The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

I would classify this book as a YA historical novel.  It takes place in the 1400s with a Saracen orphan, Aladdin, as the main character.  Through times of trial, testing and triumph he weaves his way into the Germanic society and hearts of many.  He has a good soul and honorable goals but along the way his courage fails him and he makes mistakes even as he tries for perfection. Aladdin has grown up with Lady Kirstyn.  They are best friends but he always feels beneath her.  He leaves the household that has taken him in to go make his way in the world.  He wants to prove that he can care for her and be a success.   As he gains a better understanding of God's love for him he begins to understand that perfection is not required of him for acceptance and belonging.  Perils arise as the lady he loves is kidnapped and held hostage by a jealous and deranged son of Aladdin's benefactor.  Through times of despair and terror Aladdin learns to lean more heavily on his own instincts and the voice of God directing him.  He must also learn to not judge himself by other's standards but base his worth on the blood of Christ shed for him.  As Aladdin and Kirstyn are reunited they must learn to be honest with themselves and each other about their feelings.  They learn to be courageous in ways they had not expressed or experienced before and grow strong individually and together as a couple.

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

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin

I have mixed feelings about this book.  It appears the main goal of this book is to show the power of forgiveness.  However, there are several instances of violent retaliation that occur in this story with no remorse.  One example is a wronged spouse driving a knife through her husband's hand.  And in each of the cases there is an intervention of a politician so that no censure, responsibility or disciple is meted out.  This seems in congruent with the theme of making amends and forgiveness running through the book.  It also adds a flavor of vigilante style justice to the tale.  For me it made the story less believable because of how many times they avoided any legal repercussions for their actions.  It also bothered me that the main character's love was described as "watching over" someone when in actuality it would be described in legal terms as stalking.  Since this is a Christian book it was unbelievable to me that "love" would be described in such an emotionally unhealthy manner.  And although the main character protects those he loves in one sense - on the other hand he holds a lot of resentment towards them.  The entire book was a mixture of really unhealthy behaviors combined with "noble" reasons for said actions.  I couldn't really blend the two together.  It just seemed too disconnected and unreal to me. 

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