Book Reviews

Stepping into Sunlight, by Sharon Hinck

    When the wife of a deployed Navy chaplain begins to experience severe symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, she is completely incapable of handling the day-to-day activities of life on her own. At first she's too stubborn and too fearful to admit that she needs help. She retreats into the safety of her home, afraid to venture out even to the grocery store. But as the episodes of anxiety and nightmares become increasingly worse, she knows she needs help. She embarks on a pay-it-forward-type project to do a good deed for one person every day. Through her project--and with the help of an unlikely mixture of hurting people like herself--she finally sees light glimmering at the end of the dark tunnel she's walking through.

 

This book is beautifully written, and Penny is such a realistic character that at times it's painful to read her struggles. Sharon Hinck has such a lyrical way with words that at times I stopped reading to go back and savor a beautifully phrased sentence. Other times my eyes flew across the page, drinking in the story as I went. There are so many wonderful elements in this plot -- the delightfully odd next-door-neighbor, the long-lost brother with a frightening past, the charming and boisterous mission workers, the well-meaning mother and sister who make matters worse with their "just snap out of it" advice. I love a book that teaches me something (in this case, about PTSD) without lapsing for even a single moment into a preachy tone.

 

One reason I like Sharon Hinck's books is because she's so versatile. As a reader, I like books in different genres with vastly different styles. And Sharon writes books in different genres with vastly different styles. This book is completely different from her Sword of Lyric series, but the story is equally compelling, equally enjoyable, and equally steeped in the truth of God's powerful presence in our lives.

 

I encourage you to buy this book from your local book store. But if you order online, click the book cover.

 

Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers

Andrea Carter rides again! This time Andi is packed off to a San Francisco girls school, and she's NOT happy about it. When she arrives,the situation at Miss Whitaker's Academy for Young Ladies is made bearable by Andi's new friend, Jenny. The girls are drawn into the plight of Lin Mei, a Chinese slave girl, who lives a life they've never imagined in their worst dreams. Until they find themselves trapped in a very scary place - Chinatown.

Susan K. Marlow creates another terrific story for kids of all ages in Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers, the fourth in the Circle C Adventure Series. You'll be swept into 1880's San Francisco, and treated to realistic views of two very different sides of like: a stuffy girls' school, and the frightening and gritty back streets of Chinatown. An adventure not to be missed!

Still wondering if this book is one you'll want to buy? Take a look at the video:
Find more videos like this on The Homeschool Lounge

Looks great, doesn't it? Please support your local bookstore and pick up a copy there. And don't miss a special giveaway I'm conducting over on my website. To learn how you can win an autographed copy, click here

Havah, by Tosca lee

I was blown away by Tosca Lee's first novel, Demon, a Memoir. To be honest, I thought she'd have trouble coming up with anything worthy of following that book. I am thrilled beyond words to say that I was wrong. Havah is an absolutely beautiful novel.

This is the story of Adam and Eve as it really might have been. The garden of Eden is vivid through the perspective of Havah (Eve), and the unspoiled relationship between the first couple is a thing of beauty. I knew what was coming -- we all know -- but even so, I wept as the depth of their loss and ours was brought home in such a vivid way. Havah's life swept me forward from that event. The writing is poetic and lyrical, the story compelling and captivating. I highly recommend this book!

Please buy this book from your local bookstore -- these folks deserve our support. And tell them to order several copies, and to recommend them to their customers. If you don't have a bookstore nearby, you can order Havah online here.

Love Starts with Elle

I have a new book to tell you about - one you don't want to miss! I wasn't surprised when Rachel Hauck's book, Sweet Caroline, became a bestseller, and I won't be surprised when the second book in the series, Love Starts with Elle, achieves the same status. Rachel is a gifted writer, and this book is her best yet, in my humble opinion. Here's the blurb:

Elle's living the dream-but is it her dream or his?

Elle loves life in Beaufort, South Carolina-lazy summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends sharing a lifetime of memories. And she's found her niche as the owner of a successful art gallery too. Life is good.

Then the dynamic pastor of her small town church sweeps her off her feet. She's never known a man like Jeremiah-one who breathes in confidence and exhales all doubt. When he proposes in the setting sunlight, Elle hands him her heart on a silver platter.

But Jeremiah's just accepted a large pastorate in a different state. If she's serious about their relationship, Elle will take "the call," too, leaving behind the people and place she loves so dearly. Elle's friendship with her new tenant, widower Heath McCord, and his young daughter make things even more complicated.

Is love transferrable across the miles? And can you take it with you when you go?

And while you're at it, you've GOT to check out the book trailer.

To buy your copy of Love Starts with Elle, please support your local bookstore. They'll probably have it on the shelf, but if they don't, ask them to order it. If you live in the boonies and don't have a local bookstore, you can purchase the book online here. Or you might win a free copy by leaving a comment on the tour blog here.

It's Not About Me, by Michelle Sutton

Earlier this year, I was honored to have the chance to read It's Not About Me in manuscript form. The manuscript arrived, and I picked it up, intending to glance at a page or two. I ended up spending the entire day glued to the story. This book handles some tough issues with sensitivity and grace. Besides that, it's just a GOOD story! The hero is incredibly romantic, and the heroine so realistic she brought tears to my eyes. Parts of this story are hard to read, but that's because the author drew me in so thoroughly I felt like I was experiencing the painful parts with the characters. And because of that, I rejoiced when they rejoiced, too! The story is full of faith played out in some difficult circumstances. A great debut.