Book Review: When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

From the publisher's website:

After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smokejumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation. She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson--and a handsome detective.

But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she struggles to accept and forgive her family's past, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension you've come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

My thoughts: I have loved every book that I have read by Lynette Eason. She really knows how to engage a reader and build suspense throughout her stories. When I get one of her books, I wnat uninterrupted time to read it all the way through (although I never get that chance!).

When the Smoke Clears is a great read for anyone who loves clean, well-written suspense novels that you wouldn't mind your teen reading. I'm sure my copy will find its way into the hands of my 17-year-old daughter soon!

I give When the Smoke Clears 5 out of 5 stars!

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Book Review: Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

Chasing Mona Lisa is a new novel set in the time of the Second World War. It contains interesting history of that period in which the Nazis stole thousands of paintings and other works of art from the countries that they invaded. In order to protect their valuable artwork, the curators of the Louvre packed up many of them and hid them away in chateaux across the country.

An interesting article describes what happened to the Mona Lisa during this time: "On the eve of World War II, curators at the Louvre swathed the museum's most priceless painting — the Mona Lisa— in layers of waterproof paper, boxed it up and spirited it to the French countryside for safekeeping. Leonardo da Vinci's smiling maiden moved another five times during the war before she was brought, safe and sound, back to the Louvre."

The novel picks up in 1942, telling the fictional account of the attempt to steal the Mona Lisa from the chateau where it had been taken. The main characters, Eric Hofstadler and Gabi Mueller, are Swiss citizens who are working as secret agents for the OSS, sent to help the citizens of Paris after the Liberation. They meet Bernard Rousseau, a member of the French Resistance, and Colette Perriard, a curator at the Louvre. After much confusion and danger, together the foursome go to the chateau and recover the Mona Lisa and return it to its rightful place. 

 
Although that is the basic plot of the book, many other subplots occur and keep Chasing Mona Lisa from becoming stale. On the contrary, this is a fast-paced book which holds the attention of the reader and makes for a very enjoyable read. I didn't want it to end. 
 
One piece of history that I discovered while reading this book is that much of the artwork "remained sealed in their boxes, but curators worried about the conditions of the Mona Lisa and took the painting out of its box.

'It was stored in a bedroom so that there would always be someone with her," said Fonkenell. "There were people who slept with Mona Lisa in their bedroom.'"

I love to learn history through the reading of fiction! (As long as I know which is which! :))

Authors Goyer and Yorkey are a talented duo. I highly recommend this book.
 
I give Chasing Mona Lisa 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!
 
(Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.)

Book Review: Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen

I have struggled for almost 11 years to organize my home here in Tennessee. We have had seven people living in a 1500 sq. ft. house. I know that's a lot of space for many people in this world, but when you are used to having more space per person, it can be difficult finding room for everyone and all their "stuff".

I have been amazed at how some of my friends have managed to live in such small spaces. For example, I visited one of my husband's cousins once and she and her husband and daughter live in an RV. She showed me how she puts a lot of her things in plastic containers and simply doesn't buy much because she doesn't have room for anything "extra". She cannot buy books (YIKES!) and goes to the grocery store almost daily because she can't store much food at one time.

This book, Small Space Organizing, is an extremely helpful one for people like me and my husband's cousin. It is chock full of useful tips for organizing small spaces such as loft and basement apartments, beach cottages and high-rise condos, and even includes tips for those who live in one room. There are ideas for how to use furniture for multiple needs and what to do when you have overnight guests in order to make them feel at home without stressing yourself out. 

I have found many ideas in this book that I can implement right away. I think it will be a good tool to have handy whenever I need more help with my little home. I will be using this book for a long while!

This book is great for people who are downsizing their living spaces as well as those who, like me, simply need to learn to live in the small spaces we already have.

(There are many other tips plus photos at the author's blog.)

I give Small Space Organizing 5 out of 5 stars!

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Kathryn Bechen is an award-winning professional writer whose articles have appeared in popular national and regional magazines and newspapers. She specializes in lifestyle feature articles and has also published several organizing and decorating e-books. The lifestyle companies she founded, Organized with Ease and Kathryn Bechen Designs, have served clients worldwide. Kathryn has organized and decorated 13 personal small space residences together with her husband Steve, and they currently live in their favorite small space ever: a 1,200-square-foot high-rise apartment in beautiful San Diego, California. She blogs about timely lifestyle topics at http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/.

Book Review: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher (and an iPad giveaway!)

This is a new series from Suzanne Woods Fisher. I like how she writes about the Amish people in a way that is believable as well as entertaining. I'm sure the next books in the series will be as good.

About The Keeper:

Can Julia secure the future she’s always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind? 4 Stars from Romantic Times, “The Stoney Ridge Season starts off with characters who are trying to make the right choices, but sometimes with unexpected results. Fisher always brings freshness to her Amish novels. The Amish culture is interesting to read and learn about, but there is also a message: God has plans and those plans may vary greatly from the plans you have”.

I can identify with Julia, the main character in this book. When I read how she was rejected by her soon-to-be husband, Paul, I remembered the day I was hurt by an old boyfriend I had one summer many years ago. I, too, began to think of ways I could win him back. I soon realized, however, that I was better off without him. And, as in Julia's case, I learned many lessons about love along the way.

There's more to this book than your usual romance and sweet family life. There's also tragedy, life-changing struggles, and redemption. The plot is a good one because of these many facets. Mrs. Fisher's books keep getting better and better.

I give The Keeper 4 1/2 stars!

(By the way, just like Julia, my story has a happy ending: after accepting the fact that my former boyfriend was not the one for me, I met and eventually married my husband of 30 years!)

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

About the author:

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles—simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily— into your life.

When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. Suzanne can be found on-line at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/.

Giveaway:

The Keeper is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting a “Honey” of a Giveaway and a fabulous FB Party (1/17).

*During the giveaway one Grand Prize Winner will receive a Prize Pack (valued at $600):


* A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi

* A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
* A copy of The Keeper


Then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper FB Party at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, 8:00 EST)!


During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the “Honey” of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun “honey” inspired prizes – It’ll be ’sweet"! RSVP early and tell your friends!

The iPad giveaway: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/183799
Running now until January 17th

The Facebook Party: http://www.facebook.com/events/209723589116292
Party is on January 17th, and the winner of the prize package will be announced there.
 
Be sure and enter today!

Book Review: Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

Deadly Pursuit is the second book in a series by Mrs. Hannon called Guardians of Justice. It is the story of Alison Taylor, a social worker who is stalked by someone who seems to want her dead for something she did years before. Ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan comes to her rescue and makes it his duty to find her pursuer and bring him to justice. There are twists and turns that leave the reader wanting more as the danger to both Alison and Mitch intensifies.

As with all of the other books I have read by Irene Hannon, this one was quite entertaining. The author is a master at her craft and I look forward to reading all of her next novels. If you like authors such as Terri Blackstock and Dee Henderson, you will love Irene Hannon!

I give Deadly Pursuit 5 out of 5 stars!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

My reviews of a few of Mrs. Hannon's past books:

In Harm's Way: http://seizethebookblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-in-harms-way-by-irene.html

Fatal Judgment: http://seizethebookblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-fatal-judgment-by-irene.html

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, and In Harm's Way. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewer's Choice Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine. She lives in Missouri.

For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website.

Book Review: The Queen by Steven James

From the publisher's website:

While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.

In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing.

The Queen is the latest Patrick Bowers thriller from the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."

I have now read four out of five of Steven James' books in the Bowers' Files series. I have enjoyed reading every one of them. (The only reason I have not read The Knight is because I didn't have time when it came out - I need to get to it sometime!)

This series is quite fascinating and well-written. I have a little bit of a hard time when I read one because I have to remember the characters all over again, but the effort is worth it. It isn't long before I am engrossed in the story and find myself cheering Patrick Bowers (the main character) on in his quest to find the "bad guys" and see that justice is carried out. I'm sure I'll be sorry to see this series end.

Mr. James is a number one author who really understands human nature from a biblical standpoint and writes what he does with obvious passion and insight. His descriptions of evil are not "over the top", but definitely "edgy". I, however, believe that we sometimes need to see the depths of our sin before we can truly see the beauty of God and His holy majesty. These books have helped me to think in these ways. I tremble when I see the depravity displayed in the books, but I also (while reading) rejoice in the One who has provided a way for us to be delivered from "this body of death".

Another thing I found thought-provoking in this particular book were the references to the theme of forgiveness. Another main character, Tessa, has problems with guilt and feels a need to 'forgive herself". There were several scenes where the issue of forgiveness was discussed and I learned a lot from these. I especially like the following quotes which helped me understand forgiveness a little bit more:

"When you ask someone to forgive you, you're really asking the other person to sacrifice for the benefir of the relationship".

"Someone needs to sacrifice for someone else to be forgiven."

Steven James' works of fiction are not didactic, but I was certainly "preached" to when I read these scenes. I belive God simply used this book to teach me what I need right now in my life. (It is also not a "coincidence" that our pastor is preaching on this very subject on Sunday mornings right now. God's timing is perfect!)

I give The Queen 5 out of 5 stars!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

(I received this book from Revell Books for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

When I was preparing to write this review, I decided to add a warning about the graphic content of the book that may offend some readers. Then I found this warning from the publisher that includes an article written by Mr. James that seems to express well the reason why his books contain the scenes that they do (please read the article if you are bothered by such content - it may be helpful to you):

WARNING: This book contains violence and graphic descriptions of disturbing crime scenes.  It is not for the faint-of-heart who may be offended by such written images.  For more on this topic, please read Steven James’ blog article entitled “Why I Write about Evil”.             

Here is a review of The Queen from Chris at Baker Book House:

                                              

You can also view a video for The Queen on the author's website HERE.



Book Review: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

"Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?"

Sarah Sundin is now one of my favorite Christian authors. This third book in the Wings of Glory series is another inspiring novel that I am glad to add to my list of recommended books. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

When I wrote my review of Sarah's first book, A Distant Melody, I described my fascination with all things pertaining to World War II. Sarah writes in such a way that that the reader feel that he/she is there in the midst of all the fighting the soldiers face and the struggles of the families back home. I devoured it, and I was surprised to learn it was Mrs. Sundin's first novel.

Then, in  my review of the second book of the series, A Memory Between Us, I hinted at one of the scenes in the book where the heroine faced danger from another character. That was an extremely well written section and it is probaly why A Memory Between Us is my favorite of the three.

That is not to say I didn't like this third book, It, too, was a great read and one that I was reluctant to put dow. I am disappointed that there will be no more in the series, but I know more good books are to come from this talented author. Keep 'em coming, Sarah!

I give Blue Skies Tomorrow 5 out of 5 stars!

(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II.

Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit with Sarah online at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.

To celebrate the release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Vintage Kindle Prize Package!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One winner will receive:

* Kindle with Wi-Fi
* Handmade vintage apron for you and a friend (see a photo here)
* Blue Skies Tomorrow (for Kindle)

To enter visit Sarah's blog. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/10. Winner will be announced on 9/12 on Sarah Sundin's blog. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

Book Review: Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson

Chasing Sunsets (A Cedar Key Novel) by Eva Marie Everson

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3436-7 Price: $14.99

Format: Paperback

Publication date: Jun. 11

I had never heard of Eva Marie Everson until last year, when I read and reviewed her book entitled This Fine Life. I enjoyed that one so much that when Revell contacted me about reviewing Chasing Sunsets, I jumped at the chance.

Chasing Sunsets is about a woman named Kimberly Tucker who, at the beginning of the book, is going to court to prevent her ex-husband from taking their two boys for an extra week of vacation for the summer, leaving her alone for five weeks instead of four.

She loses her appeal, and so finds herself going alone to Cedar Key, the island retreat where she spent several summers with her family as a young girl.While she is there, she runs into an old boyfriend, Steven. The fires are rekindled, and just as Kimberly believes she will be able to love again, she is told that Steven is not the boy she once knew. She also comes to realize her need to let go of some things she has been holding onto for years, and struggles to trust God in the midst of it all.

There is a lot in this book about divorce and what it is like for those who must deal with so many issues that follow a breakup of a marriage. I know many people who have suffered from the impact of divorce, and I have seen what it does to the couples and families involved. This book has given me even more insight into the problem and as I was reading, I could only imagine what it must be like for them. Although I do not condone divorce, I can see how difficult the decisions are when confronted with this issue.

I think Mrs. Everson did a great job writing sensitively about this subject. The characters were believable as well as likeable (except maybe the ex-husband!). I like how the book ended, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Eva Marie Everson is a successful speaker, a popular radio personality, and the award-winning author of Things Left Unspoken and This Fine Life. She is coauthor of the Potluck Club series and the Potluck Catering Club series. She lives in Florida.

Book Review: A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

When I was in college, I changed my major twice. But the third one is the one I would love to get a degree in: criminal justice. It is one of the most fascinating subjects to me. I have read many fiction and non-fiction books on crime, criminal psychology, and criminal investigation. I am intrigued by the workings of the human mind and what makes people do what they do, especially when it comes to criminal behavior.

So, I guess that's why one of my favorite fiction writers is Lynette Eason. She knows how to write novels that snag your interest right from the start. And her characters are likeable as well as ones you want to empathize with. I have enjoyed every one I have read.

A Killer Among Us is no exception. The story of three sisters and their partners (in work and in their personal lives) are interwoven in the series (although you could read one by itself without reading the others, I recommend reading all three). 

This particular book is about Kit Kenyon and her partner, Noah Lambert. Kit is a hostage negotiator, very good at what she does. But when she and Noah become involved in investigating a serial killer, their emotions threaten to get in the way of their duties to their jobs. And as more people become the killer's victims, Kit and Noah find themselves targets as well.

To give you an idea of how Mrs. Eason's books begin, here are the first few paragraphs of A Killer Among Us:

"You don't want to do this." Detective Kit Kenyon stared past the barrel of the gun and fixed her eyes on the man before her.

The forty-four-year-old blinked against the sweat dripping into his hazy green eyes. A thick tongue swept out against dry lips, and his gaze darted from her to the door to his wife, who sat on the floor under the window weeping softly.

Melanie, his twelve-year-old daughter, winced at the harsh hand ensnaring her long brown ponytail and never took her terrified gaze from Kit.

"Virgil?" Kit pushed gently. "Right now, you haven't hurt anyone. In fact, you've cooperated nicely." Except for the part where she'd asked him to end this peacefully.

But they were getting there.

Anyone who has liked the novels of Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, Irene Hannon and Brandilyn Collins will also want to read Lynette Eason's books. They are among the best in Christian romantic suspense.

I give A Killer Among Us 5 out of 5 stars. 

About the author:

Lynette Eason is the author of ten novels, including Too Close to Home, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette and her husband and their two children make their home in South Carolina.

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Book Review: A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan
Series: Heart of the Rockies 1

ISBN: 978-0-8007-1884-8
Price: $14.99
Format: Paperback

Publication date: May 11, 2011
Publisher: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Description from the publisher:

When fate brings them together, they must choose between family ties and love.


The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, heir of the Wainwright holdings, Sarah realizes things have gone too far.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they just might be falling in love. Can they betray their families to see where this attraction leads? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in 1878 comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

I have to admit, I did like this book. It seems that there was enough of a developed plot to keep my interest, even though it is a "prairie novel". I especially liked the character Nick, who is the "glue" that holds the family together and keeps them from making many stupid mistakes. He is a Christian man who remains joyful through a variety of difficult trials, yet is a believable character who actually reminds me of some people I know, people who have encouraged me in my walk with God. Here's just one small exerpt from the book that exempliflies the kind of man Nick is:

"Sarah's just not the sort of person to turn her back on those she loves, no matter how badly they've sinned (Nick said)." His mouth quirked. "Kind of like God's unending love for his errant children."

A great reminder! We all should have a person or persons like Nick in our lives.

If you like a good romance (and a little suspense), you would like this book.

I give A Heart Divided 4 out of 5 stars.

“Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Kathleen Morgan is the award-winning author of many novels, including those in the bestselling Brides of Culdee Creek series. She lives in Colorado.

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

A Great NEW Book For Father's Day (AND A GIVEAWAY!)

(Read to the end to see how you can enter for a chance to receive a copy of this book!)

Project Dad is a humorous and practical guide book written by a dad to other dads. Todd Cartmell’s warm and engaging style will have fathers laughing from the first few pages, and gives doable hands-on advice for becoming a better dad.  This book will make an excellent Father’s Day gift!

What makes a great dad? Well, I think a dad should be kind and forgiving, always letting their children know he loves them, no matter what. And he should spend lots of time with them, teaching them the right way to live. This book will help all fathers accomplish these things. It would make a great gift for Father's Day!

Dr. Todd Cartmell received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He completed his postdoctoral training at Wright State University and the Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Cartmell works exclusively with children, adolescents, and families and specializes in the treatment of oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity, and a wide variety of other childhood and adolescent disorders. 

The author of several books, including Project Dad, Respectful Kids, and Keep the Siblings-Lose the Rivalry, Dr. Cartmell is a popular workshop speaker and regularly speaks on parenting issues throughout the country. Currently practicing in Wheaton, Illinois, Dr. Cartmell and his wife, Lora, have two sons.

*******

Now, for the GIVEAWAY! Would you like to win a copy of this new book? All you have to do is tell me what you think makes a great dad (or a special memory you have of your own father) and add your name and email to the comment section (your entry must include all three of these things to qualify for the free book). I will choose a winner on June 4th, so don't wait to enter!

“Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot

From the publisher's website:

As a seed awaits the spring sunshine, so one young woman hopes for a brighter tomorrow.

Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming the new schoolteacher in Ladreville, Texas, is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he affects her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly conquer the past in order to find happiness?

Book 3 in the Texas Dreams series, Tomorrow's Garden is a powerful story of overcoming the odds and grabbing hold of happiness.

My thoughts on the book:

I enjoyed this book, although I liked the second book in the series (Scattered Petals) better. It was fun reading about what happened to the characters that I read about in the previous book.

I'm not sure why, but it took me a while to finish this one. I don't think it was because it was boring, but I did notice that the author used too many "big words" in this particular novel, something I didn't notice in the second book. They were not words I hadn't heard before (except for the word "megrims"), but it made the tone of the book a little different and caused me to stop reading when I saw one and interrupted the flow of the plot. A few examples of these words are: peregrinations, prognosticative, and "a Gallic shrug" (I'm still not sure what that means).

Aside from that, I thought Mrs. Cabot wrote an interesting plot and tied up the stories of these Texans well. I'm kind of sad that there won't be any more books in this series.

I give Tomorrow's Garden 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. 

“Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses and Scattered Petals, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the co-founder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.

Book Review: The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

I was glad to get a copy of this book because I knew it would probably be good. I had read Walsh's previous book and reviewed it on this blog last year. I enjoyed The Homecoming, so when I heard about The Deepest Waters, I decided to read and review it.

The Deepest Waters is the story of John and Laura Foster, who become victims of a hurricane when the steamship they are traveling on sinks in the Atlantic. The year is 1857, and the couple is on their honeymoon when the storm strikes.

Laura is rescued along with the other women and children. She mourns the loss of her new husband and wonders how she can go on without him. But with the help of a gentle-hearted slave named Micah and his dog, Crabby, Laura learns of the love of her Heavenly Father and how He will never leave her, even in the midst of life's greatest tragedies. 

This author reminds me of writers such as Richard Paul Evans and Nicholas Sparks. It is the kind of prose that leaves the reader with a sense of the "rightness" (is that a word?) of all that is good in the world. I think we all need books like this at some time or another, especially when our lives seem so out of control.

I like how Mr. Walsh incorporates the gospel in his stories without being "preachy". Here is one especially good portion from The Deepest Waters:

(Micah said) "Jesus say, 'Whoever committeth sin is a slave of sin, and a slave does not abideth in the house forever, but a son do. They'fore, if the Son maketh you free, you be free indeed.' All at once it come to me...no man is free when his heart ain't free. All them massahs I have, and all the bad things they done to me...they may be free the way man see it, but not the way Jesus see it. 'Cause they ain't free in here." He pointed to his heart. "But if Jesus can make my heart free, can't no man make a slave of me. Maybe they can on this earth, the way man judge a thing. But one day, God will set everythin' right. 'Tween then and now, Jesus set my heart free from all the hate and fear and sadness inside. And...if the Son maketh you free, you be free indeed."

I can think of no better way of expressing the way of salvation.

There's lots of adventure as well as romance in this book. I recommend it to all who love a good, heartfelt story.

I give The Deepest Waters 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from Revell for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

“Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.