Thursday, January 29, 2015

Worlds Collide (By: Alison Strobel)

Worlds Collide
By: Alison Strobel

This book is one of Christian Fiction's best kept secrets! I have never seen it for sale at my local book store, nor do I frequently hear people discussing it. I'm really not even sure how I discovered it or where I picked up my copy. But like a pearl buried at the bottom of an ocean, this is a treasure you won't want to miss! If you enjoy realistic fairy tales of the "Hollywood heartthrob meets girl next door" variety, you will be swept away in these pages. And unlike so many similar tales, which play at the surface, this one isn't afraid to examine what might be going on way down deep - the struggles, the challenges and the sincerity of such a story. 

Storyline

This book's strength lies in it's originality! Written from the perspective of a reporter conducting an interview, Jack Harrington and Grace Winslowe's story is more than it appears to be: two people from completely different worlds falling in love. He's a famous actor who lives life on a whim, she's an elementary school teacher who has recently become a Christian. When they meet one night, their "worlds collide" and this sets them on a path neither could have seen coming for their lives. This story is real, it's passionate and fascinating, and reads like a fast-paced biography.

Depth

Because their inner struggles are shared so honestly, Jack and Grace's stories dive right in. Author Alison does not shy away from the raw reality of choices and their consequences, nor from the fact that life can be hard. Jack and Grace do not live squeaky clean lives, and wrestle with doing the right things, reconciling with past hurts and mistakes and making them right. .

Faith

At it's core, this entire story is about God taking control of a life and turning it completely, wonderfully upside down - with redemption as the theme! God is absolutely the main character here. We are given a bird's eye view to the amazing things He can do! The gospel is clearly laid out several times as we witness both Grace's and Jack's conversions; beyond that we are shown clearly that living a life of faith cannot be shallow. God wants all of us, all of our lives; and when we surrender to that, He is able to do far more than we could ever imagine! The redemption in this book is almost breathtaking.

Squeal Factor

Usually we love our tender, romantic moments, but this book is so good we hardly even noticed the lack of them. However, the chemistry sizzles between our two main characters! And it's worth noting that the very plot itself - famous dreamy guy marries ordinary girl next door - is automatically cause for just a wee bit of squeal factor.

Overall

This book is original, intelligent and written so well, we forgot it wasn't real! You will be swept up into this charming story! (SPOILER WARNING) And while we usually love a good, sappy, happily-ever-after ending, this story offers something different - and it's refreshingly real, honest and beautiful. 


Find it on Amazon: Worlds Collide

Thursday, January 22, 2015

A Change of Fortune (By: Jen Turano)


A Change of Fortune
By: Jen Turano

Hello friends! Do you have a list of books that are waiting to be read? We sure do - it seems there are just too many books and too little time! 

I (Michelle) have a list of books under "must read" on my kindle, but the list has grown so long I often don't know where to start. The last few times I scrolled through the list, one in particular kept staring at me: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano. Finally, I sat down and started reading, and knew it could go either way as this particular book is her debut novel. Would it be worthy, or one we could easily pass on? 

Well I was about to find out. Not even 5% in and to my delight, I was hooked! It had my attention, but more importantly, would author Jen keep it? Oh yes, she did! The book was a hit and I ended up loving it. Before I even was through with the book, I visited my library's website and put a hold on book two in the series so it would be ready when I finished book one. A Change of Fortune is the first in the Ladies of Distinction four-part series.

Storyline

Lady Eliza Sumner has lost everything: faith, family, fiancé and now, someone has stolen her fortune. She is determined to find the perpetrator, and as she travels to New York seeking this man, she disguises herself as a governess. Once there, Hamilton Beckett enters the scene, who she must work together with to retrieve her fortune. Hamilton is not looking for romance, and neither is Eliza, who has been hurt from a fiancé who left her. In fact she has one mission: find her fortune and return to her life London. But the sparks fly with these two and they may just have to reevaluate what they "want." Author Jen Turano's writing is fabulous. She is very comical, to the point you will find yourself laughing out loud. She creates characters you will grow to love!

Depth

Eliza has lost so much and no longer trusts others or God. She has much to learn. Hamilton has his own hurts as he has lost his wife, but is trying to keep his business strong and raise two young children. Many themes are prevalent in this story: revenge, betrayal, danger, friendship and more. We have the privilege of watching each character respond to each situation. .

Faith

Faith is present in the book but not overly so. We could have used more of it at the beginning and middle. Towards the end though, we loved finding out that God had a plan all along, even through the heartaches. Can you see only hardship in your trials, or can you sense the blessings in disguise? Do you know that He was ever present and actually had your best interest at heart? Eliza came to see this clearly and we loved sharing the experience with her.

Squeal Factor

Jen Turano did something new: made us believers that an author can save a kiss between the two main characters until late in the story, yet still have squeal factor! She did a great job conveying how the characters felt, how they interacted with each other, and we were given a front row seat to their inner thoughts! We loved the chemistry between Hamilton and Eliza, and the banter between two supporting characters. You will feel all giddy inside and won't want to put the book down. Hats off to you Jen, for making us believers!

Overall

You won't regret reading this star debut novel! It was completely entertaining and we can't wait to read the rest of the series. No doubt there are more late nights for us to come. Happy reading!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Love Unexpected (By Jody Hedlund)

Love Unexpected
By: Jody Hedlund

*Note: This is book one of Beacons of Hope Series

Storyline

This book offers a plot that's been visited before, but nonetheless kept us turning the pages right from the start! Widowed father Patrick is a light-keeper by night and a fisherman by day in 1800's Michigan. When Emma Chambers arrives in town, a traveling preacher suggests she and Patrick could be the answer to each other's desperate situations by getting married. Knowing it could solve several problems at once, the relative strangers agree and quickly say their vows. Lurking on the edges of wedded bliss, however, are dangers from the past that threaten all the new couple is working so hard for. Delightfully, Jody Hedlund adds some mystery to the story and keeps us guessing until the very end about some of the plot twists!

Depth

The issues in this book are no walk through the park. Near death experiences, parenting a difficult toddler, and reconciling with past mistakes are just a few components that gave this story flavor- and our main characters' deepest heart longings will reach out to the reader.

Faith

Faith is a central factor to the story, and key to the character development. Patrick and Emma both have pasts - his is sordid, hers is sad. He has trouble understanding how God has forgiven him, and she wonders where God has been through all of her loss. Both have a journey of faith to walk to reconcile these things, but God is an ever present help in their time of need throughout the book.

Squeal Factor

Sometimes the best squeal factor comes from the stories of "convenience marriages" and this is no exception! Living in close quarters, being a family and spending so much time together sets up this book well for tender moments between our two main characters. And the vivid setting for these moments - a lighthouse, stormy nights, and warm summer evenings - bring it to life all the more!

Overall

Not since the book The Doctor's Lady have we enjoyed one of Jody Hedlund's so much! Love Unexpected has all the right ingredients to ensure an entertaining read. It has enough real life to chew on, enough faith to give us hope and enough mystery and squeal factor to keep us turning the pages late into the night.

Find it on Amazon: Love Unexpected

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Five Days in Skye (By: Carla Laureano)

Five Days in Skye
By: Carla Laureano

For people who read so many books, it's hard to know which ones will truly whisk us away and be an enjoyable read. We always give a book a good 60 pages to see if it grabs our attention. Well friends, this one did! We were thrilled to find a great read by a new (to us) author and couldn't wait to share with all of you!

Storyline

Andrea Sullivan is a Hospitality Consultant who has one shot at grabbing a high profile client or she may not get that promotion she's been working for. Enter Celebrity Chef James MacDonald, who wants to re-open a hotel in his Scottish hometown isle of Skye. Andrea wants to get in, get the contract signed, and leave. James, however, has a much different plan. Andrea is not his typical lady friend, the kind who falls all over him. She is different, deep and independent. The story is filled with beautiful landscapes of Scotland, food you can almost taste, humor and great conversations.

Depth

Being in the spotlight has labeled James less than the perfect gentleman, but Carla lets us see the real him and why he doesn't show that side to the world. Andrea has a painful past and because of it, is married to her career. The journey to see if these two people can be mended, and to see if they are a good fit, is one we truly enjoyed.

Faith

Faith is definitely subtle at first but picks up momentum throughout the story. Forgiveness, accepting pain from the past and recognizing that God has so much more in the future, is very real. We aren't meant to walk this road alone, for He is - and has always been - there.

Squeal Factor

This book does not disappoint in the squeal factor. Its got sweet, intimate and tender moments between these two characters and Carla keeps it completely clean! Loved it! Sweet kisses, whispers in the ear and tender smiles at each other will capture your heart for these two.

Overall

This is one you'll want to read, especially if you love traveling, eating and romance. Hello! Yes please. The characters are lovable, charming and fun. We can hardly wait for the sequel to come out this June.