Slave Again by Alana Terry

*Warning: this book contains content not appropriate for children under 13.*

 

About Slave Again: After escaping a North Korean prison camp, Mee-Kyong is hustled over the border and sold into the Chinese underworld. She vows to survive, but sheer determination and willpower won’t save her this time. Is she fated to remain a slave forever?

Slave Again is a Christian suspense novel from award-winning author Alana Terry, whose debut novel, The Beloved Daughter, won awards from Women of Faith, Grace Awards, The Book Club Network, and Readers’ Favorite.

Buy It: Amazon 

My Review:  Alana Terry is a fantastic author. She knows how to write a book that is not only engaging, but emotionally, spiritually, and heart-achingly beautiful. At times, this story was frightening. There were moments I cringed at the descriptions and the horrors of what Mee-Kyong endured and did. This novel brings to the forefront the problem of sex trafficking and the horrors the girls that are in that life have to face. It's not for the light of heart.

I liked Mee-Kyong, as a character. Her struggle to accept what she calls the "Westerners' diety" was very well represented and real.  I didn't care for Juliette and Roger at all. At times I felt like they were completely clueless about the refugees staying in their own homes. I'm glad they had the heart to bring refugees under their wings and try to witness to them, but I believe they failed miserably at it sometimes. 

The message, for me, was a little choppy. I understand that Juliette and Roger were acting as the mouthpiece in which Mee-Kyong and the other refugees could learn about the Lord and ultimately accept His offer of salvation, but because they were so clueless about their refugees thoughts and lives, I think the message was not well delivered. I like to think, at the end, it got through to Mee-Kyong.

Overall, if you're looking for a poignant story with twists, turns, and surprises, Alana Terry's Slave Again is the book for you. You should also check out her debut novel, The Beloved Daughter.

*Thank you, Alana, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

About the Author: Alana is passionate about human-rights issues in North Korea and has devoted her writing to raise both awareness and funds to help North Korean refugees find freedom and safety. You can find out more about Liberty in North Korea and Alana’s rescue campaign at http://www.alanaterry.com/.

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County

Overview: Celebrate Christmas with four Amish romances.

“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman

After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. Can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?

“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller

Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. Will he be able to show "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him?

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron

The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples.

"Christmas Cradles"by Kelly Long

When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.

ISBN-13: 9781595548566
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 9/13/2011
Pages: 528

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD
*For a limited time ONLY, Christianbook.com is selling this collection for $4.99! (Check price before purchasing)*

My Review: "A Miracle for Miriam" by Kathleen Fuller -  This was a sweet story with a strong message. Forgiveness and self-worth are the main themes throughout this story and the author does an excellent job of getting them across. The characters are well-written and you can really see the changes in them in such a short story. Overall, I enjoyed this novella and will definitely read more by Kathleen!

"A Choice to Forgive" by Beth Wiseman -  This book is all about forgiveness. Beth Wiseman does a fantastic job of weaving forgiveness throughout the entire story. Daniel and Lydia are great characters with a heavy past to overcome. I enjoyed the stories and the obstacles the author put in their places for them to overcome. It kept the story moving in a swift pace. Overall, it was well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

"One Child" by Barbara Cameron - What a powerful novella that shows how God really does work in mysterious ways. David and Sarah are grieving. On Christmas night, a stranger knocks on their door seeking shelter for him and his pregnant wife. Both families, in their own ways, help comfort and support each other. This was an excellent book and I will definitely be reading more by Barbara Cameron!

"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -  Do you believe in love at first sight? This is a heartwarming novella about second chances, overcoming shame, and accepting the gift the Lord has given. I enjoyed the sparks and attraction between Asa and Anna. The description of the storm made me want to cozy up with a blanket by the fire. I think this was my favorite story of the four.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of novellas and I look forward to reading An Amish Second Christmas soon!

About the Authors: Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporariesset in small Texas towns.Both have received glowing reviews.Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Website: www.kathleenfuller.com Twitter: @TheKatJam Facebook: Author Kathleen Fuller

Kelly Long is the author of the Patch of Heaven series and the historical Amish Arms of Love. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for twenty-six years and enjoys life with her husband, children, and Bichon.

Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart. Her Amish stories are inspired by her visits to Lancaster Co., PA.

Weekend Wrap Up (Dec.5) - Month In Review (November)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

 

5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop Winner: 

KAREN G.*

*winner has claimed their prize.

 

What I've Read:

 

Reviews Posted: 

Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Silent Night by Colleen Coble

The Power of a Praying Wife: His Wife

The Power of a Praying Wife: His Work

What I'm Currently Reading: 

  

What's Up Next: 

 

November Wrap Up: 

Silent Night: A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella by Colleen Coble

Overview: As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
 

Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.

As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.

Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

ISBN-13: 9781401689322
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 11/20/2012
Series:Rock Harbor Series
Sold by: THOMAS NELSON
Format: eBook
Pages: 141

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

 

My Review: As you all know, Colleen Coble is one of my all time favorite authors. Her books continue to captivate me and pull me in. The Rock Harbor series is one of my favorites, so imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered this gem of a novella! I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting my friends Kade and Bree from Rock Harbor. As always, the suspense and mystery were very well written and kept me turning the pages and wanting more. If you're looking for a short mystery/suspense with a happy ending, this is your book!

 

About the Author: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

 Connect with Colleen: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description: Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his seventeen year old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious fifteen-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of become involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When 84-year-old Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet's families at last discover a love without end.

ISBN-13: 9781401687670
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 11/18/2014
Series:A Kings Meadow Romance, #1
Pages: 320

Buy It:  B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This was such a sweet story of love and hope. As an added bonus, the author included a story within a story! (I love when authors do that!). Not only do we get to follow the lives and romance between Chet and Kimberly and their families, but we also get to learn more about Nana Anna. Anna's story definitely kept me interested when I felt Chet and Kimberly's story was moving a bit slow. 

Kimberly and Chet are both adults from a broken family. Kimberly is a widow with a teenage girl. Chet is a divorcee with two teenage sons. Their lives couldn't be more different. However, as they begin to work together, the attraction becomes palpable. It was interesting to watch both Chet and Kimberly get over their past to embrace the future God had for them.

The message of the story was clear. God loves us with "a love without end." Once we embrace that love, it's easy for us to portray that into our own lives. In fact, that's what God wants. He wants us to surrender to Him and His will for our lives. Watching Kimberly learn to master her fear of horses was the author's way of portraying her getting over her fear and surrendering to God. 

Overall, this was a sweet story of "a love without end." (pun intended!)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Bestselling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 60 novels.

Water Your Faith Wednesday: The Power of a Praying Wife (Part 2)

Hello everyone! Welcome to "Water Your Faith" Wednesday! How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. Let me know what you think!

 

  Week 1, the introduction: The Power.

Week 2, His Wife. 

 

Today, we are continuing our devotions with the second chapter in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: His Work. 

 

"Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands." - Psalm 90:17

 

My Thoughts: This a relatively short chapter (pg. 45-50) with a powerful message. Men identify their self-worth mainly through their jobs. As a result of that, they either work too much or too little. Our job, as their wives, is to pray they find the balance. We have to help them realize that neither extreme will give them what they ultimately want to achieve, happiness and fulfillment; "only a perfect balance between the two, which God can help a man find, will ever bring that quality of life." (pg. 46) By praying for our husbands to find a job that allows them to use the gifts God has given them, we are helping them find happiness and fulfillment in their lives and overcoming the fear that that will never be valuable enough in man's eyes.