End of the Roadie

I received a copy of END OF THE ROADIE by Elizabeth Flynn from Lion Fiction via Kregel in exchange for an honest review.  The is the third installment in “A Mystery for D.I. Costello” series. 

I found this incredibly entertaining and different.  I really can’t think of anything to compare it to!  The point of the story is that Brendan Phelan is a rock star, and during his acts, he uses gun shots and whips.  Boom – a gunshot turns out to be real and it results in a dead body.  Detective Inspector Angela Costello and her team start their investigation.

I love mystery novels and this is one of the better ones.  The characters are each unique and the mystery is complex.  I had no idea how it was going to play out – just the way I like my mystery novels!  I found it really cool how the book explored concerts.  I’ve only been to one concert, which was Reba at my local casino.  (I’m not even into country music, but I enjoyed watching “Reba” on TV so my dad surprised me with tickets)  I also found it entertaining to read how police teams work together.  I found it much more interesting than watching a crime show on TV. 

Shattered Vigil

I received a copy of THE SHATTERED VIGIL by Patrick W. Carr from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  It is a great, thick book – my favorite kind of epic fantasy adventure.  It sucks you right in and doesn’t let you go.

This is part of the Darkwater Saga – book two to be exact.  I’m new to the works of Patrick W. Carr, but he now has a fan in me.  I hadn’t read book one, but I will look for it now.  I also see there is a novella I was have to check out.

This isn’t a happy go lucky story, so if that is what you are looking for, you might want to find something different.  This is dark and gritty.  Some parts of the story are hard to read.  They are raw and real; the entire book is intense.  The characters prove that you can fight on in the most difficult of situations.  I don’t recommend reading this before bed.  The intensity will keep you up and the complex situations will keep you pondering.  There is, of course, also love, and there is some hope.

I recommend this series to fans of dark epic fantasy.  You won’t be disappointed if you give THE SHATTERED VIGIL a chance.

SONG MAGICK

I received a copy of SONG MAGICK by Elisabeth Hamil in exchange for an honest review. 

This is a beautiful young adult novel about lost magic, love, and adventure.  The romance isn’t strong, but the action is.  I loved how the scenes were described with such poetic imagery that they were easy to picture.  Telyn is a strong main character who teens can look up to. 

I recommend this to fans of young adult fantasy or anyone who is looking for a young adult that is a little different.

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.