A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar: A Novel

Author: Suzanne Joinson
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publish Date: May 2012
This book offers an engaging and exotic story based on the juxtaposition of two centuries and cultures. Author Suzanne Joinson intertwines the stories of two women. One is about Evangeline (Eva) English who in 1923 is detained along with her sister, Lizzie, in the city of Kashgar, East Turkestan as their fellow missionary and mentor, Millicent Frost, is accused of a murder. The other story is that of Frieda Blaekman, the present-day Londoner who suddenly becomes responsible for the contents of an apartment of a deceased woman whose name she has never heard of before. On the surface, one may read Joinson's book as a historical adventure. At a deeper level was that the author touches on how we seem to be destined to repeat our parents' mistakes. Both Frieda and Eva struggle to make sense of their parents' views of love and their relationship choices as they affect their own.
Sometimes the writing in this book is too literary for my taste, but I would recommend A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar for those who enjoy an exotic adventure across time and space.

Hope Springs

Author: Kim Cash Tate
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publish Date: June 2012


Hope Springs is a novel overflowing with truths about God, love, forgiveness, and Christian unity. The plot line was well developed and clearly showed the characters' struggles, weaknesses, and growth.


The title of the book refers to a town, Hope Springs, North Carolina, which epitomizes small town life--a place filled with quiet streets where families have been friends for generations, a place where there's not a lot of change…until three women suddenly find themselves planted there for a season. The characters were very realistic, and it was easy to identify with their realizations, flaws, and struggles. I enjoyed seeing Stephanie's growth into a woman with a servant's heart, Becca's understanding that humility and love are more important than an impressive ministry career, Janelle's acceptance of God's plan for her and her family, and the countless other lesser characters who still experienced growth and change as they grew closer to God and family.
I would recommend this book to readers interested in Christian novels. 

The People Count

Author: Robert Dias
Publisher: Hathaway-Seymore Publishing
Publish Date: March 2012


Two ordinary Americans suffer the loss of loved ones at the hands of men with plenty of money and no conscious. Denied justice by a system as greedy and corrupt as the perpetrators, Jake and Jilly take justice into their own hands, avenging the deaths of the victims and spreading fear among the privileged.


Though the book is written as fiction, The People Count paints an uncanny resemblance to what's wrong with America today. The author suggests that the1% who own the media, the banks, the multi-national corporations and most of all, the congress, pit Democrats against Republications against the Tea Party as well as against special interest groups and evangelicals, and use blame as a distraction, all the while plotting to control the flow of money out of society and into their own pockets. This book is very entertaining regardless of your political beliefs, I would recommend it to anyone.

Tidewater Inn

Author: Colleen Coble

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Publish Date: July 2012

Libbie Halladay, who restores historic buildings with her friend and business partner, Nicole, learns that she has inherited a beautiful old inn on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Before Libbie arrives on Hope Island to see the inn, her partner is kidnapped! An investigation into her disappearance leads the local sheriff, Tom Bourne, and his cousin, Coast Guard rescue worker, Alec Bourne, to wonder about Libbie’s possible involvement in the kidnapping.

Colleen Coble crafts an interesting story surrounding Libbie’s character. In addition to the kidnapping dilemma, this book also has distrusting (and untrustworthy?) townspeople including newly discovered step-siblings, and a fragile friendship/love interest between Libbie and Alec. The reader wants the deserving Libbie to receive fair treatment throughout the story, yet as in real life, there are sometimes challenging events that guide the direction of her personal journey.  

Spring Fever

Author: Mary Kay Andrews

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publish Date: June 2012

A light summer read, Mary Kay Andrews has developed several interesting characters in this book. Annajane Hudgens and Mason Bayless were married then divorced several years ago. After the divorce, Annajane remains best friends with Mason’s sister Pokie, and also continues to work for the Bayless family business, Quixie Beverage Company. The intrigue in the plot links Annajane with Mason’s new girlfriend, Celia, and Quixie Beverages in unexpected ways. A deceitful heart can be hard to recognize in people we have trusted, and as the author unravels the sticky webs of deceit woven around her characters, the reader is reminded anew that honesty and truth are traits we all should ascribe to.

Special Delivery

Author: Kathi Macias
Publisher: New Hope Publishers
Pub Date: March 2012

Mara is a waitress at a seafood café earning enough money to rent a room and meet her basic needs. It has taken her two years to finally gain citizenship in the United States, free from her homeland of Mexico. Her parents had sold her into slavery, and her uncle, Jefe, had raped her for the first time and then prostituted her out until his capture and imprisonment.

Two years earlier, Jonathan had helped break up a human-trafficking ring that forced teens and young children to be sex slaves right in their own San Diego area. Mara was one of those girls. Jonathan admits that he wonders and thinks about her often and what she is doing now. Because of that rescue, Jonathan’s family is now involved in the ministry of rescuing human-trafficking victims and helping them recover, get established, and begin new and productive lives. This is not a typical romance novel, and the hero and heroine do not end up together at the end of the book...but are both stronger for their friendship.

I was impressed with this book, at how the author told the heinous story of human trafficking here in the United States. This is the first book by Kathi Macias I have read, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the "Freedom" series of books in this series.

Kelsey's Song

Author: Lanie Kincaid
Publisher Name: Griffyn Ink
Publish Date: June 2010

This is a wonderful story about two people, JD & Kelsey, who are dealing with circumstances in their lives that they never planned. JD Hewlitt is a guitarist for the struggling band Wilder and just found out that he is a father of a 5-year-old girl. He meets Kelsey Conklin when he and his daughter Andie are in Target and Andie throws a temper tantrum. Kelsey helps calm Andie down and thinks nothing more about it until she realizes they are neighbors. JD and Kelsey slowly get to know each other over the next several months as she helps him cope with new parenthood, and he helps her come out of her shell after grieving the tragic death of her mentally ill brother.

Ms. Kincaid’s cast of characters is vibrant, three-dimensional and incredibly realistic. Kelsey Conklin is an undeniably strong woman with a sweet and giving personality. JD Hewlitt is charming and delightfully inept in his new role as a father. Kelsey’s children, Daniel and Allie, are absolutely adorable, and even when she is being a "demon child", JD’s daughter Andie works her way into the reader’s heart. Fully rounding out the cast of characters are JD’s brother TJ and fellow band mates Craig and Alex.

Kelsey’s Song is an enjoyable read with an appealing cast of characters. It is a heartwarming and uplifting romance, and if you enjoy novels centered around families, then you should definitely pick up a copy Kelsey’s Song.

The Brotherhood

Author: Jerry Jenkins
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publish Date: January 2011

Jerry B. Jenkins has started a new police thriller series in the Precinct 11 novels. The book has an interesting plot and Christian theme. I've never read any of Jenkins' other works (Leave Behind series in particular) so I didn't quite know what to expect. I liked the way he integrated Christian beliefs without being cheesy or preachy. Jerry Jenkins' writing style is flawless and easy to read, yet compelling. It was also kind of an eye-opener to frightening organized crime activities that are out there.
The Brotherhood is primarily the story of Boone Drake, a cop's cop, and his reaction to tragedy in his life. An unexpected accident changes Boone Drake's life in an instant. Unable to understand such tragedy, he searches for meaning in his job, his routine, and the bottom of a bottle. His emotions and questions are raw and honest and pulsate throughout the novel. But it goes beyond that into the heart of gangland in Chicago, where the Chicago PD is preparing the sting operation of a lifetime.
People who are affiliated with law enforcement or enjoy law enforcement novels will especially enjoy this book.

The Tehran Initiative

Author: Joel Rosenberg
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publish Date: October 2011

Joel C. Rosenberg in his book "The Tehran Initiative" Book Two in the “The Twelfth Imam” series published by Tyndale House Publishers brings us to The Middle East in the possible future. 'The Tehran Initiative', is a strong, compelling political thriller. Rosenberg hooks the reader from page one and the story flows effortlessly from there.

The main character of the novel is David Shirazi, a CIA operative working undercover in Iran. In Tehran, the Twelfth Imam has emerged, attracting those Muslims who believe him to be the messiah and call for the destruction of those who would oppose them. "I have come to bring peace and justice and to rule the earth with a rod of iron," he continued. "This is why Allah sent me. He will reward those who submit. He will punish those who resist. But make no mistake, Iskander; in the end, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that I am the Lord of the Age."

The dialog between the characters is believable and flows naturally. The 400 pages cover an intense 7-day period between Tehran, Jerusalem and Washington. If the reader steps out of the novel into actual current events, such a week has the potential to be the most intense week in history. World leaders face decisions that could obliterate entire nations in a matter of seconds if the wrong decision would be made.

I recommend this novel for anyone who wants a good story that seems like it could appear in tomorrow's newspaper.

River's Song

By: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Abington Press
Publish Date: August 2011
Review Run Date: Indefinite

River's Song is the first book in Ms. Carlson's series, The Inn at Shining Waters. Set in 1957, this is a story about a woman who has faced many challenges in her life, and now is struggling to understand who she is, and what she wants from life.

Anna Gunderson married at a young age for love. Tragically, her husband is seriously injured in the war, and Anna spends a difficult season tending to her husband while living under the roof of her autocratic mother-in-law. After her husband dies, followed by the deaths of her parents, Anna slips the bonds of her enslavement to her mother-in-law and returns to to her childhood home on the banks of the Siuslaw River in Oregon.

River's Song is a wonderful story about the power of this river to bring healing and renewal of purpose to Anna. The reader is drawn to Anna's character; she has experienced so much heartbreak that her ability to even desire healing for herself is questionnable. Thankfully, Anna develops a small support system who encourage her along the road to wholeness

Hurricanes in Paradise

By: Denise Hildreth Jones
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publish Date: May 2010

This book was a compelling read. The four protagonists, all women of varied ages and background, happen to become acquainted at a hotel on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Each of their individual stories keep the reader's interest, and the intersection of their lives for one week during hurricane season is the foundation of this book.

Riley is the Guest Services Manager at the Atlantis Hotel. It is her responsibility to make sure that the hotel's most important guests are kept happy during their stay at the hotel. The special guests to be looked after the week of this story include a well-known author, Laine, with an inflated ego, a widow, Winnie, struggling to come to terms with the circumstances of her life, and a young model, Tamyra, despairing from relationship difficulties she must face back home.

Ms. Hildreth Jones tackles serious subjects in Hurricanes in Paradise, such as forgiveness, trust, and fear. She also allows the protagonists' to come to terms with their Christian faith in the book. All of the women have been exposed to Christianity at some point in their lives but their personal faith walks' are quite different from each other. The author weaves the Christian message throughout the book but it is done with grace and thoughtfulness.

A Kiss of Adventure

By:                    Catherine Palmer

Publisher:          Tyndale House 

Publish Date:     April 2008

     This book, about a young woman and her adventures in Africa, was quite captivating. The reader follows Tillie Thornton (short for Matilda) as she pursues a treasure that a Scottish explorer, Mungo Park, is said to have left near Timbuktu two hundred years ago. A particularly fierce tribe of nomads, the Tuarag, repeatedly attempt to kidnap Tillie and force her to take them to the treasure, but Tillie has no idea what the treasure is, or where it might be hiding. An American writer, Graeme McLeod, joins forces with Tillie, and they go from one adventure to another running from the Tuarag, and trying to determine where the treasure is. Somewhat predictably, a romance blossoms between them, and the reader silently observes each character as they cautiously peel back the 'onion layers' of their lives, unsure if they are able, or even are willing, to overcome their pasts in order to have a future together.

     This book appears to be written to the Christian reader. There are a lot of bible verses strewn about the pages; Tillie remembers these being taught to her by an African housekeeper. They are appropriately utilized in the book and help Tillie to make difficult choices as she faces various challenges. The subject of faith is significantly explored in A Kiss of Adventure. Tillie realized how easy it was for her to keep her faith in God when life was easier.   However, when she doesn't understand why difficult things keep happening, she consciously reminds herself of the truths she has been taught so that she does not become overwhelmed by her circumstances. I would recommend this book to all readers.

Veiled Freedom

By:                      Jeanette Windle

Publisher:           Tyndale House

Publish Date:      April 2009

     Veiled Freedom is an amazing book! The reader learns about the people and politics of Afghanistan through a riveting story line. The author breathed life into characters that lived and dreamed and despaired their very existences.

     The three main characters, Steve Wilson, Amy Mallory, and Jamil come together from different realities and worldviews. Steve, a private security expert, is working in Afghanistan. He is jaded and disgusted with life, especially with "freed" Afghanistan post-911. Amy is a young Christian humanitarian worker whose desire is to meet the physical and emotional needs of Afghan women and children. Jamil is an Afghan with too many life experiences, a young man with no hope for a brighter future for his country. The lives of these three people intersect in Kabul, and are forever intertwined. 

My knowledge about the difficult lives of the Afghan people has been very limited. I didn't realize the depths that greed, corruption, and misused power had wrought in this country. I didn't understand how poorly women are treated, and how little has changed within the culture as a result of Western military operations. Although a novel, Ms. Windle's well-written book is based on truth. The details she brings to each page adds significantly to the reading experience. I could smell the dusty smog of Kabul, I could hear the merchants and customers of the marketplace. 

The author also contrasted Christianity and Islam through the book. The character, Amy, believes that people should have the right to choose what belief system they adopt, and struggles as she is not allowed to share her own faith to the Afghan people. Jamil, on the other hand, vacillates between his devout adherence to the Muslim faith, and what he has read in a bible he has been given. Is love more powerful than vengeance? Does God want us to love our enemies or to find revenge for the wrongs that have befallen us? Is forgiveness attainable? As he wrestles with these questions, the reader is also confronted with their own belief system? Do we live by a system of beliefs, and let them guide our choices and decisions, or do we go about our daily lives giving lip service to a higher power yet not allow our beliefs to impact our lives?

     I would recommend this book to all readers. It is impactful and has an interesting story as well.

Water's Edge

By:                Robert Whitlow
Publisher:       Thomas Nelson
Publish Date:  August 2011 

Water's Edge is an exciting legal mystery. The main character, Tom Crane, is faced with significant struggles both personally and professionally, and almost ends up committing suicide to avoid the disasters that are before him.When Tom Crane believes he is just about to make partner in the large law firm he works for in Atlanta, the company lets him go due to financial straits. His girlfriend leaves him that same day, and Tom reels from these two major disappointments. He heads home to Bethel, Georgia, where he needs to close up his attorney father's office, after he dies in a boating accident. Many situations arise through the book, leaving him to question what life is all about. He finds himself questioning his goals for the future and the significance of old and new relationships. While the book ends somewhat predictably, the reader is unsure throughout how the story line is going to be brought together to a satisfying conclusion.  
This book contains a lot of Christian dialog and bible verses. Part of the main character's struggles are considered within the Christian framework. I would recommend this book to all readers, but especially those who enjoy good Christian fiction.

Through the Fire

By:                    Shawn Grady

Publisher:          Bethany House

Publish Date:     July 2009

This is the first book written by Shawn Grady, and is an interesting suspense novel for all types of readers. Writing about firefighting came naturally to this professional firefighter/author, and the detailed accounts of the fires he responds to in this book are full of interesting details that only a firefighter would be able to describe.

The main character, Aiden, has been consumed for five years with a mysterious series of deadly fires that killed his father, another firefighter.  However, he is thwarted by a lack of evidence and the suspicions of his peers. As the reader considers each of the book's characters as a possible serial arsonist, Mr. Grady continues to build the plot until the reader is totally unsure of the outcome.  

An underlying story line throughout the book is one of trust. Can Aiden trust the people around him, or is one of them the arsonist? Can he trust God to be in overall control of a very difficult set of circumstances? Can he trust himself to let go of the bitterness he has held on to since the death of his father?

I enjoyed Through the Fire and recommend it to all readers.  

Nick of Time

By: Tim Downs
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publish Date: May 2011

     Nick of Time is the sixth book in the Bug Man series. Dr. Nick Polchak is a quirky forensic entomologist, a bug man.  He is engaged to Alena Savard, a beautiful, but odd, woman who lives on top of a mountain just outside of Endor, Virginia. He is invited to participate in solving a "cold case" by a good friend. Nick becomes so wrapped up in the case that he hardly remembers his fiance, nor his upcoming wedding. Both Nick and Alena provide drama with a humorous twist in this story. The conclusion was totally unexpected which is always appreciated. Nick of Time was an enjoyable summer read. I would recommend this book, first, to anyone who doesn't get bothered by discussions about blowflies and maggots.  Secondly, this book would be interesting to people who enjoy a main character who is different yet appealing.

Light of Eiden (Legends of the Guardian-King, Book 1)

By:                        Karen Hancock

Publisher:              Bethany House

Publish Date:        May 2003

     I recently had the opportunity to read Light of Eiden. As a Christian-themed fantasy, the author created a world that was focused on the religious aspects of that society. The reader follows Abramm from a young man totally consumed by his pious (and false) religious service to his god, Eiden. There is much evil and dark magic amongst the religious rulers and Abramm becomes disillusioned. A lengthy saga ensues where Abramm is enslaved and faces enormous difficulties. However, slowly he overcomes many obstacles and begins to recognize that he is a stronger person because of these horrific experiences. He becomes the "White Pretender" and an inspirational role model for the people of his land. 

      The strength of this book is in the story line. It is full of adventure, and the reader agonizes with Abramm as he faces so many difficulties. The weakness, in my opinion, is that some of the obvious parallels between Eiden, the "god of light" and the Christian (protestant) God are forced. In addition, in another parallel, the author  has apparently strong beliefs about the evils of the Catholic Church, as evidenced through the darkness of the Mataio, the ruling religion of Kiriath. Overall, I enjoyed Light of Eiden, and would recommend this book to readers of Christian fantasy.

The Guardian

By:	Robbie Cheuvront and Erik Reed
Publisher Name:	Barbour Publishing, Inc.

   Publishing Date:    October, 2011
      
     This book was full of action and adventure.  It follows the journey of Anna as she seeks to unlock the secrets of a scroll written by John, the disciple, and mentioned in the Book of Revelations. A second theme of faith is interwoven through the book. Anna has to determine if she believes in God, and how that will impact the choices she makes.
     As the story unwinds, the authors introduce the reader to many intriguing characters. Lucifer has a strong role in this story, with his human devotees constraining to block the task Anna has before her. Many others, including a love interest, Jason, seek to assist the girl in her quest. Up until the end, the reader is left wondering if the young protagonist will be able to accomplish her mission.
     I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the bible, the Catholic church, as well as those who enjoy a well-written story. 

Relentless (Dominion Trilogy #1)

By:                      Robin Parrish
Publisher:          Harvest House
Publish Date:     July 2006


     I really enjoyed this first book of the Dominion Trilogy by Robin Parrish. It was completely engaging, suspenseful, and thought-provoking.
     The main character, Grant Borrows, changes in an instant from one person to another...literally. One moment he is walking down the street as Collin Boyd, a forgettable man who has always been alone and prefers it that way. The next moment, he becomes Grant Borrows, a confident, self-possessing person who ultimately ends up deciding the fate of the world as we know it. He meets others like himself, who have been changed and given unusual powers, and slowly becomes aware that these events have happened for a purpose. He realizes that those with power determine destiny. His decision ultimately has to do with the influence he can exert with the power he has been given, whether to use it for the good of mankind or to exploit it for darker purposes.
     I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense, and thought-provoking fiction.

The Story of Your Life

By:                        Matthew West and Angela Thomas
Publisher Name:     Harvest House Publishers
Publishing Date:     September 2011


     This devotional book was very interesting yet disappointing. I loved reading the stories of different Christians around the country, and the struggles they have overcome. They were very inspiring and encouraging.
     I found the funky font on the headings distracting and unnecessary.  I would have loved to read more "stories" and less comments by Mr. West and Ms. Thomas. The stories are interesting and thought-provoking, and a half to one-page of dialog by either of the authors would have been sufficient.  As it currently reads, it is more than a devotional yet too choppy to read through all in one sitting.