Friday, November 26, 2010

Love's First Bloom

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr is about a young woman named Ruth Livingstone. Her minister father sends her away in the dark of night with a young child whose mother had just been killed. To make matters worse, it is the minister who is being charged with the murder. Ruth travels under an assumed name to live with a family whom she has never met to care for a child she does not know and has become mother to with no one else the wiser. Worried about her father and frustrated with responsibilities that she has no idea how to perform Ruth seeks solace in a garden that has long been neglected. As her father's life is scrutinized her own life is being hounded by reporters intent on finding her. Can she truly trust the young man that has moved into the cottage beside her garden? Can she trust God to do what is best for her and the young child that has been thrust into her care?

Delia Parr did a great job developing a plot that is not your usual romantic fiction. While the ending is your typical "Happily ever after" ending the route she took to get there is totally different. I was drawn into the plot and found it very hard to put the book down in order to take care of my other responsibilities. The reader is able to sympathize with Ruth and will laugh and cry with her. God's faithfulness shines through on every page. This is a great book to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In Every Heartbeat

In Every Heartbeat is about three orphans that head off to college together. Libby, Pete, and Bennett are three very different people but are very close friends. Each of these friends have their own goals and soon find that they are all headed in very different directions. As Libby, Pete, and Bennett begin to drift apart, circumstances beyond their control begin to draw them back together. They experience hurt, betrayal, anger, frustration, loyalty, love, and forgiveness. And through it all the love of God is shown to them in ways they never would have dreamed.

I really wasn't sure how to review this book. I did enjoy reading it, but I was able to put it down and not be drawn back. It took me awhile to finish it because of that reason. I think it is because In Every Heartbeat does not really have a plot. It is more of a narrative of Libby, Pete, and Bennett. I enjoyed reading about the lives of these three college students, but there was nothing to draw me into the very heart and mind of these characters. If you have nothing else to read this book will do. However, it would not be my first choice. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A Suitor For Jenny

A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley will give you quite a laugh. Jenny is determined to find suitable husbands for her two sisters. Upon arriving in the little town of Rocky Creek, Texas, Jenny immediately begins to stir up the town. With her manuel on how to find a husband in one hand and two reluctant sisters in tow with the other hand, this town will never be the same when Jenny is finished. Mary Lou and Brenda decide to do things their way, and Jenny's heart begins to betray her as well. As Jenny's well laid plans begin to unravel she starts to realize that God's plans are even better than her own. However, giving God control was certainly something that Jenny had never planned to do. Trusting God with her heart is one thing, but can she trust the Marshal with her heart as well?

A Suitor for Jenny is a great book for light reading. Mail-order bride books are common, but Margaret Brownley has taken a new spin for this book by having Jenny use a manuel to find husbands for her sisters. I enjoyed the change in plot and appreciate Ms. Brownley presenting the fact that God gave us a manuel that tells us everything we need to know. While not the best book that I have ever read I did enjoy reading it and would recommend it if someone asked. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze blogger program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.