All in Good Time - Maureen Lang

 I enjoyed reading All in Good Time.  The characters were very different from me, however, as humans we are all so alike.  I liked the main character, Dessa.  She wanted to help others as she had been helped.  She knew what the life of those less fortunate was.  Yet Dessa was afraid that if anyone knew her past, she wouldn't be accepted.  She tried so hard to be what she viewed as the perfect example of a Christian; Sophie Pierson, her deceased mentor.  She was so caught up in trying to earn what she already had - Christ's love and acceptance for who she was.  Enter Henry who has the same fear, for very different reasons, with very different responses.  Henry made himself rich, by robbing the Wells Fargo coach.  Though he had paid it all back he constantly lived in fear that if anyone knew the past, he would be ruined.  So Henry became a cold, hard, lonely man.  Through divine design Dessa and Henry are thrown together.  Her to help rescue the "ladies of the night" through building Pierson House. Him to "salvage" his investment in Pierson House.  Lang wove the faith of Dessa and Henry's uncle in such a way that they were genuine.  The truth of everything became known in good time, changing and challenging the hearts of the characters and the readers.

Man in the Blue Moon - Michael Morris

 Honestly, if I hadn't been reading this book as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program I don't know if I would have stuck with it.  Even 200 some odd pages into it, I wasn't sure where he was going with the storyline.  Set during the end of World War I Ella finds herself left to provide for her 3 sons and a Creek indian.  She's almost in foreclosure and is torn with what she should do.  Pay more on the mortgage that her husband took out on her property (illegally) or going to the county seat to pick up a box from the Blue Moon Clock Company.  Thinking that maybe the "clock" will sell for enough and pay off her mortgage, she heads off to pick it up.  So far, so good.  The "clock" isn't a clock after it.  It's a man.  Supposedly, a distant cousin of her wandering husband.  From there the story has multiple characters.  Each has their own motives, most are criminals, or controlled by one.  One bad thing after another happens to Ella as she works her land in an effort to keep it.  The man in the box has healing powers that I couldn't tell myself if they were mystical or Godly until the end.  The Christians in the story were weak, busybodies that made every situation worse.  Scene after scene I wanted someone to step up and be a man or woman of God.  It seemed He was absent from their lives, or uncaring at best. While the end has some redemptive qualities, I wasn't overly fond of the book.

Rescue Team

I read Rescue Team by Candace Calvert in one afternoon.  It was a great book. A little mystery, suspense, love story, and redemption.  Kate has run from her past so much she doesn't know how to stop.  Her interim job as the ER nursing director may be the next stop in a long line of jobs.  She has high walls around herself and doesn't want anyone to change that.  She meets Wes, the local search and rescue team captain, and immediately declares, "no one here needs rescuing."  But of course, that isn't true.   Wes almost takes it as a personal mission to see a smile on her face.  Kate is as prickly as a cactus.  Obviously one can see where this story is going.  However, there are enough unsuspected plot turns, that keep you reading.  The Tanner family is loving.  The Braxton family is comical, in their old age and simplicity.  Nancy Rae is a character in and of herself!  Some things I saw coming, others I didn't.  Another winning Calvert novel.

In Broken Places

 I just read In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix.  Personally I found it interesting that I read Wings of Glass about spouse abuse and then In Broken Places about child abuse.  I didn't plan it that way at all.  That said, I really like In Broken Places.  Maybe because her sarcastic whit is so me!  The story went back and forth; her childhood and her life now.  Shelby had a boring, predictable life.  Exactly what she wanted.  Then she is contacted, the her estranged, abusive father has died and has left her an inheritance.  Shelby's entire world is rocked.  She doesn't know what to do with what he left her.  What can she do?  In an attempt to start over she takes a teaching position in Germany, only to find she must face her past in ways she could never predict.  I loved the relationship Shelby and her brother Trey had.  It provided comic relief and blunt truthfulness, that carried the storyline well.  In the note from the author Michele writes, "Pain need not win.  There is life beyond bleeding.  There is love beyond fearing.  There is hope beyond despairing."  What a message for all of us, not just survivors of child abuse.

Wings of Glass

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes was a great book on a very difficult subject.  Domestic Abuse.  Penny's love for Trent allows her to be "rescued" from an overbearing father, only to be "stuck" in an abusive marriage.  Penny continually gives Trent chances.  As is the case so often in domestic abuse, she blames herself and excuses his behavior.  Reading the book brings emotions of anger, frustration and a whole host of others to the surface.  Holmes wove a story that was realistic and unfortunately all to true.  Yet it gives hope that there is an better way.  There is a better ending.  Things can change.  You can change.  Through "angels" in two very different ladies, Penny begins to see hope and a new course for her life.  She begins to see God even in the midst of a horrible life.  Her glass wings may be broken, but she can still learn to fly.  Though not an easy read because of the topic, it's a book that draws you in and you can't put down.

Borders of the heart

 Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry was action packed from start to finish.  Main character JD was running from life.  He chose to give up all he had, go where no one knew him, and start over.  Only problem is, he came along.  JD's one fast rule is soon challenged as his heart tugs him in another direcion.  Through the constant danger he and Maria face, he is faced with himself.  He finds out sometimes it takes saving another to save yourself.  The story line kept you going, as it was filled with twists, turns and abrupt unsuspected things.  However, I felt some of it was a little much.  I love action and suspense books, but a few times I was shaking my head in disbelief.  My incredulity left me feeling that some of it was just too much.  All that said, Chris Fabry is a talented writer, with great usage character development to drive the story line.

Crazy about horses

 Horse Dreams by Dandi Daley Mackall was a quick read for an adult, but seeing as it's a children's book, that's not unusual.  Cute book for your young horse fans.  Ellie desperately wanted a horse.  She was always in trouble for daydreaming about horses while at school.  When she "sees" a horse and announces it, troubles follow.  Only Ellie did see a horse!  A rescued pinto has escaped.  Ellie has been praying for a black stallion for so long, she almost misses the answer to her prayers; the pinto.  How many times in our own spiritual life do we miss what is right in front of us all along?  Like Ellie, we are so stuck on what we want that we miss God's answer has already come.  Fun read for your elementary age.  Filled with kooky characters and a spiritual lesson.

Will she give it all for a song?

 All for a song by Allison Pittman was an interesting book.  Dorothy grew up as the pastor's daughter in a small town.  She was engaged to the new pastor who replaced her father.  Life was predictable, boring and unfulfilling.  Though Dorothy was faithful to live out the life carried out for her.  When visiting her sister in St. Louis she happens about a Aimee Semple McPherson revival.  Suddenly Dorothy finds herself thrust into a world completely different than all she's known.  She must make decisions that will forever alter her life, as she is offered the chance to lead worship for Aimee's tour across the US. The story is set in the Roaring Twenties, and filled with all that time frame is known for.  The story is told in two parts.  One is Dorothy Lynn living her life then.  The other is Lynnie more than 90 years later... Piqued my interest in the history of both that time in history and Aimee Semple McPherson's life and ministry.

Congo Dawn

Another great book by Jeanette Windle.  I have read her other books set in Afghanistan.  This one is set in Africa.  It isn't an easy read, but a worthwhile read.  All is not as it seems.  As Robin finds her services needed as a translator, she sets off to the Congo, needing money for her sick niece back home.  She meets up with Michael from Doctors without Borders, a rocky past full of misunderstanding and misconception.  Both think they are on the "right" side, but quickly learn things are not always what they seem.  Who can they trust?  Is God trustworthy enough for Robin to give him a chance?  Will she let Michael explain? Will he?  As all this drama swirls below the surface, evil is at work.  The people of the Congo are being used and abused. Goverment is corrupt.  People are afraid.  No place is safe. Danger, Intrigue and a touch of romance, make a tough subject, compelling and real.

Sparkly Green Earrings

Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle was not what I expected when I picked it up, but I'm glad I read it. A memoir of a mom, filled with laughter, wisdom and Scripture. I laughed a lot. I could relate a lot. I could see it happen so vividly. And I'm NOT a mom. Great read about life and learning to trust God and enjoy the journey. Quick read. Recommend to all women. I think no matter where you're at in life, it will speak to you.

Deployed by Mel Odom

I just read my first book by Me Odom "Deployed."  Excellent read for you military fans.  Bekah joins the Marine Reserves to provide for her son Travis, when her ex-husband fails to provide for them.  She never really saw herself being actively deployed to some of the most dangerous places in the world.  Now she must struggle with getting her job done and returning safely to her son.  The book dealt with many different emotions, all which were relatable and realistic.  Characters on all sides of the story were developed and woven together. Great read.

Grace's Pictures

I really enjoyed Grace's Pictures. You got to see Grace as a little girl, the young women sent to America, and her life once here. Trust was an overriding theme in this book. The characters emotions were realistic and engaging. Grace's life was drastically changed by the actions of others. She viewed all police as her enemy, yet continually finds Owen to be there offering help and support. She struggles with if she should trust him, trust those that tell her to trust him, and her own self preservation. Grace has not been able to trust anyone, and continually struggles with accepting others. A lot of historical interest, in a setting that was both intriguing and heart stirring. Worth a read.

Take a Chance on me

While we return to the town of Deep Haven, the characters are new and heartwarming. Warren once again develops realistic characters that draw you in. The Christiansen family is the type family everyone dreams of. Full of love, drama, fun and diversity. Darek, the tough, rugged, gorgeous man with a huge chip on his shoulder becomes the main character. Ivy, alone and looking to start over, inadvertently is paired with Darek. Like typical romance stories, she begins to fall in love with Darek. Yet all is not as it seems. Ivy is responsible for the heartbreak Darek has experienced. Will her secret come out? Will it destroy them? Will her acceptance into the Christiansen clan, end with her own heartbreak? Follow the twisting plot turns, and find out.

Time for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program

Once again Tyndale is doing their Summer Reading Program. I am happy to say I have a supply of this summer's titles awaiting me already!  Here's my first book review on Susan May Warren's "You Don't Know Me." Another visit to the Deep Haven community. Warren has another winner, with realistic characters and a mysterious plot. Though part of the Deep Haven series, it can easily be read by itself. Annalise has been living a lie, through no fault of her own. Suddenly she is faced with her past, and the inability to hide. Will those who have been her life for the last 20 years accept her? Will her past enemy catch up to her? Will she trust God and those who love her, or will she run? There are many twists and turns, making you think you've got it all unraveled, when you really haven't. I always enjoy returning to Deep Haven, and this did not disappoint.