Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

Back Cover: Sometimes love take you on an adventure completely off the map. Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas - with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow.

A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranching living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jacks' presence - and his mysterious past - set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers ... and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.

Review: Lisa Wingate is a beautiful, lyrical, spell-binding writer. Reading her writing is like taking a delicious spoonful of the most luxurious chocolate desert - every word is savored as a wondrous morsel. Her second book of the Moses Lake novel is wondrous and no less spectacular than her previous work, Blue Moon Bay, which I absoloutely adored.

This story is so sweet and touching. She can turn real life events into such a beautiful story, and her illustration of family is absolutely lovely. Every time I read one of Lisa's novels I am so sad to see the story end. I wish I could read her books every day and never run out. There are so few authors who I enjoy their writing even more than their story or plot. The amazing thing about Lisa is that her stories are great AND her writing is wondrous. I just love her writing so much. I would totally recommend all of books.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell

Back Cover: Lady Celine Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need - or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte.

When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncouver the truth. But the longer he is in her fashionable townhouse in London's West End, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver as he falls under Lady Wexham's spell.

Will he find the proof he needs? And if she is a spy after all, what then will he do?

With sharp wit, fast-paced dialogue, and infectious intrigue, Ruth Axtell deftly creates a world where blacka nd white bursts into a confusion of colors - and no one is who they seem.


Review: With springtime coming, I have been spending a lot of time outside playing in the warm - but not too hot - weather. I've been riding my horse, biking, hiking, and simply enjoying myself. I've been looking at my "to be read" pile with a sense of dread simply because I really don't feel like sitting around and reading. I have too much energy!

However, once I picked up "Moonlight Masquerade" and read a couple of pages into it, I was hooked. I wandered upstairs, flopped down in a ray of sunshine that was coming through the window, and lost myself in Lady Wexhams' luxurious and intriguing life. I was completely absorbed by this novel and read it in one, four-hour sitting. Considering my recent attention span, this is testament to how lovely this novel was.

Lady Wexham is so gracious and kind, yet beneath her sweet exterior you do find yourself wondering what sort of double life she is leading. She's clever enough and resourceful enough that, as a reader, you can't fully believe that she is up to nothing. Despite what logic dictates though, I found myself hoping that she wasn't a spy. She is simply too likable to wish any ill towards - a sentiment that Rees Phillips certainly seconds!

Rees isn't your typical 'James Bond' spy. He's clever and quick-thinking but his main job back at the Foreign Office is paperwork. He really isn't a field agent - a fact that he's quite aware of. Despite that, he does quite a remarkable job of fitting into the household - with the exception of a few goof-ups. Poor Rees. He wanted so badly to find a spy for England and advance his career, but his ambitions didn't stand a chance in front of Lady Wexham's charm and beauty. As I read, I couldn't blame him at all for falling for her, and actually was quite impressed with his level of perseverance trying to do his job.

I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Vanished by Irene Hannon

Back Cover:   A Tenacious reporter.
                                                        A skeptical PI.
                And a secret that will shatter lives. 

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes - but it's too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road.

A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can't get anyone to believe her story - except maybe a handsome ex-homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case.

As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want this mystery solve - and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.

Review: I wish Irene Hannon published a new book every week. I would be a very, very happy girl if that was the case. I know I'm gushing... but she is just such an amazing author! I've read quite a few books lately that I just haven't been able to get excited about. I haven't picked up a book and had fun reading it for months, but I had a lot of fun reading this one.

Hannon is a fabulous writer. Her dialogue is engaging, the plots awesome, she has a great sense of humor, her stories are realistic and smart, and her characters are incredibly engaging. And yes... I do own every single one of her books... and I love them all.

The first book in Hannon's new series, Private Justice, promises to carry as much excitement and entertainment as her Guardians of Justice series. "Vanished" has an explosive start and the action just keeps on rolling in throughout the whole book. There wasn't a boring moment from the first page to the last. I am so excited for this series. An absolute must read!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Placebo by Steven James

Back Cover: While investigating a controversial neurological reserach program, expose filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. He seeks answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program - and answers to his own family tragedy.

Rooted in groundbreaking science, "Placebo" explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. This taunt, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

Review: An intersting read. Peculiar idea. Intelligent premise. Somewhat disturbing. An odd book... yet one the compells you to keep flipping the pages.

Placebo is a strange mix of grief counseling, faith-sharing, intelligent scientific discussion, cutting-edge science, romance, suspense, james-bond-action, and conspiracy theory all blended together in a, well, strange - but interesting - concoction.

Steven James certainly does not shy away from horror-story worthy endings for some of the characters, nor does he avoid topics - such as parental sexual abuse - that many Christian authors flee from. Admittedly, there were moments of, "I am going to be sick - that is just disgusting!" with some of his more colourful descriptions; however, I generally don't have the highest tolerance for that sort of thing at the best of times. The thread of sexual abuse that is woven through the story also is rather grim and disturbing, but I can almost justify its inclusion as it explains the character.

The whole concept of mind-to-mind communication and the effects of thoughts - both negative and positive - is really a brilliant concept for this kind of novel. I was curious when I read the back of the book how James would unfold this story, and I must say - he did a good job. As long as you aren't too squeamish, this book is a good read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Judge by R.J.Larson

Back Cover: Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infitine. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts. The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgement. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading ... and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Child of dust, will you be My servant?

Review: The sequel 'Judge' is just as good, if not better, than the first book in this series, 'Prophet'. Judge is witty, pearled with sparks of humor from the loveable monsters, the 'Destroyers', sprinkled with the slowly growing love between Ela and Kien, and filled with the unashamed and powerful will of the Infitine.

R.J Larson has it right when she writes about the Infitine (our Lord). The passion that she has for God is so clear in her writing. As you read her books, you want to be like Ela. You want to have the love and devotion that she has. You feel to the very depths of your bones that our God is worth every sacrifice and that he is worth your utter and complete devotion. Judge makes me want to live, with everything I have, for God. Larson just paints such a vivid picture of what a true Christ-follower should look like.

In addition to being a huge inspiration, this book is a great story. Parne, Ela's birthplace, has taken to following false-gods and mining poisonous ores. At the Infinite's command, Ela returns to Parne only to face the fierce hatred of the people she judged on behalf of the Infinite years ago. Tormented and beaten, Ela's path is wrought with difficulty and danger but her devotion to the Infinite never fails.

While Ela is struggling in Parne, Kien is having his own set of difficulties as the Infinite sends him to ToronSea to minister to the people there. When he arrives and sees the lecherous, sorrid state of the citizens there, Kien's reaction brings on the full wrath of the Infinite ...

This is a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. As a side comment, I also I love the covers on these series - they really do the books justice.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Oliver Twist

Review: I grew up listening to Focus on the Family's radio theater. We didn't have T.V. or even a video player for most of my growing up years, and no, I am not a hundred years old. My family and I just lived way out in the sticks and I entertained myself with building forts, playing in trees, riding horses, and in the evenings or on trips, I would listen to radio theater.

I have so many good memories attached to Focus on the Family. As soon as the opening lyrics of Oliver Twist flew from my speakers my mind was flooded with different times and different places where I was swept away into the lands of Narnia, The Secret Garden, Adventures in Odyssee, and many other radio theater productions.

Oliver Twist was brilliantly done. It is a classic story that most people have probably seen acted out in live theater, read the book, or at least heard of it. I knew the story of Oliver Twist before listening to Focus on the Family's broadcast of it, but listening to the radio theater was like hearing the story for the first time. The narrative was brilliantly done and the voices, music, and drama was just incredible. I really enjoyed this collection and would highly recommend "Oliver Twist" and any other radio theater done by Tyndale and Focus on the Family.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this publication.

Flight of Fancy

Back Cover: Cassandra Bainbridge may be a bit of a bluestocking, but when Geoffrey Giles is near, love seems a fine alternative to passion for Greek and the physics of flight. With his dashing good looks and undying devotion to her, the earl of Whittaker sets Cassandra's heart racing with his very presence. It seems his only flaw is his distaste for ballooning, the obsession that consumes so much of her thoughts.

When a terrible accident compels her to end her betrothal, Cassandra heads for the country to recover from both her injuries and her broken heart. With time on her hands and good friends to help her, she pursues her love for ballooning and envisions a future for herself as a daring aeronaut. But when Lord Whittaker slips back into her life, will she have to choose between him and her dream?

Review: Poor Cassandra. She really should have been born in the 20th century. A girl like her would have a doctorate in chemistry and would be happy as a lark staring down a microscope or mixing up some strange chemical concoction. Unfortunately for her, she's stuck in an era where ladies of proper birth are expected to sew, dance, sing and not worry their minds over 'manly' topics like politics, science, and foreign languages.

Despite her habits of wearing overly-large glasses while reading, scratching out chemical formulas on every random scrap of paper, and daydreaming about sealants and different silks for her balloons, Cassandra has the ardent love of her childhood friend, Geoffrey Giles. Their relationship is - passionate. The two can't be in the same room without sparks flying, and their rather 'passionate' interactions threaten to scandalize society and give their mother's heart failure.

This book is all about romance, but there is also a good deal of history about the Luddites and the burning of the silk mills around the time of the industrial revolution. Eakes wove Cassandra's and Gile's romance through this time period and brilliantly incorporated a scheme to draw the couple into this drama.

I really enjoyed the drama in this book and it was a well written book. A must read for fans of historical, Christian romance.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group"