Review \\ The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman

After the death of her husband, Corrie Saunders retreats to the home in Saunders Creek that Jarrod loved in the hopes of remaining somehow connected to the man she loved and lost. In the midst of her grief, she begins to think that she can actually feel Jarrod in the house. If it isn't him, then something definitely strange is happening in the old house. Is it possible that her husband has come back to her? Jarrod's cousin Eli doesn't think so, but as he notices the oddities going on in Corrie's house, he begins to wonder about the realm of the unseen as well. The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman is filled with suspense, intrigue, and superstition  giving us a look at what could be and a clear picture of the truth.

I'm sorry to have waited so long to review this book. I read it a couple of months ago and for some reason thought that I had reviewed it, but the page was still sitting in my draft box. The Widow of Saunders Creek is very good. It's different, and that's what I really liked about it. I was curious to see how Bateman would tackle the subject between the covers of Christian fiction, and I think she did a really good job. The book gets slightly weird in places when Corrie thinks she can feel Jarrod in the house, but Eli is a good counterpart because he knows the Truth and he desperately wants Corrie to know it too. I think it's a good story about superstition and about wanting something so bad that you can almost taste it. Bateman does a great job of showing Corrie's grief and desperation. 

This isn't typical Christian fiction or suspense. It's a nice blend that kept me flipping the pages, and its one that sort of haunted me a few days after I read it (which is a really weird thing to say considering the topic). Pick it up; you won't be sorry.

Many thanks to the WaterBrook Multnomah for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review \\ Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson

\\ About the Book \\ When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests--Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.
When Laura's sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister's trust and possibly endanger her sister's life. And when Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?

After feeling a bit of disappointment over the first installment of Tracie Peterson's Land of the Lone Star series, I had my concerns when I received Touching the Sky in the mail. Turns out I liked it much better than Chasing the Sun, and that is a very good thing.

Touching the Sky at first doesn't seem to be linked to Chasing the Sun at all. It could very well be a stand alone novel except for a small part at the end that reminds us of the previous book. This book focuses on Laura Marquardt, a wise young woman who is keenly aware of the changes the end of the Civil War has brought to her hometown of Corpus Christi. I love her character because she is smart and honest about everything. 

When Captain Brandon Reid asks to court her, Laura is pretty much ecstatic, though (of course) she doesn't let such emotion show. Soon, however, she realizes that Captain Reid might be leading her on in order to gather information to harm her sister Carissa's Confederate beau. Wise Laura is suddenly torn between two loves, and her decision will not be easy. 

As always, Tracie Peterson creates intriguing characters that keep us loving her stories. I'm a little annoyed at Peterson's tendency to throw together some dramatic, rushed ending. (I can count several of her books in which this happens.) However, her writing remains steady and her stories interesting, so I guess I'll be all right with her endings. My only other pet peeve, as I've been trying to diversify my fiction selections lately, is that her dialogue is so stiff and so proper. Do we really believe that people back then didn't use contractions? I wonder.

Though you could easily read this book without reading the first in the series, I think it would be best to start with Chasing the Sun. Touching the Sky only begins Laura's sister Carissa's story, and the next book is devoted to her and a character from the first book. I'm hoping that one will be really good, because I think it has the best potential of the three.

\\ About the Author \\ Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

\\ Info \\

Title: Touching the Sky

Author: Tracie Peterson

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

Number of Pages: 336

ISBN: 0764206168

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

\\ About the Book \\ Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

\\ My Review \\ Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore caught be off guard. I won the book in a giveaway without knowing what the book was really about. A quick glance at the back cover gave me some concern, and I was quite sure that this book would not be among my favorites. But Dittemore's style and story kept me glued to the pages, and Angel Eyes turned out to be a suspenseful, engaging read all the way around.

In the first pages we're introduced to Brielle, a likable character who has faced some unnamed tragedy. Her emotions are raw and her reactions to the world around her are realistic. But a few chapters in we're introduced to this celestial realm, a realm of angels and demons, and the entire book shifts. At first it was hard to figure out or get used to. I don't read much fantasy (I'm a fan of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, though.) so Dittemore's imagined celestial realm is a bit much at first. I mean, you have a hard time believing it could be true, even though Dittemore strives to back most (but not all, because she clearly says that this is her imagination at work) of it up biblically.

And that brings me to the plausibility of it all. The Bible certainly talks about angels and fallen angels, but it is just one of those things that I try not to dwell on. It makes me uncomfortable and confused, and I prefer to take the stand that what is is and God knows what He's doing even if I can't see it, so I'll just leave it at that. I wouldn't call it ignoring the subject: I acknowledge that there must be angels because there are angels in the Bible, but I'm good at leaving it at that and not pondering where they are at or what they are doing at this very moment. 

Dittemore gives readers pause to consider that angels might just be circling us at this moment, living in human form (the terrestial realm), and fighting for us on behalf of God (or, in the case of fallen angels, Lucifer). It's an interesting thought, and Dittemore wrote it out very well, but I still feel a cautious grip that states, quite simply, that this is fantasy fiction. So, though Dittemore may have nailed every single thing on the head, she doesn't really know anymore than I do, based on the Bible, about the celestial.

All that aside, Angel Eyes is a really well written tale of a girl who discovers that she is not alone, that she has never been alone, and that she has purpose in a world that seems at first glance purposeless. It's empowering and inviting, and it's just plain fun to read. Next to Brielle, Jake is the most interesting and different character in the book. I mean, you know in young adult fiction there has to be some kind of romance going on, but at least Jake is different than most fictional males. And the idea that he knows more about Brielle's future than she does? Whoa. The ending is a total cliffhanger and I know I'll have to grab the second book in the trilogy when it comes out next year fast so I can get some answers.

\\ About the Author \\ Shannon Dittemore has an overactive imagination and a passion for truth. Her lifelong journey to combine the two is responsible for a stint at Portland Bible College, performances with local theater companies, and a focus on youth and young adult ministry. The daughter of one preacher and the wife of another, she spends her days imagining things unseen and chasing her two children around their home in Northern California. Angel Eyes is her first novel.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\

Title: Angel Eyes

Author: Shannon Dittemore

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: May 29, 2012

Number of Pages: 336 (Paperback)

Review \\ Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

\\ About the Book \\ A young woman determined to honor her commitment. . . An injured soldier convinced life is no longer worth living. . . A retired doctor certain it's too late to be forgiven. . .  Jane Morrow has a dilemma, and love alone may not solve it. her faith has never been strong, yet somehow she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. The answer she finds may not be at all what she expected. . . .

Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock is a nicely-written novel about Jane Morrow, a young woman whose future is practically shattered after the news that her soon-to-be-husband Seth Ballantine has been injured and paralyzed. Jane's character is easy to sympathize with. She is stuck in a hard place. Though she is dedicated to Seth, Jane realizes that Seth is no longer dedicate to her, and her struggle to remain in his life is fascinating to read. In that setting other characters like blind pianist Jon-Paul and retired doctor Truman Rockaway pop up, and the story only gets better. Both add new insight to Jane's journey and help her figure out her next steps.


This is my first time reading a book by Ann Tatlock, and I was pleasantly surprised. Her writing is really refreshing, and I know I'll be reading more from her. While I enjoyed Travelers Rest immensely, I also felt that it could nearly be divided into two separate novels. About halfway into the book Jane learns Truman's backstory, and the rest of the book is divided between the two characters' journeys. It's a little odd, because their separate storylines aren't really connected (only a little, but I won't give that away). And while both stories were intriguing, I was disappointed that Jane's was cut short in order to tell Truman's. Really, I was disappointed in how Jane's story ended. I felt like it was a rush to the end in order to get both stories finalized, and that only left Jane seeming unemotional (so unlike her character at the beginning).

Still, Travelers Rest is worth reading. Its subject matter gives a lot of food for thought, and Jane's doubts and questions give Tatlock a platform to gently and wisely unleash some biblical truths about trusting God. It's an enjoyable, encouraging book. My only disappointment is that Tatlock squashed two stories together that could have been better written apart. But, among the many choices of contemporary fiction these days, Travelers Rest is a great one to start with.

Life's gearshift's got no reverse, so you have to just keep moving forward.

 \\ About the Author \\  I couldn't find a good bio of Tatlock, so, go to her website to read a great question/answer session!


\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Travelers Rest
Author: Ann Tatlock
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Number of Pages: 352 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0764208101
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy!

Review \\ Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler

.

\\ About the Book \\ Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does...

In the midst of hot and humid summer days, I often opt to curl up on a cushy couch in an air-conditioned room and read a sleepy yet entertaining novel. Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler is just such a book. It's not filled with shocking plot points, frightening encounters, or pulse-pounding sequences. Rain Song is slow-paced, relaxing, and delightful.

Nicole is a character I could relate to. She has many, many fears that I can identify with, and, as the book is told from her perspective, her thought processes are often similar to my own. Her main struggle is that of finding out the truth about what happened in Japan when she was just a little girl. I loved learning about Japan and moving with Nicole through her discoveries. (Interestingly, Alice J. Wisler was born and raised in Japan.) Nicole grows and changes through the book; a big part of this is her learning to trust God, which I liked a lot.

Though the storyline is fascinating, the characters make Rain Song the beauty that it is. Ducee, Nicole's grandmother, is absolutely memorable with her wise advice and Southern touch. Iva, Nicole's great-aunt, is absolutely hilarious, and there is a whole slew of other family members that all in some way shape Nicole's life. Even Nicole's coworker who dates ex-cons and likes riding motorcycles is a great addition to the story.

I like reading fiction that seems so real to life. I like good stories and good characters. Rain Song is strong on every point. It isn't fast-paced, but it is memorable. I really enjoyed Wisler's style, so I'll definitely check out more of her books. And, while I've read some reviews of Rain Song that contest the "unfinished" ending, I thought the ending was absolutely perfect. Instead of finality, Rain Song's ending says clearly that Nicole's story isn't finished, and won't be for a long while.

\\ About the Author \\ Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of several contemporary novels including Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina. www.alicewisler.com

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Rain Song
Author: Alice J. Wisler
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Number of Pages: 295 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0764204777 

Review \\ Illusion by Frank Peretti

\\ About the Book \\ Dane and Mandy, a popular magic act for forty years, are tragically separated by a car wreck that claims Mandy's life-or so everyone thinks. Even as Dane mourns and tries to rebuild his life without her, Mandy, supposedly dead, awakes in the present as the nineteen-year-old she was in 1970. Distraught and disoriented in what to her is the future, she is confined to a mental ward until she discovers a magical ability to pass invisibly through time and space to escape. Alone in a strange world, she uses her mysterious powers to eke out a living, performing magic on the streets and in a quaint coffee shop. Read more about Illusion >>>

The description for Illusion by Frank Peretti is entirely too long to post here, but feel free to click the link to read more about it.

I could just tell you that Illusion is awesome and leave it at that, but you might want to know why I've come to this conclusion. To put it simply, Peretti is a real genius when it come to crafting an entertaining, slightly confusing, edge-of-your-seat kind of story. Illusion is a chunk of a book at around 500 pages, but it isn't one of those dragging, did-an-editor-even-read-this kind of book. The characters are thoughtful and well-planned. The points of view are error-free. Though the subject matter is one of magic, illusion, and science, by the end Peretti had me believing that this sort of thing is highly plausible.

The most intriguing thing about Illusion is the love story it contains. Thankfully this isn't run-of-the-mill Christian fiction, so we side-step the too obvious glances and longings. Illusion, instead, displays real love, a 40-years strong love that is hard to be disappointed by. There are so many moments where Dane's love for Mandy is completely obvious, but it really has nothing to do with Mandy's looks, though she is pretty. Dane loves the person she is, the person he has watched her become. It's really beautiful, and the anticipation of the ending that could separate the two of them really tugs on your emotions.

I guess if you aren't really into magicians and illusions you might be inclined to bypass this book. But even if you are kind of eh about card tricks and the like, there's a lot more in Illusion to interest you. And, though I was wary of how an author would combine magic with God, I think Peretti did a really good job. (Though, there are several mentions of a scenario being "a God thing" and I've never liked that saying.)

I'm pretty sure this'll end up in my Top 10 list this year.

\\ About the Author \\ Frank E. Peretti is one of American Christianity's best-known authors. His novels have sold over 10 million copies, and he is widely credited with reinventing Christian fiction. He and his wife, Barbara, live in the Pacific Northwest. www.frankperetti.com.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Illusion
Author: Frank Peretti
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Publication Date: March 6, 2012
Pages: 512 (Hardback)
ISBN: 9781439192672
Many thanks to the publisher and my library!

Review \\ The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

\\ About the Book \\ Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.
A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

She's English. He's Amish. Oh boy.


Beverly Lewis never fails to spin an enchanting tale filled with Amish-English relationships. All said relationships are strained and few are deemed good by either culture. So, if you've read any of Lewis' books, you know that a young female Englisher meeting a young male Amishman (both of similar attractiveness) is not going to be all puppies and ice cream.


Let me preface the rest of my review by saying that I'm a bit disillusioned with Amish fiction. In recent weeks I've watched a couple of documentary type television shows about ex-Amish, and I'm not sure that Lewis paints a completely accurate view of the so-called happy Amish life. 


In The Fiddler, at least, she gives us the character of Michael, a young man who should have at his age already been baptized into the Amish church but is bent on straddling the fence between the Amish and English. Yet, even in his situation, there is so much that seems unrealistic. His parents seem highly disapproving at first, but in the middle and at the end they are simply so-so. At least Michael owns up to the fact that he has to make a decision at some point, and, in the end, he does.


Amelia's case is equally dissatisfying. The thing I hate most about her is her sad treatment of her almost fiance. It's definitely sad, to say the least. And not really knowing why this love interest is so wrong for Amelia is disappointing. Nothing in his character besides his teensy bit of controlling attitude (seriously, is planning for the future so wrong?) appears bad. Why Amish guy over him? All Michael and Amelia really have in common is there desire to be free from the control of others. Otherwise there isn't much happening there.


More time was spent on Amelia's touring information (I couldn't care less about her itinerary abroad) and practice sessions than on the development of the characters and their relationships.


But, there is the anticipation of the happy ending you know is going to take place, the desire to know how it is all going to come together, and the hopefulness that Amelia's and Michael's parents won't disown them completely. That, along with Lewis' accomplished, well-seasoned writing, is what saves The Fiddler.


I can't say The Fiddler is one of Lewis' best (The Thorn is much better), but, if you are a committed fan, I'm sure you will find something in it to enjoy. I'm giving it a sad arrow, though. I would recommend other books by Lewis like The Thorn several times over before I would recommend this one, just because I know she has other books that are better developed and more intriguing than The Fiddler. 


I can say with some excitement that the next book in the series will feature my favorite character from this novel, Joanna Kurtz.

\\ About the Author \\ Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\

Title: The Fiddler
Author: Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: April 10, 2012Pages: 326 (Paperback)ISBN: 0764209779Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Fix by Force by Jason Warne

\\ About the Book \\ Spencer doesn’t have a choice. He can't choose to be different than what he is—the son of the town's worst enemy, the weakling who can't stand up for himself, the loser without friends. He can't change the way things are. Or maybe he can. Immediate confidence. Rapid change. Instant hope. These are the things Spencer believes he needs to fix his life, and that is what the steroids promise—a quick fix. But promises can be broken and shortcuts are often treacherous, and Spencer must decide if those risks are worth the perceived rewards—if “artificial” hope is strong enough for him to be fixed, by force.

I was first drawn to Fix by Force by Jason Warne because I thought the cover looked pretty cool. I looked  around some online about the book and found many positive reviews, and I even discovered that the author lives very near my hometown. But I still didn't really know what I was getting into.

Spencer Shane hasn't had the most promising life. His drunk dad died in a car accident, his mom's on drugs, and he's being bullied at school. To cope, Spencer escapes into a world of lies, but eventually that doesn't help get him by. When he is given the opportunity to use what he calls his "chemical salvation," he jumps at the chance. In his mind, steroids will make him strong, not just physically, but mentally. Steroids will give him purpose.

At first glance Fix by Force is a classic bully-story filled with self-esteem issues, family life problems, and overwhelming emotion. But Jason Warne crafts the story in a way that really pulls you in, and before long you realize that you are Spencer. You are fighting against the temptation that is steroids, and you are trying to overcome labels and bullies. It's that truth that makes this fictional story so powerful. Maybe it's not steroids, maybe it's not bullies, but there is something that we each struggle with, and that makes Fix by Force an entirely applicable book that never stops grabbing at its readers' emotions.

I wouldn't call this Christian fiction, as God is mostly absent from the story. (At least, He's not directly mentioned.) On the one hand I'm a little disappointed by that, but on the other hand I see strong Christian values without them being spelled out, and that gives more hope to this novel landing in the hands of people who don't want to be preached at. (There's also a very few instances of profanity, but I was really happy with how clean this book is considering the topic.)

Fix by Force is short but powerful. The writing is great, and the added twists and turns in the novel make it all the more enjoyable. It's not an easy read because the topic is not easy, but I dare you to walk away from the book without being changed. I highly recommend it.

ETA: I just found out that you can buy Fix by Force for Kindle for only $0.99. You can also check out the author's website to read or listen to the first few chapters for free. So now you have no excuse for not reading it.


\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Fix by Force

Author: Jason WarnePublisher: Westbow PressPublication Date: March 28, 2012Pages: 188 (Paperback)ISBN: 9781449739Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Divergent \\ Beyond The Hunger Games Part #1

Suzanne Collins' famed and acclaimed series The Hunger Games has gotten a lot of publicity lately. But now that you've read the books and watched the movie, all you can do is wait until next year for the second big screen adaptation to come out. So what will you do in the meantime? I've got a couple of reading suggestions. First off, Divergent.

Divergent is twenty-something Veronica Roth's first novel, and it is a big one. It's plot is very similar to The Hunger Games, but, in my not so humble opinion, it is much better. Instead of districts there are factions, and instead of the Games there is a Choosing Ceremony.

\\ About the Book \\ In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.          During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Not unlike The Hunger Games, Divergent is in first-person present tense, the main character is a sixteen-year-old girl, and the setting is in a dystopian, futuristic society. I like Roth's descriptions and dialogue better than Collins', and I thought the whole plot was much more applicable. Divergent's biggest theme is facing your fears, and the second, much like The Hunger Games, is accepting who you are and learning how to best use your strengths and weaknesses in whatever situation you are faced with.


Though Divergent has about the same amount of violence as The Hunger Games, the romance is, unfortunately for me (and us all), more pronounced. There are a couple of kissing scenes that go unnecessarily far, and sex is discussed in a couple of places (when I say discussed I mean mentioned, nothing is explicit) but never actually happens (though the final consensus is someday, making me a little concerned about what the next books in the series hold).


For this reason I would say that Divergent is more appropriate for the sixteen and older crowd, though I'm not even sure I would have/should have read it at sixteen. Honestly, the content here is not more (actually much less) than most movies and TV shows today, so it really just depends on your level of comfort and/or convictions.


Personally, it bothers me greatly that authors feel the need to add these situations (making it seem normal or appropriate), especially when marketing to young audiences, but I liked the story itself so much that I decided to overlook these instances of romantic overload.


I always try to look at romance in a book and decide to what level it is necessary. Some of the romance in Divergent seems necessary (or justifiable, maybe) to the growth of Tris' character, but to me most of the romance could have been cut out and the book would have been just as good (if not better).


Still on romance, Tris' relationship with the-boy-who-will-remain-nameless is a lot better than Katniss' relationship with Peeta. I have to say it. Besides the excessive kissing, which both books possess, Tris and him aren't pretending, unlike Katniss' maybe I like him, maybe I don't confusion with Peeta. This is yet another reason why I like Divergent more.


Unfortunately, there are a few uses of h--- and g-- as well.


Oddly, I preferred Collins' decision to leave out faith and God entirely as opposed to Roth's decision to add a little of God here and there (a very little). In Divergent there are only a couple times when God is mentioned, once at the dinner table and once when a character believes death is imminent. If I remember correctly there is also a brief saying of "fear God alone," which isn't expanded on at all (if Roth really wanted to bring in God, this would have been a good spot). Those instances seemed awkward to me, just because no one really takes into consideration God or a higher power at all until these choice scenes. They could have been edited out, really.


Also, I liked that Tris' parents are more involved than Katniss' mother. For the most part Tris is on her own, but there are several choice scenes between her and her mother and father that are really touching. They aren't a perfect family, but they are still a family, and I like that Roth chose to utilize both parents in important ways.


Comparing Tris and Katniss (yes, I'm going there), Tris has my vote. Her personality is more likable and her growth is more noticeable. She has goals for herself, goals of the person she wants to be, and she does whatever she is able to reach those goals. She doesn't let circumstances get the best of her, and she doesn't give in. The added interest of the factions and what they stand for give her reason to examine herself and decide where she fits, and her ultimate realization shows huge strength in her character. I enjoyed Tris' journey more than I did Katniss', and I felt less stressed reading Divergent.


(Is anyone else giving a little hmmm... at the similarity between Tris and Katniss?)


So, if you are a fan of The Hunger Games series I am sure you will like Divergent, as long as you are okay with the extra romance. I really enjoyed the book though; it took me all of two days to read it. The second book Insurgent has just come out, and the third is in the works. And once you finish Divergent, you can check out a scene from the book that Roth wrote from a different character's perspective. But wait until you have finished the book, or the scene won't make sense.

\\ About the Author \\ Veronica Roth is only 23, so her bio will be short. She’s from a Chicago suburb. She studied creative writing at Northwestern University, and wrote Divergent and Insurgent. The third and final book in The Divergent Trilogy, which doesn't have a title yet, will come out in Fall 2013. In the meantime she will spend endless hours browsing Wikipedia in her pajamas as she eats corn flakes. (Or some other kind of bland breakfast cereal.)

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Divergent (Book One in The Divergent Trilogy)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: May 3, 2011Pages: 487 (Hardcover)ISBN: 0062024035Many thanks to my local library!!

Review \\ The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

\\ About the Book \\ To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors. As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding? Brimming with romance and danger, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall takes readers inside the fascinating belowstairs world of a 19th-century English manor, where appearances can be deceiving.

Julie Klassen does it again. Combining historical charm, romance, and mystery, Klassen crafts a beautiful story in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. Each Regency-era book Klassen writes tends to focus on a different class of people. The Apothecary's Daughter focused on the working class, The Silent Governess  revealed the odd situation of a governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse looked at those shunned by scandal, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall gives readers a closer look at servanthood. (I believe Klassen has another book as well; I have yet to read it.)

Klassen never fails to script an engaging story and create intriguing characters. Margaret Macy at first seems haughty and uppity, but as her role in life changes she becomes graced with a good dose of humility. Her transformation is my favorite part of the story. Nathaniel Upchurch seems very strange at first, but he becomes a more likable character at well. I love it when authors use their crafty ways to make us hate-then-love or love-then-hate a character.

There are only two negatives for me. One doesn't really have any weight to it. The romance is over the top for me, but I guess if I didn't want romance I shouldn't have picked up a Julie Klassen book. I suppose I'm just not a fan of too many scenes where characters are near each other continually having "longings" that they want to express but can't because it would be too scandalous. Scandal seems to be the only thing holding these people back. (And oh dear for the people who don't care about gossip or scandal.) But I realize that I stepped into historical romance and got exactly that. My other negative is that I felt like the first two-thirds of the book lolled along and the ending came whap! I've read numerous novels like this, so I think this particularly negative would also be classified based on my personal likes and dislikes when it comes to reading books.

Otherwise, I enjoyed yet again a Julie Klassen novel. My favorite things about her books is the way she deals with different classes and how she includes quotes from historical documents and non-fiction at the heading of each chapter. I loved learning about what a maid in Regency era would have to go through, and I'm rather glad I'm not one. If you're looking for Jane Austen flare, historical intrigue, and romance, Julie Klassen is definitely the author to go to.

\\ About the Author \\ Julie Klassen loves all things Jane — Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: January 1, 2012
Pages: 416 (paperback)
ISBN: 0764207091
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Review \\ Replication by Jill Williamson

\\ About the Book \\ Martyr—otherwise known as Jason 3:3—is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to "expire" in less than a month. To see the sky.
         Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.
          As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures-the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known. 

Cloning. Playing God. Stem-cell research. Disease. Finding your purpose. Replication: The Jason Experiment by Jill Williamson deals with these issues and more, all within a less than 300 page YA novel. (Or is it fewer than 300 pages?) Williamson balances the sides of each issue pretty well, and—though nothing is discussed at extreme length—she hopefully provides in Replication a jumping off point for more research and more discussion. And the fact that this is all wrapped up in a neatly-written, intriguing story line makes it that much better.

I don't think I've ever read a novel that had to do with cloning. I'm sure there are probably some out there, but none have reached my bookshelves. I like that Williamson chose to tackle the subject while writing for a teenage audience. (At least one author isn't underestimating teenagers' mental capacities.) Though at times it is difficult to see all of this working out in the way that it does and some conversations seem rushed and lack information, I think she did an efficient job.

First, Replication is obviously biased. What writing isn't? A human author wrote it (supposedly), and human authors always have their own opinions. I think it would be impossible to write a piece of fiction about a subject such as cloning without being biased. One would hope at least one character has an opinion on the subject; if not, the story would be wholly un-entertaining. And though I personally agree with what Williamson had to say on the subject, I can see many people pointing to the book as an example of evangelical misguided beliefs in regards to medical research. (Probably the same way evangelicals would bash a secular, pro-clone novel.) But I'm sure most would agree that Williamson isn't trying to push this book into the hands of major scientists worldwide. (Though it'd be pretty cool if some read it.) This is YA fiction, and most of the arguments the characters in Replication make are very base and use very little explanation, at least for my inquisitive taste. That's why I think this book is a great jumping off point.

Second, Williamson crafts an imaginative story that seems oh-too-realistic. How far away are we really from cloning human beings? What would stop someone like the fictional Dr. Kane from creating a whole lab of identical, replicated people? And why wouldn't scientists argue that clones aren't really humans, just scientific endeavors? It doesn't seem like a long-shot. Thus we have the case for J:3:3, or Martyr, as he's usually called.

Third, if such a thing happened, who would stand against it? I was especially touched by Abby Goyer's character in one particular scene when she screams at a couple of police officers (who really have nothing to do with anything) until she's hoarse, pleading for someone to stand up for the innocent. I think some of us could learn a lesson from that. The only thing I didn't really like about Abby was her flip-flop attitude. Most of the time she's making mental pro-con lists (something I can so relate to) and the next minute she's impulsively (and perhaps unwisely) attempting to save her fragile world on her own, not waiting for help. I guess that shows Abby's age—seventeen—but maybe it's simply demonstrating her humanity and her strong emotions against injustice.

Replication is an exciting read that offers an opportunity to think and act. The story line drew me in, but the characters kept me reading, and I love fiction that is more character-based then action-based. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of action. Thankfully, though, the quality of the characters isn't sacrificed, and the two can coincide happily. This is the first book of Jill Williamson's that I've read (more like devoured within 24 hours), but it won't be the last.

 \\ About the Author \\ Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She writes stories that combine danger, suspense, and adventure for readers of all ages. Her first book released in April 2009 from Marcher Lord Press. By Darkness Hid (Blood of Kings, Book 1) is a medieval fantasy. Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past ten years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. She gives writing workshops at churches and schools. You can learn more about Jill on her Web site at www.jillwilliamson.com.

\\ In Case You Were Wondering \\
Title: Replication: The Jason Experiment
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: January 1, 2012
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780310727583 
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!

Look Back \\ Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was about eighteen years old when she wrote the timeless classic Frankenstein. The horrific tale has lasted nearly 200 years, and when I recently re-read it for a college class I'm taking, I couldn't help but wonder why. Why was the story of Frankenstein so intriguing to people when it was first published, and why is the tale so intriguing to people now, me included?

Frankenstein is the story of decisions and consequences. When Victor Frankenstein discovers the recipe for life, he spends months in seclusion to sculpt a creature of human form. When the creature lives, Victor is remorseful. The creature is ugly, and Victor doesn't want anything to do with him. As Victor flees from the creature, the creature finds respite in the country where, hidden, he learns to talk and read and write. The thing he wants most is a companion, but Victor will not create one for him. The creature falls into a murderous rage, and both men live out their days in remorse and madness.

Frankenstein could simply be a mysterious, horrific, amazing piece of literature meant to wow audiences. And it does do all that. But it also has several themes, however, that encourage further consideration. (Below are just a small few.)

One of the most interesting aspects of Frankenstein is the difficulty in finding the line between good and evil. You could say Victor Frankenstein is the good guy in this story, but on second thought, is he? He played God, he created life, and then he abandoned that life. And though the creature seems like an awfully bad guy, is he simply a victim? Well, he did kill a few people, so I wouldn't say he is entirely victimized. While I was reading I had a hard time deciding who to feel sorry for, and I spent most of the time feeling sorry for both.

Can man (and woman) go too far? There's a big theme for you, one that is still up for debate today. Was Victor in the wrong for, after finding the secret to life, creating life? Can one person have too much knowledge? Or is it less about the amount of knowledge and more about what a person does with that knowledge? And isn't it interesting to compare this scenario to various ones today, like assisted suicides, abortions, and IVF? Where should we stop?

Here's another big one for you: nature versus nurture. I learned a lot about this in a psychology class I took last semester, and the question of whether you were born that way or learned it from your environment is forever present. Is Shelley promoting the nurture side of things as she weaves together the creature's story? Was it because of his abuse that he turned mad, or was he "born" that way? Some people obviously take issue with this depending on what side of the debate they are on regarding original sin/total depravity and homosexuality (to name just two).

Maybe the thing that gets me about Frankenstein's ability to stay popular through so many years is that, when you think about it, we never really change. We have the same questions, the same desires, the same likes. Maybe our hairstyles change, our clothes get upgrades, and our music gets revamped, but, on the whole, we humans aren't much different than we were a hundred years ago. Is that a good thing or a bad thing, I wonder?

Frankenstein is definitely one of my favorite books. I love it because of its writing and intriguing story, and I love it because it makes me think. This is my second time to read it, but I can already anticipate a third time around.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Frankenstein.

Some other interesting reviews I dug up about Frankenstein:
Into the Book
Challenging Destiny (also includes very honest reviews of movies
and books based off of the original tale)

Review \\ Glass Girl by Laura Anderson Kurk

After the death of her brother, heroine Meg Kavanagh realizes that she is made of glass―she’s fragile, and she’s about to break. But moving to Wyoming and attempting to hold together family bonds begins to change things, and Meg realizes she’s not as fragile as she seems. It isn’t until she meets cowboy Henry that she discovers the one thing that will really make her strong: faith in Jesus Christ. Glass Girl by Laura Anderson Kurk is a story packed with sorrow, hope, redemption, and love.

Please click the arrow to
understand my reviewing system.

Read more of my review and interview with author Laura Anderson Kurk at RealTeenFaith.com.


I'm giving this one a sad arrow because I felt that, though the story was good, the amount of romance outweighed the positives of Glass Girl. (If you've read my blog for any length of time you know I'm not one for much romance, especially with teenagers involved.) Click on the link above to read what the author said about the subject and decide for yourself!

Review \\ While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

The first thing I noticed about this book was its cover. The second thing: While We're Far Apart is written by one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Lynn Austin. I've yet to pick up a book by Lynn Austin that I didn't like, and I highly doubt that particular event will happen in the near future.

While We're Far Apart is the story of Penny Goodrich, a hopeful yet naive young woman, Esther Shaffer, a young girl who's faced tragedy already, and Jacob Mendel, a lonely Jewish man. Added to these intriguing characters is the backdrop of World War II; the war is a character in itself, really. With all of this, Lynn Austin crafts a beautiful tale of heartbreak, expectancy, and hope.

The greatest thing about this novel is the characters. There was not one character that was out of place and each was well developed. I have to admit that Penny Goodrich annoyed me to no end, but her story doesn't seem so unrealistic. Secretly in love with Esther's father Eddie, Penny volunteers to care for his children while he fulfills his duty as a soldier, all the while hoping Eddie will fall madly in love with her. Though she offers her services readily, she doesn't consider the full weight of her job until Eddie is far away and she is alone with his children. And amid all of this, Penny breaks free from her parent's overbearing control and discovers more about herself than she thought possible.

Esther Shaffer is only twelve when her father becomes a soldier, and she doesn't take her new life well. Her story is one of growing up and learning to be independent even when she doesn't really want to be. Her story was the most emotional for me; I suppose I was just thinking about my own growing up and lingering unwillingness to be an adult. Esther's brother Peter also struggles as his father leaves and he is forced to grow up as well.

Jacob Mendel, I think, is the most interesting character of the book. Lynn Austin uses him, a Jewish man, to focus on aspects of World War II that many non-Jewish Americans were not thinking of: the overwhelming annihilation of Jews under Hitler. Jacob has family in Hungary, and he will never give up hope that he will eventually find them and bring them to America. But in his sorrow he begins to question his Jewish faith and God. And though I'm not in complete agreement with Jewish beliefs, I do recognize the overhwelming fear that God has forgotten about you when you need Him the most. Perhaps that is the point of this entire story. Even when we are at our loneliest, someone or Someone is always there to comfort us.

While We're Far Apart is one of those books that is called fiction but makes you think that there had to have been at least a hundred other Esthers, Pennys, and Jacobs during World War II. The book is a slow-paced one and not filled with mountains of action, but to me that was a good thing. It's more of a look at daily lives, thoughts, and fears. And it works beautifully. Another plus: though I like to try to figure out the ending before I reach it, I could not figure out how this one would end (and who Penny would end up with).

While We're Far Apart is a must-read for readers who enjoy historical fiction, or for those who just like good books.

Historical Fiction | His Steadfast Love

"In one of the most heartbreaking times in American history, a Southern preacher's daughter makes a tragic error that pits her against the very people she loves most."

I normally include a description of the book in question, usually a snippet from the back cover. I didn't much care for the description on this book, however. The line above was the only one I found intriguing.

There are many fictionalized accounts of the Civil War around, if you haven't noticed. His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons is a just-released book that can be added to the list. I've always enjoyed reading about the Civil War, and, because I've previously read and enjoyed novels on the time period, I was pretty sure I would like this one.

The spring of 1861 finds Amanda Belle at her home on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Her budding romance (the "tragic error") with Captain Kent Littlefield is halted abruptly when Texas secedes from the Union and war begins. As the captain returns to the North to join the Union army, Amanda's brother Daniel joins the Confederates. His Steadfast Love is the tale of fighting of all kinds as Kent fights for the North and the abolition of slavery, Daniel fights for the South, and Amanda and Kent fight for each other.

I really enjoyed this book. Having not read any of Golden Keyes Parsons books, I was a bit skeptical, of course. But she is an engaging author and I had no trouble believing anything she said. If you scour some of the reviews of this book, you might find some readers disappointed because of the apparently less-than-accurate historical details. I, however, am not well versed in the Civil War or that time period and cannot claim either side of that debate. I suppose if you are a real history buff than you would have a problem with any fictionalized story.

The interesting thing about this book, I think, is the way Parsons interweaves the real issues of the war in the lives of the characters. Slavery obviously comes up, as the Belle family lives in the South and owns several slaves. It's intriguing the way the Belles are so sure that, because they aren't treating their slaves poorly, they aren't doing any harm by owning human beings. It is likewise intriguing to see Kent's attitude change from one of adamant opposition to slavery to one of laid-back indecision. (I also thought that Parsons wonderfully planned scenes where Amanda's interactions with the Belle slaves were so similar to Kent's with his family's servants, just so the reader can see the similarity.) The whole issue irked me a bit, but the realization that the attitudes of the characters are so realistic caused me to pause. Not every Northerner was a die-hard abolitionist. (And Kent's real mission is to return to Amanda, not to free the slaves.) It's also endlessly fascinating to hear a preacher and his family repeat Scripture and talk about God's will yet not realize the injustice of slavery. Realistic? I think so.

I suppose I should mention the romance part of it, since that is something I often nitpick about. I didn't think it was overly done in the book. Obviously the storyline revolves around the fact that Amanda and Kent love each other, but the book isn't filled with scenes added just so women everywhere can dream about their own Kent Littlefields. It's tasteful, and I liked it.

Now, the big question: is this a stand alone novel or the first in a series? I'm hoping for the latter.

Read an Excerpt

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Fiction | Steps to Courage

With the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks upon us, I thought a look at a 9/11 related book would be appropriate. I don't think I've read any books besides this one about 9/11; if you have any suggestions, drop a comment for me!
When three high school students—Trina, Mark, and Lucas—decide to meet at the World Trade Center to finalize a community service project, they never dreamed they would face a disaster like no other. September 11, 2001 will forever change their lives.

Steps to Courage is writer and middle-school teacher Sandra K. Stiles first self-published book. Her concept is intriguing: Three teens with already complicated lives end up inside the Twin Towers as they fall under attack. How will 9/11 affect them? Will they cower in fear or take a step towards courage?

While I enjoyed the story of this book, a few things detracted from it. First, the timeline was a bit hard to follow. In places the story backs up to tell another character's point of view; near the end it speeds up to an unknown date after 9/11, and I had to figure out the age of the characters. Second, the change in point of view is difficult to grasp since most of the narrative seems the same and not very personal to each of the three main characters. Third, some of the drama of the day is lost as well since the narrator makes it clear from the beginning that 9/11 began "like any other day." True, we know what happened, but the characters obviously didn't. And I could also add that the writing didn't flow as well as I would've have liked, and a few grammatical errors threw me off. (But, I am rather picky about those things.)

Still, I like the concept of this book. If it was polished up a bit and revamped in places, I have to admit, I would like it a lot better. But if you're looking for a 9/11 related read to spark some "what if?" wondering, and if you're willing to sacrifice a really well-written novel for an interesting story, you may want to check out Steps to Courage.

I have author Sandra K. Stiles to thank for my complimentary review copy of this book.

Read an Excerpt | Visit the Author's Blog