Midnight Sun

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Twilight from Edward’s point of view, not much else needs to be said about this one. Fans of the series will not want to miss out on the phenomenon.

When Edward Cullen meets Bella Swan, his life is changed forever. Edward is seventeen, and he’s been seventeen for almost a hundred years after he was bitten and became a vampire. He and the rest of his family have chosen a ‘vegan’ life, meaning they only hunt animals and not humans. The scent of Bella is almost too much for him, her scent is like his own personal brand of heroin. Readers follow Edward as he meets, falls in love with and almost loses Bella when another vampire starts to hunt her. The story is familiar to anyone who has already read the series but being told from this perspective is new, intriguing and highly entertaining.

I, like so many others, have waited a very long time to get this book in my hands. I remember when I first heard about Stephanie Meyer writing this, it seemed almost too good to be true, another side to this story. Oh, how I longed to read it, but we all had to wait a very long time. 2020 has been the year none of us thought it would be and has caused a lot of heartache. One bright spot though has been being able to escape in the pages of books such as this. Not only do we get Edward’s point of view in this story, we also learn so much more about the rest of the Cullen’s through his head as he hears their thoughts and they interact. Reading Midnight Sun was just what I wanted it to be, an escape from reality into the pages of a familiar story. These stories are not the overall best ever written but I did see an improvement in this one as compared to her writing of almost 15 years ago and you can’t argue with the millions of teens and young women who have fallen in love with the series. There is something about the story that draws you in and keeps you glued to the edge of your seat until the very last page. Midnight Sun adds a different dimension to the characters and parts of the story we haven’t seen before. Instead of just seeing Edward as a brooding vampire that is aching for something he shouldn’t have, we get to see and hear what he is going through. In the first books of the series, I saw myself as more of Team Jacob; after reading this though I have to say I am leaning more towards Team Edward now. I loved escaping into the story for a few days and reliving all that I enjoyed about the original. I would recommend this to anyone who loved the original series and wants to get more out of it by hearing another point of view.

Fix Her Upper: Christmas

Authors: Beth Duewel & Rhonda Rhea

Publisher: Bold Vision Books

Release Date: November 24, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Fix-Her-Upper Christmas is a wonderful addition in this season, especially in the year we are all going through. Everyone can gleam something wonderful from this spectacularly fun book!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or the most stressful time for some. If this season of shopping, family, decorations is getting a tad overwhelming, you are not alone. Throughout the pages of this book, you will find story upon story from Beth and Rhonda of trials and struggles they have gone through and the way they worked through them with humor and faith to discover the real reason for the season was worth more than any gift they could buy. The message is clear, even in the frantic season we are in, our focus should be on Jesus, He is the reason for the season, and if we forget that, there really is nothing to celebrate. Less is more is a main theme throughout, and I love that. The devotions are spot on with just the right amount of humor and insightful tidbits to bring us joy and helpful holiday tips.

Anytime you pick up a Rhonda Rhea and Beth Duewel book you know you are going to be rolling on the floor laughing and come away feeling refreshed. This time of year, we could use with a little laughter and refreshing. No matter how hard this year has been, and for some it has been unbearable, we can all find some cheer within the pages and rely on the hope that Christmas is about the birth of our savior and nothing is more important than that. If we fix our eyes on Him, this could very well be the best Christmas we have ever had.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: May 19, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Fans of The Hunger Games will not want to miss this prequel that will have readers view President Snow in a new way you never thought possible!

The Hunger Games is about to have its tenth game and eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is getting ready to be one of the first mentors the games have ever had. His family has fallen on hard times and it is up to him to repair the powerful Snow name and prove they will come out on top. The odds are not in his favor as he is given the assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest assignment he could have gotten. If he is able to help her succeed and win the games, he will no longer be looked down upon and be able to resume the high status his family has always held. If she fails so does he. It doesn’t take long though for him to develop feelings for her making his job that much harder.

Fans of The Hunger Games will not want to miss this newest addition. I picked it up knowing there was no way I would ever feel any empathy for President Snow, the villain of the first three books. Within the first few chapters, I forgot to look at him in that way and was wrapped up in this story and how a young Snow developed into the foul, loathsome dictator we know from the series. Suzanne Collins did an outstanding job turning this character around for us and making him be seen in a whole new light. So many little references to the trilogy are tied in here and each time I came to a page with these I would find myself smiling. We find out the origin of the song Katniss sings to Rue and the song she sings in MockingJay. These instances were some of my favorites. If you pay close attention to names throughout, you will be able to connect them to descendants later on in the story. So much is tied while it is its own story. If you’ve read The Hunger Games, you are probably like me in thinking there is no way you could every feel anything other than hatred for the character of Snow. Don’t be surprised when you walk away shaking your head at how wrong you were. The book read quickly and was thoroughly enjoyable. I recommend this one to all readers that have read The Hunger Games and want a look into the origin of Snow and so much more.

Fractured Tide

Author: Leslie Lutz

Publisher: Blink YA Fiction

Release Date: May 5, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Not at all what I expected, but in the best of ways! Leslie Lutz has crafted a fun, chilling and engaging tale that will leave readers glued to the edge of their seats.

After her father is sent to prison, Sia ends up helping her mother run their scuba diving tours business. Still a teenager, she has taken on more responsibility than most her age. Together they go out and explore the reef and find secrets in sunken crafts. On their latest dive things don’t go as planned, a mysterious creature emerges from the deep, their boat sinks and Sia washes up on the shore of a deserted island with even more mystery. When she finds the other survivors from the boat, it is the first good sign since they started out that morning. The island isn’t what it seems and Sia’s best hope for finding answers are at the center of the island where the most danger is also. With their last hope fading and Sia looking to save herself and the others, they make their way through the jungle to hopefully find a way off the island and back to their families.

This was unlike any book I have read in a long time. The science fiction element to it was interesting and kept the story flowing quickly and fluidly. Writing this from Sia’s diary was interesting and unique. For a little while I wasn’t sure what to think of all that Sia was being put through. Even at the end, I had to scratch my head at the way it all played out. Without giving anything away, I will say I am still satisfied with the ending even with the questions I have. That’s a rare combination, to be satisfied and still have questions, not something that happens often and only a very talented author can do that with their writing and please the reader. Sia’s relationship with each of the other characters is what made the story work. She is a great protagonist and the story wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in that role, but I really liked the interactions with Sia and Sarah, their relationship was real and genuine. There weren’t any fake niceties between the two of them and every aspect of why they acted the way they did towards each other made perfect sense with the story. I love when a story unfolds as it should and nothing feels forced. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy a well-crafted science fiction thriller that will give you goose bumps and knowing the next book you pick up won’t be near as good.

Outbreak

Author: Davis Bunn

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: April 2, 2019

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

It’s almost like this book was written as a precursor to COVID.

Avery Madison, biological researcher, is woken in the middle of the night by the CEO of his company and told to get on a flight to London which will then take him to west Africa. Once there, he is aboard a research vessel and taken to specific coordinates to evaluate an event. Suited up in a hazmat suit, Avery makes his way through the water when he discovers several fishing vessels with all the workers deceased. He quickly realizes that something ecologically damaging has occurred and is moving throughout parts of Africa and could impact the United States once the hurricane season develops. But there is someone who doesn’t want the world to know about what’s happening in Africa and will stop at nothing to make sure it stays quiet.

An airborne virus that strips an infected host’s immune system so that easily cured diseases can kill said person. Sound familiar? That is just want this book is about. Bunn once again dives into a world of combining thrillers with science and scores another direct hit. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and probably even more since COVID hit. The race against the clock combined with unlikely characters thrown together to figure out the answer made for yet another spectacular story. I love that a family was reconnected and forgiven as a result of this too. It makes it that much more satisfying.

Two Reasons to Run

Author: Colleen Coble

Series: Pelican Harbor #2

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: September 8, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

With terrorism, a family’s safety at stake, and more suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, Two Reasons to Run is a must read!

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still learning to live with the fact that she has found her son. Her father kept so many secrets from her and now her son’s father Reid is in her life whether she wants him to be or not. When she is approached by a local woman saying her son is missing, she starts looking into the disappearance and possible murder on the oil platform Zeus. Soon, she is in the middle of a terrorist plot to bring down the oil platform with the life of her son is now in jeopardy. Reid has been investigating the oil platform as well for a documentary and they together work to expose who is trying to bring the platform down and keep their son safe. Tensions fly as they get closer to catching a killer but also further from the safety for their family that they are trying so hard to bring back together.

Two Reasons to Run is the second installment in the Pelican Harbor series; normally books like these, romantic suspense series, don’t always have to be read in order. They might have some of the same characters but each one has a new set of protagonist male and female that we get to see work through their problems to try and be together. With this one though, I had read the previous book, but it had been a while and I felt like I needed to go back and reread it to fully get the story in front of me. The further I got in the story, the better I remembered what had been happening and was able to follow along. That said, this is not one for a new reader to pick up without knowing the back story of the characters. One of the best aspects of this story was the family relationship Jane had and the way it tugged at the emotions. When her son is threatened, especially since she had just gotten him back in her life, it took the stakes to a whole new level. This was a great sequel with so much more at stake for the characters that readers will have no problem making a personal connection and letting the story pull at their hearts as they turn the pages. I was able to read this one very quickly and really felt pulled into the story once it got going. The end was very satisfying but also left open enough for another in the series to follow. I recommend to readers that have read the first in the series and are ready for far more action, suspense and romance.

Walk Run Soar

Author: Dorina Gilmore Young

Publisher: Baker Books

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

No matter your pace, whether you walk, run, or soar, this book will give you some insights for the path you are taking.

Dorina Gilmore Young, with her husband Shawn, bring a fifty-two-week devotional for people that like to be active at whatever pace. Dorina is a runner, both for competition and for fun, and she shares many of the insights that she has gained by running. She lost her first husband to cancer and spends time dwelling on that relationship throughout many of the devotionals. She also spends time on learning to hear Jesus, serving his mission, and conditioning our bodies for his work. Each chapter is provided with a short narrative called Faith Fuel, an action item called Faith Step, a short couple of sentences for Inspiration, and a word of encouragement from her husband, Coach Shawn. I have spent time reading a devotional each day after my bible reading and have found it very uplifting. Each devotional also gives a section to write down notes during each day’s workouts and/or runs. My husband uses this as he is an active runner and it has helped him think through some things when he runs.

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

Fragments of Light

Author: Michele Phoenix

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 14, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This story will hit so many women with words that need to be heard.

Cancer can take more than your body; it can take your spirit. Ceelie understands that more than most. After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy treatment, and reconstructive survey, the day she is finally free of everything turns out to be worse than the initial diagnosis. Her husband wants out. He’s finished. This devastates Ceelie even worse than the cancer itself. The man who vowed to be by her side through sickness and health decides she isn’t worth it anymore. Shortly after this, her one friend and fellow cancer survivor, Darlene, finds out that her cancer has returned with a vengeance and after going through this twice, she is content to live out her days. But before she goes, she has a request of Ceelie. She wants her to help track down whatever happened to her father. He returned home from D-Day and only stayed a few weeks with her mom and her before he left them with no explanation. Darlene has harbored bitterness toward him her whole life but when some letters resurfaced, she decides she wants to know what really happened. Will Ceelie be able to help her find out before it’s too late?

This was a powerful read, as Michele Phoenix books tend to be. The raw emotion over the surgery and recovery could only be painted by someone who had experienced this herself. All that pain was poured into Ceelie’s character and each reader could feel it alongside her. There are definitely some dark moments throughout the book, but as the title states, fragments of light make their way through the darkness. I loved Darlene’s character. She was so spunky and energetic for a woman in her 70s that I hope to be her at that age, always encouraging others and living life to her fullest. I also enjoyed the time slip aspect of this story set during Normandy on D-Day and what happened to change the life of Darlene’s father forever. It takes all the way to the end to find out the truth, and when it comes, it is understandable but so sad at the same time. I hope that readers find enjoyment and enlightenment through this book.

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

Jesus Freaks

Authors: D.C. Talk & Voice of the Martyrs

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

An updated edition of the inspiring story of those who have stood up for Jesus and paid the ultimate price.

Around the world Christians are being persecuted for their faith; they stand for Jesus until their very last breath. The stories are inspiring can help each and every one of us in our own walk with Christ. Within these pages we can read about the first martyrs up to ones in the present day. Jesus Freaks is part of the Richard Wurmbrand’s Voice of the Martyrs organization showing faithful Christian leaders who suffered many years ago in Communist prisons. Wurmbrand has even testified before Congress showing wounds he received while being tortured for his faith. He, like so many others, have gone through hardships we can only imagine.

I picked up Jesus Freaks on a day I was feeling sorry for myself and some of the things I was going through. Reading through these stories helped me put into perspective how grateful I need to be for all that I have, including my faith and freedom to live and express my faith freely. Across the world, others are not so lucky. They profess a faith in Jesus and get tortured and even killed for it, and they do so willingly in order to share the good news of Christ. To have a faith like that and be excited about prison, torture or death is hard to imagine. I believe but going to that level would be hard for so many of us. I strive to strengthen my faith each day and reading this while going through a difficult time was just what I needed. At first, it was hard reading about the difficult and painful times these believers went through, and I have so little to complain about, but as I read, I used their stories to help me gain perspective. There are places and people in this world that are not safe for believers to go, but those are the places that these believers go and preach and bring the lost to the lord. I for one am thankful for these stories, they remind me that no matter how bad things are, if I lift my eyes I’ll see where my help is. It’s not always easy, and when it’s the hardest that’s when we will see the biggest rewards. I recommend this to all those going through a hard time and needing a reminder of no matter the cost our faith is worth it.

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

The Water Keeper

Author: Charles Martin

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: May 5, 2020

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Martin’s writing never ceases to draw me in. This was like a cross between Taken and RED.

Murphy Shepherd lives a very unique life. Mostly in solitude, he lives on a island of the Florida Intercoastal Waterway in a seemingly abandoned church. He has a lot of past and present secrets. He is content with where he is at in life until he meets a young girl of about 16 named Angel. She barges into the church one night while a ship is docked up by his island. It quickly becomes obvious that she is drunk and likely high. Murphy figures that she is being trafficked out of Florida but doesn’t want to get involved anymore as he is trying to put that life behind him. There are only so many you can save. As he sets out to spread the ashes of his mentor in the sea, he begins to pick up a few strangers along the way. First is the most well-trained dog swimming along in the waterway. Next is a former dancer turned waitress who wrecks a small craft in the waterway, and finally is a terminal disease-stricken man found lying in an alley. As the story of his new shipmates unfold, he finds that they link to this young girl that stumbled in and out of his life a few nights ago. Murphy finds that he has one last adventure left.

Charles Martin books are so enjoyable. You can’t pick one up and not be drawn into the story almost immediately. This book was no exception. I quickly found myself wrapped up in a story that was almost a bit like watching the movie Taken with Liam Neesen. Then as the story tracked further, it was he picked up a few pieces from Island of the Misfit Toys that developed into RED. Needless to say, it was a thrill ride of a story.

Although the story deals strongly with human trafficking in the sex industry, there are several redeeming qualities throughout. Some readers may be a bit squeamish during some of the scenes, but the story that unfolds is well worth it. Murphy finally lets his wounds heal throughout the story and readers get to see the real side of him. I’m thoroughly excited to see that this is the first in a series. I can’t wait to find out what happens to these characters in the future.

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