The Name I Call Myself

I received a copy of THE NAME I CALL MYSELF by Beth Moran from Lion Fiction via Kregel.  First of all, let me say that this is such a fun cover!  Okay, onto the story.  It feels like a chick-flick movie, so it is perfect reading for before bed, or whenever you feel like a pick me up tale.

THE NAME I CALL MYSELF focuses on the relationship between Faith Harp and Peregrine (love the name!) Upperton.  You may know him better as Perry.  Did I mention that he’s a multimillionaire?  That just adds another layer to the story. Faith struggles with her relationship due to an abusive past with men. 

Faith’s past is catching up with her.  Her stepfather is being released from prison and he wants revenge.  He also wants revenge on Faith’s brother Sam, who is struggling with mental issues.  Faith’s life is a complex web, and she is trying her best to keep it all together.  Things start to improve when she is drafted into the church choir.  I don’t want to give anymore away, but know that the story is complex and emotional.  You will be instantly sucked into Faith’s world.  If you’re like me, you’ll find it to be a one sitting read.  You won’t want to put it down!

Shadow of the Storm

I received a copy of SHADOW OF THE STORM by Connilyn Cossette from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  It is the second book in the “Out from Egypt” series.  Unfortunately I didn’t read book one prior to book two.  I’ll have to look for it now, as this book was quite addicting.  Also, you don’t need to have read book one to enjoy book two.  I understand some characters resurface, but if you only pick up book two, you won’t be confused.

SHADOW OF THE STORM is considered Biblical fiction.  The story involves those who left Egypt in the Exodus.  Shira is a Levite woman and Dvorah is Egyptian.  I loved how each woman had a distinctive voice.  Nothing bothers me more in a book as when every character sounds the same.

Every character brings something to the story, making this a well-rounded plot with realistic dialogue and touching scenes.  I highly recommend this for fans of Christian fiction.  Pick up this book – you won’t be disappointed.

This book is going in my personal collection, as I have a feeling I will be rereading it time and time again.  I hope to see more books by Connilyn Cossette in the future. 

Rhythms of Rest

I received a copy of RHYTHMS OF REST: FINDING THE SPIRIT OF THE SABBATH IN A BUSY WORLD by Shelly Miller from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

I admit that my family and I do not always adhere to the rules of the Sabbath.  I always think of it as a day of rest – doing nothing, just relaxing.  That isn’t always possible when you work retail (as my mom does and I used to do), or when you have tons of housework to catch up on.  This book opened my eyes to new ways of considering the Sabbath.  The books guides you step-by-step into keeping with the Sabbath.  Just as the title says, it talks about how busy our worlds are.  It can’t be an excuse, but it can be something to think about seriously.  I also like that it doesn’t make you feel guilty for not honoring the Sabbath, but instead helps you to find the correct path.

If you’re feeling depressed or overwhelmed, or just looking for some peace, then read this book as well.  Each section is short, so you can read them in different sittings, or you can finish it all in one sitting.  Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.

A Day and a Life

I received a copy of A DAY AND A LIFE by Penelope Wilcock, part of “the Hawk and the Dove” series, from Lion Fiction via Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  I have read other books in this series, and I must say each book gets better and better.  I keep becoming more invested in the characters. 

A DAY AND A LIFE focuses on two monks, Brother Cedd and Brother Colin.  They live at St. Alcuin’s Monastary, where they question if they will ever find their place as God has intended.  I love reading about their feelings of self-doubt.  No, I’m not a horrible person like that (I hope!).  Rather, it feels real.  Everyone struggles with doubt at different times in their life, and these two show that even monks are human.

Part of what I love best about this series is how Penelope Wilcock paints us a beautiful realistic image of monastic life.  I haven’t had the pleasure of reading other books about monks (although I was told by someone that REDWALL shows monk life well.  Um…this series is realistic.  REDWALL is about talking animals).

I highly recommend all of the books in “the Hawk and the Dove” series to fans of historic fiction and Christian fiction.