From the Publisher: Elizabeth is back in New Orleans, a war-ravaged city, to help rebuild and minister to the people devastated after the Civil War. A strict abolitionist & part of the Underground Railroad, she seeks to help the South understand the transgressions of slavery.

My review: I'm impressed with this book. I'll tell you why. I remember growing up in the 1970s and watching several "mini-series" at that time. One was The Holocaust, and the other two were Roots and North & South. Remember those? I also read the books Roots and Queen by Alex Haley at the time. They were fabulous.

Then Came Faith brought all of those memories back and with them came the emotion that coexists with reflecting on such trying times. I loved Juliana and Andre. They made an interesting couple--especially because of their extremely conflicting beliefs--even though they were apart for the majority of the book. The author did a fabulous job showing the hearts of both abolitionists and confederates at the time of reconstruction in the deep south.

This story had some grit, yes, but it wasn't overly done. I especially loved it when Juliana went to confront the slimebag Dupris in his bawdy house and tried to help Gemma escape. That was priceless. Of course, the Civil War era books aren't realistic without a few Klan scenes. Those guys in the white hoods just make me sick, but without them the story doesn't feel as authentic. There was just enough to give you a sense of the internal and external conflict the characters experienced, but not enough to seem excessively dramatic.

I thoroughly enjoyed Then Came Faith and am looking forward to the next book in the series. This is one of those stories that you hate to have end. The faith element was very well done and the change of heart amongst many of the characters was heartwarming and sincere. I also must add that I really enjoyed getting to know Andre and experiencing the doubts regarding his culture and the way he grew up believing that "chattels" as he referred to them, were not equal to whites, yet he loved Cordell like a brother, so he saw the contradiction even within himself.

Then Came Faith was published by Emerald Point Books and released in September 2006.

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From the Publisher:

Caught in a Cult

People associated with him have been killed, but Dr. Walter Simmons is a successful man. His books and tapes incorporate psychological principles with New Age, feel-good spiritualism and are a hit on college campuses. But when his top students join him for an intensive "training" program, they are actually joining a dangerous cult. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Tim Porter's daughter, Ruby, is lured in like the rest, the heights of a dream plummeting her to the depths of a living nightmare. Tim and his ex-wife are driven to their knees for their daughter. But what about Ruby? To what lengths can they go to rescue her from Dr. Simmons's clutches? Complicating matters is an FBI investigation, a corrupt chief of police, and a mounting spiritual battle. How much time do they really have?

My review:

This is one of those books that I wish hadn't been lost in my stack. It was edge-of-your-seat fabulous! I love stories about people sucked into cults and the great lengths that have to occur to pull people out. That Dr. Simmons was a real nut case, but the author did a terrific job putting you in his head so you could see how twisted he was in the way he saw himself and the world. I loved it! Also, the close bond between the detectives and their camaraderie was endearing. I enjoyed reading about how they'd put their careers and even their very lives on the line to help a friend whose daughter was trapped in a cult. The father--for obvious reasons--was driven to get Ruby out before it was too late.

This story was fast paced and very, very interesting. The plot was well done and the scenery so vivid I felt like I was part of the group. Scary. Also, the spiritual warfare and truths that were brought into the light within the context of this story were compelling. Not preachy at all. And the way the people who were angry with God came to realize that they needed His help to succeed was done in a very convincing manner and did not feel contrived. I love fiction with such a realistic feel to it. Plus, this author used a variety of points of view, but it was done so seamlessly that I'm impressed with his technique. It wasn't at all obvious that there were multiple points of view. Every one of them seemed necessary to move the story along. Well done!

Also, one unique aspect of this riveting novel was the close relations and interdependency between people from different ethnic backgrounds. Byron and Ruby were so close in their relationship that I forgot he was white. In fact, I had to look back and double check because he was so easily accepted into the family once he helped Ruby. But that also made sense because Ruby mentioned growing up in all white schools most of her life, so it wouldn't seem like a big deal to her. At any rate, I was enthralled with this story and the romance between Ruby and Byron as well. I hope they get married someday. Maybe in the next book (if there is one?) Highly recommended!

From the Belly of the Dragon was published by Multnomah and released in May 2006.

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Book Description:
Tormented by his wife's apparent demise, Edmund Merrick sails away to drown his sorrows-only to find himself trapped in the dark world of a demented Frenchman. When his mind clears from its rum-induced haze, will Edmund find the will to escape? Seemingly abandoned by her husband, Charlisse is thrown into the clutches of the vengeful pirate Kent. Will she be swept away by the undertow of treachery and despair? Can Edmund and Charlisse steer their way to the faith-filled haven they so desperately seek, or will they ultimately lose their love and lives to the sea?

My review:
This book stormed with action like a ship caught up in a Tsunami. Fabulous writing and very fast paced. There were some opportunities for the reader to catch their breath, but then the author plunges them right back into the action. Tyndall also does something I found particularly exciting. She shows the heart behind the behavior and the outward appearance of some of the characters. The Reliance brings those points home on an emotional level...with the reader in the center of the maelstorm.

The author flushes out some deep spiritual truths. Sometimes God allows His loved ones to be sucked into a mighty storm for their benefit, but more so for the benefit of others...in particular, the lost. There were some characters in this story who would not have had a change of heart if Merrick and Charlisse had not been separated for a time. Through their struggles the people around them saw God working in their midst. As their faith was strengthened, their lives became a testimony to those around them. Unfortunately, the opposite was also true. When they fell, others noticed, and the only reward they received from stumbling was grief and heartache. So true!

There were plenty of fights, stabbing, sweat, drinking, and the works in this novel to make it feel truly authentic. I found the setting compelling and realistic. I thought the way the heroine had the pirates cussing was particularly hilarious (since she couldn't use real words.) I think my favorite term was stiff-necked barnacle.

In short, The Reliance contains just enough testosterone and action to please a male audience, and enough romance and adventure to capture the female reader as well. Since Charlisse and Merrick were married, I dare say their relationship sizzled, and it was very satisfying and realistic to read about. I enjoyed The Reliance just as much as I enjoyed The Redemption, if not more so...

The Reliance was published by Barbour and released in January 2007.

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Remember to Forget was a page turner from the outset. It's not going to make you pull your hair out with anxiety, but there is enough tension to keep you wondering when the boyfriend will show up. This is a great example of a story containing a heroine in a desperate situation who may be perceived as weak, but in actuality has always been a survivor, so in a way that makes her strong. However, she really did grow a lot as a person once she arrived in Clayton, Kansas. The hero did a lot of growing as well. Trevor is a guy any woman would want. They truly made a perfect match. I loved how the author left out the sometimes contrived tension that often occurs in stories where there is a character who lies about some things. She was desperate, didn't trust anyone, and did what she had to do.

The details were also fabulous in this story. I could see the interior of the bed and breakfast and the design work they did on it. I could taste the food and was sweating when I read about the dust, the heat, the town, etc. And the romantic element was perfectly done, as usual. So if it's cold where you live right now, this baby will warm you to your toes. The ending was also perfect, though it could've included one small element that would've made it even better. Those of you who have read Over the Waters will know what I mean. They were both great stories. This novel ranks toward the top of my Deb Raney favorites. Her voice is unique and her style is elegant and yet, homey with a small town feel to it. Highly recommended.

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