BOOK REVIEW: Silent Night

Silent Night 
A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella

I was given a digital copy of this book to review, and honestly I couldn't put it down! Silent Night is a heart-warming story about a couple , Bree and Kade, recovering from the loss of their unborn child. They are preparing for the arrival of family for Christmas when Lauri, Kade's sister, unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep.

Bree, the wife, own a search and rescue dog Samson. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore. As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.

Colleen Coble masterfully weaves an engaging story line with endearing characters. I found myself in tears at times, hurting with and also rejoicing with the characters in the book. There were twists and turns in the plot that were pleasantly unexpected. I thought it was very engaging and fun to read, but the ending left me feeling that this was an unfinished book. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, and I will definately want to read more of Ms. Cobles' work!

Book Review: The Anger Workbook

Book Review: The Anger Workbook

I was given a copy of this book to review and I have to say I'm impressed. This 248 page workbook is an interactive way to get help with our anger. I used to think that it was just part of who I am, part of my personality to have a temper until God got my attention and showed me the truth. This workbook starts out by identifying and defining anger, then managing anger. It walks the reader through many topics such as, "feeling controlled causes anger," " how pride influences anger," and "Why anger lingers." It even talks about managing your child's anger. Each section has readings then blanks to allow the reader to respond to what was read. It is presented in manageable chunks of information to allow the reader to work through the book at their own pace. This workbook is God-centered and full of wisdom. It is thorough and exhaustive. I feel certain if you have been needing help managing anger, this book will be just what the doctor ordered. I am thankful God provided me with a copy and I would encourage you to work through this book and allow God to heal those parts of you that need His loving touch.

Book Review: The Bridge

Book Review: The Bridge by: Karen Kingsbury

 I recently had the privilege of receiving a digital copy of this book, and in exchange I was asked to review it. It didn't take me long to read the book because it was that good!

The Bridge is a bookstore, located in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee. This is a place where townsfolk can connect and meet the generous owners Charlie and Donna Barton. For 30 years Charlie touched the lives of countless people with his passionate love for books and his generous love for people.

Two such people, Ryan Kelly and Molly Allen would find their lives forever changed at the Bridge.

Suddenly tragedy strikes the town of Franklin in the form of the 100 year flood, destroying the beloved bookstore and all of its contents. What will become of the bookstore and how this turn of events plays out are for you to discover when you read this wonderful book by masterful story-teller Karen Kingsbury. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

Book Review: Tangled Ashes

Tangled Ashes by: Michele Phoenix

Tangled Ashes is a beautifully woven story blending the past with the present. In the present, architect Marshall Becker is asked to travel from the United States to renovate a Renaissance-era castle in Lamorlaye, France. Designed to   be an escape, the project proves to test Becker to his very limits, fighting demons from his past. In the past, the Natzi Germans used Lamorlaye Castle as one of their headquarters. Two local girls, hired to work in the castle as maids, end up discovering the Natzi's true plan and must decide where their true loyalties lie.

Ms. Phoenix does a beautiful job interweaving the stories of the past and present, unraveling mysteries slowly and masterfully. Every character introduced becomes an important piece of the puzzle, making the story more and more interesting with every turn of the page. I became involved in these fictional character's lives, and cared what happened next. I found myself disappointed when I couldn't continue reading. I was sad when the book came to an end because I enjoyed reading it so thoroughly.

I would highly reccomend this book to anyone that loves mystery, drama, history and suspense. It is a christian book that flows naturally, never preachy. I would readily read anything that this author writes in the future.

I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for writing a review.

Book Review: The River

The River By: Michael Neale

Gabriel Clarke is a young man who is bound by chains of fear, cast upon him at an early age. The terrible event that happened that day shaped his life, causing him to be depressed and afraid, afraid of the River. Yet Gabriel is drawn to the River. The River represents freedom and adventure, peace and contentment. Things he has longs for his entire young life.

Gabriel, more than anything wants to break free and experience the joys of the River but can not do so alone. Friends help encourage him and he decides to return to Colorado, the place of his birth and the tragic event that so shaped his life. As he faces the most challenging yet rewarding times of his life, he knows he is home. 

From page one I was hooked and did not want to put this book down. Michael Neale is a master story-teller and wove a tale that captured my heart and my imagination. He made me not only care for the characters in the book, but I could identify with them. I longed to experience all the River had to offer. I felt their joys and their pain, their anger and sadness. I longed for more when the story ended, sad that I had to stop reading.

I would highly recommend this book and I sincerely hope the author is moved to write more! I was given a copy of the book to review and I gladly offer this review to encourage you to read it as I did.

Book Review: Coming Home

Book Review: Coming Home

By: Karen Kingsbury

Coming Home is a well-written novel about the Baxter Family. Although Ms. Kingsbury has written several books about the Baxter family, this novel can stand alone and serve as an introduction, or as a beautiful conclusion in the saga of the Baxter Family. The Patriarch of the Baxter family is about to turn 70 years old, and his grown children plan a surprise party in his honor. Then the unthinkable happens. During their many hours of waiting the family rallies together and shares memories that bring hope and healing. Through it all they grow closer to God and each other.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. I cried with the family and felt like I really got to know these fictitious people. Ms. Kingsbury is a master story-teller and sucked me in within the first pages of the book. I did get a little confused as I tried to keep all of the characters straight in my mind, since I never read any of the other Baxter novels. I do still say that this book van be read as a stand-alone, but if I had read the other books I would have already known the characters and could have followed the story a little easier.

I have always loved reading Karen Kingsbury books, and would read another solely because she wrote it. She's that good of an author. I highly recommend this book to any of you wanting to read a heart-wrenching yet heart-warming story of love and faith.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for reviewing the book.

Book Review:Tide Water Inn

Book Review:Tide Water Inn

By: Colleen Coble

Libby loves restoring historical buildings, it's her passion. She and her partner Nicole came to Hope Island to restore several buildings. What she found was so much more. Libby finds out that the Father whom she thought had abandoned her, just passed away, leaving her Tide Water Inn as her inheritance. She also discovers that she has a brother and sister she never knew she had. If that isn't overwhelming enough, her friend Nicole is abducted by 2 strange men, then the Island endures a hurricane. Making matters worse, the local sheriff suspects that Libby murdered Nicole. 

In the midst of these troubles, Libby meets a handsome Coast Guard lieutenant who helps her in her search for Nicole. While she tries to find her friend, she also tries to build a relationship with her newfound siblings. The longer she stays on Hope Island, the more she falls in love with the place and the people. But finance troubles may force her to sell the Inn. Will she find Nicole, clear her name, and find a way to keep the Inn? 

I enjoyed reading this book! It held my attention from the start and kept me wanting to read more. Colleen Coble is a talented writer and a master story-teller. She wove themes of faith, romance, and murder mystery all in one charming story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!