Reviews: Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher & The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher

FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

When I received the book I had not realized that it was the final book in a series. (The Deacon’s Family) That did not keep the enjoyment away. Suzanne is a good author and is able to weave her tales in a way to draw you in. Well written.

Jimmy has just returned home to Lancaster County and Sylvie is a young widow with a son. These two are brought together by necessity and you can’t help but rout for them.

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

This book is also third in the series. (Sunrise at Normandy) It is a historical romance that is based in the WWII era following Rangers that are in the U.S. Army. Being the third in the series this book is focused on one of the brothers as the other stories have already been told.

Clay and Leah become friends and after a brutal attack on Leah, Clay does the honorable thing and marries her. He is still in the Army though and they are separated. Can they keep what they have by writing letters?

The historical accuracy is well researched. The writing has highs and lows that gives a wonderful balance while keeping you waiting until the end. And you will want to read all the way to the end.

Review: A Single Light by Tosca Lee

Last year the first of this series came out, The Line Between, and I thoroughly was enraptured by it. I am a fan of Tosca Lee and this series is not a disappointment.

A Single Light picks up right where The Line Between leaves off.

The writing is detailed and researched out. There is detail that one may not of realized needed to be there but after reading, you couldn't imagine it any other way. This Thriller, keeps you on your toes. There is suspense that builds and sometimes it surprises you. The kicker? Since this series has been published, there have been science based articles concerning similar events.

READ THIS SERIES!

Wynter Roth once again finds herself struggling to survive.

There are spoilers after this line, please keep that in mind. I am not trying to spoil this series at all, but frankly if you have not read the first book stop reading now.

The group of 63 people are in the silo. As one can imagine after living together for any matter of time, tension can mount and boy does it. 

Is Wynter in danger with these strangers?

Will she make it to "opening day"?

How many will they lose while locked in?

What will they find once they get out?

These are all important questions that Wynter and the others ask themselves.

Is the virus gone? Are there people? What happened to ____?

This sequel is equally as captivating and a complete thrill in following Wynter's further journey in trying to save humanity. There is loss and there is reunion. This book will make you cry. I honestly do not know how to give a better review without giving away the ending. 

Review: Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

I received this book as an Advanced Reviewers Copy from Revell Reads for an honest review. This is my honest review.

A Saturday breakfast disrupted by what appeared to be a domestic disturbance between a husband and wife pulled Detective Amara Alvarez into the middle of a mystery. 

Three years ago there was a horrific bus accident where 17 kids and 3 adults were killed, or were they? This story is a captivating and suspenseful story that is paced well with good writing, great character development, and a truly gripping story.

I usually don’t read mysteries, especially not ones that feel like they could actually happen. Heh... I really enjoy books that are in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. This book though, it grabbed me. Once I started reading, I could not stop. The pacing in the storytelling was great. It did slowdown towards the climax, or it felt like it did. I believe this is because the way everything started tying in that the story needed to take a breath.

I enjoyed that it was a good book all around. There are themes included concerning family and humor, there is also some sexual tension between characters. This is appreciated so that the characters seem real. The book is from a Christian Publisher, but it does not fall into a “preaching” category. Clean language, maybe allusion to an intimate relationship, solid writing.

Rated 5/5

Review: The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kicking the new year off with a new set of books to read, I started with The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy. This book was chosen because I wanted a one shot, simple read that was interesting. (Rachel at Reading Rock Books recommended it.)

The writing style of this book is simple. I appreciated it. I was most definitely not in the mood to read a dissertation. The genre is YA or Young Adult, I would agree with that because of the content. The actual writing I would place in between YA and Juvenile. Again, it was welcomed.

The character development was interesting but not heavy. There could have been more, but I believe that would have made the book an introduction to a series rather than a one-shot. There could be more world building, more explanation of how we got to where we were in that time, but again... it is a one-shot.

As a one shot, it is handled well.

The relationship building is slow and methodical. There is no foul language. There is no sex. The focus of the books seems to be the value of life and most importantly the value of memories. The theme that runs solid is forgiveness.

Story-wise. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Etta. Her story is captivating. Etta finds herself in a position he does not like but is obliged to because of her actions in the not so distant past. Because of this, Madame, the ruler of Craewick that is power obsessed, tries to control Etta. It isn't until later on into the story that we understand the real reason why.

In this world, the currency is memories, ability determines class, and the Gifted are the haves while the rest are the have nots.

Because of Etta's actions, Madame decides to put her mother on the auction block. This is reserved for criminals and the torturous removal of memories is done for the highest bidder. Etta refuses to accept this fate for her mother and finds herself facing her past. Does she rejoin the Shadows? Can she save her mother?

This book is not perfect. It is exactly what I was looking for in a one shot though. 4/5

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Review: The Christmas Star: A Love Story

The Christmas Star: A Love Story by Robert Tate Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quaint

This story shows how even if we do not understand the who, what, when, where, or why... There is always light. God is always there we just have to choose to turn to him.

The appreciation of understanding how tragedy can affect a family and more so, an individual. The beauty in that while we are going through the ugly, God can and will restore us. We only need to look to him.

Using time travel/dream state as a way to bring about redemption was a nice device in the writing. It was done well.

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Review: Outlander

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perhaps I am late to the show... I mean the book was written originally in 1991. If I had run across it then, I am sure I would have read it. I have always had a thing for time travel and highlanders.

This book... I love it with some restraint.

I really enjoy the natural curiosity of Claire Randall. She has a unique personality. She is very much an independent woman and fits well in the mid 40s where feminism is beginning. She respects her husband but makes her own choices.

This personality of hers is ultimately what causes the situation that brings about her going back in time.

Now.. to be absolutely honest. The historical accuracy of male female relationships in the mid 1700s is most likely dead on. Men treated women as possessions. Yes, even sexy, highlanders. There are a few instances that sexual assault is an issue. As soon as Claire is sent back to 1743 Captain Jack Randal assaults her thinking she is a tramp. Is this politically correct? No. Is this acceptable? No. This is a story. This is character building. Are there lewd comments by the band of travelers that save her from the Redcoat captain? Yes. Do they act on it? No.

Historically, I believe Gabaldon kept to what very well could have happened. Claire finds herself in a position no faithful married woman that is strong-willed would ever want to be in. She does see that she has to compromise simply in order to survive. I don't say this to justify anything that was in the book. But, if you are going to read historical fiction, you have to have an understanding of the time period.

There is rape. There is spousal abuse. There is violence. There is talk of witchcraft.

Given that this book was originally written in 1991, it is written beautifully. I do not care for the end of the book because it is too graphic in my opinion. Watching the Starz series I have to skip the last 2 episodes because of it. But it is realistic to the time frame.

Gabaldon did her research and you can see it when it comes out. She makes Claire's character believable. Claire never gave up on returning to Frank, she survived. In surviving she ended up falling in love. Jaime can be a brut. Claire causes a change in him as their relationship deepens as well.

In all honesty, I am surprised with society as it is today that the series has had a resurgence. Except, Game of Thrones is pretty big too.

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Review: Something Like Family

Something Like Family by Heather Burch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Growing up in a tough environment, believing that you have no family other than your mom who isn't the most stable person, can have an impact on your life.

Rave Wayne was that kid. His mom was a drug addict. She never stayed in the same area too long and so she and Rave were always moving from town to town. And then one day, she left him.

Rave was on his own from the age of 17. He had to scrape by and hope he would make it. The problem there is he has a tendency to get in trouble. At the age of 22, he finds himself in a situation that leaves him willing to take a chance. That chance happens to be with a guy named Phil that claims he knows Rave's grandfather and is seeking to connect them.

This isn't a fairy-tale in that estranged family members reunite and they all live happily ever after. This is a situation where individuals realize there is more to life than just themselves.

I enjoyed this book, it was different from others that I have read by Heather Burch, but it was good. I was left wanting more. The character development is good. The relationships are good although I feel one is rushed because of the situation, not a love interest.

This is a quick read, and it brings satisfaction.

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Review: Coral

Coral by Sara Ella

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

PLOT: I really enjoyed the idea of this story. The idea plays off of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid", only not quite. The hint to The Little Mermaid is what piqued my interest in reading this story. I was not disappointed, I was enthralled. Many fairy tales that we know today have been rewritten so that there is a happy ending or to show that things always work out for the hero/heroine. This story, Coral, may have you trying to figure things out all the way to the ending.

Of course there is a love story, most all fiction books have that element. Unlike fairy tales of the modern era, the girl doesn't immediately throw herself at the boy. I appreciate that. There is a lot of mental health enlightenment in the story and I feel like this can be a good book to open up discussion. I would not just throw this book at my teen and say enjoy. The story emphasizes the truth that mental illness is a disease.

While the main character of the story works through rejection and abandonment, she is also afraid to trust anyone. She experiences shocking tragedy and is sent away to live with somebody else. While she is going through the struggles she becomes mistrusting and one could even say bitter. She pushes everyone that does care away, finding herself Then just as things are looking better, tragedy strikes again. Will she get her fairy tale ending? Will she succumb to depression and anxiety?

Coral - a mermaid that just doesn't quite fit in with her family, or perhaps it's with the society her family is a part of. On top of that, it appears she may very well be infected with the dreaded... Disease. This disease looks like emotions to humans, but to a mermaid can be fatal.

Brooke - a girl that lives in a group therapy home. She is fighting depression and anxiety while attempting to push everyone around her away.

Merrick - seemingly the guy that has it made, but he rebels against the expected. He believes he knows what is really going on in his family, but does he? Perhaps meeting a girl that isn't so much unlike him will open his eyes.

WRITING STYLE: Once it is understood how the story is going the only issue I had disappeared, but to lay it out there... The story is written in first person point of view but from the perspective of three different viewpoints. It is clearly marked as to whose view, I just don't prefer the style. In this instance it does not take away from the story.

Overall I enjoyed the book. I did find myself having to face some of my own emotions and feelings while reading it. It is a good tool to use to reach out and to educate about mental health issues.

Review: The Line Between

The Line Between by Tosca Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew when I read the description of this book I would like it. I have enjoyed other books that Tosca Lee has written and I could not wait to get this one in my hands. Thankfully, hubby ordered it for me for my birthday (he was so sweet). The only thing I regret is that with work and family commitments, it has taken me until now to complete the book.

Have you ever started reading a book and get completely wrapped up into it and then for whatever reason have to put it down when you are only halfway through it? Ya, that happened.

The surprise?

I was able to pick it up and get transported right back into the story. And WOW! What a story.

Ms. Lee is able to get her readers completely invested in the characters so that you feel like you know them. In this particular book, I felt like I was having coffee with a friend and they were telling me about their background and how they survived some crazy stuff. (Okay, so I might have peculiar friends.)

The main character goes from being a young child introduced to a commune that lives completely different than what she is used to. In her mind she questions things but goes along with it. Her sister and mother are there with her until her mother gets sick. It turns out just her and her sister grow up there. Wynter has difficulty with relationships (really I see this as normal given circumstances). Without going into spoilers, crazy stuff starts happening (think David Koresh cult stuff).

Wynter gets away from the commune and that is only the beginning. Corrupt cult, bio-terrorism, grief, romance, puppy, suspense.

I feel like if I say too much it will spoil the book. Yet, I also feel like I haven't said enough. This is a book that I will look for the sequel to when it comes out. I can also see reading it again on a relaxing day.

The writing is sound. The plot is doomsday good. The character development is thorough and interesting.

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Review: Calming the Storm

Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Left wanting more

The premise was good, the main characters needed more development.

The protagonist has a lot of life troubles thrown at her and is desperate. She needs help but has never been able to rely on anyone other than her sister. And now she doesn't even have her to help. Having grown up in the foster care system this is plausible. There are a lot of young adults that have been shifted from family to family and no real roots. This part of the story is realistic and I wish there were more development to the character.

Just as she (the protagonist) seems to be getting life going, she's in college and her sister and brother-in-law are letting her live with them to help with costs, tragedy strikes. The young college professor is concerned about his student when she abruptly starts missing class and fails a test.

Relationships build and while it is sweet and quaint, the characters are likable but need more developing. It feels like this story was rushed in order to finish writing it. There can be a stretch of the plausibility of this story being believable. I honestly think if the characters were developed more and the story itself fleshed out this would be an amazing read.

That said, check it out. I have this odd desire for fiction stories to be realistic to a degree. Especially romantic stories.

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Review: Prize of War

Prize of War by Carole Towriss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story that enraptured

This story has everything it needs and then some. Well researched and artistically told. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Must read.

I loved how the story of Caleb's daughter Acsah progressed. How the author showed the progression. It was also very nice to see a Christian book that included romance and desire without being trash or heavily suggestive.

The characters held interest as they were developed and the redemption of the antagonist was beautiful.

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