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.