Dead Air, a Waco Mystery by Mary L. Hamilton, addresses lies people believe because of clouded pain from past experiences. These erected walls cement bricks of pride and unforgiveness that lead to tragedies. Frustrated that her unemployed husband won’t accept less than his dream job, Kit Squires gives him an ultimatum. While listening to the…
Are you (or your kids) looking for a novel where the villain keeps the heroine on her toes? Do you like stories where good triumphs evil, but you’re not sure how this problem can be resolved until you reach the end, cringing through the climax and fretting that the characters you have come to admire…
Relentless Rebels addresses courage and the role faith plays in difficult circumstances. Relentless means unrelenting, which means grim determination. Rebel means fighting in an armed conflict against a constituted authority, especially in hopes of improving conditions. While I’ve never been a rebel as defined, I do relate to being determined. I bet you do too.…
Have you ever considered a how wrought with emotions a convict’s release and transition from prison to civilian life is for the released as well as the family? Reacclimating takes courage and lots of grace. Before reading Broken Together by Brenda S. Anderson and Sarah S. Anderson, I never contemplated the difficulties they might face.…
Candice Yamnitz, a talented storyteller, includes romance and sword-fighting danger in her debut young adult fantasy novel, Unbetrothed. Beatriz, a 17-year-old princess, embarks on a dangerous quest with her lady’s maid, Laude, whom she doesn’t respect much at the beginning, but whom she loves like a sister by the end. Beatriz’s faults include being self-absorbed…
Castle of Refuge, the second book in the Dericott Tale series by Melanie Dickerson, picks up the story of Edwin, Lord Dericott, after he returns home to his castle after losing an arm. I learned from this novel that if you lose your arm, you have trouble with balance for a while. I never considered…
Karen Kingsbury’s latest novel, Truly, Madly, Deeply reminded me of a truth that I sometimes forget: none of us knows the number of our days, yet we try to control parts of our lives we cannot. We have never been in control. Our choices send us in certain directions, but, if we are honest, we…
Parents, grandparents, and teachers who show favoritism create a lot of hurt feelings. Favoritism shows up in words and actions. Aware of favoritism, I work to avoid it at all costs. Favoritism harms relationships While reading James L. Rubart’s novel, The Pages of Her Life, the pain caused by favoritism reflected loud and clear as…
Embracing our real selves. Being comfortable in our own skins. Knowing our worth as a person. The Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart reflects these messages. To really live, we need to embrace our real selves. On the back cover in a large font, this question stands out: How Do You Stand Up…
I loved the romantic, Christmas, YA, fantasy, Tinsel in a Tangle by Laurie Germaine. Why talk about a Christmas novel now? Well, while the story is set in Santa’s village with Christmas coming fast, the overall story is about elves who are jealous of a tall elf, Tinsel. If you’ve ever been ostracized, then you’ll…