The Escape Artist

The escape artist Author: Brad Meltzer

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Who is Nola Brown and why is she supposed to be dead? Throughout this book, readers will be left stunned and salivating for answers for these two questions in addition to many, many more!

When a plane falls from the sky with seven passengers, one of them very important to the President of the United States, all of the bodies are sent to Jim “Zig” Zigarowski at Dover Air Force Base. However, one body causes a problem or him. The ID tag says she is Nola Brown but Zig can’t believe that is true. He hasn’t seen Nola in years but will never forget the night she saved his daughter at a campfire. That same night, she got a scar on her ear that would be unmistakable, the body in the morgue has no such scar. Zig feels he owes Nola a debt and is now on a mission to find out what happened and why her death is being faked. Nola works for the army as their artist-in-residence, a painter who goes into battle and shares a different point of view of what has happened than most. On her last mission, she witnessed something nobody was supposed to see that set in motion a course of events leading to the plane crash and her running for her life. Nola doesn’t know if she can trust Zig but she is running out of options and time. Together they will work to unearth the mysteries dating back to Harry Houdini and a mystery bigger than they could have ever imagined.

This book had a lot going on, between the military aspect to the story, the magic and Harry Houdini references and the actual mystery itself, so readers are going to need to pay close attention to all that is going on. I liked the way Meltzer made the characters memorable, Nola was a unique character in not only her attitude and mannerisms but also the physical features that set her aside making Zig know she wasn’t on that plane. There were a few points throughout the book when it was hard to believe the characters could do what they did without any others becoming suspicious or asking questions, but if you can look past that is still makes for a very enjoyable read. All questions were not tied up until the very last page keeping the reader engaged until the very end. In order to tell the whole story, Meltzer has to give Nola’s backstory in flashbacks. These can sometimes take the reader out of the story because it can stop the progression of what is happening in the present time and the back and forth can leave readers scratching their heads. I understand the need for this and think overall it was done fairly well but would have liked a little less flashbacks and a little more time spent in present tense, especially towards the end. I recommend this book to readers that like a thriller that will leave them thinking,, but not too hard because if they do the realism of the story will seem a little unbelievable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Sea Before Us

The sea before us Author: Sarah Sundin

Series: Sunrise at Normandy #1

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This new historical fiction romance series has definitely gotten my attention and I’m looking forward to the next installment!

American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton is stationed in England in 1944 getting ready for the invasion of Normandy. Wyatt has been running away from his past when a tragic accident spit him and his family apart, so he joined the Navy to get away. While in England, he meets a young 2^nd Office in the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wren) named Dorothy Fairfax. Dorothy lost her family to the London Blitz and is now estranged with her father even though they live together. She and Wyatt find themselves thrown together in an unusual circumstance that leads to a friendship. As each finds strength in their friendship to face their past troubles, Dorothy believes that romance can never be as she is smitten with a British naval officer. But she may never get the chance to find out as Wyatt is sent to sea duty for the invasion.

This new series is very promising. As a huge fan of World War II, it plays right into my interest. The excitement of Normandy also piqued my interest throughout the book and how the exercises were used to finalize the details. I also really enjoyed the romance between Wyatt and Dorothy through all the surprises that occurred. Both characters matured through the story as they were hardened and had to put their trust in God.

If you are not hooked to this story in the prologue, I’m not sure what else could have been done to trap you! I recommend this new series to history lovers and those that love a natural romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Breaking Cover

breaking cover Author: Michele Rigby Assad

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A remarkable firsthand account of a woman’s role in the CIA in the Middle East post 9/11.

Michele Rigby Assad didn’t grow up with plans to join the CIA or have an interest in the middle east. In fact, she never considered even going to the middle east until she met the man who would be her husband. Her husband, Joseph, is an Egyptian national who came to the United States after his family was persecuted for their faith and he couldn’t enter a university because of being a Christian. At a career fair while attending Georgetown, she decides to go to a CIA career fair. What happens as a result of that meeting puts a plan into motion that sends them over to extremely conservative Arab countries that aren’t women friendly. But the challenges she faces continually prepare her for the next stage of her life. Not only does she work as a clandestine operative, but after leaving the agency, she finds work as a security consultant that ultimately leads to helping persecuted Christians out of Iraq.

This book was very exciting and fast paced. The story is told progressively and educational at the same time. The concept of the CIA is fascinating, so when you have the chance the hear a firsthand account, it is always worth reading about. Further, it was very educational to understand more about middle eastern culture and how both the United States is perceived as well as foreign woman. This is going to be one of my top nonfiction picks for the year!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Guide to State Parks

State Parks Publisher: National Geographic Press

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

With pictures, maps, and visiting tips, this new edition is an adventurer’s must have!

Broken into ten regions, each section gives highlights of select state parks throughout all fifty states. Each state is featured with a group of ideal state parks to visit, which includes a map showing the location of the state park within the state as well as one or two color photos that the traveler can expect to take in a certain times of the year. Each state park also provides information on operating times, what to see and do, lodging information, and nearby sights. Additionally, a more compressive list of other state parks is included to the few featured for each state in case the traveler’s appetite is whetted for more adventure.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing how many of the state parks that I have already visited. We are a family who love to go state and national parks and enjoy nature through hiking, biking, kayaking, and so on. This is another book that we have already earmarked pages of places that we want to visit. We’re heading out to California in June and are planning to check out one of these new parks along the way. It is easy to navigate and will be a resource we consistently reference. I recommend this book for the traveler and those who love to read about nature.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Guide to Scenic Byways and Highways of the United States

Scenic Byways Publisher: National Geographic Press

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

With pictures, maps, and visiting tips, this new edition is a road warriors must have!

Broken into ten regions, each section gives highlights of scenic drives throughout all fifty states. Each state is featured with a group of ideal drives, which includes a map showing the location and relative distance of the drive as well as one or two color photos that the traveler can expect to take in a certain times of the year. Each drive is also provided with some points of interest to stop along the way as well as a little history. Undoubtedly this doesn’t catch every scenic trip worth taking, but is sure to get even the amateur traveler started in the right direction.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing how many of the drives I have already done. On the ones that I’ve completed, the pictures brought back memories of the drive and I might even add to the list of some of the points of interest. It also gives me a great guide for future places that I want to visit. We’ve always been an “out of the way” travel family preferring to take the less traveled path rather than get there as quick as possible, so this book was right up our alley. I recommend this to people who like to travel and get ideas about places that they would like to visit.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Passionate Hope

A Passionite Hope Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Series: Daughters of the Promised Land #4

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The next book in the series gives a new perspective to the story of Samuel’s parents.

Hannah and Elkanah share a deep love for one another. Even after having been married for several years and not conceiving a child, they still find enough with just each other. Unfortunately, that is not the case for others, including Elkanah’s mother. After much nagging, he agrees to take a second wife, Peninnah, who immediately produces a son. Although Peninnah is producing heirs, Elkanah still loves Hannah more, which pits them against each other. Peninnah continually scorns and mocks Hannah throughout their life. One night at the temple, Hannah pours out her heart to the Lord and makes a vow that if he will give her a son, she will give him back to be raised at the Temple. Shortly after this, she conceives a son and makes a vow that he shall be a Nazarite. Samuel is born and is raised by Eli the priest, but still sees his parents when they are in Shiloh. Now that Hannah is bearing children, she and Peninnah are even more at odds with each other. Can the two ever get along?

My favorite aspect of this book was having the story told from the three different viewpoints of the main characters. When reading the story in the Bible, most people probably sympathize with Hannah as the wrongfully treated wife who is mocked because she doesn’t have children. So, hearing the story in her words really brought the understanding of Jewish customs to a new level during the time period. However, also hearing it from Elkahan and Peninnah made it much more real. What must Elkannah have gone through with the hostility from both his mother and his second wife? And how did he feel when we had to give up the firstborn son from the woman he loved? The hurt Peninnah must have felt from never being loved as much as Hannah must have been awful for her. As always, Jill Eileen Smith brings an old testament story to life with vibrancy and excitement while still keeping an emotional connection to her audience!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Fiercehearted

Fiercehearted Author: Holley Gerth

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: October 3, 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

What I wouldn’t give to be Fierce Hearted at all times. The advice Holley gives throughout the book is important for every woman to hear to help them thrive.

In her latest book, Holley Gerth gives her readers the best advice possible to become the strongest, fiercest woman they can be. We all have the ability to be fierce hearted deep inside of us if we are only able to reach down and find it. Throughout the pages, Holley will help readers discover the freedom they never knew existed. To keep the pace, the book is layered throughout with personal stories to give the reader a sense of belonging in the story. With everyday real issues at the center of every chapter, it shows we are all the same even with our differences and that is what makes us fierce.

While a few sections of the book took longer for me to get through than the rest, I still feel there is a very good message throughout that all women need to remember. We have the ability to be stronger than we realize if we will rely on God to show us that strength and let it shine through. It can be hard to let that strength show when we feel beaten down and discouraged. But we never have to do it alone, God places people in our lives at just the right times to help bring that strength and Fierce Heartedness out of us, even when we didn’t know we had it inside in the first place. If we can learn to be obedient and follow that little voice inside of us, it will lead us further than we ever thought possible. I do believe the book could have been condensed a fraction in order to not lose the readers interest at times, but overall it is a great message that needs to be read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Tuscan Child

The Tuscan CHild Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Lake Union

Release Date: February 20, 2018

Rating; 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Can a young woman uncover her estranged father’s mysterious past to find a brother she never knew?

In 1944, British pilot Hugo Langley is flying a doomed mission across the Italian countryside when his plane is hit by the Germans. Hugo parachutes to safety in a section of German control Tuscany. His leg has been shot and he must find food and shelter to survive. A young woman named Sofia Bartoli discovers him and gives him aid. They work together to hide him in the old monastery that has been bombed. As the days go by, Hugo and Sofia build a relationship and begin to develop feelings for one another, even though both are still married. As the Allies continue to push the Axis powers out of Italy, the Germans become more desperate to find the pilot that was missing in the plane wreckage. Will Hugo and Sofia be able to escape together? Or is their relationship doomed?

Twenty-nine years later in England, Hugo’s daughter Joanna, has returned to Langley Hall after word of her father’s death. Now a boarding school for girls, the headmistress is ready to have her father’s belongings gone from the property. While going through the items, Joanna discovers an unopened letter addressed to Sofia Bartoli in a remote village in Tuscany with a reference to having hidden their little boy where only she can find it. On a whim, Joanna decides to embark for the small village of San Salvatore to discover more about her father. But when she arrives, she discovers that digging around in the past does not always find a warm welcome.

This was a really interesting book to read that was set in two past time periods. The author did a great job setting the scene for each of these periods based on technology. Many times I find a slip up or too when authors try to do this, but Bowen did a masterful job. I enjoyed reading both story lines, but tend to find myself more drawn to Hugo and Sofia’s story. I really enjoy that time period and it kept the story moving fast for me. The Italian hospitality was a keen as it has ever been throughout this story. Lots of talk of food that often made my mouth water. Especially for polenta! Love that stuff.

There is very mild language at times in the book and a small sex scene, but nothing graphic at all. I recommend this book to readers that love a good story and those that enjoy WWII era novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Deborah Calling

Deborah Calling Author: Avraham Azrieli

Publisher: Harper/Legend

Release Date: July 25, 2017

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

As the saga continues, will Deborah finally fulfill her personal wish to be a man? And will it impact her true calling?

Deborah has overcome loss, hardship, and physical labor to seek out the elixirist and become a man. After finally locating him at a tannery, she agrees to work for him will he prepares all of the doses of the male elixir. Now that she has completed the first two doses, she is ready for the final task. But first they must return to Edom to retrieve the final ingredients. On the way, they must pass through her hometown and collect Kassite’s old friend that runs the basket factory for the judge. This trip proves to be even more deadly than Deborah could have considered. Will anyone recognize her? If they do, will her quest be over? And what of her true calling as one of Yahweh’s prophets?

This book picks up directly where the first book ended. And the excitement picks up even more. After being pursed throughout much of the first book, Deborah must now face some of her past demons. Her remarkable character shines throughout this book as does the enjoyable banter between her and Kassite. What happens will surprise many readers as it is not expected, but with more twists also come more turns. I keep thinking that the story will be over and it will be where it is picked up in the bible, but it just keeps on continuing. I’m not sure which direction it will go next, but you can bet I’ll be reading it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Deborah Rising

Deborah Rising Author: Avraham Azrieli

Publisher: Harper/Legend

Release Date: September 27, 2016

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Based on biblical events, this story has the potential to be the prequel to the passage many have heard.

Deborah lost her parents a year ago, so the local judge took her and her sister in to live with them. The judge’s son chose her sister to marry and things were beginning to look positive. But the night of the wedding, her sister was slandered a nonvirgin since she did not bleed and must go through a trial. Throughout the trial, Deborah must watch her sister in the pit of shame while her husband speaks for her since she has no father or male relative. She is sentenced to death and Deborah must watch as her sister is stoned to death and finds herself suddenly engaged to the same man who killed her sister. In an attempt to run away, she hears the story of an elixirist from Edom who managed to turn women into men to win a war. After being returned to the camp, she works in the basket factory and the foreman is a slave from Edom who confirms the story of the elixirist. With help from a guilt ridden priest, Deborah escapes and sets off on a journey to find this mysterious figure to turn her into a man so that she can avenge her sister’s death and reclaim her family’s land. But will she ever manage to get away successfully?

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book other than a story about Deborah the prophet. Did I ever get more than what I bargained for. This story took me for a wild ride in directions I never expected. The way the story was told was exceptional and I was hooked from the first page. Deborah’s desire to be a man defined her very character and when she set her mind to a task, she accomplished it. It was interesting to see her personality develop into a leader as well. She got into some perilous situations, but was always able to work them out, sometimes with a little help.

There is always a lot of interpretation left to the imagination on biblical stories, so don’t go thinking this is debunking the bible or anything. Just enjoy the story for what it is. With no language or anything graphic, I flew through this book ready to jump into next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.