Not who I imagined

I love this book, I absolutely love it. Its a great book on the love and grace and mercy of God, and His willingness to accept us right where we are. It was such an encouraging read, and a great reminder of how we don't have to try and measure up or deserve God's grace and forgiveness, that He's freely given them to us. I find that it seems now days that there is so much law preached at us, that lacks grace and the forgiveness for mistakes. It was so refreshing to be able to get into this book and receive such encouragement! I truly enjoyed and got so much out of this book! As a more seasoned Christian, I didn't really feel that I had any kind of problem with understanding how loving God is, but Margot Starbuck really opened my eyes to how much MORE loving God is, how much more gracious, and merciful He is, than I initially understood.
I 100% would recommend this book to any Christian, in any season of life. You will be encouraged, and you will learn so much about the heart of the Father!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

In the Shadow of Jezebel

Mesu Andrews' book "love amid the ashes" is my absolute favorite book that I own, so when I saw that I would be receiving another of her books for review I was totally thrilled. I love that she takes these characters within the Bible (who sometimes aren't as well known) and just brings them to live with her stories. I loved this book, I loved meeting and understanding the characters within the book. Mesu opens our eyes to the possibility of so much more of an understanding with the characters and their back stories. While I realize that her story is based on a Biblical story, but is not entirely held to the true account (since no one knows what the true account is of some of these back stories that aren't developed upon in the Bible) Mesu's story gives us the understanding that these people had lives that shaped them, and people that set their paths for them as well. It really made me look afresh at the story in the Bible!
In this book we're introduced to Sheba, who is brought up as a priestess for baal, but is suddenly packaged off for marriage to a Jewish high priest. I loved watching Sheba's faith develop, and seeing her gain courage as she stands up to her Ima, and begins to follow God. I love the lesson that Sheba's high priest husband teaches, to be "wise without lies".
This book was so good, I highly recommend it!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

A Heart's Rebellion

Because apparently this is the month of my obliviousness, I did not catch on till half way through that this was a sequel to the book "Moonlight Masquerade"! I was so excited to see the familiar characters in the book, and catch up on what they're doing!
I am quickly becoming a big fan of Ruth Axtell and her books! As true to her other books, "A heart's rebellion" was very well written, easy to follow and a great story!
I loved getting to know Jessamine better (after having only been slightly introduced to her in "Moonlight Masquerade") and seeing/understanding the effect of Rees "breaking up" with her. as we travelled through the story, you could see the heart of Jessamine and could understand (even if you didn't agree) with the choices she made. This story had my up late at night, I could hardly stand to put the book down until the last page! It was so well written and had such a great flow!!
It was such a great book, I highly recommend it!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

Death by the Book

I had originally started reading Deering's books with "Rules of Murder" so as soon as I saw this one, it was instantly recognizable as one of hers! To be honest, I struggled with this book, maybe its simply that I'm not used to reading they mystery style books, but I really struggled to keep up with and follow where the story was going. For me I felt like I was having to put out a lot of effort to remember what had happened within the story so I could understand where it was going!  I didn't however dislike the book, while there were struggles, I did find myself enjoying the story. I also appreciated how Deering made her characters personalities come to life within her book.
In "Death by the Book" we again read of Drew Farthering, and the mysteries he continually gets caught up in! When a death close to home happens, Drew sets himself in to find out the killer and solve the murder. He is surrounded by intrigue, mystery and suspense, with no one being who they appeared to be.
I think those who are into the mystery genre will really enjoy this book!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

Love Comes Calling

I'm a big fan of Siri Mitchell's books, I love her writing style and the flow her stories seems to have! That said, at first I did not like this book at all! I thought it was flighty and the character was ditzy, it wasn't until half way through the book that I began to pick upon the "reason" for her flightiness. Once I caught on, the behaviors and style of the book made a lot more sense! I do have to say though, with the flighty character I did find it hard at times to follow along and keep up with the story line.
However, true to her style, Siri Mitchell wrote a well thought out and heartwarming story, that had elements of danger and surprise throughout it. In spite of the difficulties I had, I still very much enjoyed this book, and I think others will catch on earlier to what I had missed!
In "Love Comes Calling" we read about Ellis, who no matter what she tries, always ends up messing up! As she works hard to do a favor for a friend, Ellis finds herself caught up in a plot against someone she cares about. She works hard to sort out clues and understand what they're trying to tell her!
In all, I really do think people will enjoy this book, I think the issues I had with it were simply my fault, for not paying attention hard enough, or not having an open enough mind. Siri's style of writing seems a bit different to me in this book, I think I'm just too used to her other books!
I would recommend this book, I think people will enjoy the story!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"