Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

Young, successful architect Bethany Quinn returns to her hated childhood home to show support for the best friend she hasn't spoken to in years. After making the trip because she feels it's the right thing to do, she returns to her life only to be called back to the same hated hometown a few weeks later. From the tragedy of that second visit, her life begins to unravel and no longer fit her plan.

Stuck in a town she hates, rebuilding a precarious relationship with a long lost childhood friend, Bethany finds herself trying to find her way; trying to determine why her life isn't going as she planned.

I enjoyed this book and the story line, although the writing style at times was a bit confusing. The majority of the story is told in third person but a few chapters slip into first person as Bethany tells her own story. The switch is sudden each time it happens and took my by surprise every time.

Overall, it's a good story; a good first effort. The storyline is good and it caused me to look at some of the relationships in my own life. The acknowledgments indicate there is another book coming and I will look for it as I truly enjoyed these characters and watching them develop.

I received this book at no charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Not This Time by Vicki Hinze

I had a very hard time getting into this book. I did not know that it was the third in a series at the time I started reading it. As a result of it being a part of a series, I found it somewhat difficult to get into the characters and story.

As a story, I found it a bit cumbersome to follow. It seemed like there were almost too many characters and the story line seems to sprawl. About two thirds of the way through, I began to truly see where the story was going, and I have to admit I figured out who the "bad guy" was.

I'm not sure I will go back and read the other books in this series; although there was an element that I might like to investigate further. I enjoyed the writing style and will probably look at more books by Vicki Hinze.

I received this book from the publisher at no charge in return for a review.

Torn by Jud Wilhite

I found "Torn" to be an easy read, full of practical advice for handling life when you feel like it's falling apart. We all face disappointment, trials, tragedies and hurts in life. Wilhite has but together many practical suggestions for putting the pieces back together and moving forward.

Ultimately, his premises rest on forgiveness but he walks his readers through other necessary steps before forgiveness can happen. And most importantly, he reminds the reader how important joy is and that it has to be fought for.

Overall, I think "Torn" is a great resource for any individual and would make a great small group study.

A Great Read!

Dr. David Chambers is a renowned Biblical archeologist who has turned his back on his science, his family and the love of his life. Then he gets the one phone call that will change his life forever. His new dig will bring amazing reward as well as great danger. His very dear friend asks him to return to Israel and head a dig that is shrouded in secrecy. It doesn't take Chambers long to realize that the goal is to find the Temple treasures.

What follows is a journey that brings tragedy as well as triumps. People lose their lives in the name of science and religious discovery. Lives and relationships are restored as well. But in the end, Chambers seems to be left wondering if it is all worth it.

The characters I found to be very believable, the storyline tightly knit. I admit that I suspected the bad guy by about the middle of the book but that did not dim the storyline at all. I found this to be a great read and would definitely recommend it to anyone.

The Crossing by Serita Jakes

I really enjoy suspense/mystery/thriller books and was excited to receive this one and jump into it. I like the premise of the book but think it is a little shallow.

Ten years ago a beloved teacher was murdered, a star football player injured and a young girl left emotionally scarred for life. As that night continues to haunt the survivors, the unsolved mystery is re-opened in hopes of bringing closure for those survivors. As the story unfolds, lives are torn apart while new friendships are formed.

At times this book seemed very predictable, yet there were some surprises. I honestly did not see a couple of things coming though.

In general, this is a good read and would be enjoyed by most readers. It is a good basic story and the characters are believable. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Jakes and watching her develop as an author.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for this review.

Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tanw Bergren

This proved to be a heartwarming story of forgiveness and personal redemption. Krista Mueller is estranged from her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and is in the end stages of heart failure. Years before, Krista placed her mother in a care facility and left to live her own life. Now she has returned to her dying mother's bedside and found that she has a much greater connection to her mother than she thought. Through letters and her mother's journal, Krista discovers who her mother really was and what she was trying to do for her daughter. Krista struggles with forgiveness but learns that in the end, she and her mother were searching for the same thing.

This book came to me at a point in my life when I needed to deal with forgiveness of others and the story brought tears to my eyes as I began to see forgiveness for what it can offer to everyone.

This book was provided to me free by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for this review.

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

What a great read! "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" by David Gregory is a great book. It is easy to read but packs a lot to think about. A mysterious invitation to dinner with Jesus would leave anyone with lots to think about.

I love the way the book is laid out; each chapter reflecting a course of a meal. I felt as though I was sitting at another table in the restaurant observing the dinner. Starting with the reluctant invitation to the dinner, the main character Nick works his way through some of his questions about Christianity. He knows some of the basics of world religions and asks why they are wrong. The answers come openly from Jesus and clearly show why other world religions are wrong. As the book progresses, so does the dinner and with each new course we see Nick open up even more to the gift that is found in Jesus Christ. Personally, I love the last chapter (Home) and the hope that it leaves with the reader.

I think this book is a great starting point for those who, like Nick, are questioning why world religions are wrong. It provides a great, easy introduction to the fundamentals and leaves the reader with a great hope.