Review: Straight Flies the Arrow

Straight Flies the Arrow by Sydney Tooman Betts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tension, heartache, love, and loyalty crisscross and weave together in Straight Flies the Arrow, a poignant and absorbing book about revenge, forgiveness and following Christ no matter the cost.

Revered leader Pacing Wolf left his beloved wife Small Doe to hunt for a predator who is attacking and murdering young women, but when the tracking party returns without him, the tribe’s chief demands Small Doe observe a period of grief and then take another husband. But she can’t let go of the waning hope that he might return or accept the substitute he left in case he didn’t return. Can she do what the Sparrow Hawks require of her? Can she discern what path God would have her walk?

I loved this book! The opening pages plunged right into the action, and from there it’s like a river swept me away. It’s written in such a way that the authenticity of the characters grabbed hold of my emotions, and I effortlessly slipped into their lives and felt the impact of the things that happened to them. Be prepared to run the gamut of emotions with this one!

Bringing another culture to life in a way that is authentic, respectful and comprehensible to those of us who have no experience with that culture takes real talent and Sydney Tooman Betts has done an outstanding job. Showing how the message of Christ impacted that culture – and realizing that it will always have that impact on unreached people – was both exciting and cautionary. There will always be a cost.

This is such a wonderful book. Well written, filled with thought-provoking characters and fascinating settings, it is also chock-full of Scripture woven throughout in a way that is incredibly organic. Sydney Tooman Betts is a gifted author and one to watch.

Although this can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the previous two in the series, A River Too Deep and Light Bird’s Song.


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Review: A Fragile Hope

A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Fragile Hope is a compelling, difficult, ultimately beautiful story about discovering the kind of love that lives amidst tepid faith, beyond betrayal and past all hope.

Josiah Chamberlain is the marriage guru – the man with all the answers. But one late night phone call makes a mockery of his public persona and sends his personal life into a tailspin.

I couldn't put this down, it was such a fascinating, thought-provoking, and at times even frustrating book. Cynthia Ruchti demonstrated an incredible talent for making me feel so much of what Josiah was feeling as he walked the long road, difficult he was on. It was the tough stuff of life laid bare and it often wasn’t pretty, nor was Josiah always the most likable of men. And yet, it’s dishonest to dismiss him. He is who we all could be, who we all may be on some level, and that's not always an easy thing to confront.

There’s rich symbolism sprinkled throughout this book, particularly with regard to his wife’s job, a beautiful imagery that I’ll leave the reader to discover on their own. The spiritual tenor of this book is equally vivid, woven into the book in a way that is both authentic and holy without ever coming across preachy.

This may not be an easy read, but it's more than worth the effort. I'll be reading more by this talented author.


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Review: Sweetbriar Cottage

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Noah Mitchell is hiding away at his remote horse ranch, still bitter over his failed marriage. Josephine Mitchell still runs her barbershop in town, struggling to put the mistakes that destroyed her marriage behind her, which is just as hard as letting go of the man she still loves. When a letter from the IRS informs them that the divorce was never finalized, a chain of events is set in motion that forces them both to reexamine their lives, both individually and together.

I sped through this well-written, compelling story in just a few hours, but not because it was an easy, light-hearted read. Denise Hunter deals with some pretty significant issues, and she does it in a way that is realistic and thoughtful without being sensationalistic. She really illustrates how a spouse's past has a major impact on a marriage even if the events that happened took place years before the couple met.

Noah and Josephine are both such likable characters, despite their wounds, or maybe because of them - they are so relatable. Some may find they have a hard time with Josephine but stick with it. People always act the way they do for a reason and she's no different. I found myself frustrated with Noah's friend, Jack for his pre-marriage warnings. I understood the constraints he was under but felt that his half hints and nebulous cautions did more harm than good. On the other hand, his post-marriage advice was excellent.

There's a lot of wonderful imagery in this book. From the horses, to the carpentry, to the storm there's so much there that mirrored what was going on emotionally and spiritually, it adds such lovely depth to the story. Both character's relationship with God feels so real, too. Noah, distant and angry; Josephine, longing but sure she's excluded.

This is a beautiful story that explores the depth and meaning of unconditional love and gently reveals the incredible damage that can be done when others define who we are. Wonderfully done.

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Review: Peace in the Valley

Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trey Walker Stafford, the last of the three boys raised by town legend Sam Stafford, has left his successful music career in Nashville and come home to central Washington to be part of a life-saving procedure for the uncle who stepped in and saved his life when he was just three years old. But for a man known for his serene nature and moving love songs, widower Trey is hiding an emptiness that is threatening to swallow him whole. Meanwhile, single mom Lucy Carlton has too much on her plate. what with raising three kids of her own, plus a moody teenage sister-in-law all while trying to make a go of a struggling farm. So when the overbearing Sam Stafford, a man responsible for a hearty portion of her struggles, sends Trey over to help repay an overdue debt, she reluctantly accepts his help. As the two wounded people slowly come to know each other, can they overcome the wounds of the past or will their wounds get the better of them?

This final in the Double S Ranch series was a quintessential Ruth Logan Herne story, full of family drama, human frailty and a tinge of heartache waiting to be healed. I liked how Trey was searching for something, but couldn't quite figure out what it was - that's such a common place to be. His dedication to Sam felt very authentic, as did his fear. And I liked that he was drawn to Lucy, a woman so far from what he was used to. I also really liked Lucy's strength and determination. I loved the fact that she was an overcomer, and the realism of why that was a problem for Trey.

This was well-written as all Ruth Logan Herne's books are. There was a wonderful spiritual thread woven seamlessly throughout the book about the truth of God's love. The characters felt authentic and likable - even the children, which can be tough to do.

Peace in the Valley is another win for Ruth Logan Herne. A moving story about being loved just because, forgiven no matter what and accepted joyfully by family and God.

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Review: I'll Be There

I'll Be There by Susan May Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Smokejumper Connor Young is getting ready to marry the woman who's stood beside him for three years, artist Liza Beaumont. And while she's still struggling with nightmares as she tries to recover from a vicious grizzly bear attack, she keeps telling herself that the panic she feels at the thought of what Connor does for a living will fade once they're actually married. But when Connor gets a chance to dig into the mystery of who murdered his brother, is the ensuing danger too much for Liza to take?

I loved how this book went beyond happily ever after - so few books do that! It was wonderful to explore some of the complex and deeper issues in a relationship beyond the marriage proposal. As usual with a Susan May Warren novel, the spiritual issues feel authentic and deeply ingrained in the story itself. This can be read as a stand-alone, but it's much better to read as a follow-up to Connor and Liza's original story in Playing with Fire.

Filled with adventure and emotion, I'll Be There is a moving tribute to the value of promises made and kept by the people we love and by the God who loves us. Another winner for Susan May Warren.

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Review: Life After

Life After by Katie Ganshert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Autumn Manning is a walking miracle, but she can't figure out why and it haunts her. She is the sole survivor of a train crash that killed everyone else aboard. The lives of the other twenty-two people have become an obsession, a way to search for meaning in the chaos of the tragedy. Paul Elliot lost his wife Vivian that day and he's been working hard to shepherd his two children past their grief. But when his daughter, Reese, becomes attached to Autumn, he wonders how they can move forward if they are still connected to the past.

Reading this book was effortless, it was beautifully written, with phrases that were at times spine-tinglingly lyrical. And the characters were likable and believable--people I felt like I could easily know myself. I loved Autumn's family, their meddling and their camaraderie, and Paul's protectiveness and love for his children made him incredibly relatable. The relationship between Autumn and Reese was a great blend of acceptance and awkwardness. The plot was very well done, although there was one small area that felt a little contrived to me, others may not even notice. I don't want to be specific because I feel like it would give away too much and everyone should be able to savor this book as it unfolds. It did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all. I also loved Autumn's journey, it was captivating. She was a survivor in more ways than one.

As good as the writing was, this book shined when it came to the spiritual. Life After is an exploration of "Why". Why me? Why not them? There are no easy answers and Katie Ganshert doesn't offer any, but the exploration of the questions themselves are deeply affecting and intriguing. This is a book that will stay with you long after you read the last page.

Life After is a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that confronts the reader with deep spiritual questions. Don't miss the opportunity to read this fascinating and inspiring story.


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Review: True to You

True to You by Becky Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Genealogist Nora Bradford spends her days at the historic village that she owns, looking into the pasts of others and trying to put her own behind her. With she crosses paths with former Navy Seal and medal of honor recipient John Lawson, she offers her services on a whim and to her surprise, he gives her a call. It turns out John has discovered an inherited condition that forces him to dig into his past as an adopted child to find answers. These two couldn't be more opposite, but the more time they spend together, the more they seem to fit somehow. But John's already dating someone else and Nora has scars of her own to overcome. Will their faith be strong enough to see them through the whatever lies before them both?

I absolutely sunk into this novel. The writing was enthralling, it was easy to get lost in the fictional world of Nora and John. I hated every moment I had to look away from the story!

Becky Wade is a genius at characterization. I felt like I knew Nora. I could see how she dressed and understood why. I got to know her sisters, Willow and Britt - and enough crumbs were dropped about them that I cannot wait to read their stories! I also think this author is so good at writing men who don't sound like a woman's idea of what a man sounds like. John's point of view sounded like a man, a man who was struggling and trying to problem solve, but still a man. All of the characters had depth. They were people who I could see hanging out with or being friends with.

Spiritually, there was a wonderful message in this book about trusting God when you can't see what He's doing. The message flowed naturally out of the characters themselves, so it didn't feel forced or preachy.

The story itself dealt with deep, and at times heart-breaking, issues but everything was handled gracefully, with several moments that had me smiling, others tearing up, and one that took me by complete surprise.

This is the kind of book you hate to close. It's one of those rare stories that manages to combine charm and poignancy in perfect measure. It's sweet and romantic, but with serious depth. Another winner for Becky Wade!

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Review: Just the Way You Are

Just the Way You Are 
by Pepper D. Basham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eisley Barrett is a single mom who came to England to help solve a family mystery, not to get involved with a movie star who's taciturn, cynical and way out of her league. Wes Harrison's had enough scandal and betrayal to last a lifetime, so there's no way he's going to believe Eisley's actually as sweet and genuine as she seems to be. But circumstances - and matchmaking family members - keep forcing them to spend time together. Can they overcome their pasts and the differences in their circumstances in order to have a future together?

This was such a great story with wonderful characters. Eisley was imminently likable, she's the kind of person you'd want to have as a friend and hang out on weekends with. Wes was a little more of a challenge for me, but once I understood his motivation, I hurt for him and the mistakes he'd made. The spiritual thread fits naturally into the story in a way that felt organic. Pepper Basham hit this one out of the park.

Just the Way You Are is a funny, tender story that manages to hit the sweet spot between warmth and witty with a healthy dose of grace. I can't wait for the next in the series.

Just the Way You Are on Amazon

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Review: An Elegant Façade

An Elegant Facade by Kristi Ann Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Georgiana Hawthorne has a secret and she must marry well so that if she's ever found out, she'll have the standing in society to still be accepted. Colin McCrea is wealthy and respected, but he holds little power by society's standards, yet he just might be the man Georgiana needs.

I have to admit, I hate reading books out of order. So I read An Elegant Facade in order to get to the author's next book, An Uncommon Courtship, and along the way I found myself drawn into a wonderful Regency tale. It would have been easy to dislike the heroine, after all, she's a nineteenth-century trophy wife wannabe - how likable can she be? But Kristi Ann Hunter does an excellent job of teasing you with just enough of the real girl behind the snob - and some very cute interior monolog - to make it impossible for you to hate Georgiana. She turns out to be pretty relatable and touchingly vulnerable. And Colin? Well, every girl needs a Colin in her life. He was all that was admirable--honorable, compassionate and honest with a great sense of humor he often uses to tease Georgiana when she was at her most snooty.

The Spiritual thread was meaningful and very well woven in without being heavy handed. There was much food for thought that was easily applicable to today-- challenges can be taken by some as a sign of God's disfavor, perfection will bring happiness, money and success will bring safety.

Fans of Regency romances will want to pick this one up. After reading this, I'm even more interested in her next one.



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Why Fiction?

When my children were little, right around the time they started into that first season of disobedience, I would tell them the story of a baby bird. This little bird lived in a nest high in a tree with his mama. I used that hypnotic storytelling voice we mothers have to draw them into the world of this tiny creature. Anyway, there he is, up in the tree and his mama needs to leave the nest to get him something to eat. She tells him it's very important to wait right where he is, no practicing on his little wings until she gets back. She soars away and he's left home alone, waiting. But before long, he can't resist the forbidden. He flaps those little wings up and down just as hard as he can and for a moment, he does it - he's flying! But his little baby muscles can't hold him up for long, and before he can make it back to the nest, he's tumbling to the ground. Just before he hits the ground, the large, orange tabby cat who's been spying on the little fellow the whole time, jumps into the air and gobbles him up.

Years later, my kids still tell me it was a horrible story. Whatever. I'll put some money away for therapy. It got the point across--they needed to obey me because I saw dangers they didn't.

Now I could have just told them to do what I said because I was their mom, and I often did. In fact, the first verse they memorized was Ephesians 6:1.

Say Ephesians 6:1 to them today, and they can still say the verse - they may roll their eyes, but they can say the verse. And while memorizing the words was important, telling that little story made it real. It gave the lesson weight.

That's the thing about stories - they give us experiences we've never had and allow us to live vicariously through other characters. We learn while they learn, but without the consequences. We cringe at their poor decisions and cheer for their good ones. And along the way we develop empathy, a trait sorely needed in today's world.  

Scripture is filled with stories that teach and many have become iconic images that stay with us for life. A simple description and the mind recalls the whole tale and the lesson it taught. Nathan's account of the poor man's lamb brought David to his knees. Jesus' simple story about a proud son, humbled, and the father who ran to welcome him back home astounded his listeners. Two thousand years later, people hear that parable and are still moved by the shattering truth of God's love for the prodigal. The Good Samaritan, The Pearl of Great Price, The Lost Sheep - all simple stories illustrating profound truths that apply to every life.

So, bring on the stories! I'm an unashamed fan of the happy ending. Let me read about Good battling Evil in all its forms. I want to read about people struggling because the triumph at the end of the story mirrors the ultimate triumph at the end of all things. The world can be a heavy, dark place and we are often beset on all sides. Good fiction shows that. And then, in some way, in the really good stories, it shows the light breaking through.

I don't know about you, but I love that.