Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

This was not your typical romance story. Rather than an arranged marriage or a typical courtship, Tyson and Diana were already married. I loved the way Tyson had to earn the trust of his wife back after years of abandonment. Diana has trust issues (for obvious reasons) and makes Tyson work to earn her love.

Diana is a strong character who has to learn to be vulnerable with her husband. Tyson shows his fortitude and strength of character as he works to gain her trust.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and thoughtful, with just the right amount of spiritual issues present. Ms. Hatcher did another great job with this book!

- I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Last Light - 3 stars

I enjoy Terri Blackstock's books and have read almost all of her published works. However, this was not my favorite book. Although, it was well written, I found myself getting confused at some parts. Also, it seemed that this "thriller" was a little slow at times.

The characters seemed pretty shallow and not very developed. Still, it was interesting enough to continue reading.

I was fascinated by the way she handled the issue of our world going "dark". Other authors have written their fictional take on this possibility, and I think that Ms. Blackstock did a great job of doing it differently.

If you are looking for a semi thriller book, that will get you thinking about our world in a different way, you will enjoy this book.

3 stars

I received this book in exchange for my honest review

My Hope is Found - 4 stars

I was eagerly anticipating this book after reading the first two. It didn't isappoint...much.

 

Lonnie has all but given up hope for her lost love, which is just about the time a new interest comes along.

 

Honestly, I got so frustrated at Lonnie for being so indecisive. She was pining for Gideon,  now that he was back,  she might not want him? What?  And she lead Toby on the whole time while she was deciding.

 

I enjoyed reading about Gideon's journey back to God,  but felt like there could have even been more without it sounding too preachy.

 

Overall,  this book is a great wrap up to Lonnie and Gideon's story, and even leaves it open for a new story between Toby and Cassie perhaps?

 

Four stars

 

I received this book in exchange for my honest review!

Forever Friday - 4 stars

This is a sweet read about how two people kept the passion alive in their marriage amidst the trials and complacency of life. The thing that makes this story different from the "typical" love story, is the perspective from which it is written.

The story is written from two perspectives, first from the couple themselves. And second, from a recent divorcee who is looking for help and advice from the postcards the couple sent each other every week of their marriage.

Admittedly, this story was a little challenging for me to get into in the first few chapters, but after the book ended, I had to go back and reread them with fresh perspective!

It is a good reminder of how important it is to continue working on your marriage, even after the wedding. It is a sweet testament to love and how, when it is worked on, love never fails.

I strongly recommend this book, if you are looking for a love story that is a little different. You will not be disappointed.

4 stars!

-I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sweet and Sentimental

I have a tendency to gravitate away from novellas, as a habit. I just enjoy books that go deeper and are much more developed. So the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, is saying a LOT.

There are four stories wrapped up nicely in this one book. They each display the tale of a mail order bride and the confusion that ensues when things aren't what is expected.

I love how each author had a different plot and setting of the story, but one thing remained true throughout. All the characters went through the same mail order catalog and the same trouble of meeting someone different than their letters.

You will laugh and enjoy the sweetness of these short stories. There is a slight aroma of religion, but it isn't strong and I found myself longing for more.

4 stars

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Simple Change

Have you ever been really hungry and eaten a meal that just didn't satiate your appetite? For me, this book was like that.

Jancey makes a difficult decision to move to a simpler place with her parents. Meanwhile, her jilted suitor tries to get her back and she gains the interest of several single fellows in her new town.

When her curiosity lands her in a heap of trouble, she learns to rely on God's strength and not her own thoughts.

This book was sweet, and surface level. I had longed for the author to go so much deeper. There were multiple relationships and situations in this book that just weren't explained or given depth to.

I think this book has incredible potential, but it just didn't meet up with my hungry expectations.

3 stars

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Redeeming Love - 5 stars

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

It wouldn't be right to have a blog about good books and not review Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. This book captivates me. It is based upon the book of Hosea in the Bible. I found myself reading and rereading that obscure book in the Old Testament, because I had to know more.

This book helped me develop a deeper understanding of the love of God. The heroine of the book, Angel, lived her young life in prostitution. She was in and out of brothels, until Michael rescues her from that existence to follow the Lord's guidance. I found myself relating to Angel, who runs away from this man who loves her so much, only to return to her past existence. Likewise, it is so hard for me to stay in the midst of God's gracious love when my sinful past seems hard, but comfortable. At least I know I deserve my past.

In the book, I found my heart being transformed with Angel's. Her hard heart against Michael and God was melted through the continual love and grace shown to her.

This book WILL change the way you see yourself in God's eyes. I definitely give it 5 stars!

-I received this book in exchange for my honest review.