Book Review: Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers

Publisher: Tyndale House

Product Description

In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds. Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War. College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn. Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever. Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

MY REVIEW

Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors, writing both historical fiction and contemporary fiction that I find engaging and impossible to put down. Her Daughter's Dream is no exception, and I absolutely loved this book! The characters are realistically portrayed, and the family tensions are ones that we all can relate to, men or women. Who of us doesn't have disagreements with our parents, differences of opinions on how to live life, misunderstandings between us? As with the first story in this series, my emotions were readily engaged, and I even had some tears in my eyes! The story is skillfully written, and brought to life God's truth, his forgiveness, the power of reconciliation.

I highly recommend this book, and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Falls Like Lightning by Shawn Grady

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: July 1, 2011

Book Synopsis as provided by the publisher:

Smokejumper Silas Kent never expected to see pilot Elle Westmore again. In fact, reuniting makes him realize what a mistake he made all those years ago. But before he has a chance to try to make amends, he's called to lead a new crew into battle against a massive fire in the Sierra Nevadas.

And then things go very wrong, very quickly.

A suspicious engine explosion forces the crew to parachute early while Elle barely survives a crash landing. Silas reaches the ground safely, but in beginning a desperate race to reach the downed plane, he soon realizes he has more to fear than just a raging forest fire.

MY REVIEW: 

I plunged into this book with great anticipation, and what a wild ride it was! Grady clearly knows his stuff, and his books are great for the male audience, as my dad really liked this book. I find the author to be a solid suspense writer, and this book was no exception. I will say I didn't find it perfect, that some of the first half was a bit slow for my liking. However, I thought the latter half zinged along, and I really enjoyed the setting of the world of forest fighters, the hidden mine, the shady characters. All of the characters seemed to be well-developed, the diaglogue moved the story along, and the conclusion was satisfying.

All in all, a great read. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Havah by Tosca Lee

Publisher: B & H Publishing Group
Publication Date: August 1, 2010 (2nd Edition)

Product Description

She knew this earth when it was perfect-like her, for a time. Made by God in a manner like no other, she lived in utter peace without flaw in paradise until one fateful decision changed everything. Now, all humanity suffers for her mistake. But what did it feel like then to first sin and be exiled, to see all innocence crumble so vividly, and a strange new world take its place? Experience the epic dawn of mankind through the eyes and heart of Eve-the woman first known as Havah.

My Review

Havah was, quite simply, a stunning book to read, one that swept me up from the first page and immersed me into the world of Adam and Eve as I have never encountered before. The book is raw, passionate, powerful. Though it is fiction and therefore takes some license to imagine the beginning as spelled out in the Bible, everything contained in its pages seems possible. It made me ache for them and showed me God's heart and desire for what could have been had they chosen differently. It makes me wonder what could be different in my life if I made different choices?

What an amazing read! Fully recommended, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock

Product Description

When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she's the newborn daughter of a meth addict he's been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse. His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan---the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies. In this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty, bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the devastating choices that can change lives forever.

MY REVIEW

Suspenseful and tautly written, Vicious Cycle is sure to please those who love reading mysteries and thrillers. Blackstock does a great job of building tension, of using diaglogue that speeds things forward instead of slowing things down, and creating three-dimensional characters. The tragedies of child abuse and neglect and of human trafficking will break your heart to read about, and have you hoping for justice and a happy ending. Lance in particular tugged at my heart strings, particularly with the hard choices he makes and his attempts to right the unjustice he encounters. I won't give the ending away, but I guarantee that this is a story you will enjoy.

Readers who have enjoyed past novels by Terri Blackstock are sure to pleased with this latest offering. I give it a solid recomendation, and 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Secrets of Harmony Grove by Mindy Starns Clark

Product Description

From the bestselling author of Shadows of Lancaster County comes an exciting new romantic mystery set in Amish country.

Sienna Collins, owner of the Harmony Grove Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, learns that she is under investigation by the federal government for crimes she knows nothing about. A few hours later she finds her ex-boyfriend, Troy, dead, and her life and livelihood begin to spin wildly out of control. She begins to doubt everyone around her, even the handsome detective assigned to the case. As Sienna tries to clear her name, she is forced to depend on her faith, the wisdom of the Amish, and the insight of the man she has recently begun dating. She’ll need all the help she can get, because the secrets she uncovers in Harmony Grove end up threatening not just her bed-and-breakfast, but also her credibility, her beliefs, and ultimately her life.

MY REVIEW

Mindy Starns Clark excells at writing multi-layered books that weave together historical details and unsolved mysteries with present day drama. Secrets of Harmony Grove was an interesting read from start to finish, one with plenty of surprises, plausible "what if" scenarios, and likeable characters. Even though the book is labelled as a romantic mystery, I hope that male readers will still give the book a try as they are likely to find this a great read. The faith issues are well-handled, and the Amish are portrayed in a manner not seen in typical Amish books.

I greatly enjoyed this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars.