Wickedly they Come

I received a copy of WICKEDLY THEY COME by Cathrina Constantine.  This is a young adult novel that kept me seriously riveted.  First off, the main characters name is Jordan.  How could I not love this book?  Name aside, I found her to be an excellent role model for teenage girls.  She’s tough, but family oriented and thinks about her decisions – while making sudden decisions as well.  She struck me as very real.

Onto the story.  I don’t want to give away spoilers or the plot, but I do want to say this is appropriate for teens and adults.  I count it as a “dark” novel, but not overly so.  There are demons.  They help to spice up the story.  The intensity of it only keeps it fast-paced rather than inappropriate. 

I recommend this to fantasy lovers, and anyone who enjoys a dose of good versus evil.

The Wish

I received a paperback copy of THE WISH by Beverly Lewis from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.   I read a lot of Amish fiction and share them with my mother for discussion, and I am always afraid that the plots will start to repeat.  THE WISH, I am happy to report, stays fresh.

However, I really didn’t care for it.  I wish I could say otherwise, because the plot is different – Leona’s friend leaves the church and then writes to her years later asking for help.  I just couldn’t get into it, though. I normally enjoy books by Beverly Lewis, but this one felt almost different.

The beginning chapters are very rushed.  A lot happens and my head was spinning.  I never got a good grasp of the characters.  Suddenly, Gloria is gone.  The story slows down a little, but still felt rushed. 

A lot of the book is Telling rather than Showing.  At first I cringed, then I moaned.  I’m not trying to be mean, but that really ruined it for me.  For example, instead of using dialogue, the story went: Leona said that would be great, and maybe they should try it.  Why not use dialogue for that?

“That would be great.”  Leona beamed.  “We should try it!” 

It isn’t a bad book, just not for me.  If you enjoy Amish literature, give it a try.

Fifth Column

I received a paperback copy of FIFTH COLUMN by Mike Hollow from Lion Fiction via Kregel in exchange for an honest review.   It is the second installment in the Blitz Detective series.  I really liked book one, so I was excited to explore this one.

The setting is World War II in London, England.  I am a sucker for historical fiction.  I’m also a sucker for mysteries, even if I can never guess the bad guy.  I enjoy Mike Hollow’s mysteries, as most of the ones I read are about Medieval England or the modern day.  I enjoy “exploring” the London Blitz.  He places you right into the action with his characters.

I’m often asked if you need to read book one before book two.  With this series, you should be fine picking up here.  This book involves Detective Inspector John Jago investigating a woman’s dead at a bomb site. 

I highly recommend this to history buffs and mystery fans.  It is certainly a page turner.  The mystery itself will keep you on the edge of your seat.  You can tell that the author, Mike Hollow, has certainly done his research.  This fine eye for detail is what makes FIFTH COLUMN really shine.

A Lament for the Lost

I received a copy of A LAMENT FOR THE LOST by Nicole Thorn in exchange for an honest review.  The book is published by CHBB and is book one in the “Lost Ones” series.  It is mainly a young adult book, but I would recommend it to adults as well.

I went into this without knowing what it would be about.  Based on the cover I knew it would be intense – I never expected it to be this intense!  Wow.  I read it in one sitting.  (I wasn’t feeling well and it was a great escape from that)

Willow, the main character, is one of the most complex characters I have read about in a long, long while.  She’s part sweet, part twisted, part delusional…just altogether a wow character. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. 

5 stars from me.

The Bible and Me

I received a copy of THE BIBLE AND ME: STORIES WITH A MESSAGE TO LIVE BY by Lois Rock from Lion Hudson via Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  This hardcover book is beautifully illustrated by Alida Massari. 

I read this children’s’ book a little differently than previous books.  Normally, I read them and think about my days in college learning to be an elementary teacher.  I think about the kids I taught and the kids I know through family.  This time, however, I thought about my soon-to-be-born baby (although this is geared more towards children than babies).  This is definitely a book I want to keep so that someday he can cherish it.  It is a hardcover, so it is perfect for treasuring for years to come.

The illustrations accompany child-appropriate retellings of well-known Bible stories.  I can see a parent reading this to his or her child, and having the shortened version expanded into a conversation.  I can also see the parent starting a conversation from these stories on how to be a better person and how to seek greater fulfillment from each day.

I highly recommend this as an addition to any children’s home library and as a great gift.