Title: The Homecoming
Author: Kate Hasbrouck
Genre: Christian Fantasy Fiction
Plot: Kerana is being sent to Earth to begin her duty as an Eldurian. Hers are a perfect people, without flaw and without sin, never experiencing the fall of man. Created by God to shepherd His people on Earth, they remain in the shadows, unnoticed. Kerana looks human, speaks like them, and has been taught to act like them. Above all her mission is to serve the humans.
Arriving on Earth, Kerana meets Eli at school. He is an ordinary human, with a father suffering from alcoholism, and a past that threatens to ruin his life. A star scholarship lacrosse player, Eli has to forget his true passion and live in a shell that doesn’t let anyone in. Until he meets Kerana. They find themselves intertwined in a connection that neither can quite explain. When this connection puts the two of them in danger, they find comfort and protection from each other. When Eli discovers that there is more to Kerana than just her stunning looks and grace, the Eldurians and their home planet of Eden may not remain a secret for very long.
* Description is from craftybooksheeps.blogspot.com*
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book!
It was written from the perspectives of Kerana and Eli. I sometimes find that when a story is told from two different perspectives it can feel choppy or is hard to follow. That wasn't this case with this book.
I think it helped to show the differences and similarities between Eldurians and Humans.
It was also nice to see what Eli and Kerana thought about the events happening throughout the story.
I liked the way the author handled the spiritual aspects.
The relationship between Adonai ( God) and Eli was beautifully done and, I think, Biblically accurate.
I also thought that the relationship between Adonai and the Eldurians was wonderful. The Eldurians, especially Kerana's parents, were great examples of a strong and loyal faith.
All in all a great read! I recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Fantasy and Sci-Fi.
My rating: 3.5
*Disclaimer*
As a part of The Homecoming book tour I was given a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Dreamtreaders
Series: Dreamtreaders series
Number in series: 1
Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Genre: Young Adult Christian Fantasy
Plot: 14-year-old Archer Keaton is a dreamtreader, a person who has the ability to control dreams and fight against nightmares. With his power comes great responsibility, which is something Archer's leader, Gabriel, isn't sure Archer has. When the Nightmare Lord begins to create havock in the dreamworld, Archer thinks he knows the solution. Is it worth the risk?
My thoughts: I have been wanting to read more Christian Fantasy lately. I had heard great things about Wayne Thomas Batson's books, so I decided to give Dreamtreaders a read. I'm very glad I did!
This book was fast paced and action packed, but not in a way to make it confusing. The author took time explain describe things and events well, which I think is necessary in the fantasy genre.
I hadn't read a book revolving around a dream world, so I found this interesting. The author did a great job of bringing out the similarities and differences found in the real world and dream world.
Since this book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger I 'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Search for the Shadow Key.
My rating: 4
Title: First Date
Author: Krista McGee
Genre: Young Adult Christian Fiction
Plot: Addy Davidson lives with her Uncle Mike in Florida, where she leaves an ordinary life. When Addy is chosen to be a contestent in The Book of Love, a reality show where the President's son, Jonathan Jackson, chooses a date for prom, Addy is shocked. Addy doesn't want anything to do with the show, but reluctenly decides to go because she feels God is calling her to.
Addy begins to be persecuted on the show and struggles to find her way. Can Addy find God's will for her life?
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.
It's inspired by Queen Esther's story from the Bible, yet is a story all its own. It has humor and romance similar to Jenny B. Jones wonderful YA series'. It also a quick and easy read. (I read it in e-book form in just a few days. It usually takes me a week or so to read an e-book.)
Addy is a great main character. I related to her struggles, hopes, and journey to find God's will for her life. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for her and her friend Kara McKormick in Starring Me.
I reccommend this if your looking for a cute book to read, especially for Valentine's Day.
My rating : 3.5
Title: Heart's safe passage
Series: The Midwives Series
Number in Series: 2
Author: Laurie Alice Eakes
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot:
Phoebe Lee, an apperintice midwife, is visiting her sister-in-law Belinda,whose husband has been made a prisoner of war.
Belinda has a plan to free her husband, but wants Phoebe to come along since she, Belinda, is pregnant.
Phoebe and Belinda become passengers aboard a privateer brig.
The Captain, Rafael Docherty, promises Belinda and Phoebe that they will find a way to save Belinda's husband.
When Phoebe learns that the Captain wants revenge for his family's deaths, Phoebe begins to lose trust in him.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed the first book in this series since it was fast paced and I liked the characters. Because of that I was looking forward to reading this sequel.
I was hoping that this book would be fast paced, interesting, and have good characters.Unfortunately this book didn't meet my expectations.
I had a really hard time with the characters. To be honest they frustrated me, a lot, at times. The relationship between Phoebe and most of the other characters were strained, and to be honest, a bit annoying.
It did have an interesting plot line that I would have enjoyed more if I had connected with the characters.
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't.
I'm not sure if I will finish this series. If you have read the last book in this series please let me know what you thought of it.
My rating: 2
Title: Lady in the Mist
Series: The Midwives series
Number in Series: 1
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot: Tabitha Eckles is an unmarried midwife, which makes her unusual in the early 1800s. Tabitha lives in a small town on the coast of Virginia where young men are being captured by The British and are being forced to serve in the British Navy.
Dominick Cherrett, an indentured servant, is British and has just moved into the area. People begin to wonder if Dominick has anything to do with the local men disappearing.
Can Tabitha trust him?
What I liked about this book:
This book is set in America in 1809.
Before reading this book I knew little about that time period in America. Because of that I thought this book was really interesting.
The storyline was fast paced, so it kept my attention the entire time
I was reading it.
What I didn't like about this book:
The characters were really great, but many of them had dealt with hardships that I had a hard time relating to.
There was more kissing in this book than I am used to in Christian fiction.
My rating: 3
Title: A Talent For Trouble
Series: Ladies of Distinction
Number in series: 3
Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot:
Felicia Murdock , a caring, but mischievous young woman, believes God has called her to be the wife of a minister. The only problem is that the Minister Felicia thinks she is in love with marries someone else.
Felicia feels all alone and doesn't know what she wants out of life.
Grayson Sumner is thrown into Felicia's life despite of each other.
Can they make things work- even when danger tries to tear them apart?
What I liked about this book:
This is one of the most humorous books I have ever read!!!!
There are some extremely comical scenes that had me laughing out loud often.
I really enjoyed that some characters form previous books in this series played an important role in this book.
What I didn't like about this book:
The only thing I didn't like about this book is a cliche' I have noticed in a lot of Christian romances-
The main male character has given up on God because of his past, but he soon falls in love with a Godly woman who helps him realize his need for God's grace. The reason this bothers me is that I am convicted that a Christian should be in a relationship with another Christian. I am not trying to preach, just sharing what I feel is Biblical.
My rating: 3
Title: A Gentlemen of Her Dreams : a novella
Series: Ladies of Distinction Series
Number in series: 0 ( it's kind of a prequel to the first book in this series)
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Plot: Charlotte Wilson is a headstrong young woman who tends to get in mischief often.
When Charlotte's childhood friend Henry St. James comes back home she enlists him in her latest scheme. Charlotte believes God is calling her to marry Hamilton Beckett, the most eligible bachelor in New York City. The only problem is that Charlotte has never formally meet Mr. Beckett, but believes that Henry will introduce her to Mr. Beckett.
Will Charlotte's plan work out the way she hopes?
What I liked about this book:
This book was extremely funny.
Charlotte's mischievousness gets her and Henry into many comical situations that had me laughing out loud often.
This book is also very sweet. The ending is cute and explained some of the events that happened in A Change of Fortune, the first book in the Ladies of Distinction series.
What I didn't like about this book: Nothing!
My rating : 4
NOTE: You can get this e- novella for free on Amazon.com
Title: The Baron's honorable Daughter
Author: Lynn Morris
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Plot: Valeria Segrave is the step-daughter of the Earl of Maledon.
When the Earl suddenly dies Valeria steps up to take care of her fragile mother and her six-year-old half brother, who is now the Earl of Maledon.
Valeria, who is vivacious and independent, experiences her first season in the fashionable part of London. Valeria is given lots of advice on how to act and who to associate with, but doesn't know whom to place her trust in.
What I liked about this book:
The author was fantastic at describing dresses, scenery, and characters. While the plot sounds cliche', Lynn Morris' writing made the stereotypes seem new and interesting.
The characters had depth and varying personalities that kept the plot moving.
What I didn't like about this book:
There were many references to prostitutes, immoral relationships, and like, but they were shown in a very negative light.
My rating: 3
Title: A Jane Austen Devotional
Published by : Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian non-fiction
About this book:
This book has contains around two hundred devotions based on Jane Austen's book.
On one page there is a section of from one of Jane Austen's book.
On the page opposite of it is a page telling what can be learned from the other page and scripture pertaining to that topic.
What I liked about this book:
This was a really well thought out devotional.
I loved how the person who wrote each devotional brought out Biblical truths from Jane Austen's books without seeming over analyized or cliche'.
Each section was short, but very through. Since it takes only five mintues or less to read this is a great devotional to use if you only have a few minutes or to add to your current study of the Bible.
What I didn't like about this book:
This isn't a real problem, but there are two or three sections in this book on how to be a Godly wife and mother. Since I am single and these sections don't apply to me (personally) I just skipped them.
My rating: 4
![Springtime of the Spirit (Great War Series #3) | Maureen Lang [WWI, World War I, Germany]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_ty0jJBpcDOSUvdwIUI_j9VgPzgZacEgP9uVph4fiXuZCBOQMLgsQ4O2yHbmTIxHdFeXkmPaYigdXlYzW-dkXPWua8DztyB7zDM9gcvYSABRjqd5qFoYwMxh8EGS7smnNUlzc2xOAVTF6P9COkBQXPU_YJXhNF9=s0-d)
Title: Springtime of the Spirit
Series: The Great War series
Number in series: 3
Author: Maureen Lang
Genre: Historical Christian fiction
Plot: Christophe Brecht, who was a Major in the German army, returns to his village feeling defeated. Christophe's parents are both dead and his sister is living in America, leaving Christophe all alone.
When the parents of Annaliese Duray, young woman who has run a way from home, ask Christophe to find her, Christophe finally feels like he has a purpose again.
Christophe finds Annaliese in Munich, where she is speaking out for socialist reforms. Can Christophe convince Annaliese to come home?
What I liked about this book:
Unlike the other books in this series this book shows how the war affected those who were on Germany's side during World War I.
I learned a lot about the politics of Germany after World War I, which I hadn't really know much about before reading this book.
All of the characters in this book were varied and seemed real.
What I didn't like about this book:
One of the characters in this book is a womanizer and makes suggestive remarks every once in a while.
My rating: 3
![Whisper on the Wind (Great War Series #2) | Maureen Lang [WWI World War I Belgium Brussels]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sM4DSgnNTD-jF-EzXbX9wJzXd_HUsoPcauACVJ4BT1C7IM-lnppIqhW0Exl7bDJkhUSwUt2eAHUbAr-Xpra5RtD2yqbz_HOGAVfo2MGUD6VCVmeuNhtxFIKYTfl1y5qTjWjAo7PrG9i7u0GdClew-ndm3ug1qe=s0-d)
Title: Whispers on the Wind
Series: The Great War series
Number in series: 2
Author: Maureen Lang
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Plot:
Isabella 'Isa' Lassone is an independent young woman whom is determined to return to occupied Belgium in order to save her closest friends. When Isa arrives in Belgium she soon meets Edward Kirkland, who she has loved since a child. Edward is angry that Isa has returned and wants Isa to leave as soon as possible.
Can Isa prove she is grown up enough to handle things in Brussels- not matter the cost?
What I liked about this book:
The story follows many of the characters mentioned in the Look to the East. It was neat to see what their lives were like and how they interacted with those of Charles and Julitte.
There were many heartfelt moments that really made me stop and think about how easy my life is compared to those who suffered during World War I.
What I didn't like about this book:
Edward was a bit to brooding and self absorbed to be a good hero for my tastes. He did start to grow on me as the book got further along, though.
My rating: 3
![Look to the East (Great War Series #1) | Maureen Lang [WWI World War I France]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tqHAKsSmz9eGD_w1Rb3tXqohvnvWLbEActIrP20vzXFW4L9o0qqhaLQgjARfWMS65-Je1CIODJHL6JvN-3la8r_DG7LzD3rjtXtp4YiY-YxvM-d-tlIex43_5JsIeiRwMd3GqnIP2rcMH3J9wgxxZRb5Wm1QrSNQ=s0-d)
Title: Look to the East
Series: The Great War series
Number in series: 1
Author: Maureen Lang
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot: Julitte Toussiant has lived a good life with her adopted family in the small village of Briecourt, France.
As World War I starts Julitte's life begins to change in a way she never expected. She meets Charles Lassone, a wealthy Belgian, who hides in Briecourt's small church so he won't be sent to a German work camp. As Julitte and Charles become closer their lives become endangered. Only by trusting in God will they both find a way to live in occupied France.
What I liked about this book:
I really like Maureen Lang's writing style and storyline.
The characters were well portrayed and interesting.
Julitte, was a strong heroine with lots of faith in God and genuine love for people.
Many of the things that happened in the plot seem like they could have happened during World War I.
What I didn't like about this book: There were a few spiritual elements in this book that I felt weren't ( in my opinion) Biblical.
My rating: 3.5
Title: The Bluebird and the Sparrow
Author: Janette Oke
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Plot: Stern and serious Berta has always been envious of her pretty and likeable sister Glenna. Berta's bitterness has left her feeling unloved and without joy.
Years later the lives of Berta's sister and mother begin to change. Can Berta accept God's will or will she hold on to what she wants?
What I liked about this book:
It showed how allowing just a little bit of resentment to take over can affect your life- and those around you- forever.
Glenna and Berta were well thought out characters that made the story easy to relate to.
What I didn't like about this book:
It could be a little dry at times.
My rating : 2 . 5
Title: A Lady of Secret Devotion
Series: Ladies of Liberty Series
Number in series: 3
Author: Tracie Peterson
Genre: Christian Historical fiction
Plot: Cassie Stover and her family have been struggling to make a living every since Cassie's father passed away ten years ago.
When Cassie if offered a job as a companion to Mrs. Jameston,a Godly older lady, Cassie believes it is a God send.
Although Cassie enjoys her job, she doesn't not like her Mrs. Jameston's heartless son. Cassie feels that Mrs. Jameston's life is in danger. Can Cassie, along with Mark Langford, an insurance investigator, save Mrs. Jameston in time?
What I liked about this book: This was a easy and cute read.
I grew to really like some of the characters, especially Cassie, who I didn't like that much at the begininning.
What I didn't like about this book: Some of the things that happened were cliche' and a little over dramatic.
My rating: 2 .5
Title: Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Genre: Historic Biblical fiction
Plot: Claudia spent her early years simply with her mother and Grandmother.
When Claudia is twelve she is ordered to live at the palace of Emperor Tiberius. Claudia hates Tiberius for treating her mother with disrespect, but Claudia soon learns to respect him.
Four years after moving to Tiberius' palace, Tiberius, and his wicked adviser, Sejanus, arrange a marriage for Claudia to Lucius Pontius Pilate. After years of loneliness Claudia finally feels loved by Lucius and grows to be a responsible housewife.
What I liked about this book: It showed what is was like for the Roman people during Jesus' time. I learned a lot about their customs, religions, and politics.
What I didn't like about this book: A lot of talk about intimacy in marriage, but nothing very descriptive. People wonder if certain characters are virgins or harlots.
My rating: 2
Title: Glittering Promises
Series: The Grand Tour
Number in series: 3
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Cora Diehl Kensington and William McCabe are now officially courting. The press wants to know all about it, but Cora doesn't know weither or not to share such personal information.
Cora must learn that her identity doesn't come from her family or Will, but from Cora's heavenly Father.
What I liked about this book:
This book was a good end to the Grand Tour Series.
The plot kept changing, so I wasn't sure how it was going to end.
The ending was great, much better than I thought it might be ( it even made me tear up).
What I didn't like about this book: Social drinking is mentioned often.
My rating: 3.5
Title: Grave Consequences
Series: The Grand Tour
Number in series: 2
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Cora Diehl Kensington is finally growing close to her half-siblings and their friends, the Morgans. Cora is also beginning to enjoy The Grand Tour, all though she still misses her Mama and Papa.
When Cora and those on the tour are in danger Cora wonders what could be the cause.
Could the danger be closer to them then they first thought?
What I liked about this book: The plot in this book has many twists and turns, so I wasn't sure how it was going to end.
It was very suspenseful, but not too much were it got old.
What I didn't like about this book: It wasn't as well developed, in my opinion, as the first book in this series.
My rating: 3
Title: Lady of Bolton Hill
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Plot: Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain became friends over their love music.
When Clara's father sends her to England, Clara and Daniel are heartbroken.
Years later they meet again , but their circumstances are now different. Clara is a journalist struggling to make her way in America and Daniel is an industry giant.
When untold events come Clara and Daniels way, will their relationship come to an end?
What I liked about this book: This was a well written book.
It has suspense, clean romance, and many interesting characters.
Faith and salvation are mentioned often in this book.
Clara is a Godly woman who holds to her convictions.
What I didn't like about it: It was a little slow at the beginning.
My rating: 3
Title: Glamorous Illusions
Series: The Grand Tour
Number in Series: 1
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Plot: Cora Diehl, who grew up on a farm, is going to school to become a teacher.
When Cora comes home to visit her parents she learns things surrounding her parents and birth.
With little other choice, Cora begins a grand tour of Europe with two rich families.
Cora doesn't fit in with either family. Is this truly were God wants her?
What I liked about this book: I love Lisa T. Bergren's writing style!!!!
The plot is very good and suspenseful, much like The River of Time series.
What I didn't like about it: Most of the characters consume alcoholic beverages.
My rating: 4
I have changed my book reviews a bit.
My rating system is explained on the right sidebar.
Title: Dragonlight
Series: Dragonkeeper Chronicles
Author: Donita K. Paul
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Plot: WARNING! CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Sir Bardon and Lady Kale are on a quest to help Regidor and Gilda find the mysterious meech colony. At the meech colony things aren't as ideal as Regidor and Gilda had hoped.The meech hold a dark secret that could completely destroy Amara.
What I liked about this book: It was a good end to the Dragonkeeper Chronicles. Some charcters' past, like Toopka, are finally revealed.
What I didn't like about this book: It was sad to know this would be the last book in the series.
Would I recommend this? Yes! I would highly recommend the entire Dragonkeeper Chronicles series to anyone who likes Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Narnia, and Tales of Goldstone Woods.
