One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp ~ A Book Review

Summary

Just like you, Ann Voskamp hungers to live her one life well. Forget the bucket lists that have us escaping our everyday lives for exotic experiences. 'How,' Ann wondered, 'do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does the Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long--and sometimes even dark? How is God even here?' In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted...a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved--by God. Let Ann's beautiful, heart-aching stories of the everyday give you a way of seeing that opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace, a way of being present to God that makes you deeply happy, and a way of living that is finally fully alive. Come live the best dare of all!

What I Loved

I'm pretty sure I saw the trailer first.

Then I read that this woman who says no to "inspirational" non-fiction said yes to One Thousand Gifts.

And then I found my way to A Holy Experience.

And lastly I ended up at She Speaks, where I heard her speak, and I took notes and I laughed and I cried and at the end, I finally bought the book.

I'm oh-so-glad that I did.

There is little I feel I can write that hasn't already been written so many times it sounds cliche and worn-out. But they are all true. One Thousand Gifts is achingly real. One Thousand Gifts will change your life (if you let it). One Thousand Gifts is a classic that I will crumple and dog-ear and get water stains on.

Why I Recommend This Book

One Thousand Gifts will dare you to count. On fingers, in mental melodies, down winding roads, in blog posts, and on notepaper. Count His goodness, count His grace, count His gifts. And open your eyes to see His love.

If I could, I'd give a copy away every day.

Extra

View the book trailer.

About the Author

Ann Voskamp is a bit of a mess.

She won a full-tuition scholarship to university and never finished. She married a Farmer and came home to gravel road and cornfields and had babies. A lot of them. Half a dozen. Her laundry basket is never empty. She loses library books. She homeschools their six beautifully exuberant kids and most days feel just a tad bit overwhelmed and very crazy.

She's the author of One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. And everyday, she's just wild enough to take the dare.

Right in the midst of her own messy, gritty, grace-filled life.

When the kids and the washing machine sleep, she washes her real dirt down with words and The Word. Some of her words find themselves in an award-winning series for curious kids, A Child's Geography, of which all profits are donated to Compassion. Other words can be found at Laity Lodge's High Calling where she serves as a contributing editor, and other words advocate for the poor as she is a blogger traveling with Compassion.

The only words that really matter are the ones she lives. This convicts her. She clings to grace.

Everyday she writes about the mess and the grace and the everyday wonder.

{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen ~ A Book Review

{So I was on quite the Julie Klassen kick the last couple of months. I purchased The Silent Governess and fell in love with Klassen's sparkling, witty dialogue and her excellent portrayal of Regency England. Courtesy of my local library, I read The Apothecary's Daughter and The Lady of Milkweed Manor. Though I didn't connect with Lilly of The Apothecary's Daughter until the end, The Lady of Milkweed Manor dealt with some interesting issues that I didn't expect  and she handled them with grace. I put Julie Klassen onto my list of favorite authors. The Girl in the Gatehouse etched her name in stone there.} 

What I Loved

As I have come to expect from this author, The Girl in the Gatehouse was full of great dialogue that didn't disappoint. Also, the historical accuracy floors me. Even to an ametuer history buff (me), the honest reflection of life in this era is suberb.

Mariah's being a novelist linked me to her from the first page. Interestingly, unlike Klassen's other books, a beguiling prologue is missing from The Girl in the Gatehouse. Yet I truly didn't realize the absence until the day after I read the ending, so, obviously, I didn't miss it that much! On the contrary, I loved how the beginning jumped right into the action and that all wasn't revealed at once.

Instead, the backstory is seamlessly woven in until I was completely caught up in the story. The characters leap off the page, unique and lovely. I so enjoyed witnessing so many transformations as characters lived and loved and learned.

 

There are a lot of M names in this book that are significant. Mariah discovers how to forgive herself. Matthew realizes that what he wanted and fought for was beneath his nose all the time. Martin metamorpheses from a minor character into my third-favorite person in the whole story. And Maggie pulls at your heartstrings.

 

I read this book in the last few days of 2011 and it is the best Historical Romance I read all year.

 

Good thing, too, because I plan on getting a copy of Maid of Fairbourne Hall. Klassen's books just get better and better as she goes on, so I have high hopes of Maid of Fairbourne Hall claiming the title of best Historical Romance I've read this year.

 

Why I Recommend This Book

 

The story shines flawless and the mystery captivates until the very last page. The surprises to discover along the way will bring smiles and the very happy ending almost brought me to tears (now that's the sign of a great book)!

 

About the Author

 

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She won a 2010 Christy Award, a 2011 Midwest Book Award, and was a finalist at the 2010 RITA® Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie ~ A Book Review

Summary

She gave up everything for a chance at true love...

He wasn't prepared to give up anything for anyone...

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives.

Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life.

A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

What I Loved

Isn't that cover spectacular?

I'm a sucker for great covers and pirate stories (I owe that to MaryLu Tyndall and her swashbuckling stories) so when I read Katie's review of Pirate of My Heart, it went on my Christmas list. I finished the book in about a day and overall, found it a very interesting read. With locations as widespread as Yorktown, America, a merchant ship, and Arundel, England, Pirate of My Heart paints an enticing picture of America and England just after the Revolutionary War.

I immediately liked Kendra and Dorian, who come across as very sincere. I laughed at how they "fell in love at first sight" -- my, oh, my did the sparks fly. It was hysterical at times and heartwarming at others.

The element of intrigue and danger was definitely there (another thing I'm a big fan of). Though I felt like Kendra and Dorian were headstrong, reckless, and hasty half the time, they complimented each other well and the spiritual lessons they learned in this story are relevant and encouraging.

What I Didn't Like As Much

I have to agree with Katie that this is probably not Jamie Carie's best work. The beginning starts off very slowly and I had a hard time getting into it.

I found the scene breaks very confusing as sometimes the point-of-view changed at the end of a page and I got whiplash trying to figure out which character's head I was in. (And one time head-hopping was going on and I was very confused.) Also I felt like one character with villainous potential wasn't entirely developed. Finally, the ending left me with some unanswered questions.

Overall, this was an entertaining read that has convinced me I need to check out more of Jamie Carie's books.

Extra

View the book trailer.

About the Author

Jamie Carie is the author of Snow Angel, a ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, USA Book News National "Best Books 2007" Awards winner, and 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. Her third novel, Wind Dancer, was a 2010 Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.

{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

Rippler by Cidney Swanson ~ A Book Review

What if you could become invisible?  Samantha can - and someone wants her dead.


Summary


Samantha Ruiz has a freak gene that makes her turn invisible, or ripple. She can’t control it, and it’s getting worse. Afraid of becoming a lab-rat, Sam keeps her ability secret, until fellow runner Will Baker sees her vanish into thin air. Will promises secrecy and help, and Sam begins to fall in love. Together, the two discover there are worse things than being a scientific curiosity. Someone’s been killing people who possess Sam's gene. A mysterious man from France sends letters that offer hope for safety, but also reveal a sinister connection with Nazi experiments. The more time Sam spends with Will, the less she can imagine life without him. 
When Sam uncovers secrets from her past, she must choose between keeping Will in her life or keeping Will safe. 


 What I Loved


This book has a little something for everyone. A strong heroine that's also a bit of a misfit. A hero that's funny and sweet. A little history. A little mystery. A little danger.

Rippler was a great read that I really enjoyed. I was plunged into the story literally from the beginning, clicking through pages (I read the Kindle version) like mad trying to figure out what was happening. Sometimes when I feel lost like that in the beginning, I'm frustrated and unhappy. But not this time. The story starts with a bang but doesn't seem too fast. That momentum is kept up throughout the book, too. Cidney Swanson did a wonderful job of pacing ~ Making me wonder what was going to happen next while still intriguing me. I liked that a lot.

This book has a one-of-a-kind premise. I mean, read that back cover copy. Rippling? Vanishing? Invisible? Really? As a result, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but on a good recommendation, I bought it for a dollar and now I'm glad I checked it out and look forward to reading the next two!

What I Didn't Like As Much


Just like Emily Rachelle, I'm giving this book four stars. I really want to give it five, but there is a little bit of language scattered throughout the story that, in my opinion, was distracting, unnecessary, and pulled me out of the story. 

About the Author


Cidney Swanson is the author of The Ripple Series. She began writing at age seven; her first novel began with “Ouch,” and her characters have been suffering ever since. Cidney lives in Eugene, Oregon with her husband, three kids, two cats, one dog, and entirely too much rain. 


{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

Halflings by Heather Burch ~ A Book Review

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret---and the wings that come with. A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. 

While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys' powers, as well as her role in a scientist's dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

What I Loved

I adored the suction power of the opening lines and pages of this book. From the first moment I met Nikki, I was drawn into her world, into the mystery she's caught up in, and the danger she's running from. The magnetism is my favorite part of this story...and I can already tell that I can look forward to the whole series being the same way.

Heather Burch's writing style is stunning. I realized that when I read the prequel for the first time. Amazing. And the perfect sneak peek at what the book would bring.

The storytelling is just as good as the writing. From the first, the mood was set for this one-of-a-kind adventure story where Nikki and her strange protectors are fighting not only for their lives ~ but for something much, much bigger. I don't usually appreciate being left out of the loop until so late into the book (and I still feel as I've only just begun to scratch the surface of just what makes these Halflings tick) but this story unfolded at the perfect pace to keep me thinking, guessing, and looking forward to reading more.

What I Didn't Like As Much

I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up to participate in this blog tour. I had no idea what a Halfling was, but they sounded so intriguing and the book promised to be so good. I was happy to see that Heather Burch never distorts Scripture in any way ~ but she does weave an edge-of-your-seat story that plunges your imagination into a unique adventure! So though the premise of this story and half-angels unnerved me at first, I have no complaints. It's an entertaining debut novel that promises great things from this author. 

About the Author

Heather Burch grew up in Branson, Missouri, where she learned to love fiction. She then married into a family of published novelists and quickly learned writing was her heart's desire. When she's not working on her latest book, Heather can be found watching a sunset at a beach near her home in Southern Florida, along with her sons Jake and Isaac, and husband, John--who is her hero in every way.

Extras

Find Heather
Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads


Read the prequel, 11:15 The Making of A Halfling, FREE.

Read about Guardian, the next in the series.

Check out the Halflings Network.

Watch the Halflings book trailer.

About Team Novel Teen

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Halflings by Heather Burch by clicking on the links above, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen. 


ADD Librarian • The Book Fae • Bookworm Reading • Colorimetry • Fiction Fire • My Story Shelf • Jill Williamson • Katie McCurdy • Oh, Restless Bird • Rachelle Rea • SLY Games • Terri Harr • Virtuous Girlhood 


A sincere thank you to the author and TNT for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor ~ A Book Review

Summary

Bryce MacPhearson, a highland warrior, kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. While Akira's strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment when he forces her to wed him, hoping to end a half-century-old feud between their clans. While Akira begins to forgive, and Bryce learns to trust, a series of murders leaves a trail of unanswered questions, confusion, and a legacy of hate that once again rises between their families. Clearly, a traitor is in their midst. Now the one man Akira loves no longer trusts her, and her own life is in danger. Can Bryce look beyond his pain and seek the truth? Will Akira discover the threat against her before it s too late? How will God turn a simple promise into bountiful Highland blessings?

What I Loved

From the beginning that grabs to the ending that gave me a happy sigh, this book was lovely! I really liked Akira's strong faith and the fact that she sought God's will even when it wasn't easy for her. She's sweet, but feisty, small, but ferocious when she has to be and I enjoyed reading her story.

The mysterious threat of danger kept me guessing all the way until the end.

Can Bryce save her in time?

What I Didn't Like As Much

I wasn't sure about Bryce at first. He was so...Bryce. All determined and devoted and daring. But he won me over--and Akira, too.

Also, the ending felt a little abrupt. Maybe it was because I was reading this on my Kindle for PC and its hard to tell when the end is near on that thing (or at least, if there is, then I haven't figured it otu yet). It probably had a lot to do, actually, with my not wanting to say goodbye to these characters yet! The good news is there's another sequel in which I get to meet Akira's brother!

About the Author

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.


{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen ~ A Book Review

Summary

Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret.

She never intended to overhear his.

But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.

Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.

What I Loved

This story literally dropped me in the middle of a chase scene that I couldn't get enough of. From the expertly-done prologue (the perfect example of a prologue that enhances the story) to the mysterious plot that kept me turning pages, The Silent Governess does not disappoint.

Julie Klassen's writing style fascinates me. She has honed a delectable blend of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte to bring this English era to life in a way that will captivate lovers of historicals and reel in those who love adventure.

The dazzling descriptions and the subtle way Olivia and Edward fall in love is totally swoon-worthy and made me wish the story (already a good 400 pages long) could continue.

The ending is so unexpected. The breathtaking mystery that had me anxious about how it would all turn out was wrapped up so beautifully that I literally sat back and thought, "I did NOT see that coming!" It's so nice when an author defies the cliche and brings about a resolution that I couldn't foresee.

What I Didn't Like As Much

I honestly can't think of a single thing to write about that I didn't like in The Silent Governess. It is the first I read by Julie Klassen and by far my favorite of her works.

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She is a fiction editor and novelist. Her book, The Silent Governess, won a 2010 Christy Award and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit www.julieklassen.com for more information.

{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

Bourne by Lisa T. Bergren ~ A Book Review

What I Loved


Uh, everything!


I've been eagerly awaiting this next chapter of the River of Time Series ever since I finished Torrent and realized that more was on the way! I was so excited when Lisa T. Bergren announced she was not only writing another book (Tributary) but that there would be an e-novella, too! (I was a little worried at first, since I don't have an e-reader, until I found out about the Kindle for PC app!)


Bourne starts right where Torrent left off. In the middle of adventure, drama, and action!


I must confess I was a little nervous that perhaps Bourne wouldn't have the same feel of the other three books ~ that maybe something would have changed or that I wouldn't like Lia's point-of-view. Nah. My fears were unfounded and my expectations surpassed! I finished Bourne in a day and Lisa T. Bergren had me cheering, sighing, laughing, wincing, and rooting for the characters the whole way through ~ as usual!


The turmoil, the triumph, the laughs, the life in this book just dazzle from the first word. I loved every minute of this story! My favorite part was how I felt so much ~ Gabi's realization that she bears certain responsibilities, Lia's wrestling with seeing a different side of Luca ~ all the heartache and joy just blasted from the page (er, screen).

What I Didn't Like As Much


My only complaint is that Bourne is about 1/3 the size of the other three River of Time novels and I was so not ready for the ending! That said, it was a great ending. At one point, I was reading through my fingers because I was so nervous...but that's all I'll say! No spoilers!

About the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She’s married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids–Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7). All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Extras

Do check out the River of Time Facebook fan page, as well as the individual pages for Gabi, Marcello, Lia, Luca, and Rodolfo (Facebook pages for characters? Awesome!).

Also, be sure to follow Lisa T. Bergren on Twitter. She's always tweeting fun things like giveaways and chats and such.

To read my review of Waterfall, please click here. To read my review of Cascade, please click here. To read my review of Torrent, please click here.

{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon ~ A Book Review

Summary

Hannah Talbot has no one. Forced to leave the only home she's ever known, she works for a cruel employer who brutally takes the one thing she has left--her dignity. When she is banished from London, she is certain God has turned his back on her.

John Bradshaw was a successful businessman whose untamed spirit sometimes wanted more. When he is betrayed by those closest to him, he loses everything--his wife, his business, even his freedom. John's and Hannah's paths are about to cross.

Aboard a ghastly, nineteenth-century prison ship from London to Australia, John and Hannah must keep hope alive and trust God's unconditional love.

What I Loved

The turmoil that Hannah goes through kept me turning the pages. Her heartbreak sears the simple writing and her faith through it all is inspirational--but not unrealistic. She has doubts, she has fears, and she has trouble accepting.

This was the first book that I read using Kindle for PC so that in itself was an adventure, but it didn't diminish the way this book came alive until I felt like Hannah was telling me her story. I enjoyed seeing how at last the shreds of her life were woven into a beautiful tapestry. Not a perfect one, but a God-glorifying one.

And one that isn't finished yet.

{And don't you just love that cover?}

What I Didn't Like As Much

The writing seemed too straightforward sometimes, and although the story swept along, the author's style didn't shine through as much as I would have preferred. Also, as the other reviews I read warned, John does fall in love with Hannah at first sight. This might have annoyed me and left me wanting more if I hadn't known it was coming, but my romantic side took over and just went, "Awww." And eventually he does prove that his love is real, lasting, and trusting (one of the reasons I want so much to read the rest in the series).

About the Author

Bonnie Leon is the bestselling author of more than ten historical fiction novels. She stays busy teaching women's Bible studies and speaking at writing seminars and conventions. She and her husband, Greg, live in Glide, Oregon.


{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii by Robin Jones Gunn

Summary

After four years of ministry work in Brazil, Sierra Jensen needs a break. So when a friend invites her to an oceanfront beach house in Hawaii, Sierra envisions a quiet retreat where she can reflect on what's next for her life. Her plan is disrupted by her wild friend's antics, by the noisy surfing competitions on Sunset Beach, and by Jordan Bryce, her handsome new neighbor.

Jordan is an up-and-coming photographer whose lens and attention are focused on the surfers, and he cannot afford any distractions--even one as lovely as Sierra.

Sierra and Jordan came to Sunset Beach looking for different things. But as the surf pounds the North Shore, will they discover something better than either of them had imagined?

What I Loved

This book is so sweet. From the very beginning the plot meanders through the lives of Sierra and Jordan as time after time they "meet" without really "meeting." (Don't worry, they do eventually meet and become friends.) Their story made me smile over and over. Though I usually prefer the conflict of historical romances with traditional "bad guys," this contemporary love story is perfect for a lazy afternoon.

The tension between Sierra's desire to know what to do next with her life and fulfill God's plan for her comes across as very real and compelling. One particular quote made me pause reading (that's rare for me) to ponder the meaning.

"We are made to love God and serve people. If you start to focus on just serving God, then pretty soon you run out of love for people."

So true.

What I Didn't Love As Much

The ending hangs. As the author puts it, "What happens to Sierra and Jordan after this story ends? I wanted to find out so I included them in a story I wrote about Jordan's mother, Erin Bryce. That book is entitled Cottage by the Sea and releases in the summer of 2012."

I'm one of those romance readers who wants everything wrapped up in the end. Okay, so maybe not everything as in Happily Ever After. I'm all for a great sequal or two. Still, I found the hanging ending to this book a bit disappointing.

Why I Recommend This Book

If you love contemporary romances, then you'll enjoy this story that is full of an exotic island-feel. Plus, the message is inspiring and provides a lot of food for thought.

About the Author

Robin Jones Gunn is an award-winning author of more than seventy books that have sold four million copies. Her titles include the Christy Miller, Sisterchicks, and Katie Weldon books, the Glenbrooke series, the Sierra Jensen series, and the Mrs. Rosey Posey series. She and her husband, Ross, have two grown children and live in Hawaii. Read more at http://www.robingunn.com/

{written for the YLCF's March of Books}

A Texan's Promise by Shelley Gray ~ A Book Review

Past promises will be tested as new ones are given...

When Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers Vanessa Grant is the victim of her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows he must protect her honor and move her far away from the ranch—and from the man she fears.

As they make their way West, an unexpected, deep bond develops between Vanessa and Clayton—far more powerful than a mere friendship or his sense of duty to her. But Vanessa’s stepfather won’t let her go so easily. As Clayton and Vanessa place their faith in God and their trust in each other, will they find healing and hope for the future together?

What I Loved

I was a little nervous because the cover had the hero on the front and that's a bit unusual, but to my relief, the heroine did a lot of growing herself! In fact, I loved Vanessa and Clay from the very first heart-pounding page. I finished this book in less than 48 hours because their story had so many elements I love: action, suspense, intrigue, tough choices, blooming love.

Clayton's integrity and honor shine through his every action--even the stubborn ones I wanted to talk him out of! And Vanessa's transformation from a scared little girl to a confident woman of God brought a smile to my face so many times. I just loved this story. Even though I only own the e-version on my Kindle for PC, I know I'll be rereading it!

Clay's sweet nicknames for Vanessa are so cute, too!

What I Didn't Like As Much

I honestly can't think of anything I disliked about this book. Even Vanessa's initial deception I understood. The struggles of the characters throughout the story tugged at my heartstrings.

The way they fell in love and the edge-of-your-seat ending aren't disappointing, either. A beautiful book.

About the Author

Shelley Gray's first Amish novel, Hidden, was nominated for the Inspirational Readers Choice award. Her book Simple Gifts won the Reviewers Choice Award. Shelley’s novel, The Protector, recently made the New York Times bestseller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado, and taught school for ten years. She lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time.

Read my review of A Texan's Honor.

{written for Kindred Grace's March of Books}