Review of Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

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Genre: Murder Mystery

Series: Drew Farthering Mystery #2

Not Recommended.

Wealthy and charming amateur detective Drew Farthering finds himself caught up in the case of a serial killer, beginning when his own solicitor is murdered just before his scheduled appointment. Each murdered body is decorated with a hatpin and cryptic note, which is baffling to the police, but an intriguing challenge for Drew and his friends. Meanwhile, he tries to woo his American girlfriend to marry him–and her difficult aunt to also embrace his affections.

I will preface by saying that there were several promising aspects of this book: the hint of faith was well incorporated; I liked the English setting and tone; the characters, had they been developed better, were interesting; the cover art is stunning; and I even (mostly) liked the story itself…

The execution of the story, however, was flat. Suspense was lacking. The romance was lacking. I could not find an emotional connection with either the alive or murdered characters.  The mystery was too dependent on what I felt to be obscure literary references (except maybe to those who eat and breathe Shakespeare). Essentially, there was nothing within the writing to tie me to the narrative. The story was largely information-based, and this is not enough in my opinion. I simply did not enjoy reading it.

I think this author and this mystery series has promise overall, but the elements of this particular book did not come together for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Defy the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: Book Two

Recommended.

France; 1941. Fifteen year old Magali is living in the “free” zone of Southern France under Vichy rule, and is naive to the dangers and seriousness of the war around her, even though the worst is yet to come. When she is given the opportunity to help rescue children from internment camps and into charity homes through a Protestant refugee organization, she jumps at the chance to be a hero; but her pride and immaturity become a risk to those around her. Magali must learn to become secure and humble in her own calling, to put love first, and not to neglect the value of her friends and associates.

This is an excellently written story filled with depth and well-researched history. The characters are vibrant, and their emotional journeys are raw and honest. Magali, especially, has so much heart and passion, which is often misdirected and careless–but it is a joy to also watch her “come to age” through her mistakes and experiences. As I read her story, I couldn’t help but remember some of my own immature moments, and to praise God for guiding me through them.

This is the sort of book I would love my children to read as part of our homeschool curriculum when they reach their teens. It is not only an enjoyable story, but one which is informative, based on true accounts, and which provides the perfect backdrop for teaching and dialog about the progression of WWII, and the Christian responsibility for dealing appropriately with difficult and unjust circumstances.

Defy the Night is also part of a series, but each book is independent, despite some overlap in characters. The first book, How Huge the Night, is the coming of age story of Magali’s older brother Julien, and takes place in the first years of the war. The authors also have plans for a third book, which will likely include even more action as the war itself intensifies!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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Review of For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

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Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended.

For Such a Time is a unique retelling of Esther based during the Holocaust. Hadassah Benjamin (hiding under false paperwork as Stella Muller) is rescued from a shooting line and finds herself in the odd position of working as a secretary for SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt while her fellow Jews (including her uncle Morty) endure the harsh conditions of the Czechoslovakian transit camp, Theresienstadt, that borders her new “home.” Worse, her people are progressively being transported to Auschwitz, and she is ordered to type up the lists of names finalizing their transportation and certain death–all while hiding her true identity, struggling with her faith, and feeling that God has abandoned them.

I enjoy how this narrative finds freedom in expressing the heart of the Esther story outside of its traditional setting. The events, especially in the climax and finale, unravel creatively, so as to bring fresh insight to the original.

There is a bit of awkwardness surrounding the romance between Stella and Herr Kommandant–but perhaps this was true of Esther and the Persian King as well within their married relationship? I would have liked more attention to have been given to Aric’s faith and feelings, which were alluded to on many occasions, but never explored to the extent of Hadassah’s. I also felt there was too much emphasis placed on Stella as the savior of her people (rather than an emphasis on the recognition of God at work); and also too quick of a spiritual spiritual resolution for Stella’s own question of faith.

That said, the book does well at its intentions to entertain, bring freshness to a beloved biblical account, and to reveal and remember the horrors of the Holocaust and God’s faithful presence even in our most difficult hours. This is also a wonderful debut novel to start off Breslin’s endeavor into historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Just 18 Summers by Rene Gutteridge and Michelle Cox

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Parenting

Highly Recommended!

This is my new favorite book of the season! I was drawn it because I am a big fan of Rene Gutteridge. I was a little hesitant of the book itself, because I don’t tend to read fiction about family life; but I loved it!! It made me laugh out loud in one scene, get teary-eyed in another, and overall encouraged, inspired, motivated, and heightened the love I have for my own young children and parenting endeavors.

I am not sure I would have been so wrapped up in the characters were I not a mother, but it really pulled on my heartstrings. I immediately connected and/or empathized with each character and situation, and I think other parents and grandparents will be moved likewise.

The premise is that four very different families are facing unique parenting challenges. There is a single dad raising a daughter after his wife’s recent death, a couple pregnant with their first child, a family trying to have a “summer of fun” as their two eldest are leaving the “nest”–one to marriage, and the other to college, and another family prioritizing their outward appearances and opportunities while neglecting to spend quality time together. The lives of these families entwine with each other in a humorous and often emotional way.

The story was inspired during a baby dedication as Michelle Cox was touched by the pastor’s sentiment that the couple would have only 18 summers with their little one, so to make them all count. This was the birth of the 18 Summers brand, and this story which Cox first made into a screenplay, and which has now been novelized by Gutteridge. A film is in the works, and I am excited for its release.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Jesus’ Resurrection and Our Coming Resurrected Bodies

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Happy Passover/Pesach/Pascha/Easter Season! May you all have blessed holiday celebrations within your traditions!

In my theology class right now, we are talking about the resurrection of believers upon Jesus’ return. He is the “fruit fruits” of the harvest, and we likewise will be resurrected through Him–first those who are “sleeping” (a reminder that we do not experience death even in death itself), then those who are alive when He returns (1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:20, 23, Isaiah 26:16-21).

Why are believers going to be given new bodies?

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23).

It is not just our spirit and soul that is made perfect and reconciled to God, but also our body. There is a partial sanctification of our bodies even now, as the Lord graces us as our healer. But the physical body, like the physical world, cycles into decay and destruction–things get old, and they begin not to work as well. In the Kingdom, the cycle is opposite: everything moves from glory to glory. The resurrection of our physical bodies is a fullness/consummation of that new cycle into our glorification with Christ.

Those who are made imperishable can no longer exist alongside the perishable (within a perishable body); thus, we need new bodies. It is like the parable of the wine and the wineskins or of mixing the old and new garment. The spiritual and the physical will be mended together upon Jesus’ coming; but in order for that to happen, everything that does not reflect the Kingdom must be done away with (like our old bodies), and made new.

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:42-44).

How will they differ from our current bodies?

I have already mentioned that while our current bodies are prone to aging, illness, and decay, our new bodies will instead follow the Kingdom principle of glory to glory: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). This begins in part now, but in fullness only upon the day of the Lord. Notice Philippians 3:21 says Jesus will “transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body.” He is not going to “replace” our body so much as completely transform it. We will still be ourselves, but in the vision God had of us at the Creation of the world. We will be imperishable, glorified, powerful, healthy, and perfect in Him!

We can also glean insights about our resurrected bodies from observing Jesus’ resurrected form. Jesus’ resurrected body was a combination of the physical and the spiritual in perfect unity. He was not a spirit, but came in corporeal form. People could see Him, and touch Him (Mat. 28:9, Luke 24:39, John 20:27-28). He was able to eat food (John 21:12-15). But He was also able to transport from one place to another and/or walk through walls–in other words, He had no physical hindrances (Luke 24:31, John 20:19). We can likewise expect to experience the completeness of the physical and spiritual realms at-one-with-each-other (atoned) in our resurrected state.

I most look forward to the deepness of intimacy with God and each other that is so beyond what we know and crave in this world that the marriage relationship will not be necessary (Mat. 22:23-30). I also imagine exciting new possibilities like flying/levitation, and other adventures beyond our wildest thoughts and dreams.

It will be glorious. Praise the Lord for dying for us, so that we can follow Him into death and resurrected life!

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Review of The Queen’s Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended!

An orphan from birth, Lydia is raised in Cleopatra’s palace, and becomes the personal handmaiden to her son, Caesarion (Ptolemy Caesar, son of Julius Caesar). She is also trained in the ways of the God of Israel by her Jewish father-figure, Samuel, an old man who also works in the service of Cleopatra. When Samuel is killed, Lydia is left with a mission larger than herself–to deliver the ancient scroll of Daniel to the Chakkyim (Aramaic for “Wise Men”). In order to fulfill Samuel’s last directive to her, she becomes a handmaiden to Herod’s wife Mariamme I, where she finds danger, adventure, romance, and discovers her true identity in more ways than one.

The novel begins in 39 BC and spans several years, locations, and people, particularly expanding on the relationships between Egypt (Cleopatra), Rome (Marc Antony), the Idumeans (Herod and his family), the Hasmonean Jews (especially Mariamme and her brother Octavian, who became called “Augustus Caesar”), and the Jewish Zealots. I am not too familiar with this period, and enjoyed learning along with the story, which follows the historical account pretty closely.

There were a few chapters where the years and locations changed in a way that was easy enough to follow chronologically, but more difficult to connect to the characters because of the quick transitions. It may have helped to simply introduce the date and location within the chapter header as the first chapter had done, so that the reader is emotionally prepared for the new setting rather than caught off guard as the chapter unfolds. As I was reading these few chapters, I began to consider that maybe I did not like the book much after all, because it began to feel too plot-focused, and I was struggling to stay connected to the characters as I tried to piece together the events.

I am so glad I kept reading! The story picks up as the physical setting and time became more settled, and the characters’ personalities began to resolve in a dramatic way. The last half of the reading was everything I enjoy in a novel: a thorough historical backdrop, deep character tensions and personalities, mystery, action, and romance–and there was even a bit of realistic “charismatic” spiritual action between the sorcery of one of the characters and the power of God emanating fluidly through His servant, Lydia.

I have read and enjoyed a handful of Higley’s books, and appreciate the extra research that went into making this one especially memorable. It is one I will likely read again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

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Review of A Stillness of Chimes by Meg Moseley

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Laura Gantt returns to her Southern hometown to bury her mother and settle the household accounts only to be confronted with rumors that her father–long presumed dead–may actually be alive. As she begins to investigate the rumors for herself, a mystery into her parent’s relationship unfolds. Laura also reconnects with her childhood friends, including her former beau, Sean, who is still in love with her and wants to protect her from the physical and emotional chaos surrounding the recent events.

I have read a couple of Meg Moseley’s books, and really enjoy her writing. This is a character-based story with so much depth into each personality that it’s easy to relate and emphasize with each one. The narrative was intriguing and mysterious and quickly drew me in, even though the plot itself was pretty calm. There were a few times that I would be so caught up in the dialog that I would suddenly notice a scene shift too late and have to backtrack to find when the characters had entered the house, or gotten into the car, or whatnot. Often these scene changes were presumed instead of directly acknowledged, which made me take the occasional pause from the otherwise fluid prose.

I also felt that the end was a bit rushed. The mystery itself eventually came to light, but the depth of the characters and their internal struggles seemed to stop all at once, rather than come to a full emotional conclusion. I enjoyed the story so much only to feel incomplete with its finale. I also think much more could have been made of the spiritual element, which was introduced in the beginning, but not continued throughout. So, I am a bit torn on whether or not I would recommend this one; but I did like it overall.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.

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Review of Esther Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time by Jim Baumgardner

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended.

Finally, an Esther narrative that is intentionally true to the historical account! This book is well researched, and the biblical gaps are realistically portrayed to correspond with the foundation of Scripture.

It took me a couple chapters to fully engage with the characters, but then I was captivated. Esther is wonderfully presented as a humble and intelligent young woman in addition to her outward beauty. I wondered if a male author could adequately present the emotions behind her situation–being forced to throw away her dreams of a Jewish marriage to unite with a king who has so many other wives and concubines and who could have even rejected her after just one night of sexual intimacy. Baumgardner’s depth into Esther’s character, however, is right on the mark. It is a heart-wrenching story that delves far beneath the surface into the complex identity of Hadassah/Esther.

I will say, I don’t think the book’s cover fully expresses the depth of its content. The cover illustration of Esther is beautiful, but I think would be better presented over a full-sized scene of Shushan with Esther in the foreground–comparing her humility with the pagan extravagance of the Persian empire. The writing itself presents this context well. It is hard not to feel for Esther’s situation, and to marvel at her response in the midst of a difficult time.

I was also a little thrown off by an embellishment at the end with integrating the battle techniques of the Chinese. While this addition is historically possible, I thought it distracted from the fluidity of the story, and its focus on the faithful and dependable God of Israel.

Even so, this is the best fictional rendition of Esther I have read thus far. I really enjoyed the historical detail to the 5th century B.C. world, the well-developed characters, and the integration of the Scriptures–not just from the Book of Esther, but from many other books of the Tanakh (OT) that the characters would have been familiar with as an oral foundation for God.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Jim Baumgardner, for the purpose of providing an honest review.

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Review of A Draw of Kings by Patrick W. Carr

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Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

Series: The Staff & The Sword, Book 3

Recommended.

The kingdom of Illustra is without a king and on the brink of a multi-front war. More, the religious leaders are confounded that Deas (God the Father) has not revealed the identity of their new king, who will save their nation. The draw is between two very different and equally likeable men: Errol and Liam. A prophecy given some time ago suggests that one of these men will save the nation by giving his life, while the other will live. Princess Adora is also a key character, and unashamedly in love with Errol, who reciprocates her feelings.

This is an epic adventure full of action, mystery, the exploration of other lands, strange monsters, and detailed battles, as well as having elements of romance and theological thought. Parts of the story reminded me a bit of The Odyssey, while it also has a medieval feeling, and surprising theological depth (especially considering ecclesiology and pnuematology).

The writing had some rougher moments, but overall was enjoyable. It plays out in “movie form”–moving quickly from scene to scene, sometimes at suspenseful moments, while also providing thorough detail to numerous characters at once. There is special emphasis on the action/battle scenes. I think the story would do well on “the big screen.”

I jumped into this third and final book of the series without having read the first two. While I was immediately pulled in to the intriguing story, I was also constantly aware of the missing back-story. There are several groups of characters to learn, and many references to relationships, memories, and events of the past. I enjoyed the book for itself, but also had moments were I was confused by the narrative. Therefore, I would absolutely recommend reading the trilogy in order if possible–I will probably go back to read the others as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

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Genre: Romantic Fiction/Fairy Tale

Series: The Royal Wedding Series, Book 2

Recommended.

This is the classic story of a young woman discovering that she has royal blood and is the heir to the throne of a small, little known (fictitious) nation, and its only hope of survival. More than that, it has a strong spiritual foundation, and becomes a metaphor for identity and purpose within God’s Kingdom.

(Princess) Regina Beswick is a strong-willed Southern gal, who restores classic cars, and was finally feeling that she was “living the dream” when her life was interrupted with the news of her hidden identity. The theme of finding her identity, home, and purpose are almost stronger than the budding romance between her and her “prince”, which gives the story a bit more depth than the average romance.

There were moments that were a bit cheesy romantic, or maybe too idealistic; but isn’t this part of what makes a good fairy tale? Overall, it was a fun, light-hearted, read, but also had me thinking about identity and God’s love. I enjoyed it, and I think teen girls would love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan.

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