooded killers. The tone of the novel was expertly done to leave the reader on the edge of their seat just waiting for the next unexpected turn or twist. The plot line of the novel was written very well and kept the reader guessing until the very end on the identity of the killer and whether Dani and Tommy would realize it in time. The undertone of the demonic forces at work in East Salem was very disturbing and brought to mind books on spiritual warfare. In the end, though the killer was found, the supernatural forces were still right under the surface, biding their time. These forces created a perfect cliff hanger for the next East Salem novel. Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl was an excellent, though dark read, and I cannot wait for her next novel.
I received this novel for free from Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
And they cannot be controlled.....
An East Salem high school girl is found murdered in a park amid horse farms and wealthy homes of northern Westchester County, New York. The manner of her death shocks the town and intrigues Dani Harris, forensic psychiatrist, who becomes determined to solve the mystery. All of the suspects were teenagers at the same party, yet none remember what happened. Is one of them the killer, or is the death linked to a darker, more ancient and sinister evil?
However, Dani is being plagued by her own nightmares. Each night at 2:13 Dani is awakened by troubling noises and dreams. Dreams of blood, water, and destruction. Is it a clue, or a supernatural sign?
Meanwhile former NFL linebacker Tommy Gunderson finds an elderly woman who has somehow breached his state of the art security system. Cursing at him in Latin, the woman attacks him with uncanny and unnatural strength. Before Tommy even has time to process the attack, someone close to him is implicated in the girl's murder at the park. Tommy agrees to help solve the murder, then finds himself working with Dani, the only girl who did not respond to his charms in high school.
Will Tommy and Dani be able to put past differences aside and solve this murder? And will they realize in time that they are a facing a deeper and darker evil than a mere human killer?
Waking Hours was a thrilling and scary roller coaster ride of a novel, filled with demonic murmurs and cold blooded killers. The tone of the novel was expertly done to leave the reader on the edge of their seat just waiting for the next unexpected turn or twist. The plot line of the novel was written very well and kept the reader guessing until the very end on the identity of the killer and whether Dani and Tommy would realize it in time. The undertone of the demonic forces at work in East Salem was very disturbing and brought to mind books on spiritual warfare. In the end, though the killer was found, the supernatural forces were still right under the surface, biding their time. These forces created a perfect cliff hanger for the next East Salem novel. Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl was an excellent, though dark read, and I cannot wait for her next novel.
I received this novel for free from Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt
It seems like Carly Westlake is living the dream life. She works and owns a chocolate spa, she is dating her forever crush, and she is surrounded by chocolate -chocolate she uses for her spa's famous chocolate facials. But when long buried secrets about Carly's family, friends, and business surface, they threaten to tear her spa and her friendship with her business partner Scott apart. Carly fights for all she is worth to keep both her dream -and the illusions- afloat.
Will it take a miracle for Carly to finally make that bittersweet surrender to love and to live a real life?
Bittersweet Surrender was an interesting novel. When it first began I was not sure what to expect all. What the novel revealed surprised and intrigued me. Carly is a woman scarred by life and people who betrayed her. She hangs on to many of the feelings women often face: a hatred for her body, a rejection and hollowness she has yet to let go, and a feeling of ugliness left from past issues. However, as Cary begins to work through these issues with the help of Scott; her sister-in-law, Rita; and her step-mother, she discovers new faith and new realizations about life and those she loves.
I really enjoyed the plot line of the novel. Bittersweet Surrender started slowly, but as new twists and mysteries arose, the story moved at a quicker, more interesting pace. All of the main and supporting characters of the novel had secrets and characteristics hidden from the others' views which slowly were revealed throughout the book.
Overall, Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more of Diann's novels and seeing this book in paperback form in addition to eBook format.
I received this eBook for free from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.
Will it take a miracle for Carly to finally make that bittersweet surrender to love and to live a real life?
Bittersweet Surrender was an interesting novel. When it first began I was not sure what to expect all. What the novel revealed surprised and intrigued me. Carly is a woman scarred by life and people who betrayed her. She hangs on to many of the feelings women often face: a hatred for her body, a rejection and hollowness she has yet to let go, and a feeling of ugliness left from past issues. However, as Cary begins to work through these issues with the help of Scott; her sister-in-law, Rita; and her step-mother, she discovers new faith and new realizations about life and those she loves.
I really enjoyed the plot line of the novel. Bittersweet Surrender started slowly, but as new twists and mysteries arose, the story moved at a quicker, more interesting pace. All of the main and supporting characters of the novel had secrets and characteristics hidden from the others' views which slowly were revealed throughout the book.
Overall, Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more of Diann's novels and seeing this book in paperback form in addition to eBook format.
I received this eBook for free from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman
Lilies in Moonlight is a beautiful story full of healing, forgiveness, and true love.
After a long night on the town, fun loving flapper Lilly Margolis finds herself with an injured ankle in the backyard of a wealthy family. A family where the effects of the Great War still exist even after over five years. Inside the walls of the Burnside mansion, Cullen Burnside, a disillusioned and disfigured veteran, and his widowed mother, Betty Ruth, who lives in a state of dementia and forgetfulness, live a lonely existence...until Lilly lands in their backyard. Whimsical, lighthearted, and beautiful, she rejuvenates their sad, disconnected lives and blossoms in the light of their attention.
However, Lilly is hiding from a painful past just like Cullen. When Cullen insists on taking Lilly back to her home, their new found attraction to one another seems destined to wither away. The resulting road trip becomes a journey of self discovery -but will Cullen and Lilly find love, peace, and healing at the journey's end?
This story was excellently set up and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the snappy dialogue of the characters, their growth throughout the story, and the unexpected in the twist in the plot. Lilies in Moonlight is not just a typical romance; it has mystery, suspense, and deep spiritual conversations. Cullen and Betty Ruth alike share the forgiving love of God with Lilly, and the contrast of it with the hypocritical, legalistic views of Lilly's mother are provoking. What is also convicting is the acceptance which Lilly offers to Cullen despite his disfiguring and frightening injuries.
The novel also had its sad moments, but these were overshadowed by Lilly's growth and Cullen and Lilly's relationship
Overall, I truly enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to more of Allison Pittman's novels.
I received this temporary eBook for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review.
After a long night on the town, fun loving flapper Lilly Margolis finds herself with an injured ankle in the backyard of a wealthy family. A family where the effects of the Great War still exist even after over five years. Inside the walls of the Burnside mansion, Cullen Burnside, a disillusioned and disfigured veteran, and his widowed mother, Betty Ruth, who lives in a state of dementia and forgetfulness, live a lonely existence...until Lilly lands in their backyard. Whimsical, lighthearted, and beautiful, she rejuvenates their sad, disconnected lives and blossoms in the light of their attention.
However, Lilly is hiding from a painful past just like Cullen. When Cullen insists on taking Lilly back to her home, their new found attraction to one another seems destined to wither away. The resulting road trip becomes a journey of self discovery -but will Cullen and Lilly find love, peace, and healing at the journey's end?
This story was excellently set up and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the snappy dialogue of the characters, their growth throughout the story, and the unexpected in the twist in the plot. Lilies in Moonlight is not just a typical romance; it has mystery, suspense, and deep spiritual conversations. Cullen and Betty Ruth alike share the forgiving love of God with Lilly, and the contrast of it with the hypocritical, legalistic views of Lilly's mother are provoking. What is also convicting is the acceptance which Lilly offers to Cullen despite his disfiguring and frightening injuries.
The novel also had its sad moments, but these were overshadowed by Lilly's growth and Cullen and Lilly's relationship
Overall, I truly enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to more of Allison Pittman's novels.
I received this temporary eBook for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review.
First Date by Krista McGee
First Date was a cute story that related the growth of a young girl in confidence and a better relationship with God.
Abby Davidson never wanted to be on a reality TV show. Especially one where the prize is a date with the President's son.
She is focused on her schoolwork in order that she can receive a scholarship to an Ivy league school. She has never been on a date, never comfortable in the spotlight. Furthermore, Abby did not even audition to be on the show.
But she got selected anyway.
So Abby does her very best to be eliminated on the very first show. However, she soon realizes that the President's son is probably the most attractive, nicest guy she has ever meant. He also is completely uninterested by the other 99 girls who are throwing themselves at him.
Abby is completely out of her comfort zone, but that might be right where God decides to show her all that she could be and do for Him.
This novel was a really sweet story that I did not want to put down. The main characters were very sweet. I really liked the President's son and Abby's roommate/friend who was on the show with her. Abby starts out as a shy, withdrawn girl who does not have the confidence to tell anyone she is a Christian nor even act in a friendly manner to those who are around her.
However, as the story progresses, Abby grows in her faith, and she begins to have the confidence to speak out about her faith. First Date was an excellent read that was loosely based off the story of Esther, and I really enjoyed it.
I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.
Abby Davidson never wanted to be on a reality TV show. Especially one where the prize is a date with the President's son.
She is focused on her schoolwork in order that she can receive a scholarship to an Ivy league school. She has never been on a date, never comfortable in the spotlight. Furthermore, Abby did not even audition to be on the show.
But she got selected anyway.
So Abby does her very best to be eliminated on the very first show. However, she soon realizes that the President's son is probably the most attractive, nicest guy she has ever meant. He also is completely uninterested by the other 99 girls who are throwing themselves at him.
Abby is completely out of her comfort zone, but that might be right where God decides to show her all that she could be and do for Him.
This novel was a really sweet story that I did not want to put down. The main characters were very sweet. I really liked the President's son and Abby's roommate/friend who was on the show with her. Abby starts out as a shy, withdrawn girl who does not have the confidence to tell anyone she is a Christian nor even act in a friendly manner to those who are around her.
However, as the story progresses, Abby grows in her faith, and she begins to have the confidence to speak out about her faith. First Date was an excellent read that was loosely based off the story of Esther, and I really enjoyed it.
I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall
When the Soul Mends is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt Trilogy.
After Hannah Lawson, previously Hannah Lapp, receives a desperate call from her sister Sarah, she reluctantly drops everything and returns to the Amish community where she grew up.
In the two years since she left Owl's Perch, Hannah has finally settled into a satisfying place in the Englischer world. She has found love and a new family with Martin Palmer and his niece and nephew. Hannah has also realized her dream of working within the medical community. But almost immediately upon her arrival at home, the disapproval she receives from those who abandoned two years previously causes her the wounds of her heart to reopen.
As Hannah is forced to work with her former fiance Paul Waddell to help her sister Sarah recover from mental issues, hidden truths come to light about events that occurred before and after Hannah's first departure to Ohio to live with her aunt. Hannah now faces a heart-wrenching decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she return to the Plain life and perhaps to her first love?
When the Soul Mends was by far my favorite installment of the Sisters of the Quilt Trilogy. The other two books ended on a sad note, leaving the reader anxious to read the next book only to resolve the sadness and the storyline. However, When the Soul Mends had an incredibly fulfilling ending. As the book progressed, I was able to guess at how the book would end, but I did not think that I would like that ending because I favored the opposite choice for Hannah. However, Cindy Woodsmall built up the story so that by the end the story could only end one way.
The plotline of When the Soul Mends takes the themes of the other two books in the Trilogy and fulfils them. This novel brings to fruition all the love, hopes, and dreams of the other two through forgiveness. This novel is full of forgiveness, and it is what drives the story forward and leaves a warm feeling in the readers' hearts.
The characters of this novel are also incredible. I refell in love with several of them and was intrigued by the growth and development that many experienced. There were also a few new characters which fit in the story perfectly and enhanced the overall story.
Overall, I found When the Soul Mends to be a wonderful read for a quiet afternoon, and I was happy to see the characters that I had grown so close to through the first two Sisters of the Quilt novels finally find true love and happiness.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
After Hannah Lawson, previously Hannah Lapp, receives a desperate call from her sister Sarah, she reluctantly drops everything and returns to the Amish community where she grew up.
In the two years since she left Owl's Perch, Hannah has finally settled into a satisfying place in the Englischer world. She has found love and a new family with Martin Palmer and his niece and nephew. Hannah has also realized her dream of working within the medical community. But almost immediately upon her arrival at home, the disapproval she receives from those who abandoned two years previously causes her the wounds of her heart to reopen.
As Hannah is forced to work with her former fiance Paul Waddell to help her sister Sarah recover from mental issues, hidden truths come to light about events that occurred before and after Hannah's first departure to Ohio to live with her aunt. Hannah now faces a heart-wrenching decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she return to the Plain life and perhaps to her first love?
When the Soul Mends was by far my favorite installment of the Sisters of the Quilt Trilogy. The other two books ended on a sad note, leaving the reader anxious to read the next book only to resolve the sadness and the storyline. However, When the Soul Mends had an incredibly fulfilling ending. As the book progressed, I was able to guess at how the book would end, but I did not think that I would like that ending because I favored the opposite choice for Hannah. However, Cindy Woodsmall built up the story so that by the end the story could only end one way.
The plotline of When the Soul Mends takes the themes of the other two books in the Trilogy and fulfils them. This novel brings to fruition all the love, hopes, and dreams of the other two through forgiveness. This novel is full of forgiveness, and it is what drives the story forward and leaves a warm feeling in the readers' hearts.
The characters of this novel are also incredible. I refell in love with several of them and was intrigued by the growth and development that many experienced. There were also a few new characters which fit in the story perfectly and enhanced the overall story.
Overall, I found When the Soul Mends to be a wonderful read for a quiet afternoon, and I was happy to see the characters that I had grown so close to through the first two Sisters of the Quilt novels finally find true love and happiness.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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