March 11, 2008
A Daughter’s Quest by Lena Nelson Dooley (Heartsong Presents 2006)
This is a delightful tale about Constance Miller, a young girl who makes a promise to her dying father. She promises to find Jim Mitchell, tell him about the Lord, and convince him to return stolen money. Her quest leads her to Browning City, Iowa. The local blacksmith, Hans, takes upon himself the responsibility of her safety.
March 11, 2008
Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini (Bethany House, 2008)
Review by Callie Laney
Who says that comedy can’t be an avenue for covering serious topics. At first glance this might appear to be a frivolous look at beach life in California. However, Julie Carobini does an excellent job at fully developing the character of Gaby Flores. Gaby is faced with numerous challenges that would devastate the normal person. But God is faithful and uses some unusual people (and animals) to encourage her and bring her to a greater awareness of her needs.
March 11, 2008
MacLaren, Sharlene. 2008. Courting Emma.
Review by Callie Laney
This novel is an interesting in-depth study of relationships. The inner turmoil faced by ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) is probed, presented, and resolved in a realistic spiritual manner. Another theme of this book is redemption. As Jon Atkins is attentive to God’s guidance in reaching out to the notorious town drunk, he sees the depths of God’s forgiveness.
March 9, 2008
MacLaren, Sharlene. 2008. Courting Emma.
Review by Becky Laney
Courting Emma is the third book in the Little Hickman Creek series. (The first two are Loving Liza Jane and Sarah, My Beloved.) Each book in the series features a new heroine. Liza Jane was a school teacher. Sarah was a mail order bride. And Emma–featured in both Loving Liza Jane and Sarah, My Beloved–runs the town’s boarding house. She’s known for being a bit grumpy, a bit moody. But my mom and I both agreed while reading the other two that Emma needed a book of her own. She was screaming to be the heroine of her own book. So we were both ecstatic to see that Courting Emma was on the way!
If Emma has issues, she has just cause certainly. Her father–who raised her alone after her mother’s death–was an alcoholic. Is an alcoholic. Known prominently as the town drunk. Emma worked hard to separate herself from her father, from her upbringing. Worked hard to make herself respectable. When our story opens, we see this immediately. It’s the fourth of July and once again her father is being a drunk and causing a scene in front of everyone. Emma has to “fetch” him away and try to save face. It is embarrassing to hear everyone talk, everyone whisper about what a hopeless disgrace her father is.
The knight in shining armor? Jonathan Atkins. (Another character that deserved his own book.) A man who grew up in this community, gone away to school, and returned as preacher. He wishes that he could help Emma out. He wishes that Emma would open her heart to him and to the gospel.
Courting Emma is a story of grace, of forgiveness, of broken hearts healing. It is a novel all about second chances. A novel that proves it’s never too late.
I highly recommend this series. All three books are enjoyable. I loved them all.
February 28, 2008
Through His Grace by Kelly Eileen Hake (Heartsong Presents, 2006)
review by Callie
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author skillfully developed the realistic characters of Grace and Eric Nickels. The secondary characters are also well presented. I felt like I knew the children and their Grandpa Carl. There were even villains at the end.
This book had humorous moments. I especially loved the description of the hamster’s bubble bath. What woman doesn’t remember the little girl within that would be delighted with a frilly canopy bed and dollhouse bookcase?
Even though this book deals with some serious tragedy, it is presented in a positive manner. It helps to understand the technicalities involved in foster care, and also the necessity of having a will.
If you enjoy children, you’ll enjoy this endearing story of Grace Willard making a home for her orphaned second cousins.
February 26, 2008
Deborah by Mildred Colvin (Heartsong Presents, 2007)
Review by Callie
This historical romance is set in Missouri at the end of the Civil War. Deborah Asberry is a widow after only one month of marriage. Brought up under the authority of a stern evangelist father, she had been forced to marry someone she did not love. After his death, she is forced to return to her father’s home. Again she is forced by her father to marry a stranger, Dane Stark. Dane has recently lost a wife in childbirth and requests a marriage of convenience. Read the book to discover the development of true love in spite of the difficulties of two small children, an obsessive neighbor, and an unplanned pregnancy. This book deals with a variety of relationships: parent-child, husband-wife, and daughter-mother-in-law. It was an enjoyable read with a steady flow of drama.
February 24, 2008
With Open Arms by Janet Lee Barton (Heartsong Presents, 2007)
Review by Callie
Dani Philips loves Thad Cameron.
Thad Cameron loves Dani Phillips.
But Nell is determined to keep them apart.
I’ll be the first to admit that I love romance stories. My favorites are historical fiction. A close second is contemporary fiction with a strong Christian message.
It was a real pleasure to read this book. I learned a lot about hurricanes and how they affect those living on the coast. I never thought about the dedication, hard labor and planning that goes into emergency services that are necessary during hurricane season. It was encouraging to read about the intercessory prayer that these characters prayed for all those in the path of this storm (Nell). It convicted me that I should do the same. Be sure to read the note from the author at the beginning. This is not a story about Katrina, but it is dedicated to all those that were in her path.
I hope this author is able to write that story someday. I would love to read it.
February 17, 2008
The Castaway’s Bride by Susan Page Davis (Heartsong Presents) 2007
by Callie
Edward Hunter has spent the last five years shipwrecked on an island. After two years of complete isolation he is rescued and returned to his home. What would he find? What about his betrothed? Read the book to discover the changes that happened in Edward’s love life, family, and career.
The author does an excellent job in developing the lifelike characters of Edward; his cousin, Jacob, who appears to have benefited most by Edward’s absence; Abigail, the betrothed whose heart has grieved and found new hope in the love of another; and finally Deborah, Abigail’s sister and Edward’s lifelong friend.
How will Edward deal with changing relationships? How did he come through his terrible ordeal without bitterness? What good things does God still have in store for him?
I really enjoyed some of the descriptions of the everyday things that Edward encounters. I love his reaction to his mother’s fresh biscuits. I laughed at his embarrassment at his mother’s concern for his need for new drawers that fit properly. I found this an enjoyable read and an interesting romance.
February 14, 2008
Broken Bow by Irene B. Brand (Heartsong Presents)
Review by Callie
Who is the new owner of the Lazy R Ranch?
When Paula Thompson’s stepfather dies, everyone is surprised to learn that his nephew is the heir. It’s been almost a year and he still hasn’t shown up. Will Paula lose the only home she has ever known? Willshe be forced to marry for security? To add to the suspense, an addendum for the will is found stating that the nephew has only one year to claim ownership or the ranch goes to Paula. She has a month to go and the pushy foreman is insisting on a courtship she doesn’t desire.
Paula’s life will change dramatically with the arrival of Carson Hartley, the Cowboy evangelist. Follow the adventures of Paula on this Montana ranch.
February 13, 2008
A Time To Plant by Kelly Eileen Hake (Heartsong Presents)
Review by Callie
Sometimes you just want to sit down and read a good story. A Time to Plant can fulfill that need. The setting is Montana Territory in 1864. Dustin had left Baltimore the previous year to establish a homestead for his future wife, Delana. He and his two friends are planning to have two years to prepare three homes.
Meanwhile multiple deaths in the family leave Delana and her mother few choices. They sell their mercantile and other property. With their entourage they arrive at the homestead with all the supplies and livestock they’ll need to establish three homes. One problem: they are a year early.
Follow the conflicts that develop through misconceptions. However, Delana and Dustin finally learn to communicate.
This book deals with the necessity of listening to others. The characters finally learn that praying for God’s will is different than praying that God straightens the other person out. A good lesson for all couples to learn.
