Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith

Fresh ideas and historical details are given to this retelling of Esther’s story by author Jill Eileen Smith.  Smith gives emphasis to the building of relationships between the characters in her story.  Whether the characters are heroes or villains the reader gets a sense of their purpose, motives and desires.  There is a beautiful blend of senses brought to life through vivid descriptions of textures, colors, fragrances and flavors of the Persia empire.  Careful detail to cultural norms and political, historical events are given.  Reading this Biblical story with the new insights Smith brings helps Esther become even more of a heroine in my eyes. 

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

SUNRISE at NORMANDY series by Sarah Sundin

I received the 3rd book of this series free from the publishers.  But after reading that book I decided to go back and read book #1 and book #2 of the series:  The Sea Before Us and The Sky Above Us.  I'm just so impressed I have to write another blog!  There are three brothers and each book is about a brother who joins a different branch of the armed services.  Each brother has his own battles not only on the war front but inside himself.  Yes each book is action packed and filled with tender romance but what really impressed me is how naturally the author weaves spiritual truths into the conversations, thoughts, and actions of each character.  In Sundin's books Christian values aren't just tacked on as an afterthought.  They are the very fiber of her stories.

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

In this 3^rd book in the “Sunrise at Normandy” series Clay has reached a point of despair so great that sacrificing his life for his country feels like the only option.  But when he rescues Leah, an orphan looking for her lost little sisters, something changes.  When he’s shipped out the letters between the two of them become more personal, more emotional and more intense.  The marriage of convenience he offered her as a protection begins to feel like something he wants more than anything.  In this action packed romance we see two people with very different upbringings, different ways of dealing with betrayal and loneliness and even different ways of dealing with love.  Yet in their differences there is something that binds them together.  This book is filled with interesting tidbits from the WWII era while drawing the reader personally into the characters dilemmas, heart breaks and yearnings. 

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

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

Although this book is published by a Christian publisher don’t expect overt Christian tones such as references to Bible, prayer or a personal relationship with God.  You will not find them.  However, this book does provide spine tingling suspense without detailed violence, flirting without love scenes, intense dialogue without foul language and edge of your seat, page turning drama.  The story’s main theme is the inner workings of the detective team and how each member brings an important piece to the closure of a crime mystery.  I really got hooked into this book quickly, but was disappointed there wasn’t any part of the story that dealt with how the characters related to God in their work environment or personal relationships.  Since it was from a Christian publisher, I had expected that. 

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

Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is the 3^rd book in the series “Deacon’s Family” by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  But it easily can be read on its own.  The main characters are Jimmy a wayward Amish young man finding his way home and Sylvie a young widow with a secret.  Interwoven in this story are all the lovely things about the Amish life style that fans of Amish books enjoy.  But I loved the fresh look at what forgiveness can mean.  This book takes a look at people’s weaknesses or “flaws” and shows that God can work with our bad habits and even our sins and transform us.  Several different scenarios about broken relationships are interrelated with Jimmy and Sylvie’s story.  The beautiful way that Fisher shows ordinary people coming to grips with their own need for change, repentance and acceptance makes this a book that is truly hard to put down. 

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

Collateral Damage by Lynette Easton

Lynette Easton is a master with words that immediately immerses you in the time frame, mind set and heart of her characters.  Collateral Damage is no exception.  This story takes place after Asher and Brooke have left their army careers behind.  But when PTSD seems to be overtaking Asher’s life he decides to seek help from a counselor.  Brooke has dedicated her post military career to helping others, especially with PTSD, even though she has some issues of her own.  From this seemingly innocent start Asher and Brooke are thrust into a murder mystery when  dead body is found in her office.  Finding out why becomes more perilous than anything they could have expected especially when it becomes clear that Brooke was the intended target.  Fighting past their own fears, regrets and doubts Asher and Brooke work together to solve the mystery and in the process form a bond tighter than any they have known before.

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

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren

Two stories collide to create an explosive, dramatic romantic suspense thriller.  Orion, suffers from PTSD following a failed mission in Afghanistan.  Little does he know that his life is about to intersect with Jen, a former member of his team that he hasn’t seen in years.  Jen suffers from guilt, feeling responsible for the failed mission and specifically for the injuries Orion sustained.  The intense emotional impact of their “reunion” and what follows makes for an unforgettable story.  This book is much more than a 2^nd chance at love tale however.  It shouts with intrigue at ever turn.  As Orion delves into mysteries and hints of a cover-up his PSTD escalates and so does the danger.  He is determined to get to the absolute truth no matter what the cost.  Jen adds a twist he didn’t expect, but he finds out that maybe that isn’t so bad after all.  This is the first book in a new series by author Susan May Warren.  It ends leaving you feeling content and yet at the same time yearning for more.

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