Arms of Love by Kelly Long

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

A young man’s repressed terrors, a young woman’s desire to marry the man she loves, and the Amish principle of non-violence – all of these, in the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, come together in Kelly Long’s historical Christian romance, Arms of Love.  While the premise of the book is compelling, the romantic tension between Adam and Lena becomes tedious.  Early in the story, in an effort to settle his personal demons, Adam says he will not marry Lena but will go to fight in the war, a repudiation of  his Amish faith. Yet, the two lovers continue to meet, too coincidentally.  There is just too much tedium between the exposition and the conclusion.  On the other hand, the story comes to a fitting and excellent conclusion.  All loose ends are tied up and the reader is somewhat surprised but quite satisfied.   The author explores Amish beliefs and habits with sensitivity. We learn not only about Amish views on violence but also about such traditions as “bundling” and the Amish wedding.  For the consideration of book clubs, Long’s novel contains an extensive question and answer section. The questions provided should provoke interesting discussion.  Overall, Arms of Love is a pleasant and pleasurable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur

In The Truth About Forgiveness, pastor and author John MacArthur discusses God’s great gift of forgiveness.  In this easy to read compact book, part of The Truth About series, MacArthur first explores our need to be forgiven of our sins.  Our redeemer, of course, is Jesus Christ.  God, in the form of His only son, paid the only acceptable sin sacrifice.  His love for us was that great.

MacArthur first deals with the reason for forgiveness, man’s sin: “to deny personal guilt is to sacrifice the soul for the sake of the ego.”  The example is given of the paralytic who was lowered from the ceiling to receive Jesus’ healing.  MacArthur notes “Healing is actually a perfect metaphor for forgiveness.”  Forgiveness for sin must come to a repentant heart in order for reconciliation with the Father to occur.

MacArthur also counsels those who have been so violated that they find it hard to forgive others. Using Jesus’ own example from the cross, MacArthur advises, “The greatest measuring rod of love in the life of a Christian may be forgiveness.”

Clearly arranged in short chapters with appropriate subtitles, this book could serve as a week’s personal devotional study. It could also be the basis of a book club or small group discussion. It answers questions we all struggle with throughout our spiritual walk; moreover, it is pure Gospel shared by one of our master preachers, John MacArthur. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Need You Now by Beth Wiseman

A compelling read for parents and teenagers, Beth Wiseman’s Christian fiction novel, Need You Now, presents problematic issues of today in a no-holds barred format.  Wiseman deals with autism, teen rebellion, and the psychological addiction of cutting. Her story also explores the effects that children’s problems can have on a marriage. Continually emphasizing the need and benefit of prayer, the author leads Darlene and Brad  through trials that are surely faced by many families today.

The story begins with the family‘s move to a small Texas town, in part to avoid adolescent attractions and distractions of the big city for their three children.  Darlene, who had always been a stay at home mom preparing gourmet meals and keeping a spotless house, takes a job at a school for special needs children. She develops a unique bond with one student, but the student’s widowed father appears to seek a bond with Darlene. Darlene must deal with these pressures and also a movie star neighbor who needs her friendship. Then, when her own daughter needs her more than anyone, Darlene can’t seem to count on her husband for support.

In this plain spoken novel, Wiseman explores real life problems in an authentic manner. Indeed, married couples often disagree on child raising, and indeed children can have serious issues. The author captures real life and captivates the reader with a fast paced story that is difficult to put down. This would be a helpful book for teens and parents to read and discuss together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the comments here are my own.

Simply Grilling: 105 recipes for quick and casual grilling by Jennifer Chandler

Serving up appetizers such as bacon-wrapped dates and desserts such as grasshopper icebox cake, chef and cookbook author Jennifer Chandler presents mouth-watering recipes in Simply Grilling: 105 recipes for quick and casual grilling.  The author bills her book as “easy, no-fuss grilling.” She urges readers to try grilling “even on the busiest night of the week.”   Although she reminisces about backyard slow cooked meats that required hours on the grill, she shares recipes that fit today’s hectic life style. Chandler’s Honey Mustard Salmon, for example, can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.

To encourage even the most reluctant grillmaster, Chandler includes “Grill 101” in which she discusses types of grills, temperatures, and essential gear. But it’s her recipes that capture the attention and the hunger pangs of the reader. Ginger-Soy Flank Steak gets its flavor from a spicy marinade; Lemon Oregano has a tasty herb-garlic mixture just under the skin. Grilled Avocado BLT Salad makes a fresh and flavorful lighter meal. Grilled Bananas Foster features the fruit grilled in its own skin.

Food photographs accompany each recipe.  It’s helpful to see what the food will look like in finished form. Some of the pictures appear a bit too charred, but perhaps grill marks are the essence of the barbecue aficionado.

Grillers, both authentic ones and wannabees, will find this book not only interesting but inspiring. Chandler encourages all of us to read her tips, try new recipes and, above all, to get out and grill. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and, after reading the book, the comments here are my own.

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Bromley

Featuring  a gun-toting criminal, a feisty female writer of dime novels, and a handsome blacksmith, Dawn Comes Early, by Margaret Brownley, delivers a wild west Christian fiction romance sure to please.  When Kate Tenney answers an ad to work on the Last Chance ranch, little does she know that she will meet characters that even her fiction-writing mind could not create. Cactus Joe is a genuine outlaw with a penchant for writing his own life story. Lula-Belle and Bessie are the meddlesome aunts who cook  fried chicken as well as they try to find a wife for their nephew Luke. Miss Walker, the owner of Last Chance Ranch, is a feminist far before her time; her contract for her successor forbids marriage.

Brownley takes the reader, along with these colorful characters, through many twists and turns as heroine Kate battles the western elements and her own heart.  If she falls in love and marries, she loses the ranch. But the handsome Luke Adams makes that decision very difficult. Kate must deal with this dilemma which is complicated by her own memories of an unhappy childhood and a neglectful mother.

Bromley’s descriptive writing makes the scene come alive.  You can hear the horses’ hooves and smell the dust. You remember the lively characters long after the last page is turned. The action is fast-paced and suspenseful.

Cowboy Ruckus is a spiritual influence as he quotes Bible verses and leads the crew in daily prayer. Otherwise, there is not a strong evangelical emphasis. Overall, this story has comedy, romance and a lively plot set in the old west. A great read, it provides pleasurable reading and many smiles.

I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher to review. I was not required to write a positive review and the comments above are my own.

Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love

Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love

Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love is a fast paced Christian novel filled with action and romance. Set in post Civil War Tennessee, the story centers on Carrie Daly, a young widow, who yearns for new love while she tirelessly cares for her brother’s family. In this historical fiction, Ms. Love has crafted an entertaining, engaging tale that should appeal to many.

The author creates memorable characters that are recalled long after the story has ended. The bookseller beau tries to capture Carrie’s heart. The handsome horse trainer is unwilling to love until his own family situation is resolved. The flamboyant gambler-girl has too many secrets. The sister-in-law is demanding and selfish. The plot moves with Carrie from the family farm to the town boarding house and back again.  The characters are realistic and rambunctious. Even heroine Carrie has some faults that she must overcome in her search for spiritual maturity.

I found the beginning of the novel somewhat confusing due to the many characters presented so early. Once into the story, however, the relationships fell into place.  I later discovered that this is the second in a series; readers of the first story would probably be familiar with the names.

This novel (read as an e-book) has several subplots that keep the reader intrigued and wondering what will happen next. I recommend Beauty for Ashes as a story to be enjoyed and remembered.

I received a complimentary review copy of this novel as an ebook from the publisher. I was not asked to write a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

A Christian historical romance of the American Old West, Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher is a pleasurable and inspiring read.  When Shannon Adair moves with her minister father, Delaney, to the Idaho Territory, her thoughts remain on the Civil War that is raging near her Virginia home. Shannon does not expect to fit into this frontier town with its saloons and street fights. She is disappointed to see the tiny parsonage where she will cook, clean and assist her father with pastoral duties. And her first impression of stage driver Matthew Dubois is anything but positive.  When his sister and her young son come to live with him, Shannon is called upon to nurse the terminally ill Alice. Shannon’s somewhat tumultuous relationship with Matthew must survive another persuasive suitor, stagecoach holdups, and her own pride. The story takes many twists and turns as Shannon’s faith in God is tested and strengthened.   The author weaves in historical facts of the 1800s, including Civil War anecdotes, into this romance. Her narration is lively and she builds up appropriate suspense that keeps the pages turning. I felt as if I knew the characters. I was there with Shannon when she played the church organ or fried chicken over the wood stove. Delaney’s faith in the face of obstacles and his Scripture verses were inspirational.  I enjoyed this ebook and  recommend Heart of Gold to others.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.