Book Review: The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

 

The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith is a beautiful retelling of a familiar story. Smith does a fantastic job of keeping Biblical accuracy while letting imagination run wild. Smith’s imagination helps you feel the story you probably already know in a more real way. The way Smith goes into deep detail of the characters and settings really helps you picture what might have happened.

Another beautiful thing about this book is how well we get to know Zara, Noah’s wife. I think I sometimes struggle to look at the views of the supporting characters when it comes to the Bible. I had often pictured what it would be like to be Noah, but before this book I had not even considered what life was like for Zara.

This book is both a story and a spiritual tool. On the one hand, it is an enjoyable and exciting read. On the other hand, it teaches how to look at the whole picture when reading your Bible. It can be easy to read the Bible and not grasp that people really lived through those things. This book shows us how we can use our imaginations to get a fuller understanding of the Bible.

I am happy to have had the pleasure to receive this book for free in exchange for my honest review from Revell. I do highly recommend this book as well as the previously reviewed “Daughter of Eden” which is also by Jill Eileen Smith.

Book Review: Double Take by Lynette Eason

     Double Take by Lynette starts in such a thrilling place, but the twists continue to the very end. I will say that because it starts in such a thrilling spot, I do feel like the book starts in the middle of a story. Before you even open the book, you know from the back of it that Lainie endured an attempted murder by her ex. I very much so would have liked to know about Lanie's original relationship with her ex. This being said, it doesn't take long to jump right into the story and find it enjoyable.

    The most enjoyable thing about these stories are the relationships between the characters. It's the way that the friendships are written that make the characters so believable. Lanie's relationships with the different characters are unique and believable.

    Let's be honest. I chose this book for the drama and not the romance. I find romance in books is usually that "too perfect" to the point of cringey. This being said, the romance in the book was definitely there, but not overpowering. 

    I really enjoyed this book and all its twists. I put this book down feeling like I had met Lainie. I was briefly introduced to Kenzie who is the main character of the next book. This book definitely made me want to pick up the next one and meet Kenzie too.

    I received this book for free in exchange for this honest review from the Revell Reviewing Program. 

Book Review Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

     Letters From My Sister is a story about two sisters who are very close, but one of them is hiding something. Callie knows her sister has a secret, but can't remember what it is. When they are separated they write letters to each other. Callie hopes to find what she can't remember within them.

    
    The characters are really well thought out in this book. I love how unique and real they are. Callie and Emmy have this special bond that is very well written.

    This book is not a "feel good" book. In fact, it touches on some real tragedies. I would read with caution if sad topics affect you.

    As for the plot, I really wasn't impressed. The big secret was a let down. I was left confused as to why it was a secret at all. Mostly this book is just tragedy, including the plot.

    This being said, I would still attempt another book by Valerie Fraser Luesse. Her characters alone are enough for my to try again. Her verbal imagery is beautiful as well. While I didn't like the story, the story was easy to picture.

I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: This is Where it Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

 

    This was a beautiful love story, although not so much a romance story. Minerva has reached the age where she feels as if she might go any day. She also seems to be welcoming the coming of that day. That is, until she finds an unlikely friend in the young Del. When Del comes looking for answers to a secret long kept, Minerva must decide between an old promise and trusting a new friend.

    While I would still consider this book a love story, it also still has some very sad themes. Minerva has had some real struggles in her life. These struggles are portrayed in a way that makes her seem very real to the reader. I enjoyed learning every new thing about her.     

    The most beautiful part of this book is the character development we see in Minerva. It's truly beautiful watching Minerva experience a love she never has in the most unlikely of places. I also enjoyed that through her change, she never lost her witty sense of humor. While the plot is great, Minerva is what makes this book a "must-read".  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Her Only Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

     I was really excited to receive this book, having already read a previous book from the same series. I'm happy to say that Shelley Shepard Gray has stayed true to previous writing style and I enjoyed this book just as much as the last. You are in for a treat with this one.

    Romance usually isn't my genre. I would even call this a "mellow" romance. It's a very easy-going read. While usually something I would stay away from (I love the thrills), the book is written in a way that's so believable it's easy to picture yourself there. I think of these books as my "calming" reads. They are enjoyable and don't have anything that will keep up at night.

    The plot is steady, but at a slow pace. However, the characters are always exciting and well-written. I wonder if these characters are based on real people because of how easy they are to picture.

I highly recommend this as your next leisure read.  I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: With Every Memory by Janine Rosche

         Lori and Avery are both learning how to cope with terrible trauma. Lori has lost her son and Avery her brother. Still, both are hoping for love and a second chance. Lori still has some physical trauma from the accident that causes memories to surface slowly. As they surface, she finds her love life may not have been what she thought it would have. Avery, is having trouble turning to her brother's best friend for help, but he may be just what she needs. 

        I enjoyed the way the book gave two very different perspectives on love. It focused on a long-term married relationship and a young new one. I liked seeing the similarities and differences in the struggles of maintaining a healthy relationship.    

        I was not a fan of the plot. I don't think the memories coming back were done very well. I would have liked to have more stories of the mysterious lost son/brother, Austin. The entire plot focused more upon love relationships than familial relationships or the trauma that had occurred. The biggest plot hole of the entire book is the lack of grief Lori has for the loss of her son. 

        I was not a fan of the characters. Michael, the husband, comes off as incompetent. Avery, generally comes off as a brat. Lori, comes off as selfish. Xander, the best friend of Austin, comes off as a door mat. I know real people have real flaws, but this was to a level that made the characters unrealistic. 

        This book does contain some powerful messages about forgiveness and things not always being what they seem. However, not one person in this book is a good role model. It's not a book I would tell someone not to read, but it's not something I would actively promote either.

        I received this book for free in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Windswept Way by Irene Hannon

     Windswept Way is very mild in terms of thriller, rich in terms of mystery, and drawn out in terms of romance. I love a romance that builds and it certainly does in this case. I also love that there are multiple levels to the mystery in this book. The "scary" elements are more cheesy than scary, but I prefer it that way.

    The characters are so well-written I found myself wondering if they were loosely based on real people. They have a good amount of history and stay true to their own unique personalities. The character growth is also very well-written. Jonathon was my favorite character because of how wonderful his story and growth are.

    The setting and plot are also wonderful and well-established. There's no big plot holes and it's a very satisfying read. 

    The one thing I wasn't a fan of is how inner dialogue is written in this book. I prefer "she wondered" or "he thought". The dialogue in this book is plain text. There is no italicize or mention of whose inner dialogue it is. It's easy enough to figure out through context, but it's not a writing style I enjoyed. This didn't take away much from the book. 

    I recommend this book and would definitely consider reading more in the series. I received this book for free in exchange for this honest review.