{Book Review} Justified A Novel by Varina Denman

Justified by Varina Denman
Reviewed by Jackie Thomas
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre : Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release Date: June 1, 2015



{About the Book}
In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

{My Review}
Justified is the latest book in the Mended Hearts series.  You know how there are some books that you read and never think about them again? Justified wasn't like that for me.  This book stayed with me for a few days and I found myself reflecting quite a few times on what I had read.  I grew up in a small town so much of this book resonated with me.  Small towns can be wonderful communities full of love and support and at the same time there may be gossip and judgement from people who don't know the whole story.  The story is about a community that judges the main character, Fawn, for her mistakes.  My heart ached for Fawn and I could clearly imagine the judgement she felt.  Her story of forgiveness and redemption is somewhat predictable, but I really grew to love her and wanted to get to the end to find out what was going to happen.  If you are interested in small town, Christian romance I feel you will really enjoy this book.  I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.

Thank you to David C. Cook Publishing Company and to Radiant Lit Blog Tours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.


{About the Author}
Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. 

Justified is available for purchase here from Amazon.com. Note: I received this book as part of the Justified  blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.  Review copy provided by the publisher for review purposes. 

{Book Review} Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
Reviewed By:  Jackie Thomas
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre: Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Date: June 10, 2013

About The Book:
Hospitality consultant Andrea Sullivan has one last chance to snag a high-profile client or she'll have to kiss her dreams of promotion good-bye. When she's sent to meet Scottish celebrity chef James MacDonald on the Isle of Skye, she just wants to finish her work as efficiently as possible. Yet her client is not the opportunistic womanizer he portrays himself to be, and her attraction to him soon dredges up memories she'd rather leave buried. For James, renovating the family hotel is a fulfillment of his late father's dreams. When his hired consultant turns out to be beautiful, intelligent, and completely unimpressed by his public persona, he makes it his mission to win her over. He just never expects to fall under her spell.

Soon, both Andrea and James must face the reality that God may have a far different purpose for their lives—and that five days in Skye will forever change their outlook on life and love.

My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable book that is an easy read and great to add to your summer reading list.   The characters are realistic and I enjoyed the story between Andrea and James.  I loved how Andrea and James met and its their first meeting that hooked me and I couldn't wait to see where the story went from there.  The author does a great job of describing the scenes and the landscape of Scotland and I could clearly see it all from her descriptions.  This is a romance but there is enough conflict to keep it interesting. I found myself reading quickly because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.  This book was a joy to read and I look forward to reading more by Author Carla Laureano.

About the Author:
Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA® award-winning romance Five Days in Skye as well as London Tides and the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare (as C. E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons.

Five Days in Skye is available for purchase through Amazon.com.

Note: I received this book as part of the Five Days in Skye  blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

{Book Review} London Tides by Carla Laureano

London Tides by Carla Laureano
Reviewed by Jackie Thomas
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre: Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Date: June 1, 2015

About The Book:
Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?


My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a bit heavier than the first book Five Days in Skye.  This genre of this book is romance and inspirational fiction and is a type of book I read frequently.  The Christian storyline isn't as prominent as in other inspirational fiction and I really enjoyed that the book wasn't predictable.  I think the the author will gain readers who wouldn't normally read this type of book.   I was turning pages to find out what was going to happen between Grace and Ian and how Grace deals with her feelings about God in light of the suffering she has seen and experienced.  London Tides tackles some tough issues in this book, namely PTSD.  It's timely and many will resonate with this issue. You will enjoy this book if you like subtle Christian Fiction that delves deep into the emotions and hurt that sometimes accompany a relationship between two people who love each other.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and watch for my review of Five Days in Skye in July.


About the Author:
Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA® award-winning romance Five Days in Skye as well as London Tides and the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare (as C. E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons.

London Tides is available for purchase from Amazon.com

Note: I received this book as part of the London Tides blog tour from Radiant Lit.  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Book Review: I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins and James MacDonald

Synopsis from Amazon:

A MURDERER who would change the WORLD
 
From multi-million copy best-selling novelist Jerry Jenkins comes a compelling international thriller that conveys you from present-day Texas to a dank Roman dungeon in A.D. 67, then down the dusty roads of ancient Israel, Asia, and back to Rome.

A young seminary professor, Augustine Knox, is drawn into a deadly race to save priceless parchments from antiquities thieves and discovers a two- thousand-year old connection with another who faced death for the sake of the truth. I, Saul consists of two riveting adventures in one, transporting you between the stories of Augustine Knox and Saul of Tarsus.

Filled with political intrigue, romance, and rich historical detail, I, Saul is a thrilling tale of loyal friendships tested by life-or-death quests, set two millennia apart, told by a master storyteller.

My Review:

I felt it was a bit slow in the beginning and I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the story switching between modern day and ancient times.  I'm so glad I stuck with it because the story was incredible and I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and intrigue.  The apostle Paul had historic last days of his life.  Professor Knox is called on by a friend of his who is being hunted because of what  Paul left behind all those years ago and he jeopardizes everything to help his friend.  I really liked the character of Augie Knox and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to him on each page.  

Despite the somewhat slow beginning, this novel is a page-turner once you get into the story.  I was even inspired to dig a little deeper on my own to learn more about Paul.  I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspense novels and for those of you, like me, who wouldn't normally read a biblical novel.  You won't be disappointed!

For purchasing information go to Amazon or click on the image of the book above.

A Disclaimer: Note: I received this book as part of the I, Saul blog tour from Fiction Addict. I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes. 

Jackie

Book Review: Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh

About The Book:

Do you ever question God's ability to catch you when you fall?

Do shame, fear, and brokenness keep you from fully trusting God?

Do you secretly believe your dreams are unreachable?

You are not alone.

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God is all about trust. How we fight it. How we learn to do it. How it transforms us.

Life is not safe. That reality slips over us as we grow. Our response to the Father in that reality allows us either to swing higher and higher with the trust of a child . . . or fearfully shrink back from the swing set altogether.

As we weigh that choice, God whispers: Trust me.

In a remarkably transparent account, author and speaker Shelia Walsh opens wide her lifelong battle with trust and the moment-by-moment choices she made to follow where God led.

Shelia has lived a life ruled by "hidden places" of insecurity and brokenness and knows the overwhelming beauty of a life wholly handed over to Christ. As you encounter her struggles and triumphs, you also meet ten of the Bible's transformed-Tabitha, David, Paul, and others-who teach us that in spite of overwhelming circumstances, just one trusting encounter with Christ sets beautiful things in motion.

It can resurrect dreams, instill purpose, and ignite hope.

Discover what beautiful things can happen when you trust God.

My Thoughts: 

You know, the bible promises in so many places that if we trust God beautiful things will happen.  The trusting part is hard sometimes though.  We think we can do everything on our own and we don't need help from anyone or even God sometimes.  This book will help you to let go of your anxieties and worry and learn to trust God in everything.  Reading about Sheila's personal struggles and how she has overcome them was inspiring and encouraging.  Anyone who has struggled with depression will find Sheila's story real and familiar.  Her level of trust in God is something for me to aspire to reach.  I recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration for any kind of struggle in their life and how to find God in the middle of those struggles.

Inspiring.

Jackie

I received this book free from BookSneeze.com as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Book Review: A Deeper Kind of Calm by Linda Dillow

About The Book:

How Do We Walk Boldly When Our World Seems to Be Crumbling Beneath Our Feet? Join celebrated author and speaker Linda Dillow on the journey to contentment with this follow-up to the best-selling Calm My Anxious Heart. Learn how to positively handle the disappointments of life and discern the comforting truth found in God’s Word. Be encouraged and learn to deal with the waves of trials, depression, and discouragement that threaten to flood our souls. Hidden in the psalms are portraits of what faith looks like in times of trial. Through them, author Linda Dillow will help you discover how to: -remember what God has done (Psalm 77) -hide in His presence (Psalm 46) -cling to Him (Psalm 63) - praise Him for all we cannot see (Psalm 84) The glorious promise from Psalm 84 is that as we walk through the “valley of weeping,” it can be turned into a place of blessing. Includes a four-week Bible study to help you further unpack the comforting truth of God’s Word.

My Thoughts:

This book arrived in my mailbox at the time I needed to read it. My Grandfather and our friend Blake had just died within a few weeks of each other.  I needed some help dealing with all of my emotions and this book helped me so much.  From the very first page of Chapter 1 named, My Valley of Weeping, I knew this book was going to serve me well.  Dillow guides us through the Psalms to help us deal with the Valleys of Weeping in our lives.  Even though I had a lot of "why" questions during this time in our life (still do) this book helped me to find my way to God instead of turning away from Him. 

I have always turned to Psalms when I need help in some area of my life.  Since the book breaks down into four different chapters from Psalms, as stated above, I now have more specific Psalms to turn to in my times of need.  There is also a 4-week bible study included at the end of the book to do on your own or with a group.

Final Thoughts:

I recommend that if you are facing any trials in your life and you're wondering how you can find God in the midst of those trials you should read this book.  It was a wonderful guide for me during a difficult time.  I also recommend another book I have read by Linda Dillow called Calm My Anxious Heart:  A Woman's Guide To Finding Contentment.

Highly Recommended.

Jackie

I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

About Leaving: Bailey Flanigan Series, Volume 1
Bailey's determined to take advantage of her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Broadway, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of New York City? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan. Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and will complete the story of Bailey Flanigan and Cody Coleman.

My Thoughts
From the very first page of this book I was hooked.  Karen Kingsbury has a way of drawing her readers into the story so much that the characters seem real.  I really enjoyed that this book incorporates the Baxter family story as well and I pleased that Ashley and Landon's story (from the Redemption Series) continued in Leaving.  This book was very inspirational to me because the characters talk to God and realize that He is in control of every situation.  In the way it is written, we actually read the prayers of the characters and in turn we learn how to pray in everyday situations.  The conclusion of the book left me wanting more and I was happy to read that the next book in the series comes out June 2011. 



Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an inspirational and enjoyable book Leaving is an excellent choice.  I also recommend that if you are looking for good books to delve into this summer, check out another series by Karen Kingsbury called the Redemption Series featuring the Baxter family.

I would like to thank Zondervan for providing me with a free copy of the book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review - Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

From the Product Description... 

Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal---on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him ... the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery---she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden's praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs. 

My Review...
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury was enjoyable to read and hard to put down.  Karen has a way of drawing me into her stories and her books never fail to inspire me to continually strengthen my faith.  While the main themes of this book are Autism, Teen Suicide and Bullying, all relevant topics for today's teenagers, I found myself drawn to the character of Ella and her relationship with her mother.  Ella is a strong girl who won't take no for an answer when she is trying to help Holden, yet she has her own struggles at home.  The theme of bullying was so interesting to me and I felt myself rooting for the characters who were seen as different and didn't fit in.  The ability to see into Holden's locked up world of Autism was fascinating, especially when I read about the research Karen had done to prepare for writing this book.  Although the book is fairly predictable, it is an inspirational story filled with hope and it will warm your heart.  I recommend this for teenagers to adults.  Tissues Needed!

Thanks to Zondervan for sending me this book in exchange for my review!




Jackie