Esther: Royal Beauty

Expect the Unexpected

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who expect the unexpected in novels. With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 125 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to non-fiction books, to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award.  Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in 2008 and was accepted into a Th.D. program in 2009. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.  She is also an avid photographer, using her photos to help find homes for her local SPCA’s shelter animals.

An ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews in ancient Persia, so an inexperienced beautiful young queen must take a stand for her people.

When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king’s heart and a queen’s crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king’s permission to exterminate all Jews–young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people…and bind her husband’s heart.

My Thoughts:

I didn't know quite what to think about Hunt's version of Esther's story.  Hunt portrays Esther as a little bit sassy and almost desirous of a place in the King's palace.  In addition to that, the story is only told from two perspectives:  Esther's (Haddassah) and a servant to the King.  This way of approaching the story fell a little flat for me.  I felt it narrowed the story a bit.  Otherwise, Hunt's version seems to follow the biblical account fairly closely.  

With those things said, Hunt always delivers a good read.  She offers something different in her novels whether they be historical fiction or contemporary fiction.  Esther made me think and dig for myself to see if the author was on track.  A book that makes me think and study for myself is an excellent sign of good writing.  While not my favorite rendering of the Queen's story, it was still a good investment of my time and study.

*I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

The second book in the Dangerous Beauty series releases in late 2015.

Happy Reading Ya'll,

Jennifer

Remember The Lilies

About the author:
New York Times best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author ofDaisies are Forever, Snow on the Tulips, and the contributing author of A Log Cabin Christmas. When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.

Find Liz online: website, Facebook, Twitter

About the book:

Remember the Lilies (Thomas Nelson, February 2015)

Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor's office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what's happening, she's drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till---and has news that could threaten Rand's reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness---if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1EDGVJJ  

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

Liz Tolsma captured my interest in her writing and earned a fan with her first book in this series Snow on the Tulips.  In this third book of the series, Remember the Lilies, Tolsma did not disappoint with genuine and well thought out characters in an excellent and tender romantic war story.  Tolsma captures the war time atmosphere in living color and makes the reader feel a part of the story with spot on descriptions of the era.  With themes of fear, doubt, faith and love along with the human will to survive the worst of circumstances, Liz Tolsma will capture your attention and your heart!

*I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,

Jennifer

The Dandelion Field

About the author: 

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Find Kathryn online: website, Facebook

About the book:
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: "The baby is mine."

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1yGTVen

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

The story of Ginevieve Lightly and Dan Moretti along with Raine and Cody is absolutely captivating!  Springer tackled some very hard issues in The Dandelion Field and I was engrossed in the story beginning with the very first few pages.

Springer's cast of characters come to life and leap off the page and were so real and genuine...any of them could be you or me.  As a reader, I found myself thinking through each character's individual story and wondering, "What if that were me"?  I haven't been as "involved" in a book like I was in this one in a long time.  But Springer takes the reader to that place through an emotionally riveting story.  The transformation in Ginevieve is a delight and joy to see as her story progresses through her struggles with trust and faith.  This one now has a place on my "keeper shelf"!

*I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.  

Happy Reading Ya'll,

Jennifer

Devotion

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Devotion Harbourlight Books (September 19, 2012) by Marianne Evans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:
My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford "from the City" (New York, of course!) to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. Life and times at 82 Mozart Street are engraved upon my heart, and precious to me. What better place to set a romance?

Now, I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction' (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.

This segment of my journey began when I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series...and an Amazon best seller! A Face in the Clouds, a short story spin-off of Woodland, is also part of my 'best seller' portfolio. What a blessing!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.

For Better or Worse

But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?

'Til Death Do Us Part

When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Devotion, go HERE.

My Thoughts:
With the current climate in our culture and the attack on traditional, biblical marriage, Evans' book is timely and very much needed!  Evans uses Kellen and Juliet's story to shine a light on what a true covenant marriage looks like and the commitment it takes.  The characterization is top-notch.  Evans develops characters that are easy to identify with and are believable.
I appreciated how Evans was able to weave in biblical truth and scripture so fluently into the lives of the main characters.  She not only highlighted God's Word, but showed it's practical application as Kellen and Juliet's story played out.  Not only did I read their story, but it made me think and feel. You will be blessed by reading the book and checking out the additional resources available at www.imdevoted.com.

Blessings,
Jennifer

A Stitch In Crime

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the Author: 

Author and speaker Cathy Elliot nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures.

Connect with Cathy online: website, Facebook

About the book: 

Thea's first quilt show is coming apart at the seams!

Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale's first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she's already feeling frayed when things start to unravel.

Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea's dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds?

When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale's reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town's investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.

To see what others are saying about A Stitch in Crime, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

Elliott has written a fun read with an amazing cast of characters.  Each a bit quirky, the characters carry the story along in a very engaging manner.  The dialogue draws the reader into the action and holds their attention.  Elliott's characterization and plot development is superb!

You will enjoy this addition to the Quilts of Love series!

*I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,

Jennifer

I Choose You Today

About the author:

Deb DeArmond is an author, a speaker, and relationship coach-helping her clients improve their interactions at work and at home. Her first book, Related by Chance, Family by Choice: Transforming Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships, was released in November 2013 by Kregel Publications.

Find Deb online: website, Facebook, Twitter

About the book:

I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last (Abingdon Press, January 2015)

Married for nearly 38 years, author Deborah DeArmond and her husband have made the spoken declaration, "I choose you today" a regular part of their communication. It's when we least feel like saying it that we need to remind ourselves that love is a choice, not a feeling. I Choose You Today features 31 scriptural principles that support marriage and help couples develop healthy biblically based behavior.

Built on an introductory anecdotal story, each chapter has an inspirational takeaway of not only what to do, but how to begin applying the principles immediately. Thought provoking questions create talking points for couples to explore their own choices and experiences in each area serve to generate open dialogue of discovery. I Choose You Today is not a book of "shoulds," but one of clearly identified choices that each individual can make to grow their marriage and align it with the word of God. Every saying ends with a conventional wisdom quote.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/HLFvU  

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

In the introduction to I Choose You Today, author Dee DeArmond says this:

"Love is not a feeling, and neither is marriage.  Each is a choice - one that must be made every single day, even if it's spoken through gritted teeth. And we are smart enough to know we could never manage on our own; we are very clear:  united in Christ is how we started and how we will have to continue if we plan to finish strong.  And that is our plan.  It's an act of our will to choose our marriage, day in and day out.  And it is God's grace that makes that choice possible."

DeArmond has given married couples a valuable resource in her recent book. I appreciate the strong emphasis DeArmond places on God's Word as an authority for the marriage relationship.  She even begins the book with I Choose To Accept God's Word As The Blueprint For Our Life.  Also appreciated is the practical suggestions in the book.

DeArmond also offers  "Choice Questions" and a prayer prompt at the end of each chapter allowing the reader to apply the truths of scripture and personal story to their own marriages.  The author's strong portrayal of the grace of God as the source of being able to set selfishness aside and the ability to engage in life with our spouse is a refreshing and encouraging reminder that we aren't in this alone.

The book includes Banner Scriptures for Memory and Additional Conventional Wisdom at the end.  I Choose You Today is a very well organized and highly biblical exhortation for Godly marriages.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.

The "I Choose You" Challenge: March 1 - December 31, 2015

Sign up online at www.ichooseyouchallenge.com to receive 10 weekly emails, each teaching one of the choices from Deb's book along with practical applications. This challenge is broken up into three different sessions, covering all 31 choices from the book. There will be giveaways and opportunities to win throughout the year. Participants can decide when to join---it's not required to do all three sessions.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Beyond All Dreams

About the author: Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.

Find Elizabeth online: website, Facebook

About the book:
Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BbxWeR

To see what others are saying about Beyond All Dreams, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

I'm not typically a huge fan of Historical Fiction, but Camden made me a believer when I read her book Against the Tide a while back.  Beyond All Dreams pushes me even further into being a fan of this genre.  Camden's writing is rich in history and her research is evident in the content of her book.  Her character's are richly developed and she captures the time period with superb plot design and description.  Luke and Anna's story is captivating.  Camden includes a bit of everything in this book - faith, love, mystery - and she weaves it all together very well.

*I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of providing my honest review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,

Jennifer