WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS by ANE MULLIGAN
Wow! I just finished reading this book and I am so impressed by the intrigue, adventure, and outstanding characters. The author did such an amazing job on giving us a peek at what it's like to work around senators and other high powered officials . Her intricate details were so spot on that I felt like I was there watching government in action. What is really impressive is how the story weaves through different characters and gives us glimpses of how God works. I loved how a few of the characters struggled at times with their faith and how they relied on Him in their weakest moments.
Sienna is a very straight forward young woman hoping to make a difference in the political arena. She has moved from her hometown and is ready to jump in with enthusiasm. Do you remember what it was like when you landed the job you had always dreamed about? For Sienna it seems she has been waiting for just the right opportunity. Will the job compromise her beliefs? Can she do her job and not be tempted by worldly values? There are moments in the story where Sienna really starts to question where God is. Have you ever felt like He isn't listening to you? I loved how vulnerable she felt at times and her willingness to say she is angry with Him. As she gets more involved in her job, the story takes on an intriguing twist that literary had me on the edge of my seat.
The story has everything you look for in a romantic suspense/political thriller including unsavory characters, behind closed doors deals, a scheme for power and an unforgettable high octane race to outsmart the bad guys. I loved everything about this book and didn't want it to end. Throughout the book I loved the relationship Sienna has with her parents. Her father is so down to earth and gives Sienna great guidance as she struggles with her relationship with God. It's funny how we let our pride get in the way sometimes and make bad decisions. Sienna must face some hard choices and trust God to help her through her journey to the truth. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a book that grabs your attention and takes you on an intriguing and emotional ride.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion.
Sienna is a very straight forward young woman hoping to make a difference in the political arena. She has moved from her hometown and is ready to jump in with enthusiasm. Do you remember what it was like when you landed the job you had always dreamed about? For Sienna it seems she has been waiting for just the right opportunity. Will the job compromise her beliefs? Can she do her job and not be tempted by worldly values? There are moments in the story where Sienna really starts to question where God is. Have you ever felt like He isn't listening to you? I loved how vulnerable she felt at times and her willingness to say she is angry with Him. As she gets more involved in her job, the story takes on an intriguing twist that literary had me on the edge of my seat.
The story has everything you look for in a romantic suspense/political thriller including unsavory characters, behind closed doors deals, a scheme for power and an unforgettable high octane race to outsmart the bad guys. I loved everything about this book and didn't want it to end. Throughout the book I loved the relationship Sienna has with her parents. Her father is so down to earth and gives Sienna great guidance as she struggles with her relationship with God. It's funny how we let our pride get in the way sometimes and make bad decisions. Sienna must face some hard choices and trust God to help her through her journey to the truth. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a book that grabs your attention and takes you on an intriguing and emotional ride.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion.
A MOTHER'S LOVE BY CHARLOTTE HUBBARD
This is one book that I couldn't put down. The author has written a very emotional story that grabs your attention as you feel the story come to life. It is hard to lose a family member. For Rose she has seen more than her share of tragedy. She has just buried her mom and now must face raising her child Gracie all alone. She has no one else in the world and knows she must support herself and her daughter.
Rose finds a job working at a retirement center cooking. She is able to take her daughter with her. Rose is a sweet woman who is grieving over the loss of her mother, father and husband. That is a heavy murder to carry. Has Rose lost her faith in God? Will this job help her and Gracie start to get their lives back together?
I fell instantly in love with Gracie. She is a very well mannered young girl. Her smile and outgoing personality lights up a room. People at the center take to her right away. I could see her sitting at the table playing games with the residents and giving them joy in their life. She is a ray of sunshine and plays a vital role in the story, " And a child shall lead them."
Matthias is a hard working man who has come to know Rose by helping her with the burial of her mom. He has taken a shine to Gracie and thinks she is a delightful child. When Rose finds out a secret that has been kept from her for many years, can Matthias help her work through it? Does she feel betrayed by the secret? Will she be able to forgive? The author has done an excellent job of showing us the consequences of hiding something. I love how Matthias stands by Rose and Gracie as more people are involved in the secret.
There are a few more characters in the book that the author introduces that shows the anger and resentment secrets can do to someone. The emotions were so real I could feel the pain and mistrust that came out. You don't want to miss this story that shows us forgiveness, faith and the unconditional love of a mother.
"Sometimes its the unexpected details that bring us to our knees."
"Forgiveness is a two-sided gift. The one who requests forgiveness is admitting a need for it, while the person who grants forgiveness has freed his own soul of any lingering doubt or trust.
Rose finds a job working at a retirement center cooking. She is able to take her daughter with her. Rose is a sweet woman who is grieving over the loss of her mother, father and husband. That is a heavy murder to carry. Has Rose lost her faith in God? Will this job help her and Gracie start to get their lives back together?
I fell instantly in love with Gracie. She is a very well mannered young girl. Her smile and outgoing personality lights up a room. People at the center take to her right away. I could see her sitting at the table playing games with the residents and giving them joy in their life. She is a ray of sunshine and plays a vital role in the story, " And a child shall lead them."
Matthias is a hard working man who has come to know Rose by helping her with the burial of her mom. He has taken a shine to Gracie and thinks she is a delightful child. When Rose finds out a secret that has been kept from her for many years, can Matthias help her work through it? Does she feel betrayed by the secret? Will she be able to forgive? The author has done an excellent job of showing us the consequences of hiding something. I love how Matthias stands by Rose and Gracie as more people are involved in the secret.
There are a few more characters in the book that the author introduces that shows the anger and resentment secrets can do to someone. The emotions were so real I could feel the pain and mistrust that came out. You don't want to miss this story that shows us forgiveness, faith and the unconditional love of a mother.
"Sometimes its the unexpected details that bring us to our knees."
"Forgiveness is a two-sided gift. The one who requests forgiveness is admitting a need for it, while the person who grants forgiveness has freed his own soul of any lingering doubt or trust.
SHINE LIKE THE DAWN by CARRIE TURANSKY
After finishing this book I had to just sit and enjoy the breathtaking story I just finished. I am so overwhelmed by the book that I may read it again just to feel what an impact it has made on me. The author has written a story with characters that leap off the pages and come to life. This is without a doubt her best writing to date. It is such a wonderful story that I want it made into a movie. Thanks to the author, I was whisked away to a beautiful and magnificent house nestled in Edwardian England. The setting is described with poise and grace. I truly was so caught up in the story that the world around me ceased to exist.
Maggie is a wonderful character with family values and a desire to uncover the truth about her family's tragic accident. She has wondered and even suspected that their death was not an accident. Over the last few years Maggie has started to become bitter towards God. It was hard for her to understand why He would take her family and leave her with pain that was unbearable at times. I loved how the author took Maggie through painful memories and exposed her hardened heart. We all deal with grief in different ways. Maggie will face loss and watching her deal with it was so compelling. With her grandmother's encouragement, Maggie will find herself asking God for forgiveness and help. "God hears and answers prayer. Those answers are not always the ones we'd hoped for."
Nate was my favorite character. He loved his father dearly and was very saddened at his sudden death. Having been away from home, Nate is not familiar with how the family company runs. I think his pride got in the way a few times and maybe brought on some burdens that he was not ready for. He wanted to make his dad proud of him and was determined to run the company like his dad did. I suspect that Nate felt he was in over his head and I loved how he sought out spiritual guidance. "Kindness and humility will take you much further in life than pride and a stubborn heart."
I enjoyed the mystery that the author brought into the story. The death of Maggie's family was becoming more suspicious as Maggie started digging into the past. I was so sure I knew who was responsible, but the author cleverly gave us several suspects. During the story several characters have kept secrets that when exposed could destroy many lives. Do you think it is ok to hide things for any reason?
One of the most powerful conflict in the book was the strike brewing at his company that was becoming more evident as Nate tries desperately to get both sides to communicate and comprise. Once again Nate's strong ability to do the right thing was weighing heavily on his shoulders. I loved how he recognized that he needed to pray and have someone to guide him through this difficult time. There are wonderful examples in the story that show God's mercy and grace. The book is one that will reach into the depths of your soul and take you on a journey through pain, grief, anger, loss, pride and heal wounds, restore relationships and bring families back together. I will end my review with this from the book, "It would take God's intervention to change men's hearts and the power of the Spirit, working in and through him to see good."
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Maggie is a wonderful character with family values and a desire to uncover the truth about her family's tragic accident. She has wondered and even suspected that their death was not an accident. Over the last few years Maggie has started to become bitter towards God. It was hard for her to understand why He would take her family and leave her with pain that was unbearable at times. I loved how the author took Maggie through painful memories and exposed her hardened heart. We all deal with grief in different ways. Maggie will face loss and watching her deal with it was so compelling. With her grandmother's encouragement, Maggie will find herself asking God for forgiveness and help. "God hears and answers prayer. Those answers are not always the ones we'd hoped for."
Nate was my favorite character. He loved his father dearly and was very saddened at his sudden death. Having been away from home, Nate is not familiar with how the family company runs. I think his pride got in the way a few times and maybe brought on some burdens that he was not ready for. He wanted to make his dad proud of him and was determined to run the company like his dad did. I suspect that Nate felt he was in over his head and I loved how he sought out spiritual guidance. "Kindness and humility will take you much further in life than pride and a stubborn heart."
I enjoyed the mystery that the author brought into the story. The death of Maggie's family was becoming more suspicious as Maggie started digging into the past. I was so sure I knew who was responsible, but the author cleverly gave us several suspects. During the story several characters have kept secrets that when exposed could destroy many lives. Do you think it is ok to hide things for any reason?
One of the most powerful conflict in the book was the strike brewing at his company that was becoming more evident as Nate tries desperately to get both sides to communicate and comprise. Once again Nate's strong ability to do the right thing was weighing heavily on his shoulders. I loved how he recognized that he needed to pray and have someone to guide him through this difficult time. There are wonderful examples in the story that show God's mercy and grace. The book is one that will reach into the depths of your soul and take you on a journey through pain, grief, anger, loss, pride and heal wounds, restore relationships and bring families back together. I will end my review with this from the book, "It would take God's intervention to change men's hearts and the power of the Spirit, working in and through him to see good."
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
STRAIGHTENED by ALANA TERRY
I am so enjoying reading this series and getting to know Kennedy . She is a young college student that has faced many obstacles. The author always does a great job of tackling controversial subjects with grace . I have come to really appreciate her stories and love how she gives readers both sides of the subject. The author never gives her personal opinion but let's readers see the struggles that go with issues that may be difficult to handle.
In this story a young boy tells his father that he is gay. The father is shocked and does not react the way the boy was hoping for. It opens the door for characters to question their own beliefs. I really had a heart for Noah as he struggles to be accepted. Don't we all want to be accepted regardless of what some may think is wrong? The book not only deals with sensitive subjects but there is a death and mystery surrounding it. I love how the story weaves so gracefully and gives us many topics that had me asking myself if I judge others simply because they believe differently then me. In the end , a sin is a sin. God doesn't say one sin is worse then another. The good news is we can be forgiven .
As I read the book, I felt the author showed through her characters how important unconditional love is and the willingness to talk things through with each other. Misunderstandings can lead to hurt feelings and draw people away from each other. The subject of this book may be sensitive to some, but I am thankful for an author that is willing to write about it and do it with love and be nonjudgmental. I have to say this is one of my favorites of her books. It is a very eye opening book and really shows the strength that Kennedy has as she questions her own beliefs. My hope is that people will read this and come away with the knowledge that God loves everyone.
In this story a young boy tells his father that he is gay. The father is shocked and does not react the way the boy was hoping for. It opens the door for characters to question their own beliefs. I really had a heart for Noah as he struggles to be accepted. Don't we all want to be accepted regardless of what some may think is wrong? The book not only deals with sensitive subjects but there is a death and mystery surrounding it. I love how the story weaves so gracefully and gives us many topics that had me asking myself if I judge others simply because they believe differently then me. In the end , a sin is a sin. God doesn't say one sin is worse then another. The good news is we can be forgiven .
As I read the book, I felt the author showed through her characters how important unconditional love is and the willingness to talk things through with each other. Misunderstandings can lead to hurt feelings and draw people away from each other. The subject of this book may be sensitive to some, but I am thankful for an author that is willing to write about it and do it with love and be nonjudgmental. I have to say this is one of my favorites of her books. It is a very eye opening book and really shows the strength that Kennedy has as she questions her own beliefs. My hope is that people will read this and come away with the knowledge that God loves everyone.