Here are fiction and nonfiction recommendations. For more, please click on the Goodreads tab.
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…
Tinsel in a Twist by Laurie Germaine continues the story of Tinsel, the Christmas elf from Tinsel in a Tangle, a YA novel I raved about in February. Just in time for the holidays, the second novel arrives, just as endearing. Tinsel travels with Niklas and Santa and Mrs. Claus to Germany for Niklas’ initiation…
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…
Just in time for Halloween, I have a scary novel to recommend: The Demons Among Us. Young fans of Frank Peretti will want to grab a copy of Jill K. Willis’ novel, The Demons Among Us. This intense YA story pulled me in so much that sometimes I’d forget it was fiction. Some large black…
A YA Novel Review In Hesitant Heroes by Sharon Rene, a group of teens discover their school is involved in an evil plot to assassinate a key political figure, and the administration intends to blame the Christian students, who have disappeared. As the teens discover more, the danger escalates, especially since traitors exist around them.…
The Sword of Lyric series entertains while addressing faith questions Sharon Hinck’s The Sword of Lyric, four-book fantasy series addresses common struggles of the Christian faith and parenting, such as wrestling with doubts, fears, and letting go. The series includes The Restorer, The Restorer’s Son, The Restorer’s Journey, and The Deliverer. I love a good…
Because just the mention of a certain person causes me to grimace and start replaying scenarios in my mind, I know I struggle with unforgiveness. When a few emails landed in my inbox regarding a new six-week Proverbs 31 Bible study that included reading Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst, I considered ignoring…
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…