Under a Cloudless Sky

Under a Cloudless Sky Author: Chris Fabry

Publisher: Tyndale

Release Date: January 9, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A remarkable story bringing past and present events that collide that can only be reconciled with forgiveness.

In 1933, the mining town of Beulah Mountain, West Virginia has it shares of ups and downs. The mine owners have the ups and the workers have the downs. But not all owners are unfair. Jacob Handley agreed to be a financial backer of the mine if he could put measures in place that would make it more fair for the workers, including housing, food and supplies from a company store, etc. However, other members felt that increasing the bottom line was the primary goal by whatever means necessary. Even so, a friendship between Handley’s daughter, Ruby, and one of the mine workers daughters named Bean struck up and became inseparable. Through Bean’s mama and their church, Ruby became saved and was baptized. They were inseparable, until an unfortunate series of events set a massacre in place that would change their lives forever.

Several decades later in 2004, Hollis Beasley is trying to prevent the land in Beulah Mountain from being bought out by Coalman Coal and Energy. Unfortunately, the company has deep pockets with roots in the tax appraisal office that is making it impossible for the land owners to pay taxes on their land, forcing many to sell. Ruby Handley Freedman now lives in Kentucky and is fighting her children to keep her independence. Having not been back to Beulah Mountain since the massacre, the town has changed and the historical society has refurbished her old childhood home above the company store as a museum. Feeling the need to return for forgiveness as well as to prove to her children that she can still take care of herself, Ruby takes off with no notice to head to Beulah Mountain. This decisions starts a series of events that will change everyone’s lives in Beulah Mountain just as the day she left.

I have never been disappointed in a book by Chris Fabry, so it comes as no surprise that I quickly devoured this one as well. With a resounding theme of forgiveness throughout the book, Fabry weaves a tragic story planted with a seed of hope. I was so caught up in both stories that I couldn’t pick which one I wanted to follow more. Fabry also did a great job taking me back to 2004 with the reference to Switchfoot as well as a few other tidbits such as internet browsers of the past. You don’t realize how much your forget until you’re confronted with it again. And yes, Meant to Live is still playing in my head now much like it did then.

Ruby’s story was humorous, suspenseful, and downright terrifying at times. To hear about the poor treatment of people at any time in history (or present) is never an enjoyable experience. However, we must learn what happened or we are doomed to repeat it. I also liked that he showed how people prefer to sugarcoat the bad and focus on the good. By understanding this, we can look past the surface and see the hurt that people are facing.

I always enjoy books that allow me to have a bit of a prediction and this one was no exception. I’m happy to say that my prediction of the story came true. However, there was a twist that also happened as part of the prediction, which made it even better. Be sure to pick up a copy of this great new book for 2018. You’ll be glad you did.

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

Another One Bites the Crust

Another one bites the crust Author: Ellie Alexander

Series: A Bakeshop Mystery #7

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Another deliciously tasteful mystery by Ellie Alexander. Another One Bites the Crust is sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your craving for a good mystery.

When a Shakespeare Festival returns to Ashland, the local bakery, Torte, is called upon as the main supplier of treats for the event. Before the main event can begin, the town is hit with a murder and Jules’s friend Lance, the theater director is the main suspect. Juliet knows Lance is big into drama but has a hard time believing he would murder anyone. It now falls to Juliet to find the real murderer and prove her friend innocent before anyone else gets cooked.

One of the nicest things about the Bakeshop Mysteries is they are fun cozy mysteries that you can just relax and enjoy. There is nothing too complicated that takes a lot of thinking or over analyzing. I enjoy the witty banter, the quick pace and the character interactions. Even though this is the seventh in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The author does a great job of giving just enough back story so a new reader can enjoy it without having to have read all in the series. By this point, if you have read all in the series it is easy to see how well developed the characters are and the flow of the story is great. I enjoyed how this story focused more on Jules and Thomas and had less to do with Carlos. However, I do foresee him coming back in the next installment with what was mentioned at the end. I recommend this to readers that want a nice, sit by the fire with a blanket story that will make them laugh at times and keep them guessing at what is to come next.

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

A Song of Home

A Song of Home Author: Susie Finkbeiner

Series: Pearl Spence #3

Publisher: Kregel Books

Release Date: November 28, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

An emotional conclusion to the Pearl Spence trilogy!

Pearl Spence is going through the motions of life. In 1930s Michigan, life is already hard enough with the depression. But when her mama ran off with the newspaper owner, things got even more difficult with the town gossiping. Fortunately, they have the help of a young woman named Opal, who is half white and half colored. Most people don’t think of her as much, but she can sure dance to swing music. Pearl finally manages to get her to teach her how to dance and people who she didn’t see eye to eye with before now want her to teach them what she knows. Everything seems to be going better, until one day her mama comes home. But it’s not the mama she remembers from Oklahoma, she is much more distant and moody. The way her mama treats her daddy makes her wish she had never come back and with the unfortunate surprise she brought with her. Can Pearl weather yet another storm in her young life?

I have immensely enjoyed getting to know Pearl through these three books and really hope that the trilogy turns into a series as Pearl grows older. All the historical accuracies have contributed to making each book enlightening and educational to someone who enjoys historical fiction. Couple that with the emotional turmoil that Pearl continues to find herself in and each book becomes very personal. I’m glad to see that Finkbeiner is writing these books on this level so that we can understand not only what kids during the depression went through, but also that several kids in today’s world are going through the exact same thing. Seasons change but the same problems are still there. In several instances, the reader dwells on what would be best to handle the situation. Would he/she react like Mary Spence or more like Aunt Carrie? Each of these books is filled with characters to aspire to be more like as well as those that should be avoided.

If you haven’t started this wonderful series, I strongly urge you to pick up A Cup of Dust first. If has a lot of background and as each book is a continuation, you will need to read them in order. This has quickly become one of my favorite series and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.

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

Oath of Honor

oath of honor Author: Lynette Eason

Series: Blue Justice #1

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A hard hitting, nail-biting, good as they get thrill ride!

Isabelle (Izzy) St. John has joined several others in her family to pursue a career in law enforcement. Her mother is the chief of police and with three brothers and two sisters, they make for a loud and interesting bunch. During a stake out with her partner that goes south, Izzy barely escapes with her own life; unfortunately, her partner does not get out so lucky. She begins to pursue what happened with a determination like never before. She teams up with Ryan, her late partner’s brother, and together they chase lead after lead to get justice and hopefully put away the bad guys. Her family worries for her safety while she worries her heart won’t be able to handle the road she is going down with Ryan.

It is so nice to start the year out with such a fun thrilling read. Oath of Honor is by far the best I have read from Lynette Eason. It is fast paced, witty, and filled with edge-of-your-seat action until the very last page. This is also one of the most realistic works I have read from an author in a long time. The timing of events along with the motivation behind each action made for a thrilling story that I was unable to put down. As the beginning of a new series, I see such potential for where these characters can go for the next books. Ryan and Izzy sizzle together and it is an easy romance to happen; its natural, just like each step they take to solve the case feels natural instead of forced. With so many in the St. John family, it will be fun to see how the others stories unfold. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a fast paced, action filled story that they will be unable to put down.

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

Missing Isaac

Missing Isaac Author: Valerie Fraser Luesse

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

Alabama in the 1960s is still a time of segregation and prejudice. Additionally, a class system is in effect, separating the old established “haves” from the “have nots.” Missing Isaac explores both the prejudice and the classism of the time.

At the beginning of the book, Pete McLean’s world is turned upside down when his father, a white cotton farm landowner, is killed in a freak farming accident. He and his mother must continue the family business while mourning the loss. Pete especially does not take the death easily. Fortunately for him, one of the black farmhands, Isaac Reynolds, steps in and takes Pete under his wing. He takes him fishing and doesn’t lecture or assault Pete with questions; instead, he creates a comfortable silence in which Pete is able to mourn and come out of mourning on his own time. Isaac even does the unthinkable: he takes Pete to a blacks-only barbecue joint in the black community; he risks getting in trouble with both black and white people, but does it to help Pete. Pete and Isaac establish an unconventional friendship, but it works for both of them.

The second tragedy in Pete’s life is the sudden disappearance of Isaac. Witnesses last saw him on the way home from a poker game, and he was never seen again. Pete’s deep love for his friend gives him the determination to find out what happened to Isaac despite the segregation. The sheriff of their small town doesn’t spend much in the way of money or man hours looking for a black man, and frankly, nobody expects him to. Isaac’s own family knows that nothing will be done even if by some miracle someone does find out what happened to him.

Through Pete’s journey into healing after the loss of his dear friend, he comes upon a Pickett girl from the hollow and strikes up a friendship with her. She is from the wrong side of the tracks, and neither her family or the people in Pete’s world are happy about their new relationship.

So much changes throughout the story that affects Pete and how his life is defined. He learns about how people treat one another and how people value others’ lives differently. Along the way, he learns he does not have to be like that and that every person deserves respect.

I usually spend my time quickly reading through a book so that I can find out what happens next. I had a feeling I would want to slowly savor this one, so I made a point to do that. I am so glad I did; I was able to absorb and enjoy each part of the book, whether happy or sad. I think I enjoyed it much more by taking my time, and I am sure other readers will too. There is a lot to learn from the behavior of the various characters, and every one has something to say. The themes are just as relevant today as they were back then, and the storyline itself is engaging and thought-provoking. While parts of the story jumped around and confused me at times, they managed to circle back by the end of the book so that everything made sense. This is truly a well-thought-out book that deserves time and attention from its readers.

Violence and profanity appear throughout the story, but nothing is outright flagrant. Adults and mature teens should enjoy Missing Isaac for its relevant themes, well-developed characters, and fascinating storyline.

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

Cold Water

cold Water Author: Samuel Parker

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A pulse-pounding thrill ride that will haunt you past the last page and well into the night.

When Michael wakes up after being buried alive, he just wants to give up at first. He has spent half his life behind bars since before he was a teenager. Now, he has gone back to his home town hoping to live a quiet life and be left alone. The people of Coldwater have other ideas, set on seeking the punishment they feel the prison system lacked. Michael is trying to keep himself alive and figure out the dark powerful forces that are creeping inside him and destroying everything he comes in contact with. The only question now is whether or not he be able to stop it before it is too late.

From the extraordinary mind that brought us Purgatory Road comes the next dark and chilling tale that will be sure to keep readers up well past their bedtime. I was once again mesmerized by the work of Samuel Parker. His writing is so real and chilling that I find the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I turn each page. For a supernatural thriller to be this chilling and realistic is a feat not many can accomplish. After Purgatory Road, I knew I had to read what Samuel Parker wrote next and I am happy to say I was not disappointed. There are several aspects to this story: the darkness within us all, how we deal with said darkness, and also how our darkness can affect those around us in ways we may never know or understand. This is not a book for the faint of heart, readers need to be aware that it is dark and just might keep you up at night. With that being said, it is also a good look into the soul of man and a way to see just what we all need to see and be aware of about ourselves. I recommend this to readers wanting a look inside and willing to take what they see and use it for good.

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

Troubled Waters

Trouble waters Author: Susan May Warren

Series: Montana Rescue #4

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The newest Montana Rescue book gives readers the story they have been waiting for with Ian and Sierra.

Ian Shaw has been waiting a long time for a happy ending. After his niece, Esme, went missing, he put all his resources into finding her with no luck. Then a series of explosions and wildfires put him in hot water with the government for his work causing him to lose the fortune he has worked so hard for. And to top it all off, the woman he loves is now refusing to speak to him. Sierra Rose didn’t think the day would come when she had to give up on Ian Shaw, but his obsessive search to find his niece left no room for her. The solution to her problem comes when she finds Esme, who doesn’t want her uncle or anyone else for that matter, to know where she is. These problems get put on hold for Sierra when the PEAK rescue team is in need of funds and Sierra arranges a fundraiser using Ian’s yacht in the Caribbean. Towards the end of the excursion, the ship is irreparably damaged and the passengers end up overboard in the churning sea. Ian and Sierra have to tests the boundaries of the relationship they have left along with their own survival skills in order to come out alive and help the others in any way they can.

Book four in a series can be very difficult. Your audience needs something new and fresh to stay interested but also want to continue the story of the characters they have formed a bond with over the previous books. Susan May Warren has delivered her best installment yet with Troubled Waters. The story of Ian and Sierra has been developing slowly with each of the previous books in the Montana Rescue series and goes full force as they finally have their own story. Fans of Warren’s writing will not be disappointed. She has brought these characters to life more than any in the series so far and the tension was at a whole new level. With the PEAK rescue team, there is always tension with someone being in danger and the team having to work together to save them, but the danger here hit home with all the characters, and not just Ian and Sierra being in a tough spot. It is nice that these books come out quick enough together that readers aren’t left waiting too long to find out what is coming next. I recommend this book to readers that are wanting a great romantic suspense with heart and a story they will not be able to put down.

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

New Andi Adventures

Title: Andi Lassos Trouble

Series: Circle C Stepping Stones #3

Author: Susan K. Marlow

Publisher: Kregel

Release Date: November 28, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A substitute teacher, a kidnapping, and mysterious men make the newest Circle C an adventure not to be missed.

Andi thinks her worst nightmare has come true when her teacher, Miss Hall, gets hurt and can’t teach for a while. It is worse than she could have imagined when Andi’s mother becomes the substitute teacher. Andi is afraid the other kids will tease her, but her worries disappear when she and her mother are kidnapped and taken far away to a man who was looking for Miss Hall to teach him how to read. Her mother is adamant they not tell of the mistaken identity and risk angering their kidnappers. While Andi tries to be good and stay out of trouble, her mother teachers their captor to read and she finds interesting facts about his past and why it is so important he learn to read. As time runs out for them to be rescued, Andi must summon her courage and escape to try and save her mother before it is too late.

The newest adventure in the Circle C series takes the reader on an entirely new path from what we are used to seeing with Andi. In the previous Circle C books, Andi has fun being a kid; here things are much more serious and there is no time for fun and games. Andi has to show how brave she can be when faced with her most frightening situation yet. This story is very much about being brave, trusting those who we love and also staying true to your faith in God. Young readers that are looking for an adventure that is a little more of a challenge will enjoy Andi to the Rescue without having to worry about being scared from the content. I recommend this book to those readers and even parents looking for a good book to read together with their kids.

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

Title: Andi to the Rescue

Series: Circle C Stepping Stones #4

Author: Susan K. Marlow

Publisher: Kregel

Release Date: November 28, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A substitute teacher, a kidnapping, and mysterious men make the newest Circle C an adventure not to be missed.

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

Looking at 2018

Once again we find ourselves remembering our favorite books of the past year, but also anticipating all the future releases coming out in 2018. Check out the list of several titles that we can’t wait for next year.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. A new Dugoni novel is something that we always look forward to. Find out more here.
The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron. Diving back into historical fiction, Cambron is promising us another spectacular series. Find out more here.
A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni. The next installment in the Tracy Crosswhite series is definitely something to look forward to next year. Find out more here.
Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon. A retelling of the popular story combined with Langdon’s unique writing style equals a must read. Find out more here.
Everywhere You Want to Be by Christina June. A retelling of the popular story Little Red Riding Hood should be enough for you to grab this one off the shelf. Find out more here.
Troubled Waters and Storm Front by Susan May Warren. Continuing the Montana Rescue series with another character’s story always keeps it interesting. Find out more here about Troubled Waters and here about Storm Front..
Coldwater by Samuel Parker. Parker’s next novel proves to be as intriguing as his debut. Find out more here.
When Through Deep Waters by Rachelle Dekker. We really enjoyed her debut series and we are very interested into what she is coming out with next. Find out more here.
The 49th Mystic by Ted Dekker. Like father, like daughter. We haven’t read anything new by Ted in quite some time, so imagine our excitement when we learned there was a new story coming out! Find out more here.
The Man He Never Was by James Rubart. We always look forward to more supernatural thrillers. Find out more here.
Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig. We love military thrillers and Kendig’s current series is one of the best! Find out more here.
If I Live by Terri Blackstock. We’ve been waiting for this one for almost a year! And it’s finally almost here. Find out more here.
Every Wicked Man by Steven James. Does this book really need any introduction? The Patrick Bowers series is most likely the best series in print today. Find out more here.
The Defiant by Lesley Livingston. The sequel to our top YA pick is a must read coming out soon! Find out more here.
Trial on Mount Koya by Susan Spann. The next adventure of the samurai awaits. Can we go ahead and jump to summer? Find out more here.
Not that I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser. Her debut novel was great and we’re betting the sophomore novel will be too. Find out more here.
Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre. An author who makes history fun for young readers. Find out more here.
Everything We Give by Kerry Lonsdale. The first two installments of this series were great. Now we get to see the story from Ian’s perspective. Find out more here.
Night Music by Deanna Lynn Sletten. One of the best writer’s out there, we have never been disappointed. Find out more here.
High Treason by Diann Mills. Another great suspense writer that has written several series we’ve enjoyed. Find out more here.