4.5 stars. Sadie Wen is a people pleaser focused on being the perfect student and getting into the best college, which will lead to a stable job to hel4.5 stars. Sadie Wen is a people pleaser focused on being the perfect student and getting into the best college, which will lead to a stable job to help support her family. But even nice girls get frustrated, so instead of letting it out, Sadie vents in her email drafts, until the day that they're accidentally sent out ...
As someone who has accidentally sent one too many email drafts out before I had completely finished what I wanted to type, it stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit that Sadie had not at least removed the email addresses in the "to" field before venting, but the fallout was enjoyable to read. I could relate to Sadie in some aspects, but there is a balance between being polite or nice and being a pushover. I loved seeing her slowly realize this and find her voice and agency as the novel progressed.
Liang did an excellent job in establishing just enough motivation and backstory for her main characters that made them believable and sympathetic. This extends to Julius as well, he definitely gave off some classic Mr. Darcy vibes to me, if Mr. Darcy was a 21st century Chinese-Australian male teenager that is. The hints of his family life explained a lot and while he may had been mean or immature to Sadie in the past, there weren't any glaring red flags in the present that I couldn't wholeheartedly root for their friendship to deepen.
I also appreciated that it wasn't intense or graphic, so I could definitely recommend it for certain younger YA readers, despite the main characters being seniors. All in all, a very refreshing read. I've had my eye on Ann Liang's novels ever since her debut and I'm glad I finally took the time to enjoy I Hope This Doesn't Find You. I can't wait to read more from her.
[Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher via Colored Pages Book Tours]...more
The Old Testament Handbook is a high quality, well made book that any Bible-believing bibliophile would love to have in their collection. As a public The Old Testament Handbook is a high quality, well made book that any Bible-believing bibliophile would love to have in their collection. As a public librarian, I've seen too many poorly bound titles last only a handful of check outs before needing repair (looking at you IDW trade paperback graphic novels), but B&H's Old Testament Handbook features a durable-looking Smyth-sewn binding and an elegant, minimalist cover design and treatment. The interior of the book has a modern design with appealing full color graphics and charts, along with eye catching abstract nature photography utilized in chapter headings and other details. The content is accessible and at under 250 pages, is less intimidating than more robust Bible study resources.
Almost every Old Testament book is featured with overview similar to what you may see in a study Bible, along with an outline, key words, and various charts or visualizations related to that specific book. The attractive way information is presented reminds me of DK's award-winning non-fiction books. My favorite part are the key word studies that highlight and explain original Hebrew words used in Biblical text. My only gripe with the handbook is that it lumps all twelve of the "Minor Prophet" books together into one chapter. My pastor has been teaching our midweek Bible study on the minor prophets' books this year (we've covered Hosea to Nahum so far) and it's been such a deep dive learning more about them ... I feel like they definitely should have highlighted the last twelve Old Testament books individually. Lastly, while I wasn't very familiar with the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation which this handbook uses when quoting Scripture, so far I have not come across anything that seemed inaccurate or out of place. While it won't take the place of a good Bible commentary, it is a beautifully crafted resource for those who want to delve a bit deeper beyond their daily Bible readings.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. A positive review was not required.]...more
In 2012, Ronie Kendig released Trinity, the first novel in her A Breed Apart Trilogy and began her reign as the paramilitary romantic suspense genre qIn 2012, Ronie Kendig released Trinity, the first novel in her A Breed Apart Trilogy and began her reign as the paramilitary romantic suspense genre queen of Christian Fiction. Her latest novel, Havoc, is a spin off of that beloved series.
Though I haven't gotten around to reading Ronie Kendig's A Breed Apart Trilogy yet, I had no trouble following along since other than some possible cameos, the characters in Havoc seem to be all new. Kendig's experience and extensive research into the lives of "MWDs" (military working dogs) and their handlers shines through from every page. From the first prologue with Crew to descriptions of Vienna's life as a stunt double, there is a grounded authenticity in the worldbuilding and portrayals that kept me reading until the end! One thing I've always enjoyed in Kendig's novels is that she seems to have found the delicate balance of intense-yet-not-gratuitously-graphic in regards to action, romance, and language. Whether readers have been following Ronie Kendig from the very start or are just discovering her books for the first time, both will enjoy Havoc's journey and the humans by his side.
[Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]...more
I've been waiting for Iris Marshall's story ever since I first read about her in the last book featuring her brother Ned, and Susan May Warren did no I've been waiting for Iris Marshall's story ever since I first read about her in the last book featuring her brother Ned, and Susan May Warren did no disappoint! Not to be overshadowed by her many heroic brothers, the only daughter of the Marshall family has worked hard to build herself a career in the European League of American Football. However, when she decided to do her "patriotic duty" assisting who she thought was the CIA, Iris found herself on the run with who she initially thought was a most exasperating man, football player Hudson Bly.
Perhaps because I followed these characters since they were present in book three, I felt more invested in their journey than I did with Ned's. I thought Warren did an excellent job describing the football scenes, making them dynamic and full of action. I also enjoyed seeing more backstory to Iris and Hudson's lives before we were introduced to them in Europe. I also felt that the spiritual threads were more natural and integrated compared to the last novel I read from Warren. As with previous books in the series, set up for the next title takes place in the secondary plot, this one with the rest of the Marshalls back in Minnesota: primarily Garrett and Jenny with their sons Creed and Fraser, along with Princess Imani and her bodyguard Pippa. As all the plots converge, I eagerly await the finale to The Minnesota Marshalls series later this year!
[Disclosure: I read a copy of this book via the publisher for review purposes.]...more
No quartet of literary sisters have captured my attention since the March sisters in Little Women! Juniper, the second oldest of the Collins family, aNo quartet of literary sisters have captured my attention since the March sisters in Little Women! Juniper, the second oldest of the Collins family, along with eldest sister Rosemary, and younger sisters Lorelai and Faith, have come to the Rockies determined to honor their father's dying wish to return a keepsake to the Native American woman who saved his life years ago. Unchaperoned, the young ladies are resolute to stick together, complete their quest, and return to Virginia and restart their family's horse ranch. Trapper Riley Turner falls in with the women and becomes one of their protectors and guides, but who will protect his heart?
Misty M. Beller crafts a satisfying start to the Sisters of the Rockies series in Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, setting the stage for future stories (each I assume will follow one sister, so either a quartet or at least a trilogy of novels). Growing up in a place where I was highly sensitive to the concern of indigenous representation, I was initially slightly worried about how the Native American characters would be portrayed, but there were no huge gaffs that I detected and there was an even-handedness compared to other older western-set novels I've read (though for full disclosure, I am not indigenous myself). I appreciated that Beller didn't refer to the Blackfoot tribes as a monolith, but specified the Piegan and other tribes as well. A believable romance with likable characters, along with a side mystery of stolen horses, will keep readers turning the pages to the end. I look forward to the rest of the Sisters of the Rockies series and recommend it for any western or prairie romance fans!
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via JustRead Tours.]...more
I've been a longtime fan of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series but I haven't really read her romantic suspense titles. What a wild ride! FuI've been a longtime fan of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series but I haven't really read her romantic suspense titles. What a wild ride! Full of suspense and action, Christian Romantic Suspense fans are sure to enjoy this intense read. While I would recommend that you read the series in order, since it seems like the protagonists from each following book are introduced in the previous entry (I'm very much looking forward to Iris' book), I was still able to follow along even without having read the first two books. I did feel like I wasn't as attached to Ned and Shae compared to other romantic suspense titles I've read in the past, which I think could be partially attributed to, as I mentioned earlier, them perhaps being earlier introduced in Jonas. But overall, it felt like a Hollywood action flick coming to life in the pages: Full of larger than life heroes, a damsel in destress who finds her strength and agency, and an engaging plot that may keep you flipping pages throughout the night like I did.
[Disclosure: I received an eARC for review purposes via the publisher and JustRead Tours.]...more
If I Were a Tiger, written by Caroline Coleman and art by illustrator Nadya Bonten-Slenders is an adorable picture book about child-specific anxietiesIf I Were a Tiger, written by Caroline Coleman and art by illustrator Nadya Bonten-Slenders is an adorable picture book about child-specific anxieties and fears that can seem huge to young ones, but points to God as the One who can help them get through it. Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce children to new concepts and ideas. They can aid in preparing them by exploring these feelings or situations before they happen (e.g. think of how many picture books there are about moving to a new place, getting a baby sibling, visiting the doctor, or going to school for the first time). Likewise, there are countless general market picture books about dealing with fears and even introduce helpful coping methods, but not many will talk about turning to God in the midst of fear.
The protagonist in this story, Tim Bone, is a young school aged child whose imagination leads him to worry over many things: Are there wild animals in the shadows? Will he look dumb to the cool older kids? Will people accidentally drown him in the crowded swimming pool? At first, Tim decides he must become the most bravest, fiercest animal he knows: a tiger! But after realizing a tiger could not live like a human in society, he gains courage by remembering that he is loved by God and is His creation. With an 8.75"x8.75" trim size, I think this book would work best for one-on-one sharing or a family read aloud rather than a classroom or church library storytime. I look forward to sharing it with the little ones in my life!
[Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]...more
I'm a longtime fan of steampunk costuming and cosplay, but I haven't read many steampunk novels. Though The Clockwork City was my first steampunk mystI'm a longtime fan of steampunk costuming and cosplay, but I haven't read many steampunk novels. Though The Clockwork City was my first steampunk mystery, it definitely won't be my last! Thrust into the amateur detective role to clear her name when she falls under the polizia's suspicions, Lady Georgia is a plucky protagonist, in a similar vein of Nancy Drew or Miss Marple. Shelley Adina also shines in establishing her fantastical steampunk re-imagining of Venice as a clockwork city with gondola filled waterways. I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but fans of the golden age of detective fiction or cozy mysteries looking to expand their horizons may enjoy this fantasy tinged, yet historically-inspired, steampunk novel.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via Just Read Tours.]...more
A decade after her author debut, Regina Jennings' twelfth novel, Engaging Deception is a lighthearted historical romance perfect for fans an4.5 Stars.
A decade after her author debut, Regina Jennings' twelfth novel, Engaging Deception is a lighthearted historical romance perfect for fans and new readers alike. Though the final book in "The Joplin Chronicles", Engaging Deception can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel as well. Olive Kentworth and Maxfield Scott were likable protagonists and easy to root for. Though preferring to stay at home with her comfortable routine, Olive has a compassionate heart and wants to help others. Meanwhile, Maxfield is a conscientious and involved father who is still recovering from the loss of his wife. Seeing their growth over the course of the story was very satisfying. The side characters were also well done. Ruby Dennis was also likeable and could be appreciated beyond being "just a rival" and Olive's family were well-meaning meddlers (also Amos was a riot whenever he showed up).
Based on the existence of the Joplin Public Library, it can be surmised the story takes place in the early 20th century, but I don't recall the specific year explicitly mentioned or listed in the book, which I felt was a bit unusual for a historical. But other than that hiccup, I'd recommend Engaging Deception to any Christian historical romance fan who is looking for a unique story premise. As someone who's followed her career from the beginning, I look forward to seeing what Regina Jennings dreams up next!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]...more
Author Kelly Underwood closes out the first cycle of the Elite Guardians Collection with a successful debut featuring an ex-Israeli intelligence agentAuthor Kelly Underwood closes out the first cycle of the Elite Guardians Collection with a successful debut featuring an ex-Israeli intelligence agent and a reformed playboy heir. Laila Rabbinowitz is a strong, capable protagonist. Hired to protect Preston Whittaker, the reluctant heir to a multi-millionaire business, an unexpected comment sparks the idea to disguise her bodyguard status by masquerading as Preston's wife. Can they convince everyone they're totally in love or maybe they aren't faking it ...?
While I more commonly see the "fake marriage" trope in historical fiction, Underwood runs with it in a satisfactory way in Defending Honor. Seeing Laila and Preston's relationship evolve from awkward attraction to trust and sacrifice was rewarding to read. The romance was sweet with a bit of steam, and while not the main focus, a spiritual thread about redemption and letting God fight our battles was present. I thought the suspense and mystery aspect was enjoyable: there was lots of action and a sizable list of potential suspects --it felt like I was guessing until the end! Cameos of original creator Lynette Eason's beloved characters and characters from the previous two books show up, but even as someone new to the Elite Guardians books, I wasn't too lost since they weren't the main characters or focus. I definitely will have to read more from this series and I look forward to seeing more romantic suspense from Underwood and the other new authors continuing the Elite Guardians' stories!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]...more
For over a decade, Ronie Kendig has been one of the leading Romantic Suspense authors in Christian Fiction and especially well known for her portrayalFor over a decade, Ronie Kendig has been one of the leading Romantic Suspense authors in Christian Fiction and especially well known for her portrayal of multi-dimensional military protagonists. With her indie published Metcalfes series, she exposes a small glimpse into the horrors of human trafficking and the brave heroes who combat it.
While Willow is what I would consider "edgy Christian fiction" compared to what is generally seen in the mainstream Christian fiction market, I felt that Willow balances treating the human trafficking thread with the gravitas it deserves without being gratuitously graphic. However, not to say that this book isn't intense. Definitely take note of the author note at the beginning of this novel, which reveals Kendig's heart and inspiration in tackling this heavy subject. While I reviewed an eARC, I hope that future editions may consider trigger/content warnings for some of the more heavier content like murder, rape, attempted sexual assault, etc. I would carefully consider who I recommended this novel to because some exclusively Christian fiction readers may be taken aback with the intensity, though I feel that readers need that to begin to understand a bit of this sobering situation that similarly occurs far to often in our world.
While I didn't really connect with the titular female lead at first, I could understand her stubbornness and tenacity. Chiji on the other hand, I was always a big fan of, and am interested to see how their stories continue in future installments. Though ideally read in order, I read Willow as a stand alone since I hadn't gotten to Stone , book one, and was able to follow along fine. I look forward to catching up with and following along with future installments of The Metcalfes. Fans of Kendig's previous series like The Tox Files and Discarded Heroes series will also enjoy seeing familiar characters reappear.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]
Picking up literally seconds after the events of Dawn of Vengeance, the previous book in the Droseran Saga, we find our heroes on a desperate last ditPicking up literally seconds after the events of Dawn of Vengeance, the previous book in the Droseran Saga, we find our heroes on a desperate last ditch attempt to prevent the Symmachia from invading the Quadrants. Lost in the unfamiliar Kusu System, can they free themselves from powerful enemies and find their way home?
Wow. Ronie Kendig continues to outdo herself with each successive novel in the Droseran Saga! Her immersive world-building kept me turning pages until 4am in the morning --a feat I rarely am able accomplish in my post-college years. I was fully transfixed while Marco and the survivors of Eija's team fend for themselves in enemy territory and Marco's kyria finds herself in the middle of political intrigue and works to assert herself among the rulers of Drosero. Meanwhile, Kersei struggles to recover after the revelation of her family's betrayer. On a happier note, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Tigo again, as I felt he pretty much only had a cameo in the last book.
I absolutely couldn't put down Shadow of Honor. Secrets are revealed, new questions are raised, and everything is building up to what is sure to be an astounding finale! If you are a fan of epic sci-fi series, be sure to check out the Droseran Saga from beginning to end.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes via Just Read Tours]...more
After The Princess Diaries series in the early 2000's, I think it's safe to say that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's engagement in 2010 and marriaAfter The Princess Diaries series in the early 2000's, I think it's safe to say that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's engagement in 2010 and marriage the following year helped inspired authors everywhere with royalty themed stories, especially where either the protagonist discovers they are long lost royalty or their love interest is heir to the throne of some fictional country. TV Tropes calls this the "Really Royalty Reveal" when a seemingly ordinary character is revealed to actually be an heir of importance, be it future ruler or what have you. In Christian fiction, I first remember noticing this royalty trend with Rachelle McCalla's Love Inspired Suspense series Reclaiming the Crown in 2011-2012, followed by Rachel Hauck's Royal Wedding Series in 2013. Nearly a decade later, Toni Shiloh's In Search of a Prince proudly sets itself apart from these contemporary royal romances by featuring a fictional African island kingdom instead of one of European origin.
Brielle Adebayo is a wonderful protagonist. Her emotions and struggles are authentic and believable for someone who receives such shocking news. Brielle's hurt at her mother's hidden secret is understandable and I liked that it took her time to come to terms with how her mother's decision affected her ability to get to know her father's family and results in Brielle having to essentially receive a crash course in everything about Ọlọrọ Ilé: language, culture, customs and more in a single summer as she tries to decide if she wants to take on the responsibilities of her heritage.
Shiloh's rich worldbuilding gives you enough information to make Ọlọrọ Ilé seem like a viable African country without distracting from the story, readers are swept along in Brielle's adventure as she explores her father's homeland and learns more about the country. I also enjoyed the strong spiritual thread in this novel. In my opinion, seeing Brielle and other main characters pray aloud or even in their thoughts doesn't seem forced or too preachy like in some early Christian fiction titles, but flows organically. The romance also compliments the main story of Brielle coming into her own as a princess and leader and while it's easy to see which of her suitors she should choose, I adored her main love interest and seeing their relationship grow throughout the story.
I'm really hoping Shiloh has a sequel in the future (featuring Brielle's best friend Iris?), though I'm pretty sure this is a standalone ... Regardless, this won't be my last Toni Shiloh novel and I hope we continue to see more richly diverse characters in mainstream Christian fiction. Contemporary royal romance fans will definitely want to check out In Search of a Prince!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Just Read Tours for review purposes.]...more
I have been a huge fan of Phylicia Masonheimer ever since I stumbled onto one of her blog articles that had been shared by a friend on social media. BI have been a huge fan of Phylicia Masonheimer ever since I stumbled onto one of her blog articles that had been shared by a friend on social media. Back then, she blogged as "Phylicia Delta" and her relevant posts on sexuality and singleness through a Christian perspective helped me so much as she challenged the church to be more open on the topic. I've bought all of her books over the years, but when I found out about The Flirtation Experiment, I thought maybe it wouldn't be relevant to me as an unmarried person. Fortunately, I was very wrong! I think married and single people alike can both learn from Phylicia and her co-author Lisa Jacobson as they share honest stories from their lives and how their "flirtation experiments" helped grow their marriages.
In this book, Masonheimer and Jacobson alternate on 30 brief chapters each covering one of the traits or attributes they wanted to focus on with their husbands. Some are what you'd commonly think of with a "flirtation" --affection, playfulness, delight, etc. but others go deeper by covering vulnerability, refuge, affirmation, and more. Each chapter opens with a short vignette of an event in the author's marriage, followed by a short essay focused on the attribute and how it relates biblically, then how the author ran her "experiment" and the effect on her marriage, and closes with some other ideas for readers to implement in their own lives.
As a single person, I read this book as a way to learn from the experiences and lives of Christian women who are farther along their journey than myself (and happen to be married). Masonheimer has been married for 8 years, while Jacobson has been married for 28, and both ladies' writing were candid in a conversational style that was easy to read. While they both talk about how wonderful marriage is, they don't glamorize it either, and what stood out to me was that love is a constant choice, the importance of intentionality, and focusing on God as our fulfillment rather than a spouse. While I think that a husband could also read this book and run a "flirtation experiment" themselves, I think the authors focused on wives because as Christian women, we may have heard or been taught that pursuing or being proactive in marriage is unbiblical, but Masonheimer and Jacobson make the case otherwise through Scripture. I also appreciated that the authors both emphasized that if you were in any sort of abusive relationship, this book was not for, and could not help your marriage, and encouraged them to seek professional assistance. Even though I also can't currently use this book myself the way it was intended, I will be sharing it with other married people in my life, and I think it would make a nice bridal shower gift as well.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes from HarperCollins Christian Publishing and a positive review was not required.]...more
Carved in Ebony is a deeply personal journey of writer and educator Jasmine L. Holmes' research on lesser-known African American women whose faith insCarved in Ebony is a deeply personal journey of writer and educator Jasmine L. Holmes' research on lesser-known African American women whose faith inspired them to make a difference in their communities in the late 18th through early 20th centuries: Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Maria Fearing, Charlotte Forten Grimké, Sarah Mapps Douglass, Sara Griffith Stanley, Amanda Berry Smith, Lucy Craft Laney, Maria Stewart, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper are ten such ladies covered.
At under 200 pages, this is a quick read with each chapter focusing on one particular lady, opening with a quote from the woman featured, a summary of her life, and personal musings from the author who shares the impact learning about each woman made in her life. Holmes' writing style is easily accessible, conversational in tone, and her perspective in application was particularly inspiring to me. Though these women lived hundreds of years ago, Holmes is able to make many connections and provide insights for Christians living today to apply in their own lives.
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for review purposes.]...more
Live on Purpose: 100 Devotions for Letting Go of Fear and Following God by Sadie Robertson Huff is an accessible devotional book for teens an4.5 stars
Live on Purpose: 100 Devotions for Letting Go of Fear and Following God by Sadie Robertson Huff is an accessible devotional book for teens and young adults beginning to navigate the path of adulthood and discovering their specific purposes in life. While I haven't closely kept up with Huff, she has grown from a teenager on reality show Duck Dynasty to a 20-something author, speaker, influencer, and most recently wife and mother.
In this book, Huff writes with an authentic voice to her peers and teens regarding topics and situations that are relevant to young adult Christians. The devotions themselves are formatted in a clean, contemporary design and contain a Bible verse or brief passage, two page devotion, and a short prayer that focuses on the topic. I look forward to reading more from Huff and will be checking out her earlier books soon!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via JustRead Tours.]...more
Angela Ruth Strong shines with her latest novel, Husband Auditions. A refreshing rom-com with heart, humor, and applicable advice and truths (not fromAngela Ruth Strong shines with her latest novel, Husband Auditions. A refreshing rom-com with heart, humor, and applicable advice and truths (not from a 1950s article!) for readers that set it apart from others in the Christian Romance genre.
Meri Newberg is in her early thirties and as the last single in her group of friends, is bequeathed a magazine article with ideas on how to get a husband (circa the 1950s). Her brother's roommate, Kai Kamaka, convinces Meri to let him film her for his online video channel as she tries the outdated advice suggested to snag a husband. Kai is sure that if their new web series goes viral, he'll be able to snag his dream cameraman job too ...
If I could choose one word to describe Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong, "refreshing" would be a top choice! Besides a quirky premise, hilarious characters, and an unusual first-person dual narrative with the female and male leads, this novel hits deeper than many Christian Romances do.
As a longtime reader in the genre, (as much as I still enjoy them) I think too many romance novels in Christian Fiction don't always provide a lot of substance besides serving up "clean" romantic reads and it was refreshing to see the Christian principles and concepts that Meri and Kai discover regarding singleness, dating, and relationships are pretty on point. Things like focusing on growing in God, that marriage or falling in love doesn't magically make your life better (and both can become an idol at worst or at the least over-idealized), or the dangers of passiveness (in both genders: nothing ventured, nothing gained) are things that should be touched on in Christian Romance novels but oftentimes are pushed aside for the physically/intellectually descriptive, pure emotional, "all-the-feels" focus on the characters' romantic relationships.
I also appreciated how there was a variety of relationship examples between side characters that were realistic. I could definitely relate to Meri's insecurities regarding singleness, like seeing everyone else around you find love and wonder if it will ever happen for you, etc. and the first person narrative was fun (especially to see Meri and Kai's thoughts in alternating chapters). Strong definitely has a strength in crafting humorous prose but can definitely deliver on some swoon-worthy moments as well.
Finally, I want to highlight and give credit to Strong for featuring a (based on his name) cued Native Hawaiian male protagonist. As someone who grew up in Hawaii, I had no problems with his depiction though some may possibly take offense at one use of the word "exotic" to describe his mother or the "stereotype" of Kai's casual/laid back "Hawaiian" personality (but for many of us who have lived there, I feel it's not wrong or inaccurate, that "hang loose" culture can definitely be seen in Hawaii). I am always thrilled to see more ethnically diverse characters in Christian Fiction and hope other authors will be comfortable following suit if it fits their stories.
Overall, I was very impressed with Husband Auditions! I will definitely be looking to read more books by Angela Ruth Strong and I think fans of Contemporary Christian (Romance) Fiction will enjoy this fun rom-com novel!
[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via I Read with Audra.]...more
The latest book in the Restoring Heritage series, Since You've Been Gone, features four more singles discovering love in the small town of Heritage, MThe latest book in the Restoring Heritage series, Since You've Been Gone, features four more singles discovering love in the small town of Heritage, Michigan. Though I hadn't read the previous two books, You Belong With Me and Until I Met You, it wasn't too difficult to acclimate myself to the setting and characters. Despite some (what I'm assuming are) cameos and perhaps slight spoilers regarding couples from the earlier books, considering that these are contemporary romances, I felt comfortable reading Since You've Been Gone as a stand alone though that may be different for other readers.
The character I connected to first was Leah. She's a creative, flighty type, and I very much related to her fears regarding falling in love and reluctance to starting a relationship even though she really wanted to. While there were moments where I got frustrated at Leah's jumping to conclusions, it was understandable considering her past assumptions. Jon is a steady, responsible type whose clashes and banter with Leah are rather entertaining.
Love is a risk, but a risk worth taking (with the right person), is one of the themes throughout the book that stood out to me and is highlighted not just with our main couple, but side characters Madison Westmore and Colby Marc. Both end up in Heritage not by choice, but by necessity: Madison to settle the affairs of her late estranged father and Colby to hide out after a scandal breaks up his popular music group. Like Leah, Madison is also reluctant to the risks of love, but her character arc was even more poignant to me and a reminder of how important our reactions as Christians are --Do we respond with grace and love or sanctimonious judgement and presuppositions? Seeing her grow to trust others and vice versa made me want to cheer. Meanwhile, Colby's heart and character reminded me of Hosea. He didn't care about Madison's past reputation, but saw her as she was now and how she changed even if others in town didn't.
As Tari Faris closes out her debut series, I will eagerly await her next book (after I go back and read the other Restoring Heritage novels)! I would recommend this book to fans of Christian contemporary romance authors such as Becky Wade, Julie Lessman, Carla Laureano, or Susan May Warren. My fellow librarians should also take note of this new Christian fiction author!
[Disclosure: I received an ARC copy from the publisher for review purposes.]...more
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