Great new book by a new author!

I love regency romance, and I loved this regency romance.  A Noble Masquerade is the debut novel by Kristi Ann Hunter.  (There was a novella before this book that I completely missed – however I have downloaded the novella and it will be my next read.)  This delightful book tells the story of Miranda, who in lieu of a journal, has been writing her most secrets thoughts in letters to her brother’s longtime friend, the Duke of Marshington.  She keeps most of the letters locked away, but when her brother’s valet accidentally mails one to the duke.  To her chagrin, the duke writes her back and the adventure begins.     

What follows is a whirlwind of crazy and imaginative accidents and coincidences.  Miranda manages to get herself into some comical situations, but she also has some very sensitive moments.  She is about to enter her fourth Season, and feels like her younger sister will outshine her.  She feels held back by the strict “Lady” rules her mother has placed on her all her life, and does not know how to let her real self shine through, except through letters to the duke.  When Miranda and the duke finally meet, she still holds herself back.   

The Duke, (Marsh as he is called), is not what I expected at all.   Marsh has been hiding himself too, although not in the shadow of a sibling.  He has been out of the public eye in service to his country.  It was interesting to see how Ms. Hunter bent the societal rules of Regency England to bring Miranda and Marsh together.  Marsh has to work around his “career” and Miranda has to work around her character, so together they can both be the best they can be, together. 

This book is a good choice for anyone who enjoys regency romance.  There is a little intrigue included, towards the middle of the book.  This added extra to an already good storyline.  I look forward to what Ms. Hunter will bring us in the future. 

Not by Sight, a charming WWI read

Not by Sight, the latest novel by Kate Breslin, is the story of Grace and Jack.  Grace is an intelligent, independent woman who wants to do whatever she can to support the war effort.  Her efforts are what first brings her into contact with Jack. Grace doesn't think that Jack is doing his part to support the war effort, but eventually finds out differently. Their first meeting was on purpose, their second meeting by chance. What follows is an "intrigue"-ing story of mystery and romance in England during World War I. 

It took a little bit for the book to capture my interest, and when it did, I was not disappointed.  Once I got going in the storyline, I read until I had finished the book. The historical research completed by the author is a major ingredient of what kept the story moving along. There were also spiritual themes through out that also added much to the story. It's refreshing to read a book that not only adds to the reader's historical knowledge but also inspires their faith.  

I really identified with Grace's desire to help all she could even while in situations where she was unsure how to proceed.  Her faith in God and her support of those around her was a good theme throughout the book.  I could also identify with Jack's refusal to have anything to do with things related to the faith, especially with the situations through which he had gone.  It's not always easy to keep trust and faith in God when it's impossible to see where the road is going. Of course, even Grace goes through difficult times in the book. 

This was the first book I had read that was written by Kate Breslin, and it definitely will not be my last. The intrigue mixed in with the romance was just the right mix for a great story. If you like historical romance and intrigue, then this is a good choice for you. 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*

Exploring Christian Theology, Vol 2: a review

This book is the 2nd volume in the series but was the last volume published.  Drs. Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel are both professors at Dallas Theological Seminary with extensive backgrounds in theology.  Please note: this was my first introduction to this series. 

It is broken down into several sections for easier reading. One section goes over passages of scripture relating to the subjects of the book and highlights how these scriptures were used as the basis for different theological beliefs over the span of history.  The next couple of sections highlight the important facts that are the foundation of our belief system and certain areas that that can be dangerous to us in our Christian walk.  The last section provides direct examples of leaders and confessions from the past that supplement the scriptures and time periods that were previously discussed. 

I really liked how the book was set up.  It makes it easier for those who are new to Christianity and/or theology to get their feet wet a little bit at a time without getting in over their heads.  The book discusses subjects that are beneficial to Christians in any level of their spiritual walk.  The subjects and examples use will allow the reader to reason through their beliefs and help them understand why they believe what they do. This is a great way to introduce people to theology. 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.*

A review of In Good Company by Jen Turano

In Good Company is the second book in the series A Class of Their Own by Jen Turano. Although this book works well as a standalone novel, we are re-introduced to the characters of Everett Mulberry and Millie Longfellow.  Everett is a desperate man looking for a good nanny and Millie is a desperate woman trying to be a good nanny.  When their situations bring them together, what follows is a hilarious tale of mayhem, mystery, and matchmaking.  

I don't know how Mrs. Turano does it, but her characters get into some of the funniest and strangest scrapes that one could imagine.  This book follows a similar story line to some of her other books but yet is entirely different.  The characters' personalities really start to show as the story progresses. Both Millie and Everett were easy to identify with as they are trying to live up to expectations in society without realizing that what they needed was already available to them.  I very much enjoyed watching them grow and fall in love throughout the book.   

This is totally irrelevant to the review, but I enjoyed the fact that Ms. Turano mentioned both my favorite painter and one of my favorite authors in the book. This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys a historical romance with plenty of humor and romance.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series. 

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*

           

Review of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird

Sometimes as I sit thinking about people and life in general, the number of unsaved people in the world really overwhelms me. I attend church regularly and serve where I'm needed - at church. However besides praying, I have vague ideas of what I can do to reach people but no concrete ideas of where to start. Amy Lively's new book How to Love Your Neoghbor Without Being Weird is an excellent resource on where and how to start right in my and your own neighborhood. 

Ms. Lively starts out with her own testimony and then follows in each chapter with examples from her own life about how she got to know and reached out to her own neighbors. She discusses the generally narrow definition of neighbor and how the definition we cling to doesn't begin to encompass the broad scope of true neighborhood.  She provides passages from Scripture that reinforce the points that she is emphasizing. 

Ultimately, she states that a person has to get to know their neighbor. To know your neighbors means to know more than their names, you have to be willing learn about their own cultures and beliefs while showing them that you want to learn these things about them. It is in getting to know your neighbors that you will learn how to introduce them to Christ. 

Ms. Lively ends each chapter with practical and deep questions to help you apply what you've read to your life.  She talks about the hinderances and fears that keep us from using our spiritual gifts to serve our neighbors. I found this book to be very helpful in gaining insight into how to reach my neighbors.  The examples and scriptures given in the book where what I needed to help formulate a plan for reaching my own neighbors without being to weird. I'd recommend this book to any Christian who wants to learn the best ways to reach out and share the gospel in their own part of the world. 

*I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. My opinions are my own.*

   

A Worthy Pursuit is worth your time!

Karen Witemeyer is an author who quickly became a favorite of mine with her multidimensional characters and charming storylines.  If I had to choose a favorite from her books, there would be several at the top of the list. Among those books would be A Worthy Pursuit. 

Charlotte is a former headmistress who is willing to do what she has to to protect the children in her care, especially Lily.  Lilly's grandfather will do anything to get her back, including hiring the best bounty hunter in the state of Texas: Stone Hammond.  Stone soon finds out that what he thinks he's looking for is not

what he discovers. 

Karen Witemeyer amazes me with her storylines each time.  She creates characters that are believable and relatable to the reader. Her characters are so deep and multidimensional, it's easy for the reader to get snagged by the story. I know this is the goal of every writer, however few manage to do it as well as Karen Witemeyer. 

A Worthy Pursuit kept me enthralled. After reading the prologue, I was hooked. I started reading in the early evening and did not finish until around 2 AM. It has the right mixture of romance, adventure, depth, and humor for a great read.  Woven throughout is the theme of trusting in God's faithfulness. It's refreshing to be reading a book for pleasure and also be reminds of spiritual truths I need to apply to my own life. 

If you've read books by Karen Witemeyer in the past and loved them, read this book. If you've read her books and didn't love them, read this book. If you've never read her books, read this book. I promise: you won't be disappointed. 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. My opinions are my own.*

A Worthy Pursuit is worth your time!

Karen Witemeyer is an author who quickly became a favorite of mine with her multidimensional characters and charming storylines.  If I had to choose a favorite from her books, there would be several at the top of the list. Among those books would be A Worthy Pursuit. 

Charlotte is a former headmistress who is willing to do what she has to to protect the children in her care, especially Lily.  Lilly's grandfather will do anything to get her back, including hiring the best bounty hunter in the state of Texas: Stone Hammond.  Stone soon finds out that what he thinks he's looking for is not

what he discovers. 

Karen Witemeyer amazes me with her storylines each time.  She creates characters that are believable and relatable to the reader. Her characters are so deep and multidimensional, it's easy for the reader to get snagged by the story. I know this is the goal of every writer, however few manage to do it as well as Karen Witemeyer. 

A Worthy Pursuit kept me enthralled. After reading the prologue, I was hooked. I started reading in the early evening and did not finish until around 2 AM. It has the right mixture of romance, adventure, depth, and humor for a great read.  Woven throughout is the theme of trusting in God's faithfulness. It's refreshing to be reading a book for pleasure and also be reminds of spiritual truths I need to apply to my own life. 

If you've read books by Karen Witemeyer in the past and loved them, read this book. If you've read her books and didn't love them, read this book. If you've never read her books, read this book. I promise: you won't be disappointed. 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. My opinions are my own.*