At first introduction, Grace Christiansen is a homebody who loves to cook - but really, she is much deeper than that. During her brother Darek's wedding, her family gifts her with a three week cooking "vacation" in Hawaii - and when they tell her about the surprise she literally runs from the room having a minor panic attack! But when she thinks about it a little further, she realizes it is time for her to just feel the fear and do it anyway. She is willing to see what's next in the life God has for her.
Max Sharpe is one of her brother Owen's former teammates, and he too is struggling with some serious fears. He longs to be loved and even have a family, but never talks about why he doesn't even date. He is going on the same culinary vacation as Grace, and when teammate (and Grace's future brother in law) Jace tells him to "look out" for her, he has no idea that what's next for both of them could be much bigger than just a few weeks in paradise.
Easily my favorite so far in the Christiansen Family series! I liked this book so much I read it in one sitting (I went to bed way too late, but it was totally worth it!) ;)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Review of "The Antelope in the Living Room" by Melanie Shankle
Melanie Shankle's first book, "Sparkly Green Earrings" was a memoir on motherhood, and this one (although in a similar style) is about marriage. Both provide the author's humorous and down to earth take on life and family - and both are well done.
In "The Antelope in the Living Room," each of the chapters -with super awesome titles, such as "We Make Dave Ramsey Sad" and, "That Time I Almost Went on Judge Judy"- tell a different story from Melanie and husband Perry's lives, beginning with the wedding and their lives as newlyweds up to present day. She calls it "the story of a real marriage," and you can easily see their transparency as well as their love for each other. She doesn't sugarcoat, nor is this a cautionary tale; rather, they are simply real stories that make up their lives together for better or for worse.
I had never heard of Melanie, hadn't read her blog prior to reading this, but CLEARLY we would be friends. If we hung out. And that is perhaps the best endorsement I can offer you :)
In "The Antelope in the Living Room," each of the chapters -with super awesome titles, such as "We Make Dave Ramsey Sad" and, "That Time I Almost Went on Judge Judy"- tell a different story from Melanie and husband Perry's lives, beginning with the wedding and their lives as newlyweds up to present day. She calls it "the story of a real marriage," and you can easily see their transparency as well as their love for each other. She doesn't sugarcoat, nor is this a cautionary tale; rather, they are simply real stories that make up their lives together for better or for worse.
I had never heard of Melanie, hadn't read her blog prior to reading this, but CLEARLY we would be friends. If we hung out. And that is perhaps the best endorsement I can offer you :)
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Review of "The Fight" by Luke Wordley
The first book from author Luke Wordley, this novel set in England's boxing world is an interesting portrait of how anger can not only consume you, it can literally make you sick inside and out. From our main character Sam's heartbreak over his father's death, to his mom Janet's drinking problem (same root issue), or his boxing trainer's unresolved issues towards his career ending injury - all of our main characters are dealing with a deep seated anger and resentment towards the situations they've experienced.
Sam is just a kid when his father dies, and he responds with extremely aggressive behavior, picking fights and barely speaking to anyone. His mother's response is to begin to drink - to the point she completely checks out. Sam is expelled from one school after another although his caring social worker continues to try and see what makes him tick. When Sam crosses paths with boxing trainer Jerry Ambrose, he begins to see some hope; however, the road to health is a long one for all of them.
I liked this story and was interested to learn about the world of professional boxing. I struggled with Jerry's (seemingly abrupt) flip from faith to despair. Overall, I would recommend that you read it for yourself and see what you think!
Sam is just a kid when his father dies, and he responds with extremely aggressive behavior, picking fights and barely speaking to anyone. His mother's response is to begin to drink - to the point she completely checks out. Sam is expelled from one school after another although his caring social worker continues to try and see what makes him tick. When Sam crosses paths with boxing trainer Jerry Ambrose, he begins to see some hope; however, the road to health is a long one for all of them.
I liked this story and was interested to learn about the world of professional boxing. I struggled with Jerry's (seemingly abrupt) flip from faith to despair. Overall, I would recommend that you read it for yourself and see what you think!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Review of "Mark of Disctinction" by Jessica Dotta
The second book in the "Price of Privilege" series by a favorite new author, our continuation of Julia's story was easily worth the wait.
We again enter the Victorian era and begin immediately where book 1, "Born of Persuasion" left off. (By the way, if you haven't yet read the first book in this series - please don't attempt this one. You'll be very confused. You'll also be quite happy you were able to read them both in succession, rather than having to wait ages for number 2 like the rest of us.) :)
Julia has "escaped" Mr. Macy and is now living under the protection of her father, Lord Pierson. She is immediately swept up into more intrigue and confusion, as she continues to learn the rules of London society and is forced to be presented as the Emerald Heiress. She finds an ally in Lord Dalry, her father's protégé who is coming into power himself, all as she is trying to discover what she really believes and again, who she can trust.
This beautifully written, suspenseful, interesting, and well-developed story is very worthy of your investment of time and money to have in your collection.
We again enter the Victorian era and begin immediately where book 1, "Born of Persuasion" left off. (By the way, if you haven't yet read the first book in this series - please don't attempt this one. You'll be very confused. You'll also be quite happy you were able to read them both in succession, rather than having to wait ages for number 2 like the rest of us.) :)
Julia has "escaped" Mr. Macy and is now living under the protection of her father, Lord Pierson. She is immediately swept up into more intrigue and confusion, as she continues to learn the rules of London society and is forced to be presented as the Emerald Heiress. She finds an ally in Lord Dalry, her father's protégé who is coming into power himself, all as she is trying to discover what she really believes and again, who she can trust.
This beautifully written, suspenseful, interesting, and well-developed story is very worthy of your investment of time and money to have in your collection.
Review of "Life Support" by Candace Calvert
Another book in the author's Grace Medical series (these can be stand alone books, but as they include some of the same characters I believe you'll have a richer experience if you read in order).
Lauren Barclay is a nurse at Grace Medical in Houston, where she has recently returned to be closer to her family. Her younger sister Jessica has been having a tough time and Lauren is unsure of the true cause. Eli Landry is a PA at Grace who has some family struggles of his own, as he is in a long and difficult power struggle with his Father about his older brother, Drew, who suffered a traumatic brain injury years ago. Although Lauren and Eli have had their differences in the past, as they work together they begin to have a better understanding of their shared past and are able to explore the possibility of a new and different future.
This story shows how they navigate some very difficult situations - including illness, misunderstanding, an impending hurricane! - and still find some hope.
Lauren Barclay is a nurse at Grace Medical in Houston, where she has recently returned to be closer to her family. Her younger sister Jessica has been having a tough time and Lauren is unsure of the true cause. Eli Landry is a PA at Grace who has some family struggles of his own, as he is in a long and difficult power struggle with his Father about his older brother, Drew, who suffered a traumatic brain injury years ago. Although Lauren and Eli have had their differences in the past, as they work together they begin to have a better understanding of their shared past and are able to explore the possibility of a new and different future.
This story shows how they navigate some very difficult situations - including illness, misunderstanding, an impending hurricane! - and still find some hope.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Review of "The Auschwitz Escape" by Joel C. Rosenberg
Whew, this one was tough. The writing was excellent and the story compelling, but what a difficult subject. When dealing with historical fiction, I personally find it a wonderful way to get a feel for what the day/culture must have been like while enjoying a great story. This book was no exception on that note; but the topic, simply painful.
Jacob Wiesz is a young Jew growing up in his family's beloved Germany. As the Nazis begin to come into power, he finds it hard to believe that so much hate exists in the world. Through a series of horrifying events, Jacob eventually joins the rebels fighting the terrible tide of insane prejudice. Although he experiences some success, one operation goes terribly wrong and he finds himself being taken to Auschwitz. Navigating the unthinkable, he is determined to escape and tell the world what is actually happening there - these are not work camps, they are death camps; and the Nazis will give anything to keep that quiet. Jacob will do anything to get out.
And even though it is certainly a difficult subject to read about, much less comprehend, it is absolutely worthy of your investment of time and resources. This is truly an important book.
Jacob Wiesz is a young Jew growing up in his family's beloved Germany. As the Nazis begin to come into power, he finds it hard to believe that so much hate exists in the world. Through a series of horrifying events, Jacob eventually joins the rebels fighting the terrible tide of insane prejudice. Although he experiences some success, one operation goes terribly wrong and he finds himself being taken to Auschwitz. Navigating the unthinkable, he is determined to escape and tell the world what is actually happening there - these are not work camps, they are death camps; and the Nazis will give anything to keep that quiet. Jacob will do anything to get out.
And even though it is certainly a difficult subject to read about, much less comprehend, it is absolutely worthy of your investment of time and resources. This is truly an important book.
Review of "The Prayer Box" by Lisa Wingate
Author Lisa Wingate never fails to impress me. I think at this point I have read every book she's published, and although they are all very different in their concept and storyline; they are rich in meaning and texture. Not sure how else to explain it.
Out of all of her books, The Prayer Box easily stands out as one of my favorites. Single mom Tandi Reese has been renting a cottage from elderly Iola Anne Poole on Hatteras Island, and after discovering Iola Anne has passed away, she's terrified she will lose any of the precarious stability she's managed to find there. She's hired by the local church to help clean and prepare the "estate", and in doing so discovers 81 carefully preserved prayer boxes, one for each year of Iola Anne's life. Tandi soon finds that each box is a time capsule of sorts and begins to unravel not just Iola's story....but eventually her own, as along the way she is challenged to rediscover her faith and gain some trust in the God who loves her most.
Ms. Wingate weaves humor, heartache, faith, and transparency in a way that is both unique and touching. This book will not leave you unchanged.
Out of all of her books, The Prayer Box easily stands out as one of my favorites. Single mom Tandi Reese has been renting a cottage from elderly Iola Anne Poole on Hatteras Island, and after discovering Iola Anne has passed away, she's terrified she will lose any of the precarious stability she's managed to find there. She's hired by the local church to help clean and prepare the "estate", and in doing so discovers 81 carefully preserved prayer boxes, one for each year of Iola Anne's life. Tandi soon finds that each box is a time capsule of sorts and begins to unravel not just Iola's story....but eventually her own, as along the way she is challenged to rediscover her faith and gain some trust in the God who loves her most.
Ms. Wingate weaves humor, heartache, faith, and transparency in a way that is both unique and touching. This book will not leave you unchanged.
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