Book Description: The screaming flames surrounded the small town of Hinckley before most knew to flee. Hours later, the survivors picked their way out of the ashes and began anew. For the tight-knit town, the fire meant the inexplicable loss of family, devastating financial ruin, and the disquieting loss of faith. While some agonized over words left unsaid and gestures unmade, one man rejoiced. His secrets fled on the cinders to Heaven, along with everyone who knew them. Or had they? But in the wake of the maelstrom stood a scorched child of God, filled with resiliency, resolve, and the truth—the truth that would bring freedom and restore faith in God and in man.

My review: Veil of Fire is a fascinating story based on an actual historical event--the worst fire in Minnesota's history--a fire that burned 400 square miles and killed 418 people in just four hours. The story begins with non-stop action as a hellish blaze consumes everything in sight. The reader is placed in the middle of the maelstrom as the events unfold, and it's an awesome and terrifying experience.

The potential for evil in the hearts of men really comes out in this story, as does a theme of regret. But God takes the painful things and if we let Him, He will shape us into beautiful vessels. I loved the analogy of the gingerbread cookie. Something bitter, something sweet, and a whole lot of heat. That about sums up life in this world. Why do bad things happen? They just do. Is God there? Yes. Whether we see Him or not is based on our choice. These are just a few of the meaty lessons I gleaned from this wonderful story.

Of course, some of the bad guys never change, but that's real life. But many people who were either lukewarm or living behind of false mask, or a "church face" learned about unconditional love and the power of opening your heart and taking risks. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.

Plus, the poor "monster" in the hills really tore at my heart. I loved how the "monster's" thoughts were in first person and the others were in third person point of view. That style had greater impact for the reader. Oh, and the best part of all is that who I thought the "monster" was through the whole story turned out to be someone else. I just love twists like that. I might even read this story twice. Highly recommended!

Veil of Fire is published by Cook Communications and will be released in May 2007. I will be doing a giveaway on this book this weekend! Just comment on this post and I'll enter your name!

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_marlo_schalesky_veil_of_fire_book_giveaway.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_marlo_schalesky_veil_of_fire_book_giveaway.trackback

From the Publisher: His father will stop at nothing at all to keep the royal bloodline "pure"--even murder. But his sins have nearly destroyed Prince Philip and the future of his reign. Can love reach him before the kingdom is torn from his hands?

My review: I have never read a Medieval story that I've enjoyed as much as this one. Ever. Maybe because the passion in this novel is so real and so impressive that it left me breathless more than once! Heck, I was in love with Philip! In Honor Bound was such a great story, in fact, that I read the book in just three days (and if I hadn't had to work I would've finished it sooner.)

There is so much depth to In Honor Bound. The characters are incredibly well done. The conflict was so good that it literally had me turning the pages. The love story was so intense. The marriage, the bedroom tension, the romance, wow! I felt no watering down of passion, no lukewarmness of faith or storyline. This was a powerful novel that invoked so much emotion in me, I just loved every minute of it. And that unconditional love Rosalynde had for Philip was truly admirable and Christ-like.

I felt so badly for Philip in the beginning of this book. I was so swept up into this novel that the pain in my heart for this man couldn't seem more real. His grief was so well done as was the coldness of heart in order to cope with the pain. Nothing in this story felt contrived at all. These characters were so real to me. I experienced the same pain of betrayal as Philip.

Plus, the male POV was so expertly done! I didn't think Philip would ever get past the excruciating emotional damage, but through the story and one conflict at a time, you could see God's hand on Philip's life. But his pride almost cost him everything. The scene where he finally gives everything to the Lord took my breath away. It was that awesome and realistic. Oh, and the blood and guts were pretty powerful to the storyline, too.

There's no pussyfooting around the issues and sanitizing of the brutality in that era done here. The author used all of the senses and the description was so well done I truly felt like I was pulled into the story itself. I used to read a lot of these types of books but they were often too descriptive in the sex department. However, this story is so beautifully written and emotionally deep that I have yet to read a more romantic tale that includes the husbandly duties to his wife.

Fabulous, passionate, intense fiction. That's what In Honor Bound was for me. In fact, I enjoyed the fantasy world so much that I plan to read the next two books in the series as well. This series sucked me in as much as Francine Rivers's Mark of the Lion Series. It's THAT good.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_in_honor_bound_by_deanna_julie_dodson.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_in_honor_bound_by_deanna_julie_dodson.trackback

and Romance by Debra White Smith... From the Publisher: Debra White Smith, bestselling author of the Jane Austen series (more than 89,000 copies sold) explores the lessons about love and romance revealed through Austen's beloved stories—Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and others. Alongside wisdom from 1 Corinthians, Debra reveals love truths reflected in the lives of couples and characters from Austen's created worlds.
* George and Emma (Emma)—Love is patient
* Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice)—Love is not proud
* Colonel Brandon and Marianne (Sense and Sensibility)—Love always hopes

My review: I'm not necessarily a Jane Austen fan, but I do love the movie Sense and Sensibility. Now that I've read this book I'm considering reading Debra White Smith's series based on Austen's books.

I have a copy of First Impressions, which is the first book and is based on Pride and Prejudice. Now I think I'll read it within the next year. This book has definitely whetted my appetite for Austen's prose.

I've heard from many authors that Pride and Prejudice is one of their favorite novels, but now that I've read Smith's non-fiction book What Jane Austen Taught Me About Love & Romance, I have a better understanding as to why. The characters are deep and the lessons Smith uses are good ones. She brings out some fabulous points about what love is, and what love is not, all based on 1 Corinthians and Austen's insights into the human heart.

In short, Smith's presentation of lessons of the heart is a perfect gift for both the Austen lover, and fans of Debra White Smith's contemporary fiction.

What Jane Austen Taught Me About Love & Romance was published by Harvest House and released in January 2007.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_what_jane_austen_taught_me_about_love_romance_.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_what_jane_austen_taught_me_about_love_romance_.trackback

Jennifer Saake.

I combined the entries from my three blogs (ccm, Shoutlife, and blogspot) and put the 27 tickets in a hat and she won. Keep checking in. I'll do another giveaway next week.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/the_winner_of_tribulation_house_by_chris_well_is.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/the_winner_of_tribulation_house_by_chris_well_is.trackback

I'm doing another book giveaway! Post a comment telling me why you want to win and I will enter your name into the drawing.

This one is for Tribulation House by Chris Well!

From the Publisher IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD—WHICH COULD BE A PROBLEM...

Mark Hogan has it all. The job. The family. A position on the board at church. All he's missing is a boat. Not just any boat—a 2008 Bayliner 192. When Reverend Daniel Glory announces that the Rapture is taking place on October 17 at 5:51am, Hogan realizes his boat—buying days are numbered. So he does what any man in his situation would do—he borrows a load of money from the mob. Not that there's any risk involved: After all, when the Rapture comes, Hogan will be long gone. The mob will never find him. But when Jesus fails to come back on schedule, Mark Hogan finds the mob is in no mood to discuss the finer points of end—times theology...

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/book_giveaway.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/book_giveaway.trackback

Book Description: Freed from a life of darkness, Tahn Dorn finds God's grace toward him a comfort he has never known before. He has put away his painful past and is looking forward to a bright, peaceful future with his bride-to-be. But the past returns to haunt him, threatening to ruin all that he loves. On the eve of their blessed union, Lady Netta's gilded carriage is attacked by a team of rogue bandits hired by the ruthless Baron Lionell Trent. Despite the barons noble talk and pretended peace, Lionell lures Tahn into a trap that will secure his own hold on the House of Trent. Can Tahn free his true love? Or will his dream be forever lost?

My review: I've always enjoyed historicals from the era of knights, castles and ladies in waiting. This story began with danger and treachery and escalated until I thought for sure there was no way the mess Tahn found himself in could get any worse. The author did a fabulous job pulling me into the story, making me care about the characters, and giving me just enough info to get a feel for the two previous books in the series without telling me too many boring facts (This is book 3.) The author also brought the story to a satisfying conclusion without leaving loose ends that make you want to hurl the book at the wall.

The love story was great, the abuse--brutal, the villains--evil, and the resolution believable, yet miraculous. Wonderful story. I just wish I'd read the first two books first because I can see from Tahn's transformation that he suffered a lot and I would've enjoyed getting to know him better before finding out how it all ends. This can be read as a "stand alone" title, but I think it would be even better as the true conclusion to the series.

The Scarlet Trefoil was published by Revell and released in March 2007.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_the_scarlet_trefoil_by_l_a_kelly.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_the_scarlet_trefoil_by_l_a_kelly.trackback

From the Publisher:

While helping the police bust a drug ring, Rosa Cagnalia witnessed a murder—one she was now being framed for. Officer Samuel Packard hauled her in, only to see another cop—his former partner—take her from the precinct without cause. So he followed. Betraying a friend went against Sam's beliefs, but he suspected that something was going on, and that Rosa just might be innocent. The dangerous predicament he discovered her in only cemented his desire to help. Now, if only he could get his beautiful suspect to cooperate….

My review:

More suspenseful than romantic, Pursuit of Justice will keep you on your toes as you experience the stress of being in danger with Rosa and Sam, who are trying to avoid being killed...all the while pursuing justice.

This story has more details, plot points, twists, turns, herrings, and action than most suspense novels. It's not overly violent, but at the same time it's by no means a soft story. Plenty of action fills this novel, and up to the very last page the characters are exposing more lies and murders, and are running from danger!

Reading Pursuit of Justice made me feel like I had stepped into the middle of a NYPD Blues episode. Personally, I like more romantic tension in a romantic suspense story, but the suspense piece was interesting enough that it made up for the lack in that area. Plus, the characters were unique, and given the intense pace of the story I think it would've been difficult to develop a believable romantic relationship.

I also loved Rosa and Sam's interactions with Rosa's cat, Go Away. The humor was precious, right down to the heaved cat food on the leather seats.

Pursuit of Justice was published by Steeple Hill and released in March 2007.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_pursuit_of_justice_by_pamela_tracy.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_pursuit_of_justice_by_pamela_tracy.trackback

Book Description: In 1890s Texas, a 30-year-old single woman was considered "over the hill" rather than "heading to the altar." Determined to be a blushing bride if it kills her, Essie Spreckelmeyer sizes up potential beaus and heads into town. But will she be "courting trouble" if she leaves God out of the relationship?

My review:

Courting Trouble is my favorite of Deeanne's three historical novels. The author created a dynamic, quirky, unique characterization in Essie. In fact, I can't recall a single "cardboard character" in this story. They were all expertly developed. The plot was so unique, that I loved it for that reason alone. Plus the spiritual element was very well done. In fact, I related so well to Essie's struggles that I got a choked up when she had her heart broken or was misunderstood--each and every time.

I loved how the author showed that changing who you are for someone else will always leave you empty and frustrated. In short, this story gave me a powerful emotional experience. I feel like I learned something about myself, and I benefited spiritually from reading Courting Trouble. Like I said, it's the best of her three books.

I also loved how the ending was not the usual scenario, which kept me reading because I honestly didn't know who Essie would end up with/or what she would do. I love any element in a novel that keeps me guessing. I totally understood Essie's thinking process and I identified with her. In fact, I hope that if the author writes a sequel she will include Essie, because I hated to see the story end.

Courting Trouble is probably one of the edgiest historical novels I've read in CBA, yet in my opinion, it never strayed into objectionable matter. The author did tackle some pretty big issues in a genuine way, and I am impressed with how well she crafted it. The author is fabulous at putting physical temptation and realism into her stories. I believe it's her greatest strength and her brand as an author. I'm also very impressed with Bethany House and the books they've been publishing lately, especially the historicals!

Courting Trouble is published by Bethany House and will be released in late May 2007, or early June 2007.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_courting_trouble_by_deeanne_gist.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_courting_trouble_by_deeanne_gist.trackback

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_niece_is_so_cute_dont_you_agree.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_niece_is_so_cute_dont_you_agree.trackback

Product Description: Willing to make the necessary sacrifices—even skipping the occasional latte—to ensure career success, 31-year-old Cassidy Cantrell “invests” in a chic pair of boots, certain they’ll make a spectacular impression and help seal the deal on a long-anticipated promotion from her Seattle employer. But reality tromps all over her expectations. Cassie’s job is abruptly eliminated—and her love life obliterated, when her longtime boyfriend dumps her for a “friend.” Her self-esteem in tatters, Cassie limps home to the resort town she once so eagerly fled—only to find her recently divorced mother transformed into a gorgeous fifty-something babe with a thriving social life. Cassie wrestles with envy and apathy as she considers the dismal shape of her own physique and romantic prospects. What will it take for her to jump back into life and regain her stride? This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plan may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit.

My review: These Boots Weren't Made for Walking is a fantastic chick lit novel. I tried really hard to delay finishing it until closer to the release date in June, but I couldn't do it. I was too invested in the characters. Poor Cassie has everything go wrong in her life. Everything. And the way she deals with it at first is so realistic. The faith piece is a very light thread, but still there, unlike secular chick lit novels. However, the author does push the envelope a tad in some areas, but it wasn't overly done. I really enjoyed this whole story. The internal dialog is the best I've read to date. You can can tell this author is prolific in her writing. Her stuff is flawless, the voice is perfect, and the story can go for pages with no interaction between Cassie and another character, but her interior monologue is so well done that you don't even notice. The romantic element was also fabulous. I loved it! This is a book I'd read twice! Highly recommended.

Permalink:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_these_boots_werent_made_for_walking_by_melody_c.html

Trackback URL:
http://www.myccm.org/post/michelle/blog/my_review_of_these_boots_werent_made_for_walking_by_melody_c.trackback