Blind Trust

Blind Trust, #3
By Natalie Walters / Revell

Blind Trust is the last book in The SNAP Agency trilogy written by Natalie Walters. Previously, I read and reviewed book one: Lights Out . This series is satisfying to read due to the fast action, contemporary plots, and wonderful characters. Blind Trust, book three, is part romance and part mystery. The lead characters with the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) waste no time diving deep into the investigation of a suspicious death. The action is triggered by a threat to the protagonist, Lyla Fox. The man suspected of making the threat turns up dead in the correctional facility where he had been serving his sentence. The timeline of this event was odd. The inmate took his own life two days before the threat on Lyla was carried out. This is the thread the investigators follow to get to the bottom of the mystery. This path leads them onto a deeper plot where the stakes are higher and the threats more intense.

Readers will enjoy the book’s fast pace and the fun dialogue. The cyber-sleuth Kekoa remains a key player who adds humor to the conversations and lightens some of the hours spent at the agency.

Lyla Fox and Nicolas Garcia are independent individuals with specialized training. The romantic relationship that blossoms between them is one to follow with great interest. They are mature professionals learning how to trust one another. Over the course of the story, their perspectives move from rugged independence to accepting how important it is to treat those we love with care and understanding. They realize that solo acts with little regard for the impact of their actions can have unintended bad outcomes.

Readers can appreciate the great action told with smart prose. I enjoyed book three, but realize I haven’t read book two. The success of this book prompts me to find book two so I can complete this fast action series. I received a copy of the book from the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Prince and the Prodigal

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The Prince and the Prodigal
By Jill Eileen Smith / Revell

You’ll warm up to this book fast and stay engaged right to the end. A familiar Bible story told with fresh dialogue and new points of view. The title says it all. We journey with Joseph, the prince, from his dysfunctional early family life, through his years of trial, right up to when he was plucked from prison and catapulted into a leadership position in Egypt. His life’s journey serves as a wonderful example of how God has a plan and purpose for each life.

Judah’s story, the prodigal, is equally compelling. The brother who first hatched the idea to sell Joseph to slave traders, didn’t anticipate the consequences. The weight of the guilt he carried changed his life’s trajectory. Great tragedy marks his early adult years. Two of his sons collapse and die. His wife dies as well. Despite accumulating livestock and wealth, his emotional state is at rock bottom. It’s at this point, Judah realizes he must make the journey back home to Jacob. He is nervous and wracked with anxiety wondering if Jacob will welcome him back. The prodigal son is met with open arms. A beautiful quote is shared during their first encounter. Acknowledging the hard times he has endured, Judah says to Jacob, “ Sometimes hardship is what leads us to seek the things we’ve always known were true…. My God has taught me much… and He has led me home.”

I read a paperback copy of this book supplied by Revell in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book I have read by Jill Eileen Smith. Based on this novel, I anticipate I would find her other novels equally satisfying to read.

All That We Carried

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All That We Carried
By Erin Bartels / Revell

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I love it when a novel’s setting is a main character. Erin Bartels’ newest release titled All That We Carried is based in the Porcupines Mountains Wilderness State Park located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She does a beautiful job capturing the majesty of the waterfalls, the vastness of Lake Superior, and the park’s rugged wilderness. I could even sense the trail dirt and grime that hung on our sibling hikers during their journey. Melanie and Olivia agree to the late fall hike even though they have remained estranged for at least ten years. Their separation began when they lost their parents in a fatal car accident. The oldest sister, Olivia dealt with the tragedy by disappearing from her hometown and immersing herself in college, then law school, and then her career as a prosecutor. Melanie, left with the duty of being executor of her parent’s estate, struggled through it all and battled depression. She felt quite alone through the whole process. The story begins on the day of their hike. One Melanie suggested as a way to reunite. Melanie hoped hearts would be shared over campfires, but the warm fuzzy feelings were in short supply for most of the expedition. Practical Olivia was sure she had thought of everything to ensure hiking success. Their plans and reality rarely intersected. They were derailed by missed sign markers, bad weather, physical hurts, lost maps, and forest fires.

Looming throughout the whole story was, “What to do about Justin?” Olivia’s close teenage friend, until Justin drove recklessly and caused their parents’ tragic death. Olivia cut ties with Justin and harbored bitterness toward him. A feeling that festered unabated for a decade. Melanie ended up forming a relationship with Justin. The pair were drawn together by their grief. As they expressed their sorrows and hurts, a relationship blossomed. Olivia grew even more angry with Melanie when she discovered Melanie had forgiven Justin.

Circling around the question of to forgive or not, is a bigger question connected to their perspective on life. Should everyone be like Olivia and plan everything out to the last detail in an effort to control the outcomes and avoid risk? Is Melanie’s view more acceptable? She has adopted bits and pieces of all religions hoping her efforts to do all the right things will bring her safety and enduring happiness. The author lays out a well reasoned case that nudges both girls to a Christian faith, pointing to the One who is in control despite what often seems to us as chaotic.

Flashback moments are sprinkled throughout this novel. Different page designs alert you to the plot changes. At first, I found them abrupt, questioning if they were necessary plot diversions. They did help the reader learn more about the siblings during their early years and Justin’s back story. So I can see how each earned its place in the book.

All That We Carried was very enjoyable. I would recommend it with enthusiasm. It’s the second Erin Bartels book I’ve read and I would be happy to pass it on to one of my reading buddies. I received a complimentary book from the publisher, Revell, in exchange for my honest review.

“Things We Didn’t Say” by Amy Lynn Green

Things We Didn’t Say By Amy Lynn Green / Bethany House	Buy At Christianbook.com
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I just finished “Things We Didn’t Say” by Amy Lynn Green. Just after its debut day, I was so excited to pick up my copy from the local Indie Bookstore. Later when I flipped open the cover, I was caught by surprise. “Hold on a second,” I said. “An entire book written in letters? How did I miss this? Will I like it? I don’t know.” I couldn’t recall another similar literary offering that I had read. But upon reflection, I thought of two; The Screwtape Letters and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I enjoyed both of these. With this recollection, I was convinced. An epistolary novel is a powerful form of expression.

I got over my initial speed bump and plunged in. With a few page turns, I was all in. There’s great movement in the plot. The multiple points of view made the story rich. At the end, I thought the characters were so vibrant. Each one essential to the story. I had my doubts with Olive’s missives but even her correspondence proved to be a key story element.

At the conclusion, I thought about the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. Not the returning prodigal son himself, but his brother. The one that would never go in and join the celebration due to his anger and unforgiving nature. I thought the letters did a good job of showing that often when presented with something that threatens our sense of justice we react just like the older brother. We lash out and harbor anger toward the person or situation that has rocked our world. Bitterness defines us. When the German POW’s came to the camp in the villagers’ northern Minnesota community, few were thinking about practicing hospitality, or letting their light shine, or showing God’s love. It was heartwarming to travel along with the characters on their path to greater understanding.

Fun surprises along the way lightened the mood and solved some mysteries. I’ll admit, I’m a little curious about the title. Why is it called “Things We Didn’t’ Say.” To me, the story is complete. It’s a homerun. The letters tell it all. As I think about it, I guess the title stems from the idea that the characters later expressed in letters what they neglected to say in the moment. Words left unspoken due to fear and bad timing. This certainly happened first with Johanna Berglund and Erik Sorenson, and later with Johanna and Peter.

Amy Lynn Green has crafted a thoroughly satisfying story. The book is part of my personal library, but it’s not likely to sit on the shelf for long. I’m looking forward to sharing it with my book buddies.

American Omens: The Coming Fight for Faith

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American Omens: The Coming Fight for Faith
Author: Travis Thrasher / Multnomah

Travis Thrasher is a successful multi-genre writer with a new release expected for early 2019. American Omens: the Coming Fight for Faith is set in 2038. While it’s technically 19 years into the future, some of the plot seems underway already.

All the time I was reading it, I kept thinking of specific people I know who would delight in this book’s futuristic plot. These readers are my acquaintances who are tech savvy, love IoT (Internet of Things) and consider the possibilities of artificial intelligence with great enthusiasm. American Omens will be a must read for those who love to ponder the pros and cons of technology. The LC’s or robotic life companions are noteworthy details in the book, as wells as the SYNAPSYS form of communication and on demand interactive wall-screens.

The main theme throughout the book is the persecution and yes sometimes elimination of Christians. It’s a post-Christian world in 2038 and those in authority are determined to keep it this way. A remnant of Christian characters work to reverse this condition. A showdown is staged in Chicago where unrepentant residents ignore the warnings and suffer disastrous consequences.

A good measure of the dialogue and plot will resonate favorably with readers who are mature Christians. Words shared by key characters like Hutchence and Will are likely to stir the heart and cause heads to nod in agreement. At the conclusion, their journeys finish in a satisfying fashion while simultaneously sharing truths that are in alignment with Biblical truths. The end shows these characters more receptive to following God’s will and demonstrating trust, even when things aren’t going smooth.

There is much to think about in this book. The erosion of individual privacy and censorship run throughout the story. For me I had been on a steady diet of historical fiction, and was interested to read a selection from another genre. The characters are certainly very memorable. There are some fun references to art and music sprinkled throughout the story that keep you thinking. The Orwellian theme draws you in from beginning to end. American Omens: The Coming Fight for Faith will find its way into the hands of many readers and spark a lot of discussion.

I received an ARC of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

As the Tide Comes In

as-the-tide-comes-in-cindy-woodsmall-and-erin-woodsmall This book was delightful. The author duo used the phrase “mischief magnets” to describe a group of women friends and immediately you’re endeared to these spirited ladies. This quartet of ladies are the supporting cast to a pair of male and female main characters who are multifaceted and mature. I liked the multi generational aspect of the plot, the emphasis on how important family ties are, and the words of wisdom about showing love and kindness.

The main character, Tara, makes some outlandish decisions in the beginning. You want to call out to her, “What are you thinking?” Of course the irrational behavior is explained when you consider her physical and emotional challenges. There are tragic events that set this state of mind in motion.

This is a contemporary fiction book complete with a family mystery and romance. The mystery is resolved in a surprise ending that is foreshadowed by just a few breadcrumbs of clues. Family roots are untangled and revealed for a positive and satisfying ending. The author duo, Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall, show great skill in presenting the characters’ full slate of emotions through triumph and tragedy.

If you are a fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish Fiction, you will be pleased to venture into this book with a new setting. Most of the story takes place on Saint Simons Island, off the coast of Georgia. Woodsmall has some fun with Southern dialogue and customs. You’ll be moved emotionally. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Road to Magnolia Glen

978-1-4964-1594-3 The Road to Magnolia Glen

Historical fiction fans will agree this is a five star series. I read The Road to Magnolia Glen, Book #2 in the Natchez Trace series . After just a few pages, I was digging into additional resources to find out more about Mississippi’s Natchez Trace. Its historical value is so vital that it is has been designated a National Parkway, managed by the National Park Service. A historical fiction book is always a winner when it prompts readers to go looking for more.

The immigrant experience is featured in this book. Natchez located on the Mississippi River is a crossroads of commerce. Immigrants with little means arrive as indentured servants and agree to work off the costs of their ocean passage. This story follows some indentured servants and others who arrived free of service obligations. A main character, Quinn O’Shea is a freeman ready to embark on a bright future. His intention is to unload his two younger siblings on his older brother and then strike out on his own. But Kiera Young, an indentured immigrant, wins his heart and his plans follow a different path.

Pam Hillman’s female characters are stars. Both Kiera and Isabella are problem solvers and resourceful. Readers will develop empathy for the colonial women’s plight, when they read about the obstacles these females must overcome. Kiera boards at Isabella’s plantation home and launches a stand where travelers along the Trace can secure food and modest lodgings. Stands along the Trace historically sprung up at intervals of a day’s travel. Kiera establishes a popular stand frequented by Trace travelers, as well as the loggers and field hands employed by Isabella and Connor at Breeze Hill Plantation.

Isabella and Connor are a couple that will capture your heart. They plan together, work together for common goals, and balance each other out in a charming way.

The cast of secondary characters drive the threats that have the potential to derail everything. A distraught father seems determined to harm Kiera’s sister because he holds her responsible for his son’s middle of the night elopement. The young couple’s disappearance sets in motion a search and rescue mission. The outcomes are likely to be vastly different based on who finds the couple first. The lecherous tavern keeper, Pierre Le Bonne, and his henchmen persist as ominous threats from beginning to end. Fans of inspirational historical romance will eagerly await the next installment in this series. I received a complimentary advanced reader’s copy from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

Storm Front Book #5

36430725 I always look forward to reading a Susan May Warren book. Storm Front met my expectations and then surpassed them. It’s a romance story wrapped in a fast paced plot. Life and death hang in the balance as extreme weather events sweep through the story. The storm chasers and rescue teams join forces to locate the missing. It’s a rescue and recovery story on two levels. Sure there’s the physical part of setting things right in the wake of a devastating tornado. Rubble is bulldozed away. Electricity and water are restored. The community can rebuild. Running through this story line is the rescue and recovery of many characters, who pick themselves up from the pit, anchor themselves to solid and healthy relationships, and then adopt strategies to hope again with an optimistic outlook for the future.

We meet the female characters in real-world situations. Some are working hard to balance careers and family. Brette manages her personal battle with disease, its treatment, and finding out what the future holds. The male leads are also embroiled in captivating scenarios. Ty is sure he has disappointed his mentor and can’t shed the emotional baggage. Ben is trying to make a star-quality musical career work while simultaneously being a devoted family man. You’ll warm up to these characters and care about how their stories end.

Susan May Warren’s prose teems with quotable quotes. Peppered throughout her chapters are nuggets of wisdom, readers will take to heart. The ending wraps up nicely. You can’t go wrong with this book that is book five in the Montana Rescue series. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Where the Fire Falls – A National Park Vintage Novel by Karen Barnett

A superior five star plot based in a magnificent setting. Burning coals shoveled off cliffs f 51iQ+auYDwL._SX333_BO1,204,203,200_ or star-fall like evening entertainment is not the only activity where the temperature is rising. The smoldering romance between Olivia and Clark ignites into a genuine love story. As their relationship heats up, they forge a lasting bond based on their true selves. Each character experiences betrayal and dashed dreams, but finds healing in beautiful Yosemite National Park. The subplots and lingering mysteries keep you guessing until all is revealed at the story’s end.

Christian themes are woven expertly into this story. Clark says, “Olivia, you’re never alone.” Echoing the sentiment behind Hebrew 13:5. As you watch the main characters’ plot lines work out for good, you recall that God has a plan for each life, and while you may not see it now, you can trust that God loves you as his heir and intends for you to find your way back to him. The dialogue describing how grace differs from disgrace is heartwarming and original. You’ll remember this exchange long after you finish the book.

This title is book two in Karen Barnett’s Vintage National Parks series. The attention to detail she has given to establish the correct time period reflects a high level of research. The musical references, hairstyles, and male and female attire are right out of the late 1920’s.

You’ll be glad you spent time in Yosemite National Park with Barnett’s novel. It’s as grand as the park itself. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review. This book is available in early June.

First Line Fridays

Student Council Blog Title

“He was going to hit that pick up truck. ”

This is the first line from Sea Rose Lane by Irene Hannon. It is book two in the Hope Harbor series. The first book I read of Irene Hannon’s was Fatal Judgement in the Guardians of Justice Series. I thought the pace of this Romantic Suspense was terrific. I went on to read Vanished and enjoyed this novel as well. Later I read, One Perfect Spring and thought this book was superb. It was a great multi-generational story with characters you grow to care about. So I am excited to delve into Sea Rose Lane and enjoy the rest of this series.

Thank you to Hoarding Books for sponsoring First Line Fridays