Category Archives: Christian

Mar19

Review: Reinventing Rachel by Alison Strobel

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Synopsis:

God let Rachel Westing down. For twenty-six years she’s done everything by the book; she figures He should have her back. But then she learns her fiancé is cheating on her. Her parents are getting a divorce. And her Christian mentor has a pill addiction. Where is God in all this? Nowhere, as far as Rachel can see. Wounded, bitter, and with a shattered faith, she quits her job and moves across the country to live with Daphne—her childhood best friend whose soul Rachel once thought she was meant to save.

Confident, successful, fun-loving Daphne sets about helping Rachel reinvent herself, and for a while it’s exciting. But when another tragedy shakes Rachel to the core, what little bit of self-possession she has left begins to unravel. A true-to-life story that will draw you in and keep you biting your nails until the end.

My Review:

This is a Christian fiction book, definitely geared towards a YA audience.  However, as someone a smidge beyond young adult, I also enjoyed the storyline.  There are quite a few issues Rachel faces and it’s through her eyes, we read her struggles and her anger towards God.  I thought this book could definitely help those facing similar issues and how inspite of ourselves, God does not abandon us.  While I would have liked a little more storyline after Daphne’s hospitalization and aftermath, the author did a nice wrap up and bring closure to issues Rachel was still faced with.  I highly recommend this book to those who love a great Christian fiction read with some real life issues many people face today.

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Feb27

Review: She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen

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Synopsis:

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood playdates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.
Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that “perfection” isn’t always what it seems to be.
A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman’s life and said, “I want what she has,” She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.
My Review:
Everyone knows someone who seems like she has it all together, is always dressed so nicely, make-up on, hair done, Bible in hand or scriptures ready to share, a clean house, baked break or cookies in the oven, and a seemingly perfect life.  At least, I can think of a few people in my own life that seem that way to me.  Now, that is not to say that they are probably a Justine…with skeletons in their closet and secretly unhappy.  However, I have often wondered, “what’s it really like?”.
If you know someone like that and feel complete opposite, then you will certainly resonate with this book. If you don’t know someone like that, or perhaps you are a Justine-strong A type personality then you will certainly enjoy this book, too.  Overall, this is a story that takes us behind closed doors, where church members don’t have access, where the process to do everything perfectly isn’t always shared…only the end results-perfection!
I loved this book and could relate to Ariel as she tries to keep up with the Joneses, so to speak, in a spiritual and Godly way.  Her dream is to move into this posh neighborhood, Essex Falls, and she begins working as a freelance photographer to help save money for the move.  Her husband, ever so frugal, really doesn’t want to move because it will mean that he will need to take another higher paying job and be away from the family more.   However, Ariel soon gets her wish and moves into the neighborhood of her dreams where children play and parents have neighborhood parties.  Living behind the main neighbor in charge of these soiree’s, Ariel soon begins to feel inadequate as she tries to maintain a clean home, bake bread and cookies, and manage her children, all with a gorgeous smile and crisp clothes.  Justine invites her to a church meeting, where Justine discusses Godly orderliness and Ariel finds herself trying to emulate Justine at home and in the neighborhood.  However, nothing is ever as it truly seems.
While Justine is painting this perfect picture of a Godly household, inside, she is hurt and angry, feels empty in her marriage, and soon seeks solace in the arms of an old flame.  Marybeth gets so deep into the minds and thoughts of the characters, that the scenarios and actions of each character seem so real and authentic.  Both Justine and Ariel have decisions they have to make and decide where their loyalties lie, and determine the fate of their friendship and of their marriages.  This is an excellent story and gives great discussion opportunities for a church reading group and book club.  I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys Christian fiction.
5 plus more
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Nov12

Review: Tangled Ashes by Michele Phoenix

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Synopsis:

When Marshall Becker arrives in Lamorlaye, France, to begin the massive renovation of a Renaissance-era castle, he unearths a dark World War II history few in the village remember. The project that was meant to provide an escape for Becker instead becomes a gripping glimpse into the human drama that unfolded during the Nazi occupation and seems to live on in midnight disturbances and bizarre acts of vandalism.
My Review:
What’s in the Bowl?
I was drawn to the name of the book because “ashes” just has this image of past issues, past hurts, and you can either squash them or have them consume you.  So, I immediately agreed to review this book and am glad I did.
 Mixing the Ingredients: Plot, Character, Storyline:
The story is told through two viewpoints: one is a voice from the past and the second is the voice of Becker, a man confronting his own demons and ghosts of the past.  In France, Bexter travels to help in the restoration of a 200 year old castle.  While there, he meets Jade, who is some ways becomes his conscience.  Jade is a no holds barred woman, who is a nanny/chef to the family that owns the castle.  The plot is quite intriguing, especially knowing the castle does actually exist.  While there was great detail in the life of Becker and Marie’s life, I was hoping there would have been more indepth character development to some of the sub-characters: Terese’, JoJo, Jade, and Elise’s relationship with her beau.  The storyline moves rather slowly in the beginning, but quickly moves along, connecting the relationships, filling the gaps in memories, and confronting the ghosts that seem to never be too far behind some of the characters.  During the renovation of the castle, it is Jade and Becker that seem to have the most evolvement in their character development.  While there was a lot of detail that went into the description of the castle, it did not take away from the storyline.  Rather, it helped give a visual aide to the reader and comes in handly at the end of the book, too!
My Overall Thoughts:
 I found myself having a difficult time concentrating, during certain parts of the story.  Then, there were times, that the story moves quite nicely and flowed really well.  I would have liked to have had more background information about JoJo and Terese, what happened to Marie and Elise in better detail, and the relationship between Jade and Becker.  Overall, this was a great story and I loved knowing that the author actually lived near the castle and created this beautiful story based on her own ideas and hopes that come from the magic of being in a castle.  I would recommend this book to those who love a great mystery, a book with great questions and thoughts about God, inner battles people experience, and who love a great book that brings hope and forgiveness.
This is a story about confronting ghosts of the past and restoring one’s self.
*This book was provided for review by NetGalley and CGrant&Company.  No forms of compensation were given.
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Enter the current giveway,which has been extended to November 30,2012.  Click the link below:
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Aug31

ARC Review & Giveaway: The Bridesmaid (Home to Hickory Hollow Series) by Beverly Lewis

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 316 pages
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 11, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0764209787
  • Genre: Christian Fiction

Synopsis:

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis.  Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amish woman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna’s stories aren’t her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare. Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amish man who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride–if he can ever leave his parents’ farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben’s hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

My Review:

While I love to read Christian fiction, I must admit, I have never read a book from Beverly Lewis. I’ve never really enjoyed Amish stories and I thought that the audience Beverly Lewis typically wrote for were older adults.  And…I still see myself rather young ;)

I received this book through an ARC giveaway on LibraryThing and was actually intrigued that the release date was on 9/11.  While there is no reference to 9/11, that date has always been very sensitive to me for personal reasons (aside from the horrific tragedies).

Reading this book, I quickly became immersed in the daily living of the Amish community in Hickory Hollow.  I loved the way Beverly was able to describe each character with detail and how well the personalities of two sisters could easily be detailed in her book.  While this is a short read for (a little over 200 pages), Beverly filled it with quite a lot of rich traditions, family alliances, upholding their faith, and finding love.  I fell in love with the characters of Joanna and Eben. I also loved the friendship that develops between Joanna and Jake, and the way young couples court one another.  With church lines, dedications to their respective churches and families, Joanna and Eben must find a way to follow their heart or else be separated forever.

I loved the simplicity of the story, the character developments, and how Beverly Lewis is able to seamlessly tie in their faith in a modern world.  The only “critique” I have, is wishing Beverly would have made the story longer and perhaps given us a little more of history behind Auntie Joanna and the Wise Woman.  Otherwise, it was a great book and I will certainly read this series!

*This book was provided by LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.

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Mar28

Review: Words by Ginny L. Yttrup

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: B&H Books; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1433671700

Synopsis:

“I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind. I’d like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I’d open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can’t take them.”

Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn’t speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods-in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.

Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter’s death, Sierra’s control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.

Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ.

My Review:

I purchased this book last year and I finally decided to read it a couple of weeks ago. It’s a book that truly drew me in from the very first page.  Sierra is a woman, who is a recovery drug addict, and has not yet forgiven herself for the consequences of her choices.  While she struggles to find peace and truly give herself to God, she meets a little girl Kaylee.  Kaylee is a special little girl and my heart ached for her as I read her story.  Ginny Yttrup truly does a remarkable job in describing the emotions and thoughts of a little girl, who is absolutely broken.  Kaylee is the little girl, who could easily have slipped through the system, since she is non-verbal and at times, seems unresponsive.  However, God brings Kaylee and Sierra together through a series of events, and shows them His love and grace.

Words is a book that will pull at your heart, have you cry for the pain and suffering Kaylee experiences, and rejoice when she not only finds her voice, but finds a family and self-acceptance.  I absolutely loved this book and Ginny Ytrrup truly leaves no stone uncovered as she brings to light abuse, addiction, foster/adoption, and new beginnings.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a great Christian fiction book, works as a family therapist or social worker with abused and neglected children, and addictions.  It’s a fantastic read and deserves to be on everyone’s TBR list!


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Feb23

Review: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

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Synopsis:

Margaret Macy flees London, disguised as a housemaid, to avoid marriage to a dishonorable man. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not at Fairbourne Hall—the home of two former suitors. As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret. When a trap is set to force her from hiding, will love or danger find her first?

Click Here to Read an Excerpt.

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About The Author:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com

 Follow Julie on Facebook!

My Review:

I first read a book from Julie when The Apothecary’s Daughter was free at Barnes and Noble for Nook readers. I immediately fell in love with Julie Klassen’s writing and felt she captured Jane Austen’s essence of writing, as she introduced her readers to great characters and took me back in time as I snuggled up to one of her books.  I was one of the readers that pre-ordered this book, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, and was so excited to not only receive an autograph, tea, and some tea cookies, but receive the book automatically on my Nook the day of it’s release.

I absolutely loved this book and felt the storyline was so unique and the storyline moved along at a very good pace. I was quite sad when I finished the book as I fell in love with the characters and was left wanting more.  There are so many twists in the plot, which kept me guessing until the very end.

Margaret is the main character, who is faced with the very difficult task of leaving the comfort of her home to being on the streets of London.  She eventually is given a job as a housemaid, where she learns rather quickly the hard work that it entrails and the challenges each house servant is faced with.  It helps not only to give her a greater appreciation of those who work for her, but also gives her a chance to know the men of Fairbourne Hall, in a way she would not have otherwise.

There are quite a lot of valuable lessons throughout, excitement, and overall a story that will not only have you fall in love with Margaret, Helen, and Nathaniel, but Julie Klassen, too.  My suggestion to you: read this book and then read all her other books!  She has quickly become one of my favorite authors of all time and is my Jane Austen of today !:)

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Dec31

My 3 Last Book Reviews for 2011: Blank Slate Kate by Heather Wardell, Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Webb Hart, and Her Life as She Knew it by Karen Schwind

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I have managed to end the year 2011 with 3 more book reviews before the new year.  I have read quite a lot this past week and really wanted to write the reviews for these books I agreed to reading.  While these are not comprehensive book reviews like I normally try to do, I know that readers will still be able to get the gist of what I thought.

Have a great and happy New Year!

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Synopsis: 

Waking up with a strange man is scary. Realizing you lost fifteen years of your life overnight? That’s terrifying. With her memories from seventeen to thirty-two gone, Kate has no idea who she is and where she belongs. As she begins to fall for the man who found her, she wonders if she forgot those years for a reason. Should she keep trying to retrieve her original self, or start a new life?

My Review:

Kate is a 32 year old woman, who has lost all memory of the past 15 years.  In her mind, she is 17 years old, and sees the world through the eyes of an innocent young teenager.  Heather Wardell brings the reader along as Kate tries to figure out what happened during those lost years, work through trying to catch up with world events, and even figure out the world of technology (think iphone, Twitter, Facebook, etc).  Heather Wardell writes very realistically in this  “too crazy to be true” scenario, as Kate also finds without her family, friends she knows, and a sweet bartender guy who she a crush on.  At times I wanted to hurry the story along because I wanted to know why this had happened to Kate.  However, everything is unraveled in its due time and all questions are answered in the end.  This is a story that is authentically told only through the eyes and thoughts of Kate, so as she unravels the mysteries, you will to…at her pace.  Hang tight, the book is worth the read, and it’s a book that I really enjoyed reading!  I highly recommend this book to those who love a good chick-lit book and who like mysteries weaved with a little romance.

*This book was provided by the author for an honest review. No forms of monetary or other compensation were given.

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Synopsis:

Now that she’s arrived at her ultimate address, will Mary Lynn’s longed-for view of the harbor satisfy the craving of her heart?

At last, Mary Lynn and Jackson Scoville are living the life they’ve dreamed of. Two self-described “small town bumpkins” from Round O, South Carolina, they made a small fortune selling the little gems of lowcountry real estate Jackson inherited and now they are living in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, carefully working their way up the social ladder in hopes of meeting their ultimate goal:  to give their three daughters the life they themselves never had.

But the long-forgotten God of Mary Lynn’s childhood seems to be trying to get her attention in clear and unusual ways.   So clear and strange she can no longer deny it.  When Mary Lynn prays for Jackson to open his mind and heart to God, her prayers are answered beyond her wildest imaginings.  Now Jackson’s dramatic conversion (which includes street witnessing, giving away a lot of money, and inviting poor, desperate and marginalized people into their home) is threatening their social status as well as their family mission statement.  Is she willing to go along with him?

What would it be like to go “all out” for God?  Jackson, a sharp and focused Type A man, is unafraid and willing to go all the way.  Mary Lynn has her doubts.

My Review:

Mary Lynn and her husband both grew up from humble families and both became rather wealthy and live in the plush town of Charleston, SC.  Both deal with their own inner demons, while their oldest daughter Katherine tries to please her father, deals with severe anxiety, and begins to take pills to deal with her own demons as well.  There were quite a few very realistic scenarios in this story as Jackson grapples with handling his success and keeping up with Jones’, wanting the best for his children, and dealing with the death of his mother (who he lost at 9 years old), all while also questioning his own spiritual existence and relationship with God.  While I really thought this story dealt with some very real and raw issues that all families deal with, even Christian families, I felt that some of the issues weren’t addressed fully and that the story ended too perfectly.  For example, Mary Lynne recognizes some changes in her daughter Katherine and suspects something is going on with her when she sees Katherine’s hands often shaking.  However, she never quite addresses the issue and Katherine soon stops using and instead focuses on her studies and running. I felt that there was a huge piece of the storyline missing.  It would also have been helpful to have seen more of the struggles Jackson and Mary Lynne experience as a result of their spiritual walk, or lack thereof.  While Mary Lynne was attending church, it would have given a more realistic portrait to what a family experiences when one partner chooses not to embrace faith and spirituality.  I also wanted more surrounding Mary Lynne’s miracle.  Nonetheless, this was a good read and one I would recommend to those who enjoy reading Christian fiction.  Keep an eye out for this Christian author…she has a gift for writing!  Maybe just adding an extra 100 pages would be helpful for my inquiring mind ;)

*This book was provided by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.  No forms of compensation were given.

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*Click picture to purchase book for $1.99

Synopsis:

For readers who believe that the best lives are built on the firmest foundations.

Karen Schwind brings us Caroline McKee, a girl on the cusp of womanhood who is determined to use her wit and fearlessness to right the wrongs former friends did to her. She gets her chance when Billy Taylor, a veteran of the Great War, returns to Greensboro and opens a newspaper in the spring of 1919. Together they dig into the lives of townspeople until Caroline discovers a secret that lays bare the sorrow and shame of people she’s known all her life. Publishing a front-page story of betrayal and tragedy, Caroline learns a lesson that only her devout Christian father could teach–about love, loyalty and letting go. Schwind has crafted “a memorable setting that feels historically authentic” and “portrays Caroline McKee’s longing for an idealized childhood . . . in tender, nostalgic” language that captures the reader’s imagination until the last unexpected turn of this amazing story.

My Review:

I loved the character of Caroline McKee.  She is a woman destined to be a great writer and finds creative ways to do just that in a town where not much happens, during a time when women didn’t work outside the home.  This is a sweet story, nothing sexual and profanity is zilch.  While I enjoyed reading how she becomes a writer and tries to please her father while also fulfilling her own life long dreams, I would have liked a little more inner struggles with her mother (who abandoned her and the family), as well as seen the relationship between her and Johnny evolve.  Because he marries, it would have been helpful to see how Caroline handles the news of his marriage and its impact on her.  However, it is a very sweet story and gives a small snapshot into the life of one woman and those she interacts with.  Overall, this was a really good book and I look forward to reading more from this author.

*This book was provided for review by Skoobpress for an honest review.  No forms of compensation were given.

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Oct16

Mini Review: The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang

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Book Details

    • Author:  Maureen Lange
    • Genre:      Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
    • Print Length:  352 pages
    • ISBN:  1414313454
    • Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers (May 1, 2007)
    • Author’s Website:  Maureen Lang

A Quick Reference:

  • Target Audience:  Adults (of all ages)
  • Pace of Book:  Steady pace throughout
  • Writing:  Easy to read
  • Profanity:  None
  • Sexual Content:  none, just hugging and kissing
  • Violence:  None
  • Christian Element:  yes
  • My Rating:  An excellent cupcake with sprinkles AND a cherry on top, 5/5
  • Thoughts on plot:  I loved how the present story was interwoven with the past story of Talie’s family.  The Regency period is one of my favorites, so I really enjoyed the historical component to the book and felt that it was rather relevant to Talie’s own journey with her son and his developmental delays.  The storyline was very emotional and heartfelt, especially learning that the present story was loosely based on the author’s own personal journey with Fragile X Syndrome.  The relationship between Talie and her husband and the way God uses her past to help her cope with her future was captivating. I highly recommend this book!
  • The Characters:  Talie was a woman I could certainly understand and resonate with.  Even though there were signs that her son may have some developmental delays, she was not ready to address those issues until she had allowed herself the proper time to question, grieve, and and accept it.  While it was not a way I would have handled it, I know there are those who need to work through it privately before allowing others in on such a personal part of her thought and emotional process.  I also loved how Luke was so supportive and of her and regardless of what happened, he was not going to turn his back on his wife and son.  He was the most level-headed and provided Talia with the strength and support she needed.
  • The Diary:  I loved this part of the story so much!  I wanted to learn more about Esther and Peter.  It seemed that through this diary, Esther was giving guidance and strength to Talie.  It also seemed so pivotal to Esther finally accepting and coming to terms with the diagnosis given to her son, Ben.
  • Spiritual Component:  While Talie is a Christian, she certainly isn’t perfect. It was wonderful to see how God uses anything and anyone to help restore faith and strength.  I loved how Maureen shares such a wonderful story with Christian themes, without making it too preachy or too sugar coated.  It was an honest look at what happens to two people with a son who has a diagnosis that will certainly change their world.
  • Read an Excerpt!
  • Discussion Guide

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Oct1

Review: Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen-Coloma

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Book Details

    • Author:  Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
    • Genre:  Christian Fiction
    • Print Length: 352 pages
    • ISBN:  1595546863
    • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 9, 2011)
    • Author’s Website: Sheila Walsh, Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
    • Book Provided for Review by: Book Sneeze

A Quick Reference:

  • Target Audience:  Adults
  • Pace of Book:  Steady pace throughout
  • Writing:  Easy to read
  • Profanity:  None
  • Sexual Content:  None
  • Violence:  None
  • Christian Element:  Absolutely
  • My Rating:  A great cupcake with sprinkles on top, 4/5

My Review:

This book is a little gem.  I love the writing and flow of the storyline and thought the characters were developed very well.  I connected with Wren and her love for reading and working at the library…as that is a personal dream of mine too!  The relationship between her ex-husband and herself fell a little flat for me, however the relationship between her and Paul seemed to go at a very steady pace and was realistic.  I love Wren’s 90 year old aunt, Ruth!  She is very perceptive, shares what she needs to, and has her own little secret too.  Centered around the celebration of Ruth’s 90 birthday, Wren confronts her past so that she can fully embrace her future.  There were some little loose ends for me at the end of the book regarding Wren’s sibling relationships, however it is a book that I enjoyed!

*Book was provided for an honest review by Book Sneeze.  No monetary or other forms of compensation were given.

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Sep1

Review: Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes

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Product Details

  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • ISBN:  1414333064
  • Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (publication date: September 2011)
  • Genre:  Christian Fiction

Synopsis:

Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart.
When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that’s been done.

Then a car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory—including her separation from Eric—and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra’s heart . . . or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness? A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

My Review:

Dry as Rain is Gina Holmes second book, following the success of Crossing Oceans.  It was interesting to read a book by a female author told through a male perspective.  I thought it added an interesting twist to many of the books I read.  When Kyra’s accident causes her to have amnesia and lose her memory of the past 5 years, Eric (her husband) has to decide what the “right thing is”.  Is it right to tell his wife that they are separated?  Is it right to lead her to believe that they are happily married?  What would anyone in Eric’s position do?

I have to admit, I tended to over analyze this storyline.  Over time, I found myself asking these questions:  Why is it that Kyra remembers everything else within those 5 years, except her marriage?  Is Kyra pretending to have amnesia to perhaps give Eric an opportunity to redeem himself?  How is it that everyone in Kyra’s life is also going along with this fantasty that the marriage is great and not on the rocks?

However, once I quit over thinking Kyra’s amnesia and why her loved ones would not step forward and disclose the truth, the book was quite enjoyable.  Of course, they were also just following doctor’s orders, too.

Dry as Rain does raise moral and ethical questions for me.  However, it was also very interesting to read what one man does to win his wife back and how he uses every opportunity to express his love and be the husband he wants to be.  Towards the end of the book, I felt the book came together rather nicely and was realistic to what Kyra chooses to do in regards to her marriage.

If you like Christian fiction, then you will enjoy this book.  If you like books that deal with relationships, you will also like this book.  If you don’t over analyze, this book is rather quite good!

  *A complimentary copy of this book was provided through NetGalley by Tyndale House Publishers, for an honest review.


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