The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

This book blended history, romance, intrigue and faith in a page turning, though provoking way.  I read a lot of history fiction regarding WWII but I learned things in this book that I never knew before.  I was also impressed with the way faith was woven naturally into the story by the characters' lives and conversations.  The thoughts expressed by the characters were real, down to earth, honest.  The story made me think about what I would have done had I lived during those hard times.  Although the book dealt with some distressing issues it was a joyful book because it clearly showed the hope we have in God in all circumstances.

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1RVBE936FSZWW/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0310259274

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

This book is a true Western with all the excitement of gunfights, saloon brawls, damsels in distress and chasing bandits. It characterizes the difference between letting God be the one to take revenge or taking revenge into our own hands. This story also demonstrates the fine line between justice - to make things right and revenge born out of hatred.

The characters are immediately likeable. There were pieces of each that I could relate to. Although I found the plot a bit predictable.

Overall it was a fun, fast read. A book that is hard to put down and has a happily-ever-after conclusion.

I was given this book by the publishers and was not required to write a favorable review.

Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sawyer takes a look at Christians’ attitudes towards each other and those who are new in the faith. Through a story with deep spiritual insights and clever dialogue between characters she shows us what it means when Jesus said, “Judge not that ye be not judged”. It is a lesson that is timeless and much needed in the Christian circle today. 

As the characters we see their struggle to not be envious, proud, spiteful and judgmental we are drawn into their thoughts and hearts. For me it showed me how easy it is to come to conclusions about others that are not only untrue but unkind. This story spoke to my heart about what it means to be merciful. It also helped me see God’s mercy for me and what His forgiveness really means in our lives. 

This book is an insightful view of life for a working woman in the 1880s, describing the few options open to women during that time period. But the bigger theme of this book is the power of forgiveness, the meaning of true friendship and the danger of judging others. 

This book was received free in exchange for an honest review.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

By Katie Ganshert

I loved this book from its perfect title to the last page!  Katie Ganshert is an awesome writer!  She brings the characters to life and your heart is touched with their struggles.  As she weaves the story of broken lives  – she explains deep spiritual truths about God’s total forgiveness and unconditional love.  Over and over I kept thinking of how profound this segment or that portion of the story was.  Yes, it was a page turner, I couldn’t stop reading it!  In fact I read it in one afternoon, but it was so much more than an unforgettable story.  This book reached deep into my heart and reminded me that God loves me!  Read this book!  Share it with everyone you know!  You won’t be disappointed.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

The Queen's Handmaid

The Queen’s Handmaiden

By Tracy L. Higley

This book had a lot of historical information connecting Cleopatra, King Herod (who was King at the time of Jesus’ birth) and Octavian.  The story is told from the view of Herod’s wife’s handmaiden.  Through her eyes we learn a lot about the fragile threads of political loyalty and safety even among family members.  There is emphasis on Jewish traditions, the way treasured written history and prophecies were handed down through the generations or hidden for safety and different ways various factions waited for the Messiah.

The trouble I had with this book is there were detailed descriptions of torture, executions and murders.  I have read similar accounts in other historical novels.  However, since this is a Christian historical novel I felt that the mention of these did not have to be in such vivid, gruesome detail. 

Another problem area was that the transitions between time segments was not smooth or clear.  This happened at least 3 times in the book where suddenly you are thrust years ahead and there wasn’t anything to let you know that time has passed so the sequence of events was confusing.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

This book was totally not what I expected, but it was a delight.  Robin Lee Hatcher uses her own personal experience with divorce and God's tender mercy to the heartbroken to weave an enchanting story.  I could not put this book down.  I love the way she describes the main character searching to know God's will and the description of the way Christian friends can uphold and support someone during hard times.  The only caution I would have for readers is that if you are going through a divorce this may be a very hard book to read.  I have gone through a divorce and did not get the fairy tale ending that "Allison" received in this book but God was no less faithful to me.  So as you read the book it should be with a lot of prayer and with the assurance that God is with you just as described in this book - no matter what the outcome of your situation is.

I received this book from Booksneeze and was not required to write a favorable review.

Stones to Bread by Christa Parrish

This book had me simultaneously devouring it and yet needing to pause between chapters because of the deep emotional impact it had on me.

The story weaves Liesl's current life with her memories of her childhood and fascinating historical facts about bread in various cultures and time periods. But this is more than an interesting read, it is a real heart turner. It made me think about what it means to really surrender to Christ. This story shows it is not just about being a missionary or preacher. Surrender means giving Christ the most hidden deepest pain and allowing Him to heal us.

The author wrote in a very realistic way about mental illness, grief, unresolved childhood trauma, forgiveness, feeling God's presence in your life and restoration/healing. It's not one of those rosy, sugar coated stories. There are parts that are seriously hard to read because of the painful account of Liesl's memories. But the way God leads her and cares for her so tenderly along the way to healing is so very beautiful.

I wish there was a sequel to this book!

I received this book from Booksneeze free and was not required to write a positive review.