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novelinspirations.com reviews
A Sister's Secret by Wanda Brunstetter
School's Out and Back to School (YA) by Wanda Brunstetter
Kingdom Wars: A Hideous Beauty by Jack Cavanaugh
Beloved Castaway by Kathleen Y'Barbo
A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt
Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer
The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck
Chosen by Ted Dekker - young adult fantasy/adventure
Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren - historical romance
Beyond the Night by Marla Schalesky - contemporary fiction
Next Door Daddy by Debra Clopton - contemporary romance
A Soldier's Family by Cheryl Wyatt - contemporary romance
My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer - historical
Monster by Frank Peretti - contemporary suspense/fantasy
To Trust an Outlaw by Rhonda Gibson - historical romance
Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman - fantasy/historical
A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer - contemporary romance
Armchair Interviews reviews:
When Bobbie Sang the Blues by Peggy Darty - a cozy mystery
Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough - a praire romance
The Bounty Hunter and the Bride by Vickie McDonough - a praire romance
Lost in Nashvegas by Rachel Hauck - chick lit
Faithful Servant: A Memoir of Brian Cleeve - nonfiction
Here for You by Susie Shellenberger - nonfiction
Meeting Her Match by Debra Clopton - Love Inspired (contemporary romance)
Stop Sabotaging Your Career - nonfiction
Mysterious Ways by Terry Burns - western
Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck - chick-lit
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson - contemporary women's fiction
The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang - contemporary women's fiction & historical romance
The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner - historical romance novella collection
When the Nile Runs Red by Diann Mills - contemporary women's/suspense (fiction)
Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren - historical romance
Wild Rose by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance
Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge - contemporary fiction
America's Living History: The Early Years - nonfiction/travel
The Restitution by Marylu Tyndall - historical pirate fiction
The Healing Season by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance
The Fire Within by Kathleen Morgan - historical romance
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang - historical/contemporary romance
Strike the Dragon by Charles Dyer and Mark Tobey - thriller
You Had Me At Goodbye by Tracey Bateman - chick-lit/romance
As High As the Heavens by Kathleen Morgan - historical romance
The Rogue's Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical (Regency) romance
***
The Christian Suspense Zone reviews:
Bygones by Kim Vogel Sawyer - contemporary romance
Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer - contemporary romance
Interview with Kim at Suspense Zone
So Dark the Night by Margaret Daley - romantic suspense
Interview with Margaret at the Suspense Zone
Bayou Justice by Robin Carroll - romantic suspense
Interview with Robin at the Suspense Zone
Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge - humorous fiction
Dangerous Secrets by Lyn Cote - Love Inspired Suspense
Buried Secrets by Margaret Daley - Love Inspired suspense
What Lies Within by Karen Ball - romantic suspense
Heather by Debra White Smith - romantic suspense
Homicide at Blue Heron Lake by Susan Page Davis and Megan Elaine Davis - Heartsong Mystery (cozy mystery with a romance thread)
***
Afictionado Reviews
The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck - fantasy
Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman - historical romance, short
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang - historical & contemporary romance
The Rogue's Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance
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NOVELINSPIRATIONS.COM REVIEWS
A Sister’s Secret by Wanda Brunstetter
Grace Hostettler has everything she’s ever wanted: the love of a good family, a wonderful fiancé and a good job as a waitress.
She also has a secret past that no one knows about.
When a face from the past shows up and dangerous pranks start happening around the Hostettlers, Grace begins to wonder if the two are related.
Can she trust her family and her fiancé with the secret she carries? Or will her past come back to haunt her?
Brunstetter has portrayed a beautiful story of trust and forgiveness set in the heart of an authentic Amish community. Her characters are human and don’t always make the right choices, but a strong sense of family permeates this novel and will warm your heart.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
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***
School’s Out! Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere By Wanda Brunstetter
Meet Rachel Yoder, a ten-year-old Amish girl from a regular Amish family. Rachel seems to have a special knack for getting in trouble, especially when she reacts to her brother Jacob’s teasing.
Jacob thinks Rachel is a little bensal (baby) and treats her that way all the time, which makes Rachel really mad. But he’s there when Rachel needs him, as is the rest of her family.
This is a great YA read and filled with fun excerpts from Amish life. The lively Rachel will keep readers on the edge of their seat waiting to find out what she does next. Family dynamics are the other great thing about this book, which Brunstetter does a great job with. Highly recommended.
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Back to School Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere By Wanda Brunstetter
This second book in the Rachel Yoder series follows Rachel as she goes back to school. She loves school, but she doesn’t love Orlie, the new boy who teases her mercilessly. But is there more to Orlie’s jokes than meets the eye?
A great addition to the series and as fun as the first. Rachel Yoder is a jewel and has her moments. I believe any ten-year-old girl would be able to relate to her, Amish or not.
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***
Kingdom Wars: A Hideous Beauty by Jack Cavanaugh
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
A fast-paced thrill ride!
This inspirational thriller will keep you on your toes the whole way through!
Grant Austin finally has it all together. His recent bestseller - a presidential biography - has just won the Pulitzer Prize. He's just given a successful speech to his high school alma mater, and he's flying high.
But things take a turn for the worse when he decides to visit his high school rival, who morphs into an angelic being before his very eyes. Semyazah, a fallen angel, declares that he is the one who has given Grant all of his earthly success, and threatens Grant with the fact that his book contains a veiled threat to the President, warning of his assassination.
When Grant awakens from his angelic encounter, groggy and unsure how he got on the classroom floor, he only knows one thing: he has to notify his ex-girlfriend, Christina, a White House assistant. But instead of the welcome he assumed he would get, she brushes him off.
With time working against him, Grant does the thing he knows to do best: research. A lead points him to a local university where he meets a professor who changes his whole perspective.
Can Grant stop the assassination planned by fallen angels? Or is he destined to become one of them?
Cavanaugh keeps the reader on the edge of their seat in the fast-paced thriller. Snappy, sarcastic dialogue seems to be the forte of his hero, Grant Austin, and it works for him. Dazzling imagery plus unexpected twists complete this great novel. Recommended!
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***
Beloved Castaway by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Secrets abound in this story of two lonely hearts on a voyage to freedom.
Josiah Carter is willing to risk everything for his brother's sake. After spiriting the boy away from their father, whom he sees as a tyrant and a fool, he sets out as captain of the Jude.
But to make it out of port with the barely-seaworthy vessel, Josiah must take on a paying passenger he knows nothing about. When the woman's promise of gold seems to be false, he struggles with the decision to help her or to save his own hide.
Isabelle Gayarre couldn’t change the life that she was born into, but she is determined to change her future, no matter the cost. Her half-sister, Emilie talks her into seeking refuge from those who would do her harm, and Isabelle takes passage on Captain Carter's boat. But Isabelle never dreamed she would start to have feelings for the handsome Josiah.
Can Isabelle keep her past a secret, or does God intend her to reveal the one thing that could change both her life and Josiah's forever? Will Josiah confront his true feelings about God, or keep running from the Father who wants to draw him near?
I had never read anything by Y'Barbo before, and now I wish I'd found this author sooner!
The hero and heroine in this novel practically step off the page and into your life – they are so real. Excellent characterization and well-written dialogue, plus good use of internal dialogue that doesn't hop around between characters keeps the reader right in the action.
Good pacing, adventure and a great ending are also reasons to love this book. Highly recommended!
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***
A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt
Review by Lacy J. Williams
Romance, adventure and humor collide in this memorable debut novel from author Cheryl Wyatt.
Special ed teacher Amber Stanton has a special place in her heart for a student, Bradley, who is battling leukemia. When a visit from non-profit organization Dream Corps brings a Special Forces soldier into both of their lives, Amber takes a leap of faith and opens the lines of communication, and her heart.
Little did pararescue jumper Joel Montgomery know that diving out of a plane in spite of his dislike for his hometown would land him in a relationship with the sweet and funny Amber. There’s a reason Joel hasn’t visited Refuge in years – being there dredges up painful memories best left buried in his past.
Can Joel reconcile his past or will he lose his future with Amber? Will Amber find love again?
This book packs a doozy of humor and romance into a small package. Cheryl has a way with witty repartee and it shows in almost every line of dialogue.
Favorite things about this book:
Humor. Cheryl has a great sense of humor (see her blog) that shines through almost every scene in this book. Her quirky heroine gets the brunt of Cheryl’s humor, which results in funny situations that will keep you in stitches.
Dialogue. Cheryl does a great job of making the dialogue lively, fun, and snappy. Not to mention funny. You will definitely be entertained with this book.
Inspirational message. Cheryl brings home the idea of forgiving those who’ve wronged you and overcoming your fears to attain something that will bring you so much joy. She really handles the inspirational message with a gentle touch and it works.
Other things to love about this book:
Supporting characters
Romance
Did I mention the humor?
Unique background for Joel
Highly recommended!
BUY THIS BOOK
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***
Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Barbour Publishing
Review by Lacy J. Williams
Trina Muller has a secret dream that not even her family knows about: becoming a veterinarian. When she shares her dream with her cousin, Beth, Trina is encouraged to follow her dream, even though it means going against the dictates of her Old Order Mennonite fellowship. But when Trina’s parents find out about their daughter’s disobedience, her dream begins to shatter around her.
Graham Ortmann has been in love with Trina for awhile now. He thinks it’s about time for Trina to give up her foolish daydream and settle down. And marry him. He doesn’t understand why she can’t accept the way things are. Until God opens his eyes and helps him realize that Trina has a gift for treating animals.
Will Trina be forced to give up her dream, or can she convince her parents and the community, with Graham’s help, that her calling to be a vet will benefit everyone?
Sawyer doesn’t disappoint in this last installment in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. As usual, her characterization is spot on.
Have you ever had a dream where you can’t escape something? That’s what life is like for Trina, who can’t escape the old-fashioned norms of the society she lives in. But she stays strong and true to herself, even though she makes mistakes, and overcomes in the end. Sawyer doesn’t allow Trina to fade into a one-dimension character, but keeps her conflicts right in the periphery so that the reader can’t help but identify with this main character.
Graham is conflicted, too, and a lot of his internal struggle comes out in the scenes between Graham and Trina. These scenes are poignant and kept this reader turning pages to find out how it would work in the end. I was not disappointed.
Even if you haven’t read any of Kim’s other books, if you try Blessings, you won’t be disappointed.
RETURN TO TOP
A Sister's Secret by Wanda Brunstetter
School's Out and Back to School (YA) by Wanda Brunstetter
Kingdom Wars: A Hideous Beauty by Jack Cavanaugh
Beloved Castaway by Kathleen Y'Barbo
A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt
Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer
The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck
Chosen by Ted Dekker - young adult fantasy/adventure
Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren - historical romance
Beyond the Night by Marla Schalesky - contemporary fiction
Next Door Daddy by Debra Clopton - contemporary romance
A Soldier's Family by Cheryl Wyatt - contemporary romance
My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer - historical
Monster by Frank Peretti - contemporary suspense/fantasy
To Trust an Outlaw by Rhonda Gibson - historical romance
Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman - fantasy/historical
A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer - contemporary romance
Armchair Interviews reviews:
When Bobbie Sang the Blues by Peggy Darty - a cozy mystery
Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough - a praire romance
The Bounty Hunter and the Bride by Vickie McDonough - a praire romance
Lost in Nashvegas by Rachel Hauck - chick lit
Faithful Servant: A Memoir of Brian Cleeve - nonfiction
Here for You by Susie Shellenberger - nonfiction
Meeting Her Match by Debra Clopton - Love Inspired (contemporary romance)
Stop Sabotaging Your Career - nonfiction
Mysterious Ways by Terry Burns - western
Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck - chick-lit
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson - contemporary women's fiction
The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang - contemporary women's fiction & historical romance
The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner - historical romance novella collection
When the Nile Runs Red by Diann Mills - contemporary women's/suspense (fiction)
Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren - historical romance
Wild Rose by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance
Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge - contemporary fiction
America's Living History: The Early Years - nonfiction/travel
The Restitution by Marylu Tyndall - historical pirate fiction
The Healing Season by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance
The Fire Within by Kathleen Morgan - historical romance
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang - historical/contemporary romance
Strike the Dragon by Charles Dyer and Mark Tobey - thriller
You Had Me At Goodbye by Tracey Bateman - chick-lit/romance
As High As the Heavens by Kathleen Morgan - historical romance
The Rogue's Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical (Regency) romance
***
The Christian Suspense Zone reviews:
Bygones by Kim Vogel Sawyer - contemporary romance
Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer - contemporary romance
Interview with Kim at Suspense Zone
So Dark the Night by Margaret Daley - romantic suspense
Interview with Margaret at the Suspense Zone
Bayou Justice by Robin Carroll - romantic suspense
Interview with Robin at the Suspense Zone
Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge - humorous fiction
Dangerous Secrets by Lyn Cote - Love Inspired Suspense
Buried Secrets by Margaret Daley - Love Inspired suspense
What Lies Within by Karen Ball - romantic suspense
Heather by Debra White Smith - romantic suspense
Homicide at Blue Heron Lake by Susan Page Davis and Megan Elaine Davis - Heartsong Mystery (cozy mystery with a romance thread)
***
Afictionado Reviews
The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck - fantasy
Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman - historical romance, short
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang - historical & contemporary romance
The Rogue's Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance
----------------------------------------------------------------
NOVELINSPIRATIONS.COM REVIEWS
A Sister’s Secret by Wanda Brunstetter
Grace Hostettler has everything she’s ever wanted: the love of a good family, a wonderful fiancé and a good job as a waitress.
She also has a secret past that no one knows about.
When a face from the past shows up and dangerous pranks start happening around the Hostettlers, Grace begins to wonder if the two are related.
Can she trust her family and her fiancé with the secret she carries? Or will her past come back to haunt her?
Brunstetter has portrayed a beautiful story of trust and forgiveness set in the heart of an authentic Amish community. Her characters are human and don’t always make the right choices, but a strong sense of family permeates this novel and will warm your heart.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
RETURN TO TOP
***
School’s Out! Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere By Wanda Brunstetter
Meet Rachel Yoder, a ten-year-old Amish girl from a regular Amish family. Rachel seems to have a special knack for getting in trouble, especially when she reacts to her brother Jacob’s teasing.
Jacob thinks Rachel is a little bensal (baby) and treats her that way all the time, which makes Rachel really mad. But he’s there when Rachel needs him, as is the rest of her family.
This is a great YA read and filled with fun excerpts from Amish life. The lively Rachel will keep readers on the edge of their seat waiting to find out what she does next. Family dynamics are the other great thing about this book, which Brunstetter does a great job with. Highly recommended.
RETURN TO TOP
Back to School Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere By Wanda Brunstetter
This second book in the Rachel Yoder series follows Rachel as she goes back to school. She loves school, but she doesn’t love Orlie, the new boy who teases her mercilessly. But is there more to Orlie’s jokes than meets the eye?
A great addition to the series and as fun as the first. Rachel Yoder is a jewel and has her moments. I believe any ten-year-old girl would be able to relate to her, Amish or not.
RETURN TO TOP
***
Kingdom Wars: A Hideous Beauty by Jack Cavanaugh
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
A fast-paced thrill ride!
This inspirational thriller will keep you on your toes the whole way through!
Grant Austin finally has it all together. His recent bestseller - a presidential biography - has just won the Pulitzer Prize. He's just given a successful speech to his high school alma mater, and he's flying high.
But things take a turn for the worse when he decides to visit his high school rival, who morphs into an angelic being before his very eyes. Semyazah, a fallen angel, declares that he is the one who has given Grant all of his earthly success, and threatens Grant with the fact that his book contains a veiled threat to the President, warning of his assassination.
When Grant awakens from his angelic encounter, groggy and unsure how he got on the classroom floor, he only knows one thing: he has to notify his ex-girlfriend, Christina, a White House assistant. But instead of the welcome he assumed he would get, she brushes him off.
With time working against him, Grant does the thing he knows to do best: research. A lead points him to a local university where he meets a professor who changes his whole perspective.
Can Grant stop the assassination planned by fallen angels? Or is he destined to become one of them?
Cavanaugh keeps the reader on the edge of their seat in the fast-paced thriller. Snappy, sarcastic dialogue seems to be the forte of his hero, Grant Austin, and it works for him. Dazzling imagery plus unexpected twists complete this great novel. Recommended!
RETURN TO TOP
***
Beloved Castaway by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Secrets abound in this story of two lonely hearts on a voyage to freedom.
Josiah Carter is willing to risk everything for his brother's sake. After spiriting the boy away from their father, whom he sees as a tyrant and a fool, he sets out as captain of the Jude.
But to make it out of port with the barely-seaworthy vessel, Josiah must take on a paying passenger he knows nothing about. When the woman's promise of gold seems to be false, he struggles with the decision to help her or to save his own hide.
Isabelle Gayarre couldn’t change the life that she was born into, but she is determined to change her future, no matter the cost. Her half-sister, Emilie talks her into seeking refuge from those who would do her harm, and Isabelle takes passage on Captain Carter's boat. But Isabelle never dreamed she would start to have feelings for the handsome Josiah.
Can Isabelle keep her past a secret, or does God intend her to reveal the one thing that could change both her life and Josiah's forever? Will Josiah confront his true feelings about God, or keep running from the Father who wants to draw him near?
I had never read anything by Y'Barbo before, and now I wish I'd found this author sooner!
The hero and heroine in this novel practically step off the page and into your life – they are so real. Excellent characterization and well-written dialogue, plus good use of internal dialogue that doesn't hop around between characters keeps the reader right in the action.
Good pacing, adventure and a great ending are also reasons to love this book. Highly recommended!
RETURN TO TOP
***
A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt
Review by Lacy J. Williams
Romance, adventure and humor collide in this memorable debut novel from author Cheryl Wyatt.
Special ed teacher Amber Stanton has a special place in her heart for a student, Bradley, who is battling leukemia. When a visit from non-profit organization Dream Corps brings a Special Forces soldier into both of their lives, Amber takes a leap of faith and opens the lines of communication, and her heart.
Little did pararescue jumper Joel Montgomery know that diving out of a plane in spite of his dislike for his hometown would land him in a relationship with the sweet and funny Amber. There’s a reason Joel hasn’t visited Refuge in years – being there dredges up painful memories best left buried in his past.
Can Joel reconcile his past or will he lose his future with Amber? Will Amber find love again?
This book packs a doozy of humor and romance into a small package. Cheryl has a way with witty repartee and it shows in almost every line of dialogue.
Favorite things about this book:
Humor. Cheryl has a great sense of humor (see her blog) that shines through almost every scene in this book. Her quirky heroine gets the brunt of Cheryl’s humor, which results in funny situations that will keep you in stitches.
Dialogue. Cheryl does a great job of making the dialogue lively, fun, and snappy. Not to mention funny. You will definitely be entertained with this book.
Inspirational message. Cheryl brings home the idea of forgiving those who’ve wronged you and overcoming your fears to attain something that will bring you so much joy. She really handles the inspirational message with a gentle touch and it works.
Other things to love about this book:
Supporting characters
Romance
Did I mention the humor?
Unique background for Joel
Highly recommended!
BUY THIS BOOK
RETURN TO TOP
***
Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Barbour Publishing
Review by Lacy J. Williams
Trina Muller has a secret dream that not even her family knows about: becoming a veterinarian. When she shares her dream with her cousin, Beth, Trina is encouraged to follow her dream, even though it means going against the dictates of her Old Order Mennonite fellowship. But when Trina’s parents find out about their daughter’s disobedience, her dream begins to shatter around her.
Graham Ortmann has been in love with Trina for awhile now. He thinks it’s about time for Trina to give up her foolish daydream and settle down. And marry him. He doesn’t understand why she can’t accept the way things are. Until God opens his eyes and helps him realize that Trina has a gift for treating animals.
Will Trina be forced to give up her dream, or can she convince her parents and the community, with Graham’s help, that her calling to be a vet will benefit everyone?
Sawyer doesn’t disappoint in this last installment in the Sommerfeld Trilogy. As usual, her characterization is spot on.
Have you ever had a dream where you can’t escape something? That’s what life is like for Trina, who can’t escape the old-fashioned norms of the society she lives in. But she stays strong and true to herself, even though she makes mistakes, and overcomes in the end. Sawyer doesn’t allow Trina to fade into a one-dimension character, but keeps her conflicts right in the periphery so that the reader can’t help but identify with this main character.
Graham is conflicted, too, and a lot of his internal struggle comes out in the scenes between Graham and Trina. These scenes are poignant and kept this reader turning pages to find out how it would work in the end. I was not disappointed.
Even if you haven’t read any of Kim’s other books, if you try Blessings, you won’t be disappointed.
RETURN TO TOP