Friday, December 12, 2014

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/.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County

An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County - Four Amish Christmas NovellasOverview: 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.