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.

The Lucado Inspirational Reader by Max Lucado

In The Lucado Inspirational Reader, by Max Lucado, the best of this renown pastor and author is gathered in one portable edition. Max discusses topics ranging from "The Church" to "Second Chances." This excellent book has something for everyone and meets needs of hungry hearts.
While reading, we feel that Max not only knows the Bible characters he describes, but that he also knows us--and he definitely knows the Father as well. He illustrates truths by sharing anecdotes of his family, such as his daughters' lemonade stand, a lesson in grace. He explains "the civil war of the soul;  once we know the law we don't want to do it" (as Paul). To illustrate this, he relates driving down a back alley to avoid the daily traffic jam. When he discovers it is a one-way street, and he had been going the wrong way, he still wants to use it!
He describes God's amazing love for each of us: "Since he could not bear the thought of eternity without you, he chose the nails." Max's folksy, common sense writing style invites the reader to sit down with him and be comforted and encouraged. This is a book that belongs on everyone's book shelf. It can be studied as a daily devotional guide or just picked up for a few moments of spiritual refreshment. I highly recommend The Lucado Inspirational Reader; it's the perfect gift for others or for yourself.
I received an examination copy of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

In this upbeat and engaging book, Andy Stanley relates God’s redemption story in a style that everyone can relate to and learn from. Beginning at the beginning with Adam and Eve, Andy traces mankind’s fall and God’s “cleaning up of the mess sin had made” (22). As Andy shares the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Jonah, Matthew and other great faith followers, he explains their place in the salvation plan—and our place there as well.

The story we’ve heard many times becomes richer and more relevant as Andy threads the ribbon of grace throughout his text. Andy includes personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate the Biblical principles he draws. For example, to explain a “slightly modified parable of Jesus” (181), he tells about a contractor who hires workmen who later dispute their paychecks. He also tells us “…you can’t be good enough; you don’t even have to be. That is the way of grace.” (143). 

This book is different enough to hold your attention; Pastor Stanley has an enthusiastic, contemporary writing style that invites the reader in to learn and grow.  It is also fundamentally sound and will teach you clearly how God’s unfailing grace promises each one of us eternal life.  I highly recommend this book.

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

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Set in modern day Alabama, but with flashbacks to an abusive childhood, Charles Martin’s Wrapped in Rain: A Novel of Coming Home sends a message of forgiveness. Although written in a realistic and engaging style, elements of the novel appear to drift from the focus. The basic concept of this story is excellent; it did not need overdone embellishment.

The plot is interesting. Noted photographer Tucker Rain returns to his decaying family estate to help his mentally ill brother and to face his own demons from a past filled with cruelty. A former high school girlfriend comes on the scene with a five year old son and her own story of domestic violence.  Martin takes us into the seriously ill mind of Mutt who compulsively washes his hands and everything else around him. The spirit of deceased housekeeper, Miss Ella, the only kind figure the children had ever known, speaks to Tucker throughout the novel. Her Christian wisdom guides him in his interactions with his brother and with his aged father now suffering with dementia. 

The author’s description is compelling, if sometimes stretched. Baseball works very well as a symbol  throughout the novel. However, certain incidents in the story do not seem to fit.  Tucker’s happening upon Katie’s auto accident is just too convenient. Also, I could not discern the purpose of the clown and ice cream truck that came down the driveway on a Sunday morning.

This is a readable book about real problems (especially mental illness); just don’t get bogged down in the Alabama swamp or in too many details.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Surprised By Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Surprised by Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Coming from a dysfunctional and disadvantaged background, Carolyn Weber is awarded a scholarship for graduate study in England.  In her memoir, Surprised by Oxford, Weber describes her experiences as an American girl privileged to study her beloved literature in the prestigious, austere center of higher learning, Oxford University.  I found the book compelling, although certain areas of the book were distressing.

Entering as an agnostic, Carolyn revels in the lecture halls, dorm rooms, and community of this famous institution. But she also explores her own beliefs and comes face to face with a compassionate and calling Christ.  The author’s creative use of phrasing and diction make this a skillfully written piece. She begins each chapter with a literary quotation. She creates suspense by introducing a character (i.e. “TDH”) and then waiting a few chapters to bring him up again as her spiritual mentor. The writing is excellent.

 I appreciate the fact that this memoir is honestly written in the voice of one who struggled spiritually; her journey may be helpful for other academics who can certainly be both classically educated and Christian.  However, the frequent references to the pub, the pint and the tipsy students disturbed me. Surely, one does not have to have all that alcohol to earn a PhD or to celebrate a baptism.

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