Mary Magdalene by Diana Wallis Taylor

Who is Mary Magdalene?  She is a woman who was possessed by seven demons.  Imagine living with that!  Mary is kidnapped as a girl and is never the same after that.  She is afflicted with an illness that her parents cannot get treatment for.  Everywhere she goes she is called Mad Mary and she despairs of ever getting married and having a family.  Mary's story follows her through her debilitating illness, her healing at the hand of Jesus, and then her following of Jesus in his ministry.

I thought the author did a fair job of showing what it was like to live with demons in your person, but I never really felt the terror that Mary must have felt.  However, it was very thought provoking for me when Mary left Magdala to follow Jesus.  It had never crossed my mind that Jesus also had women with him and not just the disciples.  I was also mesmerized with the story of Jesus's faithful followers when he was crucified.  How the disciples and his other followers such as Mary would have grieved.  It was a confusing and heartrending time for them.

This is exactly the type of book that makes you examine your relationship with Jesus as you insert yourself into history.  It fills in the blanks of Mary's story as well and brings her to life.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Whispers in the Wind by Lauraine Snelling

In the first book of this series, Cassie Lockwood left the Wild West Show where she had performed and lived her whole life.  Because of her 'uncle's' mismanagement of the show, Cassie is left with only her father's gypsy type wagon and a couple friends.  The story continues in the second book with Cassie arriving at the ranch she owns half of.  She and the Engstrom's try to figure out how it will all work out between them.

The mother Mavis is very welcoming because she has always known that a Lockwood might come back to claim their share of the ranch.  Mavis' son Ransom, however, had no such warning and he is having a difficult time even being civil to Cassie.  On the other hand, the other son Lucas figures that he is in love with Cassie.

Cassie has her own worries.  She has no where else to go and has formed a family with the friends that she brought with her.  Worry is her constant friend as she attempts to forge a home for her family and support them financially.  Will Cassie finally have the home she desires?

I liked the idea of this book, but I find that it is sloooowww.  The most exciting part of the series was at the beginning of the first book when the author describes Cassie life and act in the Wild West Show.  After that the series so far has moved at a snail's pace.  I wish the author would inject more humor and more of Cassie's riding skills into her story.  Perhaps I would enjoy the book more if she did.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James

Katherine Osborne is desperately trying to keep her home and business, but debts and miss management of her late husband is making this even harder.  The Florida orchard that Katherine owns is in need of some funds to succeed, however the bank has denied her request because she is a woman on her own.  Although she comes from a very wealthy family, Katherine feels that she cannot ask her father for funds because they became estranged when she married against their wishes.

That is why it is surprising when her father shows up along with her long time friend Andrew and tries to bully her into going home with him to take up her life as a socialite.  Katherine negotiates a deal in which she will go to the family ‘cottage’ for the summer in exchange for funds for her orchard.

That is when the pressure begins in earnest for Katherine.  Her mother is determined to see her wed to a groom of their choosing.  however, Katherine is determined not to get married because her first marriage was far from ideal.  Through it all, Andrew and her eccentric aunt are the only ones she can trust and share her concerns with.  Andrew is obviously a love interest, but he is not the man her parents have chosen for her.  As the pressure mounts and Katherine faces more and more unpleasant surprises, can she find her way on a path toward love?

A Path Toward Love is a very good read. I did enjoy reading this book although I found the pressure her parents and the other surprises a little unrealistic.  I think that most people would have combusted under that kind of stress.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

Lizzie ran away from her hometown of Kingdom five years ago and vowed to never go back, but now she has a been framed for theft, is being stalked and has a daughter to protect.  Kingdom is the only place Lizzie can go to hide from her problems, yet she must face her painful past when she gets there.

Growing up in a strict Mennonite town and an even stricter Mennonite home, all Lizzie knows is criticism and judgement.  Yet when Lizzie returns she finds that her childhood memories are not necessarily reality when she reacquaints herself with the town and finds they are really very kind.  She also renews her friendship with Noah Housler, a former schoolmate.  Lizzie's daughter Charity thinks Noah is Prince Charming, but can he help her when the stalker shows up in her hometown?

Inescapable was a great book with a lot of depth to the characters.  I felt like I understood why Lizzie's father was so critical and cruel even though I didn't like his actions.  Lizzie's mother is also another complex character.  Why would she allow her daughter to suffer so?  Her conversation with Lizzie sheds light on the hurts and struggles she suffered through as well.  Ironically, the only character that I felt wasn't developed as much as I'd like was Noah.  I wish I would have seen a bit more interaction between him and Lizzie.

This was great suspense and a lovely romance as well.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Amy Knackstedt moved to Weaverly, Kansas to start fresh after the loss of her husband.  She wants to escape the memories and pain, but her escape from pain brings memories long dormant to the forefront of her neighbour Tim Roper's mind.  Tim left his Mennonite faith long ago hoping to never have anything to do with anything Mennonite again, but Amy's delightful family constantly reminds him of his loses.  


Tim tries to maintain his distance from the Knackstedts, but who can resist Adri (a precocious 5 year old), Parker (an 11 year old with disabilities who proclaims you his best friend), and Bekah (a compassionate and searching 13 year old).  Even Amy with her wholesome good looks and serenity is irresistible.  Eventually Tim questions whether his memories of his childhood were reality or if he saw his past through clouded lenses.  This also prompts him to renew his relationship with God.


While Tim is dealing with his memories, Amy is trying to sort out whether her husband Gabe's accident was a suicide.  Would he leave her and the children on purpose?  Yet through it all she is ever faithful to God and to living a life of integrity.  She becomes a light to Tim and a steady rock for her children.


This was a very good book.  I'm going to donate it to the church library so many others can enjoy it!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

Rare Earth by Davis Bunn

For a girl who loves her historical romance, this was a departure for me!  Why I chose this book is a mystery to me, but right from the start the writer captured my interest and didn't let go.  


Marc Royce is sent into Africa to deal with a crisis that arose after a volcano erupted and created chaos in the area.  However, the real reason that he's sent there is to uncover the person and reason behind a kidnapping and corruption in the organization that sent him there.  After an exciting and shaky start, Marc earns the respect of the tribal leaders and also the respect of Kitra, a UN nurse whose brother was abducted.  


Soon Marc finds that the danger comes from getting too close to the mystery of the minerals called rare earths.  These are used in electronics and are worth billions of dollars; enough money to justify killing to preserve the villains interest!


This book could be a movie!   It reminded me of the Jason Bourne movies (if Bourne was a Christian).  I loved the nonstop action and the cultural descriptions that brought the book alive.  Now I want to read the first book and any that follow Rare Earth!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

While Libby's partner Nicole investigated the renovation possibilities of several historical buildings on Hope Beach, she discovers some news that astounds Libby.  Her father did not die when she was five, but he was alive until recently and has now left her the Tidewater Inn and other property as well.  She also has a family she never knew anything about!  Shortly after that Nicole is kidnapped while Libby watches it on a web cam and is powerless to help her friend.

It seems that Libby suffers blow after blow in this book.  Her friend is kidnapped and she becomes a suspect.  She discovers that her mother lied to her for years.  She has family she never even knew about and aside from her lovely aunt, her siblings want nothing to do with her.  What anchors Libby is "What would Jesus do?"   A necklace her father left her had that inscription, and it proves valuable as she navigates the many difficult days that follow Nicole's kidnapping.  I loved that practical part of the book and how it inspires me to think in the same way.

When you throw in a hunky coast guard and some elusive villains you have yourself a recipe for an exciting romantic suspense!  I thought the characters were believable and I found I had an emotional response to the difficulties that Libby was dealing with.  I'd definitely recommend this book to my friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”