Review: The Turning

The Turning by Davis Bunn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable.

A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within. Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command. And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey. Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand. Only later would they see a pattern emerge - one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation. They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility. And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions. But power and money are at stake. Malicious elements soon align themselves. To succeed they must also undermine its source. Can we really believe that God speaks to people today? Surely this must be dismissed as superstition or delusion. The public debate and media frenzy place an unprecedented spotlight on knowing and doing God's will. The five encounter threats, but try to remain steadfast in their faith. Had God indeed imparted wisdom on selected individuals? Is this sweep of events part of his divine purpose?

The movement may herald a profound renewal - one that some are calling The Turning...

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This book really grabbed my attention. The relevancy of a media mogul sending a message of doom through multiple forms of media was incredible. And the way ordinary people were drawn together to battle this message with one of hope was amazing and miraculous.

I loved the backstory on each of these ordinary everyday people. They are each powerfully nudged by God to make peace with things in their pasts and take the first step to repair broken relationships. Then they are divinely drawn together to battle the forces of evil working to void the world of hope.

The ending was somewhat anti-climatic but was still good. You will want to read this book that challenges you to think twice about what you see and hear in our world's media and how you support it. It will challenge your comfort zone!

*Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Loved it! I always jump at a chance to get a book from these series. They are always clean and sweet.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore
I enjoyed this sweet novella about a wedding photographer and a business tycoon who meet on the beach and, despite their different backgrounds and some family opposition, start to fall in love. Is he too good to be true and can she get over her broken heart?

GONE FISHING by Kaylee Baldwin
I really liked this charming novella about Claire, a website designer, and Miguel, her father's partner on his deep-sea fishing tourist business. There are definitely some chuckles as this rough around the edges man with a past tangles with the city girl with a barracuda mother. =)

THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING by Annette Lyon
I loved this enchanting novella about Alexandria and Michael. They meet on the beach where she is performing one last task for her deceased husband, who died much too young, and he is trying to finally put a past relationship to rest. As they grab lunch and then proceed to spend the rest of the day together, they began to believe they just might be able to find love again.

HERO'S SONG by Jennifer Moore
When AnneMarie, a romance novelist, admits on a late night talk show that she was in love once with a guitar player, she has no clue that that very man, Lance Holden, is booked on the same show to perform his newest song. AnneMarie hasn't seen Lance since he broke her heart ten years ago. As Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance. I didn't like this novella as much. I think because this one has more anger and angst in it than the others which are sweeter and fun.

STAY WITH ME by Shannon Guymon
I really liked this endearing novella about Jolie, an art major who moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position just for the summer, and Fitz, the family's chauffeur. With a model-gorgeous chauffeur and two adorable and needy charges, Jolie might just be persuaded to stay in L.A.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME by Sarah M. Eden
It's pretty much a given that I'm going to like a Sarah M. Eden story! I loved this captivating novella about Ada, the best realtor around, and Craig, an accountant. He's looking for the perfect condo to buy for him and his son. What they weren't prepared for was their unforeseen attraction to each other and the immediate attachment between Ada and Craig's adorable son. Will they listen to their hearts telling them it's okay to take another chance on love?

Another winner from the Timeless Romance Anthology series!

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Review: Empire's End

Empire's End by Jerry B. Jenkins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Jerry B. Jenkin's new novel is filled with adventure, drama, historic people and places, and even romance. Only a few snapshots of Paul's life are revealed in the Bible. In this fictional account, Jenkins tells of a devout Jewish scholar, who after only three years in the Arabian wilderness, emerges as the greatest Christian theologian in history. This novel explains how, after supervising the death of Jesus's disciples, Paul would be moved to effectively conquer the Roman Empire with a message about a Jewish man named Jesus. Empire's End will cause you to rethink whether Paul ever experienced the love of a woman or the embrace of a child.

From a fictional standpoint, this was an interesting book. It was neat to read about Paul behind the scenes so to speak. As stated in the synopsis, very little about Paul's life is told in the Bible. So what did happen between the stories shared? I liked reading and imagining what his life might have been like. I loved the miraculous ride on the horse! :) And I know other reviewers don't, but I liked the story of Paul and Stephanos widow. So much forgiveness and redemption there!

Of course there were a few things I didn't care for. The excessive use of entire passages of quoted scripture (only excessive because I was reading a book not the Bible). The way the camp ended that Paul spent three years in was unexpected and sad and didn't make sense. And I must point out that most of Paul's years of ministry were not covered and it did not cover the "Empire's End".

*Thanks to First Look and Worthy Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Review: The Wood's Edge

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

Read an excerpt: The Woods Edge

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

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MY REVIEW:

It took me several tries to persuade myself to start reading this book just because it looked long and I wasn't sure if it would hold my interest with the expanse of years it covers.   Was I ever wrong!  It was an awesome read!

This story follows the lives of those impacted by one terrible action and choice made by Major Reginald Aubrey.  The consequences of that one choice will ripple through many lives for years to come.  Set in Colonial America before the War of Independence, the author does a masterful job of weaving the story lines of the two families together.

Fleeing after the fall of the Fort with his wife and the child he stole, Reginald also rescues Anna, whose family has been killed in the massacre.  Anna grows up believing that her "brother", William, is the son of Reginald and his wife.  She has no reason to believe otherwise.  When she learns the truth can she find the strength to forgive her beloved Papa?  And how will it affect her relationship with Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she has been meeting in secret for years?  

The Oneida family whose baby was stolen has never given up hope that they will be reunited with their son.  The father has been plagued with a lust for vengeance that has played havoc with the lives of the rest of his family.  When a missionary joins their village, will this family finally find peace?

I have no doubt you will be glued to this book as you get to know each character and follow along as they grow, make life choices, and strive to become the best they can be.  This book takes you on a deep journey of the consequence of sin and the redemption and reconciliation found in repentance and forgiveness.   I can't say enough good about it and I'm anxiously waiting for book two!

*Thanks to Blogging For Books for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions stated are my own.*

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Review: A Worthy Pursuit

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Charlotte Atherton , headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, is very upset when the director of the Academy tells her he is shutting it down. She knows that the Academy is what has kept her charge, Lily, safe. If the Academy closes, Lily’s grandfather will insist on Lily returning to him. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record? Or will he start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart?

I loved this book! Charlotte and Stone are great characters. Charlotte is strong and determined to keep her charges safe. She's also really loving and great with the three children. She encourages their individuality and helps them channel their talents. Because of past abandonment and betrayals, she has a hard time opening up and trusting Stone. But Stone proves himself trustworthy and pursues her with gentle determination.

Stone is a big, burly, rough around the edges man who has lived on the road for years and is the best at what he does. But he's also honorable, trustworthy and willing to put his life on the line for you. He proves this more than once to Charlotte and in the process breaks down her defenses and endears himself to the children.

Action, adventure, and sweet romance will keep you entertained and turning pages in this newest romance from Karen Witemeyer!

*Thanks to Karen Witemeyer and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*




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