Unspoken

We are introduced to Charlotte Graham in Unspoken. We also get to know Bryce Bishop very well too. Charlotte has a very hard and painful past. She was the center of a highly publicized kidnapping scandal. She has never spoken very much about the specifics of what occurred during those four years she was in captivity. One thing for sure is that she will never marry.

Bryce Bishop is a very successful coin seller who has been asking God for direction as he is bored in his life. God had some amazing plans for Bryce that were anything but boring!

Due to her painful past, Charlotte has many questions about God. She is a self proclaimed struggling believer. Bryce so adequately leans on the guiding of the spirit of God to help Charlotte deal with these questions.

I could not put this book down. It is the first time I have been privileged to read a book authored by Dee Henderson. The entire time I was reading the book I was amazed at the intelligence of the writer. I believe that Henderson is not only an interesting author, but brilliant! I would love to see this book made into a movie. I'm so sad the book is over. I'm yearning to know more about Charlotte, as well as, Bryce. I would have immediately bought the sequel had there been one available.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House in exchange for this review. I was in no way paid. The above are strictly my own opinions

Sisterchicks On The Loose

In the book "Sisterchicks On the Loose" by Robin Jones Gunn, Sharon, a mother of four and Penny, a mother of two are two very opposite people, yet wonderful friends. Penny is a very successful realtor, fun-loving and former biker. Sharon is a stay-at-home Mom who works endlessly to meet the needs of her children and husband. She is not a risk-taker and seems to find comfort in the same day in and day out routines.

While their children were babies, Penny and Sharon came up with the idea to go on a trip together when their children were grown. One day, Sharon received a package from Penny. It was a plane ticket for a trip to Finland. Sharon assumed she wouldn't go. Her family needed her. Sharon's husband encouraged her to go with Penny and enjoy this amazing opportunity.

There were many events that came to pass during this trip. We learn with Sharon that it is good to step out of our comfort zones. Sharon found out that life can be so much more fulfilling when she did so.

I found this book to be a little "blah". It was a little boring to me. I like the concept of the book, but I did not connect with the characters as I often do in the many books I am privileged to read. It wasn't a bad read, it just wasn't an interesting read for me.

I received this book from Multnomah in exchange for this review. I was in no way paid for this review. These opinions are strictly mine.

Rules of Murder

Julianna Deering brings us to the 1930's era in England in her book "Rules of Murder". Drew Farthering returns home to his estate to find an unwanted visitor. He quickly takes care of the situation.

During a big party at his estate, Drew and Madeline (the visiting niece of his step-father discover a dead body. This is when things turn interesting! There was more than just one victim! Who is the killer? Drew is determined to help solve the mystery of who murdered the victims. His best friend Nick (son of the butler) and Madeline are alongside Drew helping him to figure out who the murderer is!

I liked how this book kept me guessing. There were times I was sure I knew who had committed the murders, however there would be a twist that brought doubt to my mind. I would then think someone else was the killer. After, I got past the difference in the style of speaking from the 1930's, I was hooked. This was a very fast and enjoyable read for me.

This is a very different type of book for me. It is the first murder mystery I have ever read. It definitely has caused me to want to read more! I would be very delighted to read more of Julianna Deering's book.

I received a copy of Rules of Murder from the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. This fact in no way influenced, nor sought to influence, my opinion of the novel.

A Place To Belong

I was blessed to read "A Place To Belong" authored by Lauraine Snelling. Cassie Lockwood is a young woman who has seemingly lost everything. She has found a home with the Engstrom's on their ranch. Lucas Engstrom pledges to make Cassie love him. Cassie looks upon Lucas like a brother, not romantically. Many events follow that in the end lead Cassie to God's perfect will for her life.

Mavis, Lucas' mother proves to be just like a mother to Cassie. I love the way that Mavis is always remembering to ask the Lord for His guidance in all she does. The part of the book that stood out to me was how Mavis begins to praise the Lord when she has a heavy heart. I appreciate the author conveying this important act to her readers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the Biblical references included between the covers. Snelling thoughtfully and purposefully brought Christ as a big focal point in this book.

I received this complementary book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not paid for this review. These opinions are strictly my own.

To Love and Cherish

In this book, you meet the main characters Melinda and Evan. Melinda is working as a Lady's maid in Cleveland, while Evan is an employee on Bridal Veil island. Evan has professed his love for Melinda however, has not proposed to her. Melinda does not understand the delay.

After a big storm hits the island, Melinda impulsively leaves her place of employment and travels to Evan. She is sure that he will marry her as soon as she arrives. Again, she does not understand the delay.

I was not very impressed with To Love and Cherish authored by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller. I found the book to be a little too "flowery" and not enough substance. There is 31 chapters and this book didn't grab me until Chapter 26. That's not my type of book.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House in exchange for this review. These opinions are my own and I was not paid to submit this review.

Beyond Molasses Creek

I began to believe that I would be disappointed by Beyond Molasses Creek when I first began reading it. It was tough for me to get connected to the characters at first. However, by Chapter 5, I was hooked. The characters began to feel real to me. What I liked best about this book was the element of surprise. It's hard to find a book that is not predictable. Nicole Seitz sprang some surprises on her readers. Ally has had a lot of ups and downs in her life. I thought she was a bit self-centered. Vesey was a good display of what a good Christian man and friend should be. I found myself wishing to read a sequel. I received this book from Booksneeze complimentary. I have not been paid for this review.