Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, Return to Exile is a spellbinding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in this electric continuation of Lynne Gentry's  Carthage Chronicles.

"When people are afraid, they are far easier to control."

Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl helps alleviate the pain, but at night when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save.

Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? 

My review:

  Time travel books are a rarity on the Christian market, so this book intrigued me when I got the chance to review it. I requested it, did enough research to realize I should read the first book in the series before I read this second book, so I ordered book one, read it, and loved it. I then went onto this book.

  In the books, the main character, Dr. Lisbeth Hastings, goes back in time to the 3rd century, A.D. The author does a fantastic job of describing the scenes and setting for what it might have been like at that time. Well done descriptions of places in books go a long way in setting the tone for a great book, and it was well done. Most of the same characters were back from the same book, good and bad, and I really like the characters in the book. Some of these people face impossible choices, all faced with the reality they could end up in the arena for daring to serve Christ. Although the book is fictional, it brought to mind how easy we have it here in America, and that many Christians through the ages and today face true persecution and death for serving God.

 The books aren't the genre' I usually read, but I enjoyed both books and am looking forward to the third book, and eagerly wait to see how the author wraps things up. They are as page-turning books as the suspense I love to read.  Highly recommended series.

About the author:

Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer. She loves spending time with her family and working with her medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website, Facebook,Twitter

The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same--until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.

When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Marina Ward, she has no idea she's sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn't long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory abortion--or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother's chances at becoming president.

A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn't ready to face.

Marissa Shrock's debut novel crafts a chilling story of what may be to come if we allow the economic and moral crises currently facing our country to change the foundations on which we built our independence--and of the difference one person can make when they choose to trust God's lead.

My review:

  This is another juvenile book that I thought sounded worth reading. It is rather suspenseful, though it isn't marketed as a suspense novel, but as a futuristic novel. It is set in the future in a government controlled society where Christianity is almost illegal, and owning a Bible not approved of and changed by the government is illegal.

  I enjoyed the book. The author had a great plot and wrote a great story around it.  I liked  the characters, and even though it is a juvenile fiction book, I really got into the story and didn't want to put it down. The story is entertaining, yet also poses a great warning of where our country could end up if we keep pushing God aside, getting more government control, and keep aborting babies. There are good moral lessons in the book, as Vivica and others risk their lives to do the right thing and obey God rather than man.

  I would definitely recommend this book to teenagers, and will be passing it on to my nieces and nephews.

About the author:

Marissa Shrock is a writer and language arts teacher who enjoys working with her fun seventh grade students. She is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. She is a member of ACFW.

Marissa has written articles for teens and adults in Evangel and Encounter. The First Principle is her debut novel.

In her spare time Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, shopping for cute clothes, traveling, baking, and playing golf.

Check out her website.

The First Principle is available from Kregel Publishing.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

Pillars of Fire by Laurice Molinari

After Vero Leland discovered his true identity in book one, he must continue to maintain his life on earth as a regular 12-year-old kid, which is hard to do when you are really a fledgling, a guardian angel in training to become one of the fiercest of all angels. At any moment, he could be called to the Ether, the spiritual realm surrounding the earth, where he must face whatever trials come his way in angel school, aka C.A.N.D.L.E. (the Cathedral of Angels for Novice Development, Learning and Edification). In book two, part of Vero s training involves the Angel Trials, a set of three challenges where he and his group of fellow fledglings compete with angels from other realms.

But while he is competing in the Ether, back on earth his sister is in trouble. She has a new friend who is leading her down the wrong path. During the third trial, Vero realizes he must choose between saving his sister or winning his competition. But the attack on Clover is only a means to get to Vero, and he finds himself face-to-face with an evil even greater than what he experienced in the Bottomless Pit. Once again, he is tested beyond what any previous fledgling has endured, and how the battle ends will affect not only his grade in C.A.N.D.L.E., but also the fate of the world."

My review:
  Books about half angels and angels in training have become rather popular, and although not very likely, they do make for interesting reading. This series is about a young boy who is an angel in training. Even thought they are juvenile fiction, 

  This book is the second in  the series and picks up where the first one left off. There is more going on in ths book, and it is more on the suspenseful side. The main character, Vero, has advanced in his abilities and is coming to realize what he will leave behind when he becomes a full fledged angel.

 It is an interesting and fascinating read. It is fictional, but it gives an imagined look at what might be going on behind the scenes in the spiritual realm. I don't feel this series does a discredit at all to God or angels, but is a fun and interesting read. The book has good morals and lessons, and very likable characters. A definite recommendation for juvenile readers and adults who enjoy juvenile fiction.

About the author:

Laurice Elehwany Molinari, a veteran film and TV writer in Hollywood for over two decades, has penned over thirty scripts for various studios and networks. Her very first feature script, written while a fellow at the American Film Institute, became Columbia Picture’s critically acclaimed children’s classic, My Girl. She went on to pen The Brady Bunch Movie and The Amazing Panda Adventure. Laurice lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, where her lifelong love for our heavenly guardians inspired her to write a book about them in the ETHER series.

Check out her website

Pillars of Fire is available from Zondervan Publishing.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for  the review copy.

Trailer for the first book:

Devotion by Marianne Evans

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Devotion Harbourlight Books (September 19, 2012) by Marianne Evans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:
My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford "from the City" (New York, of course!) to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. Life and times at 82 Mozart Street are engraved upon my heart, and precious to me. What better place to set a romance?

Now, I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction' (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.

This segment of my journey began when I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series...and an Amazon best seller! A Face in the Clouds, a short story spin-off of Woodland, is also part of my 'best seller' portfolio. What a blessing!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.

For Better or Worse

But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?

'Til Death Do Us Part

When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Devotion, go HERE.

My review:
  I rarely read a book that is just romance, but occasionally a book that is romance sounds worth reading, and such was the case with this one. The author was new to me, and I had never heard of the publishing company, but decided to give it a try and review it. And I found it to be well worth the time I spent reading the book.

  I liked the characters, and felt the author in no way excused the actions of the husband, Kellen. I have read books before where there was infidelity in the marriage, and senses a bit of that, but not the case with this book. There are no excuses, and it is clearly shown where Kellen went wrong before he even met temptation face on.

  The book really spoke to me. It is more than a great story - and it is that for sure - but it is a warning that we can all fall, not necessarily in that area, but generally speaking if we neglect our spiritual life - church, prayer, Bible reading. To me, the book is a picture of our relationship with God. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and was challenged and convicted to be more devoted to God. I highly recommend the book.

  I also blogged about devotion, based on the book: http://markallansmusings.blogspot.com/2015/02/devotion.html

Love Without Limits by Nick Vukicic with Kanae Vujicic

It Doesn’t Take a Perfect Person to Find a Perfect Love
 
 Even though he was born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic created a “ridiculously good life.” But after dating disappointments and a failed relationship, he reached his mid-twenties worried that he would never find a woman to love him and share his life. 
 
Then Nick met Kanae and everything changed.  But even with undeniable chemistry, they would have to navigate twists and turns worthy of a romantic comedy before becoming "one" in marriage. 
 
 In Love Without Limits Nick and Kanae tell how they improbably found each other, fell in love, and then fought to overcome skepticism from others about their relationship. Filled with practical insights that will benefit any couple, this inspiring book describes a godly courtship and the early years of the Vujicics’ marriage and parenting journey. 
 
Above all, Love Without Limits is an inspiring reminder that when Christ is at the center of a relationship--even with serious challenges--true love will triumph.
 
***

“Despite my optimism about other parts of life, I decided that love in this world had limits after all. I’d become convinced that no woman would want to marry such an obviously imperfect man as me….”
 
As a boy growing up in Australia, Nick Vujicic could not understand why God had allowed him to be born without limbs and if He would ever bring a woman into Nick’s life.  
 
On the other side of the world, Kanae Miyahara—a girl growing up in Mexico--saw dysfunction sadly separate her family.  She wondered if a loving, lasting marriage was even possible.  
 
Later, when Nick realized that God had a purpose for him, his life took on new meaning.  But after a long-term relationship ended in heartache, would he ever find someone to marry? 
 
Kanae experienced relationships based on superficial attraction, but she longed to find a mate with strong character and faith—a man who would be a godly husband and father.   
  
When Nick and Kanae met in the most amazing way, they realized that God—the ultimate Matchmaker-- had used even their discouraging and painful experiences to prepare them for each other…for the love of their life.

My review:

  I think Nick Vujicic is one of the most inspiring people out there. To deal with the handicaps he has, and yet be so positive and go all over speaking to people about God is nothing short of miraculous. I thought it was awesome when he married and started a family, and jumped at the chance to review this book.

  The book is interesting and inspiring. Nick tells of his dating experiences prior to meeting his wife, and then goes into how they met,  how he proposed, the wedding, and after the wedding. Each chapter is set up in a format of not just telling his story, but of giving advice. He discusses waiting for the right one, how to know if it is the right one, and how he manages married life. 

  The most enjoyable part of the book was reading about when he found out he was going to be a father, and the challenges he faces being a father and not having any limbs.

  Even though I am single with no intentions of ever marrying, I enjoyed the book and found the story very encouraging and inspiring. God can send the right person for anyone. Nick is proof of that.

About the author:

Nicholas James Vujicic (Serbian: Николас Џејмс Вујичић, Nikolas Džejms Vujičić) is a Serbian Australian evangelist and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterised by the absence of all four limbs. As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and, at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organisation, Life Without Limbs. Vujicic presents motivational speeches worldwide, on life with a disability, hope and finding meaning in life. He also speaks about his belief that God can use any willing heart to do his work and that God is big enough to overcome any and all disabilities.

 Love Without Limits is available from Multnomah/Waterbrook publishing.

Thanks to Multomah/Waterbrook for the review copy.

The Abbot's Agreement by Mel Starr

My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the crows. Whatever it was that the crows had found lay in the dappled shadow of the bare limbs of the oak, so I was nearly upon the thing before I recognized what the crows were feasting upon. The corpse wore black.Master Hugh is making his way towards Oxford when he discovers the young Benedictine - a fresh body, barefoot - not half a mile from the nearby abbey. The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity: John, one of three novices. But he had gone missing four days previously, and his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death: the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him . . .

My review:

  This is the seventh book in this series, and the author has again written a great tale set in the 1300's. I enjoyed it, as I have enjoyed the whole series, though this book seemed to move along slower than the others did.

 Most of the story takes place in an abbey and revolves around the abbey, monks, and the murder of a monk. In addition to the mystery and the solving of the crime, there is given a look at the workings of an abbey, including the politics and how monks are accepted into the work, and how abbots are chosen. Although I would never be a monk, the workings of monasteries and abbeys interest me, so I enjoyed that part of the story.

  As with the other books, I found the non-modern methods of crime solving and doctoring interesting, and I was kept guessing as to the identity of the murderer, and as to the motive for the murder.

 I always enjoy the main character and his thoughts and activities, and the author again filled the book with other colorful and interesting characters. Even though it was a slower read, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it with the rest of the series.

About the author:

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Spring Arbor High School in 1960, and Greenville College (Illinois) in 1964. He received a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970. He taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School.

Mel married Susan Brock in 1965, and they have two daughters; Amy (Kevin) Kwilinski, of Kennesaw, GA, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Reivitt, of Portage, MI. Mel and Susan have seven grandchildren.

The Abbot's Agreement is available from Lion Fiction, part of  the Kregel Publishing Group.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

A Stitch In Crime by Cathy Elliot, with a giveaway

Thea's first quilt show is literally coming apart at the seams!

Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale's first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she's already feeling frayed when things start to unravel.

Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea's dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds?

When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale's reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town's investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.

My review:
   This book is classified as a "cozy mystery." That means it is a more fun read than suspenseful and is definitely not the kind of book that will keep you up at night after you read it. I typically read those kind of books, so this was a change of pace for me, but that is OK. We all need to read a easy and fun book once in a while.

  I did enjoy the book. As with all of the other books in this series, the story centered around a quilt, and I find quilts interesting, even though I am a guy. I liked the characters in the book, the setting, and plot. There was a couple of mysteries going on, and the book was suspenseful, but there are no murders or deadly chases in the book.

  There was a message in the book of the need to forgive, and the book was a definite Christian read. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, especially if they like books that are a fun instead of intense read.

About the author:

Author and speaker Cathy Elliot nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott. Thea's first quilt show begins to fall apart at the seams. Will she be able to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before another attack happens . . . with far worse results.
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