This contest period's winner was InHisGrip59@aol.com, who received a copy of SHADE OF THE JACARANDA: Regalo Grande, Book Two by Nikki Arana.
Comilla
Colorado by Rosey Dow
Rating: 4 Stars
It says it's 4 books in one. but it is more like one long good one.
Tiffany (toganatb@yahoo.com)
The Guilty Innocent: Knights of the Darkness #2 by D.N. Simmons
Rating: 5 Stars
When I read DESIRES UNLEASED, I was amazed by the story as well as the characters. I found myself hooked on this new series. As soon as THE GUILTY INNOCENT was released, I couldn't wait to get my own copy. I was extremely curious and anxious to see what this next story was going to offer.
I agree with all of the reviewers thus far. This book was amazing, AMAZING! It's a wild ride, no doubt about it. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
I also thought it was cool that it was in first person point of view, I thought that was very creative and it was extremely well done. Not only to you began to understand the main character telling the story, but you get a very in-depth look at all of the other characters, and that was pretty awesome. It didn't read like a one-sided type of novel and I loved that!
The characters are completely realistic as they were in the first book and they interacted with each other wonderfully, making the reader fall in love with them even more than before.
If this is your first time reading a D.N. Simmons novel, you're in for a surprise --- be prepared to go on the ride of your life! I also recommend that you start from the beginning, though you won't be lost when reading THE GUILTY INNOCENT, you'll just get a better undersanding of the characters if you read the first book. And please forgive the errors in the first book, because the story is excellent.
Liz (bushfamily@hotmail.com)
A.D. Chronicles by Bodie and Brock Thoene
Rating: 5 Stars
This series includes FIRST LIGHT, SECOND TOUCH, THIRD WATCH, and FOURTH DAWN. I have read the first 2 books, and LOVED them. They were more than typical historical fiction, romance, christian fiction. They were all of them combined... well.
Toni H.
Monster by Frank Peretti
Rating: 2 Stars
Simplistic and overdone.
Elaine
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a book for older elementary readers, but I heard so much about it that I just had to read it. I love children's books because they have so much to teach in them. If you do have a child in this age group I highly recommend this book.
a voracious reader
Zipporah: Wife of Moses by Marek Halter
Rating: 5 Stars
Historical fiction (with much serious research, have no fear!) at it's finest... the story of Zipporah, daughter of Jethro, and her Moses... we all know his story. A great read --- quite thought-provoking! I highly recommend it.
Latina Puebla
Friends and Enemies by Stephen Bly
Rating: 5 Stars
I've read all 70 + books by Stephen Bly and this Christy Award winner is my favorite.
Evelyn Evans (heartcrieshome@yahoo.com)
Saint Julian by Walter Wangerin Jr.
Rating: 4 Stars
A National book award-winning author. This is a novella about the spiritual redemption of a tortured medieval hero.
Chandra Lynn Smith (InHisGrip59@aol.com)
Emma Jean Reborn by Dr. Cupid R. Poe and Kathi Macias
Rating: 5 Stars
I read this book in three days! Emma Jean is a very real character and the reader is drawn into her world immediately. The journey through her life becomes real and makes you feel as if you are reading a true- life story, not a work of fiction.
Emma Jean is a real depiction of a victim and I would venture that we all have an Emma somewhere in our lives. This is a must read. The authors tackle a tough subject that is not a morally clean issue, but the book is well written and tasteful in the handling of delicate topics.
T. Forkner
Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a creepy, crawly mystery that kept me up all night!! :) I love Christian thrillers that can actually scare me and in the end, lift me up!
Carrie T.
A Hilltop in Tuscany by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Rating: 4 Stars
This is the continuing story of Mary and her daugther Liz, whom we met in A GARDEN IN PARIS. This is a deep and well-woven story that makes you think about the mother-daughter relationship and much more. There are lots of surprises and many twists and turns! I recommend it to all who like women's fiction.
Charles Piddleman
Vanity of Vanities by Martin Bertram
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is an epic masterpiece, and the beginning of a series which (if the quality of the proceeding books keeps up with this one) could be to today's reader what the LORD OF THE RINGS was to readers fifty years ago. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns of this medieval adventure, and the ending --- as satisfying as it was --- left me wanting to know what would happen next. Highly recommended for mature teens and adults. Younger readers may enjoy it as well, though the depth of the story may escape them somewhat.
Michelle Therese (joyfulhutch@msn.com)
The Mustang Breaker by Stephen Bly
Rating: 5 Stars
THE MUSTANG BREAKER is a very engaging novel with great writing and interesting subject matter. I just finished MEMORIES OF A DIRT ROAD TOWN and moved on to this one, which is book 2 in the series.
Michelle Therese (joyfulhutch@msn.com)
Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary E. DeMuth
Rating: 5 Stars
Quality nonfiction. Everyone coming from a non-Christian background needs to read this book. It's full of meat and insight. This author is spiritually deep.
Michelle Therese (joyfulhutch@msn.com)
Son of Perdition by Louise M. Gouge
Rating: 5 Stars
Excellent historical fiction. This author's writing is a work of art. I'm savoring this engaging story to the end. :)
Jamie Driggers
Something Beyond the Sky by Siri L. Mitchell
Rating: 5 Stars
Anything Siri writes is fabulous, but this book didn't let me put it down.
Jamie Driggers
A Girl's Best Friend by Kristin Billerbeck
Rating: 5 Stars
As usual, Billerbeck is funny with a subtle, yet obvious, message.
Heidi Marie Gennaro (hmg @ heidimariebooks.com)
Gilead by Marilynn Robinson
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a fabulous read! If you like slow, contemplative literary style, deep and lavish, adorned with Christian wisdom and mystery, this book is a must. Marilynn transports me right at the bedside of this dying preacher, son-of-a preacher, grandson-of-a-preacher, to a longed-for place where real mentors live and speak. I'm over halfway through, and already have a list of people who will benefit from the beauty contained in this story.
Laura Hilton
Winds of Sonoma by Nikki Arana
Rating: 4 Stars
I really liked this book. I loved the way it showed a unique approach from the immigrants' point of view, instead of the border guards' point of view.
Margo Carmichael
Web of Lies by Brandilyn Collins
Rating: 5 Stars
Our front yard in Orlando sported a big *yellow* jacaranda, years ago. Love them, purple or yellow.
Just finished Brandilyn Collins's WEB OF LIES. It has to do with visions regarding a crime, and as the Lord said, "Your young men will see visions." Do we take Him literally enough?
Pammer
A Family Forever by Brenda Coulter
Rating: 5 Stars
A great plot and real characters you get so involved with. The spiritual thread is hardhitting, yet subtle, and the humor smoothes everything over. A FAMILY FOREVER is a wonderful read.
Tracy Bolton
Just As I Am by Virginia Smith
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is one of the best I've ever read. The characters became friends. I laughed, cried and cheered all throughout! I can't wait for the sequel.
Danielle
The Negotiator by Dee Henderson
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a great book because it has suspense with romance, which is what I like.
Ruth
The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
Rating: 4 Stars
Keep the tissue box close by. The book was just as moving as the song and the movie.
Mizbooks
Rekindled by Tamera Alexander
Rating: 5 Stars
Larson Jennings doesn't feel he's worthy of his wife, Kathryn --- he feels he doesn't deserve her. These thoughts and emotions are only heightened by his accident.
Not seeing her husband for over 5 months, Kathryn believes the worst, and attempts to move on with her life.
This story is a very well-written, beautiful tale about how God can take tragedy and make from it something beautiful --- far more beautiful and amazing than our human minds could ever imagine or hope for.
I loved how the author used each chapter ending to leave you wanting more. And, I loved how she also used humor to keep the story light.
Highly recommended!
I look forward to reading more by Ms. Alexander, for sure!
Ruth
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Rating: 3 Stars
I know this is an award-winning book, but I was not that impressed with it. Both of my reading groups have selected it, so I'm anxious to see what others thought.
Ruth
The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere
Rating: 4 Stars
A sequel to THE CHRISTMAS SHOES, this story follows Nathan as he struggles with his decision about medical school.
Ruth
The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere
Rating: 4 Stars
This was pretty much a separate story, but I like the way the author still managed to incorporate characters from the previous stories in this series.
Ruth
The Piano Man by Marcia Preston
Rating: 4 Stars
A very heartwarming story. I plan to look for more books to read from this author.
Susan Hales (susanhales@hotmail.com)
Blood Red Horse by K. M. Grant
Rating: 5 Stars
A rousing adventure story that takes place during the Crusades. A young English knight and a young Emir find common ground in their faiths through their common love of a horse.
Carolyn Kennard (kennardc@hotmail.com)
Zorro by Isabel Allende
Rating: 4 Stars
I love Isabel's writing style.
Dan Buske (danbuske@yahoo.com)
The Riddles of Epsilon by Christine Morton-Shaw
Rating: 4 Stars
Great.
Sarah Scales (booksandchocolate@gmail.com)
The Ashley Stockingdale Series by Kristin Billerbeck
Rating: 4 Stars
At first you think these books are just for fun, and they are VERY fun! But then, as you start getting to know the characters and getting in to the twists and turns of their lives, you realize that, "Hey, I'm learning something too!"!! =)
Fire (lidisearthwater@aol.com)
A Voice In The Wind by Francine Rivers
Rating: 4 Stars
A VOICE IN THE WIND is the story of a Jewess turned Christian only a few years after Christ's death. She becomes a slave, but still shows the love of God. I loved it. It has all the action of an arena and the love and power of God. It is the first book in the "Mark of the Lion Trilogy."
Ley
Return to Alastair by L. A. Kelly
Rating: 5 Stars
I absolutely love this book! This series is my favorite. I've read this book twice and TAHN six times. The characters are wonderful and I just love the kids.
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