Review: Sarah's Song by Vicky Whedbee

Sarah's Song

by Vicky Whedbee

 It’s the 1940’s, in rural East Tennessee, Appalachian country. For most everyone, there is only work, and possibly church, if there’s one nearby. People rise before the sun is up, work hard, go to bed early, and rest in church on Sunday. Little chance for much else to happen. Right?

So, why would keeping one little secret for over sixteen years be so important? What could possibly have happened, that could change the lives of so many people, if the secret were to be revealed?
There are only three people alive, that know the answer to that question. For now.

My Take:

The fire that burned her house down and killed her parents left Sarah having to care for her younger brother and sister at her grandfather's house. The bad man that set the fire had died in there with her parents. All three kids suffered years of trauma over that tragic night. Nightmares that just wouldn't stop. But time heals all wounds, doesn't it? Life goes on, and children grow, and forget.

A cold winter's night takes the life of a young Cherokee boy's parents. Though little more than a toddler, the boy becomes the slave of the pig farmer whose shed they were sleeping in. And time passes, while he grows, chained and abused and half-starved.

But one morning, a mistake the farmer makes allows the young man to escape with a couple buying a pig, and these stories become forever intertwined. And the terrible secret from the forgotten past? Well, secrets have a way of coming out...

Content:

Drug Content:
G – There is very little alcohol in this novel, and no substance abuse. 
 
Violence:
PG – There are a few scenes of abuse and violence.
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – There's a bit of kissing but nothing further. Good clean romance.
 
Christian content:
Quite a bit. One of the characters comes to Christ and is asked to give his testimony. When he does, many of the church members present are moved to get serious with God. This character goes on to become a preacher of sorts. Characters wrestle with faith and purpose. We see prayer, compassion, scripture quoted occasionally, and the characteristics of love, joy, peace, self-sacrifice, and generosity beautifully presented. 

  

Final Analysis:
Sarah's Song is a beautifully written novel that dances around the edges of multiple genres. Is it a romance? Yes! Is it an adventure story? Yes, again. It's a murder mystery, a romance, and a faith-filled thriller, all wrapped up and presented in a beautiful bow. Several passages had me moved to tears over the trials and victories of the characters. Whedbee brings raw emotion to the table, with a gripping tale of rural life in the Forties. The character development is real and raw, and the stakes are high. The pacing was reasonable. Good world-building, real characters, thrilling action and a spice of romance. What's not to like? Five Stars!

About the Author:

Vicky Whedbee was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she resided until her 40's when she relocated to San Mateo, Florida. An avid reader, she wrote her first novel over a period of years as a labor of love and fulfillment of a life long dream that began with the encouragement of her English teacher in high school.
With a diagnosis of cancer for her dad, she decided to become an independent author and published her novel on her own in order to present a finished product to her father before his demise. She was in the process of reading said novel, "Things He Hadn't Told Her", to him at the time of his passing.
She wrote her second novel "Sarah's Song", which was a collaboration with her father set in the time of his childhood in the rural Appalachian mountains, with notes taken prior to his demise. Both books have been met with stellar 5-STAR reviews on Amazon & Goodreads, as well as awarded the 5-star review seal from Reader's Favorite.
After numerous requests, she wrote a sequel to Sarah's Song, titled Sarah's Home, which could also be read as a stand-alone. It, too, is being received with love and 5-STAR reviews.
She is currently working on her next novel.
Visit & contact her through her website https://crwvao.wixsite.com/vickywhedbee

Review: Love's Fate (Fate Series Book 3) by Diane Yates

 

Review: Love's Fate (Fate Series Book 3) 

by Diane Yates

To Deborah who lost her sister, Aliyah, to a Christian cult, the only thing worse than a Jewish Christian is an Arab Christian. But Amir, banished from his Arab-Israeli family, falls in love with the sad, beautiful, Jewish Deborah at first sight. A bond forms between them despite their religious and ethnic differences. After Deborah’s sister left, her parents Yosef and Esther loathed each other, and nothing can ignite feelings of love between them. While David Drake and Aliyah return to her homeland of Israel as missionaries, David’s sister, Melissa, tries to reach teenagers in the USA with the message of abstinence, but her own marriage threatens to derail her mission. Little do they all know what the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has planned for them and the Fate of their love.

My Take:

Deborah Zimmerman leads a somewhat cloistered life, sheltered in her Jewish home with little freedom to even pass the front door. After all, her big sister Aliyah had been spirited away by an American Christian, and was considered dead to her mother. But on her first venture to the marketplace as a late teen, she is waylaid by a woman who hands her a small velvet bag with a Christian manger scene in a snow globe - a gift by her missing big sister. As she ponders the meaning behind the small baby in a manger, she arrives at the market only to be harassed by a devilishly handsome young Arabic man named Amir. A converted Muslim Christian, outcast by his own family. He falls desperately in love with the beautiful Deborah, who finds him dangerously attractive and adamantly off-limits.

Though she keeps running into (and over) Amir, she rejects him and the feelings he stirs in her. After all, he's Arabic, and worse, a Christian. But when Deborah is kidnapped by Islamic terrorists, only Amir can save her.  

Content:

Drug Content:
G – There is very little alcohol in this novel, and no substance abuse. 
 
Violence:
PG – The kidnapping scene and rescue are somewhat violent, and imminent death is threatened, but there's no blood-letting here..
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – There's a bit of kissing but nothing further. Good clean romance.
 
Christian content:
There's quite a bit of Christian material here. The characters pray fervently, and God answers prayers miraculously, though it's revealed more as acts of Providence and guidance than overt direction. The powers of darkness are evident here, too, though the spiritual realm is kept behind the scenes. Characters pray for guidance and submit to parental and holy authority, and work for the furtherance of the kingdom.

  
Final Analysis:
I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love's Fate. I was fully invested in the characters and was on the edge of my seat through much of this fast-paced entertaining romance. It's always refreshing to read something clean and positive, with pain and sacrifice counterposed with hope and love. Well-written, entertaining, and encouraging. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Yates writes award-winning inspirational romantic fiction and nonfiction with endearing characters who find courage to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. Her Fate Series, published by IHeart Publishing, begins with Melissa's Fate and continues with Impossible Fate. The third book in the series will release in the near future. Diane is the author of two biography/memoirs, Pathways of the Heart and All That Matters. She served two terms as President of Ozarks Writers League and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She teaches writing workshops and has spoken at various organizations. She and her husband Rick have served years in youth and adult ministries. She has three children and eight grandchildren. Follow her at www.dianeyates.com or her blog at www.dianesponderings.blog

Review: Claire the Au Pair on a Tear (Celtic Hearts) by Peggy McGee

 

Claire the Au Pair on a Tear

by Peggy McGee

Claire Mahoney, a nurse at a care center near Cork, Ireland, became independent once her dad remarried and moved to Michigan to begin a new life. Taking after his traits, it frayed relationships between her embittered mother and sister Bree who was recently divorced herself.

Though, when her flat mate found a job as an au pair in the States, it enticed Claire to follow suit. Being a nurse, she was quite sought after for special needs children, finally accepting one close to her dad, hoping to reconnect and begin anew. Placed with a family with an Irish background, who owned a winery to care for a boy recovering from leukemia and his younger sister, became a challenge for someone who had limited experience around kids.
However, it did increase her social life, presenting other opportunities including meeting her step-siblings for the first time and touring the area. Unexpectedly, declining health issues of her mum called her back home finding her sister mired with addictions. Ironically, it was her sister’s ex Eric who was there to support her with Ava her niece becoming a common denominator between the two.
Because of the circumstances, they emotionally maintained their distance not wanting to make issues worse. Now, it was decision time whether Claire was to return to Michigan to pursue past friendships or remain in Ireland, knowing any relationship with her sister’s ex could further cause a rift within the family. Join Claire the au pair on a tear between continents to decide her future happiness.

My Take:

Claire Mahoney is a nurse at a convalescent facility in Ireland, trying to keep her head above water and escape from an abusive home. Since her parents had gotten a divorce, her mother and sister had practically disowned her, wrapped up as they were in their own addictions. But when she voiced the concerns of a patient to not be resuscitated, against the wishes of a daughter who couldn't let go, her job was in jeopardy. A friend had taken a job as an au pair in the United States, and put her name in as a good candidate. After all, nurses were in high demand for this role, especially for wealthy families with kids suffering from life-threatening illnesses. With few other options, Claire jumped at the chance to serve a family in Michigan within 100 miles of her father. 

The son, Aiden, was struggling with cancer, and the younger daughter, Kayla, had been a bone marrow donor. Both children were sickly and in need of her expert care. her nursing duties were the least of her worries, however, as she soon found herself the unwilling recipient of the amorous attentions from several handsome suitors. While struggling between the need to serve, and the chance for love, Claire received a call from her sister, informing her that their mother was dying of cancer, and needed her help back in Ireland. She returned with little hope of reconciling with her caustic mother, and the toxic vitriol she received from her dying mother was all the thanks she was to receive. Surprisingly, her sister's ex-husband became the only assistance she received when she got back. Would Claire survive the abuse from her mother and sister, and find love in the process? 

Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There is a considerable amount of drinking in this novel. The mother and sister are both alcoholic, and the sister struggles with a cocaine addiction. The family Claire is working for in the States runs a winery, and there is casual drinking there, but no drunkenness. A drug dealer makes things a bit dicey. 
 
Violence:
G – None at all. There is death but it's all natural causes, and most life-threatening situations are medical in nature.
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – This is a lighthearted romance, but there's only a few stolen kisses.
 
Christian content:
There's a bit here. This is not specifically a Christian romance, but several characters struggle with their faith. Church is attended, prayers are made, and a character receives Last Rites. In some respects, we see faithfulness in the face of severe persecution, service under fire, and a mix of characters who show self-control and shoulder responsibility, counterposed with those who have no self control and no accountability. 

 
Final Analysis:
I'm not usually a reader of lighthearted romances, but I enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting, and the characters had some depth. The pacing started out well but bogged a bit at the midpoint, and didn't start clicking well until about the 3/4 mark. I found some characters unredeemable, but all were believable and most had flaws of some sort that lent depth to them. The conflict in this book was raw and real, especially between Claire and her mother. I especially like the interactions between Claire and Eric, and was satisfied with the book's resolution. It's a reasonable read, with likable characters. Four Stars!

About the Author:

Peggy McGee, author of "The Psychic Sara Series", the Orphan Train Adventures, and the Wildflower Series (to name a few) taught school, covering many grade levels and college courses in various states, during the first part of her employment years. She has a MS in Education, to include Social Sciences and a Reading Specialty. Most recently, prior to retirement, she was involved with the elderly, providing for their psycho-social needs. During this time, she published many newsletters; however, her ultimate goal was always to become an author. She has three children, five grandchildren and currently lives with her husband in Michigan.

Review: Don't Be Silly! At My Age? by Jacqueline Diamond

 

Don't Be Silly! At My Age?

by Jacqueline Diamond

They’re never too old for love lessons!

At 54, the fearless nurse doesn’t believe in love but she’s writing a romance. At 60, the bestselling novelist is happy to teach her about more than just storytelling... if he can stop her cat from terrorizing his dog.

When Mandy dives into Richard’s writing class, this outspoken duo is headed for a collision that will rock both their worlds. Don’t miss the fun, surprises, and unexpected twists!

My Take:

At 54, Mandy Matchett is a driving, no-nonsense single woman who knows exactly what she wants, and that does not include any romantic entanglements. Yet she's been challenged to write a romance. At 60, Richard Forbes is a bestselling novelist burdened with the loss of a wife, and no desire to open his heart up again. He'd rather be alone, thank you, even wishing to drop the small writing group he leads in his father's bookstore. But when Richard's dog breaks free on a walk and chases Mandy's cat, she joins his writing group out of spite. These two are on a collision course that will come to a head when a stalker targets Mandy for sending him to jail.

 Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There's some drinking in this, bottles of alcohol in the fridge, casual drinking. A drug addict comes calling, and there is some discussion of medicines and their abuse. 
 
Violence:
G – Not much, though there's some threatened.
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – This is a lighthearted romance, but there's little more than kissing mentioned. There are some mild references to moving in together.
 
Christian content:
There's a bit here. Several characters have come to faith and it makes a dramatic difference in them. There are a few references to praying and church attendance. But threaded throughout this novel there are themes of self-sacrifice, trust, faith, and second chances. Redemption and forgiveness play a significant part in the story. A broken marriage is reconciled. 

 
Final Analysis:
As I'd said before, I'm not usually a reader of lighthearted romances, but I enjoyed the book before this, and looked forward to reading more. I was certainly not disappointed. The writing in this novel was polished, engaging, and entertaining. I especially loved the banter between the main characters. Lines I found especially memorable: 

Well, he'd only dumped her two days ago. That wasn't a lot of lingering.

"And so it starts, with half a carton of purloined Chinese food and a sincere apology."

Mandy smiled all the way down to her slippers.

Hilarious dialog, engaging characters, edge-of-your-seat drama... what's not to love? Five Stars!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances (17 in all) and mysteries (four so far).

She is currently writing a series of romances about three sisters, all over 50, finding or rediscovering love. They are part of the Better Late collection of romantic comedies by Jackie and several other authors. Jackie's first romance in the series is Really? At Your Age?

Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net, where you can sign up for her free monthly newsletter. You can contact Jackie at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook or as @jacquediamond on Twitter.

Review: Walking With God Day By Day by Rachel Jamerson

Walking With God Day By Day 

by Rachel Jamerson

I have always had an inquiring mind. I want to know the who, what, when, where, how, and why of everything. I pay careful attention to what people don’t say-- as well as what they say. You’d be surprised at how much you can learn by simple observation. I also have a habit of asking ‘Why’ in my conversations with others, for which I have been criticized. However, I don’t do it to embarrass anyone. I’ve just always wanted to create in others the desire for knowledge, to get people to question the world around them and the things they do. To think about their own lives and to analyze what they believe and why they believe it. I want them to THINK. That’s why I ask questions and that’s why I wrote this book. God gave us an awesome gift called the brain. Let’s use it! How does this apply to you? You have a purpose. Everyone born on this earth does. From your first breath until your last, every choice you make affects the world in some way, and the decisions you make have a permanent effect on you and those in your circle of influence. That’s why it’s so important to ask the ‘Why’ questions. Just as we leave our marks on others, they also leave their marks on us. Think about the people you have met in your life and how they affected you. Teachers, family members, friends, and leaders from all walks of life. People you admired or those you despised. Those you loved and those who loved you. They all left you with something. Whether it was negative or positive, you were changed in some way. This brings me back to this book and why I wrote it. I am not much of a fiction writer. I like to write about the things I have learned --usually the hard way. I am also not one who reads much fiction instead; I like to read about other people’s journey and what they have learned. Many times, you will find a reference to another author’s work in my writing, because what they wrote meant something to me and I want to share it with others. My hope is that in reading this book, you will begin to understand the importance of asking the right questions. Of looking at things from a different perspective, as well as understanding the cause and effect of our relationships with others. I hope that you will understand the importance of using God’s Word to illuminate your understanding and how to apply His wisdom in your life. What follows is a collection of vignettes, thoughts, and life lessons that are presented to challenge and encourage you. They are the result of my 75 years of life experience, 45 of them spent walking with the Lord. By observing my life and applying God’s wisdom as shown in His Word, I pray you will become wiser, growing in confidence in your relationship with Jesus.

My Take:

Have you ever looked for words of wisdom from someone who has been down the road ahead of you, someone who can give you spiritual advice, a mentor who is invested in helping you ask the right questions and arrive at your own informed answers? What if you boiled down those decades of experience into a handy devotional that you could spend just a few minutes each day reading? Well, look no further, here it is from the pen of Rachel Jamerson, a multi-published Christian author with decades of writing under her belt.

 Content:

As this is a Christian devotional, I'll be skipping the usual ratings of drug, adult content, violence, and language. While such things COULD theoretically exist in a devotional like this, they do not here.

 
Christian content:
You might expect a Christian devotional to have content about Christ, the nature of God, and the Christian walk. And Jamerson does not disappoint. This book is packed with advice on church life, God in politics, how a church should look and how we contribute to its life. She does not shy away from hot topics such as the delusion and spiritual attacks leading our country and even churches away from God's truth, and exposes misconceptions on the nature of God and what a Christian is. Topics such as depression, women's ministry, the Sabbath, and the inclusion of pagan practices in Christian religious holidays are discussed, all from a solid biblical worldview.

 
Final Analysis:
This devotional is a quick read. Each of the 25 devotions in this book take about 2 minutes to read. Each comes with a scripture quote or passage, and each with a quote from a prominent person of faith. I found it challenging, informative, and encouraging. I especially liked her explanation of the inductive study method of scripture, and her take on walking with the Lord. Five Stars!

About the Author:

I have been writing for twenty-five years. My favorite resource is scripture. A hunger for God’s Word took me to the campus of Precepts International in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There I learned the Inductive Bible Study method, which completely changed the way I view scripture.

I served for five plus years in a local chapter of CONTACT USA. While there I served on the board of directors and as a crisis line specialist. In addition I am certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors in Caring for People God’s Way. I remained an active member until 2005. I am currently retired.

After becoming a Christian, my desire to write and quest for answers were dedicated to understanding God’s message to man. What exactly was He saying and why were there so many different interpretations? As a result, I became an avid student of scripture. My book ‘Spiritual Compass’ contains excerpts from various articles written over the years. It also takes the reader on a simple walk through the Word of God and offers insights derived from the personal journey of others.

I am a widowed grandmother of eight, retired and living in Southwestern Virginia.

Review: Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy 

by Craig R. Hipkins 

Clement is no ordinary thirteen year old boy. He lives in a castle in 12th century Normandy. After helping Adalbert on his quest to find a long lost treasure, Clement and his friend Dagena return for another adventure. This time, Clement must overcome the evil ambitions of his wicked uncle, Sven the Terrible! Prepare yourself for some medieval action and excitement that you will not soon forget. 

My Take:

Clement de la Haye is a recently orphaned in Normandy. The death of his father has made him the new Count de la Haye, and set in motion several plans to wrest his power, his castle, and his holdings from him. Visitors to the castle inform him that he is going to be forced by the king to wed a suitable wife of high station, within the year, though he is not yet thirteen. But his heart is set on his childhood companion Dagena, the daughter of a scullery maid. They ride out on an adventure to explore a local cave with his best friend Olaf, unknowingly escaping a deadly trap by his villainous uncle Sven the Terrible. With only their wits and a couple daggers, they must rally an army to rescue their castle under siege and rout the evil invader and his army of mercenaries and highwaymen.

 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none
 
Violence:
PG – There are a couple scenes with cadavers. There is a glossed-over chapter concerning a battle between armies. There is a discussion of killing prisoners. 
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – There is a bit of preteen angst, but no kissing.
 
Christian content:
Clement is a Christian, and says as much multiple times, taking the high road frequently due to his faith. There is a discussion of salvation by faith, and some content appropriate for a visit to an abbey. Prayer is not a stranger to this work, and faith in Providence carries them through several tight squeezes. Class distinction is a powerful destructive theme here, and Clement's stalwart refusal to succumb to that mindset makes him endearing and sets him far above others. Self-sacrifice plays a pivotal role, and care for the poor, identification with the downtrodden, and rescue of the innocent are strong themes in this work. 

 
Final Analysis:
Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins is an outstanding, fast-paced historical coming-of-age adventure. Significant research went into making the period clothing, buildings, daily life, and speech of the times accurate. The characters were believable and had their own transformations along the way. I especially liked the camaraderie between Clement and Dagena. The worldbuilding was immersive, and the white-knuckle action had me on the edge of my seat as Clement and his friends moved from one scrape to another in a constant barrage. This page-turner is perfect for fans of coming-of-age adventures in historical times. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Craig R. Hipkins was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He currently lives in North Carolina.
Craig published his first book, “Fireballs: A History of Meteors and other Atmospheric Phenomena” in 2009. Adalbert is his first novel. It is the sequel to the novel Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)
He is an avid long distance runner. He also enjoys astronomy and reading history in his spare time. His website is https://hipkinstwins.com/

Review: Scribes' Descent by Dylan West

People worship technology on Planet Daishon.

With inventions that prolong life and eradicate disease, it's little wonder. Death seems obsolete until an earthquake kills thousands, including Mallory's parents. They should have lived for a thousand years, not just fifty. Mallory scrambles for answers. Such a disaster shouldn't be possible.

Quakes have never happened on this world before.

Suspecting the top research center had triggered it, her best friend's father investigates. When he turns up missing, Mallory goes on site after him as a geology intern. She can't bear to lose anyone else.

An old mine sits at the epicenter of the recent quake, and an unbreakable alien barrier seals it off. But a door hidden in its surface opens for Mallory when she translates its engravings. Once inside, she evades underground predators while cut off from the tech that's always protected her.

Some graves run much deeper than six feet, and this place could be one of them.

Within this self-contained world lie the remnants of a universal war, revealing that Daishoni folklore is more than superstition. To survive, Mallory must trust in something more than science and logic. She must follow the voice of one she can't see down to the very bottom. Something deadlier than a quake is trapped there, and it is trying to escape.

 My Take:

Mallory Leighyan's family emigrated to Planet Daishon to escape the devastating quakes on their homeworld, earthquakes destroying the old planet's crust due to the terrible mistakes of their technologically advanced civilization. Planet Daishon was perfect for them, after all, because it was deemed impossible for this new planet to have quakes at all. Until it did. A devastating quake kills both Mallory's parents and propels her into a world-changing quest to seek answers. And this will take more than her brilliant intellect - it will require trusting a Voice of one she cannot see, in a descent deep into the crust of Daishon, where something far deadlier than a quake is waiting for release.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

G - squeaky clean

Violence:

PG - There are a few scenes where horrific carnage occurs, but they are rather glossed over. A monster destroys a team of commandos. Most violence is committed by monsters or against them. There is a scene where a girl is kidnapped in order to be eaten, and she barely escapes. 

Language:

G - squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

PG - There is a bit of late teen angst, but nothing physical. The only kiss I recall was on the hand.

Christian content:

Scribes' Descent has many oblique references to faith in multiple different deities, as the religions of the different worlds collide. The Protectors follow a mono-theistic religion which does a reasonable job of paralleling the God of the Bible. The Voice in one place askes the Scribes to 'Follow Me'. There is a species of light-emitting creatures that seem quite similar in some respects to the Seraphim. Faith and praying are commonplace, especially for those living deep underground. Forgiveness and mercy play pivotal roles in this adventure. Mallory must come to grips with death, with divine purpose, and the existence of something greater than intellect and more eternal than a 1000-year lifespan. 

Final analysis:

There is something refreshing in reading an adventure story of this magnitude, with an overarching plot that requires the faith of just taking the next step. The worldbuilding in this series is extraordinary, and the characters fully developed. Supporting characters have transformational arcs of their own, and it makes for a much more enjoyable journey. I especially appreciated the way the elements of faith were intertwined throughout the story, without distracting at all from the storyline. The action is intense in places, and the stakes could not be higher. The plot was riveting, and I found it impossible to put down. I'm looking forward to finding out what's at the bottom, and how it will affect the fate of worlds in book two. Five Stars!

 About the Author:

Dylan West is a Jesus lover, web programmer, video game developer, Navy veteran, foreign language nut, and a nut in general. While other people are busy thinking normal thoughts, he's crafting corny jokes. His novels are young adult, science fiction, and faith-based. Dylan lives in Chesapeake, VA, with his wife and daughter and two demanding tabby cats. Sign up for his newsletter here to receive updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the science research behind his stories: https://dylanwestauthor.com